Published: 12/06/19

This Circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2019-20.

Background

Funding was provided to Boards in 2018-19 for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions. The existing arrangements are rolled forward from 1 April 2019.

The allocations to Boards for 2019-20 are based on NRAC share and are set out in the attached Annex.

Detail

The original role and remit of the Practitioner Champions was set out in NHS Circular PCA (P) (2005)20. During 2019-20 they are expected to target their support to the following areas:

• Supporting all community pharmacists and the whole pharmacy team to undertake Quality Improvement activities which will be outlined in a forthcoming circular

• Supporting all community pharmacists and the whole pharmacy team to familiarise themselves with the service specification and other documentation relating to the refreshed Minor Ailment and Common Conditions Service which will be made available ahead of implementation in April 2020

Practitioner Champions should work with and be responsible to their NHS Board for the programme of work to be undertaken.

The next community pharmacy workforce survey will take place in September 2020. A circular will be issued next year asking Champions to assist NHS Education for Scotland (NES) with this by collating data from the independent community pharmacies within their specific Board area and submitting it to NES.