Congratulations again on your recent qualification, and the start of your career as a registered Pharmacist!

We have run a short series of articles on the NHS PFS Service over recent weeks, focussing on some specific aspects of the service. 

Pharmacy First Scotland refresher: join our live AMA on Thursday 20th August, 19:30–21:00 on Microsoft Teams. Bring your questions

This week, CPS Policy and Development Pharmacist Gordon Winter joined BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme to discuss what the data means for community pharmacy and the wider primary care landscape.

Six years of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, with more than 1.9 million people using the service and continued expansion of independent prescribing.

Latest update for Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers and trainees, including training pathways, next steps and upcoming support.

The top question for this week is around the processing of claims for the service.

The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.

Reminders and revisit ahead of the holiday season and upcoming events. NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service – including Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing

Update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 June 2026, including changes for oral thrush and allergy treatments.

A new report published by Public Health Scotland show that community pharmacy continue to play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland

Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.

A new national PGD for oral candidiasis is being added to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Guidance for Health Boards and community pharmacy teams.

Scottish Government circular announcing a new Patient Group Direction for skin inflammation within NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

Pharmacy teams will start to notice two new UCF modules appearing in their PMRs from next week - one each for the previously-announced Nystatin and Hydrocortisone PGDs.

Understand the top 25 Pharmacy First rejected items, why claims fail, and how to ensure compliance with NHS Scotland requirements.

On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.

Last Thursday the CPS team held a webinar which covered the recent changes to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland remuneration, and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions of the team.

CPS updates on rejected item reporting for Pharmacy First claims. Learn common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them.

Community Pharmacy Scotland will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 20 November at 7.00pm via Microsoft Teams, this webinar is for CPS contractor members and their teams.