NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service

Episoder

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  15 September: Pharmacogenomics podcasts, sulfonamide hypersensitivity, & medication adherence 15.09.2026 5min

  Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 5th and 11th 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:     Pharmacogenomics in primary care and community pharmacy podcasts Podcasts exploring how pharmacogenomics is supporting personalised prescribing and shaping the future of medicines optimisation in primary care. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacogenomics-in-primary-care-and-community-pharmacy-podcasts/ 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/ Choosing medicines in sulfonamide hypersensitivity People allergic to one sulfonamide antibiotic should avoid other sulfonamide antibiotics. We advise on prescribing non-antibiotic sulfonamides in this situation https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/choosing-medicines-in-sulfonamide-hypersensitivity/ Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties A range of oral anticoagulant formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/anticoagulant-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/ Defining and understanding medication adherence Definitions, evidence and the importance of effective consultations, with tools and interventions to facilitate medication adherence. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/defining-and-understanding-medication-adherence/ 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'.
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  Genomics and personalised prescribing in primary care 10.09.2026 7min

  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/
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  Embedding pharmacogenomics: the ICB role in transforming care 10.09.2026 4min

  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/
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  The future of pharmacogenomics in community pharmacy 10.09.2026 7min

  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/
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  8 September: QT interval prolongation, pharmacy aseptic clean rooms, & swallowing difficulties 08.09.2026 6min

  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'.        
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  Sustaining Improvement: One Trust’s Time Critical Medicines Journey 06.07.2026 33min

  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)
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  SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: insomnia focus – your questions answered 29.06.2026 35min

  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 patterns 03.23 - Cumulative sleep 04.45 - Red flags 10.22 - Treat the underlying cause or start hypnotics 12.34 - Pharmacological options 15.07 - Melatonin 20.11 - Serious mental illness (SMI) and insomnia 22.22 - New medicines for insomnia (daridorexant) 26.46 - Non-pharmacological treatments 31.12 - More information and training Dr Rania Ward; Principal Pharmacist for Sleep Medicine, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Emma Bryant; Mental Health Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service Useful links SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions https://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=824 PCPharm (Insomnia Learning Programme) https://courses.learning.rpharms.com/product?catalog=RCP-Clinical-19
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  Prescribing with confidence: SPS resources supporting safe prescribing 22.06.2026 11min

  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.
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  Prescribing with confidence: CPPE supporting prescribers 22.06.2026 14min

  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.
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  Prescribing with confidence: SPS tools supporting safe prescribing 15.06.2026 18min

  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
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  Prescribing with confidence: When things go wrong in prescribing practice 15.06.2026 13min

  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
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  Prescribing with confidence: The new prescriber experience 08.06.2026 18min

  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
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  Prescribing with confidence: Experienced prescriber insights 08.06.2026 22min

  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
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  Prescribing with confidence: Trailer 01.06.2026 10min

  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
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  Liver Transplant 15.12.2025 22min

  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%20medicines The 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-transplantation 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-book NHS Business Services Authority information on NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
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  Alcohol related liver disease (ARLD) 15.12.2025 29min

  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-use Drinkaware’s Drinking Check https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/drinking-check/#/overview DrinkAware 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.pdf NICE 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/CG115 UKHSA 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/
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  Hepatitis C 15.12.2025 18min

  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/
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  Hepatitis B 15.12.2025 18min

  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 B https://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/
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  Polypharmacy 5 moments: Frailty: when less is more 10.12.2025 12min

  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)
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  Polypharmacy 5 moments: Persistent non-adherence 10.12.2025 13min

  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)