Reminder: NSS Are No Longer Distributing Print Copies of BNF & BNFC to Pharmacy Teams
Published: 12/09/24
Reminder here that NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Are No Longer Distributing Print copies of BNF & BNFC to pharmacy teams. You can access the digital version online via The Knowledge Network.
PCA(P)(2024)01 - Discontinuation of Print Copies of BNF & BNFC
Circular PCA(P)(2024)01 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 by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) and gives a reminder of how to access the digital versions.
Background
Circular PCA(P)(2013)3, issued in January 2013 provided details on how to access the BNF/BNFC Apps for the latest prescribing information. Circular PCA(P)(2019)9, issued in May 2019, provided details for community pharmacy contractors on how to access the Medicines Complete package of resources, including the BNF/BNFC.
Eligible healthcare professionals have been able to request annual print copies of both the BNF and BNFC through their health board, with the ordering and distribution coordinated by NSS. In recent years, NSS has worked closely with health boards to significantly reduce the number of print copies distributed and promote the switch to digital versions. There has been a continued increase in usage of the digital formats of BNF and BNFC content.
The last print versions supplied were BNF 86 and BNFC 2023/24, distributed in autumn 2023.
Detail
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has taken a decision to end the existing arrangements to supply print editions of BNF and BNFC to NHS organisations from 2024.
The benefits of moving to digital content include:
Clinical safety – The digital resources are updated monthly providing important clinical and safety information in a timely way. Print versions of the BNF and BNFC are provided once a year and are out of date by the time they are received by users.
Environmental impact – Printing and distribution of the BNF and BNFC has a significant carbon footprint.
Digital transformation – Switching to digital BNF and BNFC content supports the commitment to digital transformation.
NHS Scotland users can continue to access the BNF/BNFC free of charge either via NICE at BNF (British National Formulary) | NICE or through the BNF/BNFC App.
In addition, BNF content can be integrated into a local formulary by using BNF on FormularyComplete; see http://www.bnf.org for details.
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.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Our colleague at NES have asked us to promote the Foundation Training Year Reforms 2025-26 webinar:
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) are calling for pharmacists to have access to a shared patient record as part of their vision for pharmacy.
Share your views on the future of the Post-Registration Foundation Programme Listening event on 30th January 2025.
All NHS Education for Scotland (NES) / Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Funded Employee Community Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (CPIPs) need to undertake four NES Clinical Skills Training Days, and also one Teach & Treat Session after qualification.
Join Balfron Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Manager on a 6-month, 4-day-per-week contract. Oversee daily operations, manage stock, ensure accurate records, and lead a small team. Requirements include an MPharm degree, GPhC registration, and 2+ years of experience, preferably with leadership skills. Apply now for this exciting opportunity!
Join Baird’s Pharmacy, a family-run group of 11 pharmacies in North East Scotland, as a Community Pharmacist Manager. Based in Elgin, you'll lead an experienced team, deliver NHS and private services, and enjoy benefits like competitive pay, GPhC fees paid, and training opportunities. If you’re passionate about patient care and community health, apply today
Join NHS Education for Scotland (NES) on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, from 7–8:30 pm, for practical tips on GPhC registration, setting up Pharmacy First Plus, and expanding your clinical expertise. Book your place today!
The Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Elections 2025 are now live. If you are one of our eligible members (see below for the definition of eligible) nominations are now open for Community Pharmacy Health Board Committee (CP(HB)).
Your next courier collection will take place on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. This is a particular busy period of time for community pharmacy, and we thought it might be useful to remind you of some information around your prescription bag submissions.
Join Fleming Pharmacy, an independent community pharmacy in Liberton, Edinburgh, as a Qualified Pharmacist. Flexible hours, competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive environment. Perfect for newly qualified or experienced pharmacists passionate about patient care and professional growth.
Community Pharmacy Scotland joins 47 Scottish organisations in urging the UK Chancellor to provide funding support for rising employer National Insurance contributions. A joint letter, led by First Minister John Swinney and COSLA President Shona Morrison, highlights the £700 million cost burden facing public and voluntary sectors in Scotland.
Our Policy and PR Pharmacist spoke to Fiona Stalker on BBC Drivetime about the demands being seen on private flu vaccination services in community pharmacy due to the 2024 changes in NHS flu vaccination eligibility criteria, and why it is still important to get your flu vaccination for this year.
We are pleased to confirm that the next Independent Prescribers (IP) meeting will take place on Thursday, 23rd January 2025.
On Tuesday, 7 January, our Policy and PR Pharmacist, Sarah Scott, was interviewed for a BBC Reporting Scotland broadcast about the winter pressures faced by community pharmacies across Scotland. She also commented on the impact of rising flu cases and the availability of flu vaccines.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Join our independent pharmacies in Rosemount and Ferryhill as a Independent Prescribing Pharmacist. Work with a dedicated team to expand services, including Pharmacy First Plus. Enjoy benefits like GPhC fees paid, a company pension, and flexible hours.
We'd like to thank contractors for continuing to use our shortage reporter, we know it is a very busy time of year for pharmacy teams and we want to reassure you our discussions on shortages and adjusted prices for the month of December 2024 will continue until the January Scottish Drug Tariff Part 7 is agreed and published.
Your next courier collection will take place on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. This is a particular busy period of time for community pharmacy, and we thought it might be useful to remind you of some information around your prescription bag submissions.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSP) in place for cefalexin 125mg / 5ml & 250mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free, from 10 December 2024 to 31 January 2025.
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are now in place for Estradot® (estradiol) 50 mcg, 75 mcg & 100 mcg / 24 hour transdermal patch, from 19 December 2024 to 28 January 2025.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
As 2024 draws to a close, it is now a good moment to reflect on the achievements of the community pharmacy network across Scotland.
We have been asked to highlight this survey about cancer care in the community, being run by undergraduates at Strathclyde University, to our newsletter readers.
Head of Policy & Development.
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.