Events
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: palliative care focus
Expert pharmacists used a case study to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients with a progressive, life-limiting illness.
Dealing with temperature excursions
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite-size learning event exploring the principles of managing temperature excursions involving medicines.
Managing outstanding medicines orders: from reactive to proactive
Guidance for managing outstanding orders in NHS pharmacy procurement teams to improve medicines availability and reduce financial impact of supply disruptions.
Guidance
New and updated articles published during July 2026.
Medicines Optimisation
Heatwaves and medicines: assessing and managing patient risk
Hot weather can affect the body’s responses to some medicines and medical devices. Identify people at risk and manage the potential impact.
Treating urinary disorders during breastfeeding
Oxybutynin is preferred for urinary disorders during breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants only.
Using lipid-lowering medicines while breastfeeding
Rosuvastatin, pravastatin and atorvastatin are preferred; simvastatin and ezetimibe can also be used. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants.
Mental health medicines: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on psychotropic and other medicines used in psychiatry
Medicines in dentistry: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help dental teams and other healthcare professionals find information on medicines used in dentistry or which may impact dental treatment
Medication Safety
Developing direct oral anticoagulant safety across a system
Strategies and signposting to support safer use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
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
Procurement
Implementing medicines frameworks
A checklist has been developed to support the NHS in implementing new frameworks for medicines.
Podcasts
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: insomnia focus
Expert pharmacists used a case study to illustrate a patient centred and holistic approach to SMRs for patients prescribed medicines for insomnia.
Improving the safe use of time critical medicines
A resource to support healthcare professionals in taking action to improve the safe use of time critical medicines.
PGDs
New and updated versions of national PGD templates published during July 2026.
Intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin sodium
SPS PGD template for intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin sodium for prevention of early-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) neonatal infection
Fluconazole 150mg capsule for candidiasis
SPS PGD template for the supply of a fluconazole 150mg capsule (single dose) for the treatment of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis.
Clotrimazole pessaries for candidiasis
SPS PGD template for the supply of clotrimazole pessaries for treatment of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis.
Clotrimazole cream for candidiasis and candidal balanoposthitis
SPS PGD template for the supply of clotrimazole cream for treatment of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis/candidal balanoposthitis
Etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) implant for contraception
SPS PGD template for the insertion of etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) 68mg subdermal implant for contraception.
Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception
SPS PGD template for the insertion of the Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception.
Combined hormonal contraceptive transdermal patch
SPS PGD template for the supply of combined hormonal transdermal patch for contraception.
Combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring
SPS PGD template for the supply of combined hormonal vaginal ring for contraception.
Combined oral hormonal contraceptive (COC) in reproductive health
SPS PGD template for the supply of a combined oral hormonal contraceptive for contraception, or for individuals requiring control of problematic bleeding.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) IM injection for contraception
SPS PGD template for administering intramuscular (IM) medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection for contraception.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) SC injection for contraception
SPS PGD template for the supply and/or administration of subcutaneous medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) subcutaneous (SC) injection for contraception.
Progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception
SPS PGD template for the supply of a progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception.
Publications
Medication Safety Update
A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.
Shortages
Medicines Supply Tool
Latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates. Content provided by DHSC and MVA team, NHS England.