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.
The Sustainable Prescribing and Therapeutics Programme, are seeking examples of best practice in effective medicines use and approaches on reducing medicines waste within different healthcare settings
New drug death figures reinforce the need for a nationally commissioned substance use service and a stronger role for community pharmacy.
Updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from October 2026, including new formulary entries and eczema products.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has agreed a funding settlement with the Scottish Government for 2026/27, providing increased funding certainty for Scotland's community pharmacy network.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Details of the 2026/27 community pharmacy funding package, including Global Sum, guaranteed funding and remuneration arrangements.
The Scottish Parliament recently debated the growing challenge of health misinformation, including its impact on public confidence in healthcare and vaccination programmes.
Important information on Post Registration Foundation Training and Community Pharmacist Independent Prescriber training opportunities.
Applications are open until 30 September 2026 for the Post-Registration Programme for Pharmacists (Scotland).
A reminder for contractors to review PVG Scheme membership records and ensure relevant pharmacy staff are correctly linked to their employer.
A new Video Remote Interpreting pilot will launch in community pharmacies on 5 October 2026 to support BSL users accessing services.
Guidance on the 2026/27 winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme, including eligibility, timings, vaccine products and delivery arrangements.
The opportunities and risks for community pharmacy as Scotland considers major NHS structural reform.
New GPhC advice highlights key considerations for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists, employers and managers.
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.
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.
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
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
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

October 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff changes including Part 7 additions, deletions and updates to adjusted price arrangements.