Community pharmacists in Scotland have been working with their new contract since April 2006. The contract is effectively a single tier, consisting of four core services that all community pharmacists must provide.
Structure of the contract
The main part is the four core services, namely, the Minor Ailment Service (eMAS), the Acute Medication Service (eAMS), the Chronic Medication Service (eCMS) and the Public Health Service.
Key guide to compliance
A quick summary of what you need for eMAS, eAMS and eCMS compliance:
- Connection to N3
- PC running windows 2000 or XP Professional
- Dual bin laser printer
- Compliant PMR software
- Digital Certificate
- Appropriate barcode scanner(s)
Minor Ailment Service (eMAS)
Through the Minor Ailment Service (eMAS) patients who are exempt from prescription charges are able to have minor conditions treated free of charge by their pharmacy. To use the service, patients will have to register with a pharmacy. This service is enabled by an electronic patient registration system where each patient is assigned their own unique Community Health Index (CHI) number.
Acute Medication Service (eAMS)
The Acute Medication Service (eAMS) continues to allow patients who have a prescription for an acute condition to present it at the pharmacy of their choice. The pharmacist scans the prescription which is downloaded to the PMR system from the Prescription Message Service (PMS). Payment for this service is structured as a monthly flat payment with a per-item-dispensed supplement.
Chronic Medication Service (eCMS)
The Chronic Medication Service (eCMS) also requires patients to register with a pharmacy. The service will enable a pharmacist to manage a patient's long-term medication for up to 12 months. The pharmacist will host a regular consultation with the patient to discuss the management of the patient’s medicines and appliances.
Public Health Service (PHS)
Within the public health service (PHS), pharmacies will provide information on public health issues and create public health window displays. They will be expected to participate in national and local public health campaigns.
Additional services
On top of the core contract, provision of additional services will be agreed locally. However, the service specification and payment tariff will be negotiated nationally, although health boards can modify these if they require "extras". Service specifications currently being developed cover oxygen supply, harm reduction services, care home services, out-of-hours services and waste collection.
