An update on the project work, including the revised timeline for completion by the end of 2027.
A survey to gather further information from student technicians who are currently undertaking the Level 3 Diploma.
A staff information poster inviting technicians, student technicians and pharmacy support staff to engage with the Technician Workforce Subgroup and provide more information on their role profiles and career pathways.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Note the contents of the Pharmacy Technician Newsletter and bring to the attention of relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Advise technician and support staff to join the Technician Regulation Project mailing list to receive all relevant updates.
Contractors can contact a member of the CPNI team should they have any queries on the Pharmacy Technician Regulation Project.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague
The following concessionary prices granted in June 2025 have rolled over to July 2025:
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 1 July 2025 relating to SSP082 and SSP079 (Estradot® 25mcg patches and Estradot® 50mcg patches) extending their expiry dates to Friday 10 October 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 1 July 2025, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of the expiry dates of SSP082 and SSP079, 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
Dear Colleague
The final update of concessionary prices were granted today for June 2025:
WhatsApp Business Terms of Service can be found here and privacy policy hereUCA-NI Privacy Policy We take your privacy seriously and do not share or sell any personal details with third parties for commercial purposes. If you have any questions, please contact the CPNI office. You can withdraw your consent to be contacted at any time by calling 028 9069 0444 or by emailing info@communitypharmacyni.co.uk. CPNI Data Protection Policy and Data Retention policy can be found Click Here
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