The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has extended the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP060) for Creon® 10,000 gastro-resistant capsules to help pharmacies manage ongoing stock shortages.
Originally scheduled to expire on 7 August 2026, the protocol has now been extended until Friday 2 October 2026.
This represents the eighth consecutive extension since the SSP was first issued on 24 May 2024 in response to severe UK-wide supply disruptions.
A parallel protocol (SSP061) for Creon® 25,000 gastro-resistant capsules remains active and is also due to expire on 2 October 2026.
Contractors are reminded that reimbursement applies to the quantity of medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP, rather than the original quantity prescribed.
Supplies made under the protocol are considered VAT zero-rated and will attract the following fees per supply:
- Single Activity Fee: £1.27
- SSP Allowance Fee: £5.35
In June, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) warned that medicine shortages pose a ‘serious risk to patient safety’ and urged the government to convene an urgent task force to tackle the issue.
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) previously reported that the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received a number of EPS SSP claims that did not meet the requirements for a valid SSP claim.
A large number of SSP claims continue to be deemed invalid by the NHSBSA due to incorrect endorsements applied by PMR systems or pharmacy staff.
Pharmacy owners are urged to follow specific endorsing guidance and regularly reconcile SSP fees on their payment schedules against FP34C submissions.
