Southampton City Minor Ailments Service - update to contract

The Minor Ailments Service for Southampton City Pharmacies is being recommissioned on 1st April 2019 for another 3 years. The service spec has undergone a substantial update in order to follow the principles of the National OTC guidelines issued last year by NHS England.

Southampton City CCG have provided information required for pharmacy contractors to express and interest for this recommissioned service using PharmOutcomes messages rather than direct email. It is important that pharmacies contact Matt Bailey ASAP to have a personalised contract drawn up for their location (independent pharmacies) or a number of locations (multiple group pharmacies).

Unfortunately, some pharmacies have not opened or read the message that contained this information needed to progress with their application. It is now important that this is done ASAP.

I recommend that all pharmacists working within Southampton City now make sure they are fully aware of the more limited number of conditions that can be treated, as well as a reduction in the number of medicines available.

The CPSC Service Checklist RAG rating provides our view of how this service ranks and I'm pleased to say it has now achieved a green light, due to the increased remuneration level per service provision (rising from £4.00 to £4.50) as well as several other positive changes recommended by CPSC and included by the CCG on your behalf.

Please read the documents below to familiarise yourself with the recommissioned service:

• Introductory Expression of Interest letter (sent on PharmOutcomes)
• Minor Ailments Service Spec 2019.03
• Minor Ailments Service patient leaflet 2019.03 *
• Minor Ailments, Southampton CCG | Checklist - Service Spec update reply.docx

* the information leaflet has been produced by the CCG to explain their rationale for making changes to the service. It is there to ensure consistency of GP practice & Community Pharmacy messages regarding refusal to prescribe / provide OTC self-care type medications. CPSC recognise the importance of proactively managing patient expectations of this service. Please use and hand out this leaflet when appropriate.