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.
Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.
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When analysing payments data each month, we have observed that there continue to be a significant number of service claims submitted under the wrong UCF heading e.g. claiming emergency contraception items under Pharmacy First or Naloxone services.
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This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
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Relief Pharmacist role across Lindsay & Gilmour branches in Scotland. Support teams across multiple locations. Apply by 16 April 2026.
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Our 12th Annual Charity Golf Day has now been confirmed for Friday 4 September 2026.
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Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done! Once you have had the chance to celebrate, here are some details for your next steps:
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Pharmacist role at Borders Pharmacy in Hawick. Ideal for newly qualified, experienced or IP pharmacists seeking growth and service development.
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist role at Capsule Pharmacy, Stirling. Shape services, work clinically and grow with a progressive pharmacy group.
Congratulations to everyone who has recently started the Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) /NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Funded Community Pharmacy IP Employee training
Learn about Scotland’s PVG scheme changes from 1st April 2026, including five‑year membership renewals, phased transition and what organisations should do now.
Our colleages at NHS24 have produce a suite of content that you may wish to promote to your patients.
From the 19th March 2026, a small change is being introduced to the prescription collection courier service. Find out what’s changing and what stays the same.
Scottish Government circular announcing a new Patient Group Direction for skin inflammation within NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
Lead a new community pharmacy in Bishopton as Pharmacist Manager. Competitive salary, GPhC fees paid and opportunity to shape services.
Endometriosis Awareness Month runs throughout March, raising awareness of symptoms and encouraging women to seek medical advice.
Pharmacist Support launches the 2026 Student ACTNow campaign, urging pharmacy students to prioritise mental health on University Mental Health Day.
Experienced Pharmacist role at Saltcoats Health Centre. Deliver clinical services in a busy community pharmacy setting.
This is an overview of the key policy activity, engagement and progress taking place to support and represent the community pharmacy network.
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

Battlefield Pharmacy & Travel Clinic is recruiting a Pharmacist Manager / Independent Prescriber in Glasgow. Full-time role with progression and clinical focus.