Asthma and Allergy Foundation Work to Raise Awareness and Seek Community Pharmacy Assistance
Published: 14/11/24

Our colleagues at Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) are looking to raise awareness of the work that they do, as well as how Community Pharmacy can help support the rapid treatment of pupils at school where emergency treatment is necessary.
AAF provide evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and support to people with asthma, as well as their families, carers and friends. They strive to ensure everyone receives the support they need to live healthier and more active lives.
One of the areas that AAF are keen to raise awareness of is that some more recent amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations (2012) provide schools across the country with discretionary powers to buy and hold (without a prescription) Salbutamol inhalers and Adrenaline auto-Injectors (AAI) for use in an emergency.
While schools are not required to hold salbutamol inhalers or AAIs for use in emergency situations, they should be aware that there are many benefits of doing so.
Salbutamol Inhalers
The Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014 allow that emergency salbutamol inhalers may be purchased by schools on production of an order (ideally on appropriately headed paper), signed by the head teacher of the school. They can be purchased from a pharmaceutical supplier such as a community pharmacy.
The signed order should state:
the name of the school for which the product is required;
the purpose for which the product is required;
the total quantity required.
Once purchased, the salbutamol inhalers may only be administered to or used by children or young people who have been diagnosed with asthma, or who have been prescribed a salbutamol inhaler as a reliever medication. The salbutamol inhaler will only be used in an emergency when the child's own inhaler isn't available.
Adrenaline Auto Injectors
From 1 October 2017 the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allow schools to obtain, without a prescription, adrenaline auto-injector devices, if they wish. This guidance does not replace existing advice for use in emergencies which states that anyone prescribed with an AAI should carry two of the devices at all times. These spare AAI’s should be accessible in situations where the pupil’s own AAI is unavailable (eg. Out of date, misfire, etc).
To purchase AAI, the school can issue a Community Pharmacy with a signed order as above.
It is important to note that the school’s spare adrenaline auto-injectors should only be used on children and young people where both medical authorisation and written parental consent has been provided to allow the school to do so. This includes children at risk of anaphylaxis who have been provided with a medical plan confirming this, but who have not been prescribed AAI. In such cases, specific consent for use of the spare AAI from both a healthcare professional and parent/guardian must be obtained.
In the event of a possible severe allergic reaction in a pupil who does not meet these criteria, emergency services (999) should be contacted and advice sought from them as to whether administration of the spare emergency AAI is appropriate.
Further information can be found by accessing the following link:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-children-young-people-healthcare-needs-schools/pages/7/
Useful resources can also be found at www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk.
Royal Mail has made changes to how prescriptions are collected. Scanning now happens at the depot, not at pickup but your schedule stays the same.
Pharmacy First Scotland product list updates on 1 September 2025. QV Skin Lotion removed from NHS Borders, Fife & Lothian emollient options.
Gateway C supports early cancer diagnosis with free NHS-funded courses for healthcare professionals. Accessible, practical, and confidence-building.
Dapagliflozin tablets added to Scottish Drug Tariff from 1st Sept 2025. Generic prices reduced following patent ruling.
Twelve weeks ago, I walked into my local community pharmacy with hope, a little trepidation, and a long history of failed attempts to quit smoking.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Join Davidson’s Chemists as Pharmacist Manager in Dundee. Lead a respected team, enjoy career development, competitive benefits, and be part of Scotland’s largest independent pharmacy group.
The Part 11 clawback rate has been reset to 0% from 1 July 2025. Future reviews will follow 2026/27 survey results. Full details in PCA(P)(2025)13.
We are pleased to confirm that the next Independent Prescribers meeting will take place on Thursday 28th August 2025.
Join NES webinars to explore practical strategies for hosting pharmacy students and enhancing experiential learning across Scotland.
NHS 24’s student health campaign offers advice on GP registration, vaccines, mental health, and NHS services. Share with pharmacy teams.
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist role in Bridge of Allan. Join a modern pharmacy with strong clinical services and experienced support team.
Join Dears Pharmacy in Newton Mearns as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Full-time role with CPD support, autonomy, and excellent benefits.
Apply now for a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber role in Glenrothes. Join Dears Pharmacy for a full-time career with CPD and leadership support.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber wanted in Dunfermline. Lead clinical services with Dears Pharmacy. Full-time, CPD support, great benefits.
Join Dears Pharmacy in Edinburgh as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Full-time role with clinical autonomy, CPD support, and competitive salary.
Bonar Bridge Pharmacy is hiring a part-time Relief Pharmacist or Manager. IP support and relocation help available. Apply by 5th September 2025.
As an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist, you will play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with patients, providing consultations, advice, and prescription services directly.
CPS Board is reviewing its 2026 election manifesto, joining a new PMR forum, and shaping the future of Pharmacy First. Updates to follow.
Browns Pharmacy is looking for a second Pharmacist to join their team. Full-time role in a vibrant community setting. IP support available. Apply by 30th November 2025.
Royal Mail has made changes to how prescriptions are collected. Scanning now happens at the depot, not at pickup but your schedule stays the same.
Public Health Scotland issues alert on Nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids linked to rising overdoses. Resources available for pharmacy teams and training.
Need a replacement Public Health poster or holder? Contact stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com. Current campaign: Lyme Disease. Digital assets available.
In the past, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) maintained a Useful Websites page tailored to the needs of Independent Prescribers, and we’re now working to rebuild and refresh that page.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for August 2025. In this month there is one deletion to Part 7 of the drug tariff we wanted to make you aware of.
Pharmacist Manager role at Steeple Pharmacy, Montrose. Part/full-time. GPHC registered. Great team, benefits, and career development.
Next prescription courier collection is 7th August 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Please note: Due to ongoing discussions with PHS and the Scottish Government, the final round of Adjusted Prices for July 2025 is likely to be agreed and published no later than Tuesday 5th August.
Updated PGDs for UTIs and impetigo approved for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Health Boards to implement locally.