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Medicines Waste: Understanding the problem and exploring solutions
Medicines pathways and disposal of medicines waste accounts for a quarter of the NHS carbon footprint, costing at least £300 million per year.
The ordering, issuing, dispensing, and delivery of medicines which are then thrown away represents significant amounts of wasted staff time across settings which are already under extreme pressure. The challenge of medicines waste requires increasingly urgent attention as the NHS moves towards its goals of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. Despite this, the issue remains poorly understood and evaluated, making it challenging to address.
Our recent HSJ article examines the environmental, financial, and social costs of medicines waste through its life cycle, exploring contributing systemic factors. We also share some practical steps toward change for those working in healthcare settings.
Read the article in full to learn more:
Partnered with Q Exchange, the Health Foundation and NHS England, CSH’s Medicines Waste in Care Homes Project has explored the environmental and social impacts of medicines waste. You can find out more about the project here:
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