Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, has announced the expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First Service as part of the government’s strategy to shift more care into communities.
However, Numark chairman Harry McQuillan has stressed the need for additional funding to support this expansion effectively.
Speaking at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh on 27 January 2025, Swinney outlined the government’s plans for enhancing public services and renewing the NHS, promising a significant boost in NHS Scotland’s capacity
to reduce waiting times.
Recognising the importance of identifying new approaches, Swinney underscored the critical role of community pharmacies in easing pressure on GP services.
He said: “I want to see the NHS Scotland Pharmacy First Service expand so that community pharmacies can treat a greater number of clinical conditions and prevent the need for a GP visit in the first place.”
McQuillan welcomed the announcement, stating that this advancement will “empower pharmacists to provide even greater value, leveraging their clinical expertise to deliver comprehensive care directly to patients.”
However, he noted that the sector should be provided with extra funding to support this expansion.