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Note: Please do also refer to UK-wide NPA guidance available here
The NPA provides regular updates on Scottish news and NPA support and also UK news and NPA support relevant to Scottish readers. The updates are sent weekly on a Tuesday, and occasionally more frequently if required in times of changing news. We have complied a list of recent communications for your information, by date order and subject topic. If you would like to subscribe to this email please register here.
NHS Scotland:
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Signposting Guidance For General Practice Teams
Regulatory guidance:
New: Updated HPS Advice for Primary Care (v11)
Scottish Gov – Letter to those patients at a higher risk from COVID-19
Business support and guidance:
New: Introduction of the Job Retention Bonus and CJRS update
COVID-19: additional financial support measures for community pharmacy contractors
Government statement on public holidays opening
Scottish Gov – COVID-19 helpline for Scottish businesses
Download the coronavirus (COVID-19) communication toolkit (ZIP, 38 MB)
CPO video gives thanks to community pharmacy teams
Key worker template letters for use in Scotland
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer 2nd Scottish Government letter to pharmacy contractors (24th March)
Clinical advice:
Ibuprofen and Covid-19 & Scottish government advice
Medicines collection service for shielding individuals
PPE:
Pharmacies in Scotland have received two boxes of surgical masks to be used when social distancing cannot be maintained. To replenish stock, pharmacy contractors can phone orders of 2×50 masks to the NHS PPE replenishment number provided by NHS mail earlier this week. There is a two day delivery service. If you do not have the order phone line, please request by emailing enquiries@cps.scot
Health Protection Scotland have provided guidance on PPE within Guidance for primary care to Version 11 and a useful training video on the correct procedure for wearing PPE at Donning and doffing of PPE video Disposal of used PPE is detailed in page 16 of Guidance for primary care to Version 11 as if there is no direct immediate access to clinical waste, then used masks should be double wrapped in tied disposable plastic bags and retained separately for 72 hours before adding to domestic waste.
CPO letter on personal protective equipment
Read the latest update: Update on obtaining further PPE supplies
New: Guidance issued on shielding employees returning to work
New: Face coverings in shops, including pharmacies and supermarkets
Testing:
Test and Protect is the Scottish Government strategy for coronavirus testing, tracing and isolation, which may have serious implications for your team’s capacity at short notice. Please review your pharmacy processes to maintain staff physical distancing and adopt new practices where you can to protect your staff from being asked to self-isolate.
Can we also draw your attention to the updated guidance for individuals that are shielding.
Anyone with new symptoms of Coronavirus should contact www.nhsinform.scot 08000282816 to arrange to be tested and should immediately self-isolate for 7 days.
If the test result is positive, a contact tracing team will support the individual to identify people they have been in close contact for long enough to have risked spreading the virus. Those identified will be traced and advised to self isolate for 14days, although they will not be told who their positive tested contact is.
For further information check advice for employers and guidance for Primary Care. An updated poster on how staff can protect themselves in the workplace is available to display within the pharmacy.
Covid-19 testing to enable key workers to return to work. Details available on the NHS Board section of the CPS COVID homepage
COVID-19: Access to tests for community pharmacy staff
Wellbeing resources:
New National Wellbeing Hub launched-Employee and employer support
A new platform for health and social care workers and carers to support their physical and mental health is now available in Scotland.
Launched on 11th May by Scottish Government, the new digital wellbeing hub enables staff, carers, volunteers and their families to access support designed to aid resilience with the impact of COVID-19. The National Wellbeing Hub has resources split to employee and employer roles with content including management and coaching, building teams, and practical and emotional support.
Looking after yourself : supporting resilience and wellbeing in health and social care workers.
Clare Haughey, Minister for Mental health’s statement to staff.
Pre-reg:
National Education for Scotland (NES) FAQs for pre-regs with regard to Covid-19
Posters:
NHS Scotland Posters for use in pharmacies stop-think and We need your help
Health Protection Scotland
Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 guidance for pharmacies
Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 guidance for primary care
Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 Information and Guidance for non-healthcare settings
Public Heath Scotland
A video celebrating the dedication of pharmacy teams across the UK in the face of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across social media.
Created by the National Pharmacy Association, the video is based on the hit song, Rise Up, and features pharmacists and pharmacy staff from across the country.