Further to the joint correspondence by the healthcare representative organisations (BDA, Optometry NI, BMI NI and CPNI) to the Minister for Health in November 2024 in relation to the National Insurance Contribution (NIC) and Minimum Wage increases from April 2025. The organisations have issued a press release today which was picked up by the following media outlets:
These links have been added to CPNI social media channels, and you may wish to repost these on your own social media.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence (here) dated 3 April 2025 giving details of SSP082 relating to Estradot® (estradiol) 25mcg/24 hours transdermal patch. This SSP expires on Friday 2 May 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.
Note the specific key points relating to this SSP as highlighted in the letter;
Ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of this correspondence;
Note additional 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 Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 3 April 2025 relating to SSP079, SSP080 and SSP081 (Estradot® 50mcg patches, Estradot® 75mcg patches and Estradot® 100mcg patches) extending their expiry dates to Friday 2 May 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 3 April 2025, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of the expiry dates of SSP079, SSP080 and SSP081 to Friday 2 May 2025, 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.
Community Pharmacies across Northern Ireland can now sign up to the Daffodil Standards for palliative and end of life care
The Daffodil Standards are a joint initiative between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Marie Curie – Northern Ireland that aim to build on the high standard of care already provided to palliative care patients and their families by community pharmacy teams.
The password for VMS is the same as the password for the Portal. Changing the Portal password will automatically change the VMS password to match this.
Second VMS account:
All users have been provided with a second VMS login at the time of account setup. If you no longer have a record of the password please contact Grainne.McMahon4@hscni.net.
On first log in, you will be prompted to set up multifactor authentication (MFA), and you can use a different device to that used to authenticate the primary account.
Two users can access VMS simultaneously which may be useful for offsite recording.
Any issues encountered with access can be directed to Grainne.McMahon4@hscni.net with a screenshot of the error message.
Community pharmacies can access the PHA vaccinator pool. This is a free service to community pharmacies and more information can be seen here.
For the attention of Community Pharmacies providing the Spring 2025 COVID-19 Community Pharmacy Vaccination Service
Dear Contractor
SPPG have issued correspondence on 4 April 2025 relating to the COVID-19 Spring 2025 Vaccination Programme.
The vaccination protocol for the COVID-19 Spring 2025 programme has been uploaded on to the BSO website.
Contractors are asked to share this information with all relevant staff members.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
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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