Events
Health and Justice medicines optimisation 2026 update
Sharing the latest developments in Health and Justice medicines optimisation and pharmacy services.
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: anticholinergic burden focus
Expert pharmacists will use a case study to illustrate a patient-centred approach to SMRs for patients on medicines with anticholinergic properties.
Complementary products: helping you respond with confidence
Exploring challenges in answering questions involving complementary products and supporting confident, informed clinical decision making.
Procurement regulations and what they mean for medicines
Explore how procurement regulations affect the way medicines are procured for Trusts
Governance of aseptic preparation services and themes from audit
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on the importance of governance in pharmacy aseptic services.
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: palliative care focus
Expert pharmacists will use a case study to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients with a progressive, life-limiting illness.
Podcasts
Prescribing with confidence podcast series
Exploring real-world prescribing through expert insights, practical tools, and lived experiences to support prescribers in developing safe, confident practice.
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions
Recordings and podcasts of case based discussions about structured medication reviews in problematic polypharmacy, each focussing on a different condition.
Guidance
New and updated articles published during June 2026.
Medication Safety
Use of injectable medicines for multiple doses
Using injectable medicines for multiple doses increases the risk of contamination, error and patient harm.
Managing the risk of confusion between injectable iron products
Minimising the risk of confusion between different injectable iron products may prevent inadvertent harm.
Managing fire risk with emollients and other skin products
Emollient residue can increase the risk of fatal burns. This article outlines how fire risk occurs, which patients may be at increased risk, and harm reduction.
Prescribing and administering intravenous paracetamol safely
Guidance on safe prescribing and administration of IV paracetamol, including dosing, infusion, risk mitigation, and monitoring to prevent errors.
Responding to medication incidents
Practical guidance to support those responding to medication incidents.
Medicines Optimisation
Drug interactions: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on drug interactions
Managing peripheral oedema caused by calcium channel blockers
All calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can cause peripheral oedema. Incidence varies by choice and patient factors. Several management options are available.
Using chloramphenicol during breastfeeding
Topical chloramphenicol can be used with caution and monitoring. Systemic chloramphenicol is not recommended. Advice applies to full term and healthy infants.
Aseptic Services
Understanding aseptic services in the NHS
Pharmacy aseptic services make ready-to-administer injectable medicines to ensure safe and timely treatment for patients.
Change management in NHS aseptic units
All changes in pharmacy aseptic service units must be formally controlled, assessed and reviewed to ensure product quality and patient safety.
Deviation management in NHS aseptic units
Effective deviation management helps identify, investigate, and resolve unexpected events that could affect product quality, compliance, or patient safety.
Procurement
Managing off-contract claims
Best practice guidance for NHS hospital pharmacy procurement teams on managing a successful off-contract claims process.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Evergreen Assessments
We have provided guidance on the recurrent themes or topics of enquiry raised, to support implementation of the Evergreen assessment process.
PGDs
Etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) implant for contraception
SPS PGD template for the insertion of etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) 68mg subdermal implant for contraception.
Influenza vaccine written instruction template for adoption
An IM influenza vaccination written instruction template is published annually for adoption by organisations providing flu vaccination to employees
Publications
Medication Safety Update
A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.
Screensavers
A collection of screensavers designed by SPS for healthcare professionals to save and use on workplace computers.
Shortages
Medicines Supply Tool
Latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates. Content provided by DHSC and MVA team, NHS England.