The NHS trust asks people to hand over unused or unnecessary drugs to reduce the risks stocks may cause.
The Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is offering its first drug pardon for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland throughout March, when the drug can be handed over to pharmacies throughout March.
Trust medical experts say removing medication from the home reduces the risk to “children, people who are confused or suffering impulsively or temporarily.”
Matt Williams, the trust’s suicide prevention lead, said nationwide, 23% of deaths People who take their lives This was due to overdose and became the second most common method.
He states: “In 2023, there were 28 suicides in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland due to overdose, and many others caused great harm by overdose that proved to be non-fatal.
“There is also the risk of accidental overdose. The risk of these events is significantly reduced if no one has a stockpile of medication in his home.”
Williams said outdated prescriptions are ineffective, but that some medications may no longer be appropriate.
He added:
Family members, friends and caregivers are asked to help patients return the medication and surrender the medication prescribed to the deceased.
Pharmacy in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will ensure that any drugs handed over will be safely disposed of, the trust added.
