28 April 2015
NHS Borders asks for the return of all unused and unwanted medicines
“Don’t be a Borders Hoarder.” That is the message from NHS Borders Director of Pharmacy, Alison Wilson, as she launches Medicines Waste Awareness Week which will take place between Monday 11th and Friday 15th May 2015.
Over the course of the week the public are being asked to check their cupboards for stocks of unused or unwanted medicines and return them to their local pharmacy where they can be disposed of safely.
“Having stocks of unused or unwanted medicine in your house is unsafe” explains Alison.
“Many people do not complete a course of medicine, or frequently tick all the boxes on repeat prescriptions, even if those medicines are no longer required. The medicines are then just tidied away into a cupboard and forgotten about. Not only is this a waste of money, but it could also be dangerous if the medicines get into the wrong hands.
“During Medicines Waste Awareness Week we are asking everyone to look inside your cupboards and to return all unwanted and unused medicines to your community pharmacy, where they will be safely disposed off. Elderly people and those with multiple long term conditions may have large stocks of medicines they don’t need, so please encourage your family and friends to do the same, and offer to help elderly relatives or people you care for.
“Whilst you’re at the pharmacy, let the Pharmacist take a look at your list of prescribed medicines. They will be able to give you advice on whether you would benefit from a medicines review.
“And remember, it is ok to say no! Tell your GP, Nurse or Pharmacist if your medication is giving you side effects, you simply don’t want to take a medicine or if you have enough already at home. Everybody has a role in ensuring that they play their part in reducing medicines waste and ensuring you get a treatment that suits you.”
NHS Borders estimates that at least £600,000 is wasted every year on unused medicine. To put it into context that could pay for;
- 20 additional nurses per year – GP practice nurses or hospital nurses (which would staff a 15 bedded ward)
- OR 250 additional childrens operations each year
- OR 300 additional births per year
- OR 35 additional domestics each year to keep our hospitals clean
- OR 10,000 additional physio appointments each year
- OR 4000 additional outpatient appointments each year
Medicines Waste Awareness Week will be publicised through a two week radio campaign on Radio Borders starting on Monday May 4th.
An information desk will be available in the dining room at the Borders General Hospital during Medicines Waste Awareness Week from Monday 11th to Friday 15th May.
Your community pharmacist will be happy to safely dispose of your unused and unwanted medicines for the whole of this week, or indeed at any time.
For details of your nearest community pharmacy visit the homepage and click on the ‘P’.