PCA(P)(2024)34 - Pharmacy Champions Funding 2024/25
Published: 04/12/24
This Circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2024-25.
Background
Funding was provided to Boards in 2023-24 for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions. The existing arrangements are rolled forward from 1 April 2024.
The allocations to Boards for 2024-25 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 2024-25 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, focusing on consistent delivery of PGDs to treat common clinical conditions.
Support the promotion and increased delivery of the bridging contraception service, by ensuring community pharmacists are familiar with the updated service specification and desogestrel PGD.
Support in delivering actions to implement the latest regulatory measures for sodium valproate, valproic acid and valproate semisodium (valproate).
Practitioner Champions should work with and be responsible to their NHS Board for the programme of work to be undertaken.
Future Funding
It is expected that funding for Community Pharmacy Practitioner Champions will cease and not be available to Boards from April 2025 onwards. I am currently discussing future uses of the champion.
