Shortages are unfortunately a common occurrence and have been for many years. Medicines Shortages Guidance provides processes and tools for pharmacy teams to minimise unnecessary additional workload or impact on patients when they cannot source a medicine for patients, or the market price exceeds the reimbursement price.
CPS have a shortages page on their main site which pulls together everything you need together in one handy, easy-to-find place. This includes all the current guidance on managing shortages, some helpful flowcharts and reporting mechanisms, Rx endorsing guidance, as well as all up-to-date Medicines Supply Alert Notices (MSANs) and Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs). CPS Shortages
Key Points
- Familiarise and utilise the Medicines Shortages Guidance (scot.nhs.uk)
- NHS AA shortages process, which community pharmacy teams should use to attempt to resolve any supply issues before contacting the GP Pharmacy Teams for alternative products, is available here: NHS AA Shortages Flow Chart
- CPS negotiate remuneration for cost implications of true shortages. Please remember to notify them here: CPS Shortage Tracker of any shortages you experience.
- Single route supply lines – product only available through one supplier, and NOT in short supply. Please attempt to obtain these products – it may be available from another pharmacy’s suppliers.
- With shortages, please consider rationing amounts to patients to ensure others can gain access to medicines, albeit smaller quantities
- In the event of a shortage, offer advice on what is available when contacting surgery for alternatives.