Is it an emergency?
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in Ipswich and East Suffolk News, North East Essex News, West Suffolk News
The NHS in Suffolk and north east Essex is kicking off a new campaign from next week aiming to reduce the amount of unused medicines that are thrown away.
Social media messaging, posters and a video have been created to support the initiative, highlighting that across the UK unused medicine costs the NHS around £300 million every single year, with an estimated £110 million worth of medicine returned to pharmacies and a further £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines being stored in homes. We can all take action to reduce the waste and save money which can then be re-invested back into our NHS for patient care. It is also better for the environment.
Tania Farrow, who is leading the campaign on behalf of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “We really want to make an impact in reducing the amount of unused medicines we waste. It is an issue where patients, GPs, pharmacists and hospitals can all work together to make a difference.
“We know some patients do like to have a spare stock of medicines ‘just in case’ but we recommend only having a maximum of one months’ supply at home. This means that if any medicines are changed or stopped, the amount wasted will be reduced. Unwanted dispensed medicines returned to the pharmacy cannot be reused for other patients even if they are unopened, due to safety issues.
“We are asking patients to check their medicines stocks before ordering, ordering only those medicines that are needed and avoiding stockpiling, which in turn helps to manage medicines shortages.
“If anyone is unsure about their medicines they should talk to their pharmacist or GP practice. If you do have any unwanted medicines that you are no longer taking, they should be returned to your local community pharmacy for safe disposal.
“All cardboard packaging and paper inserts can be recycled at home in the usual way.”