Northumberland Local Pharmacy Services
Details of the local services that are commissioned from Community Pharmacy by Northumbria Health Trust, Northumberland Local Authority and third party providers are shown below. Some services may not be commissioned from or available from all pharmacies
Stop smoking Prescription Only Medicine (POM) PGD Service
Following the reintroduction of varenicline to the market, a PGD service has been recommissioned to allow stop smoking advisers to request a supply of varenicline from a pharmacy using a PharmOutcomes e-recommendation. The pharmacist or registered technician will assess the clinical suitability of a supply following receipt of the e-recommendation. Stop smoking advisers may be based in a specialist service or in a pharmacy which offers level 2 intermediate stop smoking support.
The service is initially offering the supply of varenicline but is expected to expand to include cytiscine in the new year.
Pharmacies not yet signed up to provide the service should complete the service template on PharmOutcomes called ‘Stop Smoking POM PGD Service’. If this template is not visible, a contract variation has been sent to your head office and you should contact your line manager about signing up to take part.
Pharmacy NRT Plus (“NRT+”)
Government plans for a ‘smokefree generation’ include additional funding to local authorities to
invest in services to help people stop smoking whilst building both capacity and demand. The
‘Pharmacy NRT+’ service adds to the established specialist stop smoking service in Northumberland.
It will contribute to local public health and tobacco control strategies, which have a commitment to
reduce smoking and contribute to the targets measured by the number of smokers who stop.
NRT+ Video Support Guide
Needle Exchange- Northumberland Council
There are a number of health and social harms associated with illicit drug misuse. Community based needle exchange and associated harm reduction initiatives are an important element of a wider approach aimed at reducing and preventing the spread of blood borne viruses and other drug related health harms and reducing drug related deaths.
To request a copy of the Service details and funding for Needle Exchange, please email [email protected].
Nicotine Replacement Therapy- Northumberland Council
Reducing smoking prevalence therefore remains a key public health priority in reducing health inequalities and improving health among local populations.
To request a copy of the Service details and funding for NRT, please email [email protected].
Supervised Consumption – Northumberland Council
To ensure that service users in structured community based drug treatment in Northumberland have access to supervised opioid substitute treatment from community pharmacies covering access across the county.
To request a copy of the Service details and funding for Supervised Consumption, please email [email protected].
SharpEnd – PSNE Ltd
Pharmacies will issue 1 litre sharps containers (purchased from their usual wholesaler) to patients receiving prescriptions for non cytotoxic parenteral, self-administered medication and appliances for point of care testing if required. Pharmacy staff will explain to patients the importance of using a safe disposal method for sharps, the operation of the service and the safe use of the sharps box. NB. This service is not intended for substance misuse.
