IN FOCUS
Three New NPA Insurance Services Rolled in at No Extra Charge
We’re delighted to remind you that from January 2026, NPA Insurance no longer charges for providing cover for phlebotomy, ear irrigation and cryotherapy.
This enhancement reflects NPA's continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of community pharmacy as it moves into a more clinical sphere, offering more private and NHS services to patients. In addition, our professional indemnity policy covers members for Pharmacy First, all vaccinations and Patient Group Directions including weight loss.
NPA MSP Engagement Pack
With the Scottish Parliament now returned, it’s time to influence the new generation of MSPs and show them what a vital role you play in your community.
We’ve put together some simple guides which cover getting in touch with newly elected or re-elected MSPs and inviting them to your pharmacy to show them what you and your team can do. It’s early days for new MSPs and they are keen to be seen to be listening to their constituents – have your say.
UK COMMUNITY PHARMACIES: AN INDISPENSABLE HEALTH ASSET
Local pharmacies are a valuable part of the health system and play a significant role in keeping pressure off GPs and hospitals by providing a range of healthcare services such as urgent care, vaccinations, support with long-term conditions and treating common illnesses.
Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals based at the heart of communities across the UK, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods, with the majority of the population visiting them each year. Pharmacies dispense over 1 billion prescription items each year as part of their core role, making it the biggest intervention in the healthcare system valued by the public.
The National Pharmacy Association believes there are huge opportunities for community pharmacy to deliver greatly
expanded services for patients. From 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers, which provides a great opportunity to commission prescribing-based clinical services for patients. The profession can do so much more, with the right investment, to tackle public health problems and take pressure off other parts of the health service. Investing in local pharmacies will help to cut GP waiting times and relieve pressure on hospitals and A&E departments. However, we cannot unleash our sector’s potential without additional investment.
Building on the existing portfolio of services and the medicines supply function of pharmacies, there are some major opportunities to expand pharmacy services, encompassing prevention, medicines optimisation, long-term medical conditions, and urgent care.
February 2026
JANICE OMAN Scotland Representation Manager
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Business Calculator for Scottish NPA Members
We have produced a calculator to assist members in estimating business profitability using NHS revenue, locally commissioned and private services value.
The calculator will also track monthly business costs and see how the business changes in 2026 will impact business.
NPA Member Forum
Our Scottish member forum is on June 3 at Inchyra Hotel, Falkirk, where we will have open discussion on what is important to community pharmacy decision makers. NPA member owners, directors and superintendents, please register at
portal.npa.co.uk/npaportal/s/events
Our Commitment to Your Future as Prescribers
We believe that community pharmacists should be empowered to deliver clinical care directly from the heart of their communities, improving patient access and reducing pressure on GPs.
That’s why NPA members can access webinars, workshops and a wide range of practical resources, as well as phoning our in house experts for advice.
Naturally we work in collaboration with our colleagues in NPA Insurance, who provide learnings from prescribing incidents and professional indemnity issues.
Our vision is a future where independent prescribing in community pharmacy is not just an add on, but a core function of community pharmacy, delivering accessible, highly clinical, high quality care to patients in their neighbourhoods.
To support your prescribing, please go to our Membership Hub and search ‘prescribing’.
We recently held the second of our virtual series of webinars for Scottish prescribers looking at risk assessment.
To view the recording contact NPA Scotland Representation Manager
j.oman@
npa.co.uk
Community Pharmacy and General Practice Conference (21-22 June)
NPA members from across the UK are welcome to attend our two day community pharmacy and general practice conference, ‘Powering Neighbourhood Health Together’. This event will bring together pharmacists and GPs to forge closer working ties across primary care. Register for free now!
Supervision
Following the new pharmacy supervision legislation that came into effect from January 7, 2026, we have updated our SOPs, “Operating in the absence of the RP when signed in” and “Handing out dispensed prescriptions”. Scan the QR code to view.
Join our WhatsApp community!
We’ve launched a WhatsApp community for NPA members in Scotland. Designed to make it easier for you to connect with other members, share experiences and access timely updates from NPA.
Scan the QR code or sign up here to benefit from personalised direct updates without delay.
scotpharm.com 5
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