PCA(P)(2024)02 - Additional Pharmaceutical Services NHS PFS - Updated PGDs
Published: 21/03/24
Introduction
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of updated Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be implemented for the treatment of shingles and skin infections under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
Background
The original national PGDs for the treatment of shingles and skin infections that have been in place since May 2021 have been reviewed and updated and are now ready for release.
Detail
Changes to the existing PGDs have been reviewed by the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) and signed off by NHS 24 for use in all Health Boards. The changes are listed in a summary table at the start of each PGD.
Health Boards are responsible for local governance processes to approve, sign and publish these PGDs and have been asked to complete this as soon as they are able to do so.
Patient Group Directions
Updated PGDs have been developed nationally for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland to replace the existing PGDs for aciclovir (for the treatment of shingles) and flucloxacillin (for the treatment of skin infections).
The Annex within this circular provides copies of the updated draft PGDs which have been approved by NHS 24 to allow pharmacists as much time as possible to familiarise themselves with the relevant details. In the meantime, as local governance procedures must be followed even when a PGD is agreed nationally, Health Boards will each approve, sign and publish these PGDs through the appropriate channels.
Individual authorisation forms should be completed by pharmacists delivering NHS Pharmacy First Scotland and submitted to each Health Board area that they work in according to the usual process.
Training
The eLearning modules supporting the PGDs have been updated to reflect the changes made. Pharmacists who have previously completed the modules, should review these changes (details can be found at the start of each revised PGD), and then access the updated eLearning module to complete a short self-assessment. The modules are available on the NES TURAS Learn website at:
The content of this Circular has been agreed with Community Pharmacy Scotland.
Action
Health Boards are asked to note the contents of this Circular and to bring it to the attention of community pharmacy contractors on their Pharmaceutical Lists, GPs,Health and Social Care Partnerships and Area Pharmaceutical Committees.
