Contractor Notice: Expiry of six HRT SSPs
Wednesday 30th November 2022
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that sufficient stock of Oestrogel® Pump Pack (estradiol) 0.06% gel and Ovestin® (estriol 0.1%) 1mg cream is now available to meet normal demand. As a result the following Serious Shortage Protocols, will expire at 23.59pm on Wednesday 30 November 2022. After this date, any prescriptions for Oestrogel® Pump Pack (estradiol) 0.06% gel or Ovestin® (estriol 0.1%) 1mg cream must be dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and the SSPs will no longer be valid for use.
| SSP | Expiry Date | Supporting Information |
| SSP019 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel – restriction | 30 November 2022 | SSP019 guide |
| SSP020 Ovestin® 1mg cream – restriction | 30 November 2022 | SSP020 guide |
| SSP022 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) – substitution | 30 November 2022 | SSP022 guide |
| SSP023 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) – substitution and restriction | 30 November 2022 | SSP023 guide |
| SSP024 Ovestin® 1mg cream – substitution | 30 November 2022 | SSP024 guide |
| SSP025 Ovestin® 1mg cream – substitution and restriction | 30 November 2022 | SSP025 guide |
Top tips for SSP claims
- Where available, use the claim amend facility on the PMR system to rectify any incorrect EPS claims already submitted this month.
- Any paper prescriptions with SSP claims need to be placed in the red separator provided by the NHSBSA.
- For any supplies made in accordance with SSPs, check that the correct number of patient charges are collected and declared on the end of month FP34C submission document.
- Although an SSP cannot be used outside its period of validity, claims can be submitted up to three calendar months after expiry or withdrawal of the SSP.
- NHSBSA advise that contractors must follow the specific endorsement guidance issued with each SSP and endorsements should be clear and unambiguous – NHSBSA processing staff must be able to determine what has been supplied.
- Pharmacy contractors should keep a record of all SSP claims submitted each month to reconcile against their monthly Schedule of Payments or Prescription Item (Px) reports.
- View our SSP submission guidance to ensure your SSP claims are appropriately submitted to NHSBSA for reimbursement.
Additional information
PSNC Briefing 011/21: Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) updated endorsing guidance
Wednesday 30th November 2022
