In Scotland, free COVID-19 tests are strictly available to vulnerable patients who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus. Pharmacy teams can inform patients of this guidance to help manage expectations. COVID-19 tests are available to those who are eligible and can be ordered online via NHS Inform.

As of the 13th June 2024, the NHS Inform advice on Covid-19 has been updated. This was informed by a review from Public Health Scotland and Scottish Government clinicians. Based on this review, it was recommended that the advice to self-isolate for five days following a positive Covid-19 test should be removed from guidance.

Circular PCA(P)(2021)08 set out arrangements for a  pharmacy distribution service for members of the public to access lateral flow test kits. This circular notifies Health Boards and pharmacy contractors that arrangements for the service will end on Thursday 31 March 2022.

This Circular advises of a new ventilation enhancement allowance for community pharmacies in Scotland. Funding has been made available from the Scottish Government to be paid to community pharmacy contractors that meet the conditions of entitlement for the new allowance.

This circular sets out fees payable for participating community pharmacy contractors in the provision of antiviral treatments in COVID-19 positive non hospitalised patients.

Circular PCA (P)(2021)08 set out arrangements for a pharmacy distribution service for members of the public to access lateral flow test kits. Due to high demand for the service, stock levels of Orient Gene kits have been exhausted. Therefore, the UK Government is reintroducing Innova brand kits.

Just to note that there is some confusion regarding the email address that primary care contractors must use to order further stock of LFD kits. In the ‘Manager’s Brief’, the email address stated is:

There are a few key changes to LFD testing for pharmacy teams this week – detailed information is included in the links below, but we know how busy you are so to summarise

We have taken a great deal of your feedback over the last few days and understand that the current operation of the LFD collect service is unduly disrupting the delivery of your core services in some areas…

Following recent announcements around restrictions as a result of the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, there has been some confusion over the self-isolation rules for health and social care workers.

Following on from this week’s videos from Harry and Matt, we can now confirm that each pharmacy is authorised to order 1 box of kits each day

With the announcement today from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon we are currently looking at several areas to ensure that the community pharmacy workforce can continue to provide their essential services.

Please be aware that further to the change in product used for the LFT Kit Supply to the public, detailed in PCA(P) (2021) 13

Circular PCA(P)(2021)08 set out arrangements for a pharmacy distribution service for members of the public to access lateral flow test kits.

The PECOS PPE supply team have advised that the mask supply for PPE is changing from 22nd November 2021 from the elasticated ear loop type 2R to the tie back version

I write to advise you that National Procurement are currently preparing plans to cover ordering and delivery of PPE orders for Primary Care contractors over the Christmas/New Year.

PCA(P)(2021)13 detailed from Monday 27th September 2021, community pharmacy contractors that participate in the Pharmacy Collect offer

From Monday 27th September 2021, community pharmacy contractors that participate in the Pharmacy Collect offer that provides the general public with access to regular LFD

The Primary Care PPE catalogue on PECOS are being updated. The item codes for small and medium glove sizes will be updated as per the table below.

The following letter notifies teams and managers of an update to the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual COVID-19 addenda on physical distancing in Health and Social Care.