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.
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.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Base Pharmacist in Niddrie, Edinburgh. £60–70k salary, strong team, and career development. Apply by 30 November 2025.
Join Boots Dunoon as a Pharmacist. 32–40 hrs/week, IP support, great team and local store. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Dundee as a Pharmacist. Out-of-hours service, automation, great team, and community links. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Hamilton as an Independent Prescribing Pharmacist. 32–40 hrs/week, great team, clinical growth. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Stranraer as a full-time pharmacist. Supportive team, coastal location, great benefits. Apply by 31 October 2025.
SSPs for Estradot HRT patches extended to 5 Dec 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel or Estraderm MX. 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.
Review updated adjusted prices for October 2025. Several lines stabilised. Continue reporting shortages via Shortages Reporter. Contact CPS for queries.
Serious Shortage Protocols for cefalexin oral suspension sugar free products extended to 24 Oct 2025. Applies to SSP077 and SSP078. Review updated guidance.
Join Bucksburn Pharmacy in Aberdeen as a Pharmacist Manager. Full-time, flexible rota, IP support, and excellent salary. Apply by 28 October 2025.
Join Boots Bathgate as a full-time prescribing pharmacist. Great team, benefits & career growth. Apply by 10 October 2025.
Join Davidsons Chemists in Comrie as Pharmacist Manager. Lead a respected team, grow professionally, and deliver excellent patient care. Apply by 31 Dec 2025.
CPS-funded IP trainees: check your inbox for course payment details and support group invitations.
Help shape the future of MCR training materials. Complete the short survey and share feedback before the end of October. Pharmacy teams are encouraged to take part.
Our Manifesto makes clear our ambitions for community pharmacy in Scotland and the practical actions required to make our vision a reality.
Please note, due to ongoing discussions with Public Health Scotland (PHS) & Scottish Government the final round of Adjusted Prices for September 2025 are likely to be agreed and published later today, Wednesday 1st October or tomorrow Thursday 2nd October.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Bonar Bridge Pharmacy is seeking a pharmacist to complete our team, working part-time on a relief or managerial basis.
SARCS offers 24/7 NHS support after rape or sexual assault. Learn how to access care and share the campaign.

CEO
Join Lindsay & Gilmour Inverkeithing as a Non-Pharmacist Pharmacy Manager. Lead a dedicated team and deliver exceptional community pharmacy care.