As a result of the responses to the consultation the RPSGB has decided to hold a ballot on the proposed changes to the royal charter.

Voting opens on the proposed changes to the Charter of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain on Monday 22^nd June and closes on Monday 20^th July. Community Pharmacy Scotland encourages all members to vote on the proposed changes.

Departments  of Health Briefing on GPhc Developments
An update letter has been released by the Departments of Health on GPhC.

The letter is also supported by a Key Facts document.

The update confirms that only those registered with the GPhC will be able to call themselves 'pharmacists'.  GPhC will not maintain a non-practising register.

Further information on standards will be consulted upon in due course.

Strand F Exceptional Circumstances Exemption Reporting

The Strand F contract preparation payment timeframe was completed on the 1st of June.  During the three months of this contract preparation payment Community Pharmacy Scotland has heard many reports of difficulties contractors have had in achieving any payment for this strand.

Some of these difficulties are totally out with the contractors control for example a non e-enabled GP surgery.  Community Pharmacy Scotland is keen to collate information centrally to populate a report for discussion with the Scottish Government.

If you feel you were unable to claim the full 60% payment due to circumstances outside your control please complete this Strand F Exceptional Issues Proforma and return it to Community Pharmacy Scotland.

Fax:  0131 467 7767
E-mail:  malcolm.clubb@communitypharmacyscotland.org.uk

The National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2009
On the 18th May the Scottish Government laid updated Pharmaceutical Services regulations in the Scottish Parliament.  These regulations encompass all the amendments to the (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 since their inception.

Provisions have also been made in the regulations to support introduction of the Chronic Medication Service and the introduction of the requirement for Health Boards to take reasonable steps to consult on applications to the Pharmaceutical List with persons to whom pharmaceutical services may be provided as a result of that application.