The next time you head for hospital, try taking along all your current medicines as well. Too many patients arrive at hospital without their medication or have no idea of the name of the medication they are taking, Hawke’s Bay Hospital pharmacy manager Billy Allan says. Mr Allan, who is also part of the Safe Medication Management Programme, says even if someone is brought into hospital unconscious family members or friends should bring in the medications they are taking: “When patients come into hospital they should bring with them an up-to-date medication list and all their own medication. This includes tablets, inhalers, eye drops, creams, lotions and potions.” Follow this advice and you might find you’re treated with fewer delays, it will be easier for the doctors to identify whether one or more of your medicines is playing a part in the illness and you will make the most of your visit to the doctor. Medication obviously plays an important role in keeping someone well - but sometimes different drugs can work against each other. As well as the medicines prescribed by your doctor you should also bring or list the over-the-counter medicines or supplements you're taking.