Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) - Scotland
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are a part of the legislative framework in Scotland, allowing community pharmacists to make specific changes to prescribed medicines without going back to the prescriber. These protocols can be put in place when there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine, helping pharmacies to manage any serious shortages of medicines that may occur.
Pharmacies should regularly check the Community Pharmacy Scotland website for SSP updates.
See CPS - Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for details.
An SSP may cover the supply of one or more of the following of the medicine that is prescribed:
-
An alternative strength or quantity.
-
An alternative pharmaceutical form.
-
A generic equivalent.
To dispense a SSP item, see Dispensing an SSP item - Scotland for details.
Note - To print this topic select Print 
in the top right corner and follow the on-screen prompts.
in the top right corner and follow the on-screen prompts.