Pharmacy Resources

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This Pharmacy Resource page brings together core national guidance and medicines information platforms to help you access the material you need when managing clinical and medication related queries for residents in care homes and the wider adult social care sector.

Prescribing, Policies and Pathways

Provides extensive guidance and quality standards covering medicines, safeguarding, decision-making and general care home management. https://www.nice.org.uk/ Care homes | Topic | NICE

A comprehensive library of HWE ICB approved clinical pathways, prescribing guidance, position statements, and care home specific documents. Care Homes - clinical areas & documents. The information in these resources were accurate at the time of publication. The content has not been reviewed or updated since. Please ensure you refer to the most current guidelines on the CQC website and resources found on PrescQIPP to support you.

Quality, Regulation and Local Support

Reference for safe medicines practices in care homes and adult social care settings. Medicines information for adult social care services - Care Quality Commission

Email: Medicines.Enquiries@cqc.org.uk

HCPA provides care homes with access to safeguarding guidance, training, and resources to support safe, high quality adult social care. They also signpost care homes to procedures covering issues such as mental capacity, escalation processes, and managing safety or improvement concerns. https://www.hcpa.info/

HCPA provider hub Email: assistance@hcpa.co.uk

Telephone Number: 01707 708108.

HCPA Provider Support request

To raise an adult safeguarding concern use the online professional referral route: Safeguarding adults at risk form If it is urgent, call 0300 123 4042. Lines are open 24 hours a day.

Medicines Information and Clinical Support

Helps NHS organisations to improve medicines-related care to patients, through evidence-based resources, training and networks. There are many useful bulletins and webkits and a section dedicated to care homes. We help NHS organisations to improve medicines-related care to patients, search care home in search function for all resources (free registration required for full access).

The SPS provides clinical medicines advice for all primary care professionals. This website also contains the medicines supply tool giving you the latest information on supply issues, when it will be resolved and alternative products that are available (free registration required for full access). NHS SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Phone: 0300 770 8564 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm)

Email: asksps.nhs@sps.direct

The BNF provides clear, up to date guidance on prescribing, dosing, interactions, and safety to support everyday clinical decision making. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/

Up-to-date database of manufacturer-approved SmPCs and patient information leaflets (free registration required for additional features). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc

Incidents involving CDs must be reported to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and to the regional NHS England Controlled Drug Accountable Officer (CDAO) via www.cdreporting.co.uk

To contact the NHSE CDAO Email: england.ea-cdao@nhs.net

Digital help

Proxy (electronic) ordering email: hblict.informatics@nhs.net NHS.net Connect (formerly NHSmail) email: helpdesk@nhs.net Telephone: 0333 200 1133 eMAR guidance from CQC: Electronic medicines administration records (eMAR) in adult social care - Care Quality Commission

Care Home Resource List for Primary Care Clinicians
March 2026
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The information presented in these clinical webinars was accurate at the time of delivery. The content has not been reviewed or updated since. Please ensure you refer to the most current NICE and CQC guidelines and resources to support your learning.

Medications: Antipsychotics in Dementia
March 2026
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Best Practice Guidance: Homey Remedies
March 2026
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Good Practice Guidance: Covert Administration of Medicines
March 2026
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Good Practice: Maintaining good bowel health and preventing constipation
March 2026
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