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.
Update on the Parcelforce and Royal Mail prescription collection courier service in Scotland, interim arrangements, tracking labels and support contacts.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
SSP extensions for Creon 10000 and 25000 have been issued. Pharmacists must review new end dates and continue limiting supply to one month.
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.
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have asked us to highlight the recall of specific SMA formula products and, importantly, the associated advice for healthcare teams - please see the attached information sheet for more detail.
M&D Green Gracemount seeks a Pharmacist to lead daily operations and deliver high‑quality patient care. Join a trusted community pharmacy team in Edinburgh.
Davidsons Chemists seeks a Pharmacist Manager for its Forfar branch. Competitive salary, strong training support, and great career development. Apply now.
Join Davidsons Chemists as a Pharmacist Manager in Garelochhead. Competitive salary, training support, and excellent career progression. Apply today.
Community Pharmacy Scotland will host the next Independent Prescribers meeting on Thursday 5th February 2026. If any independent prescribers in Scotland are planning to attend and have any items you would like to add to the agenda please email us.
The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.
Our colleagues at Scottish Government have launched he Mind to Mind campaign which encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing. In this article you will find campaign resources that will help you spread the word within your community.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.
Our 2026 Manifesto calls for investment in infrastructure and integration to enable community pharmacies to deliver life-changing services.
UK pharmacy legislation update: pharmacists can now authorise handing out checked and bagged prescriptions when absent.
If you are a CP Employee starting your CPS/NES Funded IP Course in Jan 2026 at RGU or Strathclyde University, please make sure you have completed and returned the form sent to you by CPS during December.
We are currently reviewing future budgets and training capacity requirements for CPS/NES Funded Employee CPIP Training. To do this, we need a clear picture of how many CP employees in the network have not yet completed their training.
Important update on courier bag changes for prescription collections. Read carefully to avoid delays and ensure correct handling.
Clear guidance on interpreting Varenicline PGD wording from NHS Circular PCP(P)(2025)06 to ensure continuity of supply and patient care.
Review of adjusted prices for January 2026. One line stabilised; continue reporting shortages to help negotiations with Public Health Scotland.
For New Year the office will be closed on 1st and 2nd January 2026 with normal office hours resuming on Monday, 5th January 2026.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 8th January 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
SSP 086 for Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops is active 19 Dec 2025–6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
SSP 085 for Nifedipine 60mg tablets is active from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
Serious Shortage Protocol for nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg MR tablets in effect from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Full guidance for pharmacists.
Join Market Street Pharmacy in Haddington as a Pharmacy Technician. Competitive pay, benefits, and flexible hours. Apply by 1 Feb 2026.
Update on December 2025 adjusted prices and January 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff Part 7 publishing. Key dates and contact details included.
With rising demand, expanded prescribing services, and ambitious plans for the 2030s, the network needs resources to deliver enhanced care.
Join NES’s free Return to Practice course for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on 23 January 2026. Refresh skills and build confidence.
UK pharmacy law changes are coming. Learn about new RP and SP roles and key dates, including a major update starting 7 January 2026.
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, etc...

During a recent review of the national EHC service, it was agreed that a specific practice point around the use of Ulipristal should be highlighted.