Public Health Alert: Nitazenes
Published: 14/08/25

Our colleagues at Public Health Scotland have asked us to flag to community pharmacy teams their latest alert concerning Nitazenes, synthetic opioids that are now being widely detected across Scotland. These can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and are contributing to an increase in overdoses and drug deaths.
A poster that briefly summarises the issue can be found here, and a short video that can be used for team training is available here.
Browns Pharmacy is looking for a second Pharmacist to join their team. Full-time role in a vibrant community setting. IP support available. Apply by 30th November 2025.
Royal Mail has made changes to how prescriptions are collected. Scanning now happens at the depot, not at pickup but your schedule stays the same.
Public Health Scotland issues alert on Nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids linked to rising overdoses. Resources available for pharmacy teams and training.
Need a replacement Public Health poster or holder? Contact stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com. Current campaign: Lyme Disease. Digital assets available.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
In the past, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) maintained a Useful Websites page tailored to the needs of Independent Prescribers, and we’re now working to rebuild and refresh that page.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for August 2025. In this month there is one deletion to Part 7 of the drug tariff we wanted to make you aware of.
Pharmacist Manager role at Steeple Pharmacy, Montrose. Part/full-time. GPHC registered. Great team, benefits, and career development.
Next prescription courier collection is 7th August 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Please note: Due to ongoing discussions with PHS and the Scottish Government, the final round of Adjusted Prices for July 2025 is likely to be agreed and published no later than Tuesday 5th August.
In September 2025, NES Pharmacy, in partnership with Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), will be coordinating the next national community pharmacy workforce survey.
Community pharmacists are being advised of upcoming changes to prescribing arrangements under General Ophthalmic Services, which may affect the volume and nature of prescriptions they receive.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Abbey Chemist in Paisley this week to see first-hand the vital role community pharmacies play in helping people quit smoking through the NHS Quit Your Way service.
Eight weeks smoke-free with the help of Varenicline, and I am beginning to notice a real shift. Smoking no longer feels like a constant temptation. That change has come gradually, and it is starting to feel natural thank to the Varenicline service and the team at my local community pharmacy.
A community pharmacy consultation has played a vital role in the early detection and treatment of a suspected case of Lyme disease, thanks to the vigilance of an Independent Prescribing (IP) Pharmacist and the power of public health awareness.
Our very own Audit and Services Assistant Emma Ramage is fundraising with a group of her determined friends who are walking in support of Blood Bikes Scotland in honour of their friend, Nic.
Our colleagues at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) are seeking community pharmacist members to join the Pharmacy Foundation Training Year (FTY) Development and Delivery Group.
You will receive email confirmation from Disclosure Scotland once your certificate has been granted and ready to view through your ScotAccount.
We are looking for a forward-thinking, proactive pharmacist to join our team. They will be highly motivated by the challenge of driving the growth of our pharmacy business and adapting to changes in the pharmacy contract.
Register for the Post Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists from 1st August to 12th September 2025 Submit your form early to secure funding.
Next prescription courier collection is 17 July 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Mark Easton recognised for 20+ years of service in Hopeman and Burghead with invitation to Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.
Join our Operations Team to support pharmacy branches across Scotland, deliver excellent patient care and grow your career in a dynamic full time role.
Community Pharmacy Scotland donates £8,700 to Held In Our Hearts, supporting baby loss counselling and peer support through its Charity Golf Day.
Scottish Government confirms 2025/26 flu vaccine eligibility, key dates, and delivery plans. Health Boards urged to begin preparations.
Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.
SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.

Policy & Development Pharmacist
CPS Board is reviewing its 2026 election manifesto, joining a new PMR forum, and shaping the future of Pharmacy First. Updates to follow.