The Department of Health NI issued correspondence here dated 30 January 2026, extending the expiry date of SSP060 for Creon® 10,000 gastro-resistant capsules.
SSP060 will now expire on Friday 17 April 2026.
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 HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letter here dated 30 January 2026, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of the expiry date of SSP060 to Friday 17 April 2026.
Note the specific details relating to these SSPs including 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 are reminded of information issued by BSO ‘Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors’ which can be accessed here.
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 here dated 30 January 2026 relating to the extension of SSP079, SSP080, SSP081 and SSP082 (Estradot® 25mcg patches, Estradot® 50mcg patches, Estradot® 75mcg patches and Estradot® 100mcg patches). The letter advises that these SSPs have been extended to Friday 17 April 2026.
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 HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letter here dated 30 January 2026, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of SSP079, SSP080, SSP081 and SSP082, and that they are also aware of the specific details relating to these SSPs; and
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 are reminded of information issued by BSO ‘Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors’ which can be accessed here.
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.
The Yellow Card Centre Northern Ireland is currently inviting volunteers to register their interest in the role of Yellow Card Champion. This is a voluntary role open to staff in all areas of Health and Social Care, including community pharmacy.
Yellow Card champions will play a vital role in supporting pharmacovigilance and patient safety and will be supported by the Yellow Card centre Northern Ireland.
‘Immunise, protect, thrive’ Living Well Campaign Goes Live
Siobhan McNulty, Living Well Campaign Champion launches the: ‘Immunise, protect, thrive’ campaign.
A new campaign – ‘immunise, protect, thrive’ – focussing on the importance of childhood immunisations has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.
Running across February and March 2026, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlight that it is the most important thing you can do to protect your child from ill health. The campaign social media schedule can be found here.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued correspondence to registrants on 26 January 2026 advising of the launch of the updated Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance for Pharmacists in NI.
The correspondence issued by PSNI Chief Executive Mr Canice Ward is available here.
Further information on how the updated Code has been developed and the key changes can be found on the PSNI website here.
PSNI has indicated that they will host webinars in late February to discuss how to use the Code to support best practice. Further information will issue in due course.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to read the correspondence regarding the updated Code, and share with all relevant members of the team.
Contractors can contact PSNI regarding any queries related to the Code, or alternatively they may speak to a member of the CPNI team.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
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