PERMSS (Pharmacy Emergency Repeat Medication Supply Service) and Locum Pharmacists

Whilst implementation of the PERMSS service has been very successful and over 400 patients have been referred to community pharmacies by NHS 111 for an emergency supply, the LPCs are still receiving some reports from 111, that referrals are not being actioned because locumpharmacists do not know about the service.

The service level agreement that pharmacies signed to participate in the service states in section 5 'The pharmacy will provide the service in accordance with the specification (Schedule 1) and ensure that all substantive and locum pharmacists are aware of it.'

Please ensure that a copy of the service specification and service schedule are available in the pharmacy and that these documents are brought to the attention of all pharmacists. If you require a copy of the document, it can be downloaded from the Northern Pharmacy website a twww.northernpharmacy.net 

The website also has a copy of the 'Frequently asked questions' document, which has been circulated previously, which you will find helpful.

In order to action a referral, there must be access to PharmOutcomes at all times during the out of hours period. If you do not want to provide locum pharmacists with their own log-in details for PharmOutcomes, you must ensure there is at least one member of staff available when the pharmacy is open during the out of hours period, who has log-in details for PharmOutcomes and knows how to use the system.

If you have any queries about the service or PharmOutcomes, please do not hesitate to contact us.