Eligible community pharmacies in Scotland can take advantage of a new ventilation enhancement allowance being funded by the Scottish Government.

Funding is available to help community pharmacy contractors purchase air extraction equipment (air scrubbers and similar equipment that conditions or recycles the air within a space) for their premises where a pharmacy has fitted or committed to fit air extraction equipment on or after 1 April, 2020, according to the Scottish Government circular PCA(P)(2022)04.

Each contractor can claim costs for the purchase of ventilation enhancement equipment up to a maximum of £1,500 per premises.

Any ventilation equipment for which an allowance is claimed must meet the minimum recommended ventilation rate of six air changes per hour. Air cleaners and scrubbers are eligible, but air purifiers are not permitted. The cost of ongoing maintenance is not included.

Additionally, the ventilation enhancement equipment must be used to support clinical practice in one or more consulting room. However, contractors cannot claim the allowance if a consultation room has a window to provide ventilation.

Applications for funding - which comes as a result of the Winter Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings IPC Addendum guidance - must be made by 31 March.