1. Medication waste

2. Unused medications are thought to cost the NHS across the West Midlands alone over £35 million every year!
This could pay for:
49,000 cataract operations
7,000 hip replacements
1,050 district nurses

3. Shipston Wasted medication over a three week period in 2010
Estimated £112,924 per year returned to the Surgery and Boots (£94,289 in 2009)
Not accounting for wasted medications not returned

4. Why are medications wasted?
Death
Change of medications
Changes to blister packs
With monthly prescribing we shouldn’t be wasting more than 1 month supply

5. Why are medications stockpiled?
Fear of running out
Confusion regarding ordering and quantity in stock at home
If on multiple medications, easier to order ‘the lot’ rather than just the ones needed
Not taking medications
Continued delivery during admissions to hospital
Extra supplies issued from hospital

6. Trends Increased waste with patients on multiple medications
Certain high cost drugs

7. Measures taken so far 1 month prescribed at a time
‘Repeat Medications Facilitator’ to try and ensure appropriate medication reviews are carried out and to try and synchronise medications so all ordered together
Leaflets and posters

8. It is of course very important to dispose of unused medications safely

9. Any other ideas?