Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 (“the 1995 Regulations”), which govern the arrangements to be made by Health Boards for the provision in their area of pharmaceutical services under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

Part II amends the 1995 Regulations to reflect the power of the NHS Tribunal to suspend a pharmacist or to declare a pharmacist not fit to be engaged in any capacity in the provision of pharmaceutical services. The terms of service for pharmacists are amended to prevent the employment of pharmacists in relation to whom such a declaration is in force. The amendments also provide for payments to suspended pharmacists.

Part III requires pharmacists to set up and operate (in accordance with the Regulations) a complaints procedure at each of their premises, and to cooperate with any investigation of a complaint by a Health Board in accordance with its procedures.

Part IV makes minor amendments in connection with pharmaceutical discipline committees.