SPPG issued correspondence dated 20 August 2025 advising that the Pharmacy First for Sore Throat Service has been extended to 31 March 2026.
SUMMARY
The SPPG letter notes that pharmacies providing Pharmacy First for Sore Throat may wish to let local GP practices know of the continued availability of the service.
Pharmacies may also wish to promote the service on social media using the Twitter and Instagram resources available on the BSO Website.
Service posters have been provided and should be displayed in participating pharmacies.
All other resources to support this service, including the service specification, consultation forms and patient group directions (PGDs) can be accessed on the BSO Website.
ACTION
Contractors providing Pharmacy First for Sore Throat should read the SPPG letter and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Queries in relation to Pharmacy First Services can be directed to local SPPG Pharmacy Advisers.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague
The first update of concessionary prices were granted today for August 2025:
Drug
Pack Size
Concessionary Price
Alfuzosin 2.5mg tablets
60
£7.22
Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension
70
£10.52
Cyclizine 50mg/1ml solution for injection ampoules
Correspondence has been issued by SPPG on 18 August 2025 to those pharmacies yet to submit an evaluation survey for the Living Well campaign ‘Know your units‘.
SUMMARY
All pharmacies contracted to provide the Living Well service must complete an evaluation survey after each campaign, unless otherwise informed.
SPPG reserves the right to recoup payment for a campaign if the evaluation survey is not submitted.
The survey for the campaign ‘Know your units’ is open and can be accessed here.
The survey must be completed by 6pm Monday 1st September 2025, please ensure to reach the final screen to confirm submission.
ACTION
Contractors who have yet to complete the Living Well survey for the campaign ‘Know your units’ are asked to read the correspondence issued by SPPG on 18 August 2025 and share with relevant team members.
For any further information please contact CPNI offices.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
NICPLD issued correspondence on 6 August 2025 seeking expressions of interest from pharmacists to join a newly formed FTY Stakeholder Committee.
SUMMARY
Information on the role of the FTY Stakeholder Committee and the criteria for membership is included in the NICPLD correspondence.
NICPLD has advised that the expression of interest form will now remain open until 12 noon, Wednesday 20 August 2025.
NICPLD has received a number of responses to date and would particularly encourage pharmacists from independent pharmacy FTY providers to come forward to ensure balanced representation.
ACTION
Contractors should read the NICPLD correspondence and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Queries regarding FTY or the Stakeholder Committee can be directed to NICPLD.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
The social media schedule for the new Living Well campaign – ‘Move more, feel better’ is available here.
This campaign runs from 1st August – 30th September 2025 and community pharmacies may wish to share the campaign messages on their social media platforms.
NICPLD FTY Stakeholder Committee
NICPLD is seeking expressions of interest from pharmacists to join a newly established FTY Stakeholder Committee. The committee will support NICPLD in the quality management of the FTY programme, including review of policies and procedures, and ensuring the programme continues to meet the Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists (2021). NICPD is seeking representatives from community pharmacy FTY providers to join the committee, as well as early career pharmacists, educational supervisors (ES) and designated prescribing practitioners (DPP).
Further information is available here, and those who would like to express an interest are asked to complete the online form by no later than Wednesday 13th August at 12 noon.
Fully Funded Training for Community Pharmacy Support Staff
Horizon Global Skills has advised CPNI that they are seeking applications for an upcoming fully funded Pharmacy Services Upskilling Academy. The course will commence in September 2025 and successful participants will be awarded a Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practise for Pharmacy Support Staff. The costs of the training will be funded via a Department for Economy initiative, and employers will receive £558 for each employee who successfully completes the training.
A brochure with further details is available here. And further information can be obtained by emailing catherine@ghskills.com.
Research Participation
CPNI has been contacted by a team in Robert Gordon University regarding research they are undertaking on how pharmacy services can better support people before pregnancy (preconception care). They are inviting pharmacy team members to participate in a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panel.
The PPI panel will be informal, flexible, and online, with no prior research experience required. Further information is available here, and those who wish to participate can sign up here.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
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