Our Data Pipeline
MediWatch UK operates a transparent, automated data pipeline that ensures you receive the most current medicine shortage information available.
Step 1: Data Collection
Every day, our systems monitor official UK government publications for new medicine shortage notifications:
- DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications — Published by the Department of Health and Social Care when supply disruptions are confirmed
- NHS England Alerts — Operational alerts sent to pharmacies and prescribers about medicine availability
- MHRA Notifications — Regulatory updates that may affect medicine supply
Step 2: Processing & Classification
Each notification is processed and enriched with:
- Medicine name and therapeutic category
- Shortage status (active, resolving, resolved)
- Expected resolution date (when available)
- Recommended alternatives from official guidance
- Affected formulations and strengths
Step 3: Alert Delivery
When a shortage is detected for a medicine you're tracking, we send you an email alert within hours of the official notification. No spam, no marketing — just the shortage information you need.
Update Frequency
📊 How Often Is Data Updated?
Our data pipeline runs daily. New DHSC notifications are typically reflected on MediWatch UK within 24 hours of publication. In urgent cases (e.g., critical medicine recalls), updates may be processed faster.
Data Accuracy
We only publish information from official government sources. We do not rely on social media, forums, or unverified reports. If a shortage is listed on MediWatch UK, it has been officially notified by DHSC or NHS England.