Increase of Category M Reimbursement Prices
Category M reimbursement prices are being increased by £15 million per month from 1 June 2020.
Details can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority website.
Urgent action required: SSPs issued for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules
Due to significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Fluoxetine 40mg capsules, a Serious Shortage Protocol, SSP06, has been issued with immediate effect.
This SSP outlines procedures to follow in providing a suitable alternative product, two Fluoxetine 20mg capsules in response to the serious shortage affecting the 40 mg capsules. Pharmacists must exercise their professional judgement when considering whether the alternative product is suitable for the patient.
Please read through this SSP in full and ensure your pharmacy team is aware of the changes.
This SSP will be in effect until 20th July 2020, unless revoked earlier.
New COVID-19 Symptom recognition and updated posters
Loss of smell or taste recognised as COVID-19 symptom
A new symptom has been added to guidance advising the public on when to self-isolate. Any individuals who develop a new continuous cough, or fever, or experiences a loss of smell or taste (Anosmia), should self-isolate immediately.
In line with current guidelines, all the members of the individual’s household should also self-isolate for 14 days unless the symptomatic individual receives a negative test result.
Please see the following COVID-19 resources to display in your pharmacy. There include the updated symptom, experiencing a loss of smell or taste (Anosmia).
New posters – https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/Symptoms/resources/posters/
Artwork for digital screens – https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/Symptoms/resources/Digital-Screens/
Resumption of Market Entry activity
As you may be aware, Marker Entry activity was suspended in March as part of the redeployment of staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are now returning to their Market Entry roles and starting to resume work on processing applications.
From 1st June, Market Entry is expected to be functioning as usual, however there may be some delays due to back-log.
Indemnity insurance FAQs
NHS Resolution has published an updated FAQ sheet with relevant information on the coronavirus outbreak indemnity insurance.
This include information relevant to Community pharmacists, including those returning to the profession as part of the COVID-19 response.
May Price Concessions 2020
The first update list of May 2020 price concessions has been updated.
Annual Flu Letter 2020/21
The Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and, NHS England and NHS Improvement have jointly published the annual flu letter to provide further information on the national flu immunisation programme for 2020-21
SCR Sheilded Flag factsheet
Please see the following Summary Care Record (SCR) Shielded Flag factsheet from PSNC, which includes a screenshot which pharmacies may find useful.
Caring for Yourself Sessions
On Tuesday 26th May 2020, a Caring for Yourself webinar will be delivered by Boo.
The webinar will be from 4:00pm and will run for an hour. Sessions will be available on demand.
For more information, please see the following flyers:
NHSE&I webinar on-demand
NHSE&I held a COVID-19 webinar for community pharmacy teams, the recording is now available to watch on the FuturesNHS Collaboration Platform
login is required for access, you must register for free if you have not already done so.
