PCA(P)(2023)22 - Payment for Naloxone Access Service
Published: 24/05/23
Purpose
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of a new naloxone service to be implemented in community pharmacies later this year, preparation work that will be required and a payment for associated costs.
Background
The Drug Death Taskforce report published in July 2022 contains the following action: All community pharmacies should hold naloxone for administration in an emergency and should be able to supply THN to people who use drugs, families and anyone likely to witness an opioid overdose.
By holding a supply of naloxone, the community pharmacy network will support increased access so that it can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Details
The Scottish Government and Community Pharmacy Scotland have agreed that a new national service will be implemented to provide emergency access to a supply of naloxone.
Further details and a service specification will be issued in coming months with the service expected to be introduced in Autumn 2023.
Payment for preparatory work
Funding will be issued to community pharmacy contractors in March 2023 payments, paid May 2023 so that preparatory work can begin ahead of the service formally commencing.
A payment of £240 will be paid to each community pharmacy contractor on the pharmaceutical list as of 1 March 2023.
Any contractor in receipt of the payment who subsequently withdraws from the pharmaceutical list before the naloxone access service commences will be required to return the payment.
The payment is to be used only for the following purposes:
A contribution towards training which pharmacy teams will be required to undertake – further details on training will be shared separately.
Purchase of two naloxone kits by each pharmacy contractor to be held for emergency use. Further details on the replacement of any naloxone kits that are issued will follow in a subsequent Circular.
Stock - Product choice
Two naloxone products are currently licensed in the UK for administration in non-clinical settings. It is important that one of these branded products is selected for emergency holding in pharmacies, as generic versions of naloxone injection do not contain needles for administration.
| Product | |
|---|---|
| Prenoxad 2mg/2ml Pre-filled Syringe forIntramuscular Injection | First line option |
| Nyxoid 1.8mg intra-nasal spray | Second line option |
