Published: 26th March 2026
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf. Each week we will share a brief overview of the key policy activity, audit and services work taking place to support and represent the community pharmacy network.
Policy & Development Snapshot – w/c 23rd March
Adam Osprey and Gill Paterson attended the Digital Prescribing Dispensing Pathways (DPDP) monthly delivery session to discuss the ongoing work of the programme and ensure the networks interests are represented throughout.
Gordon Winter recorded an interview with Tay FM which was later adopted by the Bauer Media Group nationwide on the Kent Meningitis outbreak and how community pharmacy teams are responding to an increase in meningitis vaccine enquiries and advice.
Gordon Winter supported a visit to the St Leonards Square Rowlands Pharmacy on Monday with Graham Simpson MSP showcasing how Community Pharmacy services are delivered in practice and highlighting our plans for the future, focussing on our CPS Manifesto.
On Tuesday, Adam Osprey supported the Contractor Engagement Event at The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. This was an opportunity for members and their teams to hear directly from our CEO, Director of Operations, Head of Poilcy & Development plus a Board Member on what is happeing nationally.
On Wednesday this week, Matt Barclay & Adam Osprey spent their time representing members at the Pharmacy In Practice conference and in the evening supporting CP Lanarkshire at their AGM.
The GPhC is reviewing the route to registration in Great Britain for pharmacists who qualified outside the EEA, the EFTA countries and Switzerland.
Read our response to the GPhC consultation on draft rules and standards for Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists, following legislative changes in 2022.
Read our response to the Consultation on National Pharmacy Research Strategy Engagement.
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.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is consulting on proposals to increase registration fees for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy premises over a two year period.
The National Pharmacy Technician Group Scotland (NPTGS) are seeking responses from pharmacy teams, working in all sectors across Scotland, on their proposed development pathways for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff.
This consultation seeks views on eight identified outcomes which describe what good looks like with respect to palliative care services in Scotland. Below is a short explanation of the strategy, and Community Pharmacy Scotland’s submitted response to this consultation.
This consultation seeks views on the proposal to make a permanent order to come into force when the second emergency order to prevent new patients aged under 18 from beginning to take puberty blockers for the purposes of gender incongruence and/or gender dysphoria, under the care of private prescribers expires.
The Scottish Government are consulting on draft guidance on achieving value and sustainability in prescribing by reducing unwarranted variation across health boards. This includes items of low and limited clinical value, diabetic sundries, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government have released Scotland’s 5-year Vaccination and Immunisation Strategy and Delivery Plan.
The Scottish Parliament are looking for views on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. This bill would introduce a lawful form of assisted dying for people aged 16 or over with a terminal illness.
The General Pharmaceutical Council is seeking views on changing its approach to the quality assurance of pharmacy education and training.
The MHRA are seeking views on the impact of the 2012 Human Medicines Regulations implementation. This paper outlines our draft response
The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is an independent organisation, accountable to the UK Parliament. Its remit is to protect the public through work with organisations that register and regulate people working in health and social care. The PSA is seeking consultation on the good practice guidance documents they have produced in support of regulatory reform.
Following years of extensive engagement, this consultation now seeks to further expand the list of individuals and services that can supply take-home Naloxone as well as introducing new reporting requirements
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is seeking input on draft standards for gender identity healthcare services, mentioning community pharmacies and primary care services
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has opened a public consultation on proposed changes to primary legislation relating to supervision in the pharmacy profession.
We are consulting on new standards on palliative and end-of-life care for community pharmacy. The consultation will be open for a four-week period from November 1 – December 1 2022.
The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Scotland has commissioned a review of medicines homecare services. This is being led by Banjamin Hannan, Director of Pharmacy for NHS Fife.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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CPS met members at the Contractor Engagement Evening & represented members at the Pharmacy In Practice conference and supported CP Lanarkshire at their AGM.
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It gave members and their teams the chance to hear directly from the CPS leadership team about national developments.
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He provided information on the Kent Meningitis outbreak and explained how community pharmacy teams are handling increased enquiries about meningitis vaccines and advice.
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Adam Osprey and Gill Paterson attended to discuss ongoing programme work and ensure the network’s interests are represented.

Community Pharmacy Scotland’s response to the UK-wide consultation on Tobacco and Vapes: Packaging, Appearance and Display.