A CCG in the West Midlands will demonstrate its approach to medicines management in a BBC documentary on Monday.
The documentary will focus in part on how Walsall CCG is using practice-based pharmacists to conduct medicine reviews for patients and how this has reduced wasted medicine in the area.
Practice pharmacists in the area are linked to each of Walsall’s 59 GP practices, scheduling reviews with patients to ensure they are on the right medications, remove prescriptions that are not needed and answer questions.
A CCG in the West Midlands will demonstrate its approach to medicines management in a BBC documentary on Monday.
The documentary will focus in part on how Walsall CCG is using practice-based pharmacists to conduct medicine reviews for patients and how this has reduced wasted medicine in the area.
Practice pharmacists in the area are linked to each of Walsall’s 59 GP practices, scheduling reviews with patients to ensure they are on the right medications, remove prescriptions that are not needed and answer questions.
Walsall CCG said in a statement that this approach has reduced waste in many practices in the area, while also freeing up GP time.
The Department of Health estimated that wasted prescription medication costs £300m each year.
Sumaira Tabassum, head of medicines management at Walsall CCG, said: “Wasted medicines cost the NHS millions of pounds every year. Even if you get your prescriptions for free, it still costs the NHS.
“Practice pharmacists in Walsall are encouraging patients to be more aware of the medicines they order and ensuring that people only order what they need.
“By following our top tips people can help us to reduce this waste and help ensure that the NHS remains free for everyone.
“If you would like advice about your medications and your repeat prescriptions, contact your GP practice and make an appointment to see your practice pharmacist.”
The Inside Out programme, which will air on BBC One is part of a national series of programmes focused on the NHS.
