The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence (here) dated 13 October 2023 extending the expiry date of SSP057 Estradot® (estradiol hemihydrate) 100micrograms/24 hour patch, until 3 November 2023.
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 13 October 2023 and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the specific details relating to this SSP;
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 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.
CPNI were made aware that community pharmacies were having difficulty sourcing riluzole 50mg tablets.
The Department of Health (NI) has advised that if any patients are currently experiencing difficulties obtaining riluzole 50mg tablets from community pharmacies, they are recommended to contact the Specialist Medicines Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 028 9615 0736 (8.30am to 4.30pm). Patients will be aware of this process from before.
It is anticipated that some stock will be with local wholesalers soon.
NPA & McLernon’s Webinar – Digitising Medicine Delivery Services to Patients
NPA & McLernon’s are hosting a Webinar at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th October 2023 entitled ‘Digitising your Delivery Service using ProDeliveryManager (PDM) & McLernon’s’. The webinar will also provide information on digital options for contractors who may be introducing delivery charges.
Future Regulation and Development of Pharmacy Technicians in Northern Ireland
Contractors and their teams will be aware following the recommendations of the Pharmacy Workforce Review, work is ongoing to introduce the professional regulation and development of Pharmacy Technicians in Northern Ireland. The project team leading this work will be producing monthly newsletters to provide updates to all stakeholders. The September edition of the newsletter is available here and further information on the background to the project can be found on the Pharmacy Workforce Review webpage. Contractors may wish to share the newsletter with Technicians and other support staff who may wish to remain updated about these changes.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
**FAO LIVING WELL PHARMACIES ONLY**
Dear Contractor
SPPG issued the following correspondence today – please share with relevant pharmacy team members.
SPPG CORRESPONDENCE: COMMUNITY PHARMACY SERVICE: LIVING WELL SERVICE UPDATES
Dear Colleague,
New survey submission information:
In order to improve the survey submission and follow up process, SPPG is testing a new process where surveys must be submitted using HSCNI email addresses only. This will:
Provide the pharmacy with a proof of submission
Prevent duplicate responses being submitted
Improve processes for follow-up of non-responders by SPPG
On clicking the survey link on the BSO website or in any email reminder, the respondent will be directed to sign into their Microsoft HSCNI account using their pharmacy HSCNI email address (i.e., pharmacy.xxxx@hscni.net) and password.
This will then link to the Microsoft Forms survey for completion.
Once the survey is completed it is recommended that the box for a receipt as proof of submission is clicked prior to clicking ‘submit’.
If a pharmacy goes to enter their response again at a later date, they will be prompted that they have already completed the form and will not be able to submit again.
The “Childhood immunisation” survey is now liveand is available here.
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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