Flu - Winter 2025
Published: 11/12/25
Cases of flu are rising at a higher rate than in previous years, with hospitals across Scotland reporting increasing numbers of patients with symptoms of flu.
The following is a summary of some useful information for anyone with flu symptoms
Think before you go out. Use our online self-help guides to manage symptoms safely at home. Go to NHS Inform or download the NHS 24 app.
Seek local support. If you need medical advice, call your GP surgery. Alternatively, you can drop in to your community pharmacist without an appointment. They can review your symptoms and direct you to further care if necessary.
Call 111. If you think your condition is urgent, or if it is out of hours, NHS 24 is available 24 hours a day and will be able to give you the help you need, or arrange an appointment if required. It’s better to wait in the comfort of your own home and reduce the risk of spreading flu.
NHS Boards are issuing specific information at a local level. Please look out for this detail.
The opportunities and risks for community pharmacy as Scotland considers major NHS structural reform.
Please find below the NHS Circulars PCA(P)(2026)14 and PCA(P)(2026)15, advising that Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are in place to help mitigate supply issues affecting lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg orodispersible tablets.
Our colleagues at the British Society of Pharmacy Sleep Services have spent some time with us to highlight and explain their participation in AWAKE Check study and tool.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
The Community Pharmacy Network included in the Scottish Government Health and Care Improving Flow Plan.
NHS 24 is promoting student health resources covering NHS services, vaccinations, mental health, sexual health and primary care.
The programme (Supporting documents - Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 - gov.scot) proposes radical reshaping of Scotland’s public services, focusing on structural reform rather than just new spending or isolated policy pledges.
Lead a community pharmacy in Edzell with Davidsons Chemists, developing services, supporting patients and growing your career.
Community Pharmacy Scotland’s response to the UK-wide consultation on Tobacco and Vapes: Packaging, Appearance and Display.
The GPhC is reviewing the route to registration in Great Britain for pharmacists who qualified outside the EEA, the EFTA countries and Switzerland.
The CPS Charity Golf Day 2026 raised a record-breaking £10,063.32 for Blood Bikes Scotland.
Over recent weeks we have seen a growing number of enquiries from members of the public asking us to provide the NHS PFS service, with the pattern most pronounced in the evenings and at weekends.
Our colleagues at PSDS have shared with us the link to their latest podcast, where the guests speak through early careers development for Pharmacists in Scotland
Boots Craigleith is recruiting two Pharmacists in Edinburgh, with full-time and part-time opportunities across NHS, private and digital services.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
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.
Full-time Pharmacist opportunity at M&D Green Stranraer, supporting NHS services, patient care and pharmacy team development.
Pharmacist Manager opportunity at M&D Green Kennyhill in Glasgow, leading NHS services, supporting patients and developing pharmacy teams.
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
Head of Policy & Development.

Itinerant Pharmacist opportunity in Shetland with Laing's Pharmacy, offering flexible working patterns, relocation support and career development.