Disposal of Patients’ Unwanted Medicines
Service specification (what it is, how it works)
In NHS Highland, the Disposal of Patients’ Unwanted Medicines refers to the safe and environmentally responsible process for handling medicines that patients no longer need, are expired, or are unsuitable for use. Here’s how it works:
What It Is
- Unwanted medicines include:
- Expired prescriptions
- Medicines stopped after treatment changes
- Damaged or contaminated medicines
- Part-used packs or containers
- These medicines cannot be reused for safety reasons and must be destroyed according to strict regulations.
How It Works in Practice
- Return to Pharmacy
- Patients are encouraged to return unwanted medicines to their local community pharmacy.
- Pharmacies in NHS Highland are contracted to accept these medicines free of charge.
- This includes tablets, liquids, inhalers, and some sharps (e.g., insulin pens), but not items like dressings or non-medicinal products.
- Segregation and Storage
- Returned medicines are stored in designated pharmaceutical waste bins within the pharmacy.
- Medicines are never reused for other patients.
- Controlled drugs require special handling and destruction under supervision.
- Collection and Disposal
- NHS Highland arranges for licensed waste contractors to collect pharmaceutical waste from pharmacies.
- Medicines are then sent for high-temperature incineration, which is the approved method for destroying pharmaceutical waste safely and preventing environmental contamination.
- Environmental and Safety Compliance
- The process follows:
- Hazardous Waste Regulations
- NHS Scotland and Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidance
- NHS Highland’s own waste management protocols
- This ensures compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
- The process follows:
Why It Matters
- Environmental Protection: Prevents medicines from entering water systems or landfill.
- Patient Safety: Stops accidental ingestion or misuse.
- Cost Savings: Reduces waste and supports NHS sustainability goals.
- Medicines waste is a major issue—around 50% of prescribed medicines are not taken as intended, and in Scotland, about one tonne of medicines is collected daily for incineration, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. [northern-times.co.uk]
Resources
Relevant NHS Highland Resources
- NHSScotland Waste Management Guidance (SHTN 03-01)
- Applies to all Scottish health boards, including NHS Highland.
- Covers segregation, storage, and disposal of pharmaceutical waste.
View Guidance [nss.nhs.scot]
- Community Pharmacy Service Specification
- All Scottish community pharmacies (including NHS Highland) must accept unwanted medicines from patients.
- Medicines are collected by licensed waste contractors for high-temperature incineration.Read Service Details [cpe.org.uk]
- Specialist Pharmacy Service Guidance
- Provides best practice for handling pharmaceutical waste, including segregation and compliance with legislation.
View SPS Guidance [sps.nhs.uk]
- Provides best practice for handling pharmaceutical waste, including segregation and compliance with legislation.
Pharmaceutical Waste Uplift Request
If you require a pharmaceutical waste uplift, please contact Community Pharmacy Services by email at:nhsh.cpsoffice@nhs.scot