02/06/2021- Prescribing antiepileptic medication in Staffordshire 

Current information for anti-epileptic medication stabilisation stated in the Prescribing antiepileptic medication in Staffordshire document can be found on the North Staffordshire netFormulary via the Homepage link - Guidelines and Clinical pathways.

Prescribing Antiepileptic medication in Staffordshire.pdf (northstaffordshirejointformulary.nhs.uk)

25/05/2021: New phone number for the MH Crisis Care Centre

The North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust's Crisis Care Centre have updated their contact details. For patients who are concerned about their mental health or someone they care for, the Access Team at the Crisis Care Centre can be contacted directly, any time of the day or night, every day of the year and for any age on 0800 0 328 728 (option 1). For those who have an impairment and are unable to use the telephone, they can text the Access Team on 07739 775202 and the team will respond as soon as possible.

11/03/21: New COPD guidelines for Staffordshire and SOT CCGs

The APC/APG has approved the Staffordshire and SOT CCGs COPD Guidelines. There is also a supporting document on 'Essential adaptations in Primary Care Diagnosis and Management of COPD during COVID19 pandemic'. These documents are now available on netFormulary. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with the document and employ its use in clinical practice. Any queries can be directed to the Medicines Optimisation Team. 

09/02/2021 Updated email address for MPFT Rheumatology team

The Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has notified the Staffordshire CCG’s Medicines Optimisation Team that the email address for contacting the Rheumatology Specialist teams regarding shared-care agreements (ESCAs) used in North Staffordshire has been updated.

All queries relating to the use of the MPFT’s rheumatology ESCAs i.e. drug monitoring, dose review, specialist input etc., can be directed to the new email above or the helpline telephone number: 01782 673687

10/12/2020: New ESCAs in North Staffordshire

Two ESCAs were approved by the Area Prescribing Committee (North) in September 2020 for use in North Staffordshire. They are:

• Methotrexate for the treatment of Autoimmune Rheumatic diseases (Version 4.1)- This was updated to include additional monitoring information if prescribed concurrently with Leflunomide.
• Tizanidine for the treatment of spasticity associated with brain injuries, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury or disease (Version 1.0)- This is a new ESCA developed by MPFT.

Note that both drugs have an ‘Amber-E’ status on the North Staffs formulary for the relevant indications, thus transfer of prescribing into primary care MUST be accompanied by an agreed ESCA form.

All APC approved ESCAs are available on netFormulary via the link: http://www.northstaffordshirejointformulary.nhs.uk/docs/esca/

For any prescribing-related issues, please contact the respective medicines optimisation team.

3/11/2020 PRODUCT DISCONTINUATION:

Bydureon 2 mg powder and solvent for prolonged-release suspension for injection in pre-filled pen (exenatide once-weekly) will be discontinued from 31/12/2020. Clinicians should note that the old device is being replaced by the Bydureon BCise pen (exenatide 2mg prolonged-release injectable suspension); a once weekly, single use, fixed dose pen with a hidden needle that automatically injects the required dose, allowing for simpler administration compared to the old Bydureon device. Prior to prescribing and administration of this new device, patient and caregivers training must be undertaken by a healthcare professional