Publications

Topics: Publications

We publish recommendations and resources, together with a host of other material for the benefit of our users.

Most recent

SPS Spotlight Monthly Digest

A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams.

Cytisinicline for smoking cessation

SPS PGD template for supply of cytisinicline to support smoking cessation in specified individuals.

Gadopiclenol contrast agent

SPS PGD template for administering gadopiclenol intravenously for imaging investigations and procedures by registered Radiographers.

New Product Evaluations

A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff.

Varenicline for smoking cessation

SPS PGD template for supply of varenicline to support smoking cessation in specified individuals.

Monitoring and reviewing a PGD in practice

Monitoring and evaluating practice under a PGD and timely review of a PGD are important steps in the development process.

Writing a PGD

Writing a PGD is a multi-step process, requiring input from all members of the PGD development team.

Authorising and preparing to use a PGD

Once a PGD is written, there are steps to be completed before the PGD is used within an organisation.

Planning for a PGD

You’ve decided a PGD is the most appropriate option but there are things to consider before you start writing.

Occupational health services explainer videos

Short videos explaining medicines mechanisms in occupational health services, including written instructions.

Articles

Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Products - Pharmacy Institutional Readiness Guidance

This document outlines key areas for focus of pharmaceutical expertise prior to an organisation implementing Somatic Cell Therapy Product.

Pharmacogenomics: resources to support answering questions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information to answer questions about pharmacogenomics.

Ex-Vivo (cell based) GMO Gene Therapy Medicinal Products - Pharmacy Institutional Readiness Guidance

This document outlines key areas for focus of pharmacy expertise prior to an organisation implementing Ex-Vivo genetically modified organism (GMO) Gene Therapy.

In-Vivo GMO Gene Therapy Medicinal Products - Pharmacy Institutional Readiness Guidance

This document outlines key areas for focus of pharmacy expertise prior to an organisation implementing In-Vivo Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Gene Therapy.

Supporting people with sight loss in managing their medicines

Guidance for pharmacy staff about how to support people with sight loss in using their medicines and accessing pharmacy services.

Individually labelled medicines in residential custodial settings

Advice on using individually labelled medicines rather than stock medication for residential custodial settings.

Preparing for audits and inspections of aseptic services

Careful planning ensures maximum benefit for both the auditee and auditor

Biosimilar and key generic medicines – April 2025 update

An update about biosimilar and key generic medicines to support implementation with a focus on aflibercept, golimumab, nilotinib and ferric carboxymaltose.

Articles, Newsletters

New Medicines News

Articles, Bulletins

SPS Spotlight Monthly Digest

A slide deck summarising SPS outputs and resources. It should be distributed to relevant healthcare professionals and their teams.

New Product Evaluations

A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff.

Medication Safety Update

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

SPS Horizon Scanning

Know what medicines are in the pipeline. Understand the strategic and operational challenges for the NHS. Start planning early.

Welcoming the Web Assistant pilot

The Web Assistant will help you to answer questions about medicines in patients with swallowing difficulties.

Articles, Research and audits

Patient Group Directions e-learning programme

E-learning developed by SPS in partnership with UKHSA, HEE and eLfH to support professionals who use, develop, authorise, review or update PGDs.

Northern Pharmacy Technical Services Workforce Project Report

These are the detailed and easy read summary reports of the northern pharmacy technical services (PTS) workforce project. They provide a critical analysis of the…

Auditing Patient Group Directions

SPS have developed a template audit tool to support organisations in auditing aspects of PGD development and use.

Using medicines under PGD as part of a clinical trial or study

Advice on the use of Patient Group Directions (PGDs) to supply or administer a medication which is part of a clinical trial, study or pilot

Wholesale Distribution Authorisation Audit Edition 1 August 2014 (Yellow Cover)

Pharmacy Intrathecal Chemotherapy Audit Aide Memoire 4th Edition (Yellow Cover)

This audit document is intended to be used to audit Pharmacy aspects of the safe administration of intrathecal chemotherapy, as part of the EL(97)52 Audit…

SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service

NHS