Please click Indicative Timeline to see the current indicative timeline for processing expressions of interest received (correct at 1st April 2025).
Please note these are indicative timelines only and they are subject to change. Timelines will be updated on a quarterly basis as Expressions of Interest move through the process.
Changes to timeline from previous version:
- Calderwood, West Lothian has been removed. No further appeal was submitted, the process is now at an end.
- Blindwells, East Lothian has been pushed out by three months due to a delay in starting the joint consultation.
- Redhaughs Village, Gogar has been moved to the bottom of the list as the joint consultation could not proceed at this time.
- From Pencaitland, East Lothian onwards the timelines have been pushed out by three months due to delays at the pre application stage.
The following new expressions of interest have been added:
- Gavieside Village, West Lothian
The next update will take place on 1st July.
If you wish to submit an expression of interest, please contact the Primary Care Contracts Team by email at loth.communitypharmacycontract@nhs.scot
Timeline for processing Pharmacy Application
Expression of Interest is received, pre application meeting arranged, commencement date of Joint Consultation is agreed.
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Joint consultation runs for a continuous period of not less than 90 working days
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Following completion of the Joint Consultation the Applicant has 90 days in which to submit their application
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Upon receipt, the Board must check whether the application is complete and as such constitutes a valid application. If it is not, the missing information must be provided by the applicant within 5 working days
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Within 10 working days of receipt of a complete and valid application the Board must invite representations from the LAPC, GP Sub Committee, Interested parties and any neighbouring Health Board if boundary is within 2km of the proposed premises. They have 30 days from notification in which to respond.
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PPC Hearing is then arranged
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Decision of the PPC is notified to the Board within 10 working days of the Hearing
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Within 5 working days of being notified by the PPC,the Board must in turn notify the applicant and interested parties of the full decision, and advise them of any right of appeal. Boards are also required to publish the full decision on its website within 5 working days of this notification.
Timescale for an application moving through the full process at the Health Board is therefore minimum 12 months from the pre application meeting until the PPC hearing.
Should the decision on an application be appealed then the process will be extended
