Community Pharmacy Scotland

03/11/2025

An estimated 700,000 people in Scotland are living with cardiovascular disease, and many do not know they are at risk. These conditions still cause 29 percent of all deaths. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation often present without symptoms, meaning people may not engage with NHS services until a serious event occurs. Community pharmacies can help identify these risks early and support prevention in the heart of local communities.

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.

22/10/2025

International pharmacy collaboration in action.

Community Pharmacy Scotland welcomed Birgitte Lloyd, President of the Norwegian Association of Pharmacists, to Edinburgh. Hosted by Barnton Pharmacy, Birgitte learned about the Scottish Community Pharmacy contract and services, with a focus on NHS Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus. With similar population sizes and pharmacy networks, Norway is keen to learn from Scotland’s successes.

👏 A big thank you to Leanne Carey, Glenn Davie and the Barnton team for making the visit such a success!

https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/norwegian-visitor-to-edinburgh-pharmacy

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

20/10/2025

Community Pharmacy Scotland: Weight Management and the Role of Pharmacy

We are calling for the commissioning of a national NHS weight loss service delivered through the community pharmacy network.

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and behaviour change, and are uniquely placed to support patients in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

With 32% of adults in Scotland living with obesity, this is a critical public health issue. Community pharmacies can safely and effectively deploy GLP-1 medicines, reaching people who may not access traditional services.

This is one of our top policy priorities for the 2026 Scottish elections.

Read our manifesto: https://ow.ly/c0JQ50Xas0A

17/10/2025

Prescription Courier Collection: Tuesday 21 October 2025

Community Pharmacy Scotland reminds contractors to prepare prescription bags in line with updated guidance.

Key points include:

Use two bags if submitting over 6,000 forms
Keep stock orders and PC70s separate
Include your GP34 Declaration Form
Secure scripts tightly before sealing

Additional bags can be requested by calling 0131 467 7766.

Full guidance available here: https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/courier-oct-21

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

16/10/2025

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2025

Community Pharmacy Scotland is supporting the national campaign to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance and promote safe, sustainable use of antibiotics.

The ‘Antibiotic Resistance is Everyone’s Business’ campaign outlines five key actions we can all take to reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections.

Pharmacy teams are encouraged to share campaign resources, run quizzes, and display posters to help spread the message.

Access the full toolkit here: [https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/antimicrobial-resistance-stakeholder-toolkit-2025

Support World AMR Week 2025 by sharing key actions to fight antibiotic resistance. Discover resources to promote safe, sustainable antibiotic use.

16/10/2025

Community Pharmacy Scotland at the RPS Workforce Summit

We joined national discussions at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society offices in London, representing Scottish contractors in conversations about early career development for pharmacists.

We shared our experience with the current Post-registration Foundation framework and contributed thoughts on the Enhanced curriculum that will shape pharmacist development from 2026.

In Scotland, we are working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure prescribing within Pharmacy First is effectively supported for new registrants.

https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/rps-workforce

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.

15/10/2025

Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy is hiring a pharmacist for its Niddrie Mains branch in Edinburgh.
Full-time role with training and development support.

Applicants should have at least one year’s experience in Scottish community pharmacy.
📅 Apply by 30 November 2025

https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/base-pharmacist-edinburgh

Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Base Pharmacist in Niddrie, Edinburgh. £60–70k salary, strong team, and career development. Apply by 30 November 2025.

15/10/2025

ACTNow Wellbeing Campaign Launch

Pharmacist Support has launches its latest ACTNow campaign, running from 20th October until 7 November 2025.

This campaign offers practical support for pharmacists, trainees and students, focusing on connection, financial wellbeing, and navigating change.

Access digital resources, podcasts and activities designed to support your wellbeing.

Sign up today: https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/act-now-wellbeing-campaign

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.

15/10/2025

Want to shape the future of pharmacy in your area?

Community Pharmacy Scotland is inviting applications for Associate Member roles on our Community Pharmacy Health Board (CPHB) Committees.

These roles are open to non-owner pharmacists and those in other positions looking to gain experience in service negotiation and policy development.

📍 Vacancies in: Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Forth Valley, Highland, Lanarkshire, Lothian, Tayside, Orkney, Western Isles
📅 Deadline: 7 November 2025
👉 Learn more and apply: https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/applications-open-cphb-associate-members

At Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), our Community Pharmacy Health Board (CPHB) committees are at the forefront of local service negotiation.

14/10/2025

Pharmacist Manager Opportunity at Bucksburn Pharmacy & Health Clinic

Looking for a new challenge in a supportive, innovative pharmacy environment?
Join the team in Bucksburn, Aberdeen and help shape the future of patient care.

🕒 Flexible hours | Permanent contract
💼 Excellent salary, 35 days leave, IP funding, DMP/DPP support

Newly qualified pharmacists welcome.

📅 Apply by 28 October 2025
👉 Visit: https://ow.ly/7ImB50Xarpi

Your local trusted independent pharmacy in Aberdeen. At Bucksburn Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we aim to provide the best services offered by any pharmacy in Aberdeen. Since changing ownership from Lloyds Pharmacy in August 2023 we have expanded our service offering to include ear wax removal, private....

14/10/2025

Important Update for Community Pharmacists

The Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) patches have been extended until 5th December 2025.

Please review the updated guidance and use your professional judgement when applying these protocols.

Full details available here: https://www.cps.scot/latest-news/pcap202522

SSPs for Estradot HRT patches extended to 5 Dec 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel or Estraderm MX. Review updated guidance.

14/10/2025

Community Pharmacy IPs & Trainees: Update Your Details

If you’ve completed or are currently undertaking CPS/NES-funded Independent Prescribing training, please keep your contact details up to date.

This ensures we can send you relevant updates and data to support your prescribing journey.

Fill out the form here: https://ow.ly/hjSS50Xapq6

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.