The Northern Ireland Cyber Crime Centre has issued an alert in respect of ‘Quishing’.
This is the use of QR codes as part of a phishing email, and the attached graphic shows two recent examples detected in Northern Ireland here.
Background
Actors send phishing emails containing a pdf or png image of a QR code. This can reduce the possibility of the email being classed as phishing.
As with other phishing campaigns, the recipient is taken to a URL which may be hosting malware or a credential harvesting “sign-in” page.
URL redirects from legitimate online providers increase the likelihood of a recipient trusting the link displayed.
The requirement to scan a QR code increases the likelihood of a recipient using a personal device outside the web or anti virus protection offered by the organisation.
Action
Contractors are asked to note:
The attached alert from the Cyber Crime Centre, and to ensure that their teams are aware that this is a variation of phishing email scams.
That organisations can obtain advice on safeguarding against phishing attacks at www.ncsc.gov.uk/phishing.
That Cyber Crime can be reported to Action Fraud 24/7 at www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
Further information can be accessed via the links on the Cyber Protect webpage HERE.
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 29 September 2023 in relation to the serious shortage protocols (SSPs) in place for clarithromycin products (SSP053 and SSP054), extending the expiry dates until Friday 17 November 2023.
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:
Review the letter dated 29 September 2023 and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of this update.
Note that the expiry dates of the existing SSPs for clarithromycin products (SSP053 and SSP054) have been extended until Friday 17 November 2023.
Note 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.
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
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
Contractors providing the vaccination service are encouraged to add these resources to their social media platforms to help raise awareness on the availability of vaccinations at their local pharmacy.
MHRA September Drug Safety Update – Statins and Myasthenia Gravis
Contractors will note that the attached MHRA update contains safety information relating to Statins and Myasthenia Gravis. Links to the full drug safety article and the yellow card reporting system are also included in the update.
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 new Medicine Shortage Reporter.
Concessionary prices are also published on the CPNI website.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
As you may recall, CPNI issued CU#230727A in July 2023 to advise the network that NICPLD had confirmed that sufficient numbers of community pharmacies had come forward to act as providers for the Experiential Learning (EL) programme, and as such the programme would be commencing as planned in November 2023. NICPLD subsequently contacted pharmacists who were nominated to act as a Practice Supervisor (PS), to advise them of the training requirements and training schedule.
NICPLD have now advised CPNI that they have issued correspondence to those pharmacies who have agreed to participate as EL providers, to share further details including key dates, access to the EL Hub, links to the EL handbook, and indemnity information.
SUMMARY
The correspondence which NICPLD issued to confirmed EL providers is available here.
ACTION
Contractors who have agreed to act as EL providers in 2023 should take note of the information in the NICPLD correspondence and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Contractors who have thus far been unable to commit to participating in the EL programme due to workforce and workload pressures can contact NICPLD EL Lead Helen Hirst, should they wish to express an interest in becoming involved in future stages of the programme.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the CPNI team.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
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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