More than £1m wasted on unused medication (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington doctors say more than £1 million wasted on unused medication

2:00pm Monday 2nd July 2012 in News

FIGURES have revealed more than £1million has been wasted on unused medication in the town in the last year.

Health bosses have said the amount of cash wasted could have paid for 200 more hip replacements, 205 more heart bypass operations and 20 more community nurses.

To tackle the problem, Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group have launched a campaign to prevent residents from stockpiling medicines and pills.

Dr Catherine Doyle, GP prescribing lead for Warrington, said: “We do not want patients to stop taking medicines that their doctors have prescribed, but we would like them to check what they have in the cupboards and drawers before ordering repeat prescriptions.

“Taking a closer look at prescriptions will not only save money but will be better for patients as it will ensure they are getting the best possible treatment.”

The Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group has estimated £300m has been wasted on unused medication in England every 12 months and the amount wasted in Warrington is increasing every year.

Posters and leaflets will be displayed in doctor surgeries and pharmacies to raise awareness of the problem.

A spokesman added: “We’re launching this campaign to encourage patients to work with us to tackle the problem.

“One of the main concerns is medicines on repeat prescriptions.

“Once medicines have been prescribed and dispensed they cannot be recycled and have to be thrown away whether they’ve been used or not.

“We hope to encourage people not to stockpile medicines and to only order what they need.”

Anyone with unwanted medicines can return them to their local pharmacy where they will be disposed of safely.