MSP Pharmacy Visit: McConnell Pharmacy
Published: 14/05/24
Yesterday we met with MSP Brian Whittle at McConnell Pharmacy, in Hurlford. Hosted by CPS Board Member John Connelly.
We discussed digital healthcare and the need for community pharmacy to have read and write access to a shared patient data record. Other topics of discussion included health inequalities and the need for long term health strategies to help improve public health outcomes.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) would like to thank Brian Whittle, CPS’s Board Member John Connelly and the amazing team at McConnell Pharmacy for their hospitality, and their continued support for community pharmacy and the amazing work they do for their community.
These opportunities are a great way to demonstrate the value of community pharmacy to those in positions of influence. If you or your team would like to be part of advocating for community pharmacy there are ways you can get involved:
Let us know if you would be open to hosting an MSP Visit at one of your pharmacies by clicking here
Tell us a good news story, i.e. how you or one of your team members helped a patient or your community. We can use these stories to help demonstrate community pharmacy’s value amongst our stakeholders. Click here to tell us the good news
Participate in our Policy Consultations by clicking here
If you have any questions, please contact us at: enquiries@cps.scot
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Today, I represented Community Pharmacy Scotland on BBC Scotland television and BBC Radio Scotland, discussing the availability of private flu vaccinations in community pharmacy and how people can prepare for winter
Check out our Monthly Planner: key dates, deadlines and events for community pharmacy in Scotland, all in one place and updated throughout the month.
Pharmacy Manager opportunity with a family-run community pharmacy group offering training, career development and a supportive working environment.
Join Haddington Market Street Pharmacy as a Dispensing Assistant or Technician, with full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Pharmacist vacancy at New Town Pharmacy in Edinburgh, with support for Independent Prescribing and flexible part-time hours.
Newly qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescribers are invited to share their experiences as part of a University of Strathclyde study.
The latest Scottish Pain Pharmacy Network newsletter highlights pain management developments, CPD opportunities and prescribing resources.
As an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist, you will play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with patients, providing consultations, advice, and prescription services directly.
Part-time Pharmacist opportunity in Turriff with a family-run independent pharmacy group focused on community healthcare.
Our colleagues at the GPhC Inspectorate have asked us to pass on a friendly reminder as to the procedures required for Community Pharmacies to appropriately deal with Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs.
If you have completed your Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Training on the Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) / PSD Scotland (formerly NES) Programme, a Teach & Treat (T&T) session at one of the hubs is included as part of your programme.
Seriouse Shortage Protocols for selected Estradot® patches and Creon® capsules have been extended until 8th January 2027.
Practical guidance to help pharmacy teams avoid courier collection issues and ensure prescription bags are collected correctly.
October 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff changes including Part 7 additions, deletions and updates to adjusted price arrangements.
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
Support Pharmacist Manager opportunity across Tayside, Perthshire and Forth Valley with Davidsons Chemists.
Lead Davidsons Chemists' busy South Street pharmacy in Perth, with opportunities to develop services, teams and prescribing skills.
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.
Full-time or part-time Pharmacist or Pharmacy Manager opportunity at Leuchars Pharmacy, including prescribing and clinical service delivery.
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.
Join Healthful Pharmacy Cardonald as an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist and support community health in Glasgow. Competitive salary and supportive team.
Healthful Pharmacy Rothesay is recruiting a Pharmacy Manager to lead patient‑centred care, clinical services and community pharmacy delivery.
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.
Policy and Public Relations (PR) Pharmacist

Correction to Creon® SSP information: SSP061 is extended until 8th January 2027, while SSP060 expired on 2nd October 2026.