Only Order What You Need – Reducing Medicines Waste

Medicines waste is a growing issue across the NHS and has an impact on patient safety, NHS resources, and the environment.

Across England, it is estimated that around £300 million worth of prescribed medicines are wasted every year. This waste can lead to medicine shortages, increased costs for the NHS, and potential risks if medicines are stored or disposed of incorrectly.

In Barking & Dagenham and across East London, we are supporting the NHS campaign to help reduce unnecessary medicines waste and encourage safe use of medicines.

💊 Why this matters

• Helps ensure medicines are available for patients who need them
• Reduces pressure on NHS services
• Protects the environment
• Improves patient safety

✅ What you can do

You can make a big difference by taking a few simple steps:

• Check what medicines you already have at home before ordering
• Only order medicines you still need
• Avoid stockpiling medicines
• Review your medications regularly
• Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal

⚠️ Important

Do not throw medicines in the bin or flush them down the toilet. This can harm the environment and is unsafe.

📍 Our Commitment

Our practice is supporting the “Only Order What You Need” campaign across East London. We encourage all patients to work with us to reduce waste and ensure medicines are used safely and effectively.

🔗 More Information

For further information about reducing medicines waste, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or healthcare team.