Archives: Contractor Email

Dear Colleague,

For your information, the HSCB/DH Community Pharmacy COVID-19 FAQs have been updated today (7/4/2020) and are available at http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3124.htm.  

The Community Pharmacy Staff Protection Checklist has also been updated today (7/4/2020) and can be found here: http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/pdf/COVID-19%20Community%20Pharmacy%20Staff%20protection%20Checklist%20070420.pdf

As you are aware this is a rapidly evolving situation and therefore the information will need to be updated regularly. 

The most up to date version will always be hosted at the above link.

Please share this information with your colleagues.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

— HIGH PRIORITY —

Dear Colleague

We have been asked by the HSC Board to advise that a limited numbers of appointments for COVID-19 testing for community pharmacy team members have been secured for tomorrow, WEDNESDAY 8TH APRIL at the SSE ARENA.

***** URGENT ACTION IS REQUIRED TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT – BOOKINGS ARE REQUIRED BETWEEN 1.30PM AND 3.30PM TODAY *****

It is expected that the demand for staff/family testing may exceed the initial capacity available tomorrow.  Additionally it is accepted that this time scale and/or venue may not be suitable for everyone.

Please be assured that work is ongoing to ensure that additional appointments and sites are available to increase the capacity for testing.  Community pharmacy staff will be kept informed accordingly.

  • It is important to recognise that the earlier the test is done following the onset of symptoms, the more reliable the result.
  • Testing of HCWs is normally of greatest benefit during days 1 to 5 of symptoms.
  • Testing of HCWs who would normally be expected to return to work in 72 hours may not be considered to be a priority.
  • Children under 5 years of age will not normally be tested due to problems with their levels of cooperation with the testing process.

Eligibility for testing will be as follows:

  • If you are self-isolating because you are displaying COVID 19 symptoms then you are eligible to take this test yourself.
  • If you are self-isolating because someone in your household is displaying COVID 19 symptoms, and that person is over the age of 18 then they are eligible to take the test – not you 
  • If you are self-isolating because an under 18 year old in your household is displaying symptoms then they are eligible – but a parent or guardian must perform the swab test on them, only if they are comfortable doing so
  • If you are self-isolating but neither a member of your household or you are displaying symptoms then you are not eligible for a test.

Note: Common COVID 19 symptoms include a new continuous cough and a high temperature >37.8oC

The following phone lines should be contacted BETWEEN 1.30pm and 3.30pm TODAY, TUESDAY 7th APRIL to book appointments for tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon:

  • 028 95 361080: for appointments at 2pm
  • 028 95 361055: for appointments at 2.30pm
  • 028 95 362532: for appointments at 3pm
  • 028 95 362784: for appointments at 3.30pm or 4pm

Please note the information required when making the appointments will be:

  • Full Name of the person being tested
  • Full name of Community Pharmacy HCW (if different from person being tested)
  • Health and Care Number of person being tested (if available / known – test can still proceed if not available)
  • DOB of person being tested
  • Mobile Number of person being tested (or responsible adult)
  • Email address of person being tested (or responsible adult)
  • Vehicle Registration number of the car used to attend the test
  • Community pharmacy name and address

Further information on booking arrangements are contained in the attachment provided by the HSC Board.

This is an extremely encouraging development and we expect opportunities for testing to become more widely available over the next few days. Further updates will be provided when confirmation is received.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

Download

Dear Colleague,

Please find attached the following documents, in relation to the Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service:

  1. ‘Save the Date’ information on the HSCB COVID-19 ECHO session which will take place this evening, Tuesday 7th April 2020 from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Topics on the agenda include the Emergency Supply Service and collection and delivery of medicines.
  2. The Privacy Notice for ‘Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service’ which pharmacies must display if participating in the service.
  3. The associated slides for the CPNI training video for pharmacy staff, on the Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service, which can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eLe_HjRW0c.

All documentation for the service can be found here http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3124.htm

The CPNI team will continue to inform and support you throughout the course of the pandemic.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

Download

Dear Colleague

Northern Ireland Serious Shortage Protocol

CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines.  Detailed information can be found at the following link:

www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3063.htm

CPNI recognises that as we move through this challenging COVID period, there is a potential for medicines shortages to arise which may require an SSP to be implemented here.

We have developed a short video to help remind contractors and community pharmacists of the processes involved in dispensing against an SSP.  This can be accessed via the following link:

Action

Contractors should:

  1. Re-familiarise themselves with the guidance and take any actions which they may need to prepare their dispensing teams to make supplies against an SSP.

CPNI colleagues will continue to support contractors and their staff throughout the coming weeks.

Kind regards

Mike

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

Dear Colleague,

Thank you to those of you have been reporting in the number of staff who are self-isolating. As the HSCB Situation Reports (SitReps) are now live, this is the preferred method for reporting and you no longer need to provide these figures to CPNI.

The SitReps can be accessed here: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/hsc-new-models-of-prescribing/cpsitreport/

Can I also remind all pharmacies that secure email is now operational and we are encouraging all pharmacies to use this method of communication, which is particularly crucial at this time. If you are experiencing any difficulties with this please contact Sean Woods Sean.Woods@hscni.net or Tom Coyle Tom.Coyle@hscni.net

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive

Dear Colleague,

Easter Rota Arrangements

Following on from the CPNI Contractor Update on Friday evening I can now provide further information to you of the Community Pharmacy Service requirements and arrangements for the Easter Holiday period.

In summary

  • Easter Sunday

The bank holiday rota for Easter Sunday will be in place as per the usual arrangements.

Payment for this rota will be increased from the standard “Special day” payment of £250 per hour to £500 per hour. The HSCB recognises that in these exceptional times pharmacies will require an additional hour for stock and staff management and therefore pharmacies may claim for an additional hour.

  • Easter Monday and Tuesday

The table below summarises the requirements and remuneration for the Easter Monday and Tuesday

           Day Number of Pharmacies required to be open Opening Required Payment (£500@hour x 4hrs)
Easter Monday 110 10am – 1pm £2,000
  110   2pm – 5pm £2,000
Easter Tuesday 113 10am – 1pm £2,000
  101   2pm – 5pm £2,000

Pharmacy opening arrangements will be decided on a cluster basis. Each pharmacy will be required to open for a 3 hour session, however, the HSCB recognises that in these exceptional times pharmacies will require an additional hour for stock and staff management.

It is expected that HSCB offices will be in contact with pharmacy branches, and where possible Head Offices, to finalise which pharmacies will be open on Easter Monday and Tuesday. If you, in conjunction with HSCB, wish to organise this on behalf of your pharmacy (group) please ensure that branch staff are advised to direct any initial telephone calls from HSCB to you, or the relevant person in your organisation.

CPNI and HSCB understands the on-going commitment by you and your pharmacy teams at this time, and in particular over the upcoming Easter period. We hope that the required level of community pharmacy service provision to the public over the Easter period can continue to be maintained with these arrangements.

Please do not hesitate to contact CPNI offices should you require any additional information.

Yours sincerely

SENT FOR AND BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE | Chief Executive