Emergency protocols brought in for Pharmacies

Friday 23 December 2022

A Serious Shortage Protocol has been brought in to ensure people who need them have priority access to antibiotics while demand is high.

Bev Hall, the Bailiwick’s Chief Pharmacist made the decision as demand has increased recently due to a rising number of people suffering from winter bugs as well as growing concerns over Scarlet Fever and Strep A.

By law, a pharmacist can only dispense what is on a prescription which has been issued by a doctor or other authorised prescriber. 

An SSP allows pharmacists to instead legally supply a specified alternative formulation or medicine which they deem as most suitable for the patient.

As the pharmacists are given this legal authority it means the patient doesn't have to go back to their prescriber and should therefore, save time and inconvenience for everyone.

Pictured: The recent national increase in Strep A cases has added to the shortage of some antibiotics. 

Ms Hall said SSPs are only ever used to manage temporary and potential medical supply issues. 

She said without an SSP in place over Christmas it could mean that pharmacists who cannot source items on a prescription have to find alternative sources on island or ask the prescriber to consider an alternative.

"An SSP gives Pharmacists tools to supply medication in a different way to ease pressure on prescribers and to support patients," she explained.

"However, it should be noted that Pharmacists use their clinical judgement in each individual case and may, in some instances, decide not to take advantage of an SSP and refer back to the prescribing doctor."

The Committee for Health and Social Care said it gives its full support to the introduction of SSPs, which have come into effect immediately.

All pharmacies have been made aware of the SSP and have been given the necessary guidance to work with this decision.