Practice pharmacists in Forth Valley form part of a tranche of new primary care posts being put in place in the area, almost a year after the new Scottish contract came into force, NHS officials have said.

Around 80 different health professionals – including pharmacists, physiotherapists and advanced nurse practitioners, are now in post, NHS Forth Valley said.

Ten additional GP pharmacists are currently being recruited to help practices manage medicines reviews and repeat prescription requests.

The eventual goal is that the pharmacists will hold their own clinics, the health board said.

Delays to a key workforce planning report from the Scottish Government has prompted fears there will not be enough staff to fill the primary care workforce teams.

This story was originally published by our sister magazine Pulse