COMMUNITY PHARMACY SCOTLAND CORNER


Introducing the Community Pharmacy Scotland: Scottish Drug Tariff Price Reporter


Following recent feedback from pharmacy teams across Scotland, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) have updated the shortage reporting tool and given it a new name: the Scottish Drug Tariff Price Reporter.


The change follows a survey of pharmacy teams, which found that many users primarily use the tool to report medicines that are available only at prices above the Drug Tariff. The new name better reflects the tool's purpose and makes it clearer what information is being reported.


Alongside the name change, CPS have simplified the reporting process. Feedback highlighted that the tool could be time-consuming to complete, particularly when pharmacy teams are already dealing with medicine supply challenges and pricing pressures. To address this, CPS have removed several questions and reduced the amount of information required when submitting a report.


The aim is to make reporting quicker and easier, while still collecting the evidence needed to support discussions around Drug Tariff pricing and reimbursement with the Scottish Government.


Reports submitted through the Scottish Drug Tariff Price Reporter help build a picture of the challenges pharmacy teams face when sourcing medicines at Drug Tariff prices. This evidence continues to support the work CPS undertakes on behalf of community pharmacy contractors across Scotland.


Community Pharmacy Scotland Supports Blood Bikes Scotland


Community Pharmacy Scotland is proud to have Blood Bikes Scotland and its Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB) affiliated groups as its charity partner for 2025/26, a partnership that puts the spotlight on one of the NHS's most vital yet under-recognised services.


Blood Bikes Scotland, alongside Highlands & Islands Blood Bikes, Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes and North East Rider Volunteers, provides a free, 24/7 rapid-response medical transport service across the country. Their remit, set out by NABB, is nothing less than "the advancement of health and the saving of lives." That means volunteer riders and drivers transporting blood, blood products, specimens, medications (including controlled drugs), documents and small pieces of medical equipment between hospitals, GP surgeries, community pharmacy, patients' homes and care facilities, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. Whether it's the middle of a summer afternoon or the depths of a winter night, these volunteers are on call, ready to step in when time critical deliveries simply cannot wait for standard transport routes.


What makes the service so amazing is that it is entirely volunteer run. Every single person involved, from the riders and drivers to those co-ordinating dispatch and fundraising, gives their time freely. Every penny raised goes directly towards purchasing and maintaining the fleet


of specialist motorcycles and cars; there are no salaries and no administrative overheads. Over the years, the four groups have collectively saved the NHS several million pounds, funds that can then be directed back into frontline patient care rather than transport logistics.


For community pharmacy, the connection is a natural one. Many members will already recognise these volunteers, with their distinctive high-visibility bikes and cars, as familiar faces at their own pharmacy counters. Many of the medicines and blood products dispensed in community pharmacies across Scotland have, at some point, been carried by a Blood Bikes volunteer. It is a quiet but essential link in the supply chain that pharmacy teams rely on every day, often without giving it a second thought.


Here at CPS, we have a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual Charity Golf Day to help support our charity partner. The Golf Day sees many of our network come together to enjoy a round of golf, talk pharmacy and, most importantly, fundraise for a great cause. It has become a real


highlight of the CPS calendar, giving members a chance to catch up with colleagues from across the network while contributing to a cause that benefits patients right across Scotland. If you are interested in taking part, either by entering a team of four or sponsoring one of our packages, please get in touch at enquiries@cps.scot.


"What makes the service so amazing is that it is entirely volunteer run."


CPS is asking anyone that is able to spread the word, whether that's sharing Blood Bikes Scotland's story, donating to their cause, or simply starting a conversation about the vital role these volunteers play. As a charity that saves the NHS money while saving lives, and one whose work often intersects with community pharmacy, Blood Bikes Scotland is a cause community pharmacy is uniquely placed to champion and every pound raised or story shared helps keep that work going.


To donate, or to find out more, visit bloodbikesscotland.org.


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