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Featured Article
CPS Financial Deal Announcement – Press Release
CPS Financial Deal Announcement – Press Release

The Scottish Government has informed Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) that a 4% uplift will be applied to the Global Sum for 25/26 which amounts to around £9.31 million in total. This money will be directly used to support additional costs being borne by the network such as National Insurance impacts.

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Latest News
Medicines Care and Review (MCR) Ready Reckoner
Medicines Care and Review (MCR) Ready Reckoner

This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.

Post-Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists Enrolment
Post-Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists Enrolment

Register for the Post Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists from 1st August to 12th September 2025 Submit your form early to secure funding.

Prescription Collection Courier Service: 17 July 2025
Prescription Collection Courier Service: 17 July 2025

Next prescription courier collection is 17 July 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..

Scottish Community Pharmacist Celebrated at Royal Garden Party
Scottish Community Pharmacist Celebrated at Royal Garden Party

Mark Easton recognised for 20+ years of service in Hopeman and Burghead with invitation to Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

eMessage and ePay Service – Maintenance Downtime
eMessage and ePay Service – Maintenance Downtime

eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

CPS Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts
CPS Raises Over £8,700 for Held In Our Hearts

Community Pharmacy Scotland donates £8,700 to Held In Our Hearts, supporting baby loss counselling and peer support through its Charity Golf Day.

Seasonal Flu Programme 2025/26: Updated Guidance Now Available
Seasonal Flu Programme 2025/26: Updated Guidance Now Available

Scottish Government confirms 2025/26 flu vaccine eligibility, key dates, and delivery plans. Health Boards urged to begin preparations.

PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026
PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026

Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.

PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended
PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.

Virtual Discussion Group Facilitators
Virtual Discussion Group Facilitators

NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.

Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, & 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff
Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, & 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff

Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff

July 2025 Part 7 Publishing
July 2025 Part 7 Publishing

Please note, due to ongoing discussions with PHS the final round of Adjusted Prices for June are likely to be agreed and published on Tuesday 1st July 2025.

Prescription Collection Courier Service: 3rd July 2025
Prescription Collection Courier Service: 3rd July 2025

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

My Quit Journey: Week Four with the Varenicline Service
My Quit Journey: Week Four with the Varenicline Service

Follow Graham Le Tissier’s week three experience using the Varenicline Service to quit smoking, insights, challenges, and support from community pharmacy.

Long Term Conditions Framework - Consultation Response
Long Term Conditions Framework - Consultation Response

Response to Scottish Government’s consultation on a new Long Term Conditions Framework, supporting a shift from condition-specific policies to a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred approach.

New Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme
New Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme

Details of Scotland’s 2025 Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme using 4CMenB (Bexsero®) for high-risk groups, including eligibility, delivery model, vaccine schedule, and clinical guidance.

PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements
PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements

This circular reminds community pharmacy contractors of the key service requirements for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, highlighting the importance of face-to-face consultations, correct use of NHS branding, and adherence to national service guidelines.

PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine
PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.

CPS Welcomes Service Renewal Framework 
CPS Welcomes Service Renewal Framework 

Read our Chief Executive’s latest blog on the development of a new Health and Social Care (HSC) Vision in Scotland

My Quit Journey: Week Three with the Varenicline Service
My Quit Journey: Week Three with the Varenicline Service

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week three of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Top Three Items from the June CPS Board
Top Three Items from the June CPS Board

The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.

Prevent, Detect & Treat at the Scottish Conservative Conference
Prevent, Detect & Treat at the Scottish Conservative Conference

CPS highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, early detection, and treatment at the Scottish Conservative Party Conference 2025.

Future Trends for Scotland: An Opportunity for Community Pharmacy to Support?
Future Trends for Scotland: An Opportunity for Community Pharmacy to Support?

Explore how Scotland’s Future Trends report highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, public health, and early intervention.

PVG Checks & Foundation Training Year Pharmacists
PVG Checks & Foundation Training Year Pharmacists

FTY employers: complete PVG checks before July 2025 to avoid trainee deferrals. Learn how Disclosure changes may affect pharmacist start dates.

Prescription Collection Courier Service: 19th June 2025
Prescription Collection Courier Service: 19th June 2025

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

NHS 24 – Clarification on Clinical Contact Records and Emergency Supply Requests by NHS 24 Prescribers
NHS 24 – Clarification on Clinical Contact Records and Emergency Supply Requests by NHS 24 Prescribers

Following some feedback from the community pharmacy network, our colleagues at NHS 24 have pulled together the attached summary to explain the two main types of eMail communication that they regularly send out to pharmacy teams in support of patients.

My Quit Journey: Week Two with the Varenicline Service 
My Quit Journey: Week Two with the Varenicline Service 

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week two of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Care Reform (Scotland) Bill Passes In Scotland: What Does This Mean for Community Pharmacy?
Care Reform (Scotland) Bill Passes In Scotland: What Does This Mean for Community Pharmacy?

Care Reform Bill passed in Scotland, enabling digital care records and paving the way for community pharmacy access to patient information.

Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report for 2024-25
Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report for 2024-25

Scotland’s CMO report highlights prevention and wellbeing. CPS urges greater role for community pharmacy in future health strategy.

PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches
PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.

Latest SG Circular
PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026
PCA(P)(2025)18 - Remuneration Arrangements 2025 / 2026

Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.

PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended
PCA(P)(2025)17 - Estradot® HRT Patch SSPs Extended

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.

PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements
PCA(P)(2025)16 - Pharmacy First Scotland Service Requirements

This circular reminds community pharmacy contractors of the key service requirements for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, highlighting the importance of face-to-face consultations, correct use of NHS branding, and adherence to national service guidelines.

PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine
PCA(P)(2025)15 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Venlafaxine

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.

PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches
PCA(P)(2025)14 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® (estradiol) patches

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.

PCA(P)(2025)13 - Amendments to the Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale
PCA(P)(2025)13 - Amendments to the Part 11 Discount Clawback Scale

This circular advises community pharmacy contractors on the amendments to the Drug Tariff Part 11 clawback scale.

PCA(P)(2025)12 - Naloxone Emergency Supply Service Update
PCA(P)(2025)12 - Naloxone Emergency Supply Service Update

New naloxone product added to emergency supply service. Updated service specification now available for community pharmacy teams.

PCA(P)(2025)11 - SSPs Extended for Estradot® and Creon® Capsules
PCA(P)(2025)11 - SSPs Extended for Estradot® and Creon® Capsules

SSPs for Estradot® and Creon® extended. Pharmacists advised of new expiry dates: 6 June 2025 for Estradot®, 21 Nov 2025 for Creon® capsules.

PCA(P)(2025)10 - Updated Men B Paracetamol Service Spec
PCA(P)(2025)10 - Updated Men B Paracetamol Service Spec

Updated guidance for pharmacy provision of prophylactic paracetamol after MenB and other childhood vaccines, plus supporting clinical info.

PCA(P)(2025)09: SSP Extensions for Estradot Patches and Cefalexin 125mg-5ml
PCA(P)(2025)09: SSP Extensions for Estradot Patches and Cefalexin 125mg-5ml

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the four UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 2 May 2025 have been extended.

PCA(P)(2025)08 - Paxlovid Endorsing Guidance
PCA(P)(2025)08 - Paxlovid Endorsing Guidance

The NHS circular PCA(P)(2025)08 informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of new arrangements in place for the procurement and reimbursement of Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir).

PCA(P)(2025)07 - Community Pharmacy Financial Settlement 2025/26 Reimbursement Arrangements
PCA(P)(2025)07 - Community Pharmacy Financial Settlement 2025/26 Reimbursement Arrangements

This circular sets out to community pharmacy contractors and Health Boards the details of the reimbursement arrangements as part of the community pharmacy funding settlement for 2025/26.

PCA(P)(2025)06 - Updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) For Varenicline
PCA(P)(2025)06 - Updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) For Varenicline

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of an updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) that is to be implemented for smoking cessation under the community pharmacy Public Health Service.

PCA(P)(2025)05 - SSPs for Estradot® (Estradiol) 25 Micrograms / 24 Hours Transdermal Patch
PCA(P)(2025)05 - SSPs for Estradot® (Estradiol) 25 Micrograms / 24 Hours Transdermal Patch

Please find attached NHS PCA(P)(2025)05 circular advising of a new Serious Shortage Protocol in place for Estradot® (Estradiol) 25 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch until Friday 2 May 2025.

PCA(P)(2025)04 - Extension to SSPs for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg Patches
PCA(P)(2025)04 - Extension to SSPs for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg Patches

Please find attached NHS circular PCA(P)(2025) 04 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg patches, advising that the SSPs for the noted Estradot (estradiol) products have been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.

PCA(P)(2025)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol For Estradot® Patches
PCA(P)(2025)03 - Serious Shortage Protocol For Estradot® Patches

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP079), a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 21 March 2025 has been extended until Friday 4 April 2025.

PCA(P)(2025)02 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot Patches
PCA(P)(2025)02 - Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot Patches

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch, a hormone replacement therapy product has been extended.

PCA(P)(2025)01 - Extension to SSP for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension
PCA(P)(2025)01 - Extension to SSP for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for cefalexin 125mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free due to expire on 31 January 2025 has been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.

PCA(P)(2024)38 - 39: Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin
PCA(P)(2024)38 - 39: Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSP) in place for cefalexin 125mg / 5ml & 250mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free, from 10 December 2024 to 31 January 2025.

PCA(P)(2024)35 - 37: Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot®
PCA(P)(2024)35 - 37: Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot®

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are now in place for Estradot® (estradiol) 50 mcg, 75 mcg & 100 mcg / 24 hour transdermal patch, from 19 December 2024 to 28 January 2025.

PCA(P)(2024)34 - Pharmacy Champions Funding 2024/25
PCA(P)(2024)34 - Pharmacy Champions Funding 2024/25

This Circular informs NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of the intention to continue funding for Community Pharmacist Practitioner Champions in 2024-25.

PCA(P)(2024)33 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Ramipril 2.5mg Tablets and Creon® Gastro-resistant Capsules
PCA(P)(2024)33 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols for Ramipril 2.5mg Tablets and Creon® Gastro-resistant Capsules

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Ramipril 2.5mg tablets due to expire on 15 November 2024 has been extended until Friday 29 November 2024.

PCA(P)(2024)32 - New Universal Claim Framework (UCF) Module For Pharmacy First Plus
PCA(P)(2024)32 - New Universal Claim Framework (UCF) Module For Pharmacy First Plus

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors of a new Universal Claim Framework (UCF) module that will be available for use by providers of Pharmacy First Plus from 1 February 2025.

PCA(P)(2024) 31 – Extension to SSP for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomax XL 60mg) Modified-Release Tablet
PCA(P)(2024) 31 – Extension to SSP for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomax XL 60mg) Modified-Release Tablet

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomax® XL) 60mg modified release tablet due to expire on 18 October 2024 has been extended until Friday 15 November 2024. 

PCA(P)(2024)30 - Updated Documentation for Emergency and Bridging Contraception
PCA(P)(2024)30 - Updated Documentation for Emergency and Bridging Contraception

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors of an updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) that is to be implemented for the provision of desogestrel as bridging contraception.

PCA(P)(2024)29: Update to CP4/3 Forms
PCA(P)(2024)29: Update to CP4/3 Forms

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors of changes to NHS prescription stationery for the CP4/3 prescription form.

PCA(P)(2024)28 - Financial Package 2024-25 for Community Pharmacy
PCA(P)(2024)28 - Financial Package 2024-25 for Community Pharmacy

This circular sets out to community pharmacy contractors the details of the community pharmacy funding arrangement for 2024/25.

PCA(P)(2024)24-27 - SSP for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Chemydur® 60XL) Tabs
PCA(P)(2024)24-27 - SSP for Isosorbide Mononitrate (Chemydur® 60XL) Tabs

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for isosorbide mononitrate (Chemydur® 60XL) modified release tablet, from 6 September 2024 to 27 September 2024. 

PCA(P)(2024)23 - Drug Tariff Part 7 Dispensing Pool Payment and Redistribution of the Global Sum
PCA(P)(2024)23 - Drug Tariff Part 7 Dispensing Pool Payment and Redistribution of the Global Sum

This Circular advises contractors of a balancing payment relating to the 2023/24 global sum, which will be made along with September’s payments.

PCA(P)(2024)22- Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin 500mg Tabs
PCA(P)(2024)22- Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin 500mg Tabs

To advise of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) in place for cefalexin 500mg tablets, from 6 August 2024 to 27 September 2024.

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