Published: 12/12/23

This circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2023-24.

Background

Funding was provided to Boards in 2022-23 for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions. The existing arrangements are rolled forward from 1 April 2023.

The allocations to Boards for 2023-24 are based on NRAC share and are set out in the attached Annex. 

Details

The original role and remit of the Practitioner Champions was set out in NHS Circular PCA (P) (2005)20. During 2023-24 they are expected to target their support to the following areas:

• Supporting all community pharmacists and the whole pharmacy team to deliver the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.

• Support in delivering new common clinical condition Patient Group Directives (PGDs) for hay fever across Scotland.

• Support the promotion and increased delivery of the bridging contraception service.

• Support in delivering actions to implement new regulatory measures for sodium valproate, valproic acid and valproate semisodium (valproate). Further information on the proposed actions will be provided in 2024. 

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