Dorset pharmacists tackling medicine waste

Pharmacists and GPs across Dorset have reintroduced a campaign urging people to ‘only order what you need’ to cut wasted medicines.

NHS Dorset estimates that 1.6 million repeat prescriptions are wasted in the county every year.

The integrated care board (ICB) reports that around 50,000 people in Dorset receive monthly repeat prescriptions for multiple medications, costing the local NHS around £10m a month.

The second year of the campaign encourages Dorset residents to check their medication at home before placing a new order.

The campaign argues this will reduce waste, improve safety and help to protect NHS resources.

In its first year, the campaign helped prevent 65,000 medicine items from being wasted, according to NHS Dorset.

Peter Cope, head of medicines optimisation at NHS Dorset and a former community pharmacist, said: ‘With the support of our people and communities, we can reduce medicine waste, prevent supply pressures, and ensure the right medication is available for those who need it most.

‘Thank you to the many people who already do this – your small actions make a big difference.’

The campaign has called on residents to check their medicines before ordering repeat prescriptions, only order what they need – even if it’s on their repeat list – and speak to their pharmacy team if they have questions or need support.