Did you know?
- Each year, 1 in 10 medicines in Scotland are wasted – in Fife it generates around £1–2 million worth of avoidable medicine waste.
- In Scotland, prescriptions are supplied free of charge, however individual Health Boards must pay these costs. The average cost of each medicine on a prescription is approx. £10 for each prescription item.
- In Fife, it costs approx. £74M per year for prescription medicines (excluding hospitals).
- A range of medicines for common minor short term conditions are available without a prescription from a pharmacy or supermarket, and are often cheaper than they are on prescription eg paracetamol costs approx. 38p for 16 tablets.
Here’s how you can help:
- Only order what you need and help us to manage the supply of medicines.
- If you’ve stopped using a medication, let your GP practice or pharmacy know. If you need it again later, it can be prescribed.
- Check your medicines before leaving the pharmacy. If something isn’t right, return it to the pharmacy team before you leave.
- Dispose of unused medicines safely. Take them to your local pharmacy instead of throwing them away – this reduces safety and environmental risks as well as waste.
- Unused medicines can’t be recycled or reused, even if they’re unopened.
Let’s all work together to reduce waste and keep everyone safe.
Pharmacy and medicines service
In NHS Fife, our Pharmacy and Medicines team is here to help you get the most out of your healthcare. With over 300 dedicated staff – including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, support workers, nurses, and administrators – we work together across hospitals, GP practices, mental health services, and specialist teams to ensure you receive the safest and most effective care with your medicines.
In our hospitals, pharmacy teams play a vital role in buying, and supplying specialist medicines for patients either in wards or clinics. These experts work closely with doctors and nurses to make sure medicines are used safely and effectively.
We also work closely with community pharmacies to provide everyone in Fife with safe and timely access to medicines and advice.
Community pharmacies – your first stop for help
Did you know there are 86 community pharmacies across Fife? These pharmacies do much more than just dispense prescriptions. They’re a convenient walk-in healthcare service where you can get expert advice on medicines and general health concerns.
Find our more about our community pharmacy services and your nearest pharmacy.
Pharmacy First
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can help with minor illnesses like sore throats, earaches, cold sores, and more. Many pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and you usually don’t need an appointment to visit.
If you have a minor health issue, start by visiting your local pharmacy. All pharmacies in Fife offer the Pharmacy First service, where you can get advice, treatment, or referrals if needed – without the need to see your GP or visit A&E for non-urgent issues.
For more details, visit the Pharmacy First section of NHSinform.scot where you’ll also find materials in a range of languages.
How are medicines chosen for you?
Deciding which medicine is right for you isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your healthcare team considers many factors, including your symptoms, medical history, age, gender, allergies, and any other medications you’re taking to ensure it is safe and effective for you, to meet your individual needs.
Medicine shortages
Sometimes, there are shortages of certain medicines – this can happen locally or across the UK. If there’s an issue with your prescription, our teams will work to find a safe and effective alternative for you.
Working together for better care
At NHS Fife, our Pharmacy and Medicines team is committed to giving you safe, high-quality care with medicines, at every step of your health journey. Whether it’s in a hospital, GP practice, or community setting, we’re here to support you.
For more information, visit NHSinform.scot or NHS Fife Find my nearest, or speak with your local pharmacy team.