Medicines Waste Management Campaign
Help Reduce Medication Waste and Support the NHS
Pharmacists and GPs across Cheshire and Merseyside are urging people to only order the medication they need from their repeat prescriptions.
A report by the Department of Health estimates that unused medicines cost the NHS around £300 million every year, and a large amount is wasted unnecessarily in Cheshire and Merseyside alone.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, alongside NHS England – North West, NHS Greater Manchester, and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, have launched a new campaign asking people to check their prescriptions carefully to help reduce waste and save on cost.
Message from Susanne Lynch MBE, Chief Pharmacist, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
“We want to remind you how important it is to check what medicines you have at home before placing your repeat prescription order.
We know that a significant amount of repeat prescription medicines are not used and are returned to pharmacies for destruction. With your support, we hope to reduce the number of unused medicines.
Ordering unnecessary medication can increase the risk of shortages in pharmacies. We want to ensure essential medications are available to those who need them. Thank you to everyone who already supports this effort.”
Tips from Helen Murphy, Chief Officer of Halton St Helens and Knowsley Local Pharmaceutical Committee
“We are asking our community to be conscientious about only ordering medication they need.”
- Only order medication if you need it – items remain on your prescription even if you don’t order them every month.
- Store all medication in one safe place at home so you can easily see what you have left.
- Use one pill packet at a time to track usage effectively.
- Mark your calendar 7–10 days before your prescription is due to review what you have. Plan ahead for weekends or bank holidays.
Helen adds: “It can be challenging to organise medication, especially if you support someone else. But it is safer to manage it this way.”
If you have any questions or need support, speak to your pharmacy team. Unused or expired medicines and inhalers should always be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
Message from Karen O’Brien MBE, Regional Chief Pharmacist, NHS England – North West
“I am delighted to be working with Integrated Care Boards across the North West on this important campaign. We want to raise awareness about medication waste.
Please be reassured that your GP will continue to prescribe what you need clinically. But if you’re not due to run out, don’t over-order — that medication will be available when you need it.”
Going to Hospital?
If you are admitted to hospital (planned or unplanned), please take your current medications with you. This ensures the hospital team has a full record of your prescriptions, helps avoid duplication, and can speed up your care.
