Published: 25/11/24

Community Pharmacy Scotland, in collaboration with colleagues from general practice, dentistry, and optometry, has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to highlight the significant financial pressures facing NHS primary care contractors. These challenges arise from increased overhead costs following the UK Government’s recent Budget.

Independent contractors and small businesses deliver vital healthcare services to communities across Scotland on behalf of the NHS. However, the financial strain threatens service continuity, contract viability, and patient access to care unless urgent action is taken to address these issues.

Matt Barclay, CEO of Community Pharmacy Scotland, welcomed the initiative, stating: "I am delighted that these influential voices in primary care have come together to address this issue. We urge the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to prioritise these concerns and engage with the UK Government to find solutions that protect patient access and the future of our primary care services in Scotland."

The joint letter calls on the Cabinet Secretary to:

• Engage with the UK Government to formally raise these concerns.

• Commit to supporting NHS primary care contractors by tackling the unacceptable financial burden of increased overhead costs.

This important message is endorsed by Community Pharmacy Scotland, the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association (click here to read their coverage), and Optometry Scotland.

For any questions or feedback, please contact enquiries@cps.scot