Serious Shortage Protocol published updates for April / May

Written by admin on Friday 30th April 2021

SSP012 for Estradot® 75mcg patches now added to existing four* other SSPs currently active

 

In response to significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Estradot® 75mcg patches, a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Introduced with immediate effect from Thurssday 29th April 2021, SSP012 has been developed by clinicians and provides pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing either of the two following suitable alternative products. SSP012 authorises that for every Estradot® 75mcg patch originally prescribed, either one Evorel® 75mcg patch or one Estraderm MX® 75mcg patch must be supplied. It has been authorised by the Secretary of State to help manage the supply of this product and to try to ensure that fewer patients have to return to their prescriber for a replacement prescription.

All community pharmacy teams will receive an email to their shared NHSmail account informing them of this SSP. 

Actions required:

Community pharmacy contractors and their teams are asked to read the document below in full and to implement the protocol with immediate effect on Thursday 29th April 2021. Note, the SSP may be amended or revoked at any time but currently expires on Friday 4th June 2021 – PSNC will update contractors on any changes.

The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient.

Reimbursement is for the medicines supplied in accordance with SSP012 and not the originally prescribed medicine i.e. in this instance contractors will be reimbursed the Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement price for Evorel® 75mcg patches or Estraderm MX® 75mcg patches. The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the contractor:

  • One Single Activity fee (currently £1.27)
  • One SSP fee (£5.35)
Return to News