In response to a significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspension, two new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) have been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Effective 6 April 2023, SSP053 and SSP054 provides for the following: SSP053 – for every 5ml of Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension,
Read moreNHS England (NHSE) has published a report on the anticoagulant audit* from the 2021/22 Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS). 9,303 community pharmacies participated in the anticoagulant audit and data was submitted for 131,526 patients. Pharmacy teams provided advice and made significant clinical intervention, preventing potential harm, for patients at increased risk of harm 33,173 times throughout
Read moreThe recruitment of pharmacists in Primary Care Networks (PCNs) has exacerbated a general shortage of pharmacists, says an independent review of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) published today. The review, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, set out to consider the oversight and governance of ICS in England and the NHS targets and priorities for which Integrated Care
Read morePharmacy technicians are now able to perform blood pressure checks as part of the Hypertension Case-Finding Service and deliver the Smoking Cessation Service (SCS). The Drug Tariff has been amended, where necessary, to reflect this and includes the amendments to The Pharmaceutical Services (Advanced and Enhanced Services) (Amendment) (England) Directions 2023. The service specifications for
Read morePSNC is continuing to make progress on addressing the Review Steering Group (RSG) proposals and has today published some resources to update contractors and LPCs on this work. PSNC is taking forward the RSG proposals directed at the Committee through its Transforming Pharmacy Representation (TAPR) work programme. The resources published include an update on the Transforming Pharmacy
Read moreVoting has now closed in the ballot for the West Midlands Regional Representative on PSNC (soon to be known as Community Pharmacy England), and the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) has nominated its representatives. West Midlands Regional Representative Completed voting forms received by the close of voting (12 noon on Friday 31st March 2023) have
Read moreFollowing representations by PSNC on behalf of contractors the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has redetermined the reimbursement prices for EpiPen preparations for March 2023 to reflect an increase in their NHS list price. On 1st March the list price of EpiPen preparations were increased by the manufacturer Viatris. DHSC have granted the following
Read moreThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has today (31/03/2023) granted the following final list of price concessions for March 2023. Drug Pack size Price concession Chlorphenamine 2mg/5ml oral solution 150 £3.72 Co-amoxiclav 250mg/125mg tablets 21 £2.94 Duloxetine 60mg gastro-resistant capsules 28 £3.84 Fusidic acid 1% modified-release eye drops 5 £31.41 Ivabradine 2.5mg tablets 56
Read moreSeveral international studies have concluded that patients with access to online features are more satisfied and that such features improve self-care along with patient’s communication and engagement with their clinicians. Community pharmacy organisations of all shapes and sizes are now supporting their patients with app and website offerings to enable patients to place medicine orders
Read moreThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP), SSP005 Fluoxetine 10mg tablets expires at 23.59pm on Friday 31 March 2023. After this date SSP005 will no longer be valid for use. Top tips for SSP claims Where available, use the claim amend facility on the PMR system to
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