NHS Reform: NHS Pharmacy First Expansion

Published: 28/01/25

First Minister John Swinney addressed the nation yesterday (27/01/25) and announced plans to expand the NHS Pharmacy First Service so that community pharmacies can treat a greater number of clinical conditions, such as sinusitis and sore throats, and prevent the need for a GP visit.

---

At Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), we have long supported reforms like those outlined in the First Minister’s speech. Enhancing the NHS Pharmacy First service will enable pharmacies to manage more clinical conditions, reducing GP visits and easing pressure on the wider healthcare system. With developments in Pharmacy First Plus / Independent Prescribing (IP), the benefits of community pharmacy will only continue to grow. The NHS Pharmacy First Service has been well received by the public in Scotland, with annualised activity more than doubling since the service launched in 2020, so this expansion makes sense. CPS will focus on the detail to enable these service developments alongside funding requirements for our network of community pharmacies.  Securing appropriate funding for the resources to support this expansion will be essential to ensure pharmacy teams are equipped to deliver these services effectively, while managing the pressures pharmacy teams face on the front line.

First Minister Swinney’s focus on reducing waiting times and enhancing community care presents an opportunity for community pharmacy to further integrate into the Scottish healthcare landscape. However, it is essential that the First Minister acknowledges the current funding and service pressures that community pharmacy face in order to achieve these goals.

We thank all pharmacy teams for their continued dedication and hard work. CPS looks forward to working with stakeholders to collaborate on much of the aspirations laid out by the First Minister yesterday.

---