CEO Insights - The Network Continues to Demonstrate its Value
Published: 23/12/24
As 2024 draws to a close, it is now a good moment to reflect on the achievements of the community pharmacy network across Scotland.
This year has proven yet again the value of our sector, with pharmacies stepping up to deliver vital healthcare services to communities across the country.
Our network continues to prove its value. We are safely supplying more items than ever before and have seen a 20% year-on-year increase in recorded NHS Pharmacy First consultations. These figures underscore how community pharmacy is becoming an essential first point of contact for our healthcare in Scotland. The sector is playing a critical role in out-of-hours support, providing unscheduled care when it is needed most, and this impact is not going unnoticed.
Community pharmacy is now embedded in conversations about Primary Care reform. We are seeing our advocacy efforts, with pharmacy stakeholders, including Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), consistently at the table. Together, we are making the case for the network — not just as a dispenser of medicines but as a cornerstone of accessible, patient-centred, clinical care.
However, 2024 has not been without its challenges. The ongoing issues with National Services Scotland (NSS) and their processes have been a focus for us this year. These challenges have created pressures for our members; however, I am pleased to report that we now have data in hand that is allowing us to dig deeper into the root causes. By interrogating this information, we can better advocate for the improvements that our members need.
Looking ahead, 2025 presents exciting opportunities for greater involvement and representation. Negotiation for 25/26 is obviously a priority however the CPS 2025 Elections will soon be here, with opportunities for members to contribute directly and help in shaping the future of community pharmacy in Scotland. These elections are open to all eligible members, and we are particularly excited about the potential for newly formed committees, which will include opportunities for associate members in May. We encourage everyone to consider how they can play a part in these elections and bring their valuable perspectives to the table. You can find out more about the elections here.
As we head into the festive season, I want to extend my thanks to all our members and their teams for their hard work throughout the year. Your dedication continues to make a difference in the lives of patients and communities across Scotland.
Enjoy any time off you can take over the holidays, and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
As part of your CPS / NES funded CP IP course, there is one half day session at a Teach and Treat Hub included. This session can be booked once you have completed your qualification and the 4 Clinical Training days.
Take part in a UK-wide survey on urgent care services. Help shape future research. Community pharmacy voices from Scotland are especially welcome.
In line with our 2026 Manifesto, a key policy area is that of detecting illness in those who may present at the Community Pharmacy with or without symptoms.
Pharmacist roles in Stornoway with KJ Macdonald Ltd. Rent-free flat, great team, and stunning Isle of Lewis location. Apply by 21 Nov 2025.
SSP for cefalexin oral suspension sugar free products extended to 28 November 2025. Pharmacists should review updated guidance.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Community Pharmacy Scotland / NHS Education for Scotland Independent Prescribing trainees for June and September 2025 must return forms confirming details. Contact us with any questions.
NSS may contact your pharmacy via email when a reimbursement claim lacks sufficient detail for a dispensed item. These messages are sent from the nDCVP payment system to your pharmacy’s generic email address.
Join Broughton Pharmacy’s growing team in Edinburgh. Full or part-time role with IP support. Apply by 20 November 2025.
Last week, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) welcomed a visitor from Norway to Edinburgh. Birgitte Lloyd, President of the Norwegian Association of Pharmacists was in Scotland to learn more about the Scottish Community Pharmacy contract and services, as well as build on her own knowledge of Scottish culture.
The Scottish Government are funding training for Primary Care teams to more quickly identify the symptoms of a stroke.
Our local store in Lenzie is looking for a Pharmacy Technician to join their very knowledgeable team. The store offer a ranges of services and Pharmacy 1st plus
Community Pharmacy Scotland calls for the community pharmacy network to be commissioned to deliver a national NHS weight loss service, focussing on the direct use of medicines.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Boots are currently looking for an experienced pharmacist to join our Pharmacy team at Boots in North Lanarkshire.
Our pharmacy in Braehead is looking for a pharmacy technician to join their team on a full time basis.
Boots Galashiels store is looking for a pharmacy technician to join their well established team.
Join Houston Pharmacy in Dundee as a Pharmacist Manager. Lead services, support your community, and grow your clinical career. Apply by 03/10/25.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour Inverkeithing as a Non-Pharmacist Pharmacy Manager. Lead a dedicated team and deliver exceptional community pharmacy care.
Join Boots Campbeltown as a Pharmacist. Deliver expert care, support your community, and make a difference in a trusted local pharmacy.
Join Boots North Lanarkshire as a Relief Pharmacist. Work across multiple stores, deliver expert care, and make a real impact in your community.
Join Boots Thornhill as a Pharmacist. Work with great support, DSP automation, and make a difference delivering expert care to your community.
Join Boots St Andrews as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Deliver expert care, lead a great team, and support your local community.
Join Boots in Portree, Isle of Skye as a full-time Pharmacist. Great team, IP support, benefits & career growth. Apply by 28 October 2025.
At Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), our Community Pharmacy Health Board (CPHB) committees are at the forefront of local service negotiation.
Can all Community Pharmacy Independent Prescriberss and Trainees who undertook or are undertaking a Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) / NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Funded Training, please keep us up to date with any changes to your information.
This week Adam from the Policy team headed to the RPS Offices in London to take part in a national discussion on early years career development for pharmacists.
Pharmacist Support is a charity dedicated to championing the wellbeing of those studying and working in pharmacy. We run three ACTNow wellbeing campaigns annually which support students, trainees and pharmacists at key points throughout the year.
Support World AMR Week 2025 by sharing key actions to fight antibiotic resistance. Discover resources to promote safe, sustainable antibiotic use.
 Matt Barclay
    
  
  Matt Barclay
CEO

 
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
     
  
  
    
    
    
Reminder about the UK Yellow Card Scheme for reporting medicine and device safety concerns. Visit the official site for more information.