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.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Register for the Post Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists from 1st August to 12th September 2025 Submit your form early to secure funding.
Next prescription courier collection is 17 July 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Mark Easton recognised for 20+ years of service in Hopeman and Burghead with invitation to Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.
Join our Operations Team to support pharmacy branches across Scotland, deliver excellent patient care and grow your career in a dynamic full time role.
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SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.
NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.
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
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
We are looking for a forward-thinking, proactive pharmacist to join our team. They will be highly motivated by the challenge of driving the growth of our pharmacy business and adapting to changes in the pharmacy contract.