‘Only Order What You Need’ Campaign – In Partnership with West Yorkshire NHS ICB

Did you know that ordering more prescription medicines than you need can lead to waste and even impact the availability of medicines for others?

The ‘Only Order What You Need’ campaign is here to help. It’s designed to support patients, and those who order on their behalf, such as carers, by raising awareness about the effects of over-ordering and stockpiling medicines.

By thinking carefully about what you already have before placing an order, you can help reduce waste and make sure medicines are available for everyone who needs them.

This initiative was recently promoted by West Yorkshire ICB between July and September 2025 and continues as one of the key campaigns for 2025/26.

All pharmacies across West Yorkshire are taking part to help patients use medicines responsibly and reduce unnecessary waste.

Why does it matter?

1. Medicines waste is a vital issue to the NHS.

2. When repeat prescribing medicines are requested inaccurately, waste accumulates that inconveniences people, poses a safety risk and contributes to medicines shortages.

3. Alongside the financial impact there is also the environmental cost from medicines that are prescribed but not taken, through both waste of the medicine itself and the wasted resource to produce and supply the medicine.

Did you know?

Around £18 million is wasted locally every year on unused medicines. This includes inhalers, pain medication and creams, across West Yorkshire. By only ordering what we need we can make sure NHS resources go where they are most needed.

Ordering and receiving medicines when they aren’t needed can mean you end up with more than you need in your cupboard. ‘Stockpiling’ is holding on to medicines that you don’t use.

The implications of stockpiling can mean wasted resources (medicines that aren’t used go out of date and have to be thrown away); Supply issues (stockpiling can create shortages); There’s also safety risks. Keeping too much medicine can cause confusion (especially if your prescription changes) and harm to children and pets if they come into their reach.

Patients are encouraged to speak to their healthcare professionals if there are medicines that you don’t want or need to take anymore. A more appropriate plan will then be discussed if necessary.

Medicines waste and improper disposal not only cost money but also harm the environment. Throwing medicines away incorrectly can pollute water and hurt wildlife, while unnecessary waste increases the NHS’s carbon footprint. If you’re unsure how to dispose of your unwanted HealthNet medicines, speak to our team on 0800 083 3030.

Only ordering what you need and returning unwanted or out of date medicines can help reduce these risks.

How does HealthNet help the NHS address the challenge of medicine wastage?

At HealthNet we work closely with pharmaceutical companies to ensure the costs of delivering your medicines are covered by the manufacturer and not the NHS or you as the patient.

Clinical Homecare also reduces the pressure on hospitals and clinics by bringing care to patients’ homes, improving convenience and efficiency.

If you’d like to learn more about how homecare is funded, we recommend reading: Could Clinical Homecare be the NHS’s secret weapon?

How you can help:

1. Only order what you need – Check your current stock levels before ordering more.

2. Return extras – when receiving your next delivery, hand over full or unwanted sharps bin to the driver.

3. Stick to your routine – Order when you need it. Avoid ordering stock months in advance.

Contact us if:

• You feel you are receiving too much stock (this includes non-medicine items such as sharps bins).

• You need advice on returning unwanted items

• You have questions about your medication cycle based on your stock levels.

Our Patient Support Team is here to help: 0800 083 3060 or enquiries@healthnethomecare.co.uk

If you no longer need certain repeat medicines, speak to your Healthcare Professional – they can review your treatment plan with you.

Your support makes a big difference. Every small change helps reduce medicine waste and protect NHS resources.