We have made strong progress to improve how we use medicines across the region. We now use medicines in a more consistent way with less differences between FTs. This means patients can get the treatments they need in the same way, while making best use of NHS money.
In March, we set up a new Medicines Value Group with the ICB. This has helped us create a more joined-up approach to make sure we get the best value from medicines.
It brings teams together to share learning and make joint decisions. We also agree what is most important to focus on. Our work this year has focused on:
- the high-cost areas where we spend most on drugs.
- how we use data and clinical insights.
- how we can improve pathways.
- how we prepare for new treatments.
- how we can switch to more cost-effective medicines.
- how we work to the same rules and policies.
In the first year of this work, we have helped to save over £18 million. What we spend on medicines in our region has gone up more slowly than the national average. This is because we have high use of best value medicines across the system.
Eye services are a high-cost area for drug spend. During 2025 we worked with our eye care teams to look at lower cost ‘biosimilar’ drugs. These work in the same way as existing medicines. They are just as safe and effective but often cost less. This means we can save money while keeping the same good results for patients.
We brought our eye teams together to think about how to use these medicines in the best way. This helped us act faster and work in a more joined-up way. Without this, our FTs might have adopted the change at different speeds. Through this work we:
- used data to show differences in care
- helped teams use best-value medicines
- created space to share ideas and learning
- looked at ways to improve care pathways.
As a result, we helped to save £17 million a year across the region. That is just in eye services alone. We can now use this money to invest in other things. The work has made sure that patients now get equal access to treatment with less differences in care.
“Eyes on Value showed what can be done when organisations work together for a shared goal.”
