Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP)

If the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) decide there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine or appliance, then a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) may be issued. The SSP contains guidance for pharmacists to follow when dispensing a prescription that contains the SSP medication item. Pharmacists must follow this guidance when dispensing the SSP medication item in order to be reimbursed.

Note - Only endorse for SSP where a dispensing is made under the Serious Shortage Protocol.

Pharmacies should regularly check the NHS BSA website for SSP updates:

See NHS BSA - Serious shortage protocols (SSPs).

An SSP may cover the supply of one or more of the following of the medicine that is prescribed:

  • An alternative quantity.

  • An alternative pharmaceutical form.

  • A different strength.

  • A generic equivalent.

To dispense a single SSP item, see Dispensing an SSP item.
To dispense multiple items under SSP, see Dispensing multiple items under SSP.
Note - Where an alternative inhaler is supplied under SSP and the patient is also given a replacement spacer device because their original spacer is not compatible with the new inhaler, you should follow the process detailed in Dispensing multiple items under SSP.
When you are presented with a paper prescription containing an item that is subject to a Serious Shortage Protocol, see FP10/EPS R1 Paper Prescriptions.
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