Regs reminder (#9): CAS alert sign-up
Ahead of the 2021/22 contract monitoring process, community pharmacy contractors are reminded of recent changes to the pharmacy Terms of Service. This article is part of a series of reminders.
On 20th October 2020 new NHS regulations were laid to introduce changes to the Terms of Service for pharmacy contractors. PSNC issued a series of 14 Regs explainer articles in November 2020 to help contractors and their teams to understand the new requirements.
Whilst deadlines for compliance with the changes have now passed, the end of 2020 was a particularly busy time for pharmacies, so contractors are advised to review our reminders in preparation for completing the 2021/22 Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) survey, which will include questions on some aspects of the new Terms of Service.
What is required?
The Central Alerting System (CAS) is a web-based cascading system operated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for issuing patient safety alerts, important public health messages and other safety critical information and guidance to the NHS and others, including community pharmacies.
Contractors must register their pharmacy’s shared NHSmail account to receive CAS alerts direct from the MHRA.
Contractors who have not created a shared NHSmail account for their pharmacy will need to do this and then register it with the MHRA. Likewise, if a contractor changes their shared NHSmail account email address, they must immediately notify the MHRA of the new address. Both notifications can be made by emailing safetyalerts@mhra.gov.uk.
Contractors must also ensure their premises-specific NHSmail account is monitored with sufficient frequency throughout core and supplementary opening hours so as to ensure the safe and effective supply of medicinal products at or from their pharmacy premises. They must also act on CAS alerts as appropriate.
Where can I get more support on this?
If you need support to register a shared NHSmail account with CAS, please email safetyalerts@mhra.gov.uk. Further information is available in the new NHS guidance.
