The Wellbeing of Pharmacy Teams
Published: 13/12/21

Our colleagues at NES have asked us to pass on the following message to contractors who are currently supporting Foundation Year (previously pre-reg) trainees.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dear Colleagues
Every pharmacy team, regardless of sector, has played a vital role in the NHS response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To each of you, you have our admiration and sincere thanks.
We also recognise that all of your efforts in ensuring that patients and members of the public are receiving the best pharmaceutical care available irrespective of the setting, may mean you feel exhausted.
As we head into the Winter season it is critical that every member of the pharmacy team ensures they look after themselves, consider their own health and wellbeing and of those around them. And this is why we are writing to you.
To support you, along with the wider health and care sector, there are a range of resources available through the NHS Scotland National Wellbeing Hub (www.wellbeinghub.scot).
The National Wellbeing Hub is for all members of the pharmacy team, working in all settings and we encourage you to make use of this resource as necessary, and for employers to support their teams in its use.
What is the National Wellbeing Hub?
The National Wellbeing Hub is first and foremost completely free and entirely confidential. It can be accessed when you need it, at a time that suits you, has no links to your organisation and does not require any referral or input from them.
NHS Scotland’s National Wellbeing Hub provides access to information, resources and support for all health and care workers in Scotland. The resources and toolkits provided by the National Wellbeing Hub are evidence-based services that support the psychological wellbeing of people working in health and care.
Additional resourcing has been secured through the NHS Recovery Plan which will further support the 24/7 National Wellbeing Helpline, our National Wellbeing Hub, and Coaching for Wellbeing which are already available for all members of the pharmacy team; alongside tailored psychological interventions for staff, providing individualised wellbeing support focusing on people’s physical and emotional needs.
There is also the Workforce Specialist Service for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, which is a confidential multidisciplinary mental health service with expertise in treating health and social services regulated professionals. The Scottish Government worked alongside the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to develop the service specifically for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The National Wellbeing Hub and the support it can provide is there for you to access and use.
We would urge anyone in any pharmacy team who feels they need assistance or advice to feel confident to seek the support they need and we would encourage you to use the services offered by the National Wellbeing Hub. Thank you once again for all of your efforts and dedication during these unprecedented times.
Royal Mail has made changes to how prescriptions are collected. Scanning now happens at the depot, not at pickup but your schedule stays the same.
Pharmacy First Scotland product list updates on 1 September 2025. QV Skin Lotion removed from NHS Borders, Fife & Lothian emollient options.
Gateway C supports early cancer diagnosis with free NHS-funded courses for healthcare professionals. Accessible, practical, and confidence-building.
Dapagliflozin tablets added to Scottish Drug Tariff from 1st Sept 2025. Generic prices reduced following patent ruling.
Twelve weeks ago, I walked into my local community pharmacy with hope, a little trepidation, and a long history of failed attempts to quit smoking.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Join Davidson’s Chemists as Pharmacist Manager in Dundee. Lead a respected team, enjoy career development, competitive benefits, and be part of Scotland’s largest independent pharmacy group.
The Part 11 clawback rate has been reset to 0% from 1 July 2025. Future reviews will follow 2026/27 survey results. Full details in PCA(P)(2025)13.
We are pleased to confirm that the next Independent Prescribers meeting will take place on Thursday 28th August 2025.
Join NES webinars to explore practical strategies for hosting pharmacy students and enhancing experiential learning across Scotland.
NHS 24’s student health campaign offers advice on GP registration, vaccines, mental health, and NHS services. Share with pharmacy teams.
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist role in Bridge of Allan. Join a modern pharmacy with strong clinical services and experienced support team.
Join Dears Pharmacy in Newton Mearns as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Full-time role with CPD support, autonomy, and excellent benefits.
Apply now for a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber role in Glenrothes. Join Dears Pharmacy for a full-time career with CPD and leadership support.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber wanted in Dunfermline. Lead clinical services with Dears Pharmacy. Full-time, CPD support, great benefits.
Join Dears Pharmacy in Edinburgh as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. Full-time role with clinical autonomy, CPD support, and competitive salary.
Bonar Bridge Pharmacy is hiring a part-time Relief Pharmacist or Manager. IP support and relocation help available. Apply by 5th September 2025.
As an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist, you will play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with patients, providing consultations, advice, and prescription services directly.
CPS Board is reviewing its 2026 election manifesto, joining a new PMR forum, and shaping the future of Pharmacy First. Updates to follow.
Browns Pharmacy is looking for a second Pharmacist to join their team. Full-time role in a vibrant community setting. IP support available. Apply by 30th November 2025.
Royal Mail has made changes to how prescriptions are collected. Scanning now happens at the depot, not at pickup but your schedule stays the same.
Public Health Scotland issues alert on Nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids linked to rising overdoses. Resources available for pharmacy teams and training.
Need a replacement Public Health poster or holder? Contact stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com. Current campaign: Lyme Disease. Digital assets available.
In the past, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) maintained a Useful Websites page tailored to the needs of Independent Prescribers, and we’re now working to rebuild and refresh that page.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for August 2025. In this month there is one deletion to Part 7 of the drug tariff we wanted to make you aware of.
Pharmacist Manager role at Steeple Pharmacy, Montrose. Part/full-time. GPHC registered. Great team, benefits, and career development.
Next prescription courier collection is 7th August 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Please note: Due to ongoing discussions with PHS and the Scottish Government, the final round of Adjusted Prices for July 2025 is likely to be agreed and published no later than Tuesday 5th August.

Digital Communications Officer
Updated PGDs for UTIs and impetigo approved for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Health Boards to implement locally.