Numark chairman Harry McQuillan has said a pledge by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney during a speech he gave in Edinburgh yesterday to expand Pharmacy First was “a pivotal moment for community pharmacy and wider NHS.”

In his talk on improving public services and NHS renewal at the National Robotarium, Swinney said the Scottish government is keen to take pressure off GPs by introducing “a greater number of clinical conditions.”

He did not provide any details on what new conditions might be introduced to the service which already has an extensive list. Independent Community Pharmacist has contacted the Scottish government for comment.

Welcoming his announcement, McQuillan insisted expansion had the “potential to reshape the way primary care is delivered in Scotland and underscores the critical role of community pharmacies in improving public health outcomes.”

However, he cautioned any expansion must be underpinned by funding and called for “a portion” of the £21 billion the government has earmarked for health and social care in 2025-26 to support that expansion.

“Investment in training, infrastructure, and workforce development is essential to maximise the impact of these services,” McQuillan told Independent Community Pharmacist.

'Fully integrate' community pharmacy into NHS digitisation plans

He also urged the government to “fully integrate” community pharmacy into its plans to increase digitisation in the NHS.

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

“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.”

Insisting the health service will have a “digital front door,” Swinney said the government was determined to improve patients’ interaction with the health service by introducing a “Scottish health and social care app.”

He also said the government will build on digital support for mental health in areas such as dermatology and management of long-term conditions.

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

“As these plans unfold, the community pharmacy sector stands ready to rise to the challenge and build on meaningful change for the people of Scotland.”