AWMSG Annual Report 2025 - 2026 highlights progress in medicines access, safety and optimisation
7 September 2026
From improving access to new treatments to supporting safer medicines use, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) 2025–2026 Annual Report highlights a year of progress for patients and NHS Wales.
Supported by the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), AWMSG provides evidence-based, “once for Wales” advice to Welsh Government and NHS Wales, helping people access clinically appropriate and cost-effective treatments wherever they live in Wales. During the year, 76 medicines were approved by NICE or AWMSG, supporting timely access to new and effective treatments for patients across Wales.
Professor Iolo Doull, Chair of AWMSG, said: "As we look ahead, AWMSG remains committed to supporting a fair, sustainable and patient-centred approach to medicines in Wales. We will continue to listen, learn and work in partnership to improve outcomes and reduce unwarranted variation, so that people across Wales can benefit from the right medicine at the right time."
The Annual Report is structured around AWMSG’s four strategic ambitions:
- getting the best outcomes from medicines
- enabling access to medicines
- improving medicines-related safety
- optimising value for NHS Wales.
Supporting safer medicines use
Key developments included the publication of the All Wales Shared Care Framework and accompanying patient information leaflets, supporting a consistent, patient-centred approach to shared care between specialist and primary care services.
AWMSG also issued guidance for integrated medicines management in community settings, helping health and social care organisations work together to promote safer and more effective medicines use.
Improving access to treatments
Improving access to innovative treatments remained a major focus, with AWTTC strengthening the services that support horizon scanning, medicines assessment, data analysis and implementation across Wales.
Improving medicines-related safety
The report describes national work on urgent requests for repeat medication and the All Wales Self-Administration of Medicines Framework, which supports patients to continue managing their own medicines safely during hospital admissions where appropriate.
Delivering value and sustainability
AWMSG continued to support value for NHS Wales through strengthened governance of commercial medicines access arrangements and work aligned with NHS Wales decarbonisation goals.
Engagement, learning and research
Patient and Public Interest Group meetings, Learning at Lunch sessions and webinars provided opportunities to share learning, gather feedback and support best practice across Wales.
The Annual Report also showcases AWTTC’s growing research profile, including peer-reviewed publications and conference posters presented nationally and internationally on medicines optimisation, prescribing safety, toxicology and antimicrobial stewardship.
Read the full 2025-2026 AWMSG Annual Report to learn more about AWMSG’s work to support safe, effective and equitable medicines use across Wales.