Community Pharmacy

Introduction of AMS Automation

(1st February 2010)

For prescriptions dispensed from February 1st 2010 PSD will start to use electronic claim messages to automate the payment process for an agreed list of items. This process will apply to all Community Pharmacies and both the process and the medicines item list has been agreed with Community Pharmacy Scotland.  PSD will start to process the electronic claims for these items from mid-March to meet the end of April 2010 payment date. This is in keeping with the normal processing and payment timetable.

• Basis for Automation
• Advice on Electronic Endorsement
• List of automated items

 

Unscheduled Care Pharmacy Guide - GP Fax Numbers and Prescriber Code

(13 January 2010)

Following feedback from community pharmacists, we have added all the Scottish GP fax numbers and prescriber code to the Unscheduled Care section of the website.  These are secure fax numbers and should be used to fax the completed CPUS forms (when using the PGD for repeat medicines, appliances and ACBS products) to the relevant GP practice.

The document is currently 86 pages long.  However, it can be printed (pdf version) and carried with you, as the information is available to the public.  We are currently investigating a more user friendly way of presenting this information, but meantime if you have Microsoft Excel installed on your PC, you can filter the spreadsheet to locate the relevant GP Practice. We have also published guidance on how to filter the spreadsheet.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Pharmacy - a one stop resource for Pharmacists

(13 January 2010)

As part of their continuing drive to support healthcare professionals, MHRA have set up a web page specifically targeting Pharmacy, which they believe would be of great interest to you and your members. The page includes guidance, safety alerts and links to educational material to assist in the safe use and management of medicines and medical devices.

The page also includes a free email alerting service to alert subscribers when a section is updated, eliminating the need to frequently check for updated information. 

We have added a link to this webpage via our Links page.

Minor Ailment Service (MAS) - Availability for Service Payment

(January 2010)

The arrangements for paying for MAS have now been reviewed. The Directions and Service Specifications remain as advised in NHS Circular PCA(P)(2008)17.

Now that registration rates have stabilised it is considered appropriate to move to a regime whereby contractors are remunerated according to the numbers of patients which they have registered for MAS for the month in question. It has also been decided to extend the number of payment bands to 6 as advised in NHS Circular http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2009(P)18.pdf

Urgent Updated Advice on Dosage of Oseltamivir in Children under One Year of Age with Swine Flu

(29 September 2009)

The attached letter is to alert healthcare professionals to a change in the dosage regime of Oseltamivir in Children aged 6 months and over and up to 1 year of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak.

No Prescription Charges for Drugs or Preparations prescribed for the treatment of Pandemic Flu during an emergency

(Updated 15th September 2009)

Amendments to the NHS (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 removes the requirement to pay prescription charges for drugs or preparations for the treatment of pandemic influenza, or influenza that might become pandemic.  Read more>>