Pharmacies in Scotland which qualify for the Essential Small Pharmacies Scheme (ESPS) are to receive a flat fee rather than a professional allowance based on the actual number of prescriptions which they dispense. The change will take effect from April 1. The change was announced on March 20 by the Scottish Health Minister (Ms Susan Deacon) who said that it would give rural pharmacies a guaranteed monthly income. From April, each ESPS pharmacy will receive £2,668.76 a month, or £2,268.45 if it is open for 15 hours a week or less. The cost of the changes, around £60,000, is to be met from the existing global sum.