Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacy has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support local communities, and this vital healthcare contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. To build on this momentum, CPNI plans to run a social media campaign called ‘Pharmacy Heroes’highlighting the role of community pharmacists working on the frontline in local communities during the pandemic across Northern Ireland.
This will be a positive campaign with social media cards sharing a key community pharmacy message and showing the real faces of the pharmacists working within pharmacies, behind the counter and serving patients if possible (patient out of focus).
We are keen to hear from contractors who would like to get involved personally, or would like to include a pharmacist working within their pharmacy (ies)
If you would like to get involved or require more information, please get in contact with Jude Austin, CPNI Communications Manager at judea@communitypharmacyni.co.uk or call 028 9069 0444.
As we would like to roll-out this campaign soon, I would ask you to please get in touch by Friday 5th June 2020.
Kind regards
SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors
Northern Ireland implemented the first Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) on 20 May 2020 for fluoxetine 40mg capsules. This SSP has an expiry date of 20 July 2020 and can be accessed via the following link:
BSO has issued further guidance in relation to endorsement and submission of prescriptions (attached).
Summary
In respect of the current SSP for fluoxetine 40mg:
Prescriptions should be endorsed with the annotation “Supplied in line with SSP 06”; and the prescription coded for fluoxetine 20mg capsules.
Contractors should submit the prescriptions that have an SSP endorsement at the top of theamended bundle with the second submission, clearly separated from other prescriptions in the amended bundle.
The number of prescriptions submitted with SSP endorsement should be noted at the bottom of the second submission (HS30).
Action
Contractors should:
Familiarise their dispensing teams with the guidance and take the appropriate steps when dealing with prescriptions covered by the SSP.
CPNI colleagues will continue to support contractors and their staff throughout the coming weeks.
Kind regards
Mike
Sent on behalf of Prof Mike Mawhinney| Head of Regulatory Affairs
Updated HSCB Interim Protocol for COVID-19 Testing
We have been asked by HSCB to circulate the above updated interim protocol that was released over this weekend.
A number of aspects have been updated within this version of the protocol and they are easily identifiable. Please bring this updated interim testing protocol to the attention of all your Pharmacy teams.
Please do not hesitate to contact your local HSCB office should you require any additional information.
Contact Details for Local Integrated Care Offices:
Belfast
South Eastern
Southern
Northern
Western
12-22 Linenhall StreetBelfast BT2 8BS
12-22 Linenhall StreetBelfast BT2 8BS
Tower Hill Armagh. BT61 9DR
County Hall 182 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1QB
Gransha Park House 15 Gransha Park Clooney Road Londonderry BT47 6FN
Further to the attached correspondence that was issued by the Department on 14th May we have been asked to provide you with the following additional advice:
The visors and frames delivered from BSO (which may not contain details of the product codes) are included in the scope of this recall and should not be used
Eye protection is not routinely recommended in the current PPE guidance for community pharmacies and should only be used in the circumstances outlined in the PHE and HSCB guidance, e.g. supervision of OST consumption where 2 metres cannot be maintained
Pharmacies that do require replacement eye protection for use in line with the current PPE guidance should contact their local HSCB office to request a supply
Yours sincerely
SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive
Northern Ireland Serious Shortage Protocol for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules activated on 20 May 2020
CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines. Detailed information can be found at the following link:
Training slides with voice-over are also available at the following link:
On 20 May 2020, an SSP was activated relating to Fluoxetine 40mg capsules(see details via link above).
Key points (not an exhaustive list)
1. Pharmacists who receive a prescription for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules must consider SSP06.
2. The supervising pharmacist may supply the alternative strength and quantity stipulated on the SSP if, having exercised his/her professional skill and judgement, he/she is of the opinion the supply is reasonable and appropriate for the patient, and the patient agrees and consents to the alternative supply.
3. There are additional considerations associated with supply under an SSP, including:
a. Dosage should remain as originally prescribed;
b. The total quantity supplied should be equivalent to the duration of treatment as in the original prescription;
c. Labelling should include ‘supplied against SSP number [state number];
d. Submission for payment – see additional guidance from BSO on link above;
e. Record-keeping – the alternative supply should be recorded on the PMRs as per your usual SOP;
f. GP notification is not required for this SSP but may be professionally/clinically appropriate in certain cases;
g. Patient consent/agreement – if a patient declines the alternative under an SSP you should advise them to return to the prescriber.
This SSP commenced on 20 May 2020 and is currently due to expire on 20 July 2020. The expiry date may be brought forward or extended so the validity of the SSP should be checked on the BSO website, as appropriate.
Action
Contractors should:
Note the issue of an SSP;
Familiarise their dispensing teams with the exact detail and requirements of the SSP;
Re-familiarise themselves with the guidance and take any actions which they may need to prepare their dispensing teams; and
Take the appropriate steps when dealing with prescriptions covered by the SSP.
CPNI colleagues will continue to support contractors and their staff throughout the coming weeks.
Kind regards
Mike
Sent on behalf of Prof Mike Mawhinney|Head of Regulatory Affairs
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