Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report for 2024-25
Published: 12/06/25

This week the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) annual report has been published by the Scottish Government. This comes ahead of the Population Health Framework, which is due to be published in June. The CMO anticipates in the report that creating good health and preventing poor health will be a focus of the Population Health Framework. This represents a shift in the culture from illness management to prevention, which is also a key focus within the anticipated CPS Strategy for the community pharmacy network.
Specifically, the CMO states, "We must do what we can to foster wellbeing – support healthy ageing, encourage greater upstream prevention of disease and support our communities to overcome loneliness and isolation. If we can support people to remain healthier for longer, not only can we achieve significant improvements in their health, but we can also enable people to remain economically active and have an active role in their families and communities."
CPS believes the community pharmacy network has untapped potential to support people to remain well at home for longer and obtain first class health care within their community where they feel supported. By creating services that focus on the prevention and early detection of ill health within the community pharmacy setting, the population of Scotland will have greater access to up front health interventions which will lead to better health outcomes and management. This in turn helps to support the wider NHS system by delivering care in the right place and focusing on improving health outcomes at a population level. We also know that community pharmacies are often pillars within the community setting, allowing people to have timely access to a health care team for a variety of support needs. It is therefore vital that community pharmacies are included in the approach to fostering greater wellbeing, and tackling loneliness and isolation within the communities they serve.
CPS will be reviewing the Population Health Framework once it is published, and engaging with policymakers to make the case for the community pharmacy network's place in delivery.
The Scottish Government has informed Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) that a 4% uplift will be applied to the Global Sum for 25/26 which amounts to around £9.31 million in total. This money will be directly used to support additional costs being borne by the network such as National Insurance impacts.
Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
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.
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
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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.
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SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.
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NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.