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.”
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.
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.”
The UK wants to go dry, new data has shown a 22% increase of people searching to go dry compared to the previous year 17,000 people in the UK have searched for mocktails over the past 30 days alone.
20.4% of the UK is tee total, new data shows
Virgin mojito was the fifth most searched alcohol-free drink, and the most searched mocktail
The UK loves wine, even if it is non-alcoholic. There have been 9,900 searches for non-alcoholic wine in the past month alone.
The UK’s favourite non-alcoholic drink is Heineken 0.0, the non-alcoholic twist on the classic beer has been searched 43,200 times in the past 12 months.
This year has seen a 22% increase in Brits taking part in Dry January as people around the UK, look to opt out of booze and replace it for a non-alcoholic alternative. A study by kitchen experts Maxima Kitchen Equipmentused Google data to find out what exactly were the UK’s favourite non-alcoholic drinks.
The research revealed UK’s favourite non-alcoholic drink is a Heineken 0.0, the beer has been searched 43,200 times in the past year alone. The brand was first launched in the UK in 2017, and is set to be made available on draught in pubs this year after a successful pilot scheme in the summer of 2021.
The study found Becks Blue in second place with 39,600 searches in the past 12 months alone. It is followed by Lucky Saint beer in third place with 38,400 searches and Guinness Zero in fourth with 36,000 searches.
Virgin Mojito, a twist on the classic cocktail came in fifth place overall, making it the nation’s favourite mocktail, with 33,600 searches in the past year.
A mixture of other classic mocktails made the list as well such as Virgin Mary in eighth place, as well as the prosecco alternative Nozeco in 13th place.
The term Non-alcoholic beer has been searched 8,100 times and non-alcoholic wine 9,900 times in the past 30 days.
A spokesperson for Maxima Kitchen Equipment said: “Lots of people spend months looking forward to Christmas, and the chance to indulge a little more than usual, in both food and drink.
“However, in January it’s becoming more and more popular to try and start the year with a health-conscious mindset, whether it be going dry for the month or just trying to drink a little bit less than usual. It is interesting to see the growing popularity in non-alcoholic drinks and which ones are the nation’s favourites.”
The research was carried out by Maxima Kitchen Equipment, which has more than 40 years of experience in the supply and maintenance of professional kitchen equipment.
Glasgow’s homeless and at risk communities get boosted against COVID
Some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable communities have been getting boosted at the Lodging House Mission in the city centre.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners have been providing jags from the charity’s premises in the city centre, where they provide care and support to homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people.
Glasgow City’s Health and Social Care Partnership’s Complex Needs Service – previously known as Homeless Health Service – support around 450 people at any one time. The people they see often have addiction issues, mental health issues and often really poor physical health.
At the first clinic last week, 36 jags were administered – and the team hope more people will attend the clinic as more people hear about the weekly clinic. The team has already visited around 50 locations across the city where homeless people are located, putting more than 900 jags into arms.
Kirsty Paterson, the senior advanced nurse practitioner who co-ordinates and delivers the vaccine programme, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to do this work and to help some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable communities to get their vaccines and boosters.
“Once word spread that we were here at the Lodging House we were surprised, but really pleased to see a queue outside the door. The response has been fantastic.”
Lisa Ross, Service Manager at the service, said: “Some of the people we work with have very complex health and care needs. A severe COVID infection could be fatal.
“Throughout the pandemic, our team has been reaching out to vulnerable communities, going where they are and providing a service which helps to save lives. We’re grateful to the Lodging House Mission for their help in the vaccination efforts and we’ll continue to do everything we can in the fight against this virus.”
June Macleod, Manager at the Lodging House Mission said: “We’re delighted to have the vaccination clinic on site. A lot of our guys have underlying health issues and don’t engage and don’t often keep appointments, so bringing the vaccinations to them is a big help.
“The team have been fantastic and we’re really excited to see who might come to the next clinic, we know there’s been a real buzz as words spreads. It’s been great working alongside our colleagues from the health board in the fight against COVID helping to keep vulnerable people and our communities safe.”
The vaccination clinic will continue to operate every Tuesday at the Lodging House Mission’s premises on East Campbell Street.
The cost of car insurance in Scotland has increased by £25 in three months
New data shows car insurance prices are increasing, with drivers in Scotland now paying £419, on average
● Despite prices rising across all areas of Scotland, the average premium is still £22 (5%) cheaper than 12 months ago
● Drivers in Central Scotland pay more than the national average, with motorists in the region paying £465, on average, following the steepest quarterly increase (8%) of all UK regions
● Meanwhile, drivers in other regions of Scotland pay as little as £342, on average, in comparison
● Experts at Confused.com remind drivers that recent FCA changes do not guarantee their renewal price will be their best price available
● Further research shows insurers increased renewal premiums last quarter by £45, on average
The average cost of car insurance in Scotland has increased by £25 in just three months, new data reveals.
This brings the average price of car insurance in Scotland to £419, a 6% increase compared to three months ago. That’s according to the latest car insurance price index (Q4) by Confused.com, powered by WTW. Based on more than six million quotes in a quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index in the UK.
While the cost of car insurance in Scotland appears to be increasing, prices are still cheaper than this time last year, having dropped by £22 (5%) in 12 months, with prices across the Scottish regions still significantly cheaper than two years ago.
While the average premium in Scotland stands at £419, the price paid by drivers will vary depending on where they live. In fact, motorists in Central Scotland are paying more than the national average, having seen the steepest increase in premiums in the past three months of all UK regions. An 8% (£33) increase in the region means motorists are now paying £465, on average. Although, this is still £17 (4%) cheaper than prices 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, drivers in other Scottish regions are paying out between £342 and £378, on average, with prices now as much as £18 (5%) more expensive than last quarter:
Region
Average premium
Quarterly change
Annual change
Central Scotland
£465
8% / £33
-4% / -£17
East & North East Scotland
£378
5% / £16
-6% / -£26
Highlands & Islands
£377
5% / £18
-6% / -£25
Scottish Borders
£342
4% / £15
-9% / -£32
This increase in prices over the past quarter is reflected across the rest of the UK, where prices have risen by £25 (5%) in three months. This brings the average cost of car insurance in the UK to £539 – a £36 (6%) drop compared to 12 months ago.
While these price increases may come as bad news to drivers, Confused.com experts have been predicting this U-turn for some time. A significant drop in the number of cars on the road throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and a subsequent fall in the number of claims being made led to a sharp drop in premiums with prices reaching a six-year low just last quarter.
However, prior to this, prices were steadily starting to increase as claims pay outs were becoming more and more expensive for insurers, as the pandemic and ongoing delays caused by Brexit meant that repairs and replacements were not only more expensive but taking longer to complete. And this was reflected in the prices being offered to customers.
Now, as drivers spend more time on the road, and the number and overall cost of claims being made are increasing, as predicted, the cost of car insurance is increasing to reflect this and could soon return to pre-pandemic levels.
In fact, if the average price for the UK continues on the current trajectory, increasing by around 5% each quarter, the average cost of insurance in three months could be more expensive than it was 12 months ago. Based on this trend, UK drivers could be paying as much as £566 next quarter, compared to £538 in Q1 2021, on average.
In light of the recent insurance pricing changes enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, reminds drivers that these increases could mean that they may receive a more expensive renewal price in the coming months, despite many incorrectly believing that the changes guarantee a cheaper or flat premium.
Under the new regulations, insurers must offer drivers the same price they would receive as a new customer buying in the same way, banning what was previously known as a new customer discount.
Previously renewing customers may have seen their renewal price rise to offset the cost of new customer discounts. However, the new rules don’t guarantee that drivers will never see their renewal price increase again.
For example, if car insurance costs in the UK are typically 5% more expensive year-on-year, this increase could also be reflected in renewal premiums. In fact, further research by Confused.com found that two in five (42%) drivers who received their renewal last quarter saw their price increase by £45, on average, suggesting insurers could already be increasing renewal premiums in line with the current trend.
This is why it is important for drivers to still take the time to shop around, as the research also shows that almost half (46%) of those who had a higher premium at their last renewal were able to save £64, on average, by switching to another insurer using a price comparison site.
Although, it isn’t just those who are seeing more expensive premiums that are able to make savings, as almost a fifth (18%) of those who had a cheaper renewal went on to shop around and switch, saving £46 on average. However, with Confused.com’s Beat Your Renewal guarantee, these savings could be seen by millions of other customers.
However, there is some good news for drivers, as prices of new policies are still cheaper year-on-year, on average, which means those shopping around and switching insurers could still save money. And under the new FCA rules, insurers must make it easier for customers to cancel the automatic renewal of their policies, something which one in five (20%) consider to be stressful.
Despite being able to save when shopping around, some drivers are still paying more than others, and typically it’s male motorists who are forking out the most when it comes to their car insurance.
Given the fact that drivers in Central Scotland are paying significantly more than those in other Scottish regions, it’s no surprise that both male and female drivers have the highest car insurance costs.
Broken down, male drivers in Central Scotland are now paying £486, on average, following a £33 (7%) increase in the past three months, while female drivers are paying £429, which is £31 (8%) more than three months ago.
East and North East Scotland follows as the second most expensive region for male drivers, with the average premium here now £400. This is £59 more than the prices that female drivers in the region are paying (£341).
Similarly, much like the rest of the UK, younger drivers across all four regions are forking out the most for their car insurance, with 17-to-20-year-old male drivers in Central Scotland paying an eye-watering £1,343, on average. Female drivers of the same age and location pay just £1,041 in comparison.
However, it’s male drivers in their early 20s in both the Scottish Highlands and Islands and Central Scotland who have been stung by the steepest increases this quarter, as the average premium rises by 13% and 12%, respectively.
This equates to increases of £102 and £106, putting the average price paid at £874 and £995, respectively. These drivers are also among the few that have seen their premium increase over the past year, as prices increase by £30 (4%) for 21-to-25 year old male drivers in the Highlands and Islands, and by £13 (1%) for those in Central Scotland.
Looking to the towns and cities in Scotland, the price paid varies depending on where a driver lives. Of all postcode areas in Scotland, Glasgow is revealed to be the most expensive, with motorists forking out £525, on average – a significant amount more than the regional average. This is a £47 (10%) increase compared to three months ago, making the average premium just £4 ( 1%) cheaper than last year’s price.
In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, it’s motorists in Shetland that are paying out the most, with average prices in the area now £490, while drivers in Dundee face the highest premiums in the East and North East, paying out £386, on average. In the Scottish Borders, it’s drivers in Dumfries that have the highest car insurance costs, standing at £344, on average.
This shift in car insurance prices was to be expected, as drivers resume their normal habits. Given the current cost of fuel and the uncertainty surrounding the energy market, these increases will no doubt hit drivers’ wallets hard. However, this doesn’t mean that drivers can’t save money on their car insurance, as shopping around can still save potentially hundreds of pounds.
Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, comments: “Car insurance prices rising is not the happy news we wanted to start the year with, however it’s also not completely unexpected, as people resume their normal driving habits, and the cost of vehicle repair and replacement continues to increase.
“Although, customers who are shopping around are still receiving prices that are cheaper than 12 months ago, which is especially good news at the moment, as some customers are still seeing their renewal price increase year-on-year. This just goes to prove that there are still plenty of better deals out there.
“As claims costs continue to increase, we expect to see car insurance prices rise too, regardless of the change in pricing regulations by the FCA. And this will be particularly noticeable when we receive our renewal price after 18 months or so of considerably cheap premiums.
“It’s really important that we remember the new rules set out by the FCA do not mean our renewal price will be the best price we can get. If anything, these changes have made the market even more competitive, so there will likely be an insurer out there that could be cheaper or offer a better deal for the cover you need.
“Please don’t settle for your renewal quote from your insurer. We know that there will always be a saving to be made. We’re so sure of this that we’re offering to beat your renewal quote or give you the difference, plus £20.”
Morrisons is helping customers celebrate Burns Night on the 25th January, with a selection of Scottish staples, a special bouquet and deals on bottles to raise a dram.
Highlights include:
Glayva Liqueur – £12 down from £18 in Scotland until 25th Jan
Paul Wilson, Personal Finance Expert at CashLady.com, shares his ideas on how to keep going with Veganuary if you’re on a budget.
Veganuary is a great time to try starting some new habits and making a change to your lifestyle. If you’re not used to a plant-based diet, you might be starting to find it tricky to stay on track.
We know more about money than making delicious meals, but with a few weeks left of January, here’s some tips on how you can keep up with Veganuary without it costing the earth:
1.Yellow labels
Fresh produce is by far the most likely to be reduced in the supermarket. Different supermarkets generally reduce their stock at different times; ask in store when they start marking down prices and make sure you get there when they do. You can pick up lots of reduced fruit and vegetables to whip up stews and curries with.
2.Bulk buy
If you’ve found a few recipes you know you like and have gotten the hang of cooking plant based meals, then stock up on the things you know you’ll use. You can make savings by buying multipacks rather than individual items every time you need them
3.Save your leftovers
Don’t throw away what you don’t eat. Save it and use it for lunch the next day. Saving money by not buying yet another meal deal could help see you through until the end of January.
4.Shop online
Type ‘meat free’ or vegan into your shopping app and it will bring up all the relevant options. You can then see which are on offer or are cheaper and choose those instead of more expensive options. Rather than planning what you are eating and then buying those ingredients, do it the other way round and buy the items on offer then make a meal from them.
5.Offers everywhere
If you’ve had enough of cooking and fancy a Friday night off, January couldn’t be a better time. There are a huge number of restaurants trying to tempt us back in with 50% offers. Be sure to search for offers in your area before you book anywhere to make sure you’re getting a good deal alongside a good meal.
6.Eat more veg
Meat or dairy substitutes can be costly. Eating meals that are vegetable based means you aren’t forking out for big name brands or packaging. Cooking from scratch can really help you keep a handle on what you spend and also be much more exciting than a pre-packed burger.
7.Visit the greengrocer
If you have the time, get down to the greengrocers. Just as with the yellow labels, you can ask if they have any produce that is near it’s best before and ask for a discount. You can also buy in singles rather than pre-packed bundles, and find items that might not be in the supermarket to give your diet variety and inspire you to keep going.
8.Meal boxes
If you’re really struggling to come up with new dinner ideas in Veganuary, then you could try signing up to a meal subscription service. They always offer introductory discounts, like 50% off your first box, and you can cancel any time. You can select only vegan meals and they send you recipe cards with step-by-step instructions. Keep the recipe cards, and once you’ve got the hang of it, cancel the subscription and start buying and making the recipes yourself.
9.Pin It
There are so many resources on the internet to find new vegan recipes, but it’s easy to forget where you saw them. Create a board on Pinterest and save all your favourite meals on there. That way, you won’t run out of ideas and end up spending too much on takeaways or meals out.
Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com
We have some great news for all of you, who are busy during the day, but would still like to learn some basic sewing skills or repair your clothes
We have now added another FREE, EVENING SEWING CLASS (ADULTS ONLY), which same as our Monday class will be a drop-in, taking place in the East Hall of Granton Parish Church between 6 and 8 pm on EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH.
The class will be run by our regular sewing tutor – Monika from Remode Collective.
