Published: 08/04/21

Circular PCA(P)(2021)06 sets out the arrangements for the extension of the NHS Medicines Delivery Service.

This service has been extended until 30 April 2021 to offer continued support to the patients using the service in line with the timetable for easing restrictions across Scotland. This will also allow contractors to inform users of the service, who require ongoing support, of the need to put in place alternative arrangements.

Operations and Funding

The service has been extended until 30 April 2021 to offer continued support to the patients using the service in line with the timetable for easing restrictions across Scotland. This will also allow contractors to inform users of the service, who require ongoing support, of the need to put in place alternative arrangements.

Contractors may wish to consider offering patients deliveries from their own standalone services where available. Local Authority Resilience partnerships have offered deliveries throughout the pandemic and can be contacted through the national helpline on 08001114000. Contractors may wish to share this number with patients should an alternative service not be available, or encourage the use of existing social networks or flu friends to help retrieve prescriptions.

The service will continue to operate as outlined in Circular PCA(P) (2021) 1 until 30 April. Payments will continue to be calculated based on endorsements submitted that month against a fixed funding pool.

Further communication will be issued should the easing of restrictions change and there is an assessed need for the further continuation of the service beyond 30 April 2021.

Consultation

Community Pharmacy Scotland have been consulted on the content of this circular.

Action

NHS Boards are asked to:

• note the contents of this Circular

• copy the contents of this Circular to community pharmacy contractors on their pharmaceutical list and Health and Social Care partnerships