Published: 20/02/24
NHS Scotland, in collaboration with BT, is set to enhance the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN), benefiting over 6,000 sites, including pharmacies.
The upgrade promises improved communication and collaboration, with pharmacies experiencing faster fibre broadband for enhanced operational efficiency.
For pharmacies, the transition involves two key appointments: line installation and migration. During the first appointment, the ePharmacy Helpdesk will coordinate the installation of the new line, while the second appointment involves the receipt of a BT router and Wi-Fi box for a seamless migration process. Pharmacies are advised to keep their old SWAN equipment for later collection. In case of any post-migration issues, pharmacies with internet access can contact their PMR supplier for assistance. Stay informed and prepared for this positive transformation in connectivity.
PSD will launch its annual Customer Satisfaction Survey on 1 February 2026, and our members are encouraged to take part.
Our colleagues at NSS have asked us to pass on the following message:
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) are undertaking a tech refresh of the Patient Registration Service (PRS) to ensure continued support. As part of this process, NSS will need to schedule a PRS system downtime.
NSS have confirmed that the final cumulative statements have all been sent to contractors detailing information about payments received by contractors during the nDCVP implementation and resultant estimated payment process.
NSS have asked us to remind you of the requirement to renew the verification certificate which need to be completed before the 24th March 2024.
NHS Scotland, in collaboration with BT, is set to enhance the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN), benefiting over 6,000 sites, including pharmacies.
This Circular advises NHS Boards and healthcare professionals that print copies of the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFC) will no longer be provided
Any private prescribing of controlled drugs must be done on a specific PPCD(1) form, which can be ordered by prescribers once they have registered with a relevant NHS Health Board.
Following the release of PCA (P)(2023) 46 Amendments to the Drug Tariff Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale, it was brought to our attention that the annex within the circular had a number of anomalies within of negative percentages.
Please find below the details from the Scottish Government for the Locum Claim Form for the £500 payment.

NHS NSS Practitioner Services (PSD) is running its annual Satisfaction Survey to understand how well its services are working for practitioners and where improvements would be most valuable.