NICPLD issued correspondence on 19 February 2024, including a letter and FAQs outlining the recruitment process for the FTY programme 25/26, and inviting contractors to apply for a training grant. The correspondence stated (amongst other things) that trainees would be employed by a Single Lead Employer (SLE), and would receive a salary equivalent to the National Living Wage (£20,048 p.a. in 23/24), paid by the SLE, throughout both the community pharmacy and hospital placement periods.
NICPLD subsequently issued an update letter and updated FAQs on 21 February 2024, on foot of further communication received from the Department of Health advising that the SLE model will not in fact be in place for FTY 25/26 and is not likely to be functional until 27/28. This means that FTY trainees for 25/26 and 26/27 will now be employed directly by the community pharmacy and the relevant hospital trust for their respective placements.
The updated 21st February 2024 information confirms that the 2025/26 FTY community pharmacy salary remains at £20,048 p.a. pro-rata (based on the National Living Wage). Whilst the correspondence does not detail the 2025/26 FTY salary provided in the hospital sector, it has been confirmed to CPNI that the 2025/26 FTY salary in the hospital sector has been increased from £20,048 to £27,055 p.a. pro-rata, based on Agenda for Change Band 5.
CPNI does not consider the manner in which preparations for FTY 25/26 have been managed in recent weeks, as well as the inadequate and differential FTY salary arrangements between the community pharmacy and hospital sector, to be appropriate and CPNI will continue to make representations to DoH(NI). Further information will be provided at tomorrow evening’s Contractor Meeting.
CPNI notes that the most recent FTY correspondence invites contractors to address any queries to nicpld-fty@qub.ac.uk. Additionally, contractors may wish to contact CPNI and can therefore email queries to eshields@communitypharmacyni.co.uk.
An update will be provided to contractors on last week’s meeting with the Health Minister, as well as providing further information in relation to ongoing community pharmacy funding concerns and next steps.
This will be an ‘in-person’ only meeting.
I would encourage you all to attend this meeting.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
You will have received correspondence from DHNI (dated 23 February 2024) in respect of the reclassification of codeine linctus to a prescription only medicine (POM).
Background
Recent safety information has revealed that codeine linctus is being used recreationally for its opioid effects, rather than for its intended use as a cough suppressant. This carries a serious risk of addiction and overdose which can be fatal.
Following the results of a public consultation and the further advice of the CHM, codeine linctus will no longer be supplied without a prescription. This is a risk minimisation measure to protect the health of patients in need of treatment, to prevent recreational use, and to enable the identification of individuals who may have become unintentionally addicted to codeine. Patients will still be able to access codeine linctus with a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. This will ensure that the medicine is used safely and appropriately under medical supervision.
All market authorisation holders (MAH) are in the process of updating their product licences to reflect the change to POM. Once the licences have been updated, the MAHs have committed to implement the changes to their product information within 3 months. The MHRA made a public announcement as soon as possible in the interests of public safety. To avoid any ‘stockpiling’, all existing codeine linctus stock should now be treated as POM.
Action
Contractors should:
Review the correspondence issued by DHNI and bring this to the attention of their pharmacy teams;
Note that DHNI has indicated that to avoid any ‘stockpiling’, all existing codeine linctus stock should now be treated as POM;
Note the advice for healthcare professionals contained within the letter;
Note the advice for healthcare professionals to provide to patients contained within the letter; and
Follow the advice in respect of the reporting of any suspected adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card scheme.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
Dear Contractor
Correspondence has been issued by SPPG 23rd February 2024 regarding LFD distribution.
SUMMARY
On 29th February 2024 Care Homes and Primary Care users will no longer be able to order LFDs.
From 1st March 2024 Care Homes, primary care, and associated services who require LFDs for patients and/or staff who are eligible as outlined by PHA/DoH will now access these via the Pharmacy Collect NI service.
ACTION
Contractors should read and review the correspondence received from SPPG regarding the LFD Distribution Service.
Contractors can supply one box of test kits per transaction as stated in the service specification, however given that Care Homes may have many residents to test at one time a max of 10 LFD kits may be supplied to a Care Home in one transaction.
Please share this information with all relevant team members.
If you have any queries in relation to the changes outlined in this email please contact your local Primary Care Office.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
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