Campaign to cut Rotherham’s £1.5m in wasted medicines

Health bosses have called on patients to contact them about any excess and unwanted prescription items.

Dr Avanthi Gunasekera, medicines management lead at Rotherham’s clinical commissioning group said: “The amount of time and money spent on wasted medicines, that cannot be used again, is astonishing. 

“Prescription medicines are one of the biggest costs to the NHS, which is why it is important that we all look for ways to avoid waste. 

“Also, it is important to remember that it’s not safe to leave medicines lying around in the house, especially where they may be in reach of children or other vulnerable people.”

The CCG launched the campaign on Wednesday after hearing patients’ complain of feeling confused and frustrated about how to stop the excess items.

Dr Gunasekera said: “We heard stories about large piles of medication taking over cupboards in homes and in some cases spilling out.

“We want to keep the message very simple: If you’ve got medicines piling up and don’t know want to do about it, tell us and we'll sort it for you.”

For more information, contact the Medline on 01709 308999, complete a form at your GP or pharmacy or email [email protected].