We Can All Help Make Medicines Safer
In this blog, Sarah Partridge, a pharmacist and training hub associate, explores how PCN pharmacy teams are supporting the safer use of medicines as part of the wider primary care team. Every day, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a vital role in reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions, interactions, and errors through careful review and collaboration. Below are some of the key activities undertaken by our pharmacy teams to ensure medicines are used effectively and safely.
Conducting Structured Medication Reviews
People are living longer and managing multiple long-term conditions, which often results in an increased number of medicines being prescribed. While this can be appropriate, 'problematic polypharmacy’ may also occur. This presents challenges including increased risk of side effects, confusion, and harmful drug interactions.
Across Nottingham City, 54% of our moderate and severe frail patients are, or have recently been on 10 or more medications*. One of the key responsibilities of our PCN pharmacists is to carry out Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs). These detailed, person-centred discussions help to:
• Ensure medicines remain effective and safe.
• Identify and address any side effects or potential interactions.
• Deprescribe medicines that may no longer be required.
• Empower patients to make informed, shared decisions about their care.
Overall, these holistic reviews help to reduce the risk of harm, improve patient outcomes, and support individuals to gain the maximum benefit from their treatment.
Prescribing and Deprescribing
Many PCN pharmacists are now independent prescribers, allowing them to prescribe medicines directly to patients. This supports timely and efficient management of long-term conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and lipid optimisation.
Equally important is their role in deprescribing, which is the safe discontinuation of medicines that are no longer clinically indicated or could cause harm. Through evidence-based decision-making and patient consultation, deprescribing ensures that treatment remains both necessary and appropriate.
Educating Patients and Supporting Public Health
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients seeking advice about their medicines. They provide clear, evidence-based information on how to take medicines correctly, manage side effects, and improve adherence.
Beyond individual consultations, PCN pharmacy teams contribute significantly to public health initiatives, including vaccination campaigns, and cardiovascular disease case-finding programmes. These interventions promote long-term health and help prevent avoidable harm related to medicine use.
Improving Safety Through Audit and Education
Medicine safety extends beyond patient-facing consultations. The PCN pharmacy team work collaboratively with wider primary care workforce to strengthen safe prescribing and monitoring practices. Their work includes:
• Conducting clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives to identify areas for improvement.
• Supporting the safe management of high-risk medicines such as anticoagulants, lithium, and methotrexate.
• Promoting Yellow Card reporting to identify and learn from adverse reactions.
• Delivering staff training, implementing safety alerts, and supporting continuous improvement in medicines management.
As we mark #MedSafetyWeek (3–9 November 2025) under the theme ‘We can all help make medicines safer,’ it’s an important to remember that medication safety is not the responsibility of the pharmacy profession alone. Whilst the PCN pharmacy teams play a central role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, it is everyone’s business across primary care, from clinicians and social prescribers to reception and administrative staff. Each interaction with a patient offers an opportunity to identify potential risks, share safety messages, and contribute to better outcomes.
By working collaboratively, communicating openly, and maintaining a culture of vigilance and learning, we can all help make medicines safer for our patients and our communities.
How to Participate in #MedSafetyWeek Campaign
Healthcare professionals
Patients and caregivers
Organisations
#MedSafetyWeek welcomes participation from individuals and organisations alike:
Healthcare professionals: Encourage reporting among patients and colleagues, and share experiences.
Patients and caregivers: Report any suspected side effects and help raise awareness.
Organisations: Distribute campaign materials, provide educational resources, and engage communities.
UMC provides a free campaign library including animations, posters, and social media templates to help spread the message effectively. Participants are encouraged to use the #MedSafetyWeek hashtag when sharing information online.
Campaign Impact
MedSafetyWeek is celebrated worldwide, fostering global engagement in pharmacovigilance. By promoting reporting and awareness, the campaign has:
Strengthened international collaboration on medicine safety.
Improved the detection of adverse drug reactions.
Empowered patients and healthcare providers to take active roles in safe medicine use.
Need Support or Guidance?
Whether you’re exploring pharmacy development opportunities, looking to grow your skills, or want to connect with others in the profession, we’re here to help.
Our Pharmacy Associate, Sarah Partridge, is available to provide advice, guidance, and support around pharmacy workforce development and training.
She can help you explore pathways, connect with learning opportunities, and get involved in local pharmacy initiatives across Nottinghamshire.
Join our new WhatsApp Community
Our Developing and Supporting Notts Primary Care WhatsApp Community is now live, and already bringing together colleagues from across the system!
It’s a dedicated space to:
✅ Stay up to date with training, events, and development opportunities
✅ Connect with peers and share best practice
✅ Access resources to help you learn, grow, and thrive in your role
We’re thrilled to see so many members already joining and contributing, it’s a fantastic way to stay connected and be part of a supportive primary care network.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected pharmacy workforce, one that continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact on patient care
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