News Non-pharmacological interventions should be first step in managing chronic pain, guidance says The Scottish government has recommended that clinicians should offer non-pharmacological resources as part of personalised pain management plans, which may also include pharmacological management.…Published: 25 March 2026
News Scottish Parliament votes against assisted dying bill amid concerns over pharmacist protections The bill was rejected by 69 votes to 57, after several MSPs cited concerns about the lack of safeguards for healthcare professionals who do not wish to participate in assisted dying.…Published: 18 March 2026
News RPS opposes Scottish assisted dying bill after protections for pharmacists removed The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has expressed concern that the final draft of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill removes a “conscience clause”, which would protect pharmacists who choose not to participate in assisted dying.…Published: 16 March 2026
News RPS announces results of 2026 elections to national pharmacy advisory councils The Royal Pharmaceutical Society members successfully elected eight pharmacists in England and six pharmacists in Wales to positions on the inaugural Royal College of Pharmacy National Advisory Councils.…Published: 13 March 2026
News National pharmacy board meetings: February 2026 A summary from the final meetings of the national pharmacy boards before the Society’s transition to become the Royal College of Pharmacy.…Published: 13 March 2026
News Privy Council approves Royal Charter changes The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will become the Royal College of Pharmacy on 15 April 2026 following King Charles III’s approval.…Published: 12 March 2026
News Government pledges support for more safer drug consumption facilities in ten-year alcohol and drug strategy The Scottish government's alcohol and drugs strategic plan for 2026–2035 also sets out plans to further expand the distribution of naloxone, including through community pharmacies.…Published: 11 March 2026
News Primary care pharmacists should carry out structured medication reviews ‘at least annually’ The updated Scottish government guidance, which builds on guidelines published in 2018, also says pharmacists should consider home visits for house-bound individuals to reduce the potential for accumulation of medicines.…Published: 3 March 2026
News RPS backs consensus statement on assisted dying protections for clinicians in Scotland In a letter to the Scottish government, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has expressed concern that conscientious objection could be removed from the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.…Published: 24 February 2026
News Students from 24 out of 28 pharmacy schools applied for a bursary in 2025 Since the launch of its student bursary scheme in 2014, Pharmacist Support has awarded 103 bursaries totalling more than £300,000.…Published: 3 February 2026
