Medicines Waste Campaign
In February 2024, NHS Dorset launched a 2 phase campaign to combat medicines waste in Dorset, which amounts to approximately 1.6 million items every year.
Phase 1
Repeat Prescription? Only order what you need
Centered on raising patient awareness of the campaign and concept: only order what you need.
Resources:
Medicines waste – NHS Dorset Campaign letter from NHS Dorset
Increasing use of the NHS app is an important part of the campaign, which is in line with recommendations made in the PCARP update. See Here
App Resources:
NHS App walk through videos – NHS England Digital – from a patients perspective
NHS App | Campaigns | Campaign Resource Centre (dhsc.gov.uk) – Support materials from the Dept of Health and Social Care
Phase 2
Over The Counter (OTC) medicines
Focuses on reduction in prescribing of Over The Counter (OTC) medicines. In line with national recommendations, NHS Dorset has asked GP teams to no-longer prescribe medication which can be bought over the counter.
NHS Dorset wants for each medicine prescribed to offer the best opportunity for improved health and well-being, and prescribing of over-the-counter medicines does not achieve this. There is a soft campaign launch on Wednesday 29th May, printed materials including a poster tabletop talker and small postcard will be sent out to every pharmacy.
Further information and downloadable resources:
Changes to prescribing OTC medicines
Stage 2 of the campaign is scheduled for Monday 8th July and will include radio, AdVan, social media and media release.
If you have any questions please send them to medicine.question@nhsdorset.nhs.uk