The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 31 January 2025 in respect of SSP077 relating to cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free. The expiry date of SSP077 has been extended to Friday 2 May 2025.
It should be noted that SSP078 relating to cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension will still expire on 31 January 2025.
BACKGROUND
SSPs made under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are an additional tool to manage and mitigate medicines shortages.
SSPs enable community pharmacists to supply specified medicines in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription, without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber – saving time for patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Pharmacists should refer to the latest versions of the existing SSPs which are now available on the Business Services Organisation dedicated page on its website HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letter here dated 31 January 2025 relating to SSP077 (cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free);
Note that the expiry date for SSP077 has been extended to Friday 2 May 2025;
Note that SSP078 relating to cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension will still expire on 31 January 2025;
Note the key points specific to this SSP and note the guidance relating to the decision pathways for SSPs; notification of GPs; the need for patient/carer agreement, and action to take when this is not given; professional judgement; and actions regarding unclear quantities; and
Ensure that their dispensary teams are fully briefed.
Contractors are reminded of information issued by BSO ‘Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors’ which can be accessed here.
Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required. CPNI colleagues are also available for assistance.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
Dear Colleague
The final update of concessionary prices were granted today for January 2025:
SPPG have issued correspondence 31 January 2025 regarding support that is available to those that are still affected by Storm Eowyn.
Approximately 8000 people are still without power and Community Assistance Centres have been set up in each council area.
A list of council contact details are available here for anyone you may be aware of who may be or become vulnerable without utilities.
The contact details are to be shared with individuals affected and are not for display or sharing publicly.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to read the SPPG correspondence issued today and share with all relevant staff members.
Please contact SPPG offices if you require further information.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
CPNI previously facilitated the establishment of Contractor WhatsApp Groups to help support communication and to encourage engagement on key community pharmacy topics, at a local level.
Contractors who haven’t had the opportunity to join the WhatsApp groups relevant to their pharmacy(ies) are invited to do so by clicking the link(s) below which are applicable to the area(s).
Please note that these groups are open to contractors only or a nominated staff member. It will be for contractors to decide who they share the joining link with.
Existing groups will continue to facilitate day-to-day pharmacy business related discussions.
We would ask you to please state your name, pharmacy and role when joining the group.
McLernons have indicated that they offer a free remote cyber security assessment which will help identify any vulnerabilities that exist in contractor systems, with a view to layering up security in respect of handling of patient data (email itsecurity@mclernons.com). For contractors using alternative PMR suppliers, please contact them for advice on security assessments.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
WhatsApp Business Terms of Service can be found here and privacy policy hereUCA-NI Privacy Policy We take your privacy seriously and do not share or sell any personal details with third parties for commercial purposes. If you have any questions, please contact the CPNI office. You can withdraw your consent to be contacted at any time by calling 028 9069 0444 or by emailing info@communitypharmacyni.co.uk. CPNI Data Protection Policy and Data Retention policy can be found Click Here
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
