HEALTH bosses in Warrington are asking patients to think before they cash in prescriptions.
It is estimated that £1 million in Warrington is wasted each year on medicines that are not taken as prescribed or not taken at all.
This money could have paid for 12 full time nurses, 189 cataract operations or 102 hip replacements.
Melissa Burgess, head of medicines management at NHS Warrington said: “There is no such thing as a free prescription.
“If you no longer need your prescription, or already have a sufficient supply at home, please don’t cash it in – the cost of the prescription could have instead paid for additional NHS services or vital equipment.”
Cashing in prescriptions to create a stockpile “just in case” can be dangerous. A fifth of hospital admissions are attributable to medicines usage. These admissions could be reduced by patients ordering only the medicines they require, taking medicines as prescribed, and not sharing their prescriptions with anyone else.
Ms Burgess added: “More than at any other time, the NHS is now under pressure to use its resources wisely, and patients have a responsibility to help us do this too.
“Use prescriptions sensibly and help us provide healthcare efficiently and effectively. It is important that your doctor reviews your medication regularly so please keep your medication review appointment. Your community pharmacist can also help you to manage your medicines and is available to talk to you over the counter in the pharmacy.”
