We are delighted to share that the WellBN Pharmacy Team has won a prestigious award for innovation and leadership in deprescribing opioids. This recognition highlights the important work our team is doing to improve patient safety, reduce medication risks, and promote better health across our community.

Why Opioid Deprescribing Matters

Opioid medicines can be very effective for short-term pain relief, for example after surgery or an injury. However, they are not usually helpful for long-term pain. Taken over time, opioids can cause:

• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• Side effects such as constipation, fatigue, and poor concentration.
• Increased risk of falls, accidents, or overdose.
• A reduced quality of life.

For these reasons, it’s important to regularly review opioid use and, where possible, support patients to reduce or stop them safely.

Creating a New Pathway

At WellBN, our pharmacy team has been leading the way in this work. Together with one of our physiotherapists, we have developed a new pathway of care that helps patients manage pain in safer and more effective ways.

This pathway combines:

• Careful review of medicines.
• Support to gradually reduce or stop opioids when appropriate.
• Access to physiotherapy, exercise advice, and self-care approaches.
• Alternatives to opioids, including other medicines or therapies when needed.

Putting Patients First

Deprescribing is never about suddenly stopping medication. It’s about listening to you, understanding your pain, and working with you to find the right approach. Every plan is tailored to the individual, with support at every step of the journey.

A Team Effort

This award recognises the dedication of the whole pharmacy team, working closely with colleagues across WellBN. Together, we are making a real difference to patients’ lives by improving safety, reducing harms, and offering better long-term care.

Opioid Medicines and Your Health

Information from the WellBN Pharmacy Team

What are opioids?

Opioids are strong pain medicines (like codeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl) that can be very effective for short-term pain, such as after surgery or an injury.

What’s the problem with long-term opioid use?

Over time, opioids can cause more harm than benefit. They may:

• Lead to dependence (your body gets used to them).
• Cause side effects such as constipation, tiredness, and poor concentration.
• Increase the risk of falls, accidents, and overdose.
• Stop working well for long-term pain.

What is “deprescribing”?

Deprescribing means safely reducing or stopping medicines that may no longer be helpful or could be causing harm. It’s always done gradually and with your agreement.

How can WellBN help?

Our award-winning Pharmacy Team, working closely with our physiotherapist, has created a new pathway to support patients who want to reduce or stop opioids. This includes:

• A personalised medicine review.
• A safe and supported plan to reduce opioids if appropriate.
• Access to physiotherapy and exercise advice.
• Safer alternatives for managing pain.

Will I have to stop my medicines?

No. The decision is always yours. We work with you to find what’s safe and effective. Some patients choose to reduce or stop opioids, others may need to continue — the important thing is that your medicines are regularly reviewed.

How do I get support?

If you take opioid medicines and would like advice or support, please contact the WellBN Pharmacy Team. You can speak to us by:

• Asking at reception.
• Calling the practice.
• Talking to your GP or nurse.

Remember: Opioids are not the only option. With the right support, many people find they can manage pain more effectively, feel healthier, and improve their quality of life.

We’re Here to Help

If you are currently taking opioids and would like support, please get in touch. Our team is here to help you explore your options, reduce risks, and find safer and more effective ways of managing pain.

Your wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.