Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been nationally recognised for its work to reduce the environmental impact of unnecessary medicines, after its Medicines Assessment for Discharge scheme was named a finalist in the HFMA National Healthcare Finance Awards – Environmental Sustainability Award.
The MA4D scheme ensures that before a patient leaves hospital, pharmacy and nursing teams check both the medicines they already have at home and what medicines are available on the ward. This prevents duplication and ensures patients are only supplied with the medicines they genuinely need.
The impact of the scheme has been substantial. In January 2025, 1,849 fewer medicines were dispensed compared with the previous January. Over the first five months of the project, this reduction in waste delivered an estimated £55,000 saving.
By preventing over-supply and unnecessary dispensing, the scheme is helping reduce pressure on NHS budgets while maintaining patient safety and ensuring appropriate clinical care.
The environmental benefits are equally noteworthy. The project saved an estimated 77 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2025, equivalent to driving 193,000 miles in an average petrol car.
These savings come from reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing, transporting and disposing of medicines that would otherwise go unused.
As well as financial and environmental gains, patients have benefited directly. Because clinicians know exactly what medicines a patient already has at home, discharge prescriptions can be prepared more quickly, reducing delays and helping patients return home sooner.
Fiona Watson, Principal Pharmacist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, said:
“Medicines account for a quarter of all NHS emissions, with unnecessary resupply at discharge a leading contributor to waste and increased NHS costs, so we are delighted that our Medicines Assessment for Discharge scheme has been recognised nationally. The scheme enables staff to work closely with patients, carers, and other agencies to avoid resupplying medicines that are already available at home, reducing the risk associated with stockpiled or out-of-date medication. It has also supported safer and quicker discharge which is good for both staff and patients.”
The HFMA National Healthcare Finance Awards celebrate innovation and excellence across NHS finance teams. Being named a finalist recognises the significant contribution made by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ pharmacy, nursing and finance teams in making medicines management more efficient, environmentally responsible and patient‑centred.
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