CPS Engages with MSPs on the Future of Community Pharmacy
Published: 9th April 2026
CEO Matt Barclay with Russell Findlay and Sandesh Gulhane
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) was pleased to welcome Russell Findlay MSP and Sandesh Gulhane MSP to Kennyhill Pharmacy, Glasgow, for a productive discussion on the future of healthcare in Scotland.
Hosted by the amazing team at M&D Green Pharmacy, the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate the crucial role community pharmacy plays in supporting patients and communities across the country.
Shared priorities for healthcare reform
Discussions focused on key themes that align closely with CPS’s Manifesto and the Scottish Conservatives’ health policy priorities. These included:
Prevention: strengthening the role of pharmacy teams in early intervention and supporting healthier communities
Primary care reform: maximising the contribution of community pharmacy as a first point of contact for patients
Digital development: improving integration and access through smarter use of technology
The visit highlighted how community pharmacies are already delivering accessible, person-centred care, and how further investment and reform could unlock even greater benefits for patients and the wider NHS.
Demonstrating the value of community pharmacy
The team at Kennyhill Pharmacy shared real-world examples of how community pharmacy services are helping to improve access to care within local communities, detect and manage conditions earlier, and reduce pressure on other parts of the healthcare system. Their insight reinforced the important role pharmacy teams play in delivering care that is convenient, clinically effective and highly valued by patients.
CPS is grateful to Russell Findlay and Sandesh Gulhane for taking the time to engage directly with community pharmacy teams and for their interest in how the sector can support Scotland’s evolving healthcare needs.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
The CPS Golf Day is Teeing off tomorrow at 10:30am at the prestigious Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
Our colleagues at Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS) have shared the latest newsletter from the DPDP programme
Changes to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 September 2026, including product removals and dressing updates.
One week until the CPS Charity Golf Day. Help us raise more for Blood Bikes Scotland through raffle prizes and donations.
Pharmacy teams should use the CPS online PVG application process and securely destroy any outdated paper PVG forms.
Practical guidance to help pharmacy teams avoid courier collection issues and ensure prescription bags are collected correctly.
Scottish Government updates prescription stationery arrangements for non-medical prescribers using GP IT systems from August 2026.
Thanks to everyone who made it along to our recent "Ask Me Anything" event on NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, we hope you found it useful!
Our colleagues at Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS, formerly NES) have highlighted this resource as being of use to community pharmacy teams
There is currently a public facing programme running across Scotland called “Gear has changed”.
Last Thursday we held an Ask Me Anything session on PFS and PFS+, giving contractors and their teams the chance to put questions directly to the CPS team
Congratulations again on your recent qualification, and the start of your career as a registered Pharmacist!
The SPPN newsletter is a useful way for pharmacy teams to keep up with what is happening across the pain network
Community Pharmacy Scotland is supporting to promote an upcoming webinar from colleagues at Public Services Delivery Scotland.
With just over three weeks to go, CPS thanks Charity Golf Day sponsors and encourages final team entries to support Blood Bikes Scotland.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The Serious Shortage Protocol for Creon® 10000 has been extended until 2 October 2026. Review the updated SSP arrangements.
Community Pharmacy Scotland is keen to showcase examples of how pharmacy teams are helping to reduce medicines waste across Scotland as part of work we involved in nationally.
Disclosure Scotland has published its June 2026 newsletter, covering two important updates for PVG scheme members and customers.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The Yellow Card Scheme in the UK is a system for collecting and monitoring information about suspected adverse drug reactions and safety concerns related to medicines and medical devices.
We have run a short series of articles on the NHS PFS Service over recent weeks, focussing on some specific aspects of the service.
One item has been removed from Part 7B of the Scottish Drug Tariff from 1st August 2026. Read the latest update.
An update on August 2026 Part 7 publishing timelines following early finalisation of February adjusted prices. Key dates explained.
Download the prescription collection dates for July to December 2026 and find guidance on courier collections, bags and support.
Five weeks to go until the CPS Charity Golf Day 2026. Enter a team, sponsor the event, donate a raffle prize or support Blood Bikes Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
CEO Matt Barclay, Russell Findlay MSP, Sandesh Gulhane MSP and the team at M&D Greens
-
The visit was hosted by M&D Green’s Kennyhill Pharmacy in Glasgow
-
The discussion aligned with CPS’s Manifesto priorities, particularly around prevention, early detection, improving access to care and making better use of digital tools.
-
Discussions focused on key topics including prevention, primary care reform and digital development, all of which are central to improving patient outcomes and system efficiency.
Digital Communications Officer

A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.