Posted on: 7 July 2025
The NHS in West Yorkshire is urging people to only order the medicines they need as part of a region-wide campaign to tackle medicines waste.
Each year, about £18 million worth of medicines are wasted across West Yorkshire, meaning NHS resources are not being used where they are most vitally needed.
To help address this issue, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is raising awareness of the financial and environmental impacts of avoidable medicines waste and encouraging patients to ‘only order what they need’.
Patients are being encouraged to check their medicines supplies before placing an order to ensure they only 'order what they need'.
How you can help
- Only order what you need - before getting more, check what medicine you already have.
- Return any extras – when picking up your medicine at the pharmacy, only take what you need. If you return something before leaving, it can likely be used again.
- Stick to your routine – order your medicine when you're running low, but not too soon.
By doing this, you will:
- Get the right medicines and care
- Help reduce waste and environmental harm
- Save NHS resources
David Smith, Chief Pharmacist at the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board highlights the importance of using medicine responsibly. He said: "We are asking everyone to take simple steps to check their cupboards and see what medicines they need before ordering their prescriptions.”
"We want people to have the right medicines and the right care while also reducing avoidable waste. Only ordering the medicines you need also helps to keep people safe.
“Having too much medicine at home can be confusing, especially if your prescription changes.
"If you already have enough, there’s no need to order more - you can always ask for it later when you do need it. If you have any concerns about your medicines, you can always speak to your pharmacist or GP practice team for advice.
"By making small changes, we can all make a big difference."
Nicola Goodberry Kenneally, Chief Executive Officer at Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire said: “Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire encourages patients to help stop waste and only order what they need. Stockpiling of prescription medicines can create shortages and potentially avoidable supply issues.
“It’s important that resources go where they are most needed so please check before you reorder and only order the medicines you or people you are responsible for actually need.”
To find out more information visit our website www.wypartnership.co.uk/orderwhatyouneed