Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers (IP) – We Need You!
Published: 18/07/24
Our aim: is to have an Independent Prescribing Service in every community pharmacy across Scotland, and we need your help to achieve this!
Where we are: At this stage we are trying to determine the network’s capacity.
Picture this: Every time a patient accesses the community pharmacy there is a prescriber on hand to provide consultation for their common clinical condition. No more frustration when you know what the patient needs but don’t have the function to prescribe. No more referring to an IP elsewhere. No more confusion for patients on why one pharmacy can offer the service but not another. A one stop pharmacy for every community and their common clinical conditions.
What we need to achieve this: We need a collective effort by our network of qualified IPs to facilitate Period of Learning in Practice (PLP) within the community pharmacy network for trainees. By providing just half a day (4 hours) of PLP once per month for a year, you would be supporting peer development whilst driving service delivery in the long run.
We also need those who are eligible to consider becoming a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) - Impart the skills and knowledge that you have developed from your learning and in practice experiences. Pass on the prescribing baton!
We know it’s a busy world out there and we appreciate the incredible work that is being done to provide fantastic health care to your communities. To ensure that all communities can access this advanced level of health care from their pharmacy, we must now work together to support the professional development it takes to get the whole network there. Let’s support trainee IPs in their learning journey to drive equal access to health care for all patients across Scotland.
Please complete the following survey to assist us in supporting you to join the cause!
There will be no sharing of any details, and all information submitted will be securely and confidentially held by CPS.
If you have any questions relating to this article, please contact enquiries@cps.scot
Update on the Parcelforce and Royal Mail prescription collection courier service in Scotland, interim arrangements, tracking labels and support contacts.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
SSP extensions for Creon 10000 and 25000 have been issued. Pharmacists must review new end dates and continue limiting supply to one month.
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.
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have asked us to highlight the recall of specific SMA formula products and, importantly, the associated advice for healthcare teams - please see the attached information sheet for more detail.
M&D Green Gracemount seeks a Pharmacist to lead daily operations and deliver high‑quality patient care. Join a trusted community pharmacy team in Edinburgh.
Davidsons Chemists seeks a Pharmacist Manager for its Forfar branch. Competitive salary, strong training support, and great career development. Apply now.
Join Davidsons Chemists as a Pharmacist Manager in Garelochhead. Competitive salary, training support, and excellent career progression. Apply today.
Community Pharmacy Scotland will host the next Independent Prescribers meeting on Thursday 5th February 2026. If any independent prescribers in Scotland are planning to attend and have any items you would like to add to the agenda please email us.
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.
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have launched he Mind to Mind campaign which encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing. In this article you will find campaign resources that will help you spread the word within your community.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.
Our 2026 Manifesto calls for investment in infrastructure and integration to enable community pharmacies to deliver life-changing services.
UK pharmacy legislation update: pharmacists can now authorise handing out checked and bagged prescriptions when absent.
If you are a CP Employee starting your CPS/NES Funded IP Course in Jan 2026 at RGU or Strathclyde University, please make sure you have completed and returned the form sent to you by CPS during December.
We are currently reviewing future budgets and training capacity requirements for CPS/NES Funded Employee CPIP Training. To do this, we need a clear picture of how many CP employees in the network have not yet completed their training.
Important update on courier bag changes for prescription collections. Read carefully to avoid delays and ensure correct handling.
Clear guidance on interpreting Varenicline PGD wording from NHS Circular PCP(P)(2025)06 to ensure continuity of supply and patient care.
Review of adjusted prices for January 2026. One line stabilised; continue reporting shortages to help negotiations with Public Health Scotland.
For New Year the office will be closed on 1st and 2nd January 2026 with normal office hours resuming on Monday, 5th January 2026.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 8th January 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
SSP 086 for Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops is active 19 Dec 2025–6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
SSP 085 for Nifedipine 60mg tablets is active from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
Serious Shortage Protocol for nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg MR tablets in effect from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Full guidance for pharmacists.
Join Market Street Pharmacy in Haddington as a Pharmacy Technician. Competitive pay, benefits, and flexible hours. Apply by 1 Feb 2026.
Update on December 2025 adjusted prices and January 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff Part 7 publishing. Key dates and contact details included.
With rising demand, expanded prescribing services, and ambitious plans for the 2030s, the network needs resources to deliver enhanced care.
Join NES’s free Return to Practice course for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on 23 January 2026. Refresh skills and build confidence.
UK pharmacy law changes are coming. Learn about new RP and SP roles and key dates, including a major update starting 7 January 2026.

During a recent review of the national EHC service, it was agreed that a specific practice point around the use of Ulipristal should be highlighted.