On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.

We would like to apologise for the confusion and disruption experienced during the courier collection on Thursday 8th of January 2026.

Our colleagues at Scottish Government have asked us to highlight the recall of specific SMA formula products and, importantly, the associated advice for healthcare teams - please see the attached information sheet for more detail.

Community Pharmacy Scotland will host the next Independent Prescribers meeting on Thursday 5th February 2026. If any independent prescribers in Scotland are planning to attend and have any items you would like to add to the agenda please email us.

The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.

Our colleagues at Scottish Government have launched he Mind to Mind campaign which encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing. In this article you will find campaign resources that will help you spread the word within your community.

This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.

Our 2026 Manifesto calls for investment in infrastructure and integration to enable community pharmacies to deliver life-changing services.

UK pharmacy legislation update: pharmacists can now authorise handing out checked and bagged prescriptions when absent.

If you are a CP Employee starting your CPS/NES Funded IP Course in Jan 2026 at RGU or Strathclyde University, please make sure you have completed and returned the form sent to you by CPS during December.

We are currently reviewing future budgets and training capacity requirements for CPS/NES Funded Employee CPIP Training. To do this, we need a clear picture of how many CP employees in the network have not yet completed their training.

Important update on courier bag changes for prescription collections. Read carefully to avoid delays and ensure correct handling.

Clear guidance on interpreting Varenicline PGD wording from NHS Circular PCP(P)(2025)06 to ensure continuity of supply and patient care.

Review of adjusted prices for January 2026. One line stabilised; continue reporting shortages to help negotiations with Public Health Scotland.

For New Year the office will be closed on 1st and 2nd January 2026 with normal office hours resuming on Monday, 5th January 2026.

Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 8th January 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.

SSP 086 for Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops is active 19 Dec 2025–6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.

SSP 085 for Nifedipine 60mg tablets is active from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.

Serious Shortage Protocol for nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg MR tablets in effect from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Full guidance for pharmacists.