The issue of people who are well enough to leave being stranded in hospital wards and occupying increasingly scarce inpatient beds must be addressed if Emergency Care in Scotland is to improve.
That’s the response of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland as new data reveals that May 2025 was the second worst May on record for so called ‘delayed discharges’.
Published today (1 July 2025) the figures from Public Health Scotland, which detail A&E performance, show a daily average of 1,852 beds were occupied by people who were considered to no longer need inpatient care – the second highest for any May since guideline changes in 2016.
And when compared to the previous month (April 2025) – it’s an improvement of just two beds.
If patients cannot be discharged, this affects the flow of people through the hospital – and people end up stranded in A&E, often waiting extreme hours on a trolley in a corridor, for a ward bed to become available.
Covering May 2025, the figures reveal that:
125,779 people visited a major A&E Department (Type 1) in Scotland. A 6.7% increase compared to April.
Of these, one in three patients (40,261) waited four hours or more to be treated, admitted or discharged (32%).
Meanwhile, just fewer than one in 10 patients (12,672) waited eight hours or more in major EDs – the second highest number for the month of May.
And 4,863 patients waited 12 hours or more – the equivalent to one in every 26 patients. Which is a slight improvement on the previous month when 5,139 patients endured this wait.
Of the total number of delayed discharge bed days, 73% were due to health and social care and patient and family related reasons (522,599).
Vice President of RCEM Scotland, Dr Fiona Hunter, said: “Yet again, the evidence to address delayed discharges continues to mount.
“As I’ve said before, and I will say it again, the situation at our hospitals’ ‘backdoor’, where we unable to discharge people, is deeply concerning and distressing for both patients and the workforce.
“Patients when they are well enough to leave want to do just that – leave, to continue their recovery. But often they can’t because of a lack of social care.
“Meanwhile in A&E, seriously unwell people are left waiting for that elusive ward bed to become available, watching the clock tick by and counting the hours they have spent on a trolley in a corridor.
“This is the reality for thousands of patients every month, while Emergency Medicine clinicians try their best to treat patients in areas that weren’t designed to deliver care in. And it’s not just an issue confined to the winter months – it’s year-round.
“So it is hard to celebrate slight improvements in extreme waiting times when every day my colleagues are struggling to admit vulnerable patients that need further care.
“Until available inpatient bed numbers increase the crisis in our EDs will continue.”
Retail trade union Usdaw is concerned by the continued growing trend of shoplifting incidents, which have more than doubled since the pandemic, alongside a persistent decline in police ‘clear-up’ rates for the offence.
The union welcomes that the protection of retail workers law has been effective in nearly 8,000 assaults, but calls for greater priority to be given to retail crime.
Police recorded retail crime in Scotland:
Shoplifting increased from 20,557 during the pandemic to 44,730 last year (2024/5), which is a 118% increase and includes a 16% rise on the previous year (2023/4).
The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen every year over the past 10 years from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 49% in 2024/5, an overall decrease of over one-third.
Since the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into effect on 24 August 2021, there have been 7,861 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker.
Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says:“Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers are.
“Usdaw’s own survey shows that nearly three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.
“The scale of the epidemic of retail crime is laid bare in these shocking police recorded crime statistics. It is increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order.
“This is in no way a victimless crime, with weapons and violence used to ensure these criminals are not stopped.
“Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers.
“Scotland’s protection of retail workers law has made a difference, having been used for nearly 8,000 assaults, but more needs to be done.
“We continue to work with retailers, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to help ensure that legislation is fully utilised so that all retail workers receive the protection and respect they deserve.”
Bringing more easily accessible care closer to home
Prime Minister launches government’s 10 Year Health Plan to bring the NHS closer to home
Neighbourhood Health Services to be rolled out across the country, bringing diagnostics, mental health, post-op, rehab, and nursing to people’s doorsteps
Neighbourhood health centres will house services under one roof, open at evenings and weekends
Plan for Change will rebuild the NHS to train thousands more family doctors, transform hospital outpatient appointments, and provide personalised care plans for complex needs
Millions of patients will be treated and cared for closer to their home by new teams of health professionals, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will set out today, as the Government’s Plan for Change delivers a ‘brand-new era’ for the NHS and delivers ‘one of the most seismic shifts in care in the history of the health service’.
The launch of a Neighbourhood Health Service will see pioneering teams, some based entirely under one roof, set up in local communities across the country, to dramatically improve access to the NHS. As part of the Government’s aim to shift care out of hospitals and into the community, they will free up overstrained hospitals from perpetual firefighting so they can focus on delivering only the best, most cutting-edge, and personalised care.
These neighbourhood health centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a full range of healthcare services right on people’s doorsteps – stopping them from having to make lengthy trip to hospitals.
Neighbourhood teams will include staff like nurses, doctors, social care workers, pharmacists, health visitors, palliative care staff, and paramedics.
Community health workers and volunteers will play a pivotal role in these teams, and local areas will be encouraged to trial innovative schemes like community outreach door-to-door – to detect early signs of illness and reduce pressure on GPs and A&E.
Launching the government’s 10 Year Health Plan today, the Prime Minister will set out how moving care from hospitals to the community is one of the three key shifts required to tackle the inherited challenges and neglect of the NHS, make sure it is equipped to look after a modern society, and ensure people feel the change and improvements in healthcare that they voted for.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1940492226800333207
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The NHS should be there for everyone, whenever they need it.
“But we inherited a health system in crisis, addicted to a sticking plaster approach, and unable to face up to the challenges we face now, let alone in the future.
“That ends now. Because it’s reform or die. Our 10 Year Health Plan will fundamentally rewire and future-proof our NHS so that it puts care on people’s doorsteps, harnesses game-changing tech and prevents illness in the first place.
“That means giving everyone access to GPs, nurses, and wider support all under one roof in their neighbourhood – rebalancing our health system so that it fits around patients’ lives, not the other way round.
“This is not an overnight fix, but our Plan for Change is already turning the tide on years of decline with over four million extra appointments, 1,900 more GPs and waiting lists at their lowest level for two years.
“But there’s more to come. This government is giving patients easier, quicker and more convenient care, wherever they live.”
The plan follows Lord Darzi’s diagnosis of the challenges facing the NHS last year where he assessed it was in a ‘critical condition’ as a result of deep rooted issues including low productivity, poor staff morale, a failure to keep up with new technology, rising waiting times, and a deterioration in the health of the nation.
The PM will set out how the plan will deliver three key shifts to get the NHS back on its feet: hospital to community; analogue to digital; and sickness to prevention. Built around these three principles, the reforms within the plan will deliver the government’s promise to stop rising waiting lists, deliver more convenient care, and tackle inequalities across the country.
New health centres will house the neighbourhood teams, which will eventually be open 12 hours a day, six days a week within local communities. They will not only bring historically hospital-based services into the community – diagnostics, post-operative care, and rehab – but will also offer services like debt advice, employment support and stop smoking or weight management, all of which will help tackle issues which we know affect people’s health.
“The truth is, those in greatest need often receive the worst quality healthcare.” – @WesStreeting.
Our 10 Year Health Plan will invest billions of pounds in more equipment, staff and technology in working class communities.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 26, 2025
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Our 10 Year Health Plan will turn the NHS on its head, delivering one of the most fundamental changes in the way we receive our healthcare in history.
“By shifting from hospital to community, we will finally bring down devastating hospital waiting lists and stop patients going from pillar to post to get treated.
“This Government’s Plan for Change is creating an NHS truly fit for the future, keeping patients healthy and out of hospital, with care closer to home and in the home.”
The status quo of ‘hospital by default’ will end, with a new preventative principle that care should happen as locally as it can: digital-by-default, in a patient’s home where possible, in a neighbourhood health centre when needed, in a hospital if necessary. This approach will make access to healthcare more convenient for patients and easier to fit around their day to day lives, rather than disrupting people’s work and personal lives.
Thousands more GPs will be trained under the 10 Year Health Plan, as the Government lays the groundwork to bring back the family doctor, end the 8am scramble and make it easier to see your GP when you need to instead of having to turn to A&E.
The government inherited an analogue NHS, reliant on paper and fax machines and out of step with modern technology. The government’s plan will bring it into the digital age, making sure staff benefit from the advantages and efficiencies available from new technology. This includes rolling out groundbreaking new tools over the next two years to support GPs.
AI scribes will end the need for clinical notetaking, letter drafting, and manual data entry to free up clinicians’ time to focus on treating patients. Saving just 90 seconds on each GP appointment can save the same time as adding 2,000 more doctors into general practice.
The Government will also use digital telephony so all phone calls to GP practices are answered quickly. For those who need it, they will get a digital or telephone consultation the same day they request it.
As it stands, some practices are struggling to keep up with an ageing population and 21st century health needs. New contracts will be introduced which encourage and allow practices to cover a wider geographical area. It means smaller practices in the catchment area will get more support to ensure the right access is in place so that everyone can access their GP when they need to.
Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England said: “The Neighbourhood Health Service is a huge opportunity for us to transform how we deliver care over the next decade – starting right on people’s doorsteps.
“By bringing together a full range of clinicians as one team, we can deliver care that’s more accessible, convenient and better for patients, as well as reducing pressures on hospitals.”
The plan will also deliver on the government’s promise to tackle the current lottery of access to dentists. Dental care professionals will work as part of neighbourhood teams, where Dental therapists could undertake check-ups, treatment, and referrals, while dental nurses could give education and advice to parents or work with schools and community groups. The work therapists cannot do would be safely directed to dentists.
Under the plan, it will also be a requirement for newly qualified dentists to practice in the NHS for a minimum period, intended to be 3 years.
Following the government’s work already to roll out supervised toothbrushing for kids, the plan will also improve access to dental care for children, making better use of the wider dental workforce, especially dental therapists, including through a new approach to upskilling professionals to work at the top of their clinical potential beginning in 2026 to 2027.
This includes proposals to allow dental nurses to administer fluoride varnish for children in between check-ups, and the greater use of fissure sealants for children – covering back teeth with thin plastic coating to keep germs and food particles out the grooves.
Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “This is a vital step towards a more preventative, community-based NHS.
“Bringing care closer to people’s homes through blended neighbourhood health teams recognises the complex and interconnected challenges many patients face, and it is the right direction for both improving outcomes and alleviating pressure on hospitals.
“In many areas of the country, general practices working at scale through primary care networks and GP Federations, are already partnering alongside other organisations to deliver joined up care. It will be important to build on these positive successes.
“Delivering on this ambition will require sustained investment in digital and estates, support for the NHS’s workforce, and a commitment to decentralise national control by empowering local leaders to do what is best for their populations.
“On behalf of our members, we are eager to work with the government to help turn this bold vision into lasting change.”
With the 10 Year Health plan the majority of outpatient care will happen outside of hospitals by 2035, by transforming care in the community.
New digital tools will allow GPs to refer patients quicker, and a wider range of services available on people’s doorsteps will mean less need to attend appointments in hospital for ophthalmology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and mental health.
As a result of this shift to community, hospitals will be able to focus on patients who need hospital care, and get them seen on time again.
The Westminster government’s Plan for Change is already delivering action to cut waiting lists and fix the foundations of the NHS.
Waiting lists are at their lowest level in two years, including the first drop in April for 17 years. An extra 4.2million appointments have been delivered since July – over double the government’s target.
10 new surgical hubs have opened since January, and 1,900 more GPs have been recruited since October.
HSS Sewa Edinburgh is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Arthur Seat Charity Walk, which was held on Saturday, 31st May, in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) (writes DIPIKA JAIN).
The event, which began at Holyrood Car Park at 10:30am, saw a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, helping to raise both moral and financial support for this vital cause.
For over 30 years, CHAS has been offering palliative care, family respite and support services for babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions. Their work, which spans hospices, homecare, and hospital support, has made a profound impact on families across Scotland.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk was organized to help continue CHAS’s crucial mission, and thanks to the participation of many, the event raised an impressive total of £555 for the charity. Each step taken during the walk directly contributed to ensuring CHAS can continue providing care and comfort to those who need it most.
HSS Sewa’s Commitment to Service
The walk was part of HSS Sewa’s ongoing initiative to support small and medium-sized charities that are making a big difference in local communities.
The term “Sewa”, derived from Sanskrit, representsselfless service to humanity and nature.
HSS Sewa is committed to selfless service, whether supporting local charities or responding to national and international crises. HSS Sewa, through its dedicated volunteers across over 65 towns and cities, strives to uplift communities through compassionate, hands-on support.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk saw volunteers of all ages – from young children supported by their parents to local residents and well-wishers – come together to raise funds and awareness for CHAS. Participants helped to bring attention to this important cause and show their solidarity.
A Thank You to Our Community
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the Arthur Seat Charity Walk and helped us raise £555 for CHAS,” said an HSS Sewa representative.
“The walk was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.
“Every step, every contribution, and every moment of support brings us closer to making a meaningful difference.”
Though the walk has concluded, HSS Sewa remains dedicated to supporting organizations like CHAS.
Jet2.com puts thousands of July seats up for grabs at £49 or less
Jet2.com has kicked off July in style by announcing fantastic savings for holidaymakers looking to grab a July getaway – with thousands of one-way July seats up for grabs for £49 or less.
Customers looking to book a getaway to a sunny hotspot or a European leisure city this month have more reason than ever to get clicking.
With over 475 routes on sale from across 13 UK airport bases in Summer 25, customers travelling with Jet2.com are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting some well-deserved sunshine across Europe, the Mediterranean, Morocco and Canary Islands.
As well as enjoying the best destinations for just £49 or less this July, customers can also experience Jet2.com’s award-winning flights and customer service, with 10kg hand luggage included, which has seen the airline win an array of high-profile awards, including Which? Recommended Provider status for the past ten years running.
A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: “There is no better feeling than securing a spot in the sunshine for less, so we are getting July off to the best start by announcing this sale, which means cheaper flights and cheaper holidays.
“With thousands of seats in July available for £49 or less on our award-winning airline, we know there will be enormous demand, so we are expecting seats to sell very quickly.”
To take advantage of these fantastic savings, visit www.jet2.com.
This prestigious competition will be hosted in Edinburgh for the first time
Nearly 1000 pipers are calling visitors to the UK Pipe Band Championships this month for what promises to be a spectacular day of piping, drumming and traditional Scottish music fun for all the family.
Taking place for the first time at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, on July 12, the event will showcase musical talent and celebrate cultural heritage, thrilling audiences with performances, workshops and world-class bands.
1,556 pipers and drummers of all ages will be taking part in the competition, which will be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue. Three of the 62 competing bands are from outwith the UK, with PLC Pipe Band from Melbourne traveling 10,542 miles to take part in the competition.
The family friendly event is expected to attract 7,500 spectators with children under five able to go free. Plenty of delicious food and drink stalls will also be on offer, to make it a full day out for everyone. Car parking is available, but those travelling locally are urged to consider taking the Tram or dedicated 98 Lothian Bus service.
Five ‘did you know’ facts about the UK Pipe Band Championships include:
18 kilometers of tartan will be on show at the competition – equivalent to the length of Lake Windermere, Mississippi!
934 bagpipes will be played, as well as 326 snare drums, 234 tenor drums, 62 bass drums and 1,244 drumsticks!
The three most popular tunes played are: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Mrs John MacColl and The Argyllshire Gathering
Dollar Academy has won the ‘Top Juvenile Band’ for the last four years
St Laurence O’Toole band from Eire scooped the Winning Band accolade in 2024
Mark Currie, Director of Venue, Royal Highland Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the RSPBA on this prestigious event for the first time.
“From the first march to the final flourish, this event brings together incredible talent, proud tradition, and an unbeatable atmosphere for audiences of all ages.
“Royal Highland Centre has always been dedicated to providing a platform to homegrown organisations, like The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, for example, and so we couldn’t be prouder to be hosting their UK Championships.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said, “The UK Pipe Band Championships are a true celebration of musical excellence, tradition and community spirit.
“Every year we are proud to welcome some of the best pipe bands from across the country and beyond, and this year we are very much looking forward to being in our new venue, the Royal Highland Centre.
“It’s an unforgettable day of powerful performances, vibrant culture and world-class talent. Tickets are on sale now!”
For more information and to purchase tickets please see here.
More work is needed if the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process. This is the recommendation in a new report issued by Holyrood’s Rural Affairs & Islands Committee.
Publishing its Stage 1 report, the Committee says that it supports the general principles of the Bill. However, should the Bill progress to the next stage, the Committee sets out areas for reconsideration and development.
The Committee says that, although the creation of a specific statutory offence of dog theft would recognise that dogs are sentient beings and reflect the impact on animal welfare, there is no clear evidence to suggest that a statutory offence would be used more in practice than the existing common law.
In addition, without a dedicated budget for raising awareness of the statutory offence, and with similar penalties as are currently available for the existing offence, the Committee say it is unlikely to act as a strong deterrent.
The report also says that making the theft of an assistance dog an aggravated crime does not seem a ‘proportionate provision’. To date, no instances of dog theft have been reported, and the court system can already consider the impact of any theft, if a case does come to court.
The Committee recommends however that, if the proposed aggravation proceeds to Stage 2, a broader definition for dogs providing support and assistance, for example working farm dogs, should be included.
The Committee says that it does not support allowing victims of dog theft to make victim statements to the court.
During scrutiny, stakeholders said that courts already consider the impact of crimes on victims and that providing this opportunity to victims of dog theft, would create an anomaly with other crimes which do not allow victim support statements.
Instead, the Committee asks the Scottish Government to include dog theft within its broader commitment to expand the range of offences where victim statements are allowed.
Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said;“This is a well-intentioned Bill which merits our support at this stage in the legislative process. We agree that dog theft is a terrible crime, and that appropriate legislation should be in place to reflect this.
“However, evidence provided to us during our scrutiny suggests that many of the Bill provisions are already available within the current court system and procedures. It’s important to ensure legislation and enforcement procedures do not create untended consequences or further bureaucratic burdens.
“It’s now for the Scottish Parliament to consider the reservations we have set out in our report and to decide the best route forward.”
Fundraiser brightens future for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home has successfully installed 21 solar panels at its seaside cattery, marking a major milestone in its journey towards cutting costs, ensuring for a more sustainable future and even higher animal welfare standards.
The community backed crowdfunder was supported by 329 generous donors who helped raise £14,687 as part of the “Light up Our Home” campaign.
The newly installed solar panels, powering electricity for the cattery and clinic, are already helping to reduce the shelter’s environmental impact and are expected to save the Home over £2,600 each year on electricity bills.
These savings will go directly back into caring for the hundreds of animals and families supported by the Home each year.
In addition to generating clean, green energy, the panels also serve a unique welfare purpose offering the cats a safer and more comfortable play area with protection from falling bird droppings, which can carry giardia, a highly infectious parasite.
Lynsey McGreavey, Facilities Managerat Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said; “Rising energy prices have been one of the Home’s most pressing challenges in recent years. This milestone simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of the public, from Edinburgh and beyond.
“In these difficult times, every single donation, whether big or small, helps turn our vision into reality. This fundraiser has not only helped us take a big step towards becoming more ego conscious but has made a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our care.”
A consultation on Firework Control Zones (FCZ) for autumn 2025 in Edinburgh is now underway.
Earlier this year interested communities were invited to apply for their area to become a FCZ. Consultation participants will now be able to give feedback on nine potential FCZs in:
Niddrie
Sighthill/Broomhouse
Gracemount
Moredun
Calton Hill
Seafield
Balerno
Corstorphine
Longstone
Consultation responses will help form plans for future FCZs, which will be reported to Culture and Communities Committee in August.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We want people to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, and introducing FCZs is one way we can support communities to do that.
“As well as drawing on experience from last year’s FCZs, this consultation will help us to better understand the impact on residents as we approach autumn 2025.
“I would encourage all those who are interested to take part in the consultation to help us shape plans for Bonfire Night.”
FCZs were first introduced to support the safe use of fireworks in Edinburgh in 2024, based on assessments from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Council data.
These covered Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield and lessons learned from their operation will be considered in the introduction of future FCZs.
The current consultation will run until 29 July. Take part online.
Wednesdays: 9, 16, 23 & 30 July
10am – 1pm
Friday 1 August – Celebration & Exhibition of work created
North Edinburgh Arts, Macmillan Hub, 12c Macmillan Square, EH4 4AB
Free to attend, but places are limited – all materials provided!
To sign up: Email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
Call 0131 315 2151
Or drop by the NEA Welcome Desk (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
