Thursday 5th November 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.

• Winter Inhaler Use Review Scheme - supporting patients with respiratory conditions through targeted inhaler reviews.
• Extended Rota Provision Scheme - supporting additional community pharmacy access during the winter period.

• Winter Inhaler Use Review Scheme, please complete the EOI form by 8 November 2026.
• Extended Rota Provision Scheme, please complete the EOI form by 5 November 2026.

If you have not already done so, please ensure you have completed the survey by the deadline of Saturday 14 November 2026.  

Accessing the Survey:

• Pharmacies will be able to access the online survey through the NHS Business Services Authority's Manage you service (MYS) system.
• You can also access the online survey through the following link, odsdatasearchandexport.nhs.uk and login using your pharmacy ODS code (which can be searched for on the NHS ODS Data Search and Export system)
• Details on how to complete the survey can be found here Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026

Please note in accordance with the Terms of Service it is a requirement for all contractors to complete the annual community pharmacy workforce survey.

If you have any queries regarding the survey, please contact pharmacysupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

The UK pharmacy research advisory group (PRAG) has launched a new strategy to boost pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ involvement and leadership in research, as too few currently lead or deliver studies despite their vital NHS role.

The strategy focuses on building research skills and leadership, strengthening organisational support, fostering a research-positive culture, and embracing digital innovation. It aims to embed research as a core, accessible part of every pharmacy career, improving research equity and patient outcomes, professional development and the UK’s wider research and life sciences ambitions.

The strategy is hosted by NHS England on behalf of PRAG and covers all four nations.

Multiple responsibilities, high workloads and changing pharmacy landscapes can make prioritising wellbeing feel like the last thing on the list. But, as the saying goes, we must put our own safety mask on first before we’re able to meaningfully support others. In this downloadable wellbeing pack from Pharmacist Support, you’ll find a range of support to help you tackle daily stresses, manage finances and improve wellbeing through the act of giving. You can download the pack here.

They have also produced a podcast which can be viewed here.

Together Devon, in conjunction with Community Pharmacy Devon, are delighted to deliver the annual community pharmacy substance use training evening on 11th November 2026.

This year the focus will be on the effects of ketamine and what you can do in the pharmacy to support people using ketamine alongside recognising symptoms of ketamine use.

The session will also allow community pharmacy colleagues to ask questions to support their work.

Training will take place on the 11th November 2026.

You can book a place here.

How is your Pharmacy Faring on the Eve of Winter?

Calling all pharmacy owners across Devon. Please take part in Community Pharmacy England's latest sector poll.

The negotiator wants to know what impact the 2026/27 funding settlement has had on your costs and how ready you feel for the demands of winter.

⏰ Deadline: 11.59pm on Monday 16th November. Share your views now.

Please see a link to the CPE newsletter here.

The first national pathway and decision-making tool for the care of patients presenting with headache symptoms is now available online supporting GP teams and pharmacy colleagues to offer good headache management and care.

NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme has worked with a large multidisciplinary group to develop the interactive standardised pathway, which is co-badged by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Pharmacy. 

The simple format guides GPs, pharmacists and pharmacy counter staff through assessment, management and treatment options (where appropriate), based on national standards and best evidence. The GIRFT national online headache pathway can be accessed via the GIRFT website. 

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!

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