Scotland’s First Minister & Cabinet Secretary for Health Visit Community Pharmacy
Published: 2nd April 2026
This update highlights CPS activity during the election campaign, including a pharmacy visit with the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health to discuss the role, funding and future of community pharmacy in Scotland.
On Wednesday the 1st of April 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.
The press were in attendance to hear of the First Minister's pledge to roll out "health MOTs" in community settings, directly in line with CPS' manifesto aim to prevent and detect ill health as close to home as possible.
After the media left, we had a focussed discussion on the pharmacy contract and the funding behind it, outlining what would be needed to make the best possible use of the community pharmacy network in Scotland and ensure strength and sustainability for many years to come.
We have followed up in writing to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary, and will continue with our efforts to ensure that all parties are thinking of pharmacy when the next Government is formed after the May elections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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John Swinney MSP and Neil Gray MSP attended the visit, supported by CPS colleagues Matt and Adam.
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The visit was hosted by CarePoint Pharmacy in Calderbank.
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The First Minister pledged to roll out “health MOTs” in community settings.
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Discussions focused on the pharmacy contract, funding, and how to ensure the long‑term strength and sustainability of the community pharmacy network.
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CPS has followed up in writing to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary and will continue engagement ahead of the May elections.
Important update on courier bags and prescription collections for community pharmacy teams, including new process and key dates.