Had an interesting job this week sorting through 2 years of unused, dispensed surgical dressings residing in several large plastic storage boxes. It left me wondering whether there is a glut of repeat prescriptions being issued unecessarily!! I came across a couple of interesting links about surgeries having to take back supplies but not being able to re-issue, seems such a waste http://bma.org.uk/about-the-bma/how-we-work/professional-activities-and-special-interest/patient-liaison-group/dispensed-but-unopened-medications. I also found a link to a charity using donated medical supplies at Health Units in Africa, http://www.intercare.org.uk/donate-medicines/what-can-be-donated. So it seems it is possible to use certain types of medical supplies if they comply with WHO guidelines!