Detect Cancer Earlier: Help Us Share The ‘Early Bird’ Message
Published: 29th January 2026
The ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is active again this month with PR, partnerships, digital media and the roadshows planned.
The Scottish Government would very much appreciate your help in amplifying the Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) message by sharing it across your channels.
As a reminder, the 'Be the Early Bird' campaign was built on insight that fear prevents people from seeking help with possible cancer symptoms. The campaign reinforces how finding cancer earlier can lead to better outcomes, empowering adults aged 40+ across Scotland - especially those in more deprived communities - to overcome their fears and contact their GP practice or dentist about unusual, persistent symptoms.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.
Pharmacy First Scotland product list updates on 1 September 2025. QV Skin Lotion removed from NHS Borders, Fife & Lothian emollient options.
The approved list of products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service has been updated from the 1st April 2025.
The approved list of products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service has been updated from the 1st March 2025.
There has been an update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List. Please note: the attached updated version of the Approved List which comes into force on the 1st December 2024. There are a number of changes made in this edition which are listed below.
There has been an update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List.
There has been an update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List.
The update is to Section 10 Skin to remove Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin free Ointment from NHS Grampian’s list only.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service approved list of products has been updated as of 1st of April 2024.
With the Revised List of Approved List Products (PCA (P) (2021) 14) Circular, from 1st October 2021
This Circular encloses a revised Approved List of Products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which will come into force from 1st October 2021.
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.