BETTER management of medicine could save up to £80,000 at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The hospital has just completed a medicines' management project to help reduce waste.

Patients will be able to keep medicines brought in with them in bedside lockers and continue to take them during their stay.

When they are discharged any medicines they need can be stored in the lockers ready to be taken with them.

The final phase of the project, which is still being explored, will involve some patients being responsible, under supervision, for taking their own medicines while in hospital.

Principal pharmacist Bina Mistry said: "Results of the pilot showed that by reducing wastage of medicines and improving systems of supply, potential savings in the region of £80,000 per annum could be made."