Updating the SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension model

NHS England is making several changes to align the SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension modelling to reflect the SNOMED International model for national drug extensions, where it is deemed to fit UK requirements. This work is being done to enable the NHS to use functionality available in the RF2 format, that was not previously available in RF1, which restricted how certain aspects of the UK Drug Extension could be implemented. 

This work will also enable the NHS to use the power of our authoring tools, enhance our quality assurance processes and work towards international standardisation.

The scope of this work applies to products and medicines in the ‘Pharmaceutical/Biological Product’ hierarchy of SNOMED CT. The scope of this work does not apply to devices or appliances in the ‘Physical Object’ hierarchy of SNOMED CT.

We will be carrying out this work over a number of phases and will update this webpage with more detailed information about the changes as it becomes available.

Phase 1

Aligning dm+d VMP class medicinal products to the SNOMED International drug model. 

Phase 2 

Remainder of work aligning dm+d VMP class medicinal products to the SNOMED International drug model.

Removal of Grouper Concepts.

Aligning dm+d VMPP class medicinal products to the SNOMED International drug model.

Dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) - NHS Business services Authority
Contains dm+d Data Model, dm+d Editorial Policy and dm+d Technical Specification of data files

SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension Editorial Policy and Model
SNOMED CT Medicinal Product Model Specification

Quarter 1 2025: User survey regarding impacts from this work

NHS England sought views from SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension users to understand the impacts of this work and how much lead in time users require to manage the changes. The user survey ran from 25 March to 22 April 2025.

Quarter 2 2025: Outcomes of user survey 

NHS England has analysed the survey responses. A summary of the findings are:

1. There is concern from terminology users as to the impact of this work on the NHS dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d). It is therefore important to clarify this work will not impact dm+d in anyway. This information has also been prominently displayed at the top of this webpage to clearly communicate this.
2. Users want specific details of the changes, with examples, guidance, timelines and test files. This feedback will inform our website content and supporting resources. We will continue to update this webpage to provide this information to assist users as it becomes available.

If users would like to discuss this work further, please contact: [email protected].

Quarter 2 2025: Further information added to website to support users

In response to the feedback that was received from the user survey, NHS England has added additional information to the webpage to provide further detail of the changes being made, with examples.

NHS England is planning to release a Test File for SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension users with the Phase 1 changes in July 2025.

NHS England is planning to go live with the Phase 1 changes in the SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension in September 2025.

Quarter 3 2025: Release of test files and confirmation of go-live in October 2025

NHS England released Test Files for SNOMED CT UK Drug Extension users with the Phase 1 changes in July 2025.

Users had until 5pm Friday 8 August to feedback any questions or concerns to NHS England about these changes.

NHS England will go live with these changes in release 41.0.0 due 1 October 2025.

If users would like to discuss this work further, contact [email protected].