The Department of Health has released updated information on the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) which was issued on 20th May 2020 in respect of fluoxetine 40mg capsules. The SSP was originally issued with an end date of Monday 20th July 2020, which was extended until 4th September 2020, 25th September 2020 and then until the 2nd October. The SSP has now been further extended until 16th October 2020. Details of the SSP are available on the BSO website and can be accessed via this link: www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3063.htm
Month: September 2020
For August 2020, a concessionary price of £34.30 (per device) was granted for all generic prescriptions for ‘Adrenaline 150micrograms/0.15ml (1 in 1000) solution for injection pre-filled disposable devices’. This concessionary price will only apply to generically written prescriptions submitted for payment for the dispensing month of August. It is important to note that the concessionary price does NOT apply to any equivalent branded prescriptions issued for Jext® or Emerade® (note: Emerade® is currently unavailable as it was subject to a recent recall).
However, prescriptions for Jext 150mcg/0.15ml (1 in 1,000) solution for injection auto-injectors and Jext 300mcg/0.3ml (1 in 1,000) solution for injection auto-injectors will also be reimbursed at the price of £34.30 for August 2020 prescriptions. This is an exception and will help to avoid contractors dispensing these items (as branded prescriptions) at a loss during the month of August and also avoid the need for contractors to obtain replacement generically written prescriptions for accurate reimbursement.
A list of concessionary prices for September 2020 is available here.
The Hon. Ian Paisley MP has thanked community pharmacy teams for their ongoing commitment to patients and local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The MP paid a visit to Woodsides Pharmacy in Ballymena and spoke with pharmacist Joanne Morrow and her team about their experiences of Covid-19.
Mr Paisley heard how the community pharmacy network ensured crucial frontline services were kept open for patients during the very worst of the crisis. At its onset, local community pharmacy teams dealt with a huge surge in patient numbers as the pandemic took hold and quickly adapted pharmacy premises so that patients could continue to access vital services.
Speaking after the visit, Ian Paisley MP said:
“I was very pleased to be able to visit Joanne and her team at Woodsides today to thank them for their work during the pandemic.
“I have long believed in the value of our local community pharmacy network and the important role it plays as a core part of health and social care.
“Throughout the pandemic, community pharmacists have delivered for communities when they needed it and the open door policy during this time has mean the most vulnerable have been supported throughout the crisis.
“Visiting the Woodsides pharmacy team today reminded me of the fundamental role community pharmacy plays in public health. Accessible, diligent and supporting us when we are most vulnerable. The service provided is one we must endeavour to uplift and support.”
Local community pharmacist Joanne Morrow said:
“Working on the frontline during this pandemic has been one of the most challenging periods of my career to date. In March, when lockdown measures were put in place, community pharmacists were adamant that our commitment and duty of care to our patients was paramount and had to be maintained so that no one went without.
“We are proud of our team here at Woodsides for the dedication and care they have shown to the local community and it has been a pleasure to be able to talk to Ian about the work our team have carried out over the past few months.”
“The strength of our community pharmacy network is in our accessibility and the fact we are deeply rooted in local communities – we know our patients and they know us and trust us.
“Now, as we enter into the next phase in this pandemic, our role is to continue the work we started, supporting our communities and putting their health and wellbeing first.”
The Northern Ireland Executive has designed posters for retail in relation to mandatory face masks which have been adapted for community pharmacy. The poster can be accessed at the following link in A4 and A3 format for download and print. Three copies of each poster size will be supplied to each community pharmacy. Posters can also be downloaded at the following link:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-posters
From Tuesday 1st September the Minor Ailments Service is once again available at community pharmacies. The service supports patients to manage and treat a range of minor ailments under the professional healthcare guidance of a community pharmacist. The service is accessible without an appointment and a list conditions can be found at http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/2055.htm
If you have any query about this service, please contact your local HSCB Pharmacy Adviser or the CPNI Office.