AMS Digital Programme Update
Published: 11/07/2024
Our colleagues at National Services Scotland (NSS) would like to share their message about the AMS Digital Programme.
AMS Digital Programme update - July 2024
As you may recall from a previous communication in October 2023, the AMS Digital (AMS D) Programme Team confirmed in September 2023 that the programme would not be going live on 1st November 2023.
Since then, discussions have been on-going with Scottish Government (SG) & Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) with regards to the future delivery of AMS Digital.
In October 2023, NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) recognised the pressing need to singularly focus on addressing the issue of estimated payments and all efforts were directed towards paying actuals to contractors. In support of this NSS, alongside SG and CPS, had agreed the following:
To pause and revise the AMS D delivery plan.
To scale down the Early Adopters (EA’s) work.
To stand up a new Scanning service with full capacity (circa 6.5 million scripts per month), to replace end of life scanners with more modern systems at our NSS, Gyle Square location in Edinburgh.
The aim of this was to mitigate failure of system and to improve efficiency in scanning services, thereby improving the efficiency of the whole process.
Given the investment in the new Scanning service, NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) has been exploring the future of the AMS Digital Programme and how best to achieve the objectives of the programme, central to which was establishing a robust claiming, processing and payments process without the paper as primary driver, as this will be the case when Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme (DPDP) is implemented in NHS Scotland.
Currently we are reviewing the learning and feedback from the work with Early Adopters so that we can focus on addressing jointly with all stakeholders the issues that were identified as necessary for a successful transition from paper to electronic claiming, processing, and payments. We do not envisage a situation where contractors will be required to split prescriptions as part of any future process.
A separate communication was recently issued to thank those that took part in the Early Adopters phase of the AMS- D programme.
We are working to re-baseline the requirements and funding of outstanding work to complete the delivery of AMS Digital programme including future engagement with all stakeholders, and alignment with the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme (DPDP). A revised delivery plan will be communicated with all stakeholders when this exercise is completed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our colleagues at NES are keen to support individuals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake the role of designated prescribing practitioner. In doing so, NES have recently developed a DPP Competency Framework Self-Assessment Tool which may be useful to those considering their suitability for the role.
Our Policy and PR Pharmacist attended the Norsk Farmasoytisk Selskap Pharmacy Conference in Oslo last Thursday where she gave a presentation on NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Ramipril 2.5mg tablets due to expire on 15 November 2024 has been extended until Friday 29 November 2024.
This consultation seeks views on eight identified outcomes which describe what good looks like with respect to palliative care services in Scotland. Below is a short explanation of the strategy, and Community Pharmacy Scotland’s submitted response to this consultation.
The 'Keep Antibiotics Working' Campaign aims to promote safe and sustainable antibiotics use ahead of this year's World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 (18-24 November 2024).
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Here is a round-up of all the important news this week, including the latest updates on Independent Prescribing. To view our latest Newsletter through your browser, please click on the link.
This is a friendly reminder about your next courier collection. The collection will take place on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024. In the article below we have some important information about the next collection.
Our colleagues at Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) are looking to raise awareness of the work that they do, as well as how Community Pharmacy can help support the rapid treatment of pupils at school where emergency treatment is necessary.
Join NES webinars for community pharmacy: EHC and Bridging Contraception update on 20 Nov, and Respiratory Conditions on 3 Dec. Access new Migraine Management resources on Turas Learn, supporting clinical skills and professional growth.
The Right Care Right Place campaign launches this week with campaign assets now available for use across partner channels.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has been selected as a finalist in the Best Membership Support category at the Association Excellence Awards 2024, which will take place on Friday 8th November, in London.
Our colleagues in NHS England are undertaking an extensive programme of research around their 'Pharmacy First' service. As part of this activity, they are looking to other nations' experiences and want to speak with around 10 practicing community pharmacists over the next month about their delivery of the Scottish service.
Disclosure Scotland has changed the way you will complete your PVG applications and view your granted certificate. You will no longer receive a paper copy of the certificate.
Healthful Pharmacy is hiring a Pharmacy Manager in Livingston. Lead a dedicated team, ensuring exceptional patient care in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive pay, benefits, paid holidays, and company pension—all while making a meaningful impact in community pharmacy, Monday to Friday. Join us to grow with a forward-thinking pharmacy team.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated pharmacist to provide full-time cover, primarily across our three branches in Orkney, with additional opportunities to provide holiday cover in both Caithness and Shetland.
We are looking for an energetic and motivated Pharmacist to join our team at Sutherland’s Pharmacy in Thurso, Caithness.
As a part of our work with the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland, we regularly raise lines of concern and work to secure adjusted prices for these. We also work with them regularly to review lines which have now stabilised and remove these as appropriate.
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors of a new Universal Claim Framework (UCF) module that will be available for use by providers of Pharmacy First Plus from 1 February 2025.
There has been an update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List products with the removal of Arjun ear drops 10 ml as this product has been discontinued.
At Community Pharmacy Scotland, we want to ensure the courier service runs as smoothly as possible for all our members. Below are some key reminders and tips to help avoid delays and ensure your prescription submissions are handled efficiently.
We are looking for an IP pharmacist to work in our East Linton branch three and a half days per week. This is an exciting opportunity to work in the beautiful village of East Linton away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.
Looking for a qualified ACT to join our friendly team at Marchmont pharmacy. Come and be part of our experienced pharmacy team and use your qualifications to their potential to drive the pharmacy forward. Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Excellent salary.
Here is a round-up of all the important news this week, including the latest updates on Independent Prescribing and Community Pharmacy vacancies within the network.
Join our Shetland pharmacies as a dynamic pharmacist. Based in Brae with opportunities across multiple locations, enjoy a competitive salary (£54k-£74k), 35 days leave, pension, flexible working, and relocation assistance. Experience life in one of Scotland's most beautiful regions.
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomax® XL) 60mg modified release tablet due to expire on 18 October 2024 has been extended until Friday 15 November 2024.
Reach Pharmacy is looking for a friendly, hardworking and reliable full-time Pharmacy Dispenser or Technician to expand our current team. We have been a family owned independent pharmacy group for over 20 years with a well staffed team who cares about our patients and provides quality healthcare to the local community.
Policy & Development Pharmacist
We want to make you aware of a joint letter that Community Pharmacy Scotland, along with our colleagues in general practice, dentistry, and optometry, has sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Health.