Programme for Government 2026-2031 - A New Community First Approach?

Published: 10th September 2026

The programme (Supporting documents - Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 - gov.scot) proposes radical reshaping of Scotland’s public services, focusing on structural reform rather than just new spending or isolated policy pledges.

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This includes replacing Scotland’s 14 NHS health boards with two strategic boards. There is also the returning theme of shifting towards ill-health prevention, early intervention, and delivering services closer to communities. These priorities have also been echoed in the Health and Care Improving Flow Plan (Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026 - 2031 - gov.scot).

The document specifically mentions the expansion of the 'Community First' model. This approach prioritises delivering healthcare and support in community settings, aiming to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and support people to remain in their homes or local communities for as long as possible. But is it this Community First approach new when it comes to our network of community pharmacies? 

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service has been delivering health interventions via community pharmacy since 2020. In 2025 alone, 35% of Scotland's population used the service at least once. These interventions provide healthcare advice, treatment or appropriate onward referral to keep people well in their communities. This service has been successfully expanded upon over recent years and therefore this approach to health intervention in the community pharmacy setting isn't new.

Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) feels the Scottish Government's commitments to delivering community healthcare now need to go further and should have a clear focus on how to best utilise the community pharmacy network to deliver on their commitments in ill-health prevention and detection. 

As outlined in our Manifesto, CPS believes the community pharmacy network should be commissioned to undertake cardiovascular screening as part of the Scottish Governments health MOT programme. Our network of pharmacies are ideally positioned in the population to identify those unknowingly at risk, who would otherwise not proactively engage with NHS services. Duplication of resource across primary care routes must be avoided whilst maximising the opportunity for the population to take advantage of preventative health programmes. 

As your representatives, we are urging policymakers to recognise and invest in the power of community pharmacy as part of the foundation for a healthier, fairer Scotland. On behalf of our members, CPS welcomes discussions on the sustainable resource that will be required to deliver this approach.

This information was correct at the time of publication. Policy and guidance can change, so please check our latest news for the current position. For anything else, please contact enquiries@cps.scot

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