NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service

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.

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.

Hannah Miller, Deputy Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 23rd and 29nd May.  

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 – May 2026
A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for May 2026.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-may-2026/

Managing off-contract claims
Best practice guidance for NHS hospital pharmacy procurement teams on managing a successful off-contract claims process.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-off-contract-claims/

Using chloramphenicol during breastfeeding
Topical chloramphenicol can be used with caution and monitoring. Systemic chloramphenicol is not recommended. Advice applies to full term and healthy infants.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-chloramphenicol-during-breastfeeding/

Managing peripheral oedema caused by calcium channel blockers
All calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can cause peripheral oedema. Incidence varies by choice and patient factors. Several management options are available.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-peripheral-oedema-caused-by-calcium-channel-blockers/

Use of injectable medicines for multiple doses
Using injectable medicines for multiple doses increases the risk of contamination, error and patient harm.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/use-of-injectable-medicines-for-multiple-doses/

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'.

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.

Gary Hodgson, one of the medicines advice pharmacists at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 16th and 22nd May.  

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:    

Have your say: biosimilar and patent resources
We are reviewing Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) resources on biosimilars and patents to ensure they meet the needs of NHS services.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/have-your-say-biosimilars-and-patents-resources/

Vaccines and immunisation: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding medicines and vaccines.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/vaccines-and-immunisation-resources-for-answering-questions/

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'.