The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence dated 6 August 2024 giving details of serious shortage protocol SSP072 for cefalexin 500mg tablets.
This SSP is due to expire on Friday 27 September 2024.
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 the serious shortage protocol SSP072 for cefalexin 500mg tablets.
Note that the letter giving the key points (including the need to ensure that the patient/carer is aware that the capsule form of cefalexin may contain gelatine), and the full SSP 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
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence dated 6 August 2024 giving details of serious shortage protocol SSP071 for ramipril 2.5mg tablets.
This SSP is due to expire on Friday 15 November 2024.
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 the serious shortage protocol SSP071 for ramipril 2.5mg tablets.
Note that the letter giving the key points (including the need to ensure that the patient/carer is aware that the capsule form of ramipril may contain gelatine), and the full SSP 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
Dear Colleague
CPNI is aware that the recent incidents of public disorder in areas of Northern Ireland may be a cause of concern for pharmacy contractors and their teams. CPNI has made SPPG aware of these concerns and will continue to liaise with SPPG colleagues in terms of advice for pharmacy contractors.
Contractors are reminded that:
Pharmacy staff and patient safety in the pharmacy is paramount at all times.
Where contractors have concerns regarding the safety of their pharmacy teams or premises they are advised to make contact with their local SPPG office to discuss.
Should there be any abuse directed at staff or if there is a safety risk to staff or members of the public in the pharmacy, the police should be contacted immediately.
Please do not hesitate to contact CPNI Office on 028 9069 0444 for further advice or support.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
As you will be aware, CPNI have been liaising with SPPG on rota provision across Northern Ireland. As part of the review, we are looking at the funding for providing the rota service. SPPG have asked CPNI to gather evidence to support their funding bids. If you are involved in rota, CPNI is asking that you complete this SURVEY by 5pm on Friday 9th August.
Any information you provide will only be shared with SPPG in a collated way so that no contractor would be identifiable.
Please do not hesitate to contact the CPNI office if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
Correspondence has been issued by SPPG on 5th August 2024 regarding the Living Well Campaign.
SUMMARY
The survey for the campaign ‘MMR vaccination’ opened on 5th August 2024 and can be accessed here.
The survey will remain open until 6pm on 2nd September 2024.
The current campaign ‘Live longer and stronger’ began on 1st August 2024 and online resources for this campaign can be found on the BSO website.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to review the correspondence issued by SPPG on 5th August 2024 regarding the Living Well Service and share with relevant team members.
The survey for the campaign ‘MMR vaccination’ is now available and must be completed before 6pm on 2nd September 2024.
Online resources for the current campaign ‘Live longer and stronger’ are available on the BSO website.
For any further information please contact CPNI offices.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague
The following concessionary prices granted in July 2024 have rolled over to August 2024:
Drug
Pack Size
Concessionary Price
Clomipramine 50mg capsules
28
£7.99
Flucloxacillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar free
100
£4.19
Perindopril erbumine 8mg tablets
30
£7.98
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment
60
£47.28
Concessionary prices will be paid against the usual code, no additional endorsements are needed.
Please continue to notify CPNI of any pricing issues you are experiencing via our Medicine Shortage Reporter.
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
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