Published: 10/05/24

Introduction

This Circular encloses new guidance for dispensing General Practises across Scotland. 

Background

Dispensing General Practices in Scotland play an important role within rural and island communities across Scotland. In addition to the GP services offered, should there be no access to a Community Pharmacy, dispensing General Practices also ensure their patients have access to prescribed medication. 

1. To support the implementation of the GMS Contract in remote and rural areas, Sir Lewis Ritchie’s Remote and Rural Working Group was established. A Dispensing sub-group was also established to look at the issues and support required by Dispensing General Practices. 

2. In January 2020, the Remote and Rural General Practice working Group, chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie published a comprehensive report, Shaping the Future Together Report included a recommendation that the dispensing group should continue to develop a “package of support” that would “protect and enhance the sustainability of Dispensing [GP] Practices”. 

3. In addressing this, consideration should be given to the additional work, remuneration and the risk to dispensing General Practice in Scotland. Accordingly the Dispensing Group commissioned NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) to carry out a “deep dive” into dispensing General Practices 

4. In October 2022 the dispensing group published the report A Deep Dive Into Dispensing Practices In Scotland including the recommendation that guidance developed by NHS Highland should be updated and issued to all dispensing practises in Scotland. 

5. Recommendation 12 stated - Review the draft Quality Standards and the training needs of dispensing staff including managers, dispensers and clinical staff and feed into the development of bespoke accredited online Scottish training courses through RRHEAL