Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead from NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, speaks to Rachel Palmer, Consultant Pharmacist, Genomic Medicine, NHS South West Genomic Medicine Service, about the use of pharmacogenomic testing in general practice. They discuss its impact on prescribing, resources to support clinical practice, and the role of pharmacy professionals as personalised prescribing becomes more widely adopted across the NHS.

Find out more about pharmacogenomics by visiting https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacogenomics-resources-to-support-answering-questions/

Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead for NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, speaks to Natalie Curley, Lead Pharmacist, South West London ICB, about how pharmacogenomics is shaping medicines governance. They discuss its impact on formulary decisions and treatment pathways and explore how ICBs can prepare for the future delivery of personalised medicine.

Find out more about pharmacogenomics by visiting https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacogenomics-resources-to-support-answering-questions/

Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead from NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, speaks to Vicky Chaplin, Senior Clinical Lead, Genomics Unit, NHS England, about about the role of genomics in community pharmacy. The discussion explores pharmacogenomic testing, personalised prescribing, direct-to-consumer genetic tests, and how community pharmacy can support patients as genomic medicine develops within the NHS.

Find out more about pharmacogenomics by visiting https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacogenomics-resources-to-support-answering-questions/

John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 22nd August and 4th 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:    

Prescribing Outlook 2026 - 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://sps.nhs.uk/articles/annual-planning-advice-for-new-medicines-prescribing-outlook/

Managing medicines associated with QT interval prolongation

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-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.

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/commonly-used-medicines-associated-with-qt-interval-prolongation/

Spotlight, August 2026

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-august-2026/

Dealing with temperature excursions video

A short video about dealing with temperature excursions in medicine storage areas

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/dealing-with-temperature-excursions-video/

Medication Safety Update – August 2026

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/

PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

A range of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/ppi-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/

Designing and building pharmacy aseptic clean rooms

A systematic approach to planning, commissioning, building and validating pharmacy aseptic clean room suites ensures their fitness for purpose.

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/designing-and-building-pharmacy-aseptic-clean-rooms/

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 15th and 21st 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:    

Prescribing Outlook 2026 - 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://sps.nhs.uk/articles/annual-planning-advice-for-new-medicines-prescribing-outlook/

Benztropine injection for acute dystonic reactions

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/benztropine-injection-for-acute-dystonic-reactions/

Valproic acid and Sodium valproate monitoring

Monitoring guidance update.

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/

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'.

Penny Daynes, Pharmacy Procurement Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 8th and 14th 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:    

Prescribing Outlook 2026 - 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://sps.nhs.uk/articles/annual-planning-advice-for-new-medicines-prescribing-outlook/

Poisoning and toxicity: resources to support clinical decisions

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/poisoning-and-toxicity-resources-to-support-clinical-decisions/

Medication Safety Update

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

https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/

ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers

Monitoring guidance update

https://sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/ace-inhibitors-and-angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers-monitoring/

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'.

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 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/

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'.

Gary Hodgson, Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 11th and 17th 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:

Full list of our must recently published pages

https://sps.nhs.uk/

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'.