Day: January 16, 2025

New mental health service launches in Edinburgh to reduce wait times for autism and ADHD diagnosis

HealthCare in Mind, a new dedicated service offering private autism, ADHD and mental health assessment treatments and therapies, has launched in Edinburgh to improve access to high quality mental health diagnoses and address the growing wait times for critical mental health support.

With average NHS wait times for autism and ADHD assessments reaching one to two years across the country, HealthCare In Mind provides a much-needed alternative for families and individuals seeking answers and support. The service is now live in Edinburgh and will allow patients to access care instantly through both remote and in-person appointments to suit their needs.

HealthCare in Mind offers a range of mental health services, including fully comprehensive diagnostic assessments for both children and adults, and therapy treatments to manage mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and mood disorders.

HealthCare In Mind is led by Dr Simon Le Clerc MStJ, and Dr Kate Higham, alongside an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to provide instant access to the highest quality care to those in need.

Dr Simon Le Clerc commented: “Cases of adults and children seeking answers about their mental health, and the way they experience the world have risen dramatically in Edinburgh, and NHS waiting lists are struggling to keep up.

“It is not uncommon for wait times of up to a year for a first appointment for ADHD, autism and mental health assessments, and after assessment there are further waiting lists for accessing therapy treatments to help people manage their conditions.

“By offering private, tailored neurodiversity assessments, we can offer an option to families and individuals in need of a quicker solution. Our ambition for the future is to work with the NHS to support with clearing the waiting lists, but our service is also available for those in need today.”

To book an initial consultation, visit www.healthcareinmind.com.

Protein Shakes Could Be Causing Tooth Decay and Bad Breath, Dentist Warns

With Dry January in full swing, many are swapping alcohol for healthier alternatives like protein shakes to support their wellbeing goals. But could your daily shake be secretly sabotaging your oral health?

Nina Gonzero, an oral specialist at Avangart Dental Clinic, warns that some popular protein drinks may harm your teeth and breath more than you realise.

The Hidden Oral Health Risks of Protein Shakes

While protein shakes are praised for their convenience and nutritional benefits, they often contain sugars, acidic ingredients, and artificial sweeteners that can negatively impact oral hygiene. The sugars feed bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even persistent bad breath.

“People often sip protein shakes throughout the day, unknowingly exposing their teeth to a prolonged acidic environment,” says Nina Gonzero. “This not only weakens enamel but also contributes to dry mouth, which makes bad breath worse.”

Why Your Breath Might Suffer

Protein itself can be a culprit when it comes to bad breath. As the body breaks down protein, it produces sulphur compounds that can linger in the mouth, creating unpleasant odours. Coupled with a lack of hydration and sugary additives, protein shakes can quickly become a double threat to oral health.

Top Tips for Protecting Your Smile While Staying Healthy

  1. Rinse with Water: Drink water immediately after your shake to wash away residues.
  2. Avoid Sugary Shakes: Opt for low-sugar or unsweetened protein powders to reduce bacteria-feeding sugars.
  3. Brush and Floss: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, especially after consuming shakes.
  4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: This helps stimulate saliva production and neutralise acids in the mouth.
  5. Use a Straw: Minimise contact with teeth by drinking through a straw.

Balancing Wellbeing and Oral Health

As people strive to prioritise health and fitness this January, it’s crucial to maintain a balance that also protects your teeth. “Protein shakes can absolutely fit into a healthy lifestyle,” Gonzero adds. “The key is to be mindful of their effects on oral health and take simple steps to mitigate any risks.”

Police and Fire Chiefs meet

Chief Constable Jo Farrell and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Stuart Stevens met at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, this week.

The meeting was the first since Chief Officer Stevens took command of the SFRS in November 2024 and covered collaborative opportunities, as well as ongoing and recent partnership working, including Operation Moonbeam.

Chief Officer Stevens said: “I was delighted to meet with Chief Constable Farrell. Protecting communities across Scotland remains at the heart of everything we do, and we strongly value our close working relationship with Police Scotland.

“I look forward to working together with police colleagues to explore and enhance further collaboration in the future, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our staff and the public we serve.”

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I’m grateful to Stuart for his ongoing commitment to meeting collective challenges and working together to deliver for communities as part of what is a key partnership for policing.”

Improving police complaint and conduct procedures

Bill passed to strengthen public confidence in the service

A Bill to further improve police complaints and police conduct procedures has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill will ensure allegations of misconduct among police officers and staff are dealt with more transparently and effectively.

When implemented, the legislation will mean that officers accused of gross misconduct who retire or resign from the service can still face misconduct proceedings. Those found guilty will be placed on barred lists and prohibited from being re-employed in policing.

A crucial element of the Bill relates to the ongoing vetting of police officers and staff. The new law will see mean that vetting procedures are placed on a statutory footing, that vetting is maintained throughout a career, and that the Chief Constable is given powers to remove officers and staff who cannot maintain their vetting clearance. All police officers and staff will have to go through a structured regime of on-going vetting that will continue throughout their professional life.

The new arrangements will be underpinned by a statutory Code of Ethics which sets out expectations of behaviour. To oversee these standards, the role of the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) will be significantly enhanced.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Scotland is well served by the exceptional dedication and commitment of our police officers. It is an incredibly difficult frontline job and police officers and staff conduct themselves with integrity, and I am grateful to them for all they do to keep communities safe.

“It is vital, however, that where any officer falls below the standards expected, there are robust and transparent mechanisms in place to hold them to account. This Bill will mean that officers accused of gross misconduct can still face proceedings even if they leave the service.

“The public and police officers also need a vetting system they can have full confidence in, and this Bill gives the Chief Constable more powers to remove officers and staff who cannot maintain their vetting clearance.

“The measures in the Bill build on significant improvements to good practice within Police Scotland’s vetting unit which have been recognised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), and will further strengthen public confidence and trust in policing.”

A new era for Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

Major manufacturer will bring jobs and investment

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has welcomed a deal which will almost restore the workforce lost at the site of the old Michelin tyre factory in Dundee.

Advanced textiles manufacturer Wilkie has become the major shareholder in the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, planning to invest up to £50 million and triple its workforce to 600. This will be in addition to just under 200 staff already on site at MSIP.

When the Michelin tyre factory closed down in 2020 with 850 jobs lost, the Scottish Government began working to retain the site as an economic hub which would bring jobs back to the region.

Ministers played a leading role in putting together a partnership with Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise which invested almost £50 million to create the Parc.

Since it opened, MSIP has become a centre for innovation and skills with 16 tenant companies and 190 workers. It includes an Innovation Hub and Labs and a Skills Academy led by Dundee and Angus College. The Parc has also supported 53 new businesses through its Innovator Accelerator programme, creating more than 80 jobs elsewhere.

On a visit to the Parc with Wilkie CEO Hamish Rowan and General Manager John Reid, the Deputy First Minister said: “When Michelin closed the doors on its tyre factory, the Scottish Government promised to reinvest in the site’s economic future. We hoped that we’d be in the position we find ourselves in today, bringing in a major employer like Wilkie with a strong Scottish heritage.

“Dundee has long been known as the home of industry, and I consider myself fortunate in having seen Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s transition from a spark of an idea to the business community we see today, connecting industry trailblazers with academia to bring about greener economic growth across the country.

“Wilkie will guide MSIP into its future as a major centre for manufacturing, while continuing to work with companies focused on sustainable innovation and decarbonisation.”

Scottish Enterprise is staying on as a minority shareholder to work with Wilkie, which will be relocating from its current base in Kirriemuir where it employs around 200 workers.

Wilkie has made clear its focus on expansion and that current employees are a critical part of its success. Transport will be provided for the workforce to commute to Dundee. The Scottish Government will work to support the workforce and the wider community as this transition takes place.

Scotland’s Beard Festival upgrades to a 2-Day Event for 2025

Braw Beard, Scotland’s pioneering beard care company, is thrilled to announce the return of its celebrated Beard and Moustache International Championship. The 7th annual event will take place on Saturday, 15th February 2025, at the iconic Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.

Next month, we will see the Beard Festival upgrade to a 2 day event called the Braw Beard Weekender for the first time. 

Night 1 on Friday, 14th February, will feature a live in-person chat show hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood and Braw Beard founder John Jackson with four special guests:

• International and Isle of Man TT motorcycle racer Jamie Coward
• Professional wrestler and actor Jack Jester
• Musician, Cammy Barnes
• Artist and author, Tragic O’Hara

Night 2 on Saturday, 15th February, will showcase the beard and moustache competition with 13 categories, the Best Fake Beard and the Over 12” Beard and Freestyle categories continue to be crowd favourites, showcasing incredible creativity and grooming skills.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 championship is set to feature a diverse international line-up, with competitors hailing from the USA, Germany, Belgium, and Norway. This global participation underscores the event’s stature as a not-to-miss gathering in the international beard and moustache community.

Braw Beard continues its tradition of supporting meaningful causes, partnering with Chris’s House Suicide Awareness charity for the 3rd time, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility. 

Chris’s House said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the Charity to benefit from your annual raffle. We are a small charity that relies solely on donations, this means that every penny raised is vital to ensure that our services continue to run supporting the local community.”

The championship will culminate with a live music performance by the popular Scottish rock band, In Charge. In addition, attendees can look forward to exclusive products: a limited edition Braw Beard oil, with only 100 individually numbered bottles available, and a unique Brawtherhood lager, a collaboration between Braw Beard and Drygate Brewery.

John Jackson, the founder of Braw Beard and the brainchild behind the championships, maintains his pivotal role in orchestrating the event.

This year, the festivities will be hosted by renowned Scottish comedian Billy Kirkwood, guaranteeing an atmosphere filled with humour and camaraderie.

Tickets for the championship are selling fast and are expected to be a sell-out, mirroring the success of previous years. Interested attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly at www.thebrawbmc.com

The Braw Beard and Moustache Championship is renowned for its relaxed, fun, and feel-good atmosphere, making it a unique and anticipated event in Scotland’s cultural calendar.

Ministerial visit celebrates groundbreaking project

Innovating the future of independent living

A GROUNDBREAKING project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland.

 Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI during a visit. 

The visit took place at the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, where Mr Gray experienced first-hand the innovative use of technology and data designed to support healthier, independent living for Scotland’s elderly and vulnerable populations.

Launched in 2022, the £12.5 million Peoplehood Project has engaged over 500 participants across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow. The three-year project has co-designed new independent living models, incorporating cutting-edge assisted technologies and digital skills training aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.

Neil Gray MSP commented: “The integration of technology into every-day lives is a key requirement in supporting individuals to live well at home for longer, and to support our health and social care services. We recognise that innovation must be at the heart of how we deliver these services across Scotland.

It is therefore important to recognise and to take the opportunity to learn from projects, such as Peoplehood, which are paving the way for a more sustainable and person-centred approach to social care.”

During the tour, Mr. Gray explored a Blackwood Home, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and witnessed how the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service is using the technology to the benefit of users. 

Steph Sutherland, Development and Commercial Director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “At Blackwood, our vision is to help people live their lives to the full.

“The Peoplehood Project has demonstrated the transformative potential of assistive technology in creating homes and communities that support independence. 

“The learnings from the project will help shape our approach to independent living, ensuring that we can support as many people as possible to thrive in their homes and communities while leading healthier, more connected lives.”

Heather Thomson, Interim CEO of The Data Lab, added: “This collaboration demonstrates Scotland’s immense potential for innovation in health and social care. Through the power of data and AI, we are delivering ethical, impactful solutions that benefit communities across the country.”

The Peoplehood Project aligns with the UK Government’s Healthy Ageing Challenge Framework, addressing critical themes such as reducing social isolation, promoting independence, and fostering healthier lifestyles. The project’s insights are expected to influence Scotland’s social care sector on a national scale.

Blackwood Homes and Care, operating over 1,700 homes across 28 local authority areas, is renowned for its innovative approach to accessible housing, exemplified by the award-winning Blackwood House and CleverCogs technology.

Collaborating with The Data Lab – which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council National Innovation programme – the University of Edinburgh, CENSIS, Carebuilder and Mydex, the project harnesses data science to develop sustainable solutions for healthy ageing and independent living, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in data-driven social care innovation.

For more information about Blackwood Homes and Care, visit:
https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information about The Data Lab, visit: https://thedatalab.com/

Gordon Macdonald MSP: Getting flu jag will protect yourself, your family and the NHS

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging all eligible people across Edinburgh to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness.

Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Latest figures show that so far this winter 53.2% of eligible adults in NHS Lothian have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines. People have until 31st March to receive their jags but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect them against serious illness this winter.

Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless.

Gordon Macdonald said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection.

“The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill. 

“It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone across the city, who hasn’t already done so this winter, to check if they are eligible.

“Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.”

People who are eligible for winter vaccinations should check Winter vaccines | NHS inform and their local health boards for available drop-in clinics. 

Joint investment in Scottish City Deals now more than £3 billion

UK Government investment in the City Region and Growth Deal programme in Scotland is now £1.5 billion – meaning more than £3 billion in total

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, has today [15 January] confirmed that, following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, the total UK Government investment specifically on City Region and Growth Deals in Scotland has now reached £1.5 billion.

The Scottish Government is also investing £1.6 billion in the City Region and Growth Deals programme. That means that total investment now tops £3 billion in total.

Of the UK Government contribution, £527 million was part of a nearly £1.4 billion package of local growth investment signed off by the Chancellor in her Autumn Budget. That means that the UK Government is also, separately, investing £840 million in some two dozen local growth projects and programmes across Scotland. Driving growth and improving living standards across the UK is a key part of our Plan for Change, and these investments are an important part of that.

The Scottish Secretary gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee yesterday [15 January]. He is the first Cabinet Minister since the General Election to appear before a Holyrood committee.

Mr Murray was invited by the Committee to give evidence on the UK Government’s involvement in the City Region and Growth Deals programme, which is delivered jointly in Scotland with the Scottish Government.

Mr Murray said: “I am delighted to confirm that UK Government investment in City Region and Growth Deals alone in Scotland is now £1.5 billion. This is our Plan for Change in action, and this funding will drive economic growth and improve living standards right across Scotland.

“I am very pleased to be the first minister from this administration to give evidence at Holyrood. We have changed the way we do business and work with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament.

“We have reset those relationships to ensure we can work together to deliver for people in Scotland. That means genuine partnership working with the Scottish Government, and the City Region and Growth Deals programme, delivered jointly across Scotland, is an excellent example of that.”

City Region and Growth Deals are packages of funding agreed between the Scottish Government, UK Government and local authority partners.

At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor confirmed additional funding for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal to support Grangemouth refinery workers and their communities, confirmed funding for a number of projects not yet in delivery, and gave the go-ahead for the signing of the Argyll and Bute Growth Deal.

That means that we will shortly have City Region and Growth Deals covering every part of Scotland, with UK Government investment in them specifically, since 2014, totalling more than £1.5 billion.

Getting the Right Care in the Right Place

Evaluating the introduction of the Redesign of Urgent Care

Patients using a new service to direct people to the right urgent care service had a mostly positive experience, a new report has found.

An evaluation of the Redesign of Urgent Care, which was launched in December 2020, found that people given appointments at A&E or minor injuries via NHS 24 111 reported shorter waits than those who visited A&E without an appointment.

The report also found an increased use of NHS 24 111 service during weekday in-hours, reduced unplanned attendances to Emergency Departments and fewer ambulance callouts and trips to hospital, noting there are several factors that may have contributed to these changes.

The report recommends, supporting NHS 24 to reduce call waiting times calls, improving the availability and capacity of alternative services available via flow navigation centres– which direct people to the most appropriate service for their health and care needs-  and continuing to provide public messaging on when to call 111. 

The Scottish Government is working with boards to drive improvements in how health care services are accessed.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I welcome this report which gives us some valuable insight into how we can improve the way the health service manages demand for urgent care services.

“We know there is still work to do, but it is encouraging that this evaluation found patient experience of the Redesign of Urgent Care was largely positive, and that people given appointments experienced shorter waits. I thank all the staff involved in this important piece of work.

“Work is already underway to implement the recommendations of this report, including increasing staff numbers at NHS 24. This winter there are a record number of NHS 24 call handlers available to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances.

“Our Right Care Right Place campaign, launched ahead of winter, is continuing to give guidance to the public on the best way to access services, and I thank everyone who is following that advice.

“The Scottish Government’s draft Budget, if passed by parliament, will provide a record £21 billion for health and social care, including £200 million to reduce waiting lists and improve capacity further.

“All of this will help to improve the flow of patients through hospital, and reduce pressures on urgent care. I urge parliament to back the Budget Bill.”

Technical Report: Redesign of Urgent Care Evaluation – gov.scot

More information on the Redesign of Urgent Care.

NHS 24 111 weekday in-hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday