Medicine shortages

To find information quickly, use:

1. Medicines shortage log (NHS Highland intranet access required). 
   An A-Z list of current shortages affecting NHS Highland with advice on how to manage them and links to the relevant national documents below. 

Other information resources: 

1. SPS Medicines Supply Tool (Log in required. All prescribers & pharmacy professionals are encouraged to register)
   Specialist Pharmacy Service information on the management of current shortages for Primary and Secondary Care.
   Go to the 'Tools' tab and then click on the 'Medicines Supply' option. 
   NB: some of the recommended actions may not always be appropriate / relevant within the Scottish context.
2. Central Alerting Sytem (CAS)
   NHS Scotland system for issuing patient safety alerts, important public health messages and other safety critical information, such as shortages information and Scottish SSPs. 
3. Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPS)
   A list of Serious Shortages Protocols published by the NHS Business Services Authority for NHS England.
4. NSS Medicines Supply Alert Notice (MSAN)
   Provides advice where there is specific Scottish context for an MSN.
   For published MSANs, see See the SHOW website. (To show only MSANs, use the search option and type MSAN).
5. Medicine Supply Notification (MSN)
   Advice suitable for Primary Care produced by Community Pharmacy England.

Remember, if the medication is not available, alternative medications to consider may be listed in the Highland Formulary.