Progress in clearing longest health waits announced

More than 105,500 appointments and procedures were delivered by health boards last year through an additional £30 million of targeted investment – exceeding a pledge to carry out 64,000 appointments by the end of March 2025.

The funding was targeted at the longest waits and, as seen in latest published data, there have been reductions in waiting lists across a number of specialities. Between March 2024 and December 2024 there has been:

  • a 71% decrease in waits for Scopes at NHS Ayrshire & Arran
  • a 52% decrease in Imaging waits at NHS Fife
  • a 28% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lothian
  • a 23% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Lanarkshire
  • a 10% decrease in Orthopaedic waits at NHS Highland.

Latest published statistics also show improved waiting times performance with diagnostic waits at their lowest since October 2021.

In April 2024 the Scottish Government funded NHS boards to deliver 64,000 procedures (40,000 diagnostic procedures, 12,000 surgeries and 12,000 new outpatient appointments) by the end of the year.

By March 2025, 10,700 surgeries and 15,800 outpatients appointments were delivered. Almost 79,000 diagnostic procedures took place – delivering almost double the original pledge of 40,000.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We have delivered on our promise, exceeding our original target of 64,000 by more than 41,000 procedures – we have carried out nearly double the amount of diagnostic procedures originally pledged, with diagnostic waits now at the their lowest since October 2021.

“This is testament to hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“This is welcome progress and shows we are moving in the right direction.  But we know many people are still waiting too long and we are determined do more. That is why we are investing record amounts in our health service, targeting waiting list backlogs and delivering 150,000 additional appointments.   

“This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists and make it easier for patients to get access to the treatment they need.  Next week the First Minister will publish our Programme for Government, setting out how we will build on recent progress and further reduce patient waits in the year ahead.”

This is an update on progress previously reported in February this year – Pledge on waiting times exceeded – gov.scot

Choirs Against Conflict at St Serf’s

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, unity, and hope as we raise vital funds for communities affected by conflict.

🗓 16 May 2025, 7:30pm

📍 Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP

🎟 Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)

Featuring breathtaking performances from Songbirds, Lothian Gaelic Choir, The Newhaven Community Choir, and The Ukrainian Choir, this event—organized by the Rotary Club of Leith—is a call for peace through the power of song.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Share, invite, and stand in solidarity through music!

💙 #ChoirsAgainstConflict

 #RotaryClubOfLeith

 #MusicForPeace 

#Ukraine

#Gaza

Eligible? Get your Covid vacccination

Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

Protection against COVID-19 reduces over time, so it’s important to get vaccinated when offered.

For more information, visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine #SpringTopUp

New posters promoting button battery safety

5 top tips to keep children safe

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is sharing new posters which can be downloaded and shared by stakeholders to promote button battery safety and awareness.

These posters feature top tips that have been developed through collaboration with accident prevention charities, clinicians, manufacturers, online marketplaces and trade associations. 1.

They warn parents about the risks of button batteries and provide 5 top tips to keep children safe:   

  • Look around your home for button batteries. Think toys, lights, remote controls and more.
  • Check for products with loose backs and button batteries that have dropped out.
  • Store button batteries in a safe place, up high and out of your child’s reach.
  • Dispose of used button batteries as soon as you can. They are still unsafe.
  • Act if you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E or call an ambulance.

Used button batteries should not be disposed of in the household rubbish. They should be dropped off for recycling at a collection point at a supermarket, or any other big shop that sells over 32 kg of batteries a year.

Find out more about button battery safety – Child Accident Prevention Trust website

The button battery top tips were produced by a working group chaired by the Child Accident Prevention Trust with representatives from Amazon, Amdea, Alibaba, British Retail Consortium, British and Irish Portable Battery Association, British Standards Institution, Chartered Trading Standards Institute, eBay, Electrical Safety First, Energizer, Etsy, OPSS and RoSPA and representatives from local authority trading standards services.

button-batteries-poster-2025-webDownload

Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare for your new school starter

  • Working families sending their child to school for the first time in August can save up to £2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills
  • Tax-Free Childcare can be used flexibly to pay for childminders, wraparound and holiday childcare
  • Supporting the Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

Hundreds of thousands of families who recently found out their little one’s August primary school place, can use Tax-Free Childcare to save thousands on wraparound childcare and holiday club costs HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said.

Many working families will now be arranging childcare for the start and end of the school day, and with Tax-Free Childcare they can get financial support of up to £2,000 a year per child, or £4,000 if their child is disabled, towards the cost.  

Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: “Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money into the pockets of working people, worth up to £2,000 per year through Tax-Free Childcare.

“This will make it easier for parents to get back into work as we go further and faster to grow the economy.”

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Starting school can be an expensive time, there’s a lot to buy and there’s also a lot to organise. Now you know where your child is going to school you can start organising your childcare and Tax-Free Childcare can help make the costs more manageable. Sign up to start saving today on GOV.UK.”

Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for any approved childcare so parents can arrange their childcare to suit them – whether that’s wraparound care, a childminder, after school clubs or school holiday care.

Parents can use the scheme to pay for childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if the child has a disability. 

For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2 which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months to use to pay for their childcare costs.

Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.   

The government’s Plan for Change is putting more money in people’s pockets and with Tax-Free Childcare, working families can save on their childcare bills by up to £2,000 per year per child or £4,000 a year if their child is disabled.

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:   

   

  • have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday   
  • the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average   
  • each earn no more than £100,000 per annum   
  • do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers       

A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on GOV.UK.   

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours subject to eligibility. 

Unknown Soldiers Buried in France

Remains from six Commonwealth soldiers who fought in World War 1, none of them identifiable by name, have been laid to rest in France.

The men were commemorated in two burial ceremonies this week: 

  • On 29 April, remains from four unknown Commonwealth soldiers were buried at the Commonweath War Graves Commission (CWGC) Ovillers Military Cemetery. 
  • On 30 April, two unknown Commonwealth soldiers were buried at CWGC Loos British Cemetery Extension 

All services were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The services were supported by serving soldiers from Abingdon-based 4 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps. 

The burial party was composed of soldiers from 4RLC and a bugler from The Band and Bugles of The Rifles (Crown Copyright)

The soldiers buried at CWGC Ovillers Military Cemetery were discovered in fields near Fricourt, in the Somme region of France – whilst this land was fought over extensively during several phases of the war, these men are most likely casualties of the Battle of the Somme, 1916.  

Two soldiers from 4RLC lay wreaths at the graveside in Ovillers Military Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

The soldiers buried at CWGC Loos British Cemetery Extension were recovered from Tilloy-les-Mofflaines and Loos-en-Gohelle – both in the Pas de Calais region of France. The man found at Tilloy most likely died during the Battle of Arras in 1917, whereas the man found at Loos was most likely killed either during the Battle of Loos in 1915, or the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918. 

Due to the extensive fighting in the recovery areas by multiple battalions of different regiments over a long period, the list of those missing is extensive. Though the General Service buttons and ammunition found alongside the remains indicate the men were of Commonwealth origin and unlikely to be officers, no artefacts could identify individuals. With no way to distinguish these men from the thousands recorded there as missing, they were buried as unknown soldiers, known unto God.  

Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective said: “Whilst it is disappointing that we have been unable to name these men, they have been afforded a dignified and respectful military burial to honour their sacrifice.

“Their memory will be kept alive by visitors to the cemeteries, and by those of us here to witness their burials. 

Reverend Joseph Roberts, Chaplain to 4 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps said: “It is a huge privilege to officiate at these burial services, even though these soldiers are unknown to us, they are forever known, named and loved by God.

“As they are laid to rest alongside their comrades who too made the ultimate sacrifice, for the freedoms and liberties of our way of life, it is therefore only right and proper to bury them, with the honour, respect and dignity that they are owed. May they rest in eternal peace.”

Head of Commemorations at the CWGC, Dr James Wallis, said: “We are deeply honoured to have these soldiers laid to rest at our cemeteries in France, after they tragically lost their lives more than a century ago.

“Although their names remain unknown, their graves will be cared for by us, in perpetuity.”

Most common accidents that kill or seriously injure people at home – and how to prevent them

  • Hidden dangers at home: Over half (55 per cent) of all accidental deaths occur at home, with falls, poisonings, and burns being the most common.
  • Garden and DIY safety tips: Use a residual current device (RCD) with electrically powered tools, store chemicals securely, and ensure play equipment is safe and well-maintained.  
  • Personal warning about serious consequences: Brian’s story underscores the importance of caution and proper safety measures when using garden equipment, as accidents can lead to severe injuries. 

As the Bank Holiday approaches, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has released a range of tips to prevent accidents for those planning on taking up DIY, gardening or general household chores over the long weekend.  

RoSPA’s recent ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’ report revealed that over half (55 per cent) of all accidental deaths occur at home, compared to just 0.6 per cent at work, and contribute to costing the UK £12 billion annually, including £6 billion in NHS medical care. 

The most common domestic accidents are: 
 

  1. Falls: 3,148 (40 per cent) 
  1. Accidental poisoning: 2,686 (34 per cent) 
  1. Other accidental threats to breathing (e.g., suffocation, strangulation, and choking): 259 (3 per cent) 
  1. Exposure to smoke, fire, and flames: 142 (1 per cent) 
  1. Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (including being struck by an object, crushing, and cutting injuries): 46 (1 per cent) 

Brian’s Story 

Brian Whitnall, 50, a sales manager for a printer and photocopier company, has shared his experience to highlight the importance of safety in the home setting. On a warm Sunday, while using his Flymo lawnmower, Brian stepped backwards and tripped over his grandson’s trampoline stairs.  

He slipped on water from a paddling pool, causing him to fall and accidentally bring the lawnmower towards himself. Brian suffered severe injuries, losing two toes and requiring multiple surgeries. His story underscores the need for caution and proper safety measures when using garden equipment. 

Speaking of his accident, Brian Whitnall said: “I’m so careful now doing anything remotely risky around the house.

“We tend to do things like mow the lawn or climb on chairs or ladders on autopilot, but every task is done now with a lot of thought and consideration. I was very lucky that I didn’t chop off my entire foot.” 

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Brian’s story is just one example of the thousands of accidents that occur in homes across Britain every year.

“Whilst we rally the government to take on board the asks in our recent Safer Lives : Stronger Nation report , we advise anyone looking for tips on staying safe – be it in the home, at leisure or at work – to get to grips with our learning resources and advice that can be found online.” 

RoSPA’s key tips for having a safe Bank Holiday 

Falls  

  • Use stable ladders and step stools: When working on DIY projects or gardening tasks that require reaching high places, ensure ladders and step stools are in good condition, and placed stable on level footing. Avoid overreaching and always maintain three points of contact whilst up ladders. 
  • Clear pathways: Keep walkways and stairs free of clutter, tools, and garden equipment to avoid tripping. Regularly check for uneven surfaces and repair them promptly. 
  • Install handrails: For outdoor steps and garden paths, install handrails to provide support and reduce the risk of falls.  

Accidental poisoning  

  • Store chemicals safely: Keep all gardening chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning products up high in a secure, locked cabinet, out of reach of children and pets. Clearly label all containers. 
  • Enviro-friendly options: Consider replacing toxic/corrosive substances with products that can do the same job but are less harmful to humans and corrosive substances with products that can do the same job. But are less harmful to humans / animals and kinder to the environment. 
  • Follow instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemicals and pesticides. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to avoid exposure. 
  • Dispose of chemicals properly: Dispose of unused or expired chemicals according to local regulations to prevent accidental poisoning. 
  • Poisonous plants: Check the garden area for any plants that may be poisonous to children 

Using tools and electrical equipment 

  • Use protective gear: When working with power tools or performing DIY tasks, wear protective gear such as safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection to prevent injuries from flying debris or loud noises. 
  • Check equipment: Regularly inspect garden tools and DIY equipment for damage or wear. Replace or repair faulty items to ensure they are safe to use. 
  • Use tools correctly: Always use tools as intended and follow safety guidelines. For example, use long-handled tools for barbecues and avoid risky manoeuvres on trampolines. 
  • Be mindful of weather conditions: Avoid using electrical equipment in wet conditions to prevent electrocution. Store tools and equipment in a dry place.  

Smoke and fire risks 

  • Safe barbecue practices: Place barbecues on level ground, away from flammable materials. Never use accelerants like petrol or meths to light the barbecue. Ensure it is fully extinguished before disposal. 
  • Fire safety equipment: Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby when using fire pits or barbecues. Ensure smoke detectors are installed and functioning in your home. 

Other threats to breathing  

  • Avoid dust and fumes: When sanding, painting, or using chemicals, ensure the area is well-ventilated. Use masks to protect against inhaling dust or fumes. 
  • Keep small objects away from children: Store small DIY items like screws, nails, and other hardware out of reach of children to prevent choking hazards. 

Play safety 

  • Secure equipment: Ensure play equipment and garden structures are securely anchored and regularly inspected for wear and tear to prevent accidents. 

Letters: Public transport experiences for people who are deaf or have hearing loss

Dear Editor, 
 
The May bank holidays are upon us and train stations are buzzing with travellers and day-trippers. However, for millions of people who are deaf, or have hearing loss, using public transport can be a challenging and stressful experience. 
 
Imagine being on a platform. Passengers suddenly start leaving and you’re not sure why. Or you’re on a train that stops unexpectedly between stations, and you seem to be the only person in the carriage unaware of what’s going on. What should be a relaxing journey can quickly become an anxious and isolating experience. Deaf people often rely on fellow travellers for help.   
 
To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5–11 May), RNID – the national charity supporting the 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – has highlighted concerning research showing that the public are often unwilling to assist deaf people when navigating public transport. Whilst many people do want to help – they’re often held-back by uncertainty around how to communicate.  
 
The good news is that RNID’s ‘It does matter’ campaign offers free tips and videos with basic BSL phrases to help people become more deaf-aware and confident when offering support. 
 
This Deaf Awareness Week is the perfect time to learn how you can make a difference. Visit www.rnid.org.uk/it-does-matter 
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
Teri Devine,  
Associate Director of Inclusion,  
RNID  

Council continues to grow Waverley Court Partnership Hub

Creative Scotland and British Transport Police will move into the Waverley Court Partnership Hub.

They will join SEPA, Visit Scotland, Skills Development Scotland and Balfour Beatty, which are already based at the Council headquarters on East Market Street. Scottish Water is also due to move into the building later this year.

The decision by the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee to lease the space will grow the number of organisations based in Waverley Court to eight and annually raise £1.7m in total.

British Transport Police will move into the courtyard by the end of 2025, occupying about 40 desks, while Creative Scotland will move into the ground floor this autumn, occupying 60 desks.

The council will continue to retain at least 60% of the desk space within Waverley Court and discussions will continue to take place with other interested public sector partners.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Creative Scotland and the British Transport Police into Waverley Court, which is quickly becoming a true Partnership Hub, with organisations from all sides of the public sector joining forces to make greater use of the space and share expertise.

“By welcoming these organisations in, we are generating significant income for the Council and making sure our Headquarters are operated in the most sustainable, efficient, and collaborative way.”

Prize money up and record attendances as Musselburgh Racecourse bucks national trend

Increased prize money, record attendances at its New Year’s Day and Edinburgh Cup meetings, and a boost in hospitality guests underlined a successful 2024 for Musselburgh Racecourse.

An annual report on the East Lothian track’s performance showed prize money at the East Lothian course totalled £2,429,600 – up by 6.3% on the previous year – and an 14.6% increase on prize money in 2022.

Musselburgh also attracted more hospitality guests – 3,938 last year compared to 3,587 in 2023 – and Annual Membership grew by 16% from 263 in 2023 to 306 in 2024.

The racecourse would have recorded an increase in total attendance for the year if it had not been forced to abandon its hugely popular Easter Saturday fixture due to weather and which usually attracts a 5,000 strong crowd.

With two less meetings run in 2024 (25) compared to 2023 (27), total attendance was a healthy 58,744, down from 60,294 in 2023, but average attendance at meetings run was up from 2,319 to 2,448.

Across its premium race days, Musselburgh enjoyed significant crowd increases with a 11.5% jump and an extra 653 racegoers on New Year’s Day (6,289 compared to 5,636 in 2023) and almost a 20% boost at the Edinburgh Cup fixture (5,966 compared to 5,048 in 2023).

Musselburgh’s annual Friday Night at the Races fixture in early August enjoyed it’s largest crowd to date of 4,375, while Ladies Day was an 8,000 capacity sell-out – an increase of almost 600 on the previous year – and the 20th year in succession that Ladies Day has sold out.

A new Oktoberfest themed race day in September was a huge hit with racegoers and compared to the 2023 meeting held on the same date there as a 1,600 bump in attendance.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The figures show a strong performance with significant increases in attendance at our key meetings and it could have been even better if we had not lost our Easter Saturday meeting, which was very disappointing.

“Our ground staff worked exceptionally hard in 2024, often in adverse conditions, to keep the track and facilities in tip-top condition, and the commercial team achieved outstanding results by increasing like-for-like attendances, which bucked the national trend.

“With family budgets under pressure and lots of competing sporting and entertainment options, we are constantly upping our game to ensure that Musselburgh Racecourse remains a compelling offering for those looking for an exciting and enjoyable day, afternoon or evening out.”