NEWS
PHARMACY FIRST EXPANSION A ‘PIVOTAL MOMENT’ FOR NHS REFORM IN SCOTLAND, SAYS NUMARK CHAIRMAN
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, has pledged to expand the Pharmacy First service - an announcement described by Harry McQuillan, Chairman of Numark, as a “pivotal moment for community pharmacy and the wider NHS.”
Speaking at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh as part of his address on NHS renewal and public service reform, the First Minister described community pharmacy as an “essential partner” in modernising Scotland’s healthcare landscape. While specific details around the new clinical conditions to be included in the expanded service have yet to be confirmed, the direction of travel is clear: pharmacists will play a central role in the future of primary care.
McQuillan welcomed the announcement, saying, “This step has the potential to reshape the way primary care is delivered in Scotland and underscores the critical role of community pharmacies in improving public health outcomes.”
He highlighted that Pharmacy First has already proven to be a cornerstone of accessible,
community-based care, offering fast, high-quality interventions that alleviate pressure on GP surgeries and emergency departments. The planned expansion, he said, goes far beyond burden reduction - it represents a fundamental shift in how and where patients access clinical care.
However, McQuillan also called for funding to match ambition. With £21 billion earmarked for health and social care in Scotland’s 2025–26 budget, he urged the government to ensure that a portion is directed toward supporting the service’s expansion. “Investment in training, infrastructure, and workforce development is essential to maximise the impact of these services,” he stressed.
Another key pillar of the First Minister’s vision is the digitisation of NHS services, including plans to develop a Scottish health and social care app and enhance digital support for long-term conditions and mental health. McQuillan praised this direction but warned that community pharmacy must be fully integrated into these plans to ensure true system-wide transformation. “From electronic prescriptions to
shared patient records, digitisation offers the potential to streamline workflows, improve patient safety, and enhance collaboration between healthcare professionals,” he said. “By investing in the digital capabilities of community pharmacies, we can create a more cohesive and efficient healthcare system that benefits both patients and practitioners.”
THE THISTLE: SCOTLAND’S FIRST SAFER DRUG CONSUMPTION FACILITY RECORDS OVER 1,000 VISITS IN FIRST SEVEN WEEKS
Glasgow’s pioneering safer drug consumption facility, The Thistle, has recorded over 1,000 visits by 143 individuals since its official opening on 13 January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s approach to harm reduction and drug-related healthcare.
Operated by the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), The Thistle is the first legally approved drug consumption room in the UK, backed by £2 million in annual government funding.
Within its first seven weeks, nursing staff supervised over 700 injecting episodes, with substances used including heroin, cocaine, or both.
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scottishpharmacist.com
PHARMACIST SUPPORT LAUNCHES 2025 STUDENT ACTNOW CAMPAIGN
Pharmacist Support has launched its 2025 Student ACTNow campaign, encouraging pharmacy students to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing throughout their academic and professional journey.
Timed to launch on University Mental Health Day, Thursday 13 March, the campaign offers free, year-round wellbeing support through resources tailored to every stage of a pharmacy student’s journey - from preparing for exams, becoming trainee pharmacists, to navigating their transition into registered pharmacy professionals, independent prescribers and beyond.
While several medical emergencies have occurred on-site, all individuals affected have recovered, thanks to rapid intervention by staff, with support from the Scottish Ambulance Service where required. Each case received follow-up harm reduction and clinical support.
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said the campaign aims to ensure no student faces challenges alone. Sponsored by the PDA and Boots, the initiative provides free wellbeing content to empower the next generation of pharmacists.
Harry McQuillan
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