Correspondence has been issued by SPPG on 05 February 2025 regarding the Living Well Campaign.
SUMMARY
The survey for the campaign ‘Stay well this winter’ has opened on 03 February 2025 and can be accessed here.
The survey will remain open until 6pm on Monday 03 March 2025.
The current campaign ‘Look after your mental health’ began on 01 February 2025 and online resources for this campaign can be found on the BSO website.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to review the correspondence issued by SPPG on 05 February 2025 regarding the Living Well Service and share with relevant team members.
The survey for the campaign ‘Stay well this winter’ is now available and must be completed before 6pm on Monday 03 March 2025.
For any further information please contact CPNI offices.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague
The following concessionary prices granted in January 2025 have rolled over to February 2025:
Drug
Pack Size
Concessionary Price
Alendronic acid 70mg tablets
4
£1.21
Prucalopride 2mg tablets
28
£10.00
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 Medicine Shortage Reporter.
Following representation by CPNI, the following products have been granted Zero Discount status from January 2025 prescriptions onwards and a retrospective payment for November 2024 prescriptions onwards will be made as part of the January 2025 payment:
Advagraf 0.5mg capsules
Brivaracetam 10mg tablets
Cabergoline 0.5mg tablets
Clexane 20mg
Ensure Plus milkshake style and yoghurt style liquid
Fortisip and Fortisip Compact
In addition, the following products will also be added to the Zero Discount list from January 2025:
The All-Party Group on Community Pharmacy met on Tuesday 28th January 2025 to discuss issues facing pharmacy including National Insurance Contribution rises and Winter Pressures. Community Pharmacists shared their first hand experiences of these key issues with the group.
The TMSNI group are providing a training opportunity via ECHO on Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) medicines. The Echo session has been scheduled for Wednesday 5th February 2025 10-11.30am.
The link to join the meeting can be accessed here.
Survey on Pharmacist Involvement in Research
The Pharmacy Professionals Research incubator team, supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has asked CPNI to make contractors and their teams aware of a survey they are currently undertaking to explore the challenges facing pharmacists wishing to undertake or engage with research. The survey is open to all UK-registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and will close on the 17th February 2025.
Community Pharmacies providing the Pharmacy First Pilot Service for Shingles
CPNI have developed a training PowerPoint presentation that can be accessed on the CPNI website under Pharmacy First Pilot Service for the Treatment of Shingles to further aid contractors and pharmacists in offering the service.
Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service
With the extension of the Pharmacy First Sore Throat service to 31st March 2025, participating community pharmacies are invited to publicise the service using the following resources.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 31 January 2025 in respect of SSP077 relating to cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free. The expiry date of SSP077 has been extended to Friday 2 May 2025.
It should be noted that SSP078 relating to cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension will still expire on 31 January 2025.
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 31 January 2025 relating to SSP077 (cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free);
Note that the expiry date for SSP077 has been extended to Friday 2 May 2025;
Note that SSP078 relating to cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension will still expire on 31 January 2025;
Note the key points specific to this SSP and note the 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; and
Ensure that their dispensary teams are fully briefed.
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 Colleague
The final update of concessionary prices were granted today for January 2025:
SPPG have issued correspondence 31 January 2025 regarding support that is available to those that are still affected by Storm Eowyn.
Approximately 8000 people are still without power and Community Assistance Centres have been set up in each council area.
A list of council contact details are available here for anyone you may be aware of who may be or become vulnerable without utilities.
The contact details are to be shared with individuals affected and are not for display or sharing publicly.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to read the SPPG correspondence issued today and share with all relevant staff members.
Please contact SPPG offices if you require further information.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
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