Key Summary
- A GP practice in Frome reduced unnecessary prescriptions through its “Order What You Need” campaign.
- The initiative saved about £280,000, reduced thousands of prescriptions, and cut carbon emissions.
- The campaign encourages people to order only the medicines they actually need.
Frome Medical Practice at Somerset has set an example by cutting prescription waste via its innovative campaign named ‘Order What You Need’, saving around £280,000.
The campaign launched by this GP practice inspired people to avoid unwanted prescribing and medications to stay safe as well as sustainable, the Somerset County Gazette reports.
Through this awareness campaign, Frome team was able to reduce prescription of 22, 278 items in a year, saved up to £278,968 and prevent 122 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The BBC has reported that this GP practice has become England’s second to have “proxy access” through the NHS App, that makes repeat prescriptions easier.
This feature allows family and carers of the patient to repeat their prescriptions, book appointments or check their medical records easily.
Frome had worked closely with pharmacies and patient groups to encourage the patients use only the necessary medicines, helping the NHS save nearly £10.3 billion annually on GP prescriptions.
Around 30,000 prescriptions are issued every day in Somerset, costing £300,000, yet £5 million worth of medicines go unused each year.
Therefore, “It's also about empowering patients to take control, understand their medications better and for us to facilitate those discussions," opined the campaign leaders Dr Helen Kingston, Dr Neha Bhagi, and Dr Angus Lean, told the daily.
The campaign brought a significant change in incorrect disposal of medicines that cause water, coastline and ecosystems pollution.
