Have you completed the Mandatory Workforce Survey Yet?

The deadline for completion is Friday, 21st November 2025.

Click here for further information and to complete the survey. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) sent the survey link by email in September. If you’re part of a multiple pharmacy group, the survey may be completed centrally. If you're unsure whether it's your responsibility or your head office’s, please check with your head office team.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Mahesh Patel, Locum Pharmacist

On November 5th, Mahesh Patel celebrated an incredible 50 years on the pharmacy register. Mahesh’s journey is one that reflects the evolution of pharmacy over the decades. 

Mahesh began his career in hospital pharmacy back in 1975. His passion for helping patients led him to become the owner of a community pharmacy, where he forged lasting relationships with countless individuals and families in the community. After this, Mahesh has then worked as a locum across many different pharmacies within Norfolk.

Throughout his impressive 50 years in the profession, Mahesh has witnessed significant advancements in pharmacy practices. He’s seen the progression from handwritten and typewriter labels to today’s computer systems and electronic prescriptions. Along with changes from extemporaneous preparations and sterile works to the clinical pharmacy services that are delivered today.

As we celebrate Mahesh’s remarkable five-decade journey in pharmacy, we express our heartfelt gratitude for his contributions to the profession and the countless lives he has touched along the way.

Here’s to Mahesh Patel—thank you for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all the communities you have worked in.

Share your pharmacy stories with us and let us celebrate your service or success. Send them to info@cpns.org.uk

Deadline 30th November 2025

Suffolk NRT Supply Service contract extension.

Contract variation and Extension of the service. Open to all Suffolk pharmacies to provide.

If you are currently providing the Suffolk County Council's contract to supply NRT to Suffolk residents, or you would like to start the service, you have until the end of November to re-engage with the contract for an additional year.

To confirm your acceptance of this variation and continue delivering the service using PharmOutcomes. Just sign up to the 'Pharmacy NRT Supply - Contract Extension 2025-26' template on PharmOutcomes. Message dated 29th August 2025 from Julissa Aitkens - Any questions? Contact admin.publichealthsuffolk@suffolk.gov.uk

To see more information about the Suffolk Stop Smoking Service opportunities, click here.

Winter pressures and C-19 vaccination issues: Share your views

Community Pharmacy England wants to hear the views and concerns of pharmacy owners in Norfolk and Suffolk.

A new opinion poll is asking about concerns for your pharmacy business going into this winter and the impact C-19 vaccination eligibility confusion has had. The results will be discussed at the Committee’s November meeting and contribute to efforts to push for further improvements and support for the sector.

The short survey, open until 11.59pm on Monday 10th November, offers local pharmacy owners the chance to feed directly into the national negotiator’s work.

Read more here

Key Dates For November 2025 & Upcoming Months

Pharmacy owners can find key dates for November 2025 and beyond on the CPCF Services and Terms of Service page.

This regularly updated resource helps pharmacy teams stay informed about national services and payment claims, ensuring you’re prepared in advance.

Extra November Campaign - Supporting those offering Flu vaccinations

All pharmacies will have received the Gateway message PHA969 explaining the upcoming non-mandatory extra campaign. The national vaccination team is planning a vaccine communications campaign through November, with a big push on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd November 2025. The main focus is on flu vaccines. This means you may have increased footfall or enquiries about the service as a result of the promotion. Promotional materials are available from CPE here. 

Children's Flu vaccination. This may also be an opportunity to pop to or call your local nursery to advertise children’s Flu vaccines in your pharmacy. Resources can be found here. 

Invitation to attend - Empowering Pharmacy Technicians to provide services PGD's workshop.

Sunday 25th January 2026 – 10am - 12.30 pm at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, Norwich, England, NR9 3DL

This session is a collaboration of N&W ICB - NHSE - CPNS and CPPE to empower pharmacy technicians to apply their skills and knowledge confidently and competently when using Patient Group Directions (PGDs) to deliver NHS services using contraception, emergency contraception and smoking cessation services as examples.

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Full details, including learning outcomes and booking can be found here using the keycode: CPNSPGD CPPE Cancellation policy will apply to bookings.