The below outlines the requirements to fulfil paragraphs 23 (1), and 29D(2) and (4), Schedule 4 of the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013, as amended.

Approved particulars

A notification of a temporary suspension or likely temporary suspension in the provision of pharmaceutical services at a pharmacy premises must, as a minimum, include the following:

For a temporary or likely temporary suspension

1. The name of the contractor.
2. The ODS code (also known as the F code) of the contractor.
3. The address and contact phone number of the pharmacy premises.
4. The date(s) and time(s), so far as practicable, of:

• the likely temporary suspension(s) of pharmaceutical services

or

• the temporary suspension(s) of pharmaceutical services and the anticipated duration(s), ideally before the start of the suspension(s).

5. The reason(s) for the temporary suspension(s) or likely temporary suspension(s).
6. The key actions taken to limit the impact on those anticipating or accustomed to using the pharmacy premises, so far as practicable (and for likely temporary suspensions the key actions that are appropriate or proportionate to the likelihood of the suspension).
7. The actions taken to ensure that the provision of pharmaceutical services can resume promptly.
8. The name of the person completing the notification.
9. The contact telephone number and email address for the contractor.
10. The date of the notification.

Wherever possible, the notification must be made:

• by email to the email address of their integrated care board (ICB) pharmacy contract team as detailed on the pharmacy contract teams web page

On the rare occasions that email access is not possible, contractors can phone their ICB pharmacy contract teams.

The effective date for these approved particulars is 31 July 2023.

A notification form (annex 18) that may be used can be found at www.england.nhs.uk/publication/pharmacy-manual-chapter-36-annexes/

Publication reference: PRN00640ii