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Get Ready for a Day of Golf and Giving: CPS Charity Golf Day
Get Ready for a Day of Golf and Giving: CPS Charity Golf Day

Get your clubs ready and mark your calendars because the countdown to the CPS Charity Golf Day at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is officially on! On Friday, 17th May 2024, golf enthusiasts and philanthropists alike will come together for a day of fun, fundraising, and fellowship in support of St Columba’s Hospice.

Latest News
Weekly eNewsletter 25th April 2024
Weekly eNewsletter 25th April 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

Prescription Collection: Thursday, 2nd May 2024
Prescription Collection: Thursday, 2nd May 2024

Your next Parcelforce prescription collection is coming up on Thursday, 2nd May 2024.

Post-registration Foundation Funded Course - Applications for Next Cohort
Post-registration Foundation Funded Course - Applications for Next Cohort

This October, a new group of newly qualified pharmacists who are employed in community pharmacy will embark on a programme designed to improve confidence and competence in-role. Successful applicants who progress as expected through the course will be guaranteed a place on an IP course in Scotland.

Scottish Pharmacist Awards 2024
Scottish Pharmacist Awards 2024

Last Saturday, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) attended the Scottish Pharmacists Awards to celebrate the amazing work of our community pharmacy network.

MSP Pharmacy Visit: Bonnyrigg Pharmacy
MSP Pharmacy Visit: Bonnyrigg Pharmacy

Today we met with MSP Colin Beattie at Bonnyrigg Pharmacy, which is in his constituency of Midlothian North and Musselburgh.

Latest News Roundup: 19th April 2024
Latest News Roundup: 19th April 2024

In this week’s roundup... Our Policy & PR Pharmacist Sarah Scott discusses the visit of MSP Audrey Nicoll at Garthdee Pharmacy, our Digital Communications Assistant Graham Le Tissier talks about the CPS Charity Golf Day and Our Digital Communications Officer Robbie Collins highlights the NHS’ “It’s Ok To Ask“ Campaign 2024.

CPS Newsletter 18th April 2024
CPS Newsletter 18th April 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

MCR Ready Reckoner is Currently Offline
MCR Ready Reckoner is Currently Offline

The MCR Ready Reckoner APP has been temporarily unpublished from our website due to anomaly in the data used. We are working with our colleagues at NHS National Services Scotland to review the data.

Prescription Collection: Thursday, 18th April 2024
Prescription Collection: Thursday, 18th April 2024

With your next Parcelforce prescription collection coming up on Thursday, 18th April 2024.

It's OK to Ask - 2024 Campaign
It's OK to Ask - 2024 Campaign

Our colleagues at NHS24 are currently running the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign supported by NHS Scotland.

Top Three Items from the April CPS Board
Top Three Items from the April CPS Board

The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.

Professional Standards Authority Good Practice Guidance Consultation Response
Professional Standards Authority Good Practice Guidance Consultation Response

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is an independent organisation, accountable to the UK Parliament. Its remit is to protect the public through work with organisations that register and regulate people working in health and social care. The PSA is seeking consultation on the good practice guidance documents they have produced in support of regulatory reform.

Weekly eNewsletter 11th April 2024
Weekly eNewsletter 11th April 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

April 2024 Drug Tariff Annual Reset
April 2024 Drug Tariff Annual Reset

The annual reset of the Drug Tariff has now been undertaken by Public Health Scotland. This is where they balance the value of the tariff by modulating molecules up or down with a view to delivering the same overall value against volume and having outlier prices brought in line as part of the process.

Adjusted Prices Review and Part 7 Changes for April 2024
Adjusted Prices Review and Part 7 Changes for April 2024

Based on evidence, there are several lines that have stabilised which you can view here with their revised price for April 2024. These are no longer treated as Adjusted Prices; however, we will continue to monitor these lines, so we ask you to please continue to use our Shortages Reporter to report any that are of concern.

MSP Pharmacy Visit: Garthdee Pharmacy
MSP Pharmacy Visit: Garthdee Pharmacy

Yesterday Audrey Nichol MSP, our Head of Policy and Development, Amanda Rae, and our Policy & PR Pharmacist, Sarah Scott visited the team at Garthee Pharmacy in Aberdeen.

Consultation Outcome: The Use Of PGDs by Pharmacy Technicians
Consultation Outcome: The Use Of PGDs by Pharmacy Technicians

We are delighted to hear the recent joint consultation led by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Department of Health Northern Ireland (DHNI), has been approved. This will enable pharmacy technicians to supply and administer medicines using Patient Group Directions (PGDs) once the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 have been amended.

Weekly Roundup: 5th April 2024
Weekly Roundup: 5th April 2024

Above is a roundup of the latest news affecting community pharmacy owners and their teams in Scotland.

Update for April 2024 Part 7 Publishing
Update for April 2024 Part 7 Publishing

Due to continued discussions with Public Health Scotland Part 7 of the Scottish drug tariff for April 2024 will not likely be published until early next week once all work is complete and agreed.

Weekly eNewsletter 4th April 2024
Weekly eNewsletter 4th April 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

Period of Learning in Practice (PLP) Support for CP IP Trainees
Period of Learning in Practice (PLP) Support for CP IP Trainees

As the delivery of our strategy to have CP IPs in all community pharmacies in Scotland, continues we have an ever growing number of CP IP Employee trainees across the network. Thanks to everyone who supporting this, and to the trainees for their hard work in gaining their IP qualification.

Smoking Cessation Pharmacy Care Record Changes
Smoking Cessation Pharmacy Care Record Changes

The Smoking Cessation Support Assessment Tool in the Pharmacy Care Record (PCR) has undergone a refresh to improve the user experience. The newly refreshed tool will launch on Monday, 8th April 2024.

PCA(P)(2024)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomil XL) 60mg Modified Release Tablet
PCA(P)(2024)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomil XL) 60mg Modified Release Tablet

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomil® XL) 60mg modified release tablet, from 26 March 2024 to 3 May 2024.

Weekly eNewsletter 28th March 2024
Weekly eNewsletter 28th March 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service approved list of products has been updated as of 1st of April 2024.

April 2024 Part 7 Publishing
April 2024 Part 7 Publishing

Please note, due to the day on which the 1st April falls this year, we will publish the April edition of Part 7 on the website slightly later than usual, early next week.

Ticks and Lyme Disease – Raising Public Awareness
Ticks and Lyme Disease – Raising Public Awareness

As part of tick bite prevention week our colleague and pharmacist Arlene Bailey from the Lyme Resource Centre has put together the following article to inform community pharmacists on Lyme Disease.

Prescription Collection: Thursday, 4th April 2024
Prescription Collection: Thursday, 4th April 2024

With your next Parcelforce prescription collection coming up on Thursday, 4th April 2024.

Easter Operating Hours
Easter Operating Hours

We will be closed for the the bank holiday on Monday the 1st April 2024. We will be open as normal on Tuesday the 2nd April 2024.

Weekly eNewsletter 21st March 2024
Weekly eNewsletter 21st March 2024

To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link

More Apps

Public Health Scotland Poster

Latest SG Circular
PCA(P)(2024)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomil XL) 60mg Modified Release Tablet
PCA(P)(2024)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomil XL) 60mg Modified Release Tablet

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomil® XL) 60mg modified release tablet, from 26 March 2024 to 3 May 2024.

PCA(P)(2024)02 - Additional Pharmaceutical Services NHS PFS - Updated PGDs
PCA(P)(2024)02 - Additional Pharmaceutical Services NHS PFS - Updated PGDs

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of updated Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be implemented for the treatment of shingles and skin infections under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

PCA(P)(2024)01 - Discontinuation of Print Copies of BNF & BNFC
PCA(P)(2024)01 - Discontinuation of Print Copies of BNF & BNFC

This Circular advises NHS Boards and healthcare professionals that print copies of the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFC) will no longer be provided

PCA(P)(2023)46 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments To The Drug Tariff Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale
PCA(P)(2023)46 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments To The Drug Tariff Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale

PCA(P)(2023)46 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments To The Drug Tariff Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale

PCA(P)(2023)45 - Updated Guidance and Referral Form for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions
PCA(P)(2023)45 - Updated Guidance and Referral Form for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions

This Circular provides updated guidance aimed at both community optometry and community pharmacy teams and an updated referral form for the assessment and treatment of minor eye conditions.

PCA(P)(2023)44 - Guaranteed Minimum Income Adjustment Payment
PCA(P)(2023)44 - Guaranteed Minimum Income Adjustment Payment

This circular advises community pharmacy contractors and Health Boards of a corrective payment in order to deliver contractual requirements for the financial year 2023/24.

PCA(P)(2023)43 - Extension to SSP for Clarithromycin
PCA(P)(2023)43 - Extension to SSP for Clarithromycin

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Clarithromycin

PCA(P)(2023)42 - Community Pharmacy Practitioner Champions
PCA(P)(2023)42 - Community Pharmacy Practitioner Champions

This circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2023-24.

PCA(P)(2023)41 - SSP for Issued for Clarithromycin
PCA(P)(2023)41 - SSP for Issued for Clarithromycin

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Clarithromycin

PCA(P)(2023)40 - Extension to SSP issued for Estradot®
PCA(P)(2023)40 - Extension to SSP issued for Estradot®

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Estradot®

PCA(P)(2023)39 - PHS Poster Campaigns
PCA(P)(2023)39 - PHS Poster Campaigns

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the next Public Health Service (PHS) poster campaign topics which will be distributed to pharmacies.

PCA(P)(2023)38 - Extension to SSP for Jext 300 micrograms/ 0.3mL
PCA(P)(2023)38 - Extension to SSP for Jext 300 micrograms/ 0.3mL

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Jext® 300 micrograms/ 0.3mL (1 in 1000) solution for injection auto-injector pen

PCA(P)(2023)37 - SSP for Estradot® 100 Microgram Patches
PCA(P)(2023)37 - SSP for Estradot® 100 Microgram Patches

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Estradot® (estradiol hemihydrate) 100 microgram patches

PCA(P)(2023)36 - SSP for Clarithromycin
PCA(P)(2023)36 - SSP for Clarithromycin

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that two of the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Clarithromycin antibiotic

PCA(P)(2023)35 - Dispensing Pool Payments
PCA(P)(2023)35 - Dispensing Pool Payments

This circular advises of changes to the Drug Tariff with respect to remuneration arrangements for the dispensing pool month of July.

PCA(P)(2023)34 - Naloxone Emergency Supply Service
PCA(P)(2023)34 - Naloxone Emergency Supply Service

This circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2023-24.

PCA(P)(2023)33 - SSP for Estradot®
PCA(P)(2023)33 - SSP for Estradot®

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Estradot® (estradiol hemihydrate) 100 microgram patches

PCA(P)(2023)32 - SSP for Utrogestan®
PCA(P)(2023)32 - SSP for Utrogestan®

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Utrogestan®

PCA(P)(2023)31 - SSP for Jext 300 micrograms/0.3mL
PCA(P)(2023)31 - SSP for Jext 300 micrograms/0.3mL

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Jext® 300 micrograms/0.3mL (1 in 1000) solution for injection auto-injector pen, from 21 August 2023 to 15 September 2023.

PCA(P)(2023)30 - SSP for Estradot (Estradiol hemihydrate)
PCA(P)(2023)30 - SSP for Estradot (Estradiol hemihydrate)

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Estradot® (Estradiol hemihydrate) 100 microgram patches, from 21 August 2023 to 8 September 2023.

PCA(P)(2023)29 - SSP for Progynova®
PCA(P)(2023)29 - SSP for Progynova®

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Progynova®

PCA(P)(2023)28 - Extension to SSP for Utrogestan® 100mg Capsules
PCA(P)(2023)28 - Extension to SSP for Utrogestan® 100mg Capsules

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Utrogestan® (micronised progesterone) 100mg capsules

PCA(P)(2023)27 - Addition of Hay Fever PGD to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
PCA(P)(2023)27 - Addition of Hay Fever PGD to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland

Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be added to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

PCA(P)(2023)26 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments to Drug Tariff in Respect of Remuneration Arrangement and Part 7 Clawback
PCA(P)(2023)26 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments to Drug Tariff in Respect of Remuneration Arrangement and Part 7 Clawback

This circular sets out to community pharmacy contractors and NHS Boards the details of the community pharmacy funding arrangement 2023/24

PCA(P)(2023)25 - Extension to SSP for Clarithromycin Antibiotic
PCA(P)(2023)25 - Extension to SSP for Clarithromycin Antibiotic

Two of the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Clarithromycin antibiotic products due to expire on 21 July 2023 have now been extended

PCA(P)(2023)24 - Extension to SSP issued for Progynova TS
PCA(P)(2023)24 - Extension to SSP issued for Progynova TS

The UK-wide active Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Progynova® (estradiol) TS 100 microgram patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

PCA(P)(2023)23 - Part 7 Reimbursement Arrangements 2023/24
PCA(P)(2023)23 - Part 7 Reimbursement Arrangements 2023/24

This Circular advises of changes to the Scottish Drug Tariff effective from 1 May 2023 in respect of reimbursement of costs borne by community pharmacy contractors when dispensing NHS prescriptions for part 7 medicines.

PCA(P)(2023)22 - Payment for Naloxone Access Service
PCA(P)(2023)22 - Payment for Naloxone Access Service

A new naloxone service to be implemented in community pharmacies later this year, preparation work that will be required and a payment for associated costs.

PCA(P)(2023)21 - SSP for Utrogestan® 100mg Capsules
PCA(P)(2023)21 - SSP for Utrogestan® 100mg Capsules

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for Utrogestan® (micronised progesterone) 100mg capsules, from 19 May 2023 to 18 August 2023.

PCA(P)(2023)20 - Gluten Free Food Prescribable List
PCA(P)(2023)20 - Gluten Free Food Prescribable List

This Circular provides an updated Gluten Free Food Prescribable Product List to be used in conjunction with the community pharmacy Gluten Free Food Service (GFFS).

Latest NHS Pharmacy First News
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service approved list of products has been updated as of 1st of April 2024.

PCA(P)(2024)02 - Additional Pharmaceutical Services NHS PFS - Updated PGDs
PCA(P)(2024)02 - Additional Pharmaceutical Services NHS PFS - Updated PGDs

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of updated Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be implemented for the treatment of shingles and skin infections under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

UCF Pharmacy First Plus Module: Postponement
UCF Pharmacy First Plus Module: Postponement

We have been working with Scottish Government and NHS colleagues on trying to capture Pharmacy First Plus prescribing, advice and referrals data to better evidence the great work being done out in the network – at the moment, this cannot be separated out from standard Pharmacy First activity.

NHS Pharmacy First in England: Due to Launch 31st of January 2024
NHS Pharmacy First in England: Due to Launch 31st of January 2024

As some of you may be aware, NHS England are due to launch the NHS Pharmacy First service in English community pharmacies on 31st of January 2024.

New Local Services Procedure
New Local Services Procedure

Each local NHS Health Board has the ability to develop bespoke local pharmacy services to suit the needs of local communities and patients

PCA(P)(2023)45 - Updated Guidance and Referral Form for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions
PCA(P)(2023)45 - Updated Guidance and Referral Form for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions

This Circular provides updated guidance aimed at both community optometry and community pharmacy teams and an updated referral form for the assessment and treatment of minor eye conditions.

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service has an annualised pool of £30.800m. The service will remunerate contractors for making the service available to their communities (Base element) and for the episodes of care provided in line with service (Activity element).

NHS Pharmacy First Plus
NHS Pharmacy First Plus

Circular PCA(P)(2020)16 set out the intention to introduce a combined National Foundation Programme and Independent Prescriber (IP) Career Pathway for community pharmacists.

PCA(P)(2023)27 - Addition of Hay Fever PGD to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
PCA(P)(2023)27 - Addition of Hay Fever PGD to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland

Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be added to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

PCA(P)(2022)26 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Updated PGDs
PCA(P)(2022)26 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Updated PGDs

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of updated Patient Group Directions (PGDs) that are to be implemented for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) and impetigo under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

Flucloxacillin PGD Dose Change for NHS Lothian and Borders
Flucloxacillin PGD Dose Change for NHS Lothian and Borders

As part of a move to a regional formulary review process in the East of Scotland, both NHS Lothian and NHS Borders will very shortly inform contractors that the dose of Flucloxacillin permitted

Website - Pregnancy, Babies and Children
Website - Pregnancy, Babies and Children

Our colleagues in Primary Care have highlighted the attached website as a source of information for professionals and patients which you may find useful in your practice, and Pharmacy First and First Plus in particular.

PCA(P)(2021)20 - Amendments to the Base Payment for Pharmacy First
PCA(P)(2021)20 - Amendments to the Base Payment for Pharmacy First

Circular PCA(P)(2021)5 set out the arrangements for the settlement for pharmaceutical services for the period 2020-21, including for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Breaks 2 Million Consultation Mark!
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Breaks 2 Million Consultation Mark!

Since its launch in the midst of the pandemic, you and your teams have supported the people of Scotland with their minor health conditions over 2 million times!

Additions to Part 7 & Approved List Reimbursement
Additions to Part 7 & Approved List Reimbursement

With the Revised List of Approved List Products (PCA (P) (2021) 14) Circular, from 1st October 2021

PCA(P)(2021)14 - Revised Approved List of Products
PCA(P)(2021)14 - Revised Approved List of Products

This Circular encloses a revised Approved List of Products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which will come into force from 1st October 2021.

Changes to the eSchedules
Changes to the eSchedules

With the changes to the payment structure for both the Gluten Free Food Service and Unscheduled Care as of the 2021-22 financial framework.

PCA(P)(2021)07 - Additional PGDs
PCA(P)(2021)07 - Additional PGDs

Circular PCA(P)(2021)07 advises that Patient Group Directions (PGDs) supporting two further common clinical conditions will be added to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.

PCA(P)(2020)24 - Guidance for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions
PCA(P)(2020)24 - Guidance for Treatment of Minor Eye Conditions

This Circular provides information for community optometry teams about the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland (NHS PFS) service. It also provides guidance aimed at both community optometry and community pharmacy teams and a referral form for the assessment and treatment of minor eye conditions.

PCA(P)(2020)16 - Independent Prescribing Service
PCA(P)(2020)16 - Independent Prescribing Service

This circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to establish a combined National Foundation Programme and Independent Prescriber (IP) Career Pathway for community pharmacists.

PCA(P)(2020)13 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Service Specifications and Approved List of Products
PCA(P)(2020)13 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Service Specifications and Approved List of Products

On 24 March 2020, Scottish Government announced support to self-isolate to those at a very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes providing help to access medicines and food supplies. An extension to this shielding period to at least 31 July 2020 was further announced on 8 June 2020.

PCA(P)(2020)06 - Updated MAS Arrangements from 1st April 2020
PCA(P)(2020)06 - Updated MAS Arrangements from 1st April 2020

This circular encloses amendments to the Health Board Additional Pharmaceutical Services (Minor Ailment Service (Scotland) Directions 2016 for the Minor Ailment Service (MAS) in respect of eligibility for the service, which come into effect on 1 April 2020

PCA(P)(2020)03 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland: eLearning Payment for Contractors
PCA(P)(2020)03 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland: eLearning Payment for Contractors

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors and NHS Boards of a one-off payment available to community pharmacy contractors to cover the completion of e-learning modules for the roll-out of the new NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.

The A.R.T of Pharmacy Report
The A.R.T of Pharmacy Report

Community Pharmacy Scotland is delighted to highlight this report into the ART (Advice, Referral and Treatment) of pharmacy within the community setting.