Ordering medicines when they aren’t needed can mean you end up with more than you need in your cupboard. Small changes in managing our medicines can make a big difference and help reduce medicine waste in the North East and North Cumbria.
That £20m could help fund:
- 535 more nurses per year
- 476,190 more GP appointments per year
- 1,574 knee replacements
What is stockpiling?
At some point, you might have thought about ordering extra medicines “just in case.” It’s a natural reaction, especially if you are worried about running out of something important. However, ordering more than you need or holding onto medicines you don’t use (known as stockpiling) can lead to problems.
Why stockpiling isn’t helpful
- Wasted resources: Medicines that are not used often, go out of date and have to be thrown away. This wastes NHS funds that could be better used elsewhere.
- Supply issues: If some people stockpile, it can create shortages, making it harder for others to get what they need.
- Medicines safety: Holding onto medication can lead to mistakes about what to take and when, especially if your prescription changes.
When we order only what we need, we help make sure there is supply for everyone. It also helps the NHS focus on giving the best care for all. Don’t forget – if you’re worried about running out or delays, speak to your pharmacist or GP practice. They are there to help!
How you can help
We can all take simple steps to make sure medicines are not wasted, so the NHS can focus resources where they’re needed most. Here’s how:
3 Stick to your routine: Order your medication when you are running low, and no earlier. You can set up notes in your calendar to help you check to see if you need to order more.
How to manage your repeat prescription
Find out more: https://areyourmedicinesworking.co.uk/are-your-medicines-stacking-up/
