Pharmacy First Plus – Common Clinical Conditions (CCC)
The core use of the Independent Prescribing qualification in the Community Pharmacy setting will be for the management of acute common clinical conditions, which is beyond the scope of the standard NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, and would otherwise require onward referral to another healthcare professional.
Information on Pharmacy First Plus arrangements is contained in PCA (P)(2020)16 and PCA (P)(2025) 24
The pharmacist should ensure they have completed the following;
- Must be a qualified Independent Prescriber
- Two day NES Clinical Skills course*
- One day NES consultation skills course*
- One day Common Clinical Conditions and/or Teach & Treat*
- Further information regarding Teach & Treat available at attending a NES Pharmacy Teach and Treat Hub for Common Clinical Conditions (you’ll need to log in to Turas to view).
- Deliver the service for a minimum of 25 hours per week for a minimum of 45 weeks a year if claiming the base payment.
*within the first two years of this service being provided
Conditions may include (but are not limited to):
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
- Ear, nose and throat
- Dermatological presentations
- Allergies
- Eye infections (in conjunction with local optometry services)
The service includes the assessment and treatment of acute common clinical conditions which are within the competencies of the PIP providing the service. Prescribing under the Pharmacy First Plus service should always be in line with the NHS Forth Valley Formulary.
Getting Started as an IP
· Please read the below papers & complete where necessary;
- CPIP Introductory Summary
- Common Clinical Conditions
- Competency Framework
- Self-declaration form for funding
Process to follow once qualified as an IP
- You must be officially qualified as an IP before completing paperwork · Please refer to flow chart with contact details for prescription pads; Independent Prescriber Process to Follow once Qualified
Ordering Prescription Pads
- If you have ordered prescription pads in the past & already have an IP code, please contact fv.pharmacyadmin@nhs.scot to place an order. Please state your full name, GPhC number & IP code
- Please send the email from your NHS email account, we will not accept orders from e.g. google mail, etc · Information on how to request prescription pads and the ordering process; Ordering Prescription Pads
Prescription Pads Order & Delivery Dates (2026/27)
- Prescription pads can take 4-6 weeks to print, as they are printed centrally, NHS Forth Valley have no control over this
- NHS Forth Valley cannot deliver prescription pads to you, instead you must collect in person, along with a valid ID (passport or drivers licence) · View upcoming ordering and delivery schedules; Prescription Order/Delivery Dates 2026/27
Keeping Your Prescription Pads Secure
- Guidance on the secure storage of prescription pads & procedures for any prescription pads that are e.g lost or stolen, can be found here; Keeping your Prescription Pad Safe
Independent Prescribers moving to a different pharmacy within NHS Forth Valley
- Independent Prescribers who are moving to a different pharmacy within NHS Forth Valley must notify the health board by emailing: fv.pharmacyadmin@nhs.scot
- You can use the same prescription pads, however you must notify us as this helps ensure prescribing records and associated documentation can be updated appropriately.
Withdrawing from Pharmacy First Plus Service
- If you wish to withdraw from the Pharmacy First Plus service, please complete the following form: Withdraw from Pharmacy First Plus · In addition, you must notify the health board by emailing: fv.pharmacyadmin@nhs.scot
- This helps ensure prescribing records and associated documentation can be updated appropriately.
- You must then return unused prescription pads in person to the Pharmacy department, NHS Forth Valley, these will then be documented & destroyed in keeping with the NSS policy
Independent Prescribers Leaving NHS Forth Valley
- Independent Prescribers who are leaving NHS Forth Valley must notify the health board by emailing: fv.pharmacyadmin@nhs.scot
- This helps ensure prescribing records and associated documentation can be updated appropriately.
- You must then return unused prescription pads in person to the Pharmacy department, NHS Forth Valley, these will then be documented & destroyed in keeping with the policy