WHAT is green, plastic and is saving the NHS time and money?
The answer? Green bags!
They are sent to patients before they go into Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital to help them remember to take their regular drugs.
It is a simple idea, but one that is proving to be a big success.
Patients are remembering to take more of their drugs with them, nurses aren't wasting time tracing drugs, and the hospital is saving money by not duplicating prescriptions.
Mark Grumbridge, who is leading on pharmacy projects, said: "The big bonus for the hospital is that we're saving money on expensive drugs.
"If patients have already been prescribed a six-month supply then there is no need for the hospital to supplement that.
"The Green Bags simply help patients remember to bring their drugs."
Patients have responded positively to the service and the use of the bags is due to be expanded.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article