Overnight medication supply & delivery — Wigan
NCS Out of HoursSupporting palliative care patients when it matters most
National Clinical Services provides a dedicated out-of-hours medication supply and delivery service for palliative care patients across the Wigan area.
Operating from 9:00 pm until 8:00 am, our service supports healthcare professionals in arranging access to prescribed medication overnight, helping maintain continuity of care for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life support. With over five years of service delivery, NCS has developed experience in coordinating prescription collection, pharmacy dispensing and medication delivery to patients' homes.
On call 9 pm – 8 am, every night.
About our out-of-hours service
A Trusted Out-of-Hours Medication Supply Service
For patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care, timely access to prescribed medication is an important part of maintaining comfort, dignity and continuity of care.
NCS Out of Hours provides a coordinated service supporting the collection, dispensing and delivery of prescribed medication outside normal pharmacy opening hours.
Our service has operated in the Wigan area for over five years, supporting the established out-of-hours medication pathway associated with the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG).
We understand the importance of clear communication, dependable processes and timely medication access, particularly for patients and families receiving care at home. Our approach brings together healthcare professionals, pharmacy services and delivery coordination to support the safe supply of prescribed medication.
How our service works
From GP Request to Patient Delivery
GP Request Prescription Collection Pharmacy Dispensing Medication Delivery Patient Receipt
GP Telephone Request
An authorised GP or referring healthcare professional contacts the NCS out-of-hours team regarding a prescription requirement for a palliative care patient. The request is received and the relevant collection and delivery arrangements are confirmed.
Prescription Collection
Our team arranges collection of the prescription from the agreed location, following the applicable prescription handling and verification procedures.
Pharmacy Dispensing
The prescription is processed and the medication is dispensed by an appropriately authorised pharmacy, with the required professional and safety checks.
Medication Delivery
Following dispensing and handover, the medication is transported to the patient's nominated address, following appropriate medicines handling, security and transport procedures.
Patient Receives Medication
The prescribed medication is delivered to the patient or appropriate recipient, supporting timely access to treatment and continuity of palliative care.
NCS coordinates the out-of-hours pathway. Dispensing is always undertaken by an appropriately authorised pharmacy, and every stage follows the applicable professional, security and medicines-handling requirements.
Our service experience
Over Five Years of Supporting Out-of-Hours Palliative Care
National Clinical Services has supported this specialist medication supply and delivery pathway for over five years. Our continued involvement reflects the importance of maintaining a dependable out-of-hours service for patients, healthcare professionals and the wider care system.
Through practical operational experience, NCS understands the challenges involved in coordinating urgent medication requirements overnight, including communication, prescription collection, pharmacy liaison and safe delivery.
Established Experience
More than five years supporting out-of-hours medication arrangements.
Overnight Availability
An on-call service operating from 9 pm to 8 am.
Coordinated Delivery
A structured pathway connecting healthcare professionals, pharmacy dispensing and patient delivery.
Patient-Centred Approach
Supporting access to prescribed medicines for patients receiving palliative care at home.
Our commissioning experience
Supporting the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Pathway
Our established out-of-hours work in the Wigan area has involved service provision associated with GMMMG (Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group).
This experience has helped NCS develop a practical understanding of the coordination and operational requirements involved in out-of-hours palliative care medication supply.
We welcome opportunities to discuss how similar service models could support other NHS commissioning areas.
Commissioning pathway experience
GMMMG
Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group
Associated out-of-hours medicines pathway — Wigan area. Pathway association shown for experience reference only; no organisational endorsement is implied.
Why it matters
Supporting Continuity of Care Beyond Normal Working Hours
Timely Access to Medicines
Supporting patients in accessing prescribed medication overnight.
Supporting Patients and Families
Helping coordinate medication supply for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care at home.
Supporting Healthcare Professionals
Providing a defined pathway for out-of-hours medication collection and delivery.
Continuity of Care
Helping reduce disruption to the prescribed treatment pathway outside normal working hours.
Service expansion & NHS partnerships
Commission an Out-of-Hours Medication Supply Service
National Clinical Services welcomes enquiries from Integrated Care Boards, NHS trusts, primary care organisations, out-of-hours providers and healthcare commissioners interested in developing or commissioning out-of-hours medication supply and delivery pathways.
Drawing on our experience supporting palliative care patients in the Wigan area, we can discuss the operational requirements for similar services in other geographical locations. Potential partnership discussions may include:
All proposed services would be subject to agreed specifications, appropriate pharmacy arrangements, professional responsibilities, governance, commissioning and contractual approvals.
For healthcare professionals & referrers
On call 9:00 pm – 8:00 am, every night
GPs and healthcare professionals can email our team with out-of-hours medication enquiries — the on-call coordinator picks up referrer emails during operating hours. For commissioning and contract discussions, please use the enquiry form below.
Referrer & service enquiries by email
ICB & NHS commissioner enquiries
Discuss Your Out-of-Hours Service Requirements
Are you an ICB, NHS organisation or healthcare provider interested in commissioning an out-of-hours medication supply and delivery service? Complete the form below and our team will contact you to discuss your requirements.