In early 2019, changes to legislation were started to permit the Government to use Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of a medicine. The final legislative changes have yet to be passed.

PSNC supports the use of this legislation as part of the measures that will help to manage any serious shortages of medicines, such as those which may occur if the UK exits the EU without an agreement (a no-deal Brexit). This PSNC Interim Briefing describes how we expect that SSPs might operate.

PSNC Interim Briefing 012/19: An Introduction to Serious Shortage Protocols

Please note: The detail of SSPs and how they would be implemented is still being worked out by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and as such, this briefing may be subject to amendments in the future.

If you have any queries on this PSNC Briefing or you require more information, please contact info@psnc.org.uk.

To browse other PSNC Briefings on PSNC’s Work, click here.