Hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) pose hidden risks to nursing staff in hospitals, care homes, and community settings.

While often linked to cancer treatments, HMPs are used for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, HIV, and hormone therapy, as well as immunosuppressants and antivirals.

Unlike the EU, the UK lacks robust guidance around or a clear definition of HMPs, leading to inconsistent control measures. Nursing staff may unknowingly be exposed during HMP preparation, administration, disposal, contaminated surfaces and patient bodily fluids.

This session will share findings from past president of UK Oncology Nursing Society, Karen Campbell’s systematic review of cancer nurses’ potential for occupational exposure, will outline the RCN position statement on the use of hazardous medicinal products, RCN HMP working group initiatives, and highlight the essential action and control measures needed to protect all nursing staff from exposure to HMPs.