In February 2019, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were amended to introduce Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs).
Further changes will come into operation on 31 October 2019 in The Pharmaceutical Services (Amendments Relating to Serious Shortage Protocols) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019.
An SSP enables community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription and without the need to seek authorisation from the prescriber. An SSP would only be used in the case of a serious shortage if it is considered that it would help manage the supply situation.
Further information on SSPs will be made available on this page.
Last updated: 8th December 2025
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 18th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Estradot 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg Patches 5th December 2025
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – Creon 10,000 and 25,000 Gastro-Resistant extensions 21st November 2025
SSP082 – Estradot 25mcg patches Now extended to Friday 30th January
SSP079 – Estradot 50mcg patches Now extended to Friday 30th January
SSP080 – Estradot 75mcg patches Now extended to Friday 30th January
SSP081 – Estradot 100mcg patches Now extended to Friday 30th January
SSP061 – Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 16th January 2026
SSP060 – Creon 10000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 16th January 2026