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The content below contains the latest news affecting community pharmacy owners and their teams throughout Scotland. If you can’t find something or you have a question please get in touch with us at webteam@cps.scot
BBC Radio Scotland Discussion on GP walk-In Centre Data Publication
This week, CPS Policy and Development Pharmacist Gordon Winter joined BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme to discuss what the data means for community pharmacy and the wider primary care landscape.
NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service Turns 6
Six years of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, with more than 1.9 million people using the service and continued expansion of independent prescribing.
Updates for all Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers (CPIP) and Trainees
Latest update for Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers and trainees, including training pathways, next steps and upcoming support.
NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service - Supporting Information
Find patient information resources, Approved List and guidance for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.
NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service - FAQ Eligibility
The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update – 1st June 2026
Update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 June 2026, including changes for oral thrush and allergy treatments.
Pharmacy First Scotland - PHS Report
A new report published by Public Health Scotland show that community pharmacy continue to play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update – 1st April 2026
Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.
PCA(P)(2026)05 - New PGD for Treating Oral Candidiasis in Pharmacy First
A new national PGD for oral candidiasis is being added to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Guidance for Health Boards and community pharmacy teams.
PCA(P)(2026)04 - New Patient Group Direction for Skin Inflammation
Scottish Government circular announcing a new Patient Group Direction for skin inflammation within NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
New UCF Modules - Important Notice
Pharmacy teams will start to notice two new UCF modules appearing in their PMRs from next week - one each for the previously-announced Nystatin and Hydrocortisone PGDs.
Pharmacy First Rejected Items
Understand the top 25 Pharmacy First rejected items, why claims fail, and how to ensure compliance with NHS Scotland requirements.
NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Updated January 2026
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.
CEO Insights: Community Pharmacy: Scotland’s Frontline in December
CEO Matt Barclay reflects on how community pharmacies support Scotland through the busiest month of the year.
Pharmacy First Changes: Questions and Answers (FAQs)
We have put together the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the circularPCA P(2025)24.
Pharmacy First Changes: Webinar Output
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.
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Resources & Flow Chart
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.
Rejected Item Reporting
CPS updates on rejected item reporting for Pharmacy First claims. Learn common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them.
PCA(P)(2025)24: NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service Remuneration Update
The Scottish Government has released circular PCA(P)(2025)24 which details changes to the remuneration of all components of the NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) service.
PCA(P)(2025)20 - New PGDs for UTIs and Impetigo in NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Updated PGDs for UTIs and impetigo approved for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Health Boards to implement locally.
