MORE than half a million pounds in medicines are wasted each year in Redditch and Bromsgrove by people who order them but fail to take them.

That money could be used to pay for 125 hip and knee operations, 2,000 cataract operations or 25 nurses.

As a result, the Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust, which runs the town's GP services, is launching a new campaign next week.

PCT chairman of the professional executive committee Dr Bill Borastero said: "We are hoping to raise awareness of medicines and the effect they have on health and well-being.

"We would like patients to be better informed and have a greater understanding of the medication they are taking and how to make the most appropriate use of them.

"In this way, less medicine should be wasted."

He added: "Many patients hoard medicines which can be dangerous as they go out of date.

"Every week nationally, hospitals admit children and sometimes adults who have accidentally taken medication not intended for them and sadly some will die.

"We are hoping that by supporting this campaign, we will raise awareness about the dangers of overstocking."

The key message is that people should order from their GP only what they need.