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Think Twice, Order Right
Only request the medicines you need
Did you know that approximately £2.6 million worth of medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin each year?
We need your help to reduce this waste. The new campaign launched by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is asking residents to 'Think Twice, Order Right' before requesting repeat prescriptions. By checking which medicines you have at home and only requesting what you need, you will help protect NHS resources, keep medicines available for those that need them, and prevent unnecessary environmental harm.
How you can help
- Check first: Before ordering medicines check the amount you have and whether it is in date. Only reorder medications when you have around 7 to 10 days left. Only request the medicines you need.
- Think safety: Unused medicines can negatively impact the environment if thrown away. Return any unused or expired medicines to local pharmacies for safe disposal.
- Double-check at the pharmacy: Before leaving the pharmacy premises (building), check your bag and hand back any unwanted medicines for reuse.
By following these steps, you can help reduce medicine waste and ensure resources are used effectively.
Why is this important?
- Unused medicines go out of date and might not work as intended, meaning care might be compromised
- Stockpiling medicines worsens drug shortages
- Stockpiles of medicines kept at home can be dangerous for children and pets
- Medicines are only prescribed for you, and it is not safe to share prescribed medicines with anyone
- Only requesting the medicines you need means that you are helping the environment by reducing medicine waste. When you dispose of medicines properly you are helping to make sure that waste medicines do not pollute our rivers and seas
- Returning any unused or expired medicines from home to pharmacy ensures they are safely disposed of. If you return medicines before leaving the pharmacy building, medicines can be reused
Your medicines and hospital care
- Keep a list of your medicines, dosages, and how you take them in your wallet or purse.
- If you're going into hospital, take your current supply of medicines with you so staff know exactly what you're taking — this can speed up your treatment and reduce duplication.
- Before discharge, ask if any changes have been made to your medication. Make sure you leave with the correct medicines and understand any updates.
Reduce waste with a conversation
- Let your pharmacy team know if you’ve stopped taking any of your medicines or if they’re no longer right for you. It’s not a problem, and in fact, helps them give you the best care.
- Unused or out-of-date medicines can be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
If you have any questions or want to know more about reducing medicines waste, contact: stw.patientservices@nhs.net
Thank you for helping reduce medicines waste and protecting the environment in your community.
