Serious Shortages Protocol (SSP)

Serious Shortages Protocol

 From July 1st 2019 the Serious Shortages Protocol (SSP) came into force. An SSP may be issued if there is a serious shortage of a medicine or appliance. It will allow pharmacists to supply an alternative without contacting the prescriber for a new prescription.  The alternative must be supplied in accordance with the SSP and may allow the following to be supplied:
  • An alternative quantity, formulation or strength
  • A generic equivalent
  • A therapeutic equivalent. In this case the prescriber must be notified.

When a SSP is announced it will be published on the NHSBSA website.

England

Further information can be found on the PSNC website.

Wales

For information regarding Wales please see Community Pharmacy Wales.

Northern Ireland

Please note the NCOS/SSP endorsement is not used in Northern Ireland. Please refer to the BSO SSP page for endorsement guidance.

Scotland

Community Pharmacy Scotland provide guidance and information on SSP here.

Endorsing SSP Using the New Dispenser Endorsement

 

For anyone on older versions of Proscript please use the following guides:

Dispensing a paper Prescription under SSP Dispensing a EPS Prescription under SSP