The flexible provision for pharmacy service, introduced in response to COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended until November 30.
The declaration of an emergency requiring flexibility in services enables pharmacies to take measures such as temporary changes to opening hours or temporary closures, provided they give adequate reasons and 24 hours notice to NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I).
The measures are conditional on NHSE&I agreeing to them or not objecting.
The emergency under the the Pharmaceutical Services (Advanced and Enhanced Services and Emergency Declaration) Directions 2020 is in effect from 27 March 2020.
The declaration of an emergency by the Secretary of State ‘activates’ relevant regulations in the NHS Regulations of 2013, allowing contractors the flexibility in service provision.
