SPPG issued correspondence on 27 October 2025 to inform providers of the Pharmacy First for the Treatment of Shingles service that there have been updates to the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the service.
SUMMARY
The SPPG correspondence advises that the service documentation has been updated, advising that patients presenting with shingles affecting the head and/or neck should NOT be treated via the Pharmacy First service.
The following updated service documentation has been uploaded to the BSO Website:
Service providers must ensure they are using valid, up-to-date versions of PGDs, which have been signed on behalf of the community pharmacy and by each pharmacist operating under the PGD.
ACTION
Contractors involved in the provision of Pharmacy First for the Treatment of Shingles should:
Review the correspondence issued by SPPG and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
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
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Pharmacy First EHC Service – Updated PGD for Desogestrel (Effective from 31st October)
Dear Contractor
SPPG issued correspondence on 27 October 2025 to inform providers of the Pharmacy First for EHC service that the PGD for Desogestrel has been updated, and will be effective from 31 October 2025.
SUMMARY
The SPPG correspondence advises that the current PGD (Desogestrel V02.00) for use in the delivery of the Pharmacy First EHC Service has been updated.
The updated PGD (Desogestrel V2.1) is now available on the Pharmacy First EHC Service page of the BSO Website, and is effective from 31 October 2025.
Service providers must ensure they are using valid, up-to-date versions of PGDs, which have been signed on behalf of the community pharmacy and by each pharmacist operating under the PGD.
ACTION
Contractors involved in the provision of Pharmacy First for EHC should:
Review the correspondence issued by SPPG and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
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
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 24 October 2025 relating to the extension of SSP077 and SSP078 (cefalexin 125mg/ml and 250mg/ml oral suspensions). The letter advises that these SSPs have been extended to Friday 28 November 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 24 October 2025, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of SSP077 and SSP078, 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.
Specialist Pharmacy Service – Resources for Community Pharmacy
The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) has developed a poster which can be displayed in community pharmacies and used to provide quick links to a range of helpful resources such as guidance, training and the specialist advice service. The poster is available here.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
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