New report highlights barriers to health equity for patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders

PATIENTS ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR ACTION

A new report by the Patients Association, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, sheds light on the stark health inequities faced by patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders, revealing significant disparities driven by social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and discrimination.

The report also offers recommendations to improve access to equitable healthcare.

The report identifies critical issues such as economic and social factors, mistrust in healthcare services, systemic racism, and lack of joined-up care, all of which exacerbate health inequalities for underserved communities.

The report calls for a patient-centred approach that prioritises shared decision-making to ensure cancer and/or blood disorder patients are treated as equal partners in their care. It also calls for a multi-agency approach to tackle health disparities, aligning national and local strategies, such as NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework, to enhance access to early cancer diagnosis.

The report finds that cancer and/or blood disorder patients from underserved communities consistently experience worse health outcomes and lower standards of care. Contributing factors include delays in diagnosis, lower uptake of screening programmes, and mistrust of healthcare systems. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural insensitivity from staff, and systemic discrimination further hinder equitable access to care.

Patients interviewed for this report highlighted several critical issues, including difficulty navigating healthcare systems and insufficient communication about their rights and available benefits. Many patients reported transportation and medication costs causing financial difficulties.

Organisations working with underserved communities reinforced these findings, emphasising the pervasive mistrust in the health among marginalised communities. This mistrust often results from discrimination, such as delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. LGBTQ+ patients and those with sickle cell disease described particularly hostile or dismissive interactions with healthcare providers.

The report also draws attention to the role of social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poverty, and living in a deprived neighbourhood. These factors are closely linked to higher rates of cancer and mortality, as well as reduced access to essential healthcare resources.

Tackling these challenges requires urgent action at both a national and local level. The Patients Association calls on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to work together to ensure equitable access to care for all.

Reflecting on the report, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: ““Equitable healthcare is an urgent necessity. It is deeply concerning that barriers such as systemic discrimination, financial hardship, and mistrust of the health and care system persist, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.

“Only by addressing these disparities can we achieve a health and care system that provides equality and dignity for all. We call on the government and the health and care system to align national and local strategies, address the social determinants of health, and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.

“We must work together to close these gaps and build a system rooted in fairness, trust, and accessibility.”

For more information, please contact media@patients-association.org.uk

A festive risotto with purpose

Forget bland winter meals. This season, a vibrant risotto is bringing local produce and community spirit to your plate, straight from the kitchens of Ten Hill Place Hotel. The secret ingredient? Vegetables sourced directly from charity Cyrenians’ weekly veg boxes, proving that great food starts with great connections.

Cyrenians operates an organic farm in West Lothian and all money raised from the sale of their organic produce goes directly to fund their work tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness.

Executive Chef Dominik Kawalec, a 26-year culinary veteran who traded his native Poland for Edinburgh’s food scene, and rising star Junior Sous Chef Morgan Dow have crafted a dish that’s more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of local agriculture.

Their candied beetroot risotto transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a winter warmer that packs serious flavour:

Ingredients

· 1 leek, finely chopped (for leek hay) 

· 1 onion, finely chopped

· 2-3 cloves of garlic

· 1 cup risotto rice (Arborio recommended)

· 1 sprig each of thyme and rosemary

· ½ cup white wine

· 1-2 bay leaves

· Salt and pepper to taste

· 100g Parmesan cheese

· 2 tbsp cooking oil

· 4 cups vegetable stock

· Beetroots for pickling and puree

Preparation

Pickled Beetroots

  • Combine white wine vinegar, sugar, water, and black pepper
  • Pickle beetroots in this mixture to add a tangy dimension to the dish

Leek Hay

  • Julienne the leek
  • Deep fry until crispy, creating a delicate, crunchy garnish

Beetroot Puree

  • Roast red beetroots in tin foil
  • Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme
  • Blitz with apple juice, sugar, port, and red wine
  • Creates a rich, complex base for the risotto

Cooking Method

  1. Fry onion and garlic until translucent
  2. Add Arborio rice and deglaze with white wine
  3. Gradually add vegetable stock, stirring continuously
  4. When rice is nearly cooked, incorporate beetroot puree
  5. Finish with pickled beetroots and crispy leek hay
  6. Garnish with goat cheese and Parmesan

Every Wednesday, Cyrenians offers fresh, organic veg boxes for pickup at Café 1505, available in small and regular sizes through weekly or fortnightly subscriptions.

By choosing these veg boxes, you’re doing more than preparing a delicious meal—you’re supporting their important work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness and connecting with the vibrant food ecosystem of Edinburgh.

Half of UK adults say they’ve put off losing weight

GEN Z MOST LIKELY TO DELAY

●        More than one in five UK adults (22%) have delayed losing weight for three years or more

●        Four in 10 (42%) have thought about losing weight at least once a week without taking action

●        38% of people surveyed say they waited for a ‘final straw’ to start losing weight, such as struggling to fit into clothes, feeling unfit and feeling uncomfortable in social situations

●        Now, a new study shows that joining weight loss support group, Slimming World, can quickly restore self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination. Before joining, only 40% of new members believed they could lose weight, but after just one session, this rose to 97%

The rising cost of obesity in the UK has soared from £58bn in 2020 to £98bn[1], with two thirds of adults being overweight or obese. Studies show children living with obesity are approximately 5 times more likely to become adults living with obesity[2]. The nation is in a fight for weight loss. 

Yet, there is a much bigger battle – self-belief. People whowant to lose weight are increasingly feeling lost, desperate and hopeless – their self-confidence and self-belief that anything can help them, worn away.

A new survey[3] of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight-loss organisation Slimming Worldreveals 50% of UK adults say they’ve put off even trying to lose weight, with six in 10 of those aged 18-27 (Gen Z) the most likely to delay (63%). More than one in five people (22%) say they’ve delayed losing weight for three years or more, with many saying that has impacted their health and caused them to gain even more weight. 

The survey, carried out independently by Censuswide reveals four in 10 (42%) have thought about losing weight at least once a week without taking action, despite over 2 in 5 being unhappy with their size (43%) and over half saying they know they eat unhealthy food (54%) and seven in ten wanting to improve their health (70%). 

When questioned on why they delayed their weight loss, (38%) of UK adults agreed they waited for a ‘final straw’ before making the decision to lose weight. The most common final straws were: 

  1. struggling to fit into clothes (14%)
  2. feeling unfit (12%)
  3. impacting mood (11%)
  4. feeling uncomfortable in social situations (10%)
  5. a health scare (8%)

The survey also revealed 48% of UK adults would not consider using medication or weight loss drugs if they were looking to lose weight, compared to less than a third (30%) who would. Worrying about potential side effects was a deterrent for 32% of respondents, 23% say they don’t know what they’d be putting into their body, 21% don’t think there’s enough evidence on the long-term effects and 19% fear it wouldn’t be a long-term solution.

Within the already deafening weight loss arena, weight loss injections add even more confusion, contradiction and uncertainty. The personal conviction and self-determination of people living with overweight and obesity depletes further. 

Renowned Psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, says: “Delaying weight loss stems from fear of failure and feeling comfortable with what’s familiar. Each time we put off change, we chip away at our confidence, creating a cycle where taking action seems harder and harder.

“Procrastination isn’t just about weight – it reveals our deeper doubts about our ability to transform our lives. One way to make our goals feel more tangible and achievable is by seeking support from people who understand and share the same challenges and aspirations.

“In pulling on the strength that comes from that kind of togetherness we create something powerful – a supportive accountability network that transforms our personal intentions into collective motivation.”

There is good news. There is a way people can win the battle for self, rebuild their hope and optimism, and achieve a healthy, lasting weight loss. 

In new research[4], which surveyed more than 7,000 new Slimming World members last January, more than two thirds said that before going to a Slimming World group, they didn’t dare dream they could lose weight and stay slim (69%). More than half of the members surveyed said that they’d had feelings of doubt, uncertainty and a lack of motivation and control for more than a year, and for some people 10 years or more. 

However, in just one session, almost every new member left filled with self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination. This switch came from learning more about Slimming World’s health-giving eating plan, seeing the success of other members, and experiencing the empowering support to help them overcome their personal barriers. They left feeling: 

  • Committed to their weight loss (98%)
  • That they could lose weight and keep it off (96%)
  • Motivated to make changes to their lifestyle in order to lose weight (97%) 
  • More confident to manage the things that had previously got in the way of them losing weight (89%)

With over a decade of expertise in neurogastroenterology and cardiovascular pharmacology from leading institutions including the University of Sheffield and the University of Nottingham, Dr. Jemma Donovan PhD, Slimming World’s Research Manager, says: “This January, those feelings of doubt, fear and hopelessness could easily lead people to look to weight loss drugs as a silver bullet.

“However, unless they get effective support to make lasting changes to their eating and activity habits, they’re very likely to regain the weight once they stop the medication, and they’re far less likely to experience the sense of personal achievement and the increased self-worth that comes with knowing you’re in control in the long term.

“We also know the costs are high – painful and expensive weekly injections, with possible side-effects of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, vomiting and more. Furthermore, the long-term safety of the regulated drugs is still unknown.

“Our research confirms what so many of our members tell us. After many years of feeling hopeless, out of control and desperate about their weight, new members quickly experience a powerful shift in self-belief, self-determination and self-confidence, restoring their hope about what they can achieve – without resorting to weight loss drugs or surgery. And that shift happens in less time than it takes to watch a movie!“

1Tony Blair Institute for Global Change: Unhealthy Numbers: The Rising Cost of Obesity in the UK

2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26696565/

3The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2000 Nat Rep Respondents (aged 18+) in the UK between 22.11.2024 – 26.11.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council

Letters: Fireworks cancellation was a relief for some

Dear Editor:

The cancellation of New Year fireworks events as the UK braced for extreme weather was a relief for everyone bracing for a night of extreme stress, and Edinburgh could protect humans and other animals by permanently banning fireworks.

The loud bangs, vibrations, and flashes, which terrorise some communities daily, confuse and terrify wildlife and companion animals, putting them at risk of injury, displacement, and death. They also distress humans, such as those who suffer from PTSD and children sensitive to noise.

Yet over 90% of Brits would gladly be dazzled by laser shows, drones, or silent fireworks out of consideration for others, and the use of these technologies by major events would further increase their popularity.

In 2024, a report revealed that blasts kill or injure over 100 horses a year, a 1 million–strong petition called for greater restrictions on these menacing missiles, and two endangered red pandas died after booms shook Edinburgh around bonfire night.

In 2025, event organisers must embrace stunning spectacles that everyone can enjoy and celebrate without leaving devastation in their wake.

Yours sincerely,

Elisa Allen

Vice President of Programmes

PETA Foundation

Society Building

8 All Saints Street

London N1 9RL

+44 (0) 20 7837 6327

Johnston Carmichael clothing collection is the right fit for social mobility charities

Accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has collected over one hundred of items of new and lightly worn pre-loved clothing for charities that help unemployed men and women back into work.

They are being shared with Smart Works Scotland, which provides clothing and coaching to help women into employment , and Grassroots Clothing, an Edinburgh charity which supplies interview clothing to men in need.

Johnston Carmichael encouraged its people to donate high quality garments suitable for wearing at interviews as part of its ongoing drive to attract a more diverse range of candidates, including returners to work seeking to re-establish their careers.

Jane O’Berg, tax director, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Promoting greater diversity in the workplace is a priority for us as a business.

“We’ve embarked on several initiatives to attract new talent, including our JC Futures apprenticeship scheme, and our partnership with ICAS Foundation to support accountancy students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but we also want to engage with experienced individuals.

“People take career breaks for all sorts of reasons, from having children to looking for a change of direction. We want those who are ready to return to accountancy to know that our door is open, and we hope our donations to Smart Works Scotland and Grassroots Clothing help people across all sectors to take the next step in finding their dream job.”

Each office in the firm’s network across Scotland, the North East of England and London, hosted its own donation station, with several gaining support from other co-located businesses and clients. More than 20 boxes of clothing were collected and all items donated were new or nearly new.

Karen Wilson, Head of Smart Works Scotland said: “Johnston Carmichael’s contribution to Smart Works Scotland, comes at a pivotal time, as we are supporting more women into work than we ever have before.

“Not only are we in the final year of our three-year-plan, to support over 10,000 women nationally by 2025, but we have also just moved to a bigger Edinburgh centre, meaning we can significantly increase the number of women we support.

“Our clients come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and two thirds of women who find their way to a Smart Works centre get the job within one month of their appointment.

“It means a great deal to us to have the support of Johnston Carmichael and we thank everyone at the firm who got involved. We welcome any further donations at such a pivotal time for our charity, to help us in our goal of helping as many women across Scotland as we can.” 

Feeling the cold: 52% of Scots unsure how to check their boiler

With colder temperatures seemingly here to stay, many of us are thinking about our boilers more. Checking your boiler and central heating system are functioning properly and efficiently is crucial, as we rely on them to keep us warm over the winter.

But how confident and comfortable are you checking the health of your boiler and central heating system? This was just one of the questions British Gas asked 1,000 boiler owners across Britain to discover the nation’s levels of knowledge, confidence and understanding of boiler-related issues. Of those surveyed, more than half of Scots (51.9%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.

The full survey explored everything from how many cold showers people would endure before calling a gas engineer for help to how confident they would be bleeding their radiators.

British Gas also offers expert advice on how to check your boiler’s health, as well as how to maintain a healthy boiler throughout the year, which you can find below.

Key Findings:

  • More than half of Scots surveyed (52%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
  • 42% of Scots find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’.
  • Almost 3 in 10 of Scots ‘never think about their boiler’
  • 46% of Scots would endure at least one cold shower before calling in a boiler expert.

You can see the full results of the survey here:

 https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating/boiler-repair/feeling-the-cold.html

More than half of Scots unsure how to check the health of their boiler

It is obvious from the survey that there are some confidence and knowledge gaps across the country when it comes to boilers. More than half (52%) of survey respondents admitted they don’t know how to check the health of their boiler. 

Do you know how to check the health of your boiler?Percentage of responses (Scotland)
No, I do not know how to check51.9%
Yes, I check once per year18.5%
Yes, I check it once per month22.2%
Yes, but I never check it7.4%

On top of this, more than two in five (42%) find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’, while over 28% of the Scottish public answered that they never think about boiler issues. That’s in comparison to only 30% that feel confident solving problems.

How do you feel about solving boiler-related issuesPercentage of responses (Scotland)
I find it stressful and intimidating42.0%
I never think about it28.4%
I feel confident29.6%

How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?

To find out how long people are willing to ignore their malfunctioning boiler before calling for help, British Gas asked how many cold showers they would endure before seeking repair works.

Although the majority of Scots would not stand the thought of a single cold shower before picking up the phone to an engineer, there were some staggering findings to the contrary. 46% would endure at least one icy shower, with 1.2% answering they wouldn’t mind 10 or more before calling out for repairs.

How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?Percentage of responses (Scotland)
Wouldn’t endure a single cold shower54.3%
Would endure one or more cold showers45.6%
Would endure two or more cold showers14.7%
Would endure three or more cold showers.6.1%
Would endure ten or more cold showers1.2%

Expert commentary on boiler health from Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas:

How can I check the health of my boiler?  

With over 50% of people not understanding how to check their boiler’s health, it can feel puzzling sometimes. If you’re one of those people who aren’t too sure, you can do simple things like turning the heating on and checking radiators to ensure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been turned on recently. 

Bleeding your radiators is another simple task you could carry out to ensure your home heating system is functioning as it should. If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, this could be something to try. To do this, turn off your heating, let your radiators go cold and then bleed them with a bleed key and cloth.

Remember that if your boiler does stop working, you can book a one-off emergency repair with British Gas before 11 am and they’ll be there the same day*

*Based on 2024 performance data, 80% of customers contacting by 11am received the same day service.

How often should I check my boiler?

While you don’t have to be an expert to check if your boiler’s working properly, there are lots of simple things you can do. Turn the heating on and feel the radiators to make sure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been used in a while.

And when it comes to servicing, once a year is the right amount. We recommend that your boiler is serviced once a year, but if you want a more in-depth assessment by a professional who will make sure it’s all in working order, book a boiler service when you need it.

Whether you choose to do this in the summer, winter or at any time of year, annual servicing can prevent any unwanted breakages or faults before they happen.

What should I do if my boiler is making noise?

With over 12,000 searches a month across the UK for queries relating to boiler sounds, this is certainly something people worry about. While it can be a little concerning, don’t panic. Boilers make sounds, even when they’re switched on and being used. If you’re hearing a specific sound – banging, vibrating, whistling or any other noise – this may be a clue to what is going on inside your boiler.

Vibrating sounds coming from your boiler? With over 2,740 searches a month, steady and continuous noises can be common and may indicate loose brackets that need tightening or trapped air. If uncertain where it’s coming from, get an engineer to scan the source and diagnose any faults. 

Mechanical sounds like banging, knocking and clunking are also a common concern, with over 2,200 searches a month. This can signal a faulty part inside a boiler or even a problem with the heat exchanger. It’s best to address these issues promptly so that you can put your mind to rest.   

Since your boiler pumps a lot of water through the pipes in your house, hearing water and liquid sounds coming from the unit can be normal. 

If you’re hearing something out of the blue or extremely loud, then it may be time to double-check that everything’s working okay. It’s important to remember that boilers will have automatic switches and safety mechanisms that turn the boiler off before it is dangerous. If this happens, get in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler working again. 

Always book a gas safe engineer if you are not sure what’s wrong.

NHS: Pharmacy First

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is an NHS service provided by your local pharmacy. If you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice.

They can advise on lots of conditions including backache, UTIs, and sore throats.

Use NHS inform’s service directory to find an open pharmacy near you:

https://nhs24.info/servicedirectory

Find out more about Pharmacy First:

https://nhs24.info/NHS-Pharmacy-First-Scotland

Lord Provost’s New Year Message

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to the new year:

“As we enter 2025 and reflect on the year gone by, I am filled with gratitude and joy to serve as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

2024 has been another busy year in the civic life for the Capital, there has been a running theme of recognition and reward—celebrating the contributions of our citizens, our volunteers, and our ongoing efforts to reduce poverty while honouring our rich heritage.

A highlight of the year was presenting the prestigious Edinburgh Award to social entrepreneur Mel Young MBE. His tireless work, including founding the Homeless World Cup, has made a lasting impact on our community.

Edinburgh’s volunteers are a great source of pride. As Volunteer Ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand the invaluable contributions of the city’s 152,000 volunteers, who dedicate over 27,000 days each week to helping others. These volunteers form the backbone of our communities, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents. I’ve been fortunate to visit many volunteer-led projects and witness the transformative work they do.

Despite the city’s prosperity, we must acknowledge that around 17% of residents and 20% of children still face poverty and disadvantage. Tackling these challenges remains a priority, as we continue to support those in need. I am honoured to be President of the One City Trust, the Capital’s leading charity which continues to fight against poverty, inequality and exclusion.

During the year, the Trust had its 21st birthday, having invested £1.3 million in 270 local projects over the last two decades, and most recently provided £0.17m to 28 voluntary groups.

Earlier this year we celebrated the 70th anniversary of our very first twinning with Munich and it was my pleasure to visit Munich as well as host representatives here as we celebrated 70 years of partnership and looked to the years ahead.

In 2025 we will mark 40 years of twinning with Xi’an and I look forward to marking this milestone and with all our twin cities – fostering these valuable relationships in the years to come.

2024 marks a milestone in Edinburgh’s rich history: its nonacentenary. To commemorate this, the Edinburgh 900 programme launched a year-long series of events and initiatives that will take place across the city and its local communities. This diverse and dynamic programme celebrates Edinburgh’s history, culture, and vibrant present, while also looking ahead to the city’s future.

The celebrations will continue well into 2025, with community groups, businesses, and enterprises invited to contribute events. You can track these on the Edinburgh 900 website, where the city’s rich history will be showcased in ten key themes, including commerce, culture, and diversity.

As I reflect on my third year as Lord Provost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me. This festive season, we must also remember the global conflicts affecting so many people and wish for peace, unity, and care for one another, as is our city’s tradition.

I wish all residents and visitors a happy festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Stay safe from norovirus and stomach bugs this winter

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to be vigilant against norovirus and to practice good hand hygiene to help avoid the spread.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It usually increases during the winter months.

Beatrix Von Wissmann, NHSGGC Public Health Consultant said: “While viruses are a concern year-round, winter months see a spike in stomach virus cases when people spend more time indoors and are in close proximity to one another.

“These viruses can be very nasty, particularly for those who are older or more vulnerable due to existing conditions. They also cannot be treated with an antibiotic and need to run their course, so it is important to be aware of how to avoid spreading the virus if you possibly can.

“We advise that you are also prepared to know what to do if you or loved ones do feel unwell. We recommend taking note of the online selfcare guides from NHS Inform or downloading the NHS24 app.

“Anyone, who believes they need to speak to a health professional, should call NHS24 on 111 for advice. It is better to wait to speak with someone in the comfort of your own home, particularly when vomiting and diarrhoea are involved.”

NHSGGC has listed how you can protect yourself and others from the virus.

  • Stay home if symptomatic: If you experience symptoms such as sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, stay at home until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. This helps prevent spreading the virus to others, especially vulnerable individuals in hospitals and care homes.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitisers are not as effective against norovirus.
  • Avoid visiting vulnerable settings: Do not visit hospitals or care homes if you or someone you live with has symptoms. This is crucial to protect patients who are at higher risk of severe illness. This includes going to A&E. If you need to speak to a health professional, call NHS24 on 111.
  • Keep surfaces clean: Regularly clean household surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Handle food safely: Avoid cooking for others while symptomatic and ensure fruits and vegetables are rinsed well before eating.

What to do if you catch norovirus:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • Rest and recover: Allow the virus to run its course, which typically lasts 2-3 days.
  • Eat light: Consume easily digestible foods to ease your symptoms.

For more information visit: 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/norovirus/