NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service: Communications Toolkit
Published: 27/08/24
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have produced an NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service Communications Toolkit to help promote Pharmacy First services in Scotland. There are two kits available: one specifically for women's health services and one for general services.
Campaign runs until 17th September 2024.
Women’s Health Services
This burst of activity takes place from Tuesday 20 August and will run for 4 weeks across NHS inform digital channels. We would really appreciate your support with sharing campaign assets which highlight the help, advice and services available to women at the pharmacy.
Key Messages
There are a number of women’s’ health symptoms and conditions which pharmacy first can offer advice and support on, these include:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) which are particularly common in women and which some women experience regularly.
The Women's Health Services social media assets can be accessed and downloaded from the SG Campaign Resource Centre - Women's Health
General Services
Pharmacy First provides support for people living in Scotland, this service allows community pharmacies to give the public expert advice and help in treating common conditions and minor illnesses. Pharmacy First plays a pivotal role in helping people access the right care in the right place without going to their general practice or local A&E unnecessarily. A toolkit has been developed outlining key messaging which can be used when talking about / promoting Pharmacy First across your owned channels. A range of print and digital assets have been collated for you to use.
Key Messages
Visit your Pharmacy First for advice and help with any minor health condition or illness.
For any minor illnesses or common health conditions, visit your local pharmacy first. They can give expert advice, help with treatment options and referrals to other health care providers if needed.
Pharmacy First are able to give advice and expert help for treating common conditions such as sore throats, earache, hayfever and UTIs.
Visit NHSinform.scot/Pharmacy-First for more information on the help and advice your local pharmacy can offer.
How you can help
Re-share posts from the Healthier Scotland Facebook and NHS24 Facebook
Share the campaign materials across your own social media channels
Include campaign messaging on your website, newsletters and/or intranet
The Pharmacy First social media assets can be accessed and downloaded from the SG Campaign Resource Centre - Pharmacy First
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that four UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches,
Pharmacy professionals in NHS Scotland are encouraged to explore an exciting research development opportunity from the Chief Scientist Office (CSO).
CP IP trainees on June 25, Sept 25, and Jan 26 courses, return your CPS funding form ASAP. No action needed if already submitted. Contact enquiries@cps.scot.
CPS is reviewing budgets and training needs. Complete and return the CP IP Training form by January 5, 2026. Contact enquiries@cps.scot for help.
Discover CPS’s 2026 vision to expand pharmacy consultations, boost prescriber access, and improve women’s health services across Scotland.
Support NHS 24’s ‘Powered by People’ campaign this winter. Share resources promoting digital health services as the first point of care.
The community pharmacy network in Scotland already offers up consultations for minor illnesses, usually without the need for an appointment, across all 1,200+ sites as part of the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.
Four new items added to Part 7 of the drug tariff for December 2025. Check the latest updates and contact CPS for more information.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Last Thursday the CPS team held a webinar which covered the recent changes to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland remuneration, and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions of the team.
CPS hosted a Scottish Parliament event to promote the 2026 Manifesto, focusing on Prevent, Detect, and Treat strategies for better health outcomes.
Join Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy West End Glasgow as a Part-Time Pharmacist IP. Flexible hours and clinical focus.
Lead a service-led pharmacy in Paisley as a Pharmacist IP Manager. Competitive salary and leadership opportunities.
Join Dears Pharmacy Fife as a Pharmacist IP. Competitive salary and clinical autonomy.
Join Dears Pharmacy Edinburgh as a Second Pharmacist. Great team support and career progression.
Join Dears Pharmacy Edinburgh as a Full-Time Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Competitive salary and clinical autonomy.
Join Omnicare Pharmacy in Fife as a Pharmacy Manager. Competitive salary, great benefits, and career development. Apply by 15 Dec 2025.
Join M&D Green Gracemount as a Pharmacy Manager. Flexible hours, great benefits, and career development. Apply by 19 Dec 2025.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as an Area Support Dispenser. Relief position with travel, great benefits, and career development. Apply by 16 Dec 2025.
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that two UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Creon® gastro-resistant capsules both due to expire on 21 November 2025 have been extended until Friday 16 January 2026.
CPS/NES CP IP trainees starting January 2026: Look out for an email with payment and support group details. Complete and return ASAP.
We can now confirm that if you are a locum, it is a legal requirement for you to have a PVG in order to take on work as a pharmacist, with each pharmacy business engaging their services listed as an interested party.
The attached document below is a series of key facts, guidance and information relating to the NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) (PF(S)), the Scottish Community Pharmacy service for the pharmaceutical care of acute common clinical conditions.
CPS updates on rejected item reporting for Pharmacy First claims. Learn common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them.
CPS Manifesto 2026 calls for early illness detection and targeted diabetes screening through community pharmacy to improve health outcomes.
Join Colinton Village Pharmacy in Edinburgh as a Dispenser. 3 days per week, great benefits, and training provided. Apply by 14 Dec 2025.
Join Market Street Pharmacy in Haddington as a Pharmacist. Flexible hours, great benefits, and career development. Apply by 5 Jan 2026.
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

CEO Matt Barclay reflects on how community pharmacies support Scotland through the busiest month of the year.