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Spotlight, August 2026

Published
Topics: Monthly digest

A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for August 2026.

Events

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.

Biosimilar and key generic medicines – September 2026 update

An update around biosimilar and key generic medicines to support system planning and mobilisation.

Designing and building aseptic services clean rooms

An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on planning and designing new aseptic clean rooms for GMP compliance.

SPS is going to the Pharmacy Show

SPS are presenting and will have a stand at the Pharmacy Show on 11-12 October 2026

Guidance

New and updated articles published during August 2026

Horizon Scanning

Restricted to NHS: Annual medicines planning publication, Prescribing Outlook

Our annual output ‘PO’ supports managed entry and budget planning for new medicines, new indications and medicines with loss of exclusivity in the NHS.

Procurement

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.

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.

Medicines Optimisation

SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions

Recordings and podcasts of case based discussions about structured medication reviews in problematic polypharmacy, each focussing on a different condition.

Tools to support medication review

These practical tools aid medication review by identifying inappropriate medicines, guiding deprescribing, and empowering patients via shared decision making.

Reviewing medicines use in renal impairment

We advise on different areas to consider for medicines use in adults with a range of kidney disorders

Questions to ask when giving medicines advice in renal impairment

Information should be gathered about the renal impairment history or type of kidney disease to enable a risk assessment and decisions about treatment.

Renal impairment: resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding the use of medicines in renal impairment

Poisoning and toxicity: resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding medicine toxicity or overdose

Managing medicines associated with QT interval prolongation

Guidance on patient assessment and management of medicines associated with QT interval prolongation.

Commonly used medicines associated with QT interval prolongation

Examples of medicines known to prolong the QT interval. Medicines are grouped by therapeutic class and are not an exhaustive list.

Medicines Governance

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

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)

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.

Medicines Safety

Medication Safety Update

A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.

Benztropine injection for acute dystonic reactions

SPS has developed this resource to support healthcare professionals in managing the discontinuation of procyclidine injection.

Aseptic Services

Restricted to NHS: Governance of aseptic preparation services

A video about governance of pharmacy aseptic services.

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.