NICPLD has asked CPNI to remind those pharmacy contractors who are involved in FTY 2025/2026 that the deadline for the completion of declarations by the nominated Educational Supervisor is today, Monday 19 May.
Information relating to FTY 2025/206 is available on the NICPLD webpage and queries can be sent to the NICPLD FTY team:
Please find application pack here. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 19 May 2025.
Research on the Perceptions of Needle Exchange
Research is being undertaken by a Global Health student at Maastricht University to investigate community pharmacists’ perceptions and barriers to participating in the Needle and Syringe Exchange Service in NI.
CPNI would encourage all community pharmacists who are or are not currently providing the NSES to consider involvement in this research.
More information can be found here, and community pharmacists can also email Eimear Sealey directly.
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 1 May 2025 providing an update on the opt-in process for the FTY 2026/2027 programme.
SUMMARY
Pharmacies who opted-in by the closing date of 9 May 2025 will have received a link inviting them to confirm their participation by uploading their training placement details and accepting the Terms of Participation.
The closing date for this confirmation step is tomorrow, Friday 16 May 2025.
IMPORTANT CONTRACTOR CONSIDERATIONS
CPNI is aware that contractors have been carefully reviewing the terms of participation for FTY 2026/2027.
The key considerations and potential risks were discussed at the CPNI contractor meeting on 14 May 2025.
A 6 minute CPNI recorded presentation outlining key risks and considerations is available here.
ACTION
Contractors considering participation in the FTY 2026/2027 programme should ensure that they take the following steps:
Reach out to NICPLD or CPNI to discuss any queries before the 16 May closing date.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CPNI team or email Ennis.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
Further to the CPNI contractor update issued on 18 April 2025 regarding community pharmacy funding and contractor meetings, CPNI wishes to confirm that the meeting will be held in Belfast on 14 May 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast, commencing at 8pm sharp. Tea and coffee will be available from 7.30pm.
Note: While it had been proposed that a second meeting may be held in Cookstown on 15 May 2025, this will not now proceed due to logistical and scheduling clashes. All contractors are welcome to attend the Belfast meeting.
Please do not hesitate to contact the CPNI office or the CPNI Director representative for your area if you require any additional information at any stage.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has today announced £4m for community pharmacy to provide support towards the recent increases in National Insurance. The full announcement can be read HERE.
CPNI has been lobbying extensively for funding to mitigate the recent National Insurance hikes and welcomes today’s announcement.
CPNI will be working with the Department of Health and SPPG colleagues to ensure the mechanism for allocating this funding is implemented as soon as possible.
A further update will be provided at tomorrow evening’s contractor meeting.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence dated 9 May 2025 reactivating the serious shortage protocol SSP078 for cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free.
The SSP is due to expire on Friday 8 August 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.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Note that the serious shortage protocol SSP078 for cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free has been reactivated.
Note that the letter giving the key points, and the full SSPs are available on the Business Services Organisation dedicated page on its website.
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.
Ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of this update.
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
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