The Scottish Government has released ten new circulars outlining the introduction of temporary serious shortage protocols (SSPs) to help pharmacy teams manage demand for HRT products in short supply – these relate to Premique Low Dose tablets, Oestrogel, Ovestin, Lenzetto spray and Sandrena gel. In addition to the 3 SSPs released in late April, there are now a total of 13 live SSPs.

This circular advises of changes to the Drug Tariff with respect to remuneration arrangements for the dispensing pool month of March 2022. This temporary payment adjustment is required to regulate the delivery of the remuneration Global Sum for 2021/22.

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Premique® Low Dose 0.3mg/1.5mg modified-release tablets, from 29 April to 29 July 2022.

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Ovestin® 1mg cream, from 29 April to 29 July 2022.

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel, from 29 April to 29 July 2022.

This circular sets out to community pharmacy contractors and NHS Boards the details of the community pharmacy funding arrangement 2022-23. This forms part of the 3-year settlement introduced in April 2020.