Help reduce medication waste and support the NHS across Lancashire and South Cumbria

Pharmacists and GPs across Lancashire and South Cumbria are urging people to only order the medication they need from their repeat prescriptions.

Around 950,000 people in the region have repeat prescriptions for multiple medications, totalling 3.5 million prescription items every month. It is estimated that unused medicine costs the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria around £17 million each year.

NHS England - North West, along with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which organises health services for the region, and other north west ICBs have launched a new campaign asking people to check their order to help reduce waste and save money.

Andy White, chief pharmacist at Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “We want to remind people about how important it is check what medicines they have at home before placing their repeat prescription order.

“We have learned that ordering unnecessary medication can increase the risk of medicines shortages in pharmacies and we want to make sure essential medications are available to those who need them the most. We want people to have the right medicine and the right care, while reducing the amount of medicine waste.

“Many people find that using the NHS app is very convenient and allows them to order only what they need at any time of day. Additionally, the app allows you to track when your prescription is ready at the pharmacy.

“If you are finding your medicines regime complex - maybe not coping with the number you are taking or experiencing side effects - you can ask your GP practice to have a structured medication review. A skilled pharmacist or GP will be able to help you come to a shared decision on which medicines will bring most benefit and if some may no longer be required."

Community pharmacy teams can support anyone ordering repeat prescriptions as well as family members and carers when ordering for another person.

The best ways to keep track on the medication you have and ensure that you only order what you need are to keep all medication in one place at home and take medication from one pill packet at a time so that you can keep a track of what you’ve taken and what you have left.

Also, make a note on your calendar two weeks before your prescription due date to go through your medication and see what is left.

If you have questions about your prescription or need some support, speak to your pharmacy team. Unused or out of date medicines can be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

Karen O’Brien MBE, regional chief pharmacist for NHS England - North West, said: “I am delighted to be working with each Integrated Care Board in the North West on this really important work to raise awareness of the amount of medication that is wastage every year. I also want to reassure people that your GP will continue to prescribe medication for as long as you clinically need it, but if you aren’t due to run out, you don’t need to over-order, that medicine will be there for you when you need it.”

In addition to asking the public to only order the medication that they need, the NHS is also encouraging the people to take medication into hospital should they be admitted, whether it’s planned or unplanned. This helps staff in hospital to have a complete record of medicines and means the hospital won’t need to dispense more of the same medication and can speed up care.