Prescribing is a key component of medicines management. Doctors and other clinical staff, known as prescribers, can prescribe medicines and certain non-medicines for patients in their care via a prescription.

It is estimated that an incredible £2million is lost each year across the Vale of York through medicines waste alone. It is therefore essential we get the very best value from the money we are allocated to spend on healthcare for the local population. The cost of unused, over-ordered medicines could be used to fund services for people in our community who really need them.

Prescribers are expected to take into account the evidence for the safety, clinical and cost effectiveness of the medicines they prescribe. Guidance from the General Medical Council (GMC) states that doctors ‘must make good use of the resources available’. Prescribers should also take into account national and local guidance.

Find out more about prescribing in the Vale of York:

1. NHS Electronic Repeat Dispensing Service
2. Changes to prescribing of over the counter medicines 
3. Changes to repeat ordering of prescriptions