Around 2.1 million medicine items are wasted in Lincolnshire each year. This can cause harm to patients and costs our Lincolnshire NHS £15.2 million each year. We need your help to reduce this waste.
Why does this happen?
Medicines are either over prescribed or over ordered
This can mean that too much medicine is being taken, which is a risk for the person taking it.
Stock piling
This means that medicines that aren’t needed stay in cupboards and may go out of date. This is a risk for the person taking it.
Prescriptions aren’t always checked when they are received
Once they leave the pharmacy, they cannot be reused.
Why is this important?
Stay Well
Expired medicines may not be effective, which could affect your health.
Stockpiling medicines makes drug shortages worse.
Stay Safe
Stockpiles of medicines kept at home can be dangerous for children and pets.
Medicines are only prescribed for you, and for safety’s sake should not be shared with anyone else.
Stay Green
Returning unused medicines at your local pharmacy helps stop waste from polluting rivers and seas.
Ordering only what you need helps the environment, as medicines taken away from the pharmacy can’t be reused or recycled.
Save NHS Money
By only ordering what you need can save the NHS £15.2 million, this money saved can be spent on other vital NHS services.
What we can do
The good news is there is a lot we can do to tackle medicines waste, and everyone can play a part.
Thank you for helping your community to reduce medicine waste.
Only order what you need
Check your medicines before re-ordering. Only ask for what you need — you can always order more later.
This video was made by the NHS in Fife and explains why reducing medicine waste is so important.
Open your prescription bag
Check your prescription bag before leaving the pharmacy to make sure that you only have what you need and that there’s nothing extra in there.
If you return an item before you leave the pharmacy, the medicines can be reused.
Be prepared when going into hospital
Take your medicines to the hospital to avoid duplicates and speed up your care.
Before leaving, check for changes to your medicines and take home what’s correct.
Reduce waste with a conversation
Tell your pharmacy team if you’ve stopped taking any medicines or if they aren’t right for you.
This is not a problem, it means your team will be able to improve your healthcare.
Unused or out of date medicines can be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.