Prescribing with, not at: rethinking polypharmacy for #MedSafetyWeek
News
This year is the eleventh annual #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign, taking place from 2 to 8 November 2026, with the theme: ‘Side effects – don’t ignore them, report them’. As part of #MedSafetyWeek, Clare Howard, Clinical Lead for the Health Innovation Network’s Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy programme, has recorded a special podcast with Dr Lucy Pollock,…
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Medicines Safety Improvement Programme shortlisted for national HSJ Award
News
The Medicines Safety Improvement Programme (MedSIP) has been shortlisted for Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the 2026 HSJ Awards, recognising the national programme’s work to reduce harm from opioid medicines and support safer, more personalised approaches to chronic pain management. Health Innovation West of England is supporting delivery of MedSIP as…
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National Polypharmacy Programme shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Awards
News
We are delighted to announce that the Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy programme, which we led on behalf of the national Health Innovation Network, has been shortlisted for Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Awards. A record-breaking 1,300+ entries were received for this year’s Awards, with only 231 projects and individuals reaching…
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The power of partnership: how collaborative innovation is improving 60,000+ lives in the West
News
We have published our 2025-26 Impact Report, showcasing how collaboration is at the heart of everything we do as a regional network. By bringing together the right people and organisations, including all NHS service providers in the West, three integrated care boards, four universities, charities, VCSE organisations, and the life sciences sector, we have helped…
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Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy: Getting the balance right in older people and those with frailty
News
Addressing problematic polypharmacy – the use of multiple medicines that may no longer be necessary or may cause harm – remains a critical national priority and a major challenge for the NHS. Studies indicate that up to 50% of medications prescribed to older people could be inappropriate. Currently more than 765,000 people aged 65 and…
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Empowering patients and upskilling clinicians to tackle overprescribing
News
As the Health Innovation Network’s Polypharmacy: Getting the Balance Right programme – which we have led on behalf of the Network – draws to a close, a suite of new reports highlights its transformative impact on patient safety and clinical practice across England. The programme has successfully engaged with over 12,000 healthcare professionals to support…
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New resources to support Structured Medication Reviews with care home residents
News
The Health Innovation Network has launched a new suite of resources specifically designed to support residents, their families, and care home staff in preparing for and participating in Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs). Developed by the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Research Collaboration, the resources were co-designed with care home residents, relatives and staff. These…
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New insights on improving access to Structured Medication Reviews for seldom-heard communities
News
The Health Innovation Network has published a new report sharing insights and lessons from its initiative to improve access to Structured Medication Reviews for patients in seldom-heard communities, particularly those living in areas of high deprivation and from ethnic minority groups. The report, based on pilots delivered in 27 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across England, demonstrates how…
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Launch of new “game changing” guide to tackle overprescribing and support Government’s shifts to prevention and community
News
A new guide aimed at helping primary care organisations and integrated care boards understand and address problematic polypharmacy has been launched by the Health Innovation Network as part of its national Polypharmacy Programme, coordinated by Health Innovation West of England. Developed in response to a clear need identified by primary care and prescribing colleagues, this…
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New resources launched to support patients preparing for a Structured Medication Review
News
A range of new evidence-based resources has been developed as part of the AHSN Network’s national Polypharmacy programme, which is led by Health Innovation West of England. These have been designed to support and help prepare people who have been invited for a Structured Medication Review with their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. The…
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