A video remote interpreting (VRI) pilot for patients who use British Sign Language (BSL) has launched in Scottish community pharmacies. 

The pilot, launched yesterday, is funded by Scottish government as part of a video relay service for BSL users called “Contact Scotland BSL”. 

Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) said the VRI allows BSL users to “communicate with pharmacy staff via on-demand interpretation services with a skilled BSL interpreter”. 

“Independent, effective and secure” 

The service works by users scanning a QR code with their mobile phone, typing their pharmacy name, choosing their region, and then being connected to a BSL interpreter. 

CPS said the service allows BSL users “independent, effective and secure access to pharmacy services”. 

Read more: ‘Lower than hoped’: Scottish pharmacies get 3.5% uplift  

“The pilot forms part of the wider commitment to improving accessibility and reducing health inequalities amongst Scotland’s population,” CPS said. 

It said the pilot does not require additional equipment or have any additional cost to the pharmacy, but pharmacies are asked to promote the service by displaying the provided posters. 

For more details about how the service works, you can access video explainers here. 

Read more: Scotland dispensing and services costs rise nearly 30% in 10 years 

It comes after the Scottish government announced last month that community pharmacies will see a 3.5% increase in funding under the 2026/27 community pharmacy package.  

And it follows official figures from Public Health Scotland last month revealing that the net cost of dispensing items and providing services in the community in Scotland has increased by nearly 30% in the last 10 years.