Archives: Contractor Email

Dear Contractor

HSCB CORRESPONDENCE: ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF REPEAT PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS

Mr Joe Brogan, HSCB has issued the attached letter and HSCB Repeat Prescription Management (COVID 19 Pandemic) guidance document for Community Pharmacists and GP Practices in relation to the management of repeat prescription requests.

Summary

The HSCB Guidance document provides important information on several aspects associated with repeat prescription requests during COVID-19 and it includes guidance on, amongst other aspects, the ordering of repeat prescriptions, the collection of prescriptions from GP practices, the transfer of urgent prescriptions, prescribing intervals and guidance on the quantities of medicines being prescribed.  

The information contained in the guidance document builds on the experience and lessons learned about prescription processes from the first wave of COVID-19 and the guidance will be important to help Community Pharmacy and GP teams manage repeat prescription processes as we enter the next wave of COVID-19.

Action

Contractors should:

  1. Note the content of this letter and the accompanying HSCB Guidance document entitled Repeat Prescription Management (COVID 19 Pandemic); and
  2. Ensure that the letter and HSCB Guidance document is considered by all members of your pharmacy teams involved in the management of repeat prescriptions and associated processes.

Local engagement with GP’s and practice staff should also be considered to assist in the smooth implementation of the HSCB guidance for the benefit of patients and to streamline and further enhance the inter-professional working between Community Pharmacy and GP teams over the coming weeks and months.

As always, should you require any additional information in relation to the HSCB letter or Guidance document please do not hesitate to contact, in the first instance, your local HSCB Pharmacy office, details of which are provided below.

Contact Details for Local Integrated Care Offices:      

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

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Dear Contractor

THE HUMAN MEDICINES (CORONAVIRUS AND INFLUENZA) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2020: AMENDMENTS TO THE HUMAN MEDICINES REGULATIONS 2012

The Department of Health has issued a letter (attached) confirming that amendments have been made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the rapid and effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza (flu) vaccine in the UK.

Summary

The amendments cover a range of issues including those relating to temporary licensing, increasing the scope of civil immunity, increasing the range of personnel permitted to administer the vaccines, and wholesale dealing and promotion of the vaccines.  

Action

Contractors should:

  1. Note the content of this letter; and
  2. Be aware that further notifications on operational aspects will be issued.

As further information on these matters is provided by the Department, CPNI will continue to keep contractors informed and supported.

Kind regards

Mike

Sent on behalf of Prof Mike Mawhinney | Head of Regulatory Affairs

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Dear Colleague

REMINDER – CONTINUED USE OF URGENT PANDEMIC PACKS IN NURSING HOMES IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Please find attached for your information, correspondence from Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management and Dr. Margaret O’Brien, Assistant Director of Integrated Care, Head of General Medical Services (GMS).

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

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Dear Colleague,

Please find attached agenda for the Echo session that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27th October 2020.  Topics covered will include the Community Pharmacy Business Continuity Arrangements, Pharmacy First for Colds and Sore Throats and the Adherence Support Service.

Please use the meeting ID and passcode below to access the meeting: 

Meeting ID: 663 219 8075

Passcode:  678281

Please also find attached Attendee/Moodle Guidance Notes and Project ECHO Enhanced Security Measures for newly registered participants.

I would encourage Contractors and pharmacist team members to attend this Echo session where possible.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

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Dear Colleague,

HSCB CORRESPONDENCE: PHARMACY FIRST SERVICE FOR SORE THROATS & COMMON COLDS WINTER 2020/2021

Please find attached for your attention, correspondence from Joe Brogan, Assistant Director of Integrated Care, Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

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Dear Colleague

Please find below and attached from HSCB Pharmacy and Medicines Management Team.

To GP Practices and Community Pharmacies

CURRENT VACCINE SHORTAGE

Department of Health (NI) has requested that the attached information compiled by DHSC, is cascaded to relevant primary care services for information and action as appropriate.

This notification relates to a current shortage of :

valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23®)

Practices and Community Pharmacies are encouraged to liaise re local stock situation and plans for management

Note: Information on this and previous shortages is also posted at

http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3065.htm

Yours sincerely

HSCB Pharmacy and Medicines Management Team

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

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