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Cancer 360: Tech reform to transform cancer diagnosis

Cancer 360 brings patient data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker

Millions of patients to receive faster cancer diagnosis, helping slash treatment delays as groundbreaking new tech rolled out on NHS as part of major reform to health service
For first time, all NHS trusts will have access to technology that brings key patient information together so medical teams can easily spot those in need of urgent attention
The £2bn tech investment from the Autumn Budget will drive essential reforms, freeing up staff time and saving lives, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change

Millions of cancer patients will receive a faster diagnosis, helping cut treatment delays and boost survival rates as the government rolls out pioneering new technology across the NHS through the Plan for Change.

Currently, there are over 2 million people living with cancer, many of whom face a complex journey of tests, appointments or treatments. But a trailblazing new tool – dubbed Cancer 360 – brings all that data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker – with the technology set to benefit millions over the next 5-10 years.

This government inherited a broken NHS. Lord Ara Darzi’s independent investigation found the NHS in ‘critical condition’ – with surging waiting lists and deteriorating national health – and set out the need to improve cancer waiting time performance and cancer survival.

Cancer 360 represents the crucial reform that must accompany investment, shifting the NHS from analogue to digital, by creating a simple dashboard showing clinicians all the information they need about their patients in one place. Instead of having to gather vital information about each cancer patient from various systems, spreadsheets, emails, and records.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This government grasped the nettle and made difficult but necessary choices to invest £26 billion into our NHS – a move that is already helping millions of patients and will help millions more.

“It’s a long road, but we’re already getting our NHS back on its feet, giving patients over 3 million more appointments, hiring 1,500 new GPs and starting the roll out of new tech that will save lives.

“It is only this government’s Plan for Change that will deliver for patients and make our NHS fit for the future.”

The real-time tool will help teams to easily track a patient’s progress, avert delays, and even produce personalised treatment plans. It will dramatically reduce paperwork and help ensure vital warning signs aren’t missed.

Cancer 360 is a prime example of the government’s commitment to reform – doing things differently by harnessing digital innovation to improve patient outcomes.

Following recent expansion of the NHS App, which has already stopped 1.5 million hospital appointments being missed and saved 5.7 million staff hours since July 2024, Cancer 360 demonstrates how we are continuing to drive the NHS from analogue to digital, giving patients better care and more control over their healthcare journey.

The investment comes from the Autumn Budget – where the government made difficult but necessary choices to put £26 billion in our NHS. This includes the biggest increase in NHS spending since 2010, excluding COVID-19 years – including £1 billion for digital transformation projects and £121 million for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). While this investment is crucial, it’s the reforms in how we use these resources that will truly transform cancer care.

The new tool is built into the FDP, which brings patient information together from across separate systems into one safe and secure environment. Since April 2024, hospitals using the platform have typically performed 70,000 more procedures and reduced unnecessary hospital stays by almost 19% – treating more patients and freeing up valuable bed space.

Suraiya Abdi, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust said: “The implementation of Cancer 360 has enabled my team to monitor and safely carry our patients through their cancer pathway.

“The tool enables us to have in-depth conversations at our weekly meetings regarding a patient’s next step as well as allowing us to escalate queries directly to other teams for faster turnaround.

“The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team therefore enabling them to focus on the patient journey. I have witnessed an improvement in performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience.”

The government’s National Cancer Plan will transform the way we approach this disease, improving care and bringing this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

Through the Plan for Change, the UK government is driving forward work to develop innovative treatments and technologies for patients.

Last month the Prime Minister announced plans for a new health data research service, to transform access to NHS data so clinical trials can be fast-tracked to accelerate the development of the medicines and therapies of the future, in turn helping boost the UK’s world leading life sciences sector and drive growth.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also recently announced thousands of cancer patients will benefit from new artificial intelligence which detects skin cancer. In addition, it was confirmed that the NHS will become the first health system in Europe to offer a new injectable form of nivolumab – one of the most widely used cancer treatments in England.

This forms part of the government’s wider ambitions to cut waiting lists under its Plan for Change.

With a total of 3 million additional appointments already delivered 6 months early, the government is exceeding its own targets and driving down waiting lists at pace, which have fallen for 6 months in a row and by 219,000 since July 2024 – evidence that reform and investment together can deliver real results for patients.

Delivering for Scotland?

First Minister to publish Programme for Government on Tuesday

New measures to strengthen Scotland’s public services and ensure people are supported during the cost-of-living crisis will be set out by the First Minister this week.

First Minister John Swinney will deliver his Programme for Government on Tuesday 6 May, focused on his four key priorities – eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, investing in public services and tackling the climate emergency.

The First Minister announced last month that he would bring forward the Programme for Government from its expected publication date post-summer to enable a full year of delivery before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

The First Minister said: “Times are tough for households and businesses across Scotland, and the world around us is changing in ways that are difficult to predict.

“But my promise to the people of Scotland is that amidst the uncertainty there is one thing they can be sure of: the government I lead will always seek to do what is best for Scotland.

“As First Minister, I will always put the needs and interests of the people of Scotland first.

“I made the decision to bring my Programme for Government forward to ensure people know that the government I lead is entirely focused on improving their lives.

“On Tuesday, I will bring my plan to Parliament that will strengthen our health service and ensure more money stays in people’s pockets during this cost of living crisis.

“The 2025-26 Programme for Government will make Scotland healthier and wealthier.”

CINEWORLD ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER 4DX FAMILY DAY

SUNDAY 18th May

£4 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

4DX FAMILY DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY 18 MAY
CLASSIC FAMILY TITLES IN 4DX: MOANA, PADDINGTON & HARRY POTTER
ONE-DAY EVENT TO BE HELD ACROSS ALL 4DX CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

Get ready for a family adventure like no other! Cineworld is excited to launch its first-ever 4DX Family Day on Sunday 18 May at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide – with tickets available now for just £4/€4 (online, including booking fee).

Available only at Cineworld, 4DX is a thrilling multisensory experience, featuring motion-synchronised seats, gusts of wind, sprays of water, aromatic scents, bubbles, fog and strobe lighting, bringing every scene to life in the comfort of your seat. For one day only, families across the UK and Ireland can dive into some of the most beloved family classics in an entirely new way.

Film line-up for 4DX Family Day:

Moana (2016) – 10:00am
Paddington (2014) – 12:30pm
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) – 2:45pm

For the first time ever, Moana and Paddington will be brought to life in 4DX – with ocean sprays, tilting seats and sea breezes pulling you into Moana’s voyage, and bursts of air, playful splashes and sweet peach aromas capturing Paddington’s every marmalade mishap. Plus, the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will sweep through the auditorium with swirling winds, rumbling seats and spellbinding effects like fog, bubbles and snow.

Adding even more magic to the day, participating cinemas will also host a range of family-friendly activities in the foyer, including bubble-blowing fun and temporary 4DX tattoo stations – perfect for young adventurers. All adults must be accompanied by a child – young explorers lead the way!

Casey Cohen, VP of International Marketing at Cineworld, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first-ever 4DX Family Day, where seats move, oceans splash, and marmalade mischief fills the air.

“4DX is hands down, the most fun you can have as a family in a cinema – like a multisensory rollercoaster ride, but with popcorn.

“On Sunday, May 18th, experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter like never before, in 4DX. Get ready for the ride of your life – you’re welcome!”

Tickets for 4DX Family Day are available now via the Cineworld website and Cineworld app.

#Experience4DX

#4DXFamilyDay

Cineworld 4DX Sites:

Aberdeen – Union Square
Ashford
Ashton-under-Lyne
Barnsley
Basildon
Belfast
Birmingham – Broad Street
Bracknell
Broughton
Cardiff
Cheltenham
Crawley
Didsbury
Dublin
Edinburgh
Glasgow – Renfrew Street
Hull
Ipswich
London – Enfield
London – Feltham
London – Leicester Square
London – The O2 Greenwich
London – Wandsworth
London – Wembley
Milton Keynes
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newport Wales – Spytty Park
Plymouth
Rushden Lakes
Sheffield
Stevenage
Swindon – Shaw Ridge
Telford
Wolverhampton

St Columba’s seeks volunteers for new furniture centre in Bonnington

We’re growing our team of part-time VOLUNTEERS to assist in the day-to-day running of our NEW Furniture Centre, opening in Bonnington later this month.

Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services our Hospice delivers across Edinburgh and the Lothians, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you!

Furniture Centre Volunteers will carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, taking information about collections and deliveries, or handling furniture.

Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

To find out more about the role visit https://bit.ly/3Gzb2KE or call our Volunteer Services team on 0131 551 1381.

Tomorrow: Newhaven Lighthouse 10K

ENTRIES ON THE DAY are available for this awesome 10K from Newhaven Harbour, 10.30am start

ENTER by 10am at Lighthouse Park, end of Western Harbour Drive.

Cash / Card accepted

£21 / £19 (£2 discount for SA members) includes a £1 donation to @theheartofnewhaven charity

#newhavenlighthouse10k

k #10krace #10k #runnersofedinburgh #runnersofscotland

#runneruk #runchat #scottishrunningcommunity

#blastrunning

#scottishrunningguide

#thingstodoinedinburgh

#newhavenharbour

#racebling

#running2025

Pat McFadden: Cyber attacks are “wake up call” for businesses

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will set out what action the government is taking to improve cyber security in a speech next week

Pat McFadden led briefing with national security officials and National Cyber Security Centre CEO on Friday about support being provided to retailers
He will use keynote speech at CyberUK to say “companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority”
Comes as National Cyber Security Centre works closely with affected organisations to provide expert advice and support

In the wake of a wave of cyber attacks on retailers, Pat McFadden will set out what action the government is taking to improve the country’s cyber security in a speech next week, as the government secures Britain’s future through the Plan for Change.

Recognising the impact such attacks have on working people as they go about their daily lives, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will highlight moves to “bolster our national defences” including through the Cyber Security Bill.

It follows a briefing he led with national security officials and NCSC CEO Richard Horne on Friday about the recent hacks and expert support being provided to retailers.

In the keynote speech at the CyberUK conference in Manchester next week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will say: “These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every business in the UK.

“In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit – with attempts being made every hour of every day – companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority.

“We’ve watched in real-time the disruption these attacks have caused – including to working families going about their everyday lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that just as you would never leave your car or your house unlocked on your way to work. We have to treat our digital shop fronts the same way.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with organisations that have reported incidents to them to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.

They’re also urging leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively.

In his speech next week, Pat McFadden will encourage firms from all sectors to consider what cyber protections they have in place.

In a message to business leaders across the UK, he will say: “We are ready to support you. The National Cyber Security Centre is standing ready to support businesses and provide advice, and guidance, on how to raise the cyber security bar.”

Pat McFadden will set out the action the government is taking to boost the country’s cyber protections. He will say: “We’re modernising the way the state approaches cyber, through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. That legislation will bolster our national defences.

“It will grant new powers for the Technology Secretary to direct regulated organisations to reinforce their cyber defences It will require over 1,000 private IT providers to improve their data and network security.

“It will require companies to report a wider array of cyber incidents to the NCSC in the future – to help us build a clearer picture of who, and what, hostile actors are targeting.”

Last month (April) the government launched a Cyber Governance Code of Practice. This is a package of measures which shows boards and directors how they can manage digital risks and protect their businesses and organisations from cyber attacks.

It covers a range of areas, including having robust cyber strategies in place, promoting a culture in workplaces so all employees are aware of the potential cyber risks they could face in their daily work, and having incident response plans in place which will mean organisations can respond quickly to cyber incidents as they occur.

Small businesses looking to strengthen their online defences are also encouraged to engage with the NCSC’s Small Business Guide, which provides quick and easy actions to help bolster their defences and support through the Cyber Local scheme, which provides tailored funding to boost regional cyber skills.

The National Cyber Security Centre is working with a number of major UK retailers who have been affected by recent incidents.

NCSC CEO Dr Richard Horne said: “The disruption caused by the recent incidents impacting the retail sector are naturally a cause for concern to those businesses affected, their customers and the public.

“The NCSC continues to work closely with organisations that have reported incidents to us to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.

“These incidents should act as a wake-up call to all organisations. I urge leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively.”

People urged to apply for around £2,000 in funeral help

Funeral Support Payment helps cover costs for bereaved

With the start of this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week, the Executive Director of a Scottish charity has encouraged people to use the help that’s available for funeral costs.

Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 – 11 May), organised by Hospice UK, aims to break down the stigma and taboos surrounding talking about death and dying.

Social Security Scotland is using the awareness week as an opportunity to encourage people to talk about the difficult topic of how to pay for a friend or relative’s funeral.

Helene Rodger, Executive Director with the Passion4Fusion, a multi-cultural charity, has highlighted how the organisation dealt with her approach for Funeral Support Payment with, “respect and grace,” describing the process as, “easy and smooth.”

People in Scotland who need help paying for a funeral, and who get Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, can apply for Funeral Support Payment. It can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, including stillborn babies, a child or an adult. The average payment in 2024/25, up to 31 December 2024, was just over £2,100.

Funeral Support Payment can help towards the cost of; burial or cremation, travel, moving the person who died and the relevant documents.

The theme of this year’s Dying Matters campaign is: The Culture of Dying Matters. Different cultures have widely different funeral rites and rituals but the central tenet they share is honoring the person who has died and recognizing their life.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: “Research carried out for the Marie Curie charity found that people want to commemorate the life which has ended with meaning and dignity. There are strong emotions around funerals and how much they cost.

“Funeral Support Payment supports people in their grief. While it doesn’t usually cover the full cost of a funeral, it does help people respectfully mark the life of their friend or relative without the fear of funeral poverty.”

Helene Rodger, Executive Director with the Passion4Fusion multi-cultural charity said: “I’d never heard about the funeral payment until we lost a community member to cancer who I’d supported through her illness.

“I was asked to step in and claim for the funeral fund. When I called, I expected it would be very intrusive with lots of questions but that was far from the truth.

“The adviser treated my enquiry with so much respect and grace. The process was very easy and smooth and eventually I got the money for the funeral cover. The professionalism and empathy that I was treated with was amazing.”

Police appeal for witnesses to fatal road accident

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash on the A70 near Kirknewton, Edinburgh last night.

The incident happened around 11.35pm on Friday, 2 May, near the junction for the B7031 and involved a blue Skoda Octavia car, a black Mercedes Vito taxi and a bicycle.

Emergency services attended and the driver of the car, a 46-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The taxi driver was taken to hospital and later discharged. The cyclist did not require medical treatment.

The road was closed for crash investigation work and re-opened around 9am this morning

on Saturday, 3 May.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are asking anyone who saw what happened to get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to trace a second taxi driver who may have witnessed this crash.

“Anyone with relevant dash-cam footage is also asked to contact police.”

If you can help please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4689 of Friday, 2 May, 2025.

Drylaw litter pick on Monday

Let’s keep Drylaw beautiful!

We’re inviting everyone in the community to come along and take part in our upcoming Local Litter Pick for Local Beautification. It’s a great opportunity to do something positive for the area, meet neighbours, and enjoy some fresh air and light exercise.

Date & Time: Monday 5th May

Meet at 10am outside Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

What’s Provided:

No need to bring anything – we’ll provide all the equipment, including litter pickers and gloves. No experience is needed, just your enthusiasm and a bit of community spirit.

After the Pick:

We’ll finish up around 12 noon, and everyone is invited to join us back at the centre for a free community lunch as a thank-you for your efforts.

Whether you’re a regular volunteer or it’s your first time getting involved, we’d love to see you there. Every bit of help makes a real difference in keeping Drylaw clean, safe, and welcoming for all.

Let’s come together to show our local pride – all ages and abilities welcome!

If you have any questions or accessibility needs, feel free to get in touch with us beforehand.

Specialists gather in Edinburgh for European Arts Festivals Summit 2025

Pic Greg Macvean 27/04/2025 City of Edinburgh Council – reception at City Chambers for the Arts Festivals Summit

215 festival specialists gathered this week in Edinburgh for the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025.

Hosted by the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh, and the City of Edinburgh Council, the Arts Festivals Summit 2025 of the European Festivals Association’s (EFA) welcomed over 200 festival professionals for a four-day conversation about festivals, arts, and the role of arts festivals today.

With 215 delegates participating from 44 countries, it has brought diverse perspectives, questions, and themes forward on how festivals can assume a responsible role towards their artists, audiences and societies in an ever-changing world.

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti opened the Summit with a keynote talk on her experience of taking on the role and how her perspective as a performing artist has shaped her approach to curation, collaboration and connection.

Ms Benedetti shared reflections on the importance of holding in balance a deep respect for the past whilst providing a fertile ground for daring innovation, risk and unbridled creativity.

Delegates heard from a range of different voices and perspectives to gain a greater understanding of the interaction between festivals and their city, particularly in the case of Edinburgh, and explored the different aspects that contribute to Edinburgh’s success story.

They had the chance to meet the network of Festivals that exists in Edinburgh and the eleven festivals that contribute to Edinburgh’s unique reputation as The Festival City.

Fittingly Edinburgh is one of the founding members of the recently established EFFE Seal for Festival Cities and Regions, run by EFA which was developed by seven cities – Belgrade, Bergen, Edinburgh, Ghent, Krakow, Leeuwarden, and Ljubljana – to build on the achievements of the EU-funded Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe – EFFE programme and sets out to build co-operation between cities and their festivals across Europe.

During the Summit, four cities signed up to the EFFE Seal: Nis (Serbia), Budapest II District (Hungary), Coimbra (Portugal) and Tampere (Finland).

The EFFE Seal recognises cities for their commitment to their festival communities and aims to promote creativity, sustainability, internationalism, and resilience through knowledge exchange.

The future of festivals and their place in society focused delegates on how festivals contribute to societal topics such as sustainability, inclusion, well-being and freedom of speech, discussed from the point of best practices, learning from failures, perspectives and innovative proposals.

Inspiring keynotes by Roman Krznaric, author and social philosopher, and Elena Polivtseva, independent researcher and a co-founder of Culture Policy Room, challenged participants to think through the current tests the arts are facing, their vision for the future and the importance of long term thinking.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival exists to spark dialogue and cultural exchange – not only on our stages, but across communities and borders.

“It was a privilege to host the European Festivals Association’s 2025 Summit at The Hub, our home in the heart of the Festival City – where the International Festival sparked what is now the largest cultural celebration after the Olympics, every August in Edinburgh.

“Being surrounded by such a dynamic gathering of cultural leaders was a powerful reminder that the most enduring festivals and institutions are driven by a deeper desire to change society for the better.

“Coming together with our international counterparts to reflect, challenge, and collaborate on how we can deepen our impact was both energising and essential.”

Jan Briers, President of European Festivals Association affirmed: “The Summit in Edinburgh was full of new information, permanent networking, and making new collaborations and friends.

“It was a wonderful edition during which festivals coming from many different contexts discussed the future and its shape.”

Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh added: “Seeing our European festival colleagues inspired by cultural conversations across the city, and exhilarated by the beauty of Edinburgh, has been not only heartening but deeply moving – and reminds us that, in the current climate of global uncertainly, there is so much that unites us and so much to gain from deeper international relationships”.

EFA Members elected their President giving a continued mandate to its current chair, Jan Briers

Jan BRIERS shared: “I am pleased to continue to chair this wonderful organisation and being elected in Edinburgh is very meaningful for my new mandate.”

Michael Herrmann, Founder and Director of the Rheingau Music Festival, has been appointed as new Honorary Member of EFA.

The Summit concluded with the handing over of Edinburgh to Budva, Montenegro.

“We are excited about the opportunity to host the Arts Festivals Summit in Budva next year. The gem of the Western Balkans has many things to offer.

We are committed to make sure delegates enjoy a fruitful and unforgettable stay.“, said Milena Lubarda Marojević, Director of Theatre City Budva that will host EFA’s next Arts Festivals Summit in April 2026.

During the Summit, 22 new organisations joined EFA, reinforcing EFA’s desire to increase the more diversity of its membership and adding to the Association’s relevance at a geographical and artistic level.

New members include Africa Simply The Best (Belgium), Anibar International Animation Festival (Kosovo), DokuFest (Kosovo), Festival Fabula (Slovenia), Festival Música Viva (Portugal), Food Film Fest Bergamo (Italy), I Suoni Delle Dolomiti (Italy), KotorArt International Festival (Montenegro), Maribor Theatre Festival (Slovenia), Oeiras International Piano Festival (Portugal), ReMusica Festival (Kosovo), SPRING Utrecht Performing Arts Festival (Netherlands), Turkish State Theatres (Türkiye), and Vicenza Opera Festival (Italy). Five Ukrainian festivals have been reconducted in their membership, expressing EFA’s solidarity with the country: Construction Festival, Festival of Contemporary Art “Gogolfest”, Kharkiv Music Fest, Odessa Classics Music Festival, and Ukrainian Festival Association “Art-Ethno Fest”.

Three organisations also joined as collective and affiliate members: Creative Island (United Kingdom), the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC) and the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC).