Dear Member,

Below is a consolidated summary of critical updates from NHS England and the NHSBSA for the week ending 30 January 2026. Please note the immediate deadlines regarding PQS and the change in address for your monthly bundle submission.

Urgent: Deadlines Approaching (Feb 2-3)

1. COVID-19 & Flu Vaccination Service Registration (2026/27)

• Deadline: Monday, 2 February @ 23:59.
• Action: You must register via the specific community pharmacy registration form.
• Note: Signing up for the COVID-19 service requires you to also deliver the adult flu vaccination service. Failure to sign up by this deadline means you will not receive stock for the Spring campaign.

2. Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26 Declaration

• Window: Opens 09:00 on Monday, 2 February.
• Deadline: Closes Friday, 27 February @ 23:59.
• Action: Submit your declaration via the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.

3. PQS Antimicrobial Stewardship Audit

• Deadline: You must begin the audit by Tuesday, 3 February.
• Action: Start the "Pharmacy First consultations" clinical audit immediately to meet PQS criteria. Data submission is due by 31 March 2026 via MYS.

Operational Changes (Immediate Effect)

4. New Prescription Batch Submission Address

• Effective: 1 February 2026.
• Change: Do not send batches to Bridge House.
• Action: Update your courier and address labels immediately to:

Unit 5, Greenfinch Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NX.

5. Pharmacy First Promotion Campaign

• Dates: 2 – 22 February 2026.
• Requirement: Contractual requirement to participate.
• Action: Display posters/leaflets, update your website, or post on social media regarding Pharmacy First to meet terms.

Clinical & Reimbursement Updates

6. New Drug Tariff Category: "Category H"

• Timeline: Introduction in March 2026.
• Impact: Products with multiple suppliers (previously Category C) will move here due to new reimbursement price-setting arrangements. Watch your margins on these items next month.

7. TB Treatment Endorsements

• Update: The ‘FS’ (free supply) endorsement now covers TB and latent TB treatments/side-effects. Ensure staff do not charge levies on these items if endorsed ‘FS’.

8. Active Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs)

• Expiring 30 Jan 2026: Estradot® 25, 50, 75, and 100mcg patches; Creon® 10000 capsules.
• Active until April 2026: Creon® 25000 capsules (SSP061).

9. HRT & PPC Tokens

• Reminder: Ensure you are submitting the correct tokens at month-end.
  • Submit: Tokens capturing paid/exempt declarations and Pharmacy First tokens (marked 'PF CP').
  • Do Not Submit: Age-exempt tokens or tokens where only FOC items are prescribed.

Next Steps: Please ensure your teams are aware of the new shipping address for prescriptions to prevent payment delays.

If you have any questions or need support please get in touch with us as usual on

 info@pharmaplusltd.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.

Regards,

PharmaPlus