Events
PGDs, legal mechanisms and governance: what’s new
An update session for those involved in medicines governance including managing PGDs and other legal mechanisms in practice.
Biosimilar and key generic medicines – June 2026 update
An update about biosimilar and key generic medicines to support system planning and mobilisation
Stability challenges in aseptic services
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on evaluating chemical and physical stability of medicines prepared in pharmacy aseptic services.
Health and Justice medicines optimisation 2026 update
Sharing the latest developments in Health and Justice medicines optimisation and pharmacy services.
New guidance
New articles published to the website during May 2026.
Medication Safety
Embedding medication safety improvement within an organisation
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) can support effective prioritisation and delivery of medication safety improvements.
Embedding the safer use of insulin
Implementation of national safety standards, alerts and guidance can help reduce preventable harm from insulin use.
Managing the risk of confusion between insulin products
Increased awareness and embedding processes for safer use may reduce the risk of mis-selection and harms associated with insulin use.
Safety considerations when switching insulin products
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risks and safe practice principles when switching insulin products.
Other
Benztropine injection for acute dystonic reactions
SPS has developed this resource to support healthcare professionals in managing the discontinuation of procyclidine injection.
Using the Medicines Compliance Aid Stability Tool
Guidance to support using information in the Medicines Compliance Aid (MCA) Stability Tool
Updated guidance
Articles updated and reviewed in May 2026
Resources to support clinical decisions
Children’s medicines: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information on medicines use in children
Vaccines and immunisation: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding medicines and vaccines.
Administration
Using transdermal patches safely in healthcare settings
Practical guidance for safe application, monitoring, removal, disposal, documentation and storage of transdermal patches to reduce risk of medication errors.
Managing problems when using transdermal patches
Guidance on adhesion, skin reactions, missing, omitted or delayed application, dosing intervals, switching, accidental exposure, and MRI scan considerations.
Clozapine use in adults with swallowing difficulties
Guidance on clozapine administration including crushing tablets, importance of not missing doses and practical considerations regarding switching formulations
Other
The role of the sponsor pharmacy in clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs)
Identifying key areas where pharmaceutical expertise is required by sponsors for conducting non-commercial clinical trials
Switching doxazosin XL tablets to doxazosin standard tablets
Doxazosin XL tablets should not routinely be prescribed. Guidance is provided on switching doxazosin XL tablets to standard release tablets.
Delegation of roles under a PGD
Delegation of any PGD function is not permitted. However there are specific tasks that individuals other than the professional working under a PGD can fulfil.
Publications
Medication Safety Update
A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.
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.