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Access to potentially life-saving naloxone kits, which reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is being expanded to community pharmacies across Scotland.
All community pharmacies will now hold at least two naloxone kits – either a nasal spray or injectable.
The Emergency Access Naloxone Scheme, which is backed by £300,000 of Scottish Government funding, began yesterday (Monday).
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “Through our National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms, we have invested more than £3 million in widening access to Naloxone, including through our emergency services.
“Police Scotland recently completed a force-wide rollout to 12,500 officers who have used the kits more than 300 times and, according to the most recent statistics, 70% of those who are at risk of opioid overdose are being provided with a lifesaving kit.
“However, we want to do even more. This new nationwide service is a welcome addition to existing services. It provides a substantial increase life-saving emergency access and I’m grateful to all those in community pharmacies who are supporting our £250 million National Mission to reduce drug deaths.
“We’ll also continue to focus on getting more people into the form of treatment and support they need, expand access to residential rehabilitation and drive the rollout of life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards where we are making significant progress.”
Community Pharmacy Scotland incoming CEO Matt Barclay said: “CPS is pleased to have community pharmacy participating in delivering this key role to support a reduction in drug deaths across Scotland.
“It once again sees community pharmacy at the heart of the community, delivering care for the citizens of Scotland.”
Primary care services will remain open during the May public holidays, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has confirmed.
Funded by £8.2 million from the Scottish Government, GP services and community pharmacies have been asked to remain open on the May public holidays, with NHS 24 operating with an increased number of call handlers.
Ms Freeman has praised the response and dedication of healthcare staff across the country who are ensuring people can continue to access services during the pandemic.
Ms Freeman said: “Health and social care staff are already working incredibly hard to look after people during this pandemic, and I want to thank each and every one of them for their ongoing commitment and dedication during this unprecedented time.
“Last month we asked GP services to remain open during the Easter holidays and once again, we have asked them to do the same for the May public holidays.
“Community pharmacies will also be open so they can continue to provide advice and treatment through the extended Minor Ailment Service for minor illnesses and common conditions. We have also taken steps to ensure NHS 24 can continue to meet the increase in demand.”
Dr Andrew Buist, chair of the BMA’s Scottish GP Committee, said: “Practices and out of hours services are working under increased pressure during this pandemic and I am extremely grateful to GPs across Scotland who are all willing to put in the extra work that is needed to help the NHS fight this virus.
“During this unprecedented time, GPs have been asked to keep their practices open over public holidays and, as we have witnessed recently over the Easter weekend, patients have been receptive to these changes and how we have adapted. The BMA was also clear that this needed to be supported by the Scottish Government and we welcome the funding put in place to make this happen.
“It is very important for patients to know their NHS is open for non-COVID-19 related health concerns, and they should always contact their GP if they have any worries. General practice is part of the protective ring around Scotland’s hospital system as we fight this pandemic.
“I am proud of how quickly GPs have responded to these challenging times with flexibility and ingenuity. There is a huge amount of work being put in from the Scottish Government and across the system and we should continue to work together with clear thinking and strong leadership.”
Health advice can be found at NHS Inform.
Extended opening hours to ensure services available
General practices and community pharmacies will remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday to help relieve pressure on out-of-hours services this weekend.
GPs will be open to offer treatment for non-coronavirus (COVID-19) related health issues, where it is safe to do so. Community pharmacies have also been requested to remain open where possible to support the wider efforts of the NHS.
Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are asked to check nhsinform.scot/coronavirus first for advice or dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I want to thank all health and social care staff for their continuing extraordinary efforts as we face this pandemic.
“Given ongoing demand on our NHS, I have taken the unusual step of asking GP practices and community pharmacies to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday – but only if it is safe to do so.
“Working with the Scottish GP Committee of BMA Scotland, the Scottish Government has agreed an additional £15 million to help GP practices meet the costs of responding to COVID-19.
“Part of this will help to cover the cost of remaining open on Good Friday and Easter Monday and the remainder will help to meet other costs being faced by practices during this difficult time. I have also been clear that the Scottish Government will meet any additional costs incurred by community pharmacies to remain open on these bank holidays.
“As always – if you have a critical medical emergency, whether related to coronavirus or not, phone 999.”
NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs MSP has called for Community Pharmacies to become health hubs that will provide a range of services to people in the community. Continue reading Scottish Conservatives call for Community Pharmacies to become health hubs
