NHS organisations across Norfolk and Suffolk are urging patients to help reduce medicines waste as part of a new campaign aimed at saving money, protecting the environment and improving safety in the home.
Unused medicines cost the NHS an estimated £480 million every year across England. While this is a national challenge, health leaders in Norfolk and Suffolk are encouraging local communities to play their part in helping reduce unnecessary waste.
The campaign asks patients to only order the medicines they need and to regularly check what medications they already have at home before requesting repeat prescriptions.
Tania Farrow, Senior Pharmacist at Norfolk and Suffolk ICB said: “Medicines help thousands of people across Norfolk and Suffolk live healthier lives, but too many medicines are ordered, collected and never used.
“Around 3,400 tonnes of medicine is disposed of every year in England – enough to fill 75 swimming pools. We’re confident that our local communities will embrace this challenge and help us become one of the most medicines-wise parts of the country. Our ask is simple: only order what you need.
“By making small changes, patients can help us make sure NHS resources are spent where they are needed most.”
Medicines can go unused for many reasons. For example, a person may stop taking a medicine because their health has improved, their treatment has changed, or they have experienced side effects, yet continue collecting repeat prescriptions.
As part of the campaign, the ICB has published tips on its website on how to stay on top of repeat prescriptions, including speaking to a GP practice or pharmacist about regular medications and using the NHS App to track and manage prescription requests.
Patients are also being encouraged to take their medicines with them if they are admitted to hospital or attending an appointment. This helps healthcare professionals see exactly what medications are being taken, supports safer care and can prevent unnecessary medicines from being supplied.
Dr Mike Smith, Executive Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: “Good medicines management is a partnership between patients, carers and clinical teams. Ordering only what you need, keeping up with medication reviews and bringing your medicines with you to hospital all help us reduce waste and keep care safe. We know not everyone is confident online, so local support to get started with the NHS App matters too”.
And if patients do find medication at home that has gone unused, the ICB is asking them not to bin them or flush them away. Instead, unwanted medicines should be taken to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Empty or unwanted inhalers can also be returned for safe disposal.
Andrew Urquhart, Sustainability Lead for the ICB said: “Please do not be worried about bringing unused medicines back to a pharmacy, even if there are large quantities after a bereavement or house clearance. Pharmacy teams can help make sure medicines are disposed of safely and can advise what packaging can be recycled or placed in household waste.”
“We’re blessed in Norfolk and Suffolk with glorious coastlines, countrysides and waterways that we all enjoy and rely on.
“Returning medicines to a pharmacy rather than putting them in bins, sinks or toilets helps reduce the risk of pollution affecting our rivers, wildlife and the wider environment. These small actions by households across Norfolk and Suffolk can make a meaningful contribution to protecting our precious local places.”
For more information about managing prescriptions, reducing medicines waste and using the NHS App, visit: www.norfolkandsuffolk.icb.nhs.uk/medicines-waste