Will Scottish Government‘s programme for government improve care?
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced plans to develop community pharmacy as part of her programme for government for the coming year.
This will include extending the minor ailment service so that it is available to everyone, encouraging people to go directly to the pharmacy rather than seeing their GP first, and improving the chronic medication service.
Community Pharmacy Scotland said it would be working with the Scottish Government on how to implement the move.
Ms Sturgeon also pledged to publish an NHS waiting times improvement plan setting out short and medium-term actions to improve performance across health services, and action to improve mental health. A £250m mental health investment will include a greater focus on perinatal mental health, dedicated mental health counsellors in schools, and an additional 250 school nurses to provide support for young people and their families.
The programme for government also pledges to accelerate efforts to ensure that health and social care integration translates into positive change for every community.
Further information
Scottish Government: Programme for government
Community Pharmacy Scotland: Government commits to developing pharmacy services