Weekly eNewsletter 14th March 2024

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Written By Robbie Collins

The Community Pharmacy Scotland eNewsletter for Thursday 14th March 2024 has now been released.

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Latest eNewsletter
Medicines Care and Review (MCR) Ready Reckoner
Medicines Care and Review (MCR) Ready Reckoner

This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.

Scottish Community Pharmacist Celebrated at Royal Garden Party
Scottish Community Pharmacist Celebrated at Royal Garden Party

One of our Scottish community pharmacist has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to local healthcare by attending a Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

eMessage and ePay Service – Maintenance Downtime
eMessage and ePay Service – Maintenance Downtime

eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

CPS Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts
CPS Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts

Yesterday (09/07/25), Community Pharmacy Scotland’s Board was visited by Christina Laird, Head of Fundraising at our charity partner, Held In Our Hearts. Christina presented a cheque for £8,700, which was raised through our annual Charity Golf Day. The funds will be used to support their vital work in providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families.

Seasonal Flu Programme 2025/26: Updated Guidance Now Available
Seasonal Flu Programme 2025/26: Updated Guidance Now Available

The Chief Medical Officer has asked us to share the following advice with the network: Community pharmacists should not supply antiviral medicines in primary care on presentation of a GP10 prescription form.

PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026
PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026

Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.

PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended
PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.

Virtual Discussion Group Facilitators
Virtual Discussion Group Facilitators

NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.

Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, & 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff
Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, & 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff

Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff

July 2025 Part 7 Publishing
July 2025 Part 7 Publishing

Please note, due to ongoing discussions with PHS the final round of Adjusted Prices for June are likely to be agreed and published on Tuesday 1st July 2025.

Prescription Collection Courier Service: 3rd July 2025
Prescription Collection Courier Service: 3rd July 2025

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

My Quit Journey: Week Four with the Varenicline Service
My Quit Journey: Week Four with the Varenicline Service

Follow Graham Le Tissier’s week three experience using the Varenicline Service to quit smoking, insights, challenges, and support from community pharmacy.

Long Term Conditions Framework - Consultation Response
Long Term Conditions Framework - Consultation Response

Response to Scottish Government’s consultation on a new Long Term Conditions Framework, supporting a shift from condition-specific policies to a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred approach.

New Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme
New Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme

Details of Scotland’s 2025 Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme using 4CMenB (Bexsero®) for high-risk groups, including eligibility, delivery model, vaccine schedule, and clinical guidance.

PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements
PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements

This circular reminds community pharmacy contractors of the key service requirements for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, highlighting the importance of face-to-face consultations, correct use of NHS branding, and adherence to national service guidelines.

PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine
PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.

CPS Welcomes Service Renewal Framework 
CPS Welcomes Service Renewal Framework 

Read our Chief Executive’s latest blog on the development of a new Health and Social Care (HSC) Vision in Scotland

My Quit Journey: Week Three with the Varenicline Service
My Quit Journey: Week Three with the Varenicline Service

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week three of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Top Three Items from the June CPS Board
Top Three Items from the June 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.

Prevent, Detect & Treat at the Scottish Conservative Conference
Prevent, Detect & Treat at the Scottish Conservative Conference

CPS highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, early detection, and treatment at the Scottish Conservative Party Conference 2025.

Future Trends for Scotland: An Opportunity for Community Pharmacy to Support?
Future Trends for Scotland: An Opportunity for Community Pharmacy to Support?

Explore how Scotland’s Future Trends report highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, public health, and early intervention.

PVG Checks & Foundation Training Year Pharmacists
PVG Checks & Foundation Training Year Pharmacists

FTY employers: complete PVG checks before July 2025 to avoid trainee deferrals. Learn how Disclosure changes may affect pharmacist start dates.

Prescription Collection Courier Service: 19th June 2025
Prescription Collection Courier Service: 19th June 2025

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

NHS 24 – Clarification on Clinical Contact Records and Emergency Supply Requests by NHS 24 Prescribers
NHS 24 – Clarification on Clinical Contact Records and Emergency Supply Requests by NHS 24 Prescribers

Following some feedback from the community pharmacy network, our colleagues at NHS 24 have pulled together the attached summary to explain the two main types of eMail communication that they regularly send out to pharmacy teams in support of patients.

My Quit Journey: Week Two with the Varenicline Service 
My Quit Journey: Week Two with the Varenicline Service 

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week two of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Care Reform (Scotland) Bill Passes In Scotland: What Does This Mean for Community Pharmacy?
Care Reform (Scotland) Bill Passes In Scotland: What Does This Mean for Community Pharmacy?

Care Reform Bill passed in Scotland, enabling digital care records and paving the way for community pharmacy access to patient information.

Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report for 2024-25
Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report for 2024-25

Scotland’s CMO report highlights prevention and wellbeing. CPS urges greater role for community pharmacy in future health strategy.

PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches
PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.

PCA(P)(2025)13 - Amendments to the Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale
PCA(P)(2025)13 - Amendments to the Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale

This circular advises community pharmacy contractors on the amendments to the Drug Tariff Part 11 clawback scale.

CPS Charity Golf Day Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts
CPS Charity Golf Day Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts

Community Pharmacy Scotland’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Day was a swinging success, raising an incredible £8,732 for our 2025 charity partner, Held In Our Hearts.

Robbie Collins

Digital Communications Officer

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