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 Out of date, misfire, etc).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.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Follow Graham Le Tissier’s week three experience using the Varenicline Service to quit smoking, insights, challenges, and support from community pharmacy.
Response to Scottish Government’s consultation on a new Long Term Conditions Framework, supporting a shift from condition-specific policies to a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred approach.
Details of Scotland’s 2025 Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme using 4CMenB (Bexsero®) for high-risk groups, including eligibility, delivery model, vaccine schedule, and clinical guidance.
This circular reminds community pharmacy contractors of the key service requirements for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, highlighting the importance of face-to-face consultations, correct use of NHS branding, and adherence to national service guidelines.
A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.
Join our friendly East Linton pharmacy team! We're hiring a full-time pharmacist, great salary, 5 weeks holiday, pension, and IP training support. Apply now for an August 2025 start!
Read our Chief Executive’s latest blog on the development of a new Health and Social Care (HSC) Vision in Scotland
Join me Graham Le Tissier for week three of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.
The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.
CPS highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, early detection, and treatment at the Scottish Conservative Party Conference 2025.
Explore how Scotland’s Future Trends report highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, public health, and early intervention.
FTY employers: complete PVG checks before July 2025 to avoid trainee deferrals. Learn how Disclosure changes may affect pharmacist start dates.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Dispenser in our Central Ops Team. Support pharmacies across Scotland and help deliver excellent patient care.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Team Leader Pharmacy Technician. Lead operations, support teams, and shape pharmacy services across Scotland.
Following some feedback from the community pharmacy network, our colleagues at NHS 24 have pulled together the attached summary to explain the two main types of eMail communication that they regularly send out to pharmacy teams in support of patients.
Join me Graham Le Tissier for week two of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.
Care Reform Bill passed in Scotland, enabling digital care records and paving the way for community pharmacy access to patient information.
Scotland’s CMO report highlights prevention and wellbeing. CPS urges greater role for community pharmacy in future health strategy.
Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant wanted at Lightburn Pharmacy. Full-time, fixed-term role for a motivated team player in a busy, community-focused setting.
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.
SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.
Lead two coastal village pharmacies as a Pharmacist Manager—show initiative, drive patient care, and enjoy real support in a rewarding role.
Join Will Chemists as a Pharmacist in Inverurie—flexible hours, robotic dispensaries, and a supportive team across two professional pharmacy sites.
Join Rightdose Pharmacy as a part-time Dispenser—support patient care, grow your skills, and work in a friendly, high-standard pharmacy team.
This circular advises community pharmacy contractors on the amendments to the Drug Tariff Part 11 clawback scale.
Lead as a Pharmacist Manager in Auchterarder with Davidson’s Chemists—Scotland’s largest independent pharmacy group.
Please note, due to ongoing discussions with PHS the final round of Adjusted Prices for June are likely to be agreed and published on Tuesday 1st July 2025.