Now in its second year, Dorset’s hugely successful Only Order What You Need campaign is back, running via GPs and Community Pharmacies
Around 50,000 people in Dorset receive repeat GP prescriptions for multiple medications every month. In Dorset, we spend £9 million a month on repeat medications – however an estimated 1.6 million items are wasted each year just in Dorset!
Last year’s campaign helped save:
• 65,000 fewer prescriptions
• £450,000
• Nearly 300 tonnes GHG emissions
• Over 1000 hours of healthcare professional time.
Patients are asked to:
• Check their medicines before ordering repeat prescriptions
• Only order what they need – even if it’s on their repeat list
• Speak to their pharmacy team if they have questions or need support
• Return unused or out-of-date medicines to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
These simple steps can save millions in waste, free up healthcare professional time, protect the environment and NHS resources.