Day: January 24, 2022

MSPs launch inquiry into how Scots access healthcare services

An inquiry into the different ways patients access healthcare services in Scotland has been launched by the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.

Traditionally, when a person seeks healthcare their first point of contact is usually with a general practitioner (a GP or family doctor) but the inquiry is focused on other routes to accessing healthcare that exist in the community, referred to as ‘alternative pathways’.

The aim of the inquiry is to explore how and to what extent these alternative pathways are being used to access primary care, and to identify key issues and opportunities for improvement. 

Alternative pathways to healthcare in the community include:

  • Seeing a different health practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, nurse, pharmacist, speech therapist, or podiatrist who works in the GP practice or in the local community.
  • Being directed to other types of support to improve health and wellbeing – such as walking groups, community groups, advice, or volunteering (referred to as ‘social prescribing’).
  • Using telephone helplines websites to access additional information, advice and online therapies.

The Committee is seeking to find out the current level of awareness amongst health practitioners and patients of alternative pathways to healthcare other than seeing a GP and how this might be improved in the future.

They are keen to find out what capacity other primary healthcare professionals have to take on more patients, the role of social prescribing in alternative pathways and how technology can improve services.

Speaking as the inquiry launched, Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “The traditional model of primary care where you went to see a GP for any and all health issues is placing ever increasing pressure on GP services.

“This isn’t a sustainable situation for general practices – but it’s also not good for patients struggling to get a GP appointment when there may be alternative and better routes they could go down to get the healthcare they need.

“Through our detailed work on this inquiry, the Committee is keen to explore what opportunities exist to make more and better use of these alternative routes to healthcare.

“We want to find out what role they have to play in creating a modern, flexible, community-based healthcare system which allows patients to access the right professional, at the right time.”

If you are a medical professional or organisation who would like to respond to the inquiry you can do so here: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/alternativepathways 

Members of the public can give us their views here: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/alternativepathways-survey 

The call for views will close on 22 February 2022.

Turtle Dove Play Cafe in D’ Mains has closed down

A statement from Turtle Dove Play Cafe:

At the close of business today, Sunday 23rd January, we pulled down the shutter and unfortunately I have decided that it must remain that way and that TurtleDove Play Café will cease trading with immediate effect.

It is a very sad day, but due to low levels of sales since early December, the business is no longer viable to run in the long term and I must take the hard decision to do what is right for the business.

I would like to thank our many loyal customers from over the years, all staff who have worked for us and suppliers who have helped us produce what was once a vibrant, thriving café.

Once again, many thanks for all you support.

Gordon

Islamic Relief UK and Blackhall Mosque team up to help vulnerable families in Edinburgh

Islamic Relief UK partnered with Blackhall Mosque yesterday to distribute 500 essential food packs to vulnerable people in Edinburgh including the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees and women who have suffered domestic abuse.

Scotland has seen a stark rise in families needing financial assistance and help with food. According to the poverty and inequality commission, one in four children in Scotland (24%) and one in five working-age people (19%) are living in poverty.

Many people have been hit hard by the pandemic, including, low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves and many prioritising eating or heating as they struggle to pay their bills.

The food packs contained 30 items including, rice, pasta and beans.

With poverty levels in the UK increasing, Islamic Relief UK is also distributing food parcels across the country with different partners.

Imam Sohail Ashqaue, Blackhall Mosque, said: “We begin by thanking Allah SWT (God) for giving us all the opportunity to serve his creation. Indeed this is a blessing as we work with Islamic Relief UK to deliver 500 food packs to families who have been struggling to feed themselves this winter.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers who will help make this happen and we look forward to continuing this great partnership with Islamic relief UK to ensure the most vulnerable in our community receive the support they require.

“We are glad to be helping those in Edinburgh as part of a wider distribution by Islamic Relief UK and partners that are taking place across the UK.

“With rising utility bills and many businesses not recovering from the pandemic, many people are facing huge insecurity towards their future.

“The hardship that many families and individuals are dealing with right now is unimaginable, and this distribution will go a long way to help alleviate that.”

Nadeem Baqir, Regional Community Fundraising Manager, Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to be working with Blackhall Mosque to reach out to some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. The Mosque plays an important role in the community and has been a lifeline for many people.

“With the high cost of living and the pandemic, we have seen families struggle to pay for just the essentials such as food and warmth and many have had to resort to food banks.

“This winter, the work of Blackhall Mosque will make a huge difference to many families and we thank them for their amazing efforts to help those in need.”