We cover a range of clinical and leadership topics of interest to all those interested in medicines and medicines optimisation.
Listen and subscribe on SoundCloud or Apple Podcasts
Mon, 18 Nov 2024
|00:04:34
John Minshull, Professional Lead for Medicines Advice at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 9th and 15th November. 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: Lipid management podcasts Specialist pharmacists speak about how they optimise lipid management in their patients https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/ Introduction to answering questions about medicines podcasts Colleagues from SPS Medicines Advice talk about how they answer questions about medicines safely. https://on.soundcloud.com/JJh4PzSYbMYfWu4H7 New Product Evaluations A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the internet https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/ Complex medication regimens: supporting adherence Interventions and tools to help improve medication adherence, where complex regimens (capability) have been identified as a factor https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/complex-medication-regimens-supporting-adherence/ Self-administration of medicines Self-administering medicines in all care settings and at home can benefit both individuals and organisations; it should be encouraged where safely achievable https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/self-administration-of-medicines/ Prescribing available medicines to treat ADHD The availability of medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) varies currently. Supply content is maintained regularly by DHSC. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/ Safer use of time critical medicines - national scoping review To share your work or to be involved contact lnwh-tr.sps-mso@nhs.net Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ 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'.
Wed, 13 Nov 2024
|00:07:04
Rakhi talks to Catherine and Kavan about optimising lipid management in patients who have had a haemorrhagic stroke. They discuss the importance of confirming diagnosis, risks of statin use in haemorrhagic stroke, how to use QRISK scores in this patient group, and when to seek specialist advice. This is a follow up podcast to our 'Primary care discussions: Lipid management' webinar. You can find the webinar recording here: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/ Speakers: Catherine Tucker, Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid Clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Kavan Nagi, Lead Cardiovascular Pharmacist, Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust and Lead ICS Lipid Specialist Pharmacist, NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service Resources discussed by the speakers: NHSE Summary of National Guidance for Lipid Management for Primary and Secondary Prevention of CVD https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/04/lipid-management-pathway-v7.pdf Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org.uk/ QRISK https://www.qrisk.org/ SPARCL trial The Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) Investigators High-dose atorvastatin after stroke or transient ischemic attack. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:549–559 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa061894
Wed, 13 Nov 2024
|00:10:22
Rakhi talks to Catherine and Kavan about optimising lipid management in patients who have had an ischaemic stroke. They discuss the importance of confirming diagnosis, treatment targets, how to prioritise patient for review, and when to seek specialist advice. This is a follow up podcast to our 'Primary care discussions: Lipid management' webinar. You can find the webinar recording here: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/ Speakers: Catherine Tucker, Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid Clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Kavan Nagi, Lead Cardiovascular Pharmacist, Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust and Lead ICS Lipid Specialist Pharmacist, NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board Rakhi Aggarwal, Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service Resources discussed by the speakers: NHSE Summary of National Guidance for Lipid Management for Primary and Secondary Prevention of CVD https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/04/lipid-management-pathway-v7.pdf UCL Partners Proactive Care Framework: Lipid Management including Familial Hypercholesterolaemia https://uclpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/Lipids-and-FH-Framework_UCLPartners-LTCs-April-2021-v4.1.pdf
Mon, 11 Nov 2024
|00:04:36
John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 2nd and 8th November. 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: Pharmacy First Podcast Series – updated links Pharmacy colleagues and expert clinicians talk about issues surrounding the new service in community pharmacy and try to debunk some of the clinical myths. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-first-podcast-series/ Using loperamide in high output stoma or short bowel syndrome This guidance explores the dosing and monitoring advice when using high dose loperamide to reduce high stoma output or in short bowel syndrome in adults. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-loperamide-in-high-output-stoma-or-short-bowel-syndrome/ Using statins in liver impairment We outline key clinical considerations when initiating statins in patients with liver disease or liver impairment. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-statins-in-liver-impairment/ Statins monitoring Medicines monitoring tool https://www.sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/statins-monitoring/ Children’s medicines: resources to support answering questions Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information on medicines use in paediatrics https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/childrens-medicines-useful-resources-to-support-answering-questions/ Managing the shortage of Molybdenum-99 / Technetium-99m generators Supplies are limited till mid-November 2024. Actions and guidance are as provided in National Patient Safety Alert (NatPSA/2024/012/DHSC) issued on 25th October https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-shortage-of-molybdenum-99-technetium-99m-generators/ Temperature management for medicines storage video A short video about temperature controlled storage of medicines https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/temperature-management-for-medicines-storage-video/ Safer use of time critical medicines - national scoping review To share your work or to be involved contact lnwh-tr.sps-mso@nhs.net Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/ 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'.
Wed, 06 Nov 2024
|00:14:51
Two of our experienced Medicines Advice Pharmacists, John Minshull and Iram Husain, discuss how medicines advice pharmacists answer queries safely. Quick Links Swallowing difficulties https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/swallowing-difficulties/ Covert administration of medicines: legal issues https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/covert-administration-of-medicines-legal-issues/ Covert administration of medicines: pharmaceutical issues https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/covert-administration-of-medicines-pharmaceutical-issues/ UKMi Recommended Resource Lists and Tools https://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/Resources?ContentID=3df605e3-ec43-47b7-99ff-aabc3cd91765 SPS MA contact details https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/about-sps/get-in-touch/medicines-information-services-contact-details/
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
|00:13:41
Kieran Reynolds talks to Dr Alicia Demirjian and James Milner about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the new Pharmacy First service to children. Discussion includes practical hints and tips for examining children, how to manage parents’ expectations as well as reassure them about their child’s treatment. (13m 41s) Dr Alicia Demirjian – Paediatric infectious diseases consultant, Evelina Children’s Hospital James Milner – ICD Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Kieran Reynolds – Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resources https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ Healthier Together guidance (otitis media (earache)) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/earacheotitis-media-advice-sheet Medicines for Children – how to give different types of medicines https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/advice-guides/giving-medicines/
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
|00:13:08
Kieran Reynolds talks to Naomi Fleming and Reena Barai about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes measures taken to limit the impact of antimicrobial resistance from Pharmacy First and why urine dipsticks aren’t recommended in the uncomplicated UTI service in Pharmacy First. (13m 08s) Useful links: NHS England Pharmacy First Resources: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ Community Pharmacy England (CPE) FAQs: https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-first-service/pharmacy-first-service-faqs/ TARGET Treating your infection UTI leaflet: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/172235/mod_book/chapter/465/TARGET%20TYI-UTI%20leaflet%20V23.5.pdf
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
|00:15:50
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Nick Francis and Rahul Sharda about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the otitis media service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes information to provide patients who don’t require antibiotics, signposting to resources to help with otoscope examination and why the otitis media service is limited to individuals aged 1-17 years. (15m 50s) Professor Nick Francis – GP & Head of School at School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton Rahul Sharda - Community pharmacist, Butt Lane Pharmacy Kieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resources https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ Healthier Together guidance (otitis media (earache) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/earacheotitis-media-advice-sheet NICE otitis media (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng91 Otoscope examination resources: CliniSkills: Clinical Examination Skills Training for Community Pharmacists https://www.cliniskills.com/community-pharmacists/ CPPE: Ear, nose and throat examination – advancing clinical assessment skills workshop https://www.cppe.ac.uk/programmes/l/ent-w-01/ CPPE: NHS Pharmacy First: Otitis Media e-learning https://www.cppe.ac.uk/programmes/l/nhsphfrst-e-01/ British Society of Audiology Recommended ear examination procedure https://www.thebsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OD104-54-BSA-Recommended-Procedure-Ear-Examiniation-February-2022.pdf
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
|00:11:58
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Paul Little and Simran Sirpal about some of the clinical issues you may encounter when providing the sore throat service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes the FeverPAIN score, information to provide patients who don’t require antibiotics, strep A antigen tests, and exclusions from the PGDs. (11m 58s) Professor Paul Little - GP & Professor of Primary Care Simran Sirpal – Community Pharmacist, Sirchem Pharmacy Group Kieran Reynolds – Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resources https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ Healthier Together guidance (tonsillitis/sore throat) for pharmacists https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/professionals/pharmacists/safety-netting-documents-parents/sore-throat-advice-sheet NICE sore throat (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84 Community Pharmacy England Pharmacy First FAQs https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-first-service/pharmacy-first-service-faqs/ NHS England Direct-to-consumer point-of-care in vitro diagnostic devices for group A streptococcal infections https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/direct-to-consumer-point-of-care-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices-for-group-a-streptococcal-infections/
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
|00:16:58
Kieran Reynolds talks to Professor Alastair Hay and Simran Sirpal about some of the clinical issues surrounding the sinusitis service under Pharmacy First. Discussion includes why intranasal steroids are first line in suspected bacterial sinusitis, treating patients who are breastfeeding, as well as how to administer nasal sprays. (16m 58s) Professor Alistair Hay – GP & Professor of Primary Care, Bristol Medical School Simran Sirpal – Community Pharmacist, Sirchem Pharmacy Group Kieran Reynolds – Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS Useful links: NHS England Pharmacy First resources https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ How to use a nasal spray - The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/sites/nhs/files/How%20to%20use%20a%20nasal%20spray.pdf NICE sinusitis (acute) antimicrobial prescribing guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng79
Tue, 15 Oct 2024
|00:27:27
In this extended podcast, Claire Dearden talks to Nicola Stockmann who is the President of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK. To celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day, Claire and Nicola look back at the previous 14 episodes of series two of the SPS coffee break conversations with pharmacy technicians. They reflect on each individual podcast and discuss the diverse and inspirational roles that pharmacy technicians hold. This podcast also touches on the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and Nicola’s role as President. (27m 27s) Nicola Stockmann - President of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow SPS series two of coffee break conversations with pharmacy technicians https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/pharmacy-technician-coffee-break-conversation-podcasts/ Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK https://www.aptuk.org/
Wed, 09 Oct 2024
|00:06:16
Claire Dearden talks to Lucy Featherstone who is an Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Pharmacy Technician. Lucy is responsible for managing, organising, and maintaining the oncology Pharmacy Clinical Trials Portfolio. Her role also includes education, leadership, multi-disciplinary working, compliance, as well as developing and maintaining governance frameworks. (6m 21s) Lucy Featherstone - Principal Pharmacy Technician, Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 09 Oct 2024
|00:04:45
Claire Dearden talks to Jon Ball who works as a community pharmacy technician managing a Boots Pharmacy at Bluewater. Jon’s role includes ensuring that a safe and efficient Pharmacy is ran on a daily basis. He manages a pharmacy team, ensuring that all clinical governance as well as compliance and training is up to date in order to provide the best patient care. Jon supports his team to develop their roles in order to provide their community with the most up to date services and information. Jonathan Ball - Pharmacy Manager, Boots Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 09 Oct 2024
|00:14:21
Claire Dearden talks to Ben Smith and Michelle Brown. Ben and Michelle were redeployed to work in an Emergency Department as part of a project to improve patient safety in this area. Their clinical pharmacy role included taking detailed medicine reconciliations with patients, as well as a new initiative to administer medications to patients, including making up and administering IV antibiotics. (14m 21s) Benjamin Smith - ePMA Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Senior Education and Training, Learning and Development Pharmacy Technician, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Michelle Brown - Prison Services Pharmacy Technician Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Mon, 07 Oct 2024
|00:21:37
In this follow up to our webinar Naima & Nicola discuss deescalating conflict, and preparing for and having conversations when people may not hear what you are saying. Naima shares practical advice and tools you can use to enable you to navigate difficult conversations more confidently. Speakers: Naima Fowlis, Clinical Psychologist, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust Nicola Wake, Associate Director, Medicines Optimisation and Engagement, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service Webinar recording & resources: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-difficult-conversations-with-confidence/ 'Ask Tell Ask' Strategy Baile WF, Buckman R, Lenzi R, Glober G, Beale EA, Kudelka AP. SPIKES-A six-step protocol for delivering bad news: application to the patient with Cancer. Oncologist. 2000;5(4):302–11. SPIKES Tool Back, Anthony L., et al. "Approaching difficult communication tasks in oncology 1." CA: a cancer journal for clinicians 55.3 (2005): 164-177. NURSES Tool Campbell T. C., Carey E. C., Jackson V. A., Saraiya B., Yang H. B., Back A. L., Arnold R. M. Discussing prognosis: Balancing hope and realism. Cancer Journal. 2010;16:461–466.
Wed, 02 Oct 2024
|00:08:59
Claire Dearden talks to Rebecca Toole (Becca) who is a Chemotherapy Medicines Management Pharmacy Technician working in an Oncology Day Unit. Alongside her daily pharmacy technician duties which include medication histories, waste management, counselling and much more, Becca now administers Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy including oral, subcutaneous and intravenous medication to patients on the day unit. (8m 59s) Becca Toole - Pharmacy Technician, Oncology North Tyneside General Hospital Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 02 Oct 2024
|00:08:59
Claire Dearden talks to Sarah, a Specialised Pharmacy Technician who has a responsibility of overseeing the administration of medication to patients. Her role encompasses various other tasks including medication reconciliation, dosage preparation, and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to minimise the risk of medication errors. (8m 59s) Sarah Blowers - Lead Medicines Administration Technician Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Thu, 26 Sep 2024
|00:11:09
Claire Dearden talks to Claire Hand who is Pharmacy Integration and Workforce Lead. Claire's role involves supporting the Integrated care System (ICS) providers and organisations to ensure that community pharmacy and the clinical services they provide are fully integrated into the wider NHS. Claire also supports the development and implementation of the ICS pharmacy workforce strategy focusing on the NHS priorities of train, retain and reform. (11m 09s) Claire Hand - Pharmacy Integration and Workforce Lead NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Thu, 26 Sep 2024
|00:08:28
Claire Dearden talks to Lynsey, who is Dispensary Manager & Homecare Lead. Lynsey's role is to give operational oversight of the Pharmacy team within the Hospital, including supporting staff with advice, supervision and mentoring in all aspects of work. She authors policies and Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring these are adhered to. Lynsey leads on projects, chairs meetings and implements change across the Pharmacy department. (8m 28s) Lynsey Chaddock - Dispensary Manager & Homecare Lead, Haywood Hospital Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Thu, 19 Sep 2024
|00:18:54
Jose Moss, Vice Chair of the Community Pharmacy Safety Group and Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist, Boots UK Limited, and Martin Sadr-Kazemi, Medication Safety Officer and Quality Assurance and Complaints Manager at Rowlands Pharmacy discuss the key issues affecting community pharmacy when ensuring the safe use of medicines across transfers of care.
Wed, 18 Sep 2024
|00:07:21
Claire Dearden talks to Susan and Sue who work for Luton Community Nursing Services. Their role is to ensure that medication is managed safely and effectively within a patient’s home, whether the patient self-administers or are supported by carers, or their medication is administered by the nursing team. Their service receives referrals from a variety of services including GP, Primary Care Networks, Pharmacists, Community Pharmacists, Social Care, and Specialist Nursing Teams. (7m 21s) Susan Jermy Lead Pharmacy Technician - Luton Adults Luton Community Nursing Services Sue Guess Senior Community Pharmacy Technician NHS Luton Community Nursing Services Claire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 18 Sep 2024
|00:10:29
Claire Dearden talks to Aiste Guogyte who, at the time of recording, worked for Horsham Central Primary Care Network (PCN), which included four GP practices and 57,000 registered patients. Aiste’s role covers clinical, technical, and administrative categories and has developed significantly since joining the PCN four years ago. Her responsibilities now include medication reviews, clinical audits, medication monitoring, creating protocols and medicines reconciliation. Aiste talks about how important it is to build partnerships with all stakeholders across the PCN. (10m 29s) Please note that since recording this podcast Horsham Central PCN has now split and Aiste works for Park and Orchard PCN, therefore, Aiste's job title has been updated to reflect this. Aiste Guogyte - Pharmacy Technician, Park and Orchard PCN Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 11 Sep 2024
|00:06:04
Claire Dearden talks to Charlotte who works as Controlled Drugs and Policies Lead for Solent NHS Trust. Her role includes overseeing all aspects of controlled drug stewardship and governance. Managing all controlled drug incidents, audits reports and ensuring all departments are compliant with legislation and policies. Charlotte facilitates training for a wide variety of healthcare professionals and is the first port of call for controlled drug queries. (6m 4s) Charlotte Grimwood - Controlled Drugs and Policies Lead Technician; Solent NHS Trust Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Wed, 11 Sep 2024
|00:07:03
Claire Dearden talks to Rose who works in a Primary Care Network, her role involves conducting various medication reviews in clinics such as post discharge, hypertension and reviewing direct-acting oral anticoagulants. Alongside clinics, she is involved in medicines reconciliation and optimisation, clinical reporting, and patient safety audits. Rose also leads a small team of pharmacy technicians within North West Leicestershire Primary Care Network. (7m 3s) Rose Balment PCN Senior Pharmacy Technician North West Leicestershire GP Federation Claire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Tue, 03 Sep 2024
|00:07:34
Claire Dearden talks to Katherine and Chloe who work at Turning Point, a social enterprise delivering health and social care services across substance use, mental health and learning disabilities across England. Katherine is Head of Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy Services; leading a small team which manage all aspects of prescribing, medicines optimisation and pharmacy contracts for the organisation. Chloe is Medication Safety Officer and develops the systems and processes to support learning from and responding to errors and incidents. (7m 34s) Katherine Watkinson Head of Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy Services and Chloe Barclay Medication Safety Officer at Turning Point Claire Dearden Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Tue, 03 Sep 2024
|00:16:30
Claire Dearden talks to Kate, John and Kyle about Pharmacy Technicians working in Technicial Services. Kate is responsible for the development of the training strategy and systems for all the units which make up Technical Services within Guy’s and St Thomas. John works as a Quality Assurance Specialist at NHS SPS. John's role is to give guidance and advice and his background is in pharmacy aseptic services and quality assurance. Kyle is currently Head of Production for the North East and North Cumbria Medicines Manufacturing Centre. This is one of the five pathfinder aseptic hubs under the hub and spoke workstream of the infusions and special medicines programme. (16m 30s) Kate Preston - Technical Services Education and Training Lead for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. John Oliver - Quality Assurance Specialist, Specialist Pharmacy Service Kyle Winn - Head of production North East and North Cumbria Provider collaborative Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow
Tue, 20 Aug 2024
|00:55:19
Rakhi Aggarwal hosted this webinar with Clare Thomson and Alison Warren on the 20 August discussing about identifying heart failure and optimising treatment in primary care. Speakers: Clare Thomson: Pharmacist Advanced Practitioner Cardiovascular and Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow 2023-2024 Alison Warren: Consultant Pharmacist Cardiology, University Hospitals Sussex and Sussex Integrated Care Board You can find out more about this event by visiting the events page https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-heart-failure/ Register with the SPS website to keep up to date with future events www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
Thu, 25 Jul 2024
|00:11:35
Nicola talks to Claire about becoming the first ever National Pharmacy Technician Fellow. Claire shares her Pharmacy Technician career journey and her Fellowship role across Specialist Pharmacy Service and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Office. Claire also introduces series two of the Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations. Claire Dearden - Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s and Specialist Pharmacy Service National Pharmacy Technician Fellow Nicola Wake - Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and Engagement, SPS
Wed, 24 Jul 2024
|00:10:14
In part 2 of this double-bill, Nicola Wake chats to pharmacy technician Sue Goss about how her personal experience of learning disabilities has impacted on her professional practice and career progression. (10:14) Sue Goss: Specialist Pharmacy Technician in Children & Young People's Services Nicola Wake: Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and Engagement This podcast forms part of our Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations, which showcases the variety of work that these vital pharmacy professional can undertake. You can listen to previous podcasts via the SPS website on the podcasts page. If you haven't already, please register with the SPS website in order to stay up-to-date with future events (www.sps.nhs.uk/register).
Wed, 24 Jul 2024
|00:17:32
In part 1 of this double-bill, Nicola Wake chats to Sarah Owen and Nirusha Govender about the role of a Pharmacy Technician working in schools and the importance of building relationships with other professionals as well as parents and carers. (17:32) Sarah Owen: Specialist Pharmacy Technician in Children & Young People's Services Nirusha Govender: Associate Director for Medicines Governance and Pharmacy Education, NHS Kent and Medway Nicola Wake: Associate Director Medicines Optimisation and Engagement This podcast forms part of our Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations, which showcases the variety of work that these vital pharmacy professional can undertake. You can listen to previous podcasts via the SPS website on the podcasts page. If you haven't already, please register with the SPS website in order to stay up-to-date with future events (www.sps.nhs.uk/register).
Wed, 17 Jul 2024
|00:47:57
Rakhi Aggarwal hosted this webinar with Dr Duncan Jenkins and Sarah Baig on the 2 July 2024, discussing how to use population health tools and techniques to understand and assess the needs of different population groups. This webinar helps support you in identifying, designing, and delivering proactive, personalised healthcare in your practice, to help reduce health inequalities and maximise patient care. (47m 58s) Speakers: Dr Duncan Jenkins - Associate Director, Pharmacy Clinical Divisional Director, Pharmacy and Population Health Management; Dudley Integrated Heath and Care NHS Trust Sarah Baig - Pharmacy Professional Development and Governance Lead; Dudley Integrated Health & Care NHS Trust Rakhi Aggarwal - Specialist Pharmacist (primary care), NHS SPS You can find out more about this event by visiting the events page https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-population-health-in-practice/ Register with the SPS website to keep up to date with future events https://www.sps.nhs.uk/register/
Wed, 26 Jun 2024
|00:25:48
Anna talks to Deziah and Anisha, exploring the roles of an interface pharmacist and pharmacy technician and how these roles can promote collaborative working across the system. Anna Bischler - Associate Director (Medication Safety), MUS; NHS SPS Deziah Streeton - Senior Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician- Interface & safety, West Suffolk Alliance, Suffolk & North East Essex ICB and Rotational Pharmacy Technician, West Suffolk Foundation Trust Anisha Sharma - Senior Interface Pharmacist, ESNEFT and SNEE ICB- Ipswich and East Suffolk,Alliance and North East Essex Alliance.
Wed, 26 Jun 2024
|00:28:12
Henrietta Cresswell, Head of Pharmacy East Suffolk PCN, Benjamin Leung, Deputy Chief Pharmacist – West Suffolk Alliance Medicine Optimisation Team, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, and Alice Charles, Ward Services Pharmacy Technician at West Suffolk Hospital Foundation Trust & PCN Pharmacy Technician at Deben Health PCN discuss with Anna Bischler how developing good communication channels and mutual understandings between care settings can promote safer practices with medicines use.
Fri, 21 Jun 2024
|00:28:27
Anna Bischler speaks to Nanna Christiansen, Chief Childrens Pharmacist Evelina, Guys and St Thomas’s NHS trust, Chair NPPG and Nicola Husain, Education & Training Lead, Neonatal & Paediatric Pharmacy Group. Together they explore strategies which may help to prevent harms associated with the use of specialist medicines, particularly in situations where patients are transitioning from one care setting to another.
Wed, 19 Jun 2024
|00:10:39
Jo McMillan, Head of Medicines Optimisation, for North and Mid Hampshire within Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, is discussing how her ICB took a system wide approach to developing resources which would raise awareness of the potential risks associated with clozapine. Although this example is specific to clozapine the learning can be applied to any complex medicine.
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
|00:56:29
This ‘on the couch’ webinar, the second in a series of two, addressed questions around the challenges faced by pharmacists with HRT decision making. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 24 April 2024 (56mins 29secs) Speakers: Nuttan Tanna - Consultant Pharmacist, Women’s Health; Northwick Park Menopause Clinical & Research Unit Sally Arnison, MBE - Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Berkshire Primary Care; Clinical Pharmacist, Ascot PCN Sheetal Ladva, Specialist Pharmacist, SPS
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
|00:09:45
Emma Kirk chats with Siobhan Gee, Consultant Pharmacist and Deputy Director of Pharmacy at South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust about the challenges and the opportunities of the mandated full pack dispensing of valproate.
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
|00:23:37
A discussion highlighting the importance of considering those with learning and intellectual disabilities when implementing changes in practice related to valproate prescribing. Lance and Maria explore the potential impact on the system and suggest considerations to promote an equitable and safe journey for the valproate patient with learning and intellectual disabilities (23m 37s). Speakers: Professor Lance Watkins: Consultant psychiatrist; Visiting Professor (University of South Wales); Associate Professor (University of Plymouth); Clinical Lead for Learning Disability Research (NCMH); Epilepsy Pathway Lead (Swansea University Health Board). Dr Maria Vincent: GP Specialist in Learning Disability Medicine (Swansea University Health Board) Anna Bischler: Lead Pharmacist - Medicines Safety, SPS
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
|00:12:51
Emma Kirk chats with Kylie Williams, Highly Specialist pharmacist Medicines Safety at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Emma Hall, Lead Technician Medicines Safety at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust about the impact of the regulations at acute district general hospitals. They discuss the challenges and some of the solutions they have implemented to ensure that they support the safe use of valproate for their patients.
Wed, 21 Feb 2024
|00:55:45
A practical and interactive discussion between specialist and generalist pharmacy professionals about progressing your career in primary care. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 13 February 2024 (55mins 45secs) Topics covered included: • An example journey towards a senior pharmacy role to reflect on • How to raise your profile as pharmacy professionals in GP practices • Tips on developing relationships, resilience and boundaries as a means of integration into the primary care team Speakers: Yuen Toh, Joint Clinical Director, Strategic Lead, Lead Senior PCN Clinical Pharmacist, Apex Primary Care Isheeta Mendiratta, PCN Senior Clinical Pharmacist Zoe Webb, Senior Pharmacy Technician, General Practice Alliance Barry Jubraj, Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, SPS Nicola Wake, Pharmacy Integration Project Lead, SPS
Wed, 20 Dec 2023
|00:54:52
A practical and interactive discussion between specialist and generalist pharmacy professionals about managing lipid treatments in primary care. This is an audio recording of an 'on the couch' webinar delivered on 12 December 2023 (54mins 52secs) Topics covered included: • Practical tips from a specialist and generalists on challenges in lipid management and how these can be met in primary care • How pharmacy technicians are getting involved in lipid management • What to consider when working towards the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for Cholesterol Control and Lipid Management Speakers: • Catherine Tucker - Senior Clinical Pharmacist Lipid clinic and Integrated Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and CVD Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, CVD Prevention Network, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board • Claire Miller - Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Wansbeck PCN, Northumberland • Maxine Richardson - Pharmacy Technician, North West PCN, Newcastle upon Tyne • Barry Jubraj - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety • Rakhi Aggarwal - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety Further information about the webinar can be found on our website: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/
Thu, 14 Sep 2023
|00:19:21
Anna Bischler and Jay Patel discuss language barriers and the impact they have on medication safety inequalities. (19:21) Jay Patel: Regional Facilitator for Early Career Pharmacist Practice, Workforce Transformation & Education Directorate, NHS England Anna Bischler: Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, SPS This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across The System series, this time focussing on Medication Safety Inequalities. You can find out more about this and other events by visiting our events pages on the SPS website (www.sps.nhs.uk) and don't forget to register to stay up to date with future events.
Thu, 06 Jul 2023
|00:20:13
Anna and Gavin discuss challenges within the ambulance service related to time critical medicines safety. The discussion explores actions that could support medication activists to assess local practice and risks to inform local initiatives. Anna Bischler – Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, Specialist Pharmacy Services Gavin Mooney - Advanced Paramedic Practitioner and Trust Medication Safety Officer (MSO) This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
|00:17:44
A discussion exploring what time critical medicines safety means to medics and how they can support the system to ensure patients receive their time critical medicines on time. Examples of recent and future work by national bodies are shared. (17mins 44 secs) Our speakers are: Dr Jonny Acheson - Emergency Medicine Consultant University Hospitals of Leicester; Director of Engagement at The Parkinson's Excellence Network Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
|00:13:22
A discussion between medication safety activists from primary care and secondary care exploring what time critical medicines means to them. Common barriers with time critical medicines are identified and a reflection on how all settings within in the system need to work together to ensure patients receive their time critical medicines on time. (13 mins 22 secs) Our speakers are: Suzanne Cooper, Principal Pharmacist Medicines Governance and Medication Safety Officer, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Nikki Smith, Head of Medicines Safety / Patient Safety Specialist, Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
Wed, 14 Jun 2023
|00:20:44
This podcast explores research based evidence where patient engagement and patient held records were utilised to promote safety. Our speakers will be discussing how this approach supports system wide communications to empower patients and promote safe practices with time critical medicines. (20 mins 44 sec) Our speakers are: Anna Bischler - Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, Specialist Pharmacy Services Professor Bryony Dean Franklin - Professor of Medication Safety, UCL School of Pharmacy; Executive Lead Pharmacist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; Director, NIHR North West London Patient Safety Research Collaboration Sara Garfield - Lecturer in drug safety and pharmacoepidemiology Mike Etkind - Patient and public contributor Emma Kirk – MSO Network Lead, Specialist Pharmacy Services This podcast is part of our Medication Safety Across the System (MSATS) series, and complements the time critical medicines webinar. Further information can be found on the events pages of our website www.sps.nhs.uk
Tue, 13 Dec 2022
|00:15:40
Liz Fidler, Senior Professional Advisor Pharmacy Technician Practice, NHS England, and Ellen Williams, Director of Regional Pharmacy Training, Pharmacy Workforce Development South, share their reflections after listening to this podcast series. They discuss post-registration education pathways, managing expectations within and outside the profession, and how the stories they heard motivate and inspire them. Liz also confirms with Barry Jubraj that this shouldn't be the final episode.
Mon, 28 Nov 2022
|00:15:37
Barry Jubraj talks to Dawn Cassidy, a chief pharmacy technician in health and justice. Dawn describes the role of pharmacy technicians in secure environments and the skills they employ in this care sector.
Fri, 18 Nov 2022
|00:20:22
Barry Jubraj talks to Charlotte Hoey, a pharmacy technician working in a virtual ward environment. Charlotte briefly talks about her career to date and explains what virtual wards are. She describers her role within the virtual ward pharmacy team and shares an example of a pharmacy technician home visit.
Thu, 10 Nov 2022
|00:12:56
Barry Jubraj talks to Chris Warren, a pharmacy technician in a GP practice. Chris talks about the clinics that he runs, including undertaking hypertension and cholesterol reviews, and his wider role in the GP practice.
Wed, 02 Nov 2022
|00:12:39
Barry Jubraj talks to Jennie Smith, a primary care network pharmacy technician. Jennie talks about undertaking consultations with patients about statins, and reviewing and actioning blood pressure readings.
Wed, 02 Nov 2022
|00:14:28
Nicola Wake talks to Kiera Whitehead Elliott, a trainee pharmacy technician at Barts Health NHS Trust. Kiera talks about her rotation in a GP practice, including the audit that she carried out during her placement.
Thu, 27 Oct 2022
|00:13:45
Barry Jubraj talks with Emma Lowe, a medicines optimisation pharmacy technician for care homes. Emma talks about her role in supporting pharmacists and GPs with Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs), which includes measuring renal function and assessing anticholinergic burden.
Thu, 27 Oct 2022
|00:11:15
Nicola Wake talks to Melissa Melly, a pharmacy technician in GP practice. Melly shares how she resolved a difficulty in arranging blood tests related to medicines monitoring by undertaking venepuncture training and delivering urgent or overdue blood test appointments in a weekly clinic.
Thu, 20 Oct 2022
|00:10:32
Nicola Wake talks to Steph Edwards, a care home pharmacy technician. Steph talks about working in a newly established role and the contributions pharmacy technicians can make in the care home setting.
Thu, 20 Oct 2022
|00:15:59
Barry Jubraj talks to Zoe Webb, a senior pharmacy technician in GP practice, about leadership. Zoe shares her career journey and describes her role looking after a pharmacy technician team alongside her clinical role.
Tue, 18 Oct 2022
|00:03:35
Introducing our podcast series: Pharmacy Technician Coffee Break Conversations. Emma Fallows from NHS SPS introduces the podcast series and chats with Liz Fidler, Senior Professional Advisor Pharmacy Technician Practice, NHE England, and Ellen Williams, Director of Regional Pharmacy Training, Pharmacy Workforce Development South, about why they are looking forward to listening to the series.
Tue, 10 May 2022
|00:19:28
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Stuart Bond talks to Nicola Wake about how he handled a particular clinical situation and what led him to the decisions he made.
Tue, 10 May 2022
|00:17:16
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Nina Barnett interviews Hannah Beba about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
Tue, 10 May 2022
|00:25:14
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Barry Jubraj interviews Jo Crook about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
Tue, 10 May 2022
|00:18:31
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Joanna Freeman interviews Alison Warren about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.
Tue, 10 May 2022
|00:15:31
This podcast is part of a series on clinical decision-making, intended to support primary care pharmacists developing their confidence and skills in this area. In this episode, Barry Jubraj interviews Melinda Presland about how she approached a particular clinical situation and how decisions were made.