Courier Bag Process Update - Please Read Carefully

Published: 8th January 2026

We are aware of some confusion caused by the change in process surrounding your courier bags. Please read this email carefully for further information.

---

Further to an email sent on the 18th December, we have received a number of calls today from contractors who have prematurely disposed of their barcoded courier bags, which are needed for today’s collection. The new bags you received will be in use from the next collection on 22nd January 2026.

What to Do If You Used an Old Barcoded Bag

If you have used an old, barcoded bag for your prescriptions today then you do not need to do anything else. As usual, do contact us if for some other reason your prescriptions are not collected (e.g., the driver does not have ID, you didn't have your prescriptions ready in time etc).

What to Do If You Used a New Bag

• If it has been collected:
  These will be returned to you by Parcelforce. Please contact us to let us know and we will advise you what to do about your bags. Once you receive your submission back in the pharmacy it should be repacked into the correct bag (barcoded), and you can contact us on 0131 467 7766 or at pharmacy.services@cps.scot to arrange a new collection.

• If it has been refused by the driver:
  Please contact us on 0131 467 7766 or at pharmacy.services@cps.scot as soon as possible.

• If the driver has not arrived yet:
  You can either:

  • Repackage it into the correct bag (barcoded) if you have the old bags still available to you, and hand this to the driver when they arrive.

  • If you do not have any of the old bags left, you can either borrow a barcoded bag from a neighbouring pharmacy or contact us to make arrangements to send you the correct bag. Do not submit any prescriptions to the driver when they arrive to collect.

Important Reminder

When repacking, please remember to keep a copy of your GP34 figures, as these will be needed to avoid any payment delays.

If you have any questions, please contact us on 0131 467 7766 or email pharmacy.services@cps.scot.

• When do the new courier bags come into use?

  The new bags will be used from the next collection on 22nd January 2026.

• What should I do if I used an old barcoded bag today?

  Nothing further is required. Just ensure prescriptions are ready for collection as usual.

• What happens if I used a new bag and it was collected?

  Parcelforce will return the bag to you. Contact us for instructions on repacking and arranging a new collection.

• What if the driver refused to take my new bag?

  Contact us immediately on 0131 467 7766 or email pharmacy.services@cps.scot.

• What if the driver hasn’t arrived yet and I used a new bag?

  Repack into an old barcoded bag if available, or borrow one from a neighbouring pharmacy. If not possible, contact us to arrange sending the correct bag.

• Why do I need to keep GP34 figures?

  GP34 figures are essential to avoid payment delays when repacking prescriptions.

---