Medicines Waste
Everybody has a part to play in reducing medicines waste. On this page you will find information on what you can do to help as a healthcare professional.
It has been estimated that of NHS prescribed medicines are wasted each year
Everybody has a part to play in reducing medicines waste
Find out what you can do to help
Check the order
✓ Encourage patients to check what medicines they have at home before re-ordering, and only tick the items they need this time.
✓ Only issue the items which are due and required.
✓ Let patients know that if they don’t need the medicine this time then they shouldn't order it; it will not disappear from their prescription, if they need the medicine in the future they can still request it.
✓ Be aware that medicines which are labelled 'to be taken when required' or 'use as needed' often last more than a month and therefore may not need to be requested every month. Some eye drops now last up to six months after opening. Check the individual product literature for more information or check with your practice or PCN pharmacy staff who will be able to advise.
Check the bag
As you may know, even if they are never opened, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they cannot be recycled or used by anyone else.
Encourage patients to open their prescription bag whilst they are still inside the pharmacy and return any unwanted items to the pharmacy staff before they leave.
Green Bag Scheme
We have re-launched the Green Bag Scheme in Somerset and distributed green bags to system partners.
✓ Provide patients who have been recently admitted or are at high risk for admission to hospital with a green bag.
✓ Explain the green bag scheme to patients and encourage them to use it.
✓ Further supplies can be obtained by contacting the ICB Medicines Management Team at somicb.medicinesmanagementteam@nhs.net
