CPNI has been liaising with BSO and DOH(NI) colleagues in relation to various issues that have been reported to us by contractors, and we can provide the following update:
Epiduo
CPNI recently made representation to SPPG to highlight that the only available pump packs of both adapalene 0.1% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel and adapalene 0.3% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel is a 60g pack size.
An interim solution for February 2025 prescriptions was communicated by BSO in a recent MPS.
This interim solution has been extended for March 2025 prescriptions.
Contractors are reminded that these prescriptions must be placed in the amended batch of your submission to ensure you are correctly reimbursed for dispensing the 60g pack.
The NIDT will not be updated to the 60g pump pack until April 2025 as detailed here.
Firmagon 80mg/120mg powder and solvent for solution for injection vials
After representation by CPNI regarding a sudden decrease in reimbursement price of Firmagon 80mg and 120mg vials in January 2025, SPPG agreed for the February 2025 prescription submission to reimburse the previously higher price as detailed here.
Due to the short notice in issuing the MPS, SPPG have since further agreed that contractors may submit retrospective invoices for any prescriptions that were purchased at the higher price that have already been submitted in the February 2025 submission.
Following CPNI representation to SPPG, the following products have been added to the Zero Discount List in the NIDT.
All Fresubin products will be allocated ZD status from February 2025 prescriptions onwards.
Nutulis Clear will be allocated ZD status from January 2025 prescriptions onwards.
Chloraprep 3ml Applicator
In January 2024, reports had been received from contractors that the price to purchase Chloraprep 3ml applicator (25 pack) had increased from £23.00 to £32.73.
CPNI raised this issue with BSO, and it was agreed to increase the reimbursement price to £32.73.
By way of update, CPNI can confirm the higher reimbursement price is continuing to be paid to contractors.
The ongoing supply of chloraprep 3ml applicators will continue to be reviewed by SPPG.
Drug Reimbursement Price Changes CPNI can confirm that the reimbursement prices for the following products have been re-determined. A retrospective adjustment has/will be made by BSO in the coming months.
Viridal Duo Starter Pack 10microgram powder and solvent for solution for injection cartridges with device pack size 2 (November 2024)
£20.13
£35.55
Viridal Duo Starter Pack 20microgram powder and solvent for solution for injection cartridges with device pack size 2 (November 2024)
£24.54
£35.55
Viridal Duo Starter Pack 40microgram powder and solvent for solution for injection cartridges with device pack size 2 (November 2024)
£29.83
£35.55
SPPG have confirmed that for:
Lithium carbonate (Priadel) 200mg and 400mg, Phlexy-Vits powder 7g sachets and Maxijul Super Soluble powder, the higher price was reimbursed for October 2024 prescriptions (paid at the end of November) so no adjustment is required.
Adjustments for Alprostadil (Viridal Duo) packs will be made with the March 2025 payment
Please continue to notify CPNI of any pricing issues you are experiencing via our Medicine Shortage Reporter.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
For the Attention of Community Pharmacies Providing the Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) Service
Dear Colleague
SPPG have issued correspondence on 28 February 2025 here and on 7 March 2025 here regarding the community pharmacy OST service.
SUMMARY
The community pharmacy role in OST optimises compliance and minimises the risk of diversion of prescribed medication to the illicit market.
In 2023/24, more than 34K OST prescriptions were dispensed by over 150 community pharmacies in NI.
In order to enhance governance arrangements and ensure more timely payment of the retainer fee, SPPG and CPNI have agreed a service specification and a contract for the delivery of the OST service.
Resources are available to support the community pharmacists in their role as an OST provider here, and training is provided by NICPLD.
As some pharmacies may not be currently in a position of compliance with all aspects of the service specification, SPPG have developed a questionnaire to obtain feedback on areas where additional support may be required.
SPPG have requested the questionnaire to be completed by Friday 14 March 2025.
It is not necessary to return a signed contract at this time. Further correspondence will be issued in relation to completion of the contract.
For any contractors who have already returned a contract, this will be acknowledged by SPPG.
Going forward, pharmacies with a contract for OST service will provide a benchmark for service provision for future opportunities to further enhance the range of services that are complimentary to OST.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to review the correspondence issued by SPPG on 28 February 2025 here and on 7 March 2025 here and share with all relevant team members.
Please contact Michael McCabe (michael.mccabe@hscni.net), Pharmacy Adviser if you have any further queries.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague,
SPPG have issued correspondence regarding the Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework on 27 February 2025.
SUMMARY
SPPG is seeking completion of the Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) declaration form for your pharmacy, for the 2024/25 year.
The aim and purpose of the framework is to monitor compliance with Terms of Service, service specifications, related professional standards and best practice guidance.
SPPG has recently worked with CPNI to review, update and agree the Assurance framework for the 2024/25 year.
The declaration form is now to be completed by Monday10 March 2025 on MS forms using the following link here.
A payment of £1200 will be made to each pharmacy, upon return of the completed declaration for compliance with the CPAF process in 2024/25.
Last year community pharmacies will have submitted a copy of their practice leaflet and complaints procedure alongside their CPAF declaration for 2023/24. If either of these has changed since last year’s submission, SPPG have requested a copy to be emailed to your local Primary Care Office by 31 March 2025.
The resumed CPAF visits will continue as per the SPPG process, and pharmacies will be contacted directly if selected for a visit.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to review the correspondence issued by SPPG on 27 February 2025 and share with all relevant team members.
Please contact your Pharmacy Advisor at local offices for any queries regarding this correspondence.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
PHA have issued communicationtoday regarding the Spring 2025 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to provide some early operational detail.
Further correspondence regarding the Spring Programme will be issued over the coming days.
SUMMARY
The communication outlines:
The eligible cohorts.
The expected start date.
The vaccines to be used.
Ordering and delivery dates.
The recording of vaccinations.
Training.
ACTION
Ensure this communication is brought to the attention of pharmacy team members involved in the community pharmacy vaccination service.
CPNI representatives attended the Health Committee this afternoon to further highlight the concerns regarding community pharmacy funding and the impact this is having on community pharmacy teams, community pharmacy services and ultimately patients. In advance of the Health Committee meeting, CPNI were notified by SPPG of an enhanced opening funding position for 2025/26. This included an increase in the retained margin from £31.5m to £34m. One notable aspect that has been confirmed is that the discount (clawback) applied to appliances will be reduced from 10.39% to 0% from 1st April 2025. This is one element that CPNI have been lobbying hard for over many months and is a much needed change. While this intervention is welcome, it does not address the full extent of the funding deficit that exists.
CPNI has also received confirmation that the balance of the 2024/25 DDRB uplift (£2.45m) has been approved and is working with SPPG to ensure this is released to the network as soon as possible.
CPNI Board will be meeting next week to discuss this further and the network will be updated accordingly.
Yours sincerely,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
REMINDER: For the attention of Community Pharmacies providing Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service (CPCHSS)
Dear Contractor
Correspondence has been issued 7 February 2025 by SPPG to those pharmacies involved in the Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service (CPCHSS).
SUMMARY
A requirement for the Community Care Home Support Service is to complete two care home visits each financial year.
The second care home visit is due to be completed by the end of March 2025.
SPPG have introduced a process for partial recuperation of payments made to community pharmacists who are contracted to provide the service but have not completed the required visits in line with service specification.
SPPG will be in contact in early April to seek confirmation and dates of the visits completed during 24/25 year.
ACTION
Contractors should read the correspondence issued by SPPG 7 February 2025.
Any pharmacy yet to complete the second required care home visit should organise a date before the end of March 2025.
Please share this information with all relevant members of the team.
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