Joint Stakeholder Communications - NHS Primary Care

Published: 21/11/24

We want to make you aware of a joint letter that Community Pharmacy Scotland, along with our colleagues in general practice, dentistry, and optometry, has sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance. The letter highlights the significant financial challenges facing NHS primary care contractors as a result of increased overheads stemming from the UK Government’s recent Budget. 

As independent contractors and small businesses, our members deliver essential healthcare services to communities across Scotland on behalf of the NHS, delivering essential healthcare services to communities across Scotland. Without urgent action to mitigate these financial pressures, the consequences for service continuity, contract viability, and patient access to care could be severe.

Our letter specifically calls on the Cabinet Secretary to:

• Engage with the UK Government to formally raise these concerns.

• Commit to supporting NHS primary care contractors by addressing the unacceptable financial burden of increased overhead costs.

The full letter is co-signed by representatives from Community Pharmacy Scotland, the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association (click here to read their coverage), and Optometry Scotland.

We will continue to advocate strongly for your interests and keep you updated on any developments. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us at enquiries@cps.scot

Thank you for your continued dedication to providing essential care for communities across Scotland. You can read and download the full letter below:

CPS's Chief Executive Officer Matt Barclay spoke to STV today about the mounting pressure community pharmacies in Scotland are facing. You can see the full interview on STV at 6pm Friday 22nd November.

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