PGDS AND EMERGENCY NALOXONE SUPPLY: KEY REMINDERS FOR PHARMACY TEAMS


As community pharmacy services continue to expand across Scotland, it is important that pharmacy teams remain confident and up to date in delivering the growing range of clinical services now available within community pharmacy. Two areas that continue to provide significant benefit to both patients and pharmacies are Pharmacy First PGDs and the Emergency Naloxone Supply Service.


Community pharmacy rarely stands still. With increasing pressure across primary care and more patients turning to pharmacy as their first point of contact, these services are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday practice.


Pharmacy First PGDs


The number of PGDs available under Pharmacy First has grown significantly over recent years, and two further PGDs have recently been added to the list:


Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml (30ml)


Hydrocortisone 1% cream and ointment (15g / 30g)


These sit alongside the existing range of PGDs already available including fexofenadine, beclometasone nasal spray, mometasone nasal spray, flucloxacillin, fusidic acid, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and olopatadine eye drops.


As we move through spring and summer, some of these PGDs become particularly valuable in supporting patients presenting with seasonal conditions such as hayfever and allergic rhinitis. Ensuring pharmacists are signed up to, and familiar with, the available PGDs allows pharmacies to provide timely treatment while also helping reduce pressure on GP practices and urgent care services.


Alongside the patient benefits, these services also continue to demonstrate the growing clinical value community pharmacy brings to the wider NHS. Supplies made under PGDs attract a higher fee compared to standard Pharmacy First consultations, making them an important contributor to both patient care and pharmacy income.


However, the focus should always remain on delivering safe, accessible and appropriate care. Pharmacy teams are often the first healthcare professionals patients speak to and having the ability to assess, advise and supply treatment directly can make a significant difference to patient experience.


The Role of the Wider Pharmacy Team


As Pharmacy First services continue to grow, the role of the wider pharmacy team becomes increasingly important. Good information gathering at the medicines counter often makes the difference between a smooth consultation and a difficult one. Teams should feel confident asking relevant questions, identifying when referral to the pharmacist is required and recognising where Pharmacy First or OTC treatment may be appropriate.


Well completed Pharmacy First consultation forms are also essential. Detailed information gathered at the start of the patient interaction supports clinical decision making, improves record keeping and reduces duplication during the pharmacist consultation itself.


Investing time in training and supporting counter teams remains one of the most effective ways to improve workflow and maximise the benefits of Pharmacy First services within the pharmacy.


Independent Prescribers and PGDs


For pharmacist independent prescribers, there is also increasing emphasis on utilising prescribing qualifications where appropriate rather than relying solely on PGDs. PGDs remain an extremely valuable tool, particularly for non-prescribing pharmacists, but where pharmacists are qualified prescribers there may be opportunities to prescribe directly in line with individual competence and scope of practice.


As prescribing services continue to develop across Scotland, community pharmacy is likely to play an even greater clinical role within primary care pathways.


Emergency Naloxone Supply Service


The Emergency Naloxone Supply Service continues to be a hugely important public health initiative within community pharmacy.


Since its launch in October 2023, every community pharmacy in Scotland has been required to keep naloxone kits available for emergency use in the event of a suspected overdose.


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The service forms part of Scotland’s wider National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms, with community pharmacies playing an important role in improving access to potentially life saving treatment.


Given the ongoing challenges surrounding drug related harm across Scotland, pharmacy teams remain in a unique position to support vulnerable patients within our communities. Accessibility continues to be one of the greatest strengths of community pharmacy, allowing patients to access support, advice and emergency naloxone quickly and without barriers.


It is therefore essential that pharmacies ensure naloxone kits are always available and replaced promptly where they have been used or have expired.


Claims for replacement kits should be processed through the correct UCF services:


• Emergency Naloxone – Administered • Emergency Naloxone – Expired


Where patient details are unavailable, guidance suggests creating a dummy patient record within the PMR system to support claim validation.


NHS Education for Scotland also continues to support pharmacy teams through naloxone training resources and guidance to help ensure confidence in delivering the service.


Continuing to Develop Clinical Services


Both PGDs and naloxone supply demonstrate how community pharmacy continues to evolve beyond traditional dispensing roles.


Pharmacies continue to deliver increasingly important clinical and public health services within local communities, helping improve patient access to care while reducing wider NHS pressures.


As services continue to expand, maintaining strong communication, ongoing training and confidence across the whole pharmacy team will remain essential.


Community pharmacy teams continue to play an incredibly important role across Scotland, and the continued success of these services reflects the professionalism, adaptability and commitment seen across pharmacies every day.


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