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
An overview of the CPS Board’s top three items for April 2026, including pre‑election activity, future resilience planning and policy development.
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf.
We would like to inform members that the Members’ Area of the website is now temporarily unavailable while we carry out essential updates and improvements.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) was pleased to welcome Russell Findlay MSP and Sandesh Gulhane MSP to Kennyhill Pharmacy, Glasgow, for a productive discussion on the future of healthcare in Scotland.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
The updated Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff for April 2026 is now available, including two new Apremilast additions.
On Wednesday Matt and Adam supported a pharmacy visit for John Swinney MSP and Neil Gray MSP, hosted by the wonderful team at CarePoint Pharmacy in Calderbank.
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf.
Hello CPS/NES Funded CP IP Colleagues, Hope this finds you all well and enjoying your prescribing role.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, 7th April 2026 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Information on CPS Easter operating hours, including bank holiday closure details and how to contact the team during the Easter period.
Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf.
A new national PGD for oral candidiasis is being added to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Guidance for Health Boards and community pharmacy teams.
Healthful Pharmacy Rothesay is recruiting a Pharmacy Manager to lead patient‑centred care, clinical services and community pharmacy delivery.
When analysing payments data each month, we have observed that there continue to be a significant number of service claims submitted under the wrong UCF heading e.g. claiming emergency contraception items under Pharmacy First or Naloxone services.
We are pleased to confirm the Independent Prescribers’ meetings will take place at 19:30 - 20:30 on the following date: Thursday 30th April
Catch up on the latest DPDP Winter Newsletter as CPS works towards paperless prescriptions. Includes contact details for questions and comments.
Relief Pharmacist role across Lindsay & Gilmour branches in Scotland. Support teams across multiple locations. Apply by 16 April 2026.
Opportunity for a Pharmacy Manager at Lindsay & Gilmour Stirling. Lead a patient‑focused team delivering high‑quality pharmaceutical care.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) colleagues hosted a parliamentary drop-in session today at Scottish Parliament to highlight the important role community pharmacy can play in diabetes screening.
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf.
Our 12th Annual Charity Golf Day has now been confirmed for Friday 4 September 2026.
The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.
Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done! Once you have had the chance to celebrate, here are some details for your next steps:
Welcome to our second CPS’s Policy Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf.
Pharmacist role at Borders Pharmacy in Hawick. Ideal for newly qualified, experienced or IP pharmacists seeking growth and service development.

John Swinney and Maree Todd visit Alness Pharmacy to discuss the future role of community pharmacy in primary care.