Stoma appliance customisation service (SAC), Appliance use review service (AURs)

These two services were introduced in April 2010 and they can be provided by both community pharmacy contractors and dispensing appliance contractors.

The service involves the customisation of a quantity of more than one stoma appliance, based on the patient’s measurements or a template. The aim of the service is to ensure proper use and comfortable fitting of the stoma appliance and to improve the duration of usage, thereby reducing waste. The stoma appliances that can be customised are listed in Part IXC of the Drug Tariff. If a pharmacy intends to provide the SAC service the pharmacy must in the first instance notify Local NHS NHS England team and NHSBSA by completing the forms here.

Appliance Use Reviews (AURs) can be carried out by a pharmacist or a specialist nurse in the pharmacy or at the patient’s home. AURs aim to improve the patient’s knowledge and use of their appliances. If a pharmacy intends to provide the SAC service the pharmacy must in the first instance notify Local NHS NHS England team and NHSBSA by completing the forms here.