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.
Our Chief Executive Matt Barclay and Policy & Public Relations Pharmacist Sarah Staddon are at #SNPConference in Aberdeen today
Pharmacist Manager opportunity in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, with team leadership, service development, ongoing training and employee benefits.
Scottish Government has officially launched a pilot for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) in community pharmacy settings.
This year’s two-week Pharmacist campaign focuses on personal and workplace wellbeing and takes place Monday 2nd – Sunday 15th November.
CPS recently wrote to you all, inviting you to join some WhatsApp groups, and asking for details of the person who looks after the finance in your pharmacy/organisation.
Pharmacist Manager opportunity at Brodick Pharmacy, with clinical service development, leadership responsibility and potential future ownership.
Updated SDCEP guidance helps pharmacists and other healthcare professionals assess and manage patients presenting with acute dental problems.
Matt spent some time at the Pharmacy Show in Birmingham this week and, as ever, it was a useful opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and spend time talking to people from across community pharmacy.
Sarah Staddon is back at CPS!! Read her blog on Motherhood, Media Interviews and Everything In Between.
The Drug Tariff Part 11 discount clawback rate has been reset to 6.31%, effective from 1st September 2026.
Community pharmacy teams are asked to display the Be the Early Bird poster and support the Scottish Government’s cancer awareness campaign.
Locum pharmacists in Scotland must meet new legal requirements under the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
Correction to Creon® SSP information: SSP061 is extended until 8th January 2027, while SSP060 expired on 2nd October 2026.
Today, I represented Community Pharmacy Scotland on BBC Scotland television and BBC Radio Scotland, discussing the availability of private flu vaccinations in community pharmacy and how people can prepare for winter
Check out our Monthly Planner: key dates, deadlines and events for community pharmacy in Scotland, all in one place and updated throughout the month.
Pharmacy Manager opportunity with a family-run community pharmacy group offering training, career development and a supportive working environment.
Join Haddington Market Street Pharmacy as a Dispensing Assistant or Technician, with full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Pharmacist vacancy at New Town Pharmacy in Edinburgh, with support for Independent Prescribing and flexible part-time hours.
Newly qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescribers are invited to share their experiences as part of a University of Strathclyde study.
The latest Scottish Pain Pharmacy Network newsletter highlights pain management developments, CPD opportunities and prescribing resources.
As an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist, you will play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with patients, providing consultations, advice, and prescription services directly.
Part-time Pharmacist opportunity in Turriff with a family-run independent pharmacy group focused on community healthcare.
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.
If you have completed your Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Training on the Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) / PSD Scotland (formerly NES) Programme, a Teach & Treat (T&T) session at one of the hubs is included as part of your programme.
Seriouse Shortage Protocols for selected Estradot® patches and Creon® capsules have been extended until 8th January 2027.
Practical guidance to help pharmacy teams avoid courier collection issues and ensure prescription bags are collected correctly.
October 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff changes including Part 7 additions, deletions and updates to adjusted price arrangements.
The Sustainable Prescribing and Therapeutics Programme, are seeking examples of best practice in effective medicines use and approaches on reducing medicines waste within different healthcare settings
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

APTUK members can join a live webinar exploring community pharmacy technician roles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.