A new campaign is being launched across Humber and North Yorkshire to reduce medicine waste – and encourage people to only order the repeat prescriptions they need.
The campaign, Only Order What You Need, highlights the cost of unused medicines to the local NHS, as well as safety concerns and the environmental impact of medicine waste.
Each year approximately £332 million is spent on medicines in our region, with £265 million of that on repeat prescriptions.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) estimates £26 million worth of medicines are wasted annually because they are not needed – money the ICB says could otherwise be reinvested into vital health services.
Unused medicines can expire, become unsafe, or contribute to drug shortages. Once dispensed, they cannot be reused or recycled.
Medicines are incinerated if returned to a pharmacy and cannot be reused, and so there is an environmental impact to medicines waste, as well as a financial one.
The ICB is urging people to take simple steps to reduce waste, such as checking their medicine supplies before reordering, only requesting the items they need, and speaking to their pharmacist or GP if they have any questions about their prescriptions.
Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB’s Executive Director of Clinical and Professional, said: “Aside from the obvious financial benefits of reducing waste, it’s better for the environment and our ecosystems if there’s less unused medicines ending up in landfill or being incinerated.
“Each of us can play our part in bringing this waste down. By being more mindful about the medicines we order and use, we can look after NHS resources and help ensure they’re available for those who need them, when they need them.
“People should also remember to take medicines, as prescribed, and if there are any issues they should speak to their local pharmacy team or GP practice.”
The ICB campaign launches on 1 September and runs for six weeks.
It is targeted primarily at patients over 65 and those aged 45 and over with long-term conditions.
The campaign will run across GP practices, pharmacies, and digital platforms.
It forms part of a wider effort to improve sustainability and efficiency in the NHS, aligning with the ICB’s Green Plan and commitment to reducing waste.
For more information, visit letsgetbetter.co.uk/yourmeds