Community Pharmacy England (CPE) - News updates

This week, the Government confirmed that it is introducing Hub and Spoke dispensing Model 1 and changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 will be made in the coming weeks. In 2022, DHSC consulted for a second time on Hub and Spoke dispensing between community pharmacy businesses. They proposed two models: Model 1, where the medicines are returned [...] The post DHSC to introduce Hub and Spoke Model 1 appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

The Government has yet to conclude consideration of any increases to prescription charges and prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) for 2025/26. The current charges will therefore roll over into April 2025. Community Pharmacy England will update community pharmacy teams as soon as any changes are announced by Ministers, including details of when they will be implemented. [...] The post £9.90 NHS prescription charge unchanged for April 2025 appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

Following discussions between Community Pharmacy England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding medicine pricing issues reported by pharmacy owners, the Department has today (28/03/2025) announced the following list of price concessions for March 2025: Drug Pack size Price concession Buprenorphine 8mg sublingual tablets sugar free 7 £6.39 Calcium and Ergocalciferol tablets [...] The post March 2025 Price Concessions 3rd Update appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Apraclonidine (Iopidine®) 5mg/ml (0.5%) eye drops.  MSN/2025/018 Tier 2 – medium impact Date of issue: 27th March 2025 Apraclonidine (Iopidine®) 5mg/ml (0.5%) eye drops are out of stock until early September 2025. Limited supplies of parallel imported apraclonidine (Iopidine®) 5mg/ml (0.5%) [...] The post Medicine Supply Notification: Apraclonidine (Iopidine® ) 5mg/ml (0.5%) eye drops appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Levofloxacin 250mg and 500mg tablets MSN/2025/017 Tier 2 medium impact Date of issue: 27th March 2025 Levofloxacin 250mg tablets are in limited supply until late April 2025 Levofloxacin 500mg tablets are in limited supply until late May 2025. Alternative antibiotics remain [...] The post Medicine Supply Notification: Levofloxacin 250mg and 500mg tablets appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) is a large-scale, NHS-approved volunteering programme supporting healthcare teams across England. This free service is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM on behalf of NHS England. Volunteers work alongside healthcare professionals offering vital non-clinical support to help streamline operations and improve both staff and patient experiences. NHSCVR can [...] The post C-19 vacs sites – opportunity to use NHS and Care Volunteer Responders appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

A new Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Drug Safety Roundup March 2025 has been published and includes articles on: Prolonged-release opioids: Removal of indication for relief of post-operative pain Suzhou Surgicare disposable Hysteroscopy Sheath – Recall due to withdrawn CE certificate. DSI/2025/001 Letters and Recalls in February and March 2025 News Roundup – [...] The post MHRA Safety Roundup: March 2025 appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Megestrol (Megace®) 160mg tablets MSN/2025/016 Tier 2 – medium impact Date of issue: 25/03/2025 Megestrol (Megace®) 160mg tablets are out of stock until mid-April 2025. Medroxyprogesterone (Provera®) 200mg and 400mg tablets remain available and can support an increase in demand. Medroxyprogesterone [...] The post Medicine Supply Notification: Megestrol (Megace®) 160mg tablets appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

Pharmacy owners are reminded that the NHS Flu Vaccination Service ends on 31st March 2025. Pharmacy teams should not administer any further vaccinations under this service after this date. Pharmacy owners are reminded to ensure they have submitted their claims for payment for the service. These should be submitted within one month of, and no [...] The post Reminder: Flu Vac Service 2024/25 ends appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.

The Cybersecurity Unit of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a survey to understand the cybersecurity needs of pharmacy teams and other primary care sectors. The survey explores current IT and security arrangements and the type of cybersecurity support pharmacy teams would find most useful. It takes just 5–10 minutes to [...] The post Cybersecurity Unit seeks pharmacy teams’ input on support needs appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.