CPS Snapshot - 1st June 2026
Published: 4th June 2026
A weekly snapshot of activity across CPS, highlighting recent work on policy, systems, and engagement across the network.
We held an "Ask me anything" event on the Unscheduled Care service on Thursday evening - thanks to all who came along despite the sun making a rare appearance! We have summarised the discussion in an article below.
Gordon started working with an NHS team on a rapid review of the PCR system as the system provider's contract is coming up for renewal - we have a good volume of feedback from the network and our own experience to make sure that areas for improvement are highlighted.
On Thursday, Adam visited the prescription scanning centre at the Gyle in Edinburgh for a tour and various presentations on the payment processes. There will be a sustained support campaign from our colleagues at Public Services Delivery Scotland on how best to prepare prescriptions for submission to ensure that payments can continue to be made on time each month - keep an eye out for materials coming your way!
Monday saw Gill and Adam getting a first look at the digital prescribing and dispensing programme's software for managing pharmacy registrations - it won't be live for some time but after years of involvement it felt quite different to see part of the system actually built.
Also on Monday, the CPS Board's Pharmacy First subgroup met to discuss future education, training and governance requirements - they agreed on recommendations which will be put to the whole CPS Board next Wednesday for review.
On Tuesday we caught up with our colleagues across pharmacy organisations - the NPA, the Royal College of Pharmacy and Scottish Government policy leads.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
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.
This week, CPS Policy and Development Pharmacist Gordon Winter joined BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme to discuss what the data means for community pharmacy and the wider primary care landscape.
Six years of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, with more than 1.9 million people using the service and continued expansion of independent prescribing.
A national workforce survey will take place in September 2026 to support community pharmacy workforce planning across Scotland.
Latest update for Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers and trainees, including training pathways, next steps and upcoming support.
Find patient information resources, Approved List and guidance for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.
The Serious Shortage Protocol for ramipril 1.25mg capsules has been extended until 30th October 2026. Read the latest guidance for pharmacies.
The top question for this week is around the processing of claims for the service.
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, which were due to expire on 10 July 2026, have been extended until Friday 2 October 2026.
Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done!
Calling all CPS/PSDS Funded Newly Qualified CPIP Employees!
Congratulations on passing your CPIP Course!!!
Disclosure Scotland has published its June 2026 newsletter, covering two important updates for PVG scheme members and customers.
As part of our policy work, we are keen to understand more about you and your patients' experiences of the newly-established GP Walk-in centre pilot sites across the country, and how these fit in with services like Pharmacy First.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.
Adam from our policy team has been seconded to the DPDP programme, which aims to move Scotland away from paper prescriptions
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules remains in place following an extension to its expiry date.
Reminders and revisit ahead of the holiday season and upcoming events. NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service – including Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing
This is a reminder that your next collection date for your prescriptions is the Tuesday 7th July 2026.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for July 2026. This month there are two additions to Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff we wanted to make you aware of:
As World Cup fever grips the planet, CPS is taking two ties and looking at it from a pharmacy perspective.
Dysart Pharmacy’s award-winning team attended the King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood house in recognition of their contribution to patient care.
PSD Scotland has launched a new monthly newsletter, Pharmacy Matters, to help community pharmacy teams.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
As we enter further into summer, our colleagues at Lyme Resource Centre have shared the following guidance for community pharmacy teams on tick bites and erythema migrans (EM) rashes.
The Shortage Reporter has been updated and renamed the Scottish Drug Tariff Price Reporter, with a simpler reporting process and fewer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The CPS Snapshot provides members with a regular overview of the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is undertaking on behalf of the sector. It highlights engagement with stakeholders, policy development, service improvement work and ongoing projects that support community pharmacy in Scotland.
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Updates include policy work, service development, system reviews, and engagement with partners across the pharmacy sector.
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This week includes work on the PCR system review, digital prescribing developments, and Pharmacy First subgroup discussions.
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You can follow weekly snapshots and updates shared through CPS communications, including the website and newsletter.
Policy & Development Pharmacist

An update on August 2026 Part 7 publishing timelines following early finalisation of February adjusted prices. Key dates explained.