NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has launched its \u2018Think Twice, Order Right\u2019 campaign to help reduce the estimated \u00a32.6 million worth of medicines wasted unnecessarily across the area every year.<\/p>\n
Almost 40 per cent of the waste could be avoided according to the organisation \u2013 and it says everyone can play a part in changing that.<\/p>\n
highlighting the potential impact it said that \u00a32.6 million is equivalent to 61,900 GP appointments, 179 hip replacement operations, or over 98,000 working hours of a Community Pharmacist.<\/p>\n
The campaign is urging people to check what medicines they already have at home before ordering their repeat prescriptions, and to only request what they genuinely need.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It said that by doing so, people can prevent medicine shortages, reduce risks at home, and minimise environmental harm.<\/p>\n
Minesh Parbat, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: \u201cWe\u2019re launching \u2018Think Twice, Order Right\u2019 because we need your help to reduce medicine waste, support safe patient care, and safeguard NHS resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall actions, like checking your medicines before ordering, can have a significant impact. Ordering unnecessary medicines can contribute to shortages, create risks at home \u2014 especially for children and pets \u2014 and once medicines have left the pharmacy, they can\u2019t be reused or recycled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to everyone who is already taking these steps to help their community and NHS.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Lorna Clarson, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin added: \u201cPatients often don\u2019t realise that by ordering medicines they don\u2019t need right now can have a real impact \u2014 from creating avoidable shortages to putting extra strain on NHS resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe small step of checking what\u2019s in your cupboard before ordering makes a big difference. It helps us focus NHS time and funding on supporting patients who truly need care, and ensures medicines are used safely and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
The campaign asks people to<\/p>\n
– Check their current medicines before requesting more<\/p>\n
– Only request what medicines they need, even if it appears on their repeat list\u00a0<\/p>\n
– Speak to their pharmacy team if they are unsure or need help<\/p>\n