The Department of Health NI issued correspondence here dated 15 January 2026, extending the expiry dates of SSP060 and SSP061 for Creon® 10,000 and 25,000 gastro-resistant capsules respectively.
SSP060 will now expire on Friday 30 January 2026.
SSP061 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 15 January 2026, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of the expiry dates of SSP060 and SSP061 to Friday 30 January 2026 and Friday 17 April 2026 respectively;
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
Reminder: Complaints Return Due by Monday 26th January 2026
Dear Contractor
SPPG issued correspondence on 20 January 2026 which is marked as an URGENT REMINDER for community pharmacies to ensure they have submitted their mandatory Complaints Returns via the online form by Monday 26th January 2026.
SUMMARY
The correspondence reminds community pharmacies:
To submit the monthly complaints return by Monday 26 January 2026.
The January return covers all closed complaints for December 2025.
A NIL return is submitted if there are no closed complaints.
SPPG issued correspondence dated 11 December 2025 in relation to the Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) declaration for 2025/2026. The deadline for community pharmacies to submit their CPAF declaration was 16 January 2026, which has now passed. However SPPG has indicated that returns will be accepted and would encourage pharmacies who have not yet submitted a return to do so as soon as possible.
For those who have already submitted no further action is required at this time. For those who are yet to submit, you can do so via the online form. Note: It may be helpful to save a copy or screenshot of your submission for your pharmacy records.
The Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) for 2025/26 consists of an annual declaration completed by each community pharmacy contractor, and a short visit undertaken by SPPG staff for a selected number of pharmacies each year.
The purpose of the framework is to monitor compliance with Terms of Service, service specifications, related professional standards and best practice guidance.
The annual CPAF declaration must be completed via the online form by no later than 16 January 2026.
A payment of £1400 will be made to each community pharmacy, upon return of the completed declaration, for compliance with the CPAF process in 2025/26.
Those community pharmacies selected for a CPAF visit will be contacted directly with further information. A visit protocol is available here.
Queries relating to CPAF can be directed to your SPPG Pharmacy Adviser, via your local office.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Read and note the SPPG correspondence and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
If not already completed, ensure your pharmacy’s CPAF declaration is submitted via the online formASAP.
Contact the relevant SPPG local office for further support if required.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the CPNI team.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Reminder: NICPLD IP Training Course – Application Window Open
Dear Contractor
The application window for the next NICPLD IP training course (commencing August/September 2026) is now open. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 3 March 2026.
Full details are available on the NICPLD website here.
SUMMARY
50 IP training places are available for community pharmacists.
Applicants will be responsible for finding their own DPP.
A payment of £1,500 is available for each DPP supporting a community pharmacist.
ACTION
Contractors may wish to note the information on the NICPLD website and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team including:
Community pharmacists who are interested in undertaking IP training.
Community pharmacist IPs who might consider acting as a DPP.
Queries regarding the IP training course can be sent to nicpld-prescribing@qub.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you wish to speak to a member of the CPNI team you may contact Ennis.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
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