NHS Lothian advice on signing PGDs can be found at Community pharmacy process for NHS Lothian PGDs. This outlines which part of the PGD you should sign depending on your job role. If you are unsure of how to complete a PGD, an example can be found here.
Following a review of processes and procedures in October 2023, it has been agreed that NHS Lothian no longer require Pharmacists to return signed copies of PGDs to NHS Lothian Contracts office (PCCO). Going forward, you must sign the PGD and retain your copy as per professional and legal requirements, but there is no need to send it to the Health Board. This includes both national and local NHS Lothian PGDs.
The PGD Library – October 2026
A new PGD Library has been created where all signed PGD versions may be easily accessed, as well as all up-to-date supporting documents.
Access to the PGD Library is restricted to GPhC-registered professionals working within NHS Lothian community pharmacies. You will need to request access stating your full name, workplace and GPhC registration number so that we can verify your eligibility. Please allow up to 48 hours for us to review your request.
Assessment and Supporting Documents for PGDs
| Chlamydia | Chlamydia Assessment Form |
| Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) | EHC Assessment Form Weight Conversion Chart Height Conversion Chart |
| Hayfever | Hayfever Patient Assessment and GP Notification Form |
| Oral Thrush | Nystatin Assessment and GP Notification Form v1.1 |
| Skin Infections | Flucloxacillin Assessment and GP Referral Form v2 |
| Hydrocortisone Cream | Hydrocortisone Assessment and GP notification form |
| Impetigo | Impetigo Assessment and GP Referral Form |
| Shingles | Aciclovir Assessment and GP Referral Form |
| Unscheduled Care | Unscheduled Care – What’s New v32 June 2025 Unscheduled Care – Direct Referral Form v8 Unscheduled Care – Guide to Patient Referral to other Services v14 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | Assessment Form for UTI UTI GP Referral form |
| Smoking Cessation | Varenicline Assessment and GP Notification Form |
Paracetamol
Please see the paracetamol webpage for information about the provision of prophylactic antipyretic paracetamol following the meningococcal group B vaccine and other childhood vaccinations.
Chloramphenicol
There is no longer a national PGD for chloramphenicol eye drops in children under 2. Please see the ERF formulary for updated guidance.
Free Condom Supply with EHC Consultation (C:Card)
Hayfever
Please note the following changes (below) to the Lothian versions of these PGDs compared to the national specimen. An interactions section has been added to the PGDs: We have included clinically significant drug interactions and where an interaction is identified with concurrent medication the PGD should not be used. We have included the following statement in each PGD:
All concurrent medications must be checked for interactions, and a detailed list of drug interactions is available in the SPC, which is available from the electronic Medicines Compendium website: www.medicines.org.uk and BNF website www.bnf.org
NHS Scotland guidance regarding the retention of documents guidance has now been updated . The updated reference has been added to each PGD Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care v4.0. There is reference to a table within each PGD and this statement has been removed as there is no table in the documents.
Individual PGDs
- Beclometasone 50mcg nasal spray
- 1.3 – Pulmonary tuberculosis and individuals taking/using oral, inhaled, topical or parenteral corticosteroids are exclusions.
- 1.3 – Addition of interactions section and advice re the possibility of systemic effects with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors- exclusion.
- Fexofenadine 120mg tablets
- 1.3 – Use in breastfeeding – excluded under the NHS Lothian PGD as manufacturer advises avoid.
- 1.3 – Addition of interactions section and a requirement to check for drug interactions. Interaction with antacid is not an exclusion (follow advice section).
- 3.1 – Advice that although unlikely to affect driving or use machines it is advisable to check the individual response before driving or performing complicated tasks.
- Mometasone 50mcg nasal spray
- 1.3- Additional exclusions – Nasal septum perforation, epistaxis, individuals currently taking oral, inhaled, topical or parenteral corticosteroids for any indication (to reduce the risk of adrenal insufficiency) , untreated bacterial, fungal or systemic viral infections, nasal polyps
- 1.3 – Pulmonary tuberculosis moved from cautions to exclusions section as per BNF
- 1.3 – Addition of interactions section- co-treatment with CYP3A inhibitors, including cobicistat-containing products is expected to increase the risk of side effects.
- 3.1 – Addition of common side effects; altered smell sensation; taste altered.
- Olopatadine 1mg/ml eye drops
- These haven’t been moved from caution to exclusions but we consider altered visual acuity, chemical exposure, anticoagulation, and compromised cornea should be exclusions and there should also be guidance in the checklist for pharmacists. We have added a statement to section 1.4 “Where there is diagnostic uncertainty / unable to treat seek advice from or consider referral to a local community optometrist”
- 1.4 – Interactions: Olopatadine is unlikely to result in metabolic interactions with other concomitantly administered active substances.
Checklist changes
- For all PGDs where an interaction exists with a concurrent medicine do not supply under the PGD (exception fexofenadine and antacids – see advice section)
- Beclometasone 50mcg nasal spray – Additional exclusions:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis and taking or using oral, inhaled, topical or parenteral corticosteroids.
- Fexofenadine 120mg tablets – Additional exclusions:
- Breastfeeding.
- Mometasone 50mcg nasal spray – Additional exclusions:
- Nasal septum perforation, epistaxis, individuals with immunodeficiency, pulmonary tuberculosis, untreated bacterial, fungal or systemic viral infection, taking /using oral inhaled, topical or parenteral corticosteroids.
- Olopatadine 1mg/ml eye drops – Addition of:
- Is the red eye caused by another reason e.g., accompanied by purulent discharge, altered visual acuity, wearing of contact lenses, chemical exposure, anticoagulation or is the cornea compromised? If YES do not treat with this PGD, consider alternative treatment and if unable to treat/unsure of diagnosis refer to GOS Specialist service Optometrist if required.
Protection Information
- Child Protection Flowchart
- Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service(SARCS)- Lothian
- SARCS Healthcare professional guidance
- SARCS patient information
- Lothian Sexual health information on sexual assault
- Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising tool ( DAART)
- NES Public protection modules
- Safe spaces
UCF/CP4/3 forms
The table below outlines the GP reference code which should be used if you need to complete a CPUS form for any of these services in the event that your IT is down and you are unable to access UCF.
| CPUS Use | Ref Code Required |
|---|---|
| Urgent Supply PGD | GP Reference Code |
| Gluten Free Food Service | GP Reference Code |
| Smoking Cessation Service | 99996 |
| EHC Provision | 99996 |
| Meningitis B Paracetamol Provision | 99996 |
updated 14/10/26 AA