Dear Contractor
Please find attached correspondence HERE from Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.
SUMMARY
- Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMRs) are an additional tool to manage and mitigate medicines shortages.
- In response to concerns across the UK regarding ongoing intermittent supply issues affecting some supplies of Estraderm patches, a decision has been taken by the Minister for Health to authorise the issue of two SSPs.
- These SSPs currently expire on 16 September 2022, however supplies are expected to be intermittent for several months and the Department may reactivate these SSPs at a later date to manage the supply position over the coming months.
- The two SSPs attached are:
- The alternative product to be provided in these periods of shortage will be Evorel 25mcg and 100mcg patches respectively.
ACTION
- Contractors are asked to review the correspondence.
- Contractors are asked to make all relevant staff aware of these updated SSPs.
- Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required.
Kind regards

GERARD GREENE
Chief Executive