13/02/2024 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Using the power of sight loss to inspire others

Callum Lancashire appointed Engagement Manager for Sight Scotland

Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans, in partnership with Visibility Scotland, have appointed Callum Lancashire as their new Engagement Manager to oversee the launch of Sight Loss Councils in Scotland.

Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are led by blind and partially sighted people who use lived experience to tackle local and national issues to improve the accessibility of services. The work of Sight Loss Councils is driven by three key priority areas: employment and skills, health and well-being, and inclusive communities.

Callum Lancashire, who has vision impairment, previously worked for Visibility Scotland as a Patient Support Worker, where he provided help and support to blind and partially sighted people at the Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

Callum is tasked with spearheading the establishment of Sight Loss Councils throughout Scotland, commencing with the Central Belt in March 2024.

He explains: “I am delighted to get started in my new role, as I believe it aligns perfectly with my skills and experience both from a professional point of view and a personal one.

“If I wasn’t in my current role, I would aspire to join the Sight Loss Councils, as I really believe they have the opportunity to create a tangible impact by amplifying the voices of individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

“I lost my sight when I was fifteen after a blow to the face caused macular degeneration. It was obviously a huge shock and extremely hard to take. What made matters worse is I was given no help or support; the doctors basically told me that at some point I was going to go blind and there was nothing they could do.

“After my accident I had huge problems at school and found myself in a bad place, I was constantly angry and upset. I just pushed it all down and as a result my mental health was all over the place. I want to try and make sure this does not happen to anyone else.

“I want these Councils to speak up for people with vision impairment, to show that their rights and well-being are just as important as anyone else’s and to create a supportive community where members feel empowered to share.

“My life changed when I started to speak to other people who had vision impairment, it was like something switched in my brain. Just talking to these people brought up feelings I didn’t know I had. I began to understand that I could still live my life although I had vision impairment, and that I didn’t have to feel sorry for myself. I began speaking to people more, my family and friends, and tried to explain to them what I was going through. I didn’t want extra help, I just needed them to understand.

“This is why the Sight Loss Councils are so important, as we want people to talk, share their experiences, share the things they like, their struggles and hopefully collectively we can make real changes for the better. Everybody has the right to be treated the same, whether that is going to work, the shops, football, rugby, or concerts; people with vision impairment shouldn’t be looked at as a problem, inclusivity should be a necessity.”

Callum adds: “I am incredibly proud to be in this job and to be representing the vision impairment community. Blind and partially sighted leaders bring firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with vision impairments ensuring their perspectives are accurately represented, leading to more informed decision-making.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “I am delighted that Callum Lancashire has joined us to spearhead the launch of Sight Loss Councils in Scotland.

“These councils will use lived experience to amplify the voices of blind and partially sighted people, helping to make vision loss the priority it needs to be in Scotland.”

For more information please visit:

sightscotland.org.uk or sightscotlandveterans.org.uk 

Get your bike fixed at PYCP

DR BIKE’s BACK AT THE GREENHOUSE

TWO more Monday sessions planned with North Edinburgh Arts and Dr Bike

Monday 26th February

& Monday 25th March

between 3pm and 5pm.

Bring your bike along to PYCP and have it repaired for free by Dr Bike experts.

No booking needed.

Free service for local residents (not just children and young people!)

Lifeline for Scotland’s seabirds

Puffins, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and other threatened seabirds have been thrown a lifeline, after decades of campaigning have finally succeeded in stopping industrial sandeel fishing in the English North Sea and in all Scottish waters.

The UK and Scottish Governments’ decisions to close sandeel fisheries in the English waters of the North Sea and all Scottish waters respectively, comes after more than 25 years of campaigning by the RSPB and others, which called out the practice as one of the contributors to seabird decline.

Many seabirds, including Puffins, rely on sandeels to feed their chicks. But climate change and over-fishing have vastly depleted sandeel populations, having a devastating knock-on effect on seabirds.

Last year’s seabird census found that more than half the seabird species breeding on British and Irish coasts have declined over the last 20 years. In Scotland, which is home to over half of UK seabirds, this figure rises to 70% of species in decline.

Shockingly, around one in four Puffins have been lost from across the UK since 2000. Both Puffins and Kittiwakes, which depend on sandeels for food, are threatened with global extinction and are Red-listed as birds of highest conservation concern.

Ending the industrial fishing of sandeels is just one necessary step in the effort to safeguard seabirds as they come under a barrage of existential pressures, including climate change, bird flu and poorly planned offshore marine development.

Last year, the UK Government ran a public consultation to close sandeel fishing in the English waters of the North Sea. The RSPB and tens of thousands of our supporters leapt into action, with more than 33,000 people from across the UK adding their voice to our campaign and responding to the consultation. 8,000 RSPB supporters also took to social media to tell their MPs how they felt. The consultation found overwhelmingly in favour of a closure of sandeel fisheries with 95.5% in agreement.

The Scottish Government also ran a consultation proposing to end sandeel fishing across all Scottish waters. Together, with over 11,000 RSPB supporters, we responded in favour of ending industrial sandeel trawling in Scottish waters. The consultation reported almost unanimous support for the move, with 97% in favour across individuals and organisations.

Welcoming the announcement, RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight said:  “Answering the RSPB’s call to end industrial sandeel fishing, today’s announcements are a vital lifeline from the UK and Scottish Governments for our seabirds in our waters when they need it most.

“The UK is home to globally important seabird colonies, but these populations are in decline with their resilience being pushed to the limit, with these much-loved birds at the forefront of the nature and climate emergency.

“To support the recovery of our seabirds, the RSPB has long recommended an end to industrial sandeel fishing in UK waters to secure vital food sources for these amazing birds.

“It’s a call that was backed by tens of thousands of our members and supporters, and demonstrates the huge public support for actions that drive nature’s recovery. Halting wildlife decline and putting nature on the path to recovery must be supported by a programme of government action and there is clear public support for doing so.”

Responding to the ban in Scottish waters, Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government have today announced a closure of all Scottish waters to industrial sandeel fishing.

“This coincides with a similar announcement for English waters of the North Sea from the UK Government. We commend the leadership shown by both Scottish and UK Governments to take action to protect our beleaguered and precious seabirds on this issue and thank the tens of thousands of RSPB supporters who added their voice to our calls to enact these closures.

“With over 70% of Scottish seabird populations in decline, ending industrial sandeel fishing is the single greatest action that can be taken to support our most vulnerable seabirds right now.

“It will build their resilience in the face of Avian Flu and the multitude of other human-made pressures they face, such as climate change and offshore developments. Sandeels are a key food source for seabirds and other marine wildlife but have been adversely affected by both climate change and unsustainable fishing, so this is a very positive and welcome measure for the overall health of our seas.”

UK Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I was delighted to visit Bempton Cliffs last week and see firsthand the RSPB’s work to protect our precious seabird colonies.

“I can confirm that the UK government is permanently closing the sandeel fishery in the English waters of the North Sea, to improve the resilience of our seabird colonies and the wider marine environment on which they depend.

“I know RSPB members have long campaigned for this important measure to aid the recovery of Britain’s seabirds, which are a source of great national pride. As Environment Secretary, I am committed to delivering the action required to meet our ambitious goal to halt and reverse the decline of wildlife.”

A 2021 report by the RSPB, Revive our Seas, outlined the case for stronger regulation of sandeel fisheries in UK waters.

The report found that several seabirds had suffered severe declines in recent years, with those species dependant on sandeels faring the worst. These include Kittiwakes, whose UK population has halved since the 1960s, as well as Puffins, with both birds declared as at risk of global extinction.

Making clear the link between seabird decline and reduced sandeel availability, the report also uncovered major flaws in the way the North Sea sandeel fishery is managed. Although warming seas, as a result of climate change, are held primarily responsible for the decline of sandeel availability, the commercial fishing of this species is making the problem much worse.

Every year, industrial fishing fleets catch hundreds of thousands of tonnes of sandeels in the North Sea, crippling the ability of seabirds to find enough to feed their chicks. The closure of industrial sandeel fisheries in the English North Sea and Scottish waters will help build seabird resilience at a critical time for the natural world.

The latest comprehensive assessment of the UK’s biodiversity, the State of Nature 2023 report, found one in six species threatened with extinction from Great Britain. For marine life, the biggest drivers of decline are unsustainable fishing, climate change and marine development.

Much more needs to be done to safeguard seabirds and our marine wildlife, including better protections, and addressing the issue of thousands of seabirds being caught in fishing lines and nets.

The closure of industrial sandeel fisheries is a recognition of the need to act now to save our seabirds, and to tackle unstainable fishing. While there are many more challenges to overcome, this is a crucial step in the long journey to restore our natural world and reverse the decline in wildlife.

Find out more:

Scottish Government funding: How’s it working for you?

SCVO FAIR FUNDING SURVEY

Is your voluntary organisation expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year?

Get involved with our quick and easy research survey to help us understand your experiences of timely funding notifications!

Learn more: https://bddy.me/49rh9JW

If you don’t have the time (or the desire!) to read this blog in its entirety – just read this: we are looking for voluntary organisations who are expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year to take part in a quick and easy monthly survey for six months. To get involved, contact details can be found at the bottom.

If you do have time to read the whole blog – here’s a bit more on why we’re doing it:

At SCVO, we’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to build our Fair Funding asks in response to what the sector has told us. We’ve also been putting a lot of time and effort into taking those asks to parliament. A result of that has been the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding by 2026 and, although that remains largely undefined at present, some additional commitments have filtered out since.

One of those commitments relates to funding notifications. We know that timely decision making, and subsequent issuing of funds, is crucial to ensuring no organisation is disadvantaged by the funding process.

When decisions and notifications are delayed, organisations are plunged into uncertainty which can have hugely negative impacts on their ability to deliver services, retain staff, and plan ahead.

And so, as part of our Fair Funding package, we have been asking the Scottish Government to ensure funding decisions are issued no later than December and funds paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.

We were encouraged, then, when Colin Smyth MSP submitted a written question at parliament at the end of November, asking “what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April”.

The fact that we had not had prior contact with Colin would suggest that our Fair Funding calls, with the support of sector organisations echoing those calls, are very much landing with MSPs.

But even more encouraging was the Scottish Government’s response: “We understand that organisations need timely grant decisions and payments in order to reduce financial uncertainty and effectively resource delivery,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

“In line with the commitment given by the First Minister, we are working, within the context of the Scottish Budget process, to issue notifications of funding arrangements to third sector organisations, as soon as is practicably possible and no later than end of March for funding beginning on 1 April.”

With that in mind, we are keen to track the experiences of voluntary organisations who expect to receive funding from the Scottish Government this coming financial year.

We’re looking to build a group of such organisations to participate in a monthly survey, beginning in a few weeks and running for six months. The survey itself will be quick and easy to complete, the results gathered will be kept entirely anonymous, and your participation will allow us to document the journeys of organisations between February and July this year in terms of the relevant correspondence and notifications they are receiving from the Scottish Government.

In July, we will then hopefully be able to congratulate the Scottish Government on realising this commitment on timely notifications. Alternatively, if that is not the case, we will have the statistics that will allow us to hold the Scottish Government to account and to demand that Fairer Funding genuinely does incorporate this and many other of our Fair Funding asks in future.

If your organisation is awaiting notification from the Scottish Government on funding for the forthcoming financial year and you’d like to participate in this series of surveys, or you would like a little more information, please get in touch with Jason Henderson at: jason.henderson@scvo.scot

Edinburgh schools ready to celebrate 15 years of UK’s largest active travel to school challenge

Schools in Edinburgh still have time to sign up to the UK’s largest walking, scooting and cycling to school challenge.

Taking place 11-22 March 2024, the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel inspires pupils to make active journeys to school, improving air quality in their neighbourhood and discovering how these changes benefit the world around them.

Now in its 15^th year, the event sees schools across Scotland and the UK compete each day to make the most journeys by travelling actively to school.

The challenge is delivered by Sustrans, the charity that aims to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and headline sponsors Schwalbe Tyres UK.

Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Behaviour Change, at Sustrans said: “Millions of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced walking, scooting and cycling throughout these past 15 years of Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, and this time it’s going to be bigger than ever.

“Not only are pupils and their families enjoying quality time together during an active school commute, but they’re also improving traffic congestion and air quality around their schools.”

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN/ASN/ALN schools, with prizes to be won every day.

The prizes on offer to schools this year include Micro Scooters, Frog bikes and Cyclehoop cycle parking and infrastructure.

Free resources are available to encourage pupils to help reduce air pollution and learn about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their schools, their neighbourhoods, and the planet.

Alison McLean, Acting Headteacher at Queensferry Primary School in Edinburgh, said: “Last year, our pupils had so much fun walking and cycling to school with their friends and family.

“We noticed they arrived at school refreshed and ready to learn. We were also thrilled to come in first place in the large primary school category in Scotland.

“I would encourage more schools to sign up to the Big Walk and Wheel as it’s a great way for young people to learn more about the local environment, air quality and how it affects them.”

15 years of the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel in Scotland

Since data collection for the challenge began in 2011, just over 1.5 million miles¹ have been travelled by pupils taking almost 2.3 million active travel journeys to school in Scotland.

That equates to around 19 trips to the moon, or over 180 journeys around the Earth¹, saving just under 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ polluting the air on the school run, from 3.1 million car journeys had the participants been driven to and from school¹.

Just over 340,000 active journeys to 340 participating schools took place in Scotland during the 2023 challenge, saving just over an estimated 240 tonnes of CO₂ emissions if the journeys logged had otherwise been made by car².

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, said: “For 15 years, pupils across Scotland have enjoyed taking part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. Parents save money by not having to drive and children get to be out and about exploring their world.

“The challenge shows that a healthier, more enjoyable and sustainable journey to school is possible. We want to transform school runs across Scotland by making it easier for all families to walk, wheel or cycle to school.”

Join in

Comment and share your active journeys to school, using the hashtag #BigWalkandWheel

Find out more about registering for the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2024.

Stranded mum who nearly gives birth on the A9 during Storm Gerrit thanks emergency staff

A mum stuck on the side of the road following Storm Gerrit flooding said she’ll always be grateful to the emergency responders who rushed her to hospital to give birth to her first child.

Louise Lyon, 31 of Pitlochry, was on the A9 near Ballinluig on December 28 around 11.20 am, and enroute to Perth Royal Infirmary to give birth, alongside partner Stephen Nicol.

However, with Louise in the late stages of labour, flooding forced the road to be closed.

An ambulance crew of Selene Rae, Paramedic, and William Young, Paramedic Team Leader, of Pitlochry, Alistair Daw Paramedic and David Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, both working out of SCAA’s Helimed 76 alongside Pilot Captain Kimball Chillcott, also attended to assist with the road transfer of Louise to Perth Royal Infirmary.

Louise said: “As this was my first baby, my partner and I were both scared that we would not make it to the hospital in time.

“From the moment the ambulance arrived, Selene made me feel so at ease and cared for. My waters had broken and I felt embarrassed and scared but she was calm and made me feel comfortable and got me gas and air to help alleviate the pain.”

Louise and her partner were transported to Perth Royal Infirmary by road ambulance and she gave birth to Olivia at 1305.

She added: “A paramedic from the SCAA air ambulance team stayed in the ambulance with us to support should things develop quickly.

“During the ride to the hospital, they continuously checked me after each contraction and encouraged me to use the gas and air to ensure I didn’t give birth in the ambulance before it was time. They spoke to me the entire time to make me feel comfortable and tried to ease the fear I had.

“Upon arrival at the hospital, they stayed with me during my labour and helped me to welcome my little girl into the world. They made a first-time mum feel very safe and cared for. The care that they provided was above and beyond what I could ever have expected.”

To say thanks, Louise also delivered a card to the crew at Pitlochry to say thanks to all those involved.

She wrote: “Thank you so much for the care you gave me whilst I was in labour. Words can’t express how grateful I am to you. You truly went above and beyond to ensure Olivia was brought into the world safely.”

She said that without the responders, her partner would have had to become a midwife and deliver the baby at the side of the road.

She added:” I cannot put into words how scared I was and from the moment the paramedic stepped out of the ambulance my fear completely slipped away. The two paramedics supported both myself and my partner to ensure we remained calm after what had been a traumatic experience.”

Pancake Day: a vet’s warning

One cube of cheese is equivalent to 11 pancakes for a small dog

Imagine eating 11 pancakes in one sitting – well that’s exactly what your precious pooch* is doing every time you give them just one cube of cheese, according to PDSA.

It comes as a warning to pet owners this Pancake Day as part of the leading vet charity’s ‘Big Weigh In’ campaign which aims to tackle obesity in pets.

“We all love a treat and I’m certainly looking forward to my pancake this Pancake Day,” says PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “But while it’s tempting to share titbits with our four-legged friends, especially when they give us those pleading eyes, it’s important to understand that what we see as a small treat could actually be a huge amount of calories for our pets.

“For example, 30% of dog owners regularly give their dogs cheese*, but just one cube of cheese is the equivalent of 11 pancakes to a small dog, six to a medium dog, and 3.5 to a large-sized dog. So what originally may have seemed a harmless little treat, actually equates to more than 110 extra calories, which is over 30% of a small dog’s daily calorific requirement.”

The veterinary charity is working with Royal Canin to tackle the pet obesity crisis in the UK. Throughout February and March, pet owners can book in for free weight checks at participating vet practices across the country.

There are more than 500 practices signed up. Pet owners can find their local participating vet practice and book their free appointment here: pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp

“Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from health problems such as diabetes and urinary tract disease,” adds Nina. “Carrying excess fat can also worsen other health problems – such as arthritis and breathing difficulties – as well as increase anaesthetic and surgical risks, all of which could negatively affect your pet’s quality of life.

“That’s why we’re urging all pet owners to get involved in the PDSA Big Weigh In this year and let us help you to help your pet.

“If your pets have had a treat-filled festive season, it’s important to recognise if they have gained some extra weight and to help them get back to better health.

“It can feel like a big challenge to get a pet to lose weight, but trust us, it’s worth it and isn’t that difficult (I promise!). Once your pet has reached their ideal size and shape, they will be healthier, happier and more active. They will also have the best chance of living a long, energetic and comfortable life.”

How to tell if your dog needs to lose weight

Looking at your dog’s shape is the best way to tell if they’re putting on weight. Dogs come in all different builds and sizes but a healthy shape is the same for every dog:

Look at your dog from the side and from above. They should have a neat, tucked in waist.
Feel under your dog’s tummy. It should go in, not bulge out.
Feel along your dog’s back and sides. You should be able to easily feel their ribs, spine and hips but they shouldn’t poke out.
Feel the base of your dog’s tail. You shouldn’t be able to feel a build-up of fat where their tail meets their body.

Different ways to exercise your dog

Varying your dog’s exercise routine is an excellent way to keep their mind and body healthy. If you’re looking for inspiration, why not try some of the following:

Walking should be part of every dog’s daily routine to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Most dogs need at least 1-2 walks per day (unless otherwise specified by your vet).
Swimming is a great option if your dog likes the water, and as an added benefit, it’s very easy on their joints. Whether it’s in a pool, the sea, a river, or a lake, make sure you follow water safety advice to keep your pooch safe.
Running is a great way to stay healthy with your four-legged friend – just make sure that their breed suits an athletic workout and if it does, that you introduce them to it slowly. To begin with, try short bursts of gentle jogging throughout your normal walk, then gradually build up to longer stretches.
Play should be part of every dog’s daily routine. While it doesn’t replace a good walk, playing a game is a simple but effective way to keep your dog happy and active. The type of games your dog enjoys will depend on their breed and personality – they might want to chase and retrieve a toy, play tug of war, hide and seek, or sniff out their favourite toy in a scent game.
Agility is a fun way to exercise your dog, especially if they have an active mind and love a challenge. It involves training your dog to complete an obstacle course containing hurdles, tunnels and even seesaws.
Flyball involves your dog running through an obstacle course and releasing a ball, which they then need to catch – it’s a great sport for dogs with lots of energy and/or an active brain. Flyball isn’t a good sport for very heavy dogs, or dogs with joint problems, so it’s important to speak to your vet before starting your dog at a class.
Training: Training should be a part of every dog’s daily routine. It helps keep your dog’s mind active, reinforces commands, prevents boredom, and is a great way to bond.

*According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual nationally representative assessment of pet wellbeing.

Vue Edinburgh brings back classic films for Valentine’s Day

To mark Valentine’s Day, four classic romance films are returning to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Edinburgh Ocean– for one night only.

To kick things off, the timeless love story of Jack and Rose is back with Titanic. The film is an epic, action-packed romance set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic – at the time, the largest moving object ever built. James Cameron’s multi-Academy Award-winner will be on the big screen in 3D 4K HDR and high-frame rate, with a cast headed by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

For those looking for a more uplifting spectacle, 10 Things I Hate About You will also be returning to the big screen for Valentine’s Day. The 90s classic stars Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger as they navigate high school dating in this wildly entertaining romcom – as loved now as it was 25 years ago.

For lovers of musicals, one of the most celebrated productions of all time will be returning to Vue. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe), after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Finally, one of (if not the) ultimate romcom, Notting Hill will also be returning to the big screen on 14 February. Hugh Grant stars as a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when a famous American actress (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop.

A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair.

As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.

Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to be showing four classic romance films this Valentine’s Day.

“No matter who you choose to spend the day with, these titles are sure to bring back fond emotions for lovers of film.

“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the big screens and Vue is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s!”

Tickets are available online from just £4.99 at select venues at www.myvue.com.

Hearts & Minds welcomes Scots comedian Chris Forbes as Ambassador for the Clowndoctors

Hearts & Minds welcome Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctors as they celebrate 25 years

Hearts & Minds is pleased to welcome top Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctors as they celebrate 25 years of delivering Clowndoctor visits.

Chris is an award-winning actor, writer, and comedian. Star of BBC’s Scot Squad and one of the most in demand comics in the UK, he is a regular panellist on Breaking the News and has achieved widespread popularity as The Other Murray Brother alongside Judy Murray.

Last year at the Pride of Scotland Awards, Chris, along with Janey Godley, presented the Clowndoctors with the TSB Community Award in recognition of the work they do in helping young people overcome difficulties and to face challenges with a smile,

Chris Forbes said: “In my time as a volunteer for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, I saw first-hand how much joy and happiness the Clowndoctors brought to children and families in their darkest moments.

“It’s such a precious gift and therefore I am so proud to be an ambassador for the Hearts & Minds charity.”

Sean Donnelly, CEO, Hearts & Minds commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Chris has agreed to join Hearts & Minds as our ambassador.

“Chris’s involvement will be a huge boost to our efforts as we deliver more Clowndoctor visits to offer support, playfulness and emotional support for children, young people, and families across Scotland.

“In 2024 Hearts & Minds celebrate a remarkable 25 years of the Clowndoctors. We are delighted to have Chris join us in this momentous year. We look forward to working together spreading light, laughter and joy when it is needed most.”

The Clowndoctors started delivering their visits to children at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital (now the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People) in 1999 and then to children in Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow.

The Clowndoctors are all professional performing artists and have trained in the art of clowning and use their skills to develop therapeutic clowning visits to help ease anxiety and stress of being in hospital.

The Clowndoctors still visit both hospitals in their new locations, and it was at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow that Chris Forbes saw the Clowndoctors work their magic.

Chris joins author and motivational speaker Gavin Oattes as an ambassador for the Clowndoctors and Phyllis Logan, ambassador for the Elderflowers, the charity’s dementia programme.

Thanks to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh for use of the POD for our photographs with Chris Forbes and the Clowndoctors.

New report shows patients value NHS diagnostic services but face barriers to access

UK patients want better access to early and accurate diagnosis of health problems, according to new survey data from the Patients Association.

Many patients would consider paying to get tests done privately if they faced a long wait for NHS tests.

Nine in ten (90%) of UK patients say it should be more straightforward to get the diagnostic tests they need
Three in five (60%) said they would be willing to pay to get a test done if they faced a long wait, or the test they needed was not available
More than three in five (61%) believed being able to test at home could help speed up diagnosis
Patients want to know how to get the tests they need, why they are having them, and when they can expect results.

The survey, undertaken in partnership with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, represents the views of more than 1,000 patients from across the UK, who had received diagnostic support from the NHS in the preceding six months.

Nine out of ten (90%) of the people who completed the survey said it should be easier to obtain access to the diagnostic tests they need. They also wanted:

Better understanding of why they were being sent for a test
Increased speed and urgency
Improved access
A greater sense of empowerment when it comes to diagnostic tests, results, and subsequent treatment and care.

Access challenges

The findings demonstrated several challenges experienced by patients in gaining access to diagnostic tests.

One-third of respondents (33%) said when they tried to get a test, they found there were no appointments available locally. This reflects national data on the large numbers of patients unable to access diagnostic tests and services, even before consideration is given to any waiting lists for any treatment they may need.
Almost four in five (78%) patients felt testing facilities should be provided closer to patients’ homes to make access easier
Seven in ten (70%) wanted a clearer understanding of how to access tests. Some respondents highlighted that services are sometimes not available as advertised.

Speed and urgency of access to testing was another significant problem identified by survey. Only one in ten (11%) of respondent said they have never had any issues getting either a test or their results, or faced no consequences if they did.

For those living with long-term conditions, delays and difficulties in accessing diagnosis have had significant consequences. Nearly one in five (17%) respondents said their long-term recovery was set back significantly.

Many more reported consequences for their mental and physical health, and their wider work and family life.

Respondents were also unhappy about a lack of access to, and clear explanation of, test results. Almost nine in ten (88%) patients wanted a realistic timeline for their test results to come through and a similar number (87%) called for a better explanation of what those results meant for them and their treatment.

Patient-created solutions

The survey discovered patients are finding ways around the challenges they faced. For example, when asked whether they would be willing to pay to get a test done privately if they faced a long wait or if the test they needed was not available on the NHS, three in five (60%) of respondents said they would. This included patients who did not consider themselves to be ‘rich’.

The finding that so many patients would consider paying for tests shows the importance they place on getting a timely and accurate diagnosis, even if they had to pay.

Sustainable solutions

The survey’s results show many patients have a clear view on how diagnostic services in the UK could be improved.

Being able to test at home was seen as one way to make services more accessible. Nearly two thirds (61%) of respondents believed expanding opportunities to test at home could help speed up diagnosis.

When asked about specific examples, the numbers were even higher, perhaps building on our collective experience of testing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than three quarters (77%) said they would be happy to test themselves at home.

Investing in diagnostics and new technology was supported by most respondents. For example, more than half (57%) the respondents felt the use of new technology such as artificial intelligence could speed up diagnosis and reduce pressures on the NHS – an important factor since nearly one-third (29%) said they delayed seeking tests to avoid wasting NHS time and resources.

Looking to the future

Almost nine in ten (86%) felt testing and diagnosing conditions more quickly would help reduce the NHS backlog. While patients want to feel more empowered in taking charge of their own health, they are also keen that solutions are sought to support NHS efficiency and sustainability in the longer-term.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patient Association, says: “Patients value diagnostic services – that’s very clear from the survey. Frustrations about access to tests came over loud and clear.

“Those taking the survey clearly value being partners in their care. And to partner with the professionals sending them for tests, patients need and want clear communication on how to get tests, why they need a test, and when they’ll get results. Healthcare professionals can improve patient-centred care when ordering diagnostic tests by explaining how, why and when.”

Geoff Twist, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics, UK & Ireland says: “Tests that detect or diagnose disease early, or in some cases prevent it altogether, can play a vital role in the patient journey, and in helping the health system work efficiently.

“This report shows that patients themselves see and understand the importance of diagnostic tests, and that they will proactively seek them out to find the answers they need about their health.

“The message is clear. But to realise this we need a renewed policy focus, setting out how we can speed up getting existing diagnostic tests and innovations to the people who need them. Prioritising diagnostic services can help to relieve some of the pressure on our NHS today and protect it for generations to come.”

Download Patient Experience of Diagnostics Report