Correspondence dated 5th September 2024 regarding the Pharmacy First Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) Service has been issued by SPPG.
SUMMARY
The Pharmacy First EHC service has been commissioned in NI since July 2022.
To date, service activity levels indicate that the service is widely utilised and patient feedback has been positive.
MOIC has been commissioned by SPPG to undertake a review of the service to determine the aims and objectives as outlined in the service specification, are being achieved.
This review will provide useful evidence to demonstrate the value of the service provided by community pharmacy which will help further expand the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacists in line with the Strategic Plan.
As a first step to the review, MOIC will require access to a sample of Pharmacy First EHC consultation records:
Approximately 60 community pharmacies will be selected randomly by MOIC to submit a certain sample size of consultation records to SPPG.
In addition to the 60 selected pharmacies, all consultation records undertaken for young women under 16 years will also be required by MOIC.
SPPG Pharmacy Advisors will be in contact via telephone with all the selected pharmacies to outline the submission of records, and the support available to community pharmacy.
Pharmacies are not required to redact records as this will be done by SPPG before sharing with MOIC.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to read the correspondence issued by SPPG 5th September 2024 and share with relevant team members.
Pharmacies do not need to take any action until they are contacted by their SPPG Pharmacy Advisor.
Any queries regarding this letter can be directed to SPPG advisors at local offices.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
Further to CU#240903A CPNI have continued to work with SPPG colleagues regarding the 2024 Northern Ireland Autumn Vaccination Programme.
I can now confirm that an agreed way forward has been reached for community pharmacy to participate in the 2024 Autumn Vaccination Programme for both flu and COVID, including care home residents.
The item of service fees payable for administering flu and COVID vaccines are set at a national level in England and cannot be changed. We have retained the set-up fees and tiered payments for both walk-in vaccinations and care home vaccinations and the additional payment for vaccinating care home residents will now be £15 per vaccinated resident.
CPNI has worked hard to embed the community pharmacy role within the Northern Ireland vaccination programme and we want to build on this moving forward.
SPPG communications will be issued shortly and they will provide further details on the arrangements for the Autumn Community Pharmacy Vaccination Programme.
As always, it is a decision for each contractor as to which additional services they wish to provide.
Please do not hesitate to contact CPNI office should you require any further information.
Kind regards
Katherine
SENT ON BEHALF OF KATHERINE KIDD Head of Pharmacy Development
Dear Contractor
CPNI have been liaising with SPPG colleagues on the community pharmacy vaccination service for Autumn 2024. Due to reduced funding being proposed for the Autumn COVID vaccination programme and as a result of the wider pressures facing community pharmacy contractors at this time, CPNI have advised SPPG that community pharmacy will only be able to participate in the walk-in flu vaccination programme and would not be in a position to provide the COVID vaccination service nor vaccinations to care home residents.
We will continue to engage with SPPG on the service and will of course keep you updated of any developments.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Colleague
Correspondence dated 30th August 2024 regarding the Community Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service has been issued by the PHA.
SUMMARY
The delivery of Stop Smoking Services across Northern Ireland has contributed to the reduction of smoking prevalence to 14%.
In the coming months, the PHA will be linking closely with all Stop Smoking Service providers to ensure the service continues to be of high quality and fit for purpose.
From 14th October 2024, the PHA and SPPG will be undertaking a data review of Stop Smoking Services that were delivered between 1st April 2023-31st March 2024.
This review will aim to demonstrate that the work of Community Pharmacy is accurately reported, and is delivered in line with best practice.
The PHA are asking that all Stop Smoking client data is accurately uploaded onto the electronic monitoring system before Friday 27th September 2024.
All 4 and 52 week follow-ups that have not expired, i.e. within 12 months, are eligible to be claimed for.
The PHA/SPPG may contact some service providers at a later date to discuss service activity and PV1 activity for this period.
The PHA wish to remind Stop Smoking Service providers that the Quality Standards for Stop Smoking Services in NI, require carbon monoxide validation for all clients at the 4 week follow-up. This is an area which has been identified as requiring improvement and will be monitored as part of the quality improvement process.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Read and note the PHA correspondence and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Ensure all 4 and 52 week follow-up that have not expired, i.e. within 12 months, have been uploaded onto the electronic monitoring system before Friday 27th September.
Ensure that a carbon monoxide validation is carried out for all Stop Smoking Service users at the 4 week follow-up.
The Drug Tariff and Advance Notice are available here.
Clopixol Product Issues
An issue with all Clopixol products has been brought to the attention of CPNI. There is stock currently available to community pharmacy in NI, however, pharmacy teams cannot order this stock online but can place an order with their wholesaler via telephone.
Rivaroxaban Reimbursement Changes from September 2024
An advance notice has been issued by BSO regarding changes to the September 2024 NI Drug Tariff and details the new list prices and category changes of rivaroxaban products:
Rivaroxaban 2.5mg tablets (56) from Category C to Category A. Price change £50.40 to £16.87
Rivaroxaban 10mg tablets (30) from Category C to Category A. Price change £54.00 to £9.40
Rivaroxaban 15mg tablets (28) from Category C to Category M. Price change £50.40 to £6.75
Rivaroxaban 20mg tablets (28) from Category C to Category M. Price change £50.40 to £6.75
Changes to Category M are usually made each quarter in the following months: January, April, July, and October. However, the change above has been implemented one month earlier.
Opioid Safety Collaborative Event
CPNI wish to make contractors aware of an upcoming HSC Opioid Improvement Collaborative Event taking place on 19 September 2024 in Riddel Hall, Belfast. Further information is available within the event flyer. Community pharmacy contractors who wish to attend are welcome to register by completing the online form, or alternatively they may contact a member of the CPNI team for further information.
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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