NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service: Recent Episodes
NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service
NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Gary Hodgson, Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 1st and 7th August. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Spotlight – July 2026A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for July 2026.https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-july-2026/ Nitrofurantoin monitoring Additional information has been added to the abnormal results section. https://sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/nitrofurantoin-monitoring/ DOAC monitoring DOAC monitoring resource has been fully reviewed. There are some minor changes to wording and structure, but no significant changes to the clinical content. https://sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/doacs-direct-oral-anticoagulants-monitoring/ Understanding Patient Group Directions and Integrated Care Boards Summary of the responsibilities of ICBs in England as commissioners of NHS services using PGDs, and link to resources that provide further support and advice. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-patient-group-directions-and-integrated-care-boards/ Tools to support medication review page These practical tools aid medication review by identifying inappropriate medicines, guiding deprescribing, and empowering patients via shared decision making.https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/tools-to-support-medication-review/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Join our WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 24th and 31st July. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Spotlight – July 2026 A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for July 2026. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-july-2026/ Medicine administration by registered and non-registered staff Administration of medicines needs to be undertaken by appropriately trained healthcare staff operating under a legal governance framework https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/medicine-administration-by-registered-and-non-registered-staff/ Legal mechanisms to supply and administer medicines to individuals The main legal mechanisms used to supply and/or administer medicines are explained and considerations suggested for the most appropriate option(s) https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/legal-mechanisms-to-supply-and-administer-medicines-to-individuals/ Reviewing medicines used in renal impairment We advise on different areas to consider for medicines use in adults with a range of kidney disorders https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/reviewing-medicines-use-in-renal-impairment/ Governance of aseptic preparation services – log in required A video about governance of pharmacy aseptic services. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/governance-of-aseptic-preparation-services/ Preparing to use ustekinumab biosimilar Introducing biosimilar ustekinumab needs planning. Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure familiarity with the area and develop an implementation plan. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-ustekinumab-biosimilar/ The licence and supporting evidence for ustekinumab biosimilars Ustekinumab biosimilars are available for use within the NHS. Learn about indications, formulations, supporting evidence and differences. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-ustekinumab-biosimilars/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Join our WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Dav Manku, Associate Regional Procurement Pharmacy Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 18th and 24th July. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Mental health medicines: resources to support clinical decisions Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on psychotropic and other medicines used in psychiatry https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/mental-health-medicines-resources-to-support-clinical-decisions/ Managing the risks of using liquid oral phenobarbital Reduce harm by minimising confusion between phenobarbital oral liquid formulations and raising awareness of ethanol content, especially in neonates and children https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-risks-of-using-liquid-oral-phenobarbital/ National PGD, protocol and written instruction templates – updates National templates are developed with experts for clinical specialties. They reduce duplication and variation, and improve consistency of care. https://sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/patient-group-directions-and-legal-mechanisms/national-pgd-protocol-and-written-instructions-templates/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Join our WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Jenna Murray talks to Ali Cracknell, Philippa Duggan-Carter and Jeremy Robson from Leeds University Hospital NHS trust in this podcast about a time critical medicines quality improvement project that has been successfully implemented and sustained, it is now part of everyday practice. Discussion includes the background to the project, how the team used what could have been a significant roadblock as catalyst for change and how the team knew that new practices had become business as usual. Jenna Murray - Senior Specialist Pharmacy Technician Medication Safety (NHS SPS) Ali Cracknell - Consultant in Acute and Elderly Medicine (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) Phillipa Duggan-Carter - Lead Nurse Parkinson's Disease Specialist (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) Jeremy Robson - Advanced Clinical Pharmacist for Neurology (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
In this podcast Emma Bryant (Mental Health Lead at NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service) speaks with Dr Rania Ward, Principal Pharmacist for Sleep Medicine, who answers some of the questions posed in the chat during our recent webinar, SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: insomnia focus (14 April 2026). 00.45 - Sleep cycle and shift patterns03.23 - Cumulative sleep04.45 - Red flags10.22 - Treat the underlying cause or start hypnotics12.34 - Pharmacological options15.07 - Melatonin20.11 - Serious mental illness (SMI) and insomnia22.22 - New medicines for insomnia (daridorexant)26.46 - Non-pharmacological treatments31.12 - More information and trainingDr Rania Ward; Principal Pharmacist for Sleep Medicine, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation TrustEmma Bryant; Mental Health Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceUseful linksSMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussionshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/smrs-in-problematic-polypharmacy-case-based-discussions/National Sleep Pharmacy Network https://nspn.co.uk/RCGP Learning (Insomnia) https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/info.php?id=824PCPharm (Insomnia Learning Programme) https://courses.learning.rpharms.com/product?catalog=RCP-Clinical-19
Rakhi Aggarwal speaks with Karoline Brennan from the SPS Medicines Advice team. Karoline highlights key SPS written resources for prescribers, explains how to effectively search for information on the SPS website, and outlines the SPS clinical enquiry answering service available to primary care professionals.
Rakhi Aggarwal speaks with Hayley Berry, Lead for Learning Development at the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE). The discussion focuses on how to navigate CPPE resources designed for prescribers and includes practical tips drawn from her experience.
Rakhi Aggarwal speaks with Ben Rehman, Lead for Digital at SPS about how prescribers can maximise the use of SPS digital tools, including the medicines monitoring and medicines supply tools.We invite you to share your feedback on our podcast series via a short survey. We would really appreciate your views, whether you’ve listened to one podcast or multiple. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymised and used for research and/or service evaluation purposes.https://forms.office.com/e/ZuSGD1PxVF
Rakhi Aggarwal speaks with Maria Yousif, Pharmacist and Associate Safety and Learning Lead at NHS Resolution. Maria discusses a hypothetical case scenario, explores duty of candour, and outlines the appropriate steps to take when a prescribing error occurs.We invite you to share your feedback on our podcast series via a short survey. We would really appreciate your views, whether you’ve listened to one podcast or multiple. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymised and used for research and/or service evaluation purposes.forms.office.com/e/ZuSGD1PxVF
Rakhi Aggarwal interviews Shane Sweeney, Clinical Pharmacist, North Liverpool PCN, about his experience as a newly qualified prescriber. The discussion explores the professional networks he has developed, how he established them, and his transition from community pharmacy into general practice while undertaking his prescribing course.We invite you to share your feedback on our podcast series via a short survey. We would really appreciate your views, whether you’ve listened to one podcast or multiple. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymised and used for research and/or service evaluation purposes.forms.office.com/e/ZuSGD1PxVF
Rakhi Aggarwal speaks with Clair Huckerby, Consultant Pharmacist in Primary Care Medicines Optimisation, about her prescribing journey. Clair shares her experience of over 20 years as a prescriber, including how she developed confidence and competence and expanded her scope of practice.We invite you to share your feedback on our podcast series via a short survey. We would really appreciate your views, whether you’ve listened to one podcast or multiple. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymised and used for research and/or service evaluation purposes.forms.office.com/e/ZuSGD1PxVF
This episode introduces the Prescribing with Confidence podcast series as trainee pharmacists and a final-year pharmacy student share their key insights from selected episodes. They highlight the value of SPS tools and resources in supporting safe, evidence-based prescribing, the importance of Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) learning materials, and key lessons from exploring prescribing errors and professional responsibility. The conversation also emphasises the importance of building support networks, starting prescribing gradually, and recognising that gaining confidence takes time. Practical tips are offered to those beginning their prescribing journey, encouraging them to seek support and trust their training as they transition into practice.We invite you to share your feedback on our podcast series via a short survey. We would really appreciate your views, whether you’ve listened to one podcast or multiple. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymised and used for research and/or service evaluation purposes.forms.office.com/e/ZuSGD1PxVF
Kieran Reynolds talks to Fatema Jessa about liver transplant. Discussion includes what liver transplant is, why it is performed, how patients are managed post liver-transplant and the role of pharmacy professionals (both secondary and primary care) in managing these patients. Fatema Jessa - Consultant Pharmacist – Hepatology and Liver Transplant and NCL Digital Pharmacy Network at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on Liver transplant https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/liver/living-with-a-liver-transplant/liver-transplant-medicines/%22HYPERLINK%20%22https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-transplant/The British Liver Trust’s information on life after liver transplant https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-transplant/life-after-liver-transplant/%22%20/l%20%22Immunosuppression%20medicinesThe NHS Blood and Transplant’s information on liver transplantation medicines https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/liver/living-with-a-liver-transplant/liver-transplant-medicines/SPS Drug monitoring tool https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/drug-monitoring/The Pharmaceutical Journal (PJ) article on medicines management in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/medicines-management-in-adult-patients-undergoing-liver-transplantationThe Green Book: information on vaccines for vaccine preventable diseases https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book#the-green-bookNHS Business Services Authority information on NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
Kieran Reynolds talks to Leslie Wong, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist in Hepatology in the Eastern Liver Network and Communications Officer at the British Hepatology Pharmacy Group (BHPG) about alcohol related liver disease (ARLD). Discussion includes what ARLD is, screening tools to help identify possible alcohol misuse, treatment of ARLD; including medicines used in medically assisted alcohol withdrawal and medicines used to help support abstinence, as well as long term vitamin supplementation. Leslie Wong - Advanced Clinical Pharmacist in Hepatology in the Eastern Liver Network and Communications Officer at the BHPG Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on alcohol and liver disease https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/risks-and-causes/alcohol/#:~:text=Regularly%20drinking%20over%20the%20recommended%20limit%20increases%20the,their%20health.%20Alcohol%20is%20broken-down%20by%20the%20liver.The British Liver Trust’s information on alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/alcohol-related-liver-disease/ MD+CALC AUDIT-C calculator https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/2021/audit-c-alcohol-useDrinkaware’s Drinking Check https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/drinking-check/#/overviewDrinkAware information on Cutting your drinking with alcohol-free or low alcohol drinks https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice-and-support/alcohol-free-drinks/cutting-your-drinking-with-alcohol-free-or-low-alcohol-drinks/SPS article on using and prescribing thiamine in alcohol dependence https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-and-prescribing-thiamine-in-alcohol-dependence/Regional Medicines Optimisation Committee (RMOC) position statement on oral vitamin B supplementation in alcoholism (PDF) https://www.wyicsapc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RMOC-Position-Statement-Oral-Vitamin-B-supplementation-in-alcoholism-November-2019.pdfNICE Clinical Guideline 115 on Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking (high-risk drinking) and alcohol dependence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG115UKHSA Alcohol structured advice tool https://khub.net/web/phe-national/public-library/-/document_library/v2WsRK3ZlEig/view_file/377334553?_com_liferay_document_library_web_portlet_DLPortlet_INSTANCE_v2WsRK3ZlEig_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fkhub.net%3A443%2Fweb%2Fphe-national%2Fpublic-library%2F-%2Fdocument_library%2Fv2WsRK3ZlEig%2Fview%2F261816192%3F_com_liferay_document_library_web_portlet_DLPortlet_INSTANCE_v2WsRK3ZlEig_redirect%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fkhub.net%253A443%252Fweb%252Fphe-national%252Fpublic-library%252F-%252Fdocument_library%252Fv2WsRK3ZlEig%252Fview%252F174103489 e-learning for healthcare Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice programme https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/alcohol/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Helen Boothman, Lead Hepatology Pharmacist and past chair of the British Hepatology Pharmacy Group (BHPG) about hepatitis C. Discussion includes what hepatitis C (hep C) is, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and the efforts ongoing to help find undiagnosed patients. Helen Boothman - Lead Hepatology Pharmacist, St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London and previous char of the BHPG Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on hepatitis C https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/hepatitis-c/NHS information on free home testing for hepatitis C https://hepctest.nhs.uk/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Helen Boothman, Lead Hepatology Pharmacist and past chair of the British Hepatology Pharmacy Group (BHPG) about hepatitis B. Discussion includes what hepatitis B (hep B) is, incidence, link with hepatitis D, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. Helen Boothman - Lead Hepatology Pharmacist, St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London and previous char of the BHPG Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on how hepatitis B is passed on and who is risk https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/hepatitis-b/risk/The British Liver Trust’s information on how to test for hepatitis B https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/hepatitis-b/hepatitis-b-tests/NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries information on which tests can help make a diagnosis of hepatitis Bhttps://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hepatitis-b/diagnosis/how-to-test-for-hepatitis-b/ The British Liver Trust’s information on treatment for hepatitis B https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/hepatitis-b/treatment/The Hepatitis B Foundation information on patient support groups https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/online-support-groups/The British Liver Trust’s information on patient support https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/support-for-you/Information on Hep B Companion - a peer led hepatitis B organisation https://www.hepbcompanion.org/
In our final episode, we explore frailty, a state of reduced resilience that makes people—particularly older adults—more vulnerable to adverse drug effects and prescribing cascades. Those living with frailty often have multiple long-term conditions, take polypharmacy, and benefit from a more personalised, “less is more” approach. (12m59s)We discuss what frailty looks like in everyday community pharmacy encounters, which medicines to look out for, and how to identify potentially inappropriate medicines prescribed. Through practical examples, we show how to ask the right questions, focus on what matters most to patients, and collaborate with general practice to reduce overprescribing through Structured medication review referrals. We highlight why, in frailty, taking fewer medicines can reduce harm and improve outcomes.Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist (Care of Older People) and Older People Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)
Here we focus on non-adherence, which often signals that medicines may no longer be appropriate, wanted, or manageable. The reasons are multifactorial and can include side effects, motivation and beliefs, or cognitive, capacity and physical barriers.We discuss how community pharmacy teams, through everyday interactions with patients, relatives and carers, can use curious, patient-centred questions to uncover the real causes of non-adherence and identify any additional support needed. We also explore how, alongside practical interventions such as adjusting formulations or offering compliance aids, pharmacy teams should recognise when deprescribing may be appropriate, advice and refer for a Structured Medication Review- aiming to ensure that solutions always align with the patient’s changing needs, context and priorities. (13m0s)Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist (Care of Older People) and Older People Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)
This episode explores repeat dispensing and repeat supply as key moments to start meaningful conversations about medicines. When patients or carers order or collect prescriptions, these touchpoints create space to ask about side effects, check whether medicines are working, still wanted, and being taken as intendedWe share simple conversation starters, ways to involve the whole pharmacy team, and when to signpost patients for a Structured Medication Review to reduce pill burden, improve adherence, minimise waste, and avoid efficiently dispensing medicines that are no longer needed. (9m52s)Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist (Care of Older People) and Older People Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)
In this episode, we focus on significant changes, especially after hospital discharge or when new, uncontrolled or worsening symptoms appear. For older people, these are times when medicines often change and when adverse effects, drug interactions or prescribing cascades can easily be missed. We discuss how simple, everyday community pharmacy conversations can uncover medicine-related problems early, how to recognise when symptoms may be drug-related, and why transitions are the ideal time to rethink, review and realign treatment with what matters most to patients as their needs change. (14m08s)Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist (Care of Older People) and Older People Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)
In this episode, we look at returned medicines as a key moment to spot potential overprescribing. When patients or carers bring back unwanted items, Rather than simply accepting them back, it opens the door to curious, non-judgemental conversations about why medicines weren’t taken and whether they’re still needed, inappropriate or causing harm.Through examples and simple open questions, we show how this everyday moment can reveal prescribing cascades, side effects and unmet needs—and how the whole pharmacy team can frame sensitive conversations to support safer, more appropriate prescribing. (14m52s)Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist (Care of Older People) and Older People Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead (NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service)
An ‘on the couch’ discussion on the practical implementation of biosimilar insulin in primary care, focusing on hints and tips to consider should your system be considering this, and debunking some of the myths around biosimilar insulin. (50m30s). This is the audio of a webinar that was held on the 30 September 2025.A range of speakers from SPS and other organisations will run this event.Carolyn BartonHead of Medicines Management (Knowsley Place); NHS Cheshire and MerseysideChris HaighDeputy Chief Pharmacist; NHS Cheshire and MerseysideJole HannanHead of Medicines Management (Wirral Place); NHS Cheshire and MerseysideGeorgia LaneSenior Clinical Pharmacist (Knowsley Place); NHS Cheshire and MerseysideRakhi Aggarwal Primary Care Lead, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service
Jo Clarke (Advanced Specialist Pharmacist - Palliative and End of Life Care, Medicines Use and Safety in SPS) explores some of the known issues which challenges the safe use of medicines in services and, the impact these have for patient, carers and loved ones. Gaining a better understanding of these challenges can support the implementation of safety initiatives to address some of these issues.
Kieran Reynolds talks to Yun Jung Kim, Senior Specialist Pharmacist in Hepatology about primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Discussion includes what PBC is, symptoms (and symptom control), diagnosis, treatment and how pharmacy professionals can contribute to the management of patients with PBC. Yun Jung Kim - Senior Specialist Pharmacist in Hepatology University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Vice-Chair, BHPG Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on primary biliary cholangitis https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/The British Liver Trust’s information on diagnosing primary biliary cholangitis https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis/The British Liver Trust’s information on treating primary biliary cholangitis https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis/PBC Foundation website https://www.pbcfoundation.international/The British Society of Gastroenterology primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) care bundlehttps://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resource/primary-biliary-cholangitis-(pbc)-care-bundle
Kieran Reynolds talks to Sonal Patel, Lead Hepatology Pharmacist about autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Discussion includes what AIH is, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and how pharmacy professionals can contribute to the management of patients with AIH. Sonal Patel - Lead Hepatology Pharmacist, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow 2024/25 at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: SPS article on assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/NHS website information on prednisolone https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/NHS website information on budesonide https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/about-budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/NHS website information on azathioprine https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/azathioprine/The Society of Endocrinology information on adrenal crisis https://www.endocrinology.org/clinical-practice/clinical-guidance/adrenal-crisis/SPS Medicines Monitoring tool https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/drug-monitoring/The Green Book: information on vaccines for vaccine preventable diseases https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book#the-green-bookAIH support website https://aihsupport.org.uk/The British Liver Trust’s information on autoimmune hepatitis https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Arron Jones, Lead Hepatology Pharmacist about metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Discussion includes what MASLD/MASH stands for, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment; including advice to give to patients accessing GLP-1 RAs online, and emerging therapies. Arron Jones - Lead Hepatology Pharmacist, Bart’s Health Trust Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: The British Liver Trust’s information on MASLD, NAFLD and fatty liver disease https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/masld-nafld-and-fatty-liver-disease/The NHS Eatwell Guide https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/The South Asian Eatwell Guide https://mynutriweb.com/the-south-asian-eatwell-guide/SPS article on using statins in liver impairment https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-statins-in-liver-impairment/The General Pharmaceutical Council’s FAQs on weight loss medications (including a guide for patients on how to keep safe when getting medicines or treatment online: scroll to bottom of page to access) https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/patients-and-public/standards-you-can-expect-using-pharmacy-services/weight-loss-medications-faq
Penny Daynes, an associate regional pharmacy procurement specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 7th and 13th June. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Job vacancy SPS Medicines Advice Pharmacist https://careers.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/current-vacancies/#!/job/v7226351 People living with diabetes and what insulin safety means to them podcast We share conversations with people living with diabetes, the impact of their diabetes diagnosis, diabetes devices, their faith, and also shared experiences of the effects of hypoglycaemia and admissions to hospital on their diabetes journey. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/developing-insulin-safety-across-a-system/ Implementing pharmacogenomic testing for aminoglycosides Patients with mitochondrial variants have an increased risk of deafness with amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin and tobramycin. Guidance on testing is provided. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/implementing-pharmacogenomic-testing-for-aminoglycosides/ Doxycycline PGD template National PGD templates are developed with experts for clinical specialties. They reduce duplication and variation, and improve consistency of care. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/patient-group-directions-and-legal-mechanisms/national-pgd-templates/ Time Critical Medicines Quality Improvement Collaborative We invite NHS Trusts to express an interest in joining this quality improvement collaborative https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/time-critical-medicines-quality-improvement-collaborative/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Emma Kirk discusses with Claire Davies her experiences and learnings from speaking with people living with diabetes as part of the NHS SPS insulin safety project. In this podcast Claire shares conversations with Abdul, Sarah, Charlie and Toby including the impact of their diabetes diagnosis, diabetes devices, faith, hypoglycaemia and admissions to hospital on their diabetes journey. (48m 41s) This podcast is part of the Medication Safety Across The System (MSATS) series, aimed at healthcare professionals working in any sector with a role or passion for medication safety and/or involved in medicines use.
John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 2nd and 6th June. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Job vacancy SPS Medicines Advice Pharmacist https://careers.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/current-vacancies/#!/job/v7226351 Prescribing available medicines to treat ADHD The availability of medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) varies currently. Supply content is maintained regularly by DHSC. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/ Time Critical Medicines Quality Improvement Collaborative We invite NHS Trusts to express an interest in joining this quality improvement collaborative https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/time-critical-medicines-quality-improvement-collaborative/ SPS PGD template user survey We are seeking feedback from users of the SPS PGD templates, and those who have chosen not to use them. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUQlJMUDVKRUtNWklVTUQyMTJYT1FEQTlVOC4u&route=shorturl Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests about evaluating the suitability of unlicensed medicines for the patient. We discuss practical considerations for managing them in dispensaries, performing a quality assessment and good governance frameworks. (29m:55s)Speakers: John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS Dr. Andrew Lowey, Lead Clinician, Pharmacy Preparative Services Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and chair of the NHS Pharmacy Production Committee Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist; NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire Katherine Cullen, Divisional Director Clinical Support Services, Chief Pharmacist; Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust Lynn Morrison, Regional Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS Scotland Amanda Cooper, Assistant Head of NHS SPS Useful links:MHRA guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14) SPS guidance https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required) https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)
Audio from our webinar held on the 4 March 2025 which featured a facilitated case-based discussion about the complexities of polypharmacy and deprescribing. This was a follow on from our first webinar, which lays the foundations of some of the deprescribing tools available. (57m02s)Speakers: Lelly Oboh: Older people lead, NHS SPSJasvir Singh Dhillon: Clinical pharmacist, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB, & GP practicesRakhi Aggarwal: Primary care lead, NHS SPS
Claire Davies chats with Toby, a person living with diabetes, as to why it is essential that the voice of those with lived experience is heard and is central to any system-wide discussions about insulin safety and what is important to him to ensure his insulin therapy is safe alongside visual impairment.
Claire Davies chats to Neera Shah about the challenges and considerations with insulin safety in health and justice and secure settings. Claire Davies – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist, SPS – Project Lead, Insulin Safety Neera Shah - Area pharmacist, Offender Health
In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests about the information and assurance needed to support the use of unlicensed medicines. We discuss the procurement process in different care settings, and explore considerations for quality assurance, packaging and labelling and formulation. (20m:05s)Speakers: John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist; NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire Sharon Jackson, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS Linda Hardy, Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacist, NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire Dr. Andrew Lowey, Lead Clinician, Pharmacy Preparative Services Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and chair of the NHS Pharmacy Production Committee Useful links:MHRA guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14) SPS guidance https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required) https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)
Rakhi talks to Antonio about newer therapies for lipid management, incliseran and bemepdoic acid. They discuss their place in therapy and how they may be initiated in primary care. This is the final part of our three-part series. Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro: Consultant Pharmacist, Inherited Metabolic Disorders; University Hospitals of Birmingham Rakhi Aggarwal: Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety; NHS SPS Useful links Cholesterol and Cholesterol levels https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/overview NICE guidance Inclisiran: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA733 Bempedopic acid with ezetimibe: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta694 NHS England summary of national guidance for lipid management https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/publication/summary-of-national-guidance-for-lipid-management/ NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB procurement & prescribing of inclisiran https://www.birminghamandsurroundsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/files/Procurement%20and%20Prescribing%20of%20Inclisiran.pdf?UNLID=93161104220252141045 Novartis inclisiran resources https://www.pro.novartis.com/uk-en/medicines/cardio-metabolic/leqvio/resources Open Access Articles Harnessing RNA Interference for Cholesterol Lowering: The Bench-to-Bedside Story of Inclisiran https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38456415/ Inclisiran administration potently and durably lowers LDL-C over an extended-term follow-up: the ORION-8 trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38753448/ Bempedoic Acid for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in People With Obesity: A CLEAR Outcomes Subset Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39921511/ Familial hypercholesterolaemia is underdiagnosed and undertreated in the general population: guidance for clinicians to prevent coronary heart disease: consensus statement of the European Atherosclerosis Society https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23956253/
In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests who define unlicensed medicines and explain why we need them. We discuss the shared responsibility for their use and the role of pharmacy in managing them safely. (20m28s)Speakers: John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS Emma Kirk, Medication Safety Officer Network Lead, Medicines Use and Safety Pharmacist; NHS SPS Linda Hardy, Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacist, NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire Nicola Husain, Education and Training Lead for the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group Tim Root, Specialist Pharmacist (NHS SPS) and a former Chief PharmacistUseful links:MHRA guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14) SPS guidance https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required) https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)
Experienced Medicines Advice pharmacists, Karoline Brennan and Daniel Hill, talk you through how to manage patients who are unable to swallow medicines. We describe a process for choosing suitable formulations, including crushing tablets.Quick links to resources:SPS swallowing difficulties resourceshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/swallowing-difficulties/Choosing medicines formulations in swallowing difficultieshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/choosing-medicines-formulations-in-swallowing-difficulties/Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficultieshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medicines-suitable-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/
Experienced Medicines Advice pharmacists, Karoline Brennan and Daniel Hill, talk you through how to manage patients who are unable to swallow medicines. We describe a process on how to find the appropriate formulation for your patient if the medicine isn't already covered in the SPS swallowing difficulties resources. Quick links to resources:SPS swallowing difficulties resourceswww.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/swa…ing-difficulties/Checking if tablets can be crushed or capsules openedhttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/checking-if-tablets-can-be-crushed-or-capsules-opened/Checking if medicines can be given with foodhttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/checking-if-medicines-can-be-given-with-food/Covert administration of medicines: legal issueshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/covert-administration-of-medicines-legal-issues/Link for medicines for children:https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/medicines
Kieran Reynolds talks to Dr Stephanie Gallard and Liz Kramer about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the infected insect bites/stings service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes how to differentiate between infected and non-infected insect bites, advice to give patients to prevent insect bites from becoming infected and how patients with insect borne diseases may present. (13m 53)Dr Stephanie Gallard – GP with special interest in dermatology, PCDS Executive committee member Kieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Liz Kramer – Community Pharmacist Useful links: NHS Lyme disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/PCDS Lyme disease https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/lyme-diseaseTick Borne Encephalitis https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/Malariahttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/malaria/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Dr Stephanie Gallard and Liz Kramer about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the shingles service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes the link between chickenpox and shingles, typical presentation of shingles, dermatomal distribution of shingles and how to respond to requests for video consultations. (20m 23s)Dr Stephanie Gallard – GP with special interest in dermatology, PCDS Executive committee member Kieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Liz Kramer – Community Pharmacist Useful links: Post exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shingles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Images of shingles: NHS shingles resources https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/ DermNet shingles resources https://dermnetnz.org/topics/herpes-zosterPrimary Care Dermatology Society shingles resources https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/herpes-zosterBlack & Brown skin resources (including images on diverse skin tones) https://www.blackandbrownskin.co.uk/campaignsDermNet dermatomes https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatomesShingles immunisation programme: information for healthcare practitioners https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-vaccination-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/shingles-immunisation-programme-information-for-healthcare-practitioners
Kieran Reynolds talks to Dr Stephanie Gallard and Liz Kramer about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the impetigo service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes how patients with impetigo usually present, differential diagnoses, advice to prevent the spread of impetigo and information about how what to when first line treatments are out of stock, including information about the SPS Medicines Supply Tool. (11m)Dr Stephanie Gallard – GP with special interest in dermatology, PCDS Executive committee member Kieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Liz Kramer – Community Pharmacist Useful links: Information on how to stop impetigo spreading available via: Impetigo - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Patient information leaflet from the British Association of Dermatologists https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/ SPS Medicines Supply Tool https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sps.nhs.uk%2Fhome%2Ftools%2Fmedicines-supply-tool%2F&reauth=1
Penny and Andy discuss new resources to support NHS procurement teams manage medicine shortages. They are joined by Sally and Andrew who talk about using the resources to navigate supply issues in their Trusts. The resources include a checklist with where to find information and how to escalate problems. Speakers:Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, North East and Yorkshire, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceAndy Stewart, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, North West, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceSally Parker, Senior Pharmacy Technician - Procurement, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation TrustAndrew Philpot, Principal Pharmacy Technician - Procurement and Outsourcing, NHS Humber Health Partnership
Two of our experienced Medicines Advice Pharmacists, John Minshull and Luke Elliott, talk about answering queries regarding the dosing of medication in patients with renal impairment. They discuss when to use eGRF and Cockcroft and Gault when estimating creatinine clearance, recommended resources to support decision making, and where to get further advice.Quick LinksThe Renal Drug Databasehttps://www.renaldrugdatabase.com/s/about-rdd-2Assessing the impact of renal impairment on medicines safetyhttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-the-impact-of-renal-impairment-on-medicines-safety/UKMI Enquiry Answering Guidelineshttps://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/Resources?ContentID=69688558-86cc-4062-b5fa-a12f48b02830
Kieran Reynolds talks to Aimee Francisco about drugs in liver impairment. Discussion includes key issues to consider when prescribing in liver disease, medicines to avoid (or use with caution) in liver disease, drug induced liver injury and herbal medicines. (13m 29s) Aimee Francisco - Advanced Specialist Gastroenterology Pharmacist at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS FT and primary care lead at the British Hepatology Pharmacy Group (BHPG) Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful LinksSPS medicines monitoring toolhttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/drug-monitoring/Questions to ask when giving medicines advice in liver impairmenthttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/questions-to-ask-when-giving-medicines-advice-in-liver-impairment/Information resources for managing medicines in liver impairmenthttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/information-resources-for-managing-medicines-in-liver-impairment/Symptom control in adults with advanced liver diseasehttps://www.basl.org.uk/index.cfm/content/page/cid/33 (available under Resources)Prescribing weight adjusted oral paracetamol in adults BASL position statementhttps://www.basl.org.uk/index.cfm/content/page/cid/20 (available under Resources)LiverToxhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's About Herbs database https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search
Kieran Reynolds talks to Naz Kanani Alviri about liver cirrhosis. Discussion includes what cirrhosis is, and how it is diagnosed, the difference between compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, complications of decompensated cirrhosis and initiatives being undertaken to improve the earlier diagnosis of liver disease. (19m 16s) Naz Kanani Alviri - Principal Pharmacist -Hepatology & Liver transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful LinksCalculating and using the Child-Pugh scorehttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/calculating-and-using-the-child-pugh-score/Prescribing weight-adjusted oral paracetamol in adults BASL position statementhttps://www.basl.org.uk/index.cfm/content/page/cid/20 (available under Resources)NHS mobile testing scheme finds thousands of new cases of liver damagehttps://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/10/nhs-mobile-testing-scheme-finds-thousands-of-new-cases-of-liver-damage/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Sital Shah in our introductory podcast about liver disease. Discussion includes the functions of the liver, difference between liver disease and liver impairment, liver blood tests and how to classify severity of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) (17m 38s) Sital Shah - Consultant Hepatology Pharmacist, King’s College Hospital London and Chair of the British Hepatology Pharmacy Group (BHPG) Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPSUseful LinksAssessing liver function and interpreting liver blood testshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/British Liver Trust - about the liverhttps://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-health-2/abouttheliver/NHS conditions - liver diseasehttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-disease/Calculating and using the Child-Pugh scorehttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/calculating-and-using-the-child-pugh-score/British Liver Trust - liver blood testshttps://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/liver-blood-tests/
Rakhi talks to Catherine and Kavan about optimising lipid management in patients who have had a haemorrhagic stroke. They discuss the importance of confirming diagnosis, risks of statin use in haemorrhagic stroke, how to use QRISK scores in this patient group, and when to seek specialist advice.This is a follow up podcast to our 'Primary care discussions: Lipid management' webinar. You can find the webinar recording here: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/Speakers:Catherine Tucker, Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid Clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care BoardKavan Nagi, Lead Cardiovascular Pharmacist, Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust and Lead ICS Lipid Specialist Pharmacist, NHS Frimley Integrated Care BoardRakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceResources discussed by the speakers:NHSE Summary of National Guidance for Lipid Management for Primary and Secondary Prevention of CVDhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/04/lipid-management-pathway-v7.pdfStroke Associationhttps://www.stroke.org.uk/QRISKhttps://www.qrisk.org/SPARCL trialThe Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) Investigators High-dose atorvastatin after stroke or transient ischemic attack. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:549–559 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa061894
Rakhi talks to Catherine and Kavan about optimising lipid management in patients who have had an ischaemic stroke. They discuss the importance of confirming diagnosis, treatment targets, how to prioritise patient for review, and when to seek specialist advice.This is a follow up podcast to our 'Primary care discussions: Lipid management' webinar. You can find the webinar recording here: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/Speakers:Catherine Tucker, Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid Clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care BoardKavan Nagi, Lead Cardiovascular Pharmacist, Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust and Lead ICS Lipid Specialist Pharmacist, NHS Frimley Integrated Care BoardRakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceResources discussed by the speakers:NHSE Summary of National Guidance for Lipid Management for Primary and Secondary Prevention of CVDhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/04/lipid-management-pathway-v7.pdfUCL Partners Proactive Care Framework: Lipid Management including Familial Hypercholesterolaemiahttps://uclpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/Lipids-and-FH-Framework_UCLPartners-LTCs-April-2021-v4.1.pdf
John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 2nd and 8th November. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Pharmacy First Podcast Series – updated links Pharmacy colleagues and expert clinicians talk about issues surrounding the new service in community pharmacy and try to debunk some of the clinical myths. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-first-podcast-series/ Using loperamide in high output stoma or short bowel syndrome This guidance explores the dosing and monitoring advice when using high dose loperamide to reduce high stoma output or in short bowel syndrome in adults. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-loperamide-in-high-output-stoma-or-short-bowel-syndrome/ Using statins in liver impairment We outline key clinical considerations when initiating statins in patients with liver disease or liver impairment. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-statins-in-liver-impairment/ Statins monitoring Medicines monitoring tool https://www.sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/statins-monitoring/ Children’s medicines: resources to support answering questions Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information on medicines use in paediatrics https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/childrens-medicines-useful-resources-to-support-answering-questions/ Managing the shortage of Molybdenum-99 / Technetium-99m generators Supplies are limited till mid-November 2024. Actions and guidance are as provided in National Patient Safety Alert (NatPSA/2024/012/DHSC) issued on 25th October https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-shortage-of-molybdenum-99-technetium-99m-generators/ Temperature management for medicines storage video A short video about temperature controlled storage of medicines https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/temperature-management-for-medicines-storage-video/ Safer use of time critical medicines - national scoping review To share your work or to be involved contact lnwh-tr.sps-mso@nhs.net Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Two of our experienced Medicines Advice Pharmacists, John Minshull and Iram Husain, discuss how medicines advice pharmacists answer queries safely. Quick LinksSwallowing difficultieshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/swallowing-difficulties/ Covert administration of medicines: legal issueshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/covert-administration-of-medicines-legal-issues/ Covert administration of medicines: pharmaceutical issueshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/covert-administration-of-medicines-pharmaceutical-issues/ UKMi Recommended Resource Lists and Toolshttps://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/Resources?ContentID=3df605e3-ec43-47b7-99ff-aabc3cd91765 SPS MA contact detailshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/about-sps/get-in-touch/medicines-information-services-contact-details/
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 26th October and 1st November. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Prescribing Outlook 2024 – log in required Our annual output to support managed entry and budget planning for new medicines, new indications and patent expiries in the NHS. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/annual-planning-advice-for-new-medicines-prescribing-outlook/ Varenicline for smoking cessation SPS PGD template for supply of varenicline to support smoking cessation in specified individuals. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/varenicline-for-smoking-cessation/ SPS Spotlight Monthly Digest A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-spotlight-monthly-digest/ Preparing to use ustekinumab biosimilar Introducing biosimilar ustekinumab needs planning. Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure familiarity with the area and develop an implementation plan. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-ustekinumab-biosimilar/ Prescribing and switching between modified-release methylphenidate Modified-release methylphenidate capsules and tablets differ. Ensure patients receive appropriate treatment, particularly during periods of supply disruption. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-switching-between-modified-release-methylphenidate/ Pharmacy First Podcast Series Pharmacy colleagues and expert clinicians talk about issues surrounding the new service in community pharmacy and try to debunk some of the clinical myths. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-first-podcast-series/ Safer use of time critical medicines - national scoping review To share your work or to be involved contact lnwh-tr.sps-mso@nhs.net Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Kieran Reynolds talks to Dr Alicia Demirjian and James Milner about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the new Pharmacy First service to children. Discussion includes practical hints and tips for examining children, how to manage parents’ expectations as well as reassure them about their child’s treatment. (13m 41s)Dr Alicia Demirjian – Paediatric infectious diseases consultant, Evelina Children’s HospitalJames Milner – ICD Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead, NHS Shropshire, Telford and WrekinKieran Reynolds – Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPSUseful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/Healthier Together guidance (otitis media (earache)) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/earacheotitis-media-advice-sheetMedicines for Children – how to give different types of medicineshttps://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/advice-guides/giving-medicines/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Naomi Fleming and Reena Barai about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes measures taken to limit the impact of antimicrobial resistance from Pharmacy First and why urine dipsticks aren’t recommended in the uncomplicated UTI service in Pharmacy First. (13m 08s)Useful links:NHS England Pharmacy First Resources: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/Community Pharmacy England (CPE) FAQs: https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-first-service/pharmacy-first-service-faqs/TARGET Treating your infection UTI leaflet: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/172235/mod_book/chapter/465/TARGET%20TYI-UTI%20leaflet%20V23.5.pdf
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Nick Francis and Rahul Sharda about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the otitis media service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes information to provide patients who don’t require antibiotics, signposting to resources to help with otoscope examination and why the otitis media service is limited to individuals aged 1-17 years. (15m 50s)Professor Nick Francis – GP & Head of School at School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton Rahul Sharda - Community pharmacist, Butt Lane PharmacyKieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPSUseful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/Healthier Together guidance (otitis media (earache) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/earacheotitis-media-advice-sheetNICE otitis media (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng91Otoscope examination resources: CliniSkills: Clinical Examination Skills Training for Community Pharmacistshttps://www.cliniskills.com/community-pharmacists/CPPE: Ear, nose and throat examination – advancing clinical assessment skills workshophttps://www.cppe.ac.uk/programmes/l/ent-w-01/CPPE: NHS Pharmacy First: Otitis Media e-learning https://www.cppe.ac.uk/programmes/l/nhsphfrst-e-01/British Society of Audiology Recommended ear examination procedurehttps://www.thebsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OD104-54-BSA-Recommended-Procedure-Ear-Examiniation-February-2022.pdf
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Paul Little and Simran Sirpal about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the sore throat service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes the FeverPAIN score, information to provide patients who don’t require antibiotics, strep A antigen tests, and exclusions from the PGDs. (11m 58s)Professor Paul Little - GP & Professor of Primary Care Simran Sirpal – Community Pharmacist, Sirchem Pharmacy GroupKieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPSUseful links:NHS England Pharmacy First resourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/Healthier Together guidance (tonsillitis/sore throat) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/sore-throat-advice-sheetNICE sore throat (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidancehttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84Community Pharmacy England Pharmacy First FAQshttps://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-first-service/pharmacy-first-service-faqs/NHS England Direct-to-consumer point-of-care in vitro diagnostic devices for group A streptococcal infectionshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/direct-to-consumer-point-of-care-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices-for-group-a-streptococcal-infections/
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Alastair Hay and Simran Sirpal about some of the clinical issues surrounding the sinusitis service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes why intranasal steroids are first line in suspected bacterial sinusitis, treating patients who are breastfeeding, as well as how to administer nasal sprays. (16m 58s)Professor Alistair Hay – GP & Professor of Primary Care, Bristol Medical SchoolSimran Sirpal – Community Pharmacist, Sirchem Pharmacy GroupKieran Reynolds – Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPSUseful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/How to use a nasal spray - The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI)https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/sites/nhs/files/How%20to%20use%20a%20nasal%20spray.pdfNICE sinusitis (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidancehttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng79
In this extended podcast, Claire Dearden talks to Nicola Stockmann who is the President of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK. To celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day, Claire and Nicola look back at the previous 14 episodes of series two of the SPS coffee break conversations with pharmacy technicians. They reflect on each individual podcast and discuss the diverse and inspirational roles that pharmacy technicians hold. This podcast also touches on the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and Nicola’s role as President. (27m 27s)Nicola Stockmann - President of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow SPS series two of coffee break conversations with pharmacy technicians https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technician-coffee-break-conversation-podcasts/Association of Pharmacy Technicians UKhttps://www.aptuk.org/
Claire Dearden talks to Lucy Featherstone who is an Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Pharmacy Technician. Lucy is responsible for managing, organising, and maintaining the oncology Pharmacy Clinical Trials Portfolio. Her role also includes education, leadership, multi-disciplinary working, compliance, as well as developing and maintaining governance frameworks. (6m 21s)Lucy Featherstone - Principal Pharmacy Technician, Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Jon Ball who works as a community pharmacy technician managing a Boots Pharmacy at Bluewater. Jon’s role includes ensuring that a safe and efficient Pharmacy is ran on a daily basis. He manages a pharmacy team, ensuring that all clinical governance as well as compliance and training is up to date in order to provide the best patient care. Jon supports his team to develop their roles in order to provide their community with the most up to date services and information.Jonathan Ball - Pharmacy Manager, BootsClaire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Ben Smith and Michelle Brown. Ben and Michelle were redeployed to work in an Emergency Department as part of a project to improve patient safety in this area. Their clinical pharmacy role included taking detailed medicine reconciliations with patients, as well as a new initiative to administer medications to patients, including making up and administering IV antibiotics. (14m 21s) Benjamin Smith - ePMA Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Senior Education and Training, Learning and Development Pharmacy Technician, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation TrustMichelle Brown - Prison Services Pharmacy Technician Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
In this follow up to our webinar Naima & Nicola discuss deescalating conflict, and preparing for and having conversations when people may not hear what you are saying. Naima shares practical advice and tools you can use to enable you to navigate difficult conversations more confidently.Speakers: Naima Fowlis, Clinical Psychologist, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS TrustNicola Wake, Associate Director, Medicines Optimisation and Engagement, NHS Specialist Pharmacy ServiceWebinar recording & resources: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-difficult-conversations-with-confidence/'Ask Tell Ask' StrategyBaile WF, Buckman R, Lenzi R, Glober G, Beale EA, Kudelka AP. SPIKES-A six-step protocol for delivering bad news: application to the patient with Cancer. Oncologist. 2000;5(4):302–11.SPIKES ToolBack, Anthony L., et al. "Approaching difficult communication tasks in oncology 1." CA: a cancer journal for clinicians 55.3 (2005): 164-177. NURSES ToolCampbell T. C., Carey E. C., Jackson V. A., Saraiya B., Yang H. B., Back A. L., Arnold R. M. Discussing prognosis: Balancing hope and realism. Cancer Journal. 2010;16:461–466.
Claire Dearden talks to Rebecca Toole (Becca) who is a Chemotherapy Medicines Management Pharmacy Technician working in an Oncology Day Unit. Alongside her daily pharmacy technician duties which include medication histories, waste management, counselling and much more, Becca now administers Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy including oral, subcutaneous and intravenous medication to patients on the day unit. (8m 59s)Becca Toole - Pharmacy Technician, Oncology North Tyneside General Hospital Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Sarah, a Specialised Pharmacy Technician who has a responsibility of overseeing the administration of medication to patients. Her role encompasses various other tasks including medication reconciliation, dosage preparation, and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to minimise the risk of medication errors. (8m 59s)Sarah Blowers - Lead Medicines Administration Technician Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 21st and 27th September. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Managing risks associated with oxytocin infusions during labour Safety strategies can minimise the risk of harms related to oxytocin infusion overdose and delayed therapy. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-risks-associated-with-oxytocin-infusions-during-labour/ SPS Spotlight Monthly Digest A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-spotlight-monthly-digest/ SPS job – 8A Medicines Advice Pharmacist Deadline for applications: 13 October https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Essex/Ipswich/East_Suffolk_North_Essex_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Medicines_Advice/Medicines_Advice-v6682895?_ts=1146 SPS job - 8B Advanced Medicines Advice Pharmacist Deadline for applications: 10 October https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9337-24-1505?keyword=Advanced%20Medicines%20Advice%20Pharmacist&language=en SPS job – 8C Assistant Chief of Staff Deadline for applications: 13 October https://careers.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/current-vacancies#!/job/v6668228 Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Claire Dearden talks to Claire Hand who is Pharmacy Integration and Workforce Lead. Claire's role involves supporting the Integrated care System (ICS) providers and organisations to ensure that community pharmacy and the clinical services they provide are fully integrated into the wider NHS. Claire also supports the development and implementation of the ICS pharmacy workforce strategy focusing on the NHS priorities of train, retain and reform. (11m 09s)Claire Hand - Pharmacy Integration and Workforce Lead NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Lynsey, who is Dispensary Manager & Homecare Lead. Lynsey's role is to give operational oversight of the Pharmacy team within the Hospital, including supporting staff with advice, supervision and mentoring in all aspects of work. She authors policies and Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring these are adhered to. Lynsey leads on projects, chairs meetings and implements change across the Pharmacy department. (8m 28s)Lynsey Chaddock - Dispensary Manager & Homecare Lead, Haywood Hospital Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Madeleine Foster, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 14th and 20th September. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Palliative Care: useful resources to support answering questions – updated page Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information to answer questions about medicines use in palliative carehttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/palliative-care-useful-resources-to-support-answering-questions/ Understanding Patient Group Directions and Integrated Care Boards – updated page We outline the responsibilities of ICBs in England as commissioners of NHS services using PGDs, and link to resources that provide further support and advice. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-patient-group-directions-and-integrated-care-boards/ NHS Prescription charges for PGDs or HMR 2012 exemptions – updated page This article summarises the position regarding the levying of prescription charges for medicines supplied under a PGD or an exemption to the HMR 2012. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/nhs-prescription-charges-for-pgds-or-hmr-2012-exemptions/ Prescribing and ordering available pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies The availability of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERTs) varies currently. Use our resources and mini-tool to find matches for licensed products. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-ordering-available-pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapies/ Prescribing available medicines to treat ADHD The availability of medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) varies currently. Supply content is maintained regularly by DHSC. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Jose Moss, Vice Chair of the Community Pharmacy Safety Group and Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist, Boots UK Limited, and Martin Sadr-Kazemi, Medication Safety Officer and Quality Assurance and Complaints Manager at Rowlands Pharmacy discuss the key issues affecting community pharmacy when ensuring the safe use of medicines across transfers of care.
Claire Dearden talks to Susan and Sue who work for Luton Community Nursing Services. Their role is to ensure that medication is managed safely and effectively within a patient’s home, whether the patient self-administers or are supported by carers, or their medication is administered by the nursing team. Their service receives referrals from a variety of services including GP, Primary Care Networks, Pharmacists, Community Pharmacists, Social Care, and Specialist Nursing Teams. (7m 21s)Susan Jermy Lead Pharmacy Technician - Luton Adults Luton Community Nursing Services Sue Guess Senior Community Pharmacy Technician NHS Luton Community Nursing Services Claire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Aiste Guogyte who, at the time of recording, worked for Horsham Central Primary Care Network (PCN), which included four GP practices and 57,000 registered patients. Aiste’s role covers clinical, technical, and administrative categories and has developed significantly since joining the PCN four years ago. Her responsibilities now include medication reviews, clinical audits, medication monitoring, creating protocols and medicines reconciliation. Aiste talks about how important it is to build partnerships with all stakeholders across the PCN. (10m 29s)Please note that since recording this podcast Horsham Central PCN has now split and Aiste works for Park and Orchard PCN, therefore, Aiste's job title has been updated to reflect this.Aiste Guogyte - Pharmacy Technician, Park and Orchard PCN Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Madeleine Foster, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 7th and 13th September. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Using generic liposomal amphotericin B A licensed generic liposomal amphotericin B (Tillomed) is available. Learn about key differences compared to AmBisome Liposomal amphotericin B (Gilead) brand. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-generic-liposomal-amphotericin-b/ Understanding the characteristics of COVID-19 vaccines An introduction to the Understanding the characteristics of COVID-19 Vaccines pages https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-the-characteristics-of-covid-19-vaccines/ The license and supporting evidence for ecu-liz-umab biosimilars – page update Two licensed eculizumab biosimilars are available: Bekemv and Epysqli. Learn about the licensed indications, supporting evidence and key differences. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-eculizumab-biosimilar/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Medicines Use and Safety 2024 Events Survey To help us enhance the quality of our Medicines Use and Safety (MUS) events, we would appreciate your feedback on our 2024 offerings. Please take a moment to complete the following anonymous survey, which should take less than 4 minutes. We welcome your input, whether or not you have attended any of our events this year. Your feedback is vital to ensuring our MUS events remain relevant and valuable. The survey will be open until Friday, 20 September, and we look forward to hearing from you. You can access the survey via this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUOUNaTlhIS1U1T1QyRkNBWFJZSUZHOURCRS4u Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Claire Dearden talks to Charlotte who works as Controlled Drugs and Policies Lead for Solent NHS Trust. Her role includes overseeing all aspects of controlled drug stewardship and governance. Managing all controlled drug incidents, audits reports and ensuring all departments are compliant with legislation and policies. Charlotte facilitates training for a wide variety of healthcare professionals and is the first port of call for controlled drug queries. (6m 4s)Charlotte Grimwood - Controlled Drugs and Policies Lead Technician; Solent NHS Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Rose who works in a Primary Care Network, her role involves conducting various medication reviews in clinics such as post discharge, hypertension and reviewing direct-acting oral anticoagulants. Alongside clinics, she is involved in medicines reconciliation and optimisation, clinical reporting, and patient safety audits. Rose also leads a small team of pharmacy technicians within North West Leicestershire Primary Care Network. (7m 3s)Rose Balment PCN Senior Pharmacy Technician North West Leicestershire GP Federation Claire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Katherine and Chloe who work at Turning Point, a social enterprise delivering health and social care services across substance use, mental health and learning disabilities across England. Katherine is Head of Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy Services; leading a small team which manage all aspects of prescribing, medicines optimisation and pharmacy contracts for the organisation. Chloe is Medication Safety Officer and develops the systems and processes to support learning from and responding to errors and incidents. (7m 34s)Katherine Watkinson Head of Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy Services and Chloe Barclay Medication Safety Officer at Turning PointClaire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Claire Dearden talks to Kate, John and Kyle about Pharmacy Technicians working in Technicial Services. Kate is responsible for the development of the training strategy and systems for all the units which make up Technical Services within Guy’s and St Thomas. John works as a Quality Assurance Specialist at NHS SPS. John's role is to give guidance and advice and his background is in pharmacy aseptic services and quality assurance. Kyle is currently Head of Production for the North East and North Cumbria Medicines Manufacturing Centre. This is one of the five pathfinder aseptic hubs under the hub and spoke workstream of the infusions and special medicines programme. (16m 30s)Kate Preston - Technical Services Education and Training Lead for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. John Oliver - Quality Assurance Specialist, Specialist Pharmacy Service Kyle Winn - Head of production North East and North Cumbria Provider collaborative Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 24th to the 30th August. To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Medication Safety Update A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/ Spotlight Monthly Digest A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-spotlight-monthly-digest/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 17th to the 23rd August. To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Pharmacy Institutional Readiness for Exagamglogene Autotemcel (Casgevy®) This document highlights key areas where Chief Pharmacists should focus pharmaceutical expertise prior to implementation of Exagamglogene Autotemcel. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-institutional-readiness-for-exagamglogene-autotemcel-casgevy/ New Product Evaluations A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the internet https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/ Prescribing and ordering available pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies - update The availability of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERTs) varies currently. Use our resources and mini-tool to find matches for licensed products. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-ordering-available-pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapies/ Spotlight Monthly Digest A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-spotlight-monthly-digest/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Rakhi Aggarwal hosted this webinar with Clare Thomson and Alison Warren on the 20 August discussing about identifying heart failure and optimising treatment in primary care.Speakers:Clare Thomson: Pharmacist Advanced Practitioner Cardiovascular and Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow 2023-2024Alison Warren: Consultant Pharmacist Cardiology, University Hospitals Sussex and Sussex Integrated Care BoardYou can find out more about this event by visiting the events page https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-heart-failure/Register with the SPS website to keep up to date with future events www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
John Oliver, a Quality Assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 10th to the 16th August. To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Assessing injectables for enteral administration Clinical decisions on the use of injectable formulations for enteral administration should be guided by safety and practicality. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-injectables-for-enteral-administration/ Treating acute hypokalaemia in adults Untreated hypokalaemia (low potassium) can lead to life threatening arrhythmias. We guide on the safe management of potassium for acute hypokalaemia. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/hypokalaemia/ Assessing the suitability of medicines in a ketogenic diet We advise on how to establish the carbohydrate content of a medicine and assess its suitability for a person on a medical ketogenic diet. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-suitability-of-medicines-in-a-ketogenic-diet/ Medication Safety Update - update A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/ Supporting the medicines shortages to treat ADHD - update Practical advice for the system in response to the NatPSA for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medicines. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supporting-system-response-to-the-adhd-medicine-shortage/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Summer Ibrahim, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 3rd to the 9th August. To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: New Medicines News New Medicines News is produced by the SPS Horizon Scanning Service. It highlights recent new product launches and significant medicines regulatory changes. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-medicines-news/ Preparing to use ustekinumab Introducing biosimilar ustekinumab needs planning. Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure familiarity with the area and develop an implementation plan. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-ustekinumab-biosimilar/ The licence and supporting evidence for ustekinumab biosimilars Ustekinumab biosimilars (Pyzchiva, Uzpruvo, Wezenla) are licensed. Learn about the indications, available formulations, supporting evidence and differences. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-ustekinumab-biosimilars/ Considerations for developing national PGD templates Decisions to develop PGD templates under the national Medicines Governance Do Once Programme depend on a variety of factors and advice on exclusions is given. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/considerations-for-developing-national-pgd-templates/ Considerations when prescribing modified-release methylphenidate, Guidance on the pharmacokinetic differences between modified-release methylphenidate products and clinical implications. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/considerations-when-prescribing-modified-release-methylphenidate/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 27th July to the 2nd August. To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Good governance when implementing ustekinumab biosimilar Governance should consider processes for approval, procurement and supply, prescribing and administration, monitoring, and pharmacovigilance. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/good-governance-when-implementing-ustekinumab-biosimilar/ The licence and supporting evidence for ustekinumab biosimilars Ustekinumab biosimilars (Pyzchiva, Uzpruvo, Wezenla) are licensed. Learn about the indications, available formulations, supporting evidence and differences. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-ustekinumab-biosimilars/ Managing reactions to dental local anaesthetic injections Reactions to dental local anaesthetics (LA) are usually psychogenic. We describe symptoms and management of allergy, adverse effects and psychogenic reactions. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-reactions-to-dental-local-anaesthetic-injections/ How to develop a Patient Group Direction - updates A guide to help organisations and individuals navigate all stages of the PGD development process. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/how-to-develop-a-patient-group-direction/ Managing the risks of using effervescent tablets in children - updates Careful use of effervescent or soluble tablets to deliver part tablet doses for children and neonates can minimise risks of toxicity or suboptimal therapy. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-risks-of-using-effervescent-tablets-in-children/ Pharmacy Technician coffee break conversation podcasts This series was published between September and December 2022. In July 2024 two new bonus episodes were published which focus on the contribution pharmacy technicians play in working with schools, supporting families and helping young people with their medicines. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technician-coffee-break-conversation-podcasts/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Summer Ibrahim, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 20th and 26th July To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Pharmacy Technician coffee break conversation podcasts This series was published between September and December 2022. In July 2024 two new bonus episodes were published which focus on the contribution pharmacy technicians play in working with schools, supporting families and helping young people with their medicines. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technician-coffee-break-conversation-podcasts/ Progesteron-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception - updated SPS PGD template for the insertion of the Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/progestogen-only-intra-uterine-device-lng-iud-for-contraception/ Medroxyprogesterone acetate used for contraception - updated SPS PGD template for administering intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection for contraception. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medroxyprogesterone-acetate-sc-dmpa-injection-for-contraception/ https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medroxyprogesterone-acetate-dmpa-im-injection-for-contraception/ Podophyllotoxin (topical) for external anogenital warts - updated SPS PGD template for the supply of podophyllotoxin 0.15% w/w cream or 0.5% w/v solution for the treatment of external anogenital warts. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/podophyllotoxin-topical-for-external-anogenital-warts/ Prescribing and ordering available pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies The availability of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERTs) varies currently. Use our resources and mini-tool to find matches for licensed products. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-ordering-available-pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapies/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/
Nicola talks to Claire about becoming the first ever National Pharmacy Technician Fellow. Claire shares her Pharmacy Technician career journey and her Fellowship role across Specialist Pharmacy Service and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Office. Claire also introduces series two of the Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations. Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow Nicola Wake - Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and Engagement, SPS
In part 2 of this double-bill, Nicola Wake chats to pharmacy technician Sue Goss about how her personal experience of learning disabilities has impacted on her professional practice and career progression. (10:14)Sue Goss: Specialist Pharmacy Technician in Children & Young People's ServicesNicola Wake: Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and EngagementThis podcast forms part of our Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations, which showcases the variety of work that these vital pharmacy professional can undertake. You can listen to previous podcasts via the SPS website on the podcasts page. If you haven't already, please register with the SPS website in order to stay up-to-date with future events (www.sps.nhs.uk/register).
In part 1 of this double-bill, Nicola Wake chats to Sarah Owen and Nirusha Govender about the role of a Pharmacy Technician working in schools and the importance of building relationships with other professionals as well as parents and carers. (17:32)Sarah Owen: Specialist Pharmacy Technician in Children & Young People's ServicesNirusha Govender: Associate Director for Medicines Governance and Pharmacy Education, NHS Kent and MedwayNicola Wake: Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and EngagementThis podcast forms part of our Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations, which showcases the variety of work that these vital pharmacy professional can undertake. You can listen to previous podcasts via the SPS website on the podcasts page. If you haven't already, please register with the SPS website in order to stay up-to-date with future events (www.sps.nhs.uk/register).
John Oliver, Quality Assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 14th and 19th July.To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Preparing to use ustekinumab Introducing biosimilar ustekinumab needs planning. Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure familiarity with the area and develop an implementation plan. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-ustekinumab-biosimilar/ Administration of contrast agents under a PGD by multiple HCPs Whether a healthcare professional (HCP) can prepare and/or administer contrast supplied by another HCP under a PGD will depend on a range of factors. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/administration-of-contrast-agents-under-a-pgd-by-multiple-hcps/ Legal mechanisms and contrast agents Informing and supporting decision making when considering the most appropriate legal mechanism for administering contrast agents in imaging services https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/legal-mechanisms-and-contrast-agents/ Using NSAIDs in asthma Safety and prescribing scenarios for using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in adults with asthma are outlined. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-nsaids-in-asthma/ Occupational health services explainer videos Short videos explaining medicines mechanisms in occupational health services, including written instructions. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/occupational-health-services-explainer-videos/ New Product Evaluations - update June list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the internet added. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/ Choosing an injectable medicine for intrathecal administration - update Additional information added regarding epidural conformity. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/choosing-an-injectable-medicine-for-intrathecal-administration/ Managing interactions between macrolides and statins - update Clarification of statin-free period following macrolide therapy and linked with other interaction article. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-interactions-between-macrolides-and-statins/ Governance principles for unlicensed medicines - update Governance system section - addition of storage differentiation. Risk assessment section - addition of wording regarding mis-identification. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/governance-principles-for-unlicensed-medicines/ Prescribing and ordering pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies The availability of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERTs) varies currently. Use available licensed products and unlicensed specials where necessary. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-ordering-available-pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapies/ Prescribing available medicines to treat ADHD - updates Supply overview for lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate MR tablets and removal of guanfacine MSN information from prescribing advice. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/ Supporting system response to the ADHD medicine shortage - update Removed guanfacine section. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supporting-system-response-to-the-adhd-medicine-shortage/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Rakhi Aggarwal hosted this webinar with Dr Duncan Jenkins and Sarah Baig on the 2 July, discussing how to use population health tools and techniques to understand and assess the needs of different population groups.This webinar helps support you in identifying, designing, and delivering proactive, personalised healthcare in your practice, to help reduce health inequalities and maximise patient care. (47m 58s)Speakers:Dr Duncan Jenkins - Associate Director, Pharmacy Clinical Divisional Director, Pharmacy and Population Health Management; Dudley Integrated Heath and Care NHS TrustSarah Baig - Pharmacy Professional Development and Governance Lead; Dudley Integrated Health & Care NHS TrustRakhi Aggarwal - Specialist Pharmacist (primary care), NHS SPSYou can find out more about this event by visiting the events page https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-population-health-in-practice/Register with the SPS website to keep up to date with future events https://www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
Summer Ibrahim, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 6th and 13th July To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Pharmacy Technicians working under Patient Group Directions – an introduction This webinar provides pharmacy technicians with an introduction to patient group directions and signposts to further resources and reading. SPS have worked collaboratively on this resource with NHS England, Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technicians-working-under-patient-group-directions/ Understanding enzyme or transporter-based drug interaction – updated page Many interactions are due to inhibition or induction of metabolising enzymes or drug transporters. Enzyme, transporter, and drug half-lives dictate duration. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-enzyme-or-transporter-based-drug-interactions/ SSRI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties – updated page A range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ssri-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/ Supply and administration of medicines by staff group – updated page Different staff groups have different permissions with respect to medicines supply and administration and it is important to ensure legislation is followed. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/legal-mechanisms-to-supply-and-administer-medicines-to-individuals/ When not to use a PGD – update page Understanding when PGDs are an unsuitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an alternative legal framework is applied. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/when-not-to-use-a-pgd/ Delegation of roles under a PGD – updated page 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. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/delegation-of-roles-under-a-pgd/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 29th June and 5th July To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Pharmacy Technicians working under Patient Group Directions Useful resources and further information for pharmacy technicians working under PGDs https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technicians-working-under-patient-group-directions/ Influenza vaccine written instruction templates for adoption Two Influenza written instruction templates are available; one for NHS bodies or Local Authorities and one for independent and other providers. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/influenza-vaccine-written-instruction-templates-for-adoption/ New Medicines News New Medicines News is produced by the SPS Horizon Scanning Service. It highlights recent new product launches and significant medicines regulatory changes. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-medicines-news/ Using and prescribing thiamine in alcohol dependence Article updated to include a section on evidence behind the recommendations and a bibliography https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-and-prescribing-thiamine-in-alcohol-dependence/ Self administration of medicines Self-administering medicines in hospital can benefit patients and organisations alike and should be encouraged wherever it is safe to do https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/self-administration-of-medicines/ Managing temperature excursions Where temperature excursions occur, follow a defined process to manage and mitigate the effects on medicines https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-temperature-excursions/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 22nd and 28th June To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Understanding excipients in medicines Guidance on excipients and suggested resources to help find information to support queries about excipients and decision making is provided https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/ Searching for presence or absence of an excipient in medicines Guidance on using the electronic medicines compendium (eMC) advanced search function, other suggested reference sources and tips for acting on search results. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/ Information resources for advice on HRT SPS and other information resources to help healthcare professionals provide advice on the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decision making. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/information-resources-for-advice-on-hrt/ Clinical considerations for patients prescribed clozapine Healthcare professionals in all settings who interact with patients prescribed clozapine should be aware of clinical considerations related to its use. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/clinical-considerations-for-patients-prescribed-clozapine/ Managing the risks associated with patients prescribed clozapine Healthcare professionals in non-specialist services managing patients prescribed clozapine should implement safe practice principles to prevent potential harms. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-risks-associated-with-patients-prescribed-clozapine/ Evaluating the quality of UK Manufactured Specials Information from suppliers enables purchasers to assess the quality of UK manufactured Specials https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/evaluating-the-quality-of-uk-manufactured-specials/ Evaluating the quality of imported Specials Information from suppliers enables purchasers to assess the quality of imported unlicensed medicines. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/evaluating-the-quality-of-imported-specials/ Medication Safety Update - June A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
A discussion exploring the roles of an interface pharmacist and pharmacy technician and how these roles can promote collaborative working across the system. Anna Bischler talks to 1. Deziah Streeton Senior Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician- Interface & safety, West Suffolk Alliance, Suffolk & North East Essex ICB and Rotational Pharmacy Technician, West Suffolk Foundation Trust and 2. Anisha Sharma, Senior Interface Pharmacist, ESNEFT and SNEE ICB- Ipswich and East Suffolk,Alliance and North East Essex Alliance.
Henrietta Cresswell, Head of Pharmacy East Suffolk PCN, Benjamin Leung, Deputy Chief Pharmacist – West Suffolk Alliance Medicine Optimisation Team, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, and Alice Charles, Ward Services Pharmacy Technician at West Suffolk Hospital Foundation Trust & PCN Pharmacy Technician at Deben Health PCN discuss with Anna Bischler how developing good communication channels and mutual understandings between care settings can promote safer practices with medicines use.
Summer Ibrahim, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 15th and 21st June To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Using domperidone for low milk supply Domperidone can be used to treat low milk supply. However, this is only after thorough assessment and once non-medical interventions have been tried. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-domperidone-for-low-milk-supply/ Investigating suspected tampering with medicines A systematic approach should be taken to responding to reports of possible malicious tampering, securing the evidence, and seeking specialist advice and support https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/investigating-suspected-tampering-with-medicines/ Purchasing for Safety Using principles of purchasing for safety when making purchasing decisions supports the safe clinical use of medicines and can minimise inadvertent harm https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/purchasing-for-safety/ Medication Safety Update A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Anna Bischler speaks to Nanna Christiansen, Chief Childrens Pharmacist Evelina, Guys and St Thomas’s NHS trust, Chair NPPG and Nicola Husain, Education & Training Lead, Neonatal & Paediatric Pharmacy Group. Together they explore strategies which may help to prevent harms associated with the use of specialist medicines, particularly in situations where patients are transitioning from one care setting to another.
Jo McMillan, Head of Medicines Optimisation, for North and Mid Hampshire within Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, is discussing how her ICB took a system wide approach to developing resources which would raise awareness of the potential risks associated with clozapine. Although this example is specific to clozapine the learning can be applied to any complex medicine.https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/medicines-optimisation/information-health-care-professionals/medicines-safety
Summer Ibrahim, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 7th and 14th June To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Retaining and storing pharmacy records in England (updated) Information on legal requirements and national guidance for retention of pharmacy records to support pharmacy professionals with local decision making. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/retaining-and-storing-pharmacy-records-in-england/ Miscellaneous records in hospital pharmacy (updated) Requirements for paperwork relating to signatures, self-administration, superseded IV monographs, formulary committee, PSD, PGD and national protocols. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/miscellaneous-records-in-hospital-pharmacy/ Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties (updated) A range of oral anticoagulant formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/anticoagulant-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/ Antiplatelet suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties (updated) A range of antiplatelet formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/antiplatelet-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/ PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties (updated) A range of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ppi-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/ Auditing Patient Group Directions (updated) SPS have developed a template audit tool to support organisations in auditing aspects of PGD development and use. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/auditing-patient-group-directions/ New Product Evaluations A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the internet. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/ Using and prescribing thiamine in alcohol dependence (updated) Intramuscular and intravenous thiamine can be used to prevent complications of alcohol dependence such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-and-prescribing-thiamine-in-alcohol-dependence/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast: Insights into our upcoming MSATS webinar on 26 June Emma and Anna discuss why you should be part of our next MSATS webinar on Managing complexities of medication use across care boundaries. https://soundcloud.com/nhs_sps/insights-into-our-upcoming-msats-webinar-on-26th-june Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Emma and Anna discuss why you should be part of our next MSATS webinar on Managing complexities of medication use across care boundaries. This session really will benefit everyone!For further information on our webinar, visit the events pages on our website www.sps.nhs.uk
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 31st May and 7th June To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Using and prescribing thiamine in alcohol dependence Intramuscular and intravenous thiamine can be used to prevent complications of alcohol dependence such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This content is being published by SPS to support the current supply issue with Pabrinex. It was developed with a number of colleagues from the expert reference group for UK clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-and-prescribing-thiamine-in-alcohol-dependence/ New Medicines News New Medicines News is produced by the SPS Horizon Scanning Service. It highlights recent new product launches and significant medicines regulatory changes. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-medicines-news/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 24th and 31st May 2024To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.Quick links to highlighted resources:Treating lice during breastfeedingWet combing, dimeticone, malathion or permethrin can be used during breastfeeding; choice will depend on the indication. Other treatments can be considered.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/treating-lice-during-breastfeeding/Medication Safety UpdateA resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferenceshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description:NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 17th and 24th May 2024 To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter. Quick links to highlighted resources: Understanding enzyme or transporter-based interactions Many interactions are due to inhibition or induction of metabolising enzymes or drug transporters. Enzyme, transporter, and drug half-lives dictate duration. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-enzyme-or-transporter-based-drug-interactions/ Switching strategies for antidepressants The choice of antidepressant switching strategy depends on the person and antidepressant. We describe the current strategies and their application. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/switching-strategies-for-antidepressants/ Monthly Spotlight digest A slide deck for all healthcare professionals summarising SPS’s outputs and resources. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-spotlight-monthly-digest/ Medication Safety Across The System – Opioid Safety webinar survey If you attended this webinar, listened to the event recording in the past year, or watched one of the associated videos, we would love to hear your feedback vis this survey. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUMllLWUtYTU00VFhOTU9EVDdaSE42V0lKNy4u Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 10th and 17th May 2024To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.Quick links to highlighted resources:Calculating and using the Child-Pugh scoreThe Child-Pugh score is used to estimate the severity of liver disease in patients with cirrhosis, and by drug manufacturers to suggest dose adjustments.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/calculating-and-using-the-child-pugh-score/New Product EvaluationsA list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the internet.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/ Prescribing thiamine in patients at risk of refeeding syndrome.Update: Frequency of dosing updated for clarity.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-thiamine-in-patients-at-risk-of-refeeding-syndrome/Supply and administration of medicines by staff group (H-O)Update: Community practitioner nurse prescriber added.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supply-and-administration-of-medicines-by-staff-group-h-to-o/ Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device for contraceptionUpdate: Added FSRH recommendation of 9th May supporting extended use of any 52mg LNG-IUD for up to eight years for contraception.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/progestogen-only-intra-uterine-device-lng-iud-for-contraception/ Medication Safety Across The System – Opioid Safety webinar surveyIf you attended this webinar, listened to the event recording in the past year, or watched one of the associated videos, we would love to hear your feedback vis this survey.https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUMllLWUtYTU00VFhOTU9EVDdaSE42V0lKNy4u Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferenceshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description:NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 3rd and 10th May 2024To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.Quick links to highlighted resources:Planning for PGDs explainer videos.Short videos to help when planning for the development of new, or review of existing Patient Group Directions (PGDs).https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/planning-for-pgds-explainer-videos/Assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests.We explain how to assess liver function including the purpose of liver blood tests, how to interpret them and what to do if they are abnormal.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/Questions to ask when giving medicines advice in liver impairment.Information should be gathered about the history of liver impairment or the type of liver disease to enable a risk assessment and decisions about treatment.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/questions-to-ask-when-giving-medicines-advice-in-liver-impairment/Information resources for managing medicines in liver impairment.SPS and other information resources to help healthcare professionals provide advice on medicines in liver impairment.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/information-resources-for-managing-medicines-in-liver-impairment/Prescribing thiamine in patients at risk of refeeding syndrome.Intravenous thiamine for prevention of refeeding syndrome should be reserved for those with intestinal failure where the oral or enteral route is unavailable.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-thiamine-in-patients-at-risk-of-refeeding-syndrome/Influenza vaccine written instruction templates for adoption.Update: Note added re 24/25 template publication. The new templates are expected to be published in late spring or early summer this year. We are unable to provide an exact publication date but will release them as soon as possible, at the same time the UKHSA publish the national PGD for IM influenza vaccine.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/influenza-vaccine-written-instruction-templates-for-adoption/ Medication Safety Across The System – Opioid Safety webinar surveyIf you attended this webinar, listened to the event recording in the past year, or watched one of the associated videos, we would love to hear your feedback vis this survey.https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUMllLWUtYTU00VFhOTU9EVDdaSE42V0lKNy4u Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferenceshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description:NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice, Pharmacist presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 19th and 26th April 2024To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.Quick links to highlighted resources:Assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests.We explain how to assess liver function including the purpose of liver blood tests, how to interpret them and what to do if they are abnormal.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/Questions to ask when giving medicines advice in liver impairment.Information should be gathered about the history of liver impairment or the type of liver disease to enable a risk assessment and decisions about treatment.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/questions-to-ask-when-giving-medicines-advice-in-liver-impairment/Information resources for managing medicines in liver impairment.SPS and other information resources to help healthcare professionals provide advice on medicines in liver impairment.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/information-resources-for-managing-medicines-in-liver-impairment/Prescribing thiamine in patients at risk of refeeding syndrome.Intravenous thiamine for prevention of refeeding syndrome should be reserved for those with intestinal failure where the oral or enteral route is unavailable.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-thiamine-in-patients-at-risk-of-refeeding-syndrome/Choosing a medicine to delay periodsNorethisterone is the licensed choice for delaying menstruation, but it is not always the most appropriate choice.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/choosing-a-medicine-to-delay-periods/Must reads PGD explainer videos.Short videos about Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and medicines mechanisms, and their use in practice.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/must-reads-pgd-explainer-videos/Supply and administration PGD explainer videos.Short explanatory videos about the supply and administration of medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs).https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supply-and-administration-pgd-explainer-videos/Planning for PGDs explainer videos.Short videos to help when planning for the development of new, or review of existing Patient Group Directions (PGDs).https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/planning-for-pgds-explainer-videos/Lists of new product launches.Annual lists of new products and formulations that have launched, and had licence changes approved.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/lists-of-new-product-launches/ Medication Safety Across The System – Opioid Safety webinar surveyIf you attended this webinar, listened to the event recording in the past year, or watched one of the associated videos, we would love to hear your feedback vis this survey.https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUMllLWUtYTU00VFhOTU9EVDdaSE42V0lKNy4u SPS is going to Clinical Pharmacy Congress - Bookmark SPS at the Clinical Pharmacy Congress (CPC) and come and say hello.https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-are-going-to-cpc-london-2024/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferenceshttps://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ Podcast description:NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice, Pharmacist presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 19th and 26th April 2024To easily find a list of newly published pages got to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.Quick links to highlighted resources:Switching between mesalazine oral tablet preparationsUpdates:- Available preparations and site of drug release updated.- Revised wording for switching between brands, brand to generic switching and monitoring when switching preparations.- Removal of section regarding non-oral mesalazine preparations and reference to Zintasa which has been discontinued.- Bibliography changed to reflect current practice. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/switching-between-mesalazine-oral-tablet-preparations/About the SPS Medicines Governance Do Once ProgrammeUpdate: Updated process documents for PGDs, protocols and written instructions added. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/about-the-sps-medicines-governance-do-once-programme/Implementing the National PGD TemplatesUpdated implementation guide published. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/implementing-the-national-patient-group-direction-pgd-templates/Benzylpenicillin injection for suspected meningitisNew template in line with updated NICE guidance NG240 https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/benzylpenicillin-injection-for-suspected-meningitis/Medication Safety UpdateApril slide deck of resources collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/Medication Safety Across The System – Opioid Safety webinar surveyIf you attended this webinar, listened to the event recording in the past year, or watched one of the associated videos, we would love to hear your feedback vis this survey. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VpftQ_9Bv0yVm0BqQIO3iy69MtABWsFCjFDc3yJffiRUMllLWUtYTU00VFhOTU9EVDdaSE42V0lKNy4uSPS is going to Clinical Pharmacy Congress - Bookmark SPS at the Clinical Pharmacy Congress (CPC) and come and say hello. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/sps-are-going-to-cpc-london-2024/Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/Podcast description:NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.
This ‘on the couch’ webinar, the second in a series of two, addressed questions around the challenges faced by pharmacists with HRT decision making. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 24 March 2024 (56mins 29secs)Speakers:Nuttan Tanna - Consultant Pharmacist, Women’s Health; Northwick Park Menopause Clinical & Research UnitSally Arnison, MBE - Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Berkshire Primary Care; Clinical Pharmacist, Ascot PCNSheetal Ladva, Specialist Pharmacist, SPS
Emma Kirk chats with Siobhan Gee, Consultant Pharmacist and Deputy Director of Pharmacy at South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust about the challenges and the opportunities of the mandated full pack dispensing of valproate.
A discussion highlighting the importance of considering those with learning and intellectual disabilities when implementing changes in practice related to valproate prescribing. Lance and Maria explore the potential impact on the system and suggest considerations to promote an equitable and safe journey for the valproate patient with learning and intellectual disabilities (23m 37s).Speakers: Professor Lance Watkins: Consultant psychiatrist; Visiting Professor (University of South Wales); Associate Professor (University of Plymouth); Clinical Lead for Learning Disability Research (NCMH); Epilepsy Pathway Lead (Swansea University Health Board). Dr Maria Vincent: GP Specialist in Learning Disability Medicine (Swansea University Health Board)Anna Bischler: Lead Pharmacist - Medicines Safety, SPS
Emma Kirk chats with Kylie Williams, Highly Specialist pharmacist Medicines Safety at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Emma Hall, Lead Technician Medicines Safety at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust about the impact of the regulations at acute district general hospitals. They discuss the challenges and some of the solutions they have implemented to ensure that they support the safe use of valproate for their patients.
A practical and interactive discussion between specialist and generalist pharmacy professionals about progressing your career in primary care. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 13 February 2024 (55mins 45secs)Topics covered included:•An example journey towards a senior pharmacy role to reflect on•How to raise your profile as pharmacy professionals in GP practices•Tips on developing relationships, resilience and boundaries as a means of integration into the primary care teamSpeakers:Yuen Toh, Joint Clinical Director, Strategic Lead, Lead Senior PCN Clinical Pharmacist, Apex Primary CareIsheeta Mendiratta, PCN Senior Clinical PharmacistZoe Webb, Senior Pharmacy Technician, General Practice AllianceBarry Jubraj, Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, SPSNicola Wake, Pharmacy Integration Project Lead, SPS
A practical and interactive discussion between specialist and generalist pharmacy professionals about managing lipid treatments in primary care. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 12 December 2023 (54mins 52secs)Topics covered included:•Practical tips from a specialist and generalists on challenges in lipid management and how these can be met in primary care•How pharmacy technicians are getting involved in lipid management•What to consider when working towards the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for Cholesterol Control and Lipid ManagementSpeakers:•Catherine Tucker - Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board•Claire Miller - Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Wansbeck PCN, Northumberland•Maxine Richardson - Pharmacy Technician, North West PCN, Newcastle upon Tyne•Barry Jubraj - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety•Rakhi Aggarwal - Associate Director, Medicines Use and SafetyFurther information about the webinar can be found on our website: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/
Anna Bischler and Jay Patel discuss language barriers and the impact they have on medication safety inequalities. (19:21)Jay Patel: Regional Facilitator for Early Career Pharmacist Practice, Workforce Transformation & Education Directorate, NHS EnglandAnna Bischler: Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, SPSThis podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across The System series, this time focussing on Medication Safety Inequalities. You can find out more about this and other events by visiting our events pages on the SPS website (www.sps.nhs.uk) and don't forget to register to stay up to date with future events.
Barry Jubraj, Emma Bryant and Rakhi Aggarwal from the Medicines Use and Safety (MUS) Team discuss why SPS are hosting the upcoming mental health mini-conference and what attendees can expect to hear about in terms of examples and support for healthcare professionals in primary care. (05:34)
Barry Jubraj - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety Emma Bryant - Associate Director (Mental Health) Rakhi Aggarwal - Associate Director (Primary Care)
To register or for further information go to our events pages on the SPS website https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supporting-people-with-mental-health-conditions-in-primary-care/
Anna and Gavin discuss challenges within the ambulance service related to time critical medicines safety. The discussion explores actions that could support medication activists to assess local practice and risks to inform local initiatives.
Anna Bischler – Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, Specialist Pharmacy Services Gavin Mooney - Advanced Paramedic Practitioner and Trust Medication Safety Officer (MSO)
This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
A discussion exploring what time critical medicines safety means to medics and how they can support the system to ensure patients receive their time critical medicines on time. Examples of recent and future work by national bodies are shared. (17mins 44 secs)
Our speakers are: Dr Jonny Acheson - Emergency Medicine Consultant University Hospitals of Leicester; Director of Engagement at The Parkinson's Excellence Network Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services
This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
A discussion between medication safety activists from primary care and secondary care exploring what time critical medicines means to them. Common barriers with time critical medicines are identified and a reflection on how all settings within in the system need to work together to ensure patients receive their time critical medicines on time. (13 mins 22 secs)
Our speakers are: Suzanne Cooper, Principal Pharmacist Medicines Governance and Medication Safety Officer, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Nikki Smith, Head of Medicines Safety / Patient Safety Specialist, Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services
This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
This podcast explores research based evidence where patient engagement and patient held records were utilised to promote safety. Our speakers will be discussing how this approach supports system wide communications to empower patients and promote safe practices with time critical medicines. (20 mins 44 sec)
Our speakers are: Anna Bischler - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, Specialist Pharmacy Services Professor Bryony Dean Franklin - Professor of Medication Safety, UCL School of Pharmacy; Executive Lead Pharmacist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; Director, NIHR North West London Patient Safety Research Collaboration Sara Garfield - Lecturer in drug safety and pharmacoepidemiology Mike Etkind - Patient and public contributor Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services
This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
Emma Kirk & Anna Bischler introduce the second webinar in our new Medication Safety Across the System series: time critical medicines. They discuss why they've chosen this topic, why the challenge isn't just in secondary care, and explain how healthcare professionals will benefit from attending the webinar.Wednesday 28th June 12.30pm to 2pmFor more information and to register for the webinar: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-across-the-system-time-critical-medicines/Register with the SPS website to receive regular updates about the webinar series and other resources: www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
Emma Kirk & Anna Bischler introduce a new webinar series - Medication Safety Across the System - a forum for individuals to discuss challenges and successes to inform and inspire medication safety initiatives across the system.Save the date - Wednesday 29th March 12.30pm to 2pmRegister with the SPS website to receive regular updates about the webinar series and other resources: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
Liz Fidler, Senior Professional Advisor Pharmacy Technician Practice, NHS England, and Ellen Williams, Director of Regional Pharmacy Training, Pharmacy Workforce Development South, share their reflections after listening to this podcast series. They discuss post-registration education pathways, managing expectations within and outside the profession, and how the stories they heard motivate and inspire them. Liz also confirms with Barry Jubraj that this shouldn't be the final episode (15min 40sec).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks to Dawn Cassidy, a chief pharmacy technician in health and justice. Dawn describes the role of pharmacy technicians in secure environments and the skills they employ in this care sector (15mins 37secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks to Charlotte Hoey, a pharmacy technician working in a virtual ward environment. Charlotte briefly talks about her career to date and explains what virtual wards are. She describers her role within the virtual ward pharmacy team and shares an example of a pharmacy technician home visit. (20mins 22secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks to Chris Warren, a pharmacy technician in a GP practice. Chris talks about the clinics that he runs, including undertaking hypertension and cholesterol reviews, and his wider role in the GP practice (12mins 56secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks to Jennie Smith, a primary care network pharmacy technician. Jennie talks about undertaking consultations with patients about statins, and reviewing and actioning blood pressure readings (12mins 39 secs)This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Nicola Wake talks to Kiera Whitehead Elliott, a trainee pharmacy technician at Barts Health NHS Trust. Kiera talks about her rotation in a GP practice, including the audit that she carried out during her placement.This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks with Emma Lowe, a medicines optimisation pharmacy technician for care homes. Emma talks about her role in supporting pharmacists and GPs with Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs), which includes measuring renal function and assessing anticholinergic burden(13mins 45 secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Nicola Wake talks to Melissa Melly, a pharmacy technician in GP practice. Melly shares how she resolved a difficulty in arranging blood tests related to medicines monitoring by undertaking venepuncture training and delivering urgent or overdue blood test appointments in a weekly clinic (11mins 15 secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Nicola Wake talks to Steph Edwards, a care home pharmacy technician. Steph talks about working in a newly established role and the contributions pharmacy technicians can make in the care home setting(10mins 32secs)This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Barry Jubraj talks to Zoe Webb, a senior pharmacy technician in GP practice, about leadership. Zoe shares her career journey and describes her role looking after a pharmacy technician team alongside her clinical role(15mins 59secs).This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
Introducing our podcast series: Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations. Emma Fallows from NHS SPS introduces the podcast series and chats with Liz Fidler, Senior Professional Advisor Pharmacy Technician Practice, NHE England, and Ellen Williams, Director of Regional Pharmacy Training, Pharmacy Workforce Development South, about why they are looking forward to listening to the series (3mins 35sec)This is a new podcast series. We welcome feedback via this short survey, which should take approximately 2 minutes to complete: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/064Q41/
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Stuart Bond talks to Nicola Wake about how he handled a particular clinical situation and what led him to the decisions he made.
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Nina Barnett interviews Hannah Beba about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Barry Jubraj interviews Jo Crook about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Joanna Freeman interviews Alison Warren about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Barry Jubraj interviews Melinda Presland about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.