Pharmacy First in Focus: Sharing Scotland’s Success in Oslo

Published: 18/09/25

On the 7th and 8th of September, our Policy & Development Officer, Gordon Winter visited Oslo to deliver a lecture to their Chief Pharmacists as part of Norway’s Apoteker-dagen or “Pharmacists Day”.

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Norway has a similar population to Scotland, and a similarly sized Community Pharmacy network.  They have  an eagerness to develop their Community Pharmacy services and view Scotland as a great example of patient-centred service development. The dedication of Pharmacy teams across our country delivering high quality personalised care has not gone un-noticed on an international level and was recognised in Norway. One particular interest to them is NHS Scotland Pharmacy First.

Gordon delivered a presentation giving a brief overview of the Community Pharmacy network in Scotland, and how service has changed and evolved since the early 2000s, before giving a more detailed explanation of NHS Scotland Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus.

The audience were also given an insight into the recently launched CPS Manifesto, and an indication of where Community Pharmacy services in Scotland may develop in the coming years.

A worthwhile trip to gain a valuable understanding of Community Pharmacy in similar nations, and developing international relationships from which we can all learn.

“Takk for at du er inviterte meg til Oslo”.

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