Funding crucial to drive Scotland Pharmacy First expansion – Numark

Harry McQuillan believes expanding Pharmacy First will empower pharmacists to deliver comprehensive care directly to patients 

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.

“For this ambition to be fully realised, a portion of the increased funding announced by the First Minister must be allocated to support this expansion,” he said.

He emphasised that investment in training, infrastructure, and workforce development is essential to maximise the impact of these services.

Swinney confirmed that a greater proportion of new NHS funding will be directed toward primary and community care.

Additionally, the first minister said that they will focus on modernising healthcare delivery through digitisation.

He announced the launch of Scotland’s 'Digital Front Door' platform by the end of 2025, a health and social care app designed to enhance access to and delivery of care.

McQuillan emphasised that fully integrating community pharmacies into these digital advancements is crucial.

“From electronic prescriptions to shared patient records, digitisation offers the potential to streamline workflows, improve patient safety, and enhance collaboration between healthcare professionals.

“By investing in the digital capabilities of community pharmacies, we can create a more cohesive and efficient healthcare system that benefits both patients and practitioners,” he stated.

Swinney’s vision for the NHS is one that is innovative, inclusive, and patient-focused, and McQuillan said that community pharmacy is uniquely positioned to play a central role in this renewal.

“With the right investment and policy support, we can ensure that community pharmacies are not just contributors but leaders in delivering the next generation of healthcare in Scotland,” he noted.

“By expanding Pharmacy First, advancing independent prescribing, and embracing digitisation, we can build a healthcare system that is fit for the future,” he added.

McQuillan reaffirmed Numark’s commitment to collaborating with the Scottish government and other healthcare stakeholders to turn this vision into reality.