FP10/EPS R1 Paper Prescriptions

If you are presented with a paper prescription containing an item that is subject to a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP), the processing is the same, regardless of the type of SSP.

For example, there is an SSP on Amoxicillin 500mg capsules. You have received a prescription for a patient for 21 Amoxicillin 500mg capsules one to be taken three times a day. You must dispense 42 Amoxicillin 250mg capsules two to be taken three times a day to fulfil the prescription.

To process any paper prescription with an SSP:

  1. Manually dispense the item/s as per the SSP, for example, you could dispense an alternative quantity.

  2. From Directions, enter the necessary directions for the patient to follow when taking the medication. You must also enter SSP and the SSP reference number, as outlined on the NHS BSA website, see NHS BSA website for details:

    Note - Please ensure that the SSP entered is currently valid (not expired) and the reference number is correct for the prescribed item and those being dispensed against the SSP.

  3. Select Finish to complete the prescription as usual.

  4. Hand endorse the prescription with the following information:

    • The text 'SSP' and the three-digit reference number to indicate that a supply was made in accordance with an SSP.

    • The quantity dispensed out of pack size, for example, 42/21.

    • Dispensed pack item/s details including:

      • Drug name.

      • Formulation.

      • Strength.

      • Manufacturer / Brand.

      • Pack size.

Note - The SSP endorsement is in addition to any other endorsement information required by the drug tariff.
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