Patients are being asked to ‘think before you order’ in a bid to reduce medicine waste in Norfolk and Waveney.
Thousands of pounds’ worth of prescriptions, including unopened packets of pills and unused inhalers, are thrown away in our county each month. It’s thought the problem of medicine waste costs the NHS an estimated £300 million across the country every year.
This can put a strain on NHS budgets and make it harder for people to get the medicines they rely on.
Now, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) is asking everyone to take a closer look at their repeat prescriptions and only order what they need.
Why is it a problem?
Unused medicines are unable to be recycled or given to someone else. Once returned to a pharmacy, they must be destroyed, even if the packaging is unopened. This increases the workload of pharmacists who need to safely sort and dispose of medicines, as well as contributing to temporary shortages, making it harder for other patients to get their prescriptions.
It can also be harmful to the environment, with chemicals from medications polluting rivers and seas and greenhouse gases from inhalers leaking into the atmosphere if they end up in landfill.
‘Helping protect the NHS’
Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “Every unopened box or unused packet represents money, time and resources that could have been used for patient care.
“By making a habit of only ordering what you truly need, you’re helping protect NHS services and ensuring medicines are available for those who rely on them most. This is a change that every single one of us can make and together, it will make a huge difference.”
Michael Dennis, Associate Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, added: “When patients only request what they need, it means less waste, fewer shortages, and more time for pharmacy teams to deliver other vital services, from health checks to urgent care. It’s a win for everyone.”
What you can do
NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB has provided a checklist of actions for patients to help limit medicine waste:
- Check before you order. Before requesting a repeat prescription, take a look in your cupboard. If you have enough medicines for another week or two, wait before reordering.
- Only order what you need. Repeat prescription items stay on your list even if you don’t order them every time. Skipping an item you don’t currently need won’t stop it from being available in future.
- Keep medicines in one safe place. Store all your medicines together (and out of reach of children or pets). This makes it easier to keep track of what you have.
- Finish one pack before starting the next. This helps you stay organised and ensures you don’t open several packs at once.
- Set a reminder. Mark a date 7–10 days before you’re due to run out. That way, you can order in time without building up a surplus.
- Return unused medicines to a pharmacy. Never put medicines in the bin or flush them away. Take them to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Talk to your GP or pharmacist. If you’re not sure whether you still need a medicine, or your treatment has changed, speak to a healthcare professional before reordering.
- Help someone else get organised. If you order medicines for a family member, neighbour or friend, follow these same steps to make sure nothing goes to waste.
More information on how to reduce medicine waste can be found here.
