Useful Information for the PHS – Poster Campaigns
Published: 15/07/24
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have provided some further information regarding the: ‘Be the Early Bird’ – Detect Cancer Earlier Campaign.
Campaign runs until 4th September 2024.
As a reminder the 'Be the Early Bird' campaign was developed in response to insight which shows that fear of a cancer diagnosis can delay people contacting their GP practice with possible symptoms. ‘Be the Early Bird’ reinforces the benefits of finding cancer earlier in a bid to challenge the fear that is stopping people acting – and encourage those who have unusual, persistent symptoms to contact their GP practice.
The Detect Cancer Earlier Campaign looks to target people across Scotland aged 40+, with a focus on those from more deprived communities.
If you have already downloaded the Be the Early Bird assets then please get sharing and use the hashtag #BeTheEarlyBird
Key Messages
Anyone, particularly those aged 40+, with persistent symptoms unusual for them are being urged to ‘be the early bird’ and contact their GP practice.
If you’re worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to know.
Possible cancer symptoms could include unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you.
Finding cancer earlier can mean there’s more treatment options available, a greater chance of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.
For more information visit getcheckedearly.org
Campaign Resource Updates & Case Studies
You can now download public information screens static assets for public areas and waiting rooms.
We would also like to draw your attention to the great collection of Real stories | Get Checked Early. You are welcome to share these powerful stories across your social media channels. Here are a selection but there are many more to choose from across Scotland:
Liz Clark | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage lung cancer)
Laura Russell | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage skin cancer)
Ian Cassels | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage prostate cancer)
Christine Mitchell | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage ovarian cancer)
Paul McCaffery | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage testicular cancer)
Graeme Clark | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage blood cancer)
Norma MacLeod | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage breast cancer)
Glen Long | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage bladder cancer)
Anita Lindsay | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage cervical cancer)
Ron Kerr | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage bowel cancer)
All Available Campaign Assets
'Be the Early Bird' campaign resources include the following:
Stakeholder toolkit with social copy and editorial ideas
We would welcome your support in helping to embed the ‘Be the Early Bird’ concept with the public to make the term synonymous with finding cancer earlier and reduce later stage disease in Scotland. Please share it far and wide.
More details can be found in this Scottish Government / NHS Scotland Letter – ‘Be the early bird’ 2024/25
If any pharmacy requires a replacement poster holder, please contact APS Group at: stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com and a replacement will be sent out.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Support Emma’s incredible Highland challenge and help fund a charity making a real difference across Scotland.
Our colleagues at the GPhC Inspectorate have asked us to pass on a friendly reminder as to the procedures required for Community Pharmacies to appropriately deal with Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs.
CPS Charity Golf Day returns on the 4h September 2026. Limited sponsorship packages and team spaces remain, support Blood Bikes Scotland.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 4th June 2026. We have produced some guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Community Pharmacy Scotland can support you through the PVG Scheme application process with checks, countersigning and submission to Disclosure Scotland.
Toll Pharmacy in Ayrshire is recruiting a full-time Pharmacist. Join a supportive, family-run team with strong benefits and work–life balance.
Linlithgow Pharmacy is recruiting a part-time Pharmacist Manager. Lead a team, deliver patient care and access strong support and benefits.
M&D Green is recruiting a Pharmacist Manager in Dundee. Join an independent pharmacy team focused on patient care, development and leadership.
One year after quitting smoking, Graham reflects on how support from his local community pharmacy helped him gain control, build confidence, and achieve lasting change.
A new report published by Public Health Scotland show that community pharmacy continue to play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland
The Shortage Reporter is now working as intended following recent issues. Guidance on how to use the tool and report concerns.
Well Pharmacy is recruiting Relief Pharmacists to support pharmacies across Fife, Glasgow’s eastern fringe and Lanarkshire. Flexible roles with strong benefits.
Well Pharmacy is recruiting Relief Pharmacists to support pharmacies across Fife, Glasgow’s eastern fringe and Lanarkshire. Flexible roles with strong benefits.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 21st May 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
An update following the Scottish Parliament elections, outlining CPS engagement with political parties and next steps to support community pharmacy priorities.
An update from the CPS Board highlighting three key areas under discussion in May 2026, including Pharmacy First, adjusted prices and Council planning.
Highlights from the CPS bi‑annual Council meeting in Edinburgh, including discussions on Pharmacy First, workforce transformation and contract updates.
Following prior agreement with the Scottish Government, May Part 7 prices have been redetermined to add a small value to the tariff from 1st May 2026.
This year, we are proud to support Blood Bikes Scotland as our charity partner and help raise awareness of the incredible work their volunteers do to support NHS Scotland and local communities across the country.
The next poster campaign will focus on Lyme disease. We do not yet have a confirmed launch date for this campaign. In the meantime, please continue displaying your ReThink Dementia poster until further notice.
This week’s CPS Snapshot highlights the wide range of work taking place across Community Pharmacy Scotland, from shaping the future of digital prescribing and Pharmacy First, to supporting research, collaboration and service development across the sector.
Cancer Research UK is running a bowel cancer screening campaign in Scotland in Scotland from 7th April to 18th May 2026.
An update on Adjusted Prices and three lines removed from Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff for May 2026, with guidance for contractors.
The Scottish Pharmacy Awards proved to be a standout evening, bringing together pharmacy colleagues from across the country
Davidsons Chemists is recruiting newly qualified pharmacists for Support Pharmacist roles across Scotland, with full or part-time options and strong development support.
Join CPS for an Ask Me Anything on Unscheduled Care in community pharmacy in Scotland. Thursday, 28th May 2026 on Microsoft Teams.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Guidance for pharmacy teams on tick bites, early signs of Lyme disease, and when to refer patients.
Community Pharmacy Scotland will be closed on Monday, 4th May 2026 for the May Bank Holiday and reopen as normal on Tuesday, 5th May.
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

The policy team at Community Pharmacy Scotland is recruiting! Are you interested in how services are developed and implemented at a national level, or want to be involved in where the profession is headed next?