Did you know that 1 in 10 medicines given out aren’t needed or used? In Hertfordshire and west Essex, £7.5 million is wasted every year on unused medicines like inhalers, painkillers, and creams. That’s why the local NHS is encouraging everyone to check before they order to help the NHS spend money where it’s needed the most.
Ordering medicines when they aren’t needed can mean you end up with more than you need in your cupboard. Small changes in managing our medicines can make a big difference and help reduce medicine waste. Medicine waste and throwing medicines away incorrectly not only costs money but also harms the environment. Help us to stop waste and check what medicines you have at home before you place an order and only order the medicines you actually need.
Anurita Rohilla, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “This campaign isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making sure patients get the care they need, protecting our NHS, and helping the environment.
“When medicines go unused, it’s a missed chance to help someone — and it costs our communities. We know it can be tricky to manage prescriptions, especially if you take several. But small steps can help, like checking what you already have before ordering more, or speaking to your pharmacist if you’ve stopped taking something.
“We’re asking everyone in Hertfordshire and west Essex to get involved. Whether you’re a patient, a carer, or work in healthcare, we all have a role in cutting down medicine waste.
“Let’s work together to make sure medicines are used safely and wisely. If you’re unsure about a medicine or don’t need it anymore, talk to your healthcare professional — we’re here to help. We want you to get the full benefit from your treatment. If you can take your medicine, please do. If you can’t, let us know.”
The campaign also reminds people to check their prescriptions when collecting them from the pharmacy. If any items are no longer needed, inform the pharmacy team before leaving, so the medicine can potentially be reused for others. Additionally, it is vital to return any unused or out of date medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Storing large quantities of medication at home poses a danger, particularly to children and pets. Medicines should never be thrown in household waste or flushed down the toilet, as this can cause serious harm to the environment.
Order your medication when you are running low (7to 10 days before you need them), and no earlier. You can add reminders in your calendars to help you check to see if you need to order more.
If you take regular medicines ask your GP practice for a medication review if you haven’t had one in the last year or if you have questions about the medicines prescribed for you Tell your healthcare professional if you’ve stopped taking any medicines or have concerns about them. Keep a list of all the medicines you take so you can show it to a healthcare professional when they are discussing your care and treatment with you
Together, we can reduce waste, support better patient care, and help protect the planet.
Find out more at www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/meds