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Community Pharmacy Devon Weekly Dose 💊

Thursday 23rd July 2026

 

Welcome to your weekly injection of local and national pharmacy news. As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please contact us by email at admin@cpdevon.org.uk.
 

New WhatsApp Community Group for all Contractors - Please Sign Up and Get Involved!

Community Pharmacy Devon has created a new WhatsApp community group for all contractors and pharmacy team members across Devon. It's a place where we can keep you updated on training and relevant events, along with advice and guidance, and members can discuss all things pharmacy with each other.

 

We've already had a large number of you signing up but the more the merrier so please ensure that you get involved by clicking here or scanning the QR code below!
 

Access the Devon and Cornwall Care Record

The Devon and Cornwall Care Record (DCCR) gives authorised healthcare professionals access to a shared patient record, helping improve clinical decision-making and providing safer, more coordinated care. It brings together information from a range of health and care organisations across the region.

 

Community pharmacy contractors can access the DCCR free of charge, provided they meet the technical requirements, including having a static IP address.

 

What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is a fixed internet address that does not change. Think of it as a permanent postcode for your pharmacy's internet connection, allowing NHS systems to securely recognise and authorise access from your premises.

 

If your pharmacy is interested in accessing the DCCR, check with your internet provider whether you have a static IP address and contact the DCCR team for onboarding support at rcht.dccrsupport@nhs.net

 

Please remember if you are part of a larger organisation to your field team to discuss this opportunity further.
 

PQS

Pharmacy owners have until 11.59pm on Tuesday 28th July 2026 to claim an optional Aspiration payment under the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2026/27.

Those wishing to claim should review the PQS requirements and submit their intended domains via the NHSBSA Manage Your Service (MYS) portal. Aspiration payments will be made on 1st September 2026.

 

Read more about the scheme and how to claim here.
 

2026/27 Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) Screening Questionnaire
Just over 52% of community pharmacy owners have completed the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) screening questionnaire, with less than two weeks left to complete.  

Pharmacy owners who have not yet responded to the questionnaire are encouraged to ensure they do so by Friday, 31st July 2026. You can complete it here.
 

Help Shape Future NHS Digital Services  

Community pharmacy owners and teams are invited to contribute to the NHS Single Patient Record (SPR) research programme. 
 
This is an opportunity to help shape the development of future NHS digital services and ensure the pharmacy perspective is reflected in system design to support clinical care and service delivery. Participants will be asked about the information they need to support patients, challenges in accessing records, and what is most important for safe clinical decision-making. 
 
The research involves a one-hour informal interview with the SPR design team. To register your interest, complete the 1-minute IT signup form and select 'SPR' in Question 6 ('Topic'). Expressions of interest for SPR participation will be accepted for a short period (timings to be confirmed).
 
For further information, contact da@cpe.org.uk. 
 

Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2026
The results of the Pharmacy Pressures Survey have now been published, evidencing the continuing financial strain on community pharmacies and the growing impact on patient care. Based on responses from more than 2,900 pharmacy owners and 900 pharmacy team members, the findings provide further evidence of the urgent need for a sustainable future for the sector.
 
The Community Pharmacy England Chief Executive Janet Morrison called the results a clear warning to Government, and the survey results have attracted national media attention and coverage over the past week or so helping to raise awareness of the challenges facing community pharmacy.
Pharmacy and owners and LPCs can help raise awareness of the challenges facing the sector using our range of resources which include:
  • Animation
  • Infographic
  • MP Briefing Note
  • Local MP Engagement Guide
  • Media Interviews Guide
  • Social Media Guide
Please help amplify the messages by sharing the social media posts and using the campaign resources that CPE has published. The Secretariat team at the LPC has written a briefing for all of our Devon MPs but please do contact your local MPs yourselves to highlight the ongoing pressures that your pharmacy and patients are facing.
 

Positive News Stories
 

Growing Demand Highlights the Value of Community Pharmacy Services

The NHSBSA data demonstrates a significant increase in patients accessing services through community pharmacies over the course of the year.

 

Activity rose from 590 consultations in July 2025 to 2,935 in March 2026, representing an overall increase of 397%.

 

The steady growth seen across this period indicates that more patients are choosing to access care through their local pharmacy, recognising the convenience, accessibility and quality of the support available. Despite a small seasonal dip in February, activity quickly recovered to reach the highest level recorded in March.

 

This sustained uplift demonstrates that community pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role in supporting patient access to valued healthcare services. The growing numbers reflect both increasing public awareness and confidence in pharmacy-led care, helping patients receive timely advice and treatment while reducing pressure on other parts of the NHS.
 

If you have a positive news story to share with us please send it to admin@cpdevon.org.uk and it will be featured in an upcoming edition of the review. If featured, you will also win a surprise gift for you and your team up to the value of £25!
 

COMMUNITY PHARMACY DEVON SECRETARIAT TEAM

Click the name you need to email them directly:
Chief Officer - Sue Taylor Business Support - Kathryn Jones Service Engagement - Leah Wolf Director of Strategy - David Bearman Business Support - Sascha Snowman Project Pharmacist - Kelly Holman Devon LPC Secretariat, Room 16, Partridge House, A38, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7TW Telephone: 01392 719604

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