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NHS Medicines Waste - A £480 Million Problem

18 August 2026 | Orridge: An RGIS Company

NHS Medicines Waste - A £480 Million Problem

Medicines waste has been making the national headlines recently, with the NHS facing an estimated £480 million annual cost from medicines being thrown away.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA)* estimates that around 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines were discarded in England during 2024–25, enough to fill approximately 75 swimming pools.

The story has now been covered by BBC News* and Sky News, highlighting the scale of the problem and the urgent need to reduce avoidable medicines waste.

The issue has also been highlighted by Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA), who appeared on Sky News* discussing the cost of medicines waste and what can be done to reduce it.

At Orridge, we're proud members of the IPA, and we're pleased to see this important issue receiving the attention it deserves.

Could better stock control save £££s?

Alongside our general stocktaking services, Orridge, an RGIS Company, offers a low-cost date-checking service to identify short-dated and expired stock, supporting better stock control while helping organisations reduce avoidable waste and protect patient safety.

Robust expiry checking isn't just about reducing waste and saving money, it's essential for patient safety too.

With NHS budgets under increasing pressure, every pound saved matters.

Could our date-checking service help your organisation reduce waste?

Other Press Releases from Orridge: An RGIS Company

11/6/2026 - What is a Digital Twin in Pharmacy Stock Management? As pharmacies continue to embrace digital transformation, the concept of the Digital Twin is becoming increasingly relevant. While the technology has its roots in manufacturing and logistics, it is now helping healthcare organisations improve stock visibility, control, and operational efficiency.
19/5/2026 - Improving Delivery Accuracy Across the Supply Chain In many retail, warehouse, and distribution operations, deliveries are often receipted based on supplier documentation, with limited time available to fully validate stock at the point of arrival. While this helps keep operations moving, discrepancies can sometimes go unnoticed until much later in the supply chain.
16/4/2026 - See What’s Really Happening in Your Dispensary: Unlock Cash Tied Up in Stock Behind every busy dispensary is a hidden financial story, one that often goes unnoticed. While prescriptions are processed and shelves are replenished, significant amounts of cash can quietly become tied up in stock that isn’t moving.
13/3/2026 - Post Stocktake Reflection: From Findings to Action Stocktakes and Valuations aren’t just a compliance requirement, they’re a valuable opportunity to strengthen accuracy, improve processes, and safeguard patient care. The real impact comes after the stocktake, when teams take time to review findings and turn insights into action.
16/12/2025 - Plan Ahead – Book Your Pharmacy Year-End Stocktake Today Year-end pharmacy stocktakes are crucial for accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and smooth operations. Whilst your year-end may not be until March/April, booking your audit now ensures your slot is secured and everything is arranged before the Christmas break. Demand for pharmacy stocktakes peaks as the financial year comes to a close.