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The NHS in Suffolk and North East Essex has launched a new campaign to reduce the amount of unused medicines that cost the NHS around £300 million a year. Across the UK, it is estimated that £100 million worth of medicines are returned to pharmacies, with an additional £90 million of unused prescription medicines stored in homes. Through social media, posters, and videos, people are encouraged to return unused prescriptions to pharmacies and avoid stockpiling or throwing them away. Reducing medicines waste not only saves money that can be reinvested into patient care within the NHS, but it's also better for the environment. Tania Farrow, who is leading the campaign on behalf of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), highlighted that everyone has a part to play in reducing medicines waste.

NHS England has updated its 'Green plan guidance', outlining key actions for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and trusts to help achieve net zero carbon emissions. Among the recommended measures to reduce emissions from the medicines supply chain, organisations are asked to encourage patients to return used or expired inhalers to community pharmacies for appropriate disposal. Medicines account for approximately 25 per cent of NHS emissions, with a small number of medications contributing a large portion of this. For example, anaesthetic gases account for 2 per cent of NHS emissions, while inhalers contribute 3 per cent. The updated guidance says that organisations should build on ongoing progress in reducing these "point of use" emissions, while improving patient care and reducing waste. To address emissions from the medicines supply chain, the guidance recommends: Supporting high-quality, lower-carbon respiratory care Optimising inhaler choice by considering clinical appropriateness, the environmental impact of inhalers and patient preference Improving inhaler use and adherence Promoting the appropriate disposal of inhalers Addressing overprescribing and oversupply while ensuring support for patients in greatest need