Experts discuss ways to improve brain tumour diagnosis in Scotland

A Glasgow-based company which is developing a diagnostic tool to detect brain tumours is one of the organisations taking part in roundtable discussions today – 5 February – to review the brain tumour diagnosis pathway in Scotland. 

GPs, NHS representatives, researchers, representatives from the Chief Scientist’s Office, the Scottish Steering Committee and The Brain Tumour Charity – representing the patient voice – are also taking part in the meeting at The Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.  

More than 1,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system tumour each year1 so there is an urgent need to prioritise better care. In addition, The Charity’s Improving Brain Tumour Care surveys show one in three people visit their GP more than five times before they are diagnosed.  

Now Dxcover Limited is working alongside researchers at the University of Edinburgh to develop a blood test and AI algorithms that could enable earlier diagnosis in primary care settings by analysing blood samples to look for signs of a brain tumour. Early research suggests that this technology could offer a promising diagnostic tool, although more testing is required.

Dxcover
Dxcover1

Cameron Miller, Director of Policy and Strategy at The Brain Tumour Charity said: “This roundtable is a stepping stone to ensure that the right conversations are taking place while these diagnostic tools are being developed.

“When they are ready for patients, we want to ensure that they can access them as quickly as possible. It is also key to ensuring policymakers truly understand the barriers to brain tumour diagnosis and the need to improve current diagnostic pathways.” 

Brain tumours can be hard to diagnose due to their non-specific symptoms, including headaches, vomiting and visual disturbances. An early diagnostic test to help identify which people with these symptoms are most likely to have a brain tumour would help prioritise demand on imaging facilities such as MRI and CT scans.  

Dxcover is currently running a performance evaluation study across seven sites in the UK and Europe, to understand the effectiveness and viability of their technology.  

Prof. Matthew J. Baker, CEO of Dxcover said: “Dxcover has patients at the heart of its thinking. This roundtable is key to changing the picture for brain tumour patients and one which we are excited to be a part of.  

“We have recently launched our EMBRACE study – a pan-Europe 2,200 patient performance evaluation of the Dxcover® brain cancer liquid biopsy which will enable CE marking and provide a much-needed tool for patients.” 

Dr Paul Brennan, Reader and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at the University of Edinburgh said: “During several clinical studies involving patients in Scotland we have demonstrated that the Dxcover test is an efficient and effective strategy for brain tumour detection. 

“The next step is to find the best route to implement this test into routine care and this roundtable brings together the stakeholders needed to achieve that.” 

To find out more about The Brain Tumour Charity’s work with policymakers and healthcare professionals, visit thebraintumourcharity.org 

Campaign to silence tinnitus for good during Tinnitus Week

“I haven’t heard silence for 8 years” – Jamie Laing  

TV personality, podcaster and entrepreneur, Jamie Laing, has been living with tinnitus since 2016. For Tinnitus Week (5-11 February) Jamie has joined forces with RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, to share his story and help RNID raise funds for research to silence tinnitus for good. 

Jamie talks about the moment he first experienced the condition, describing it as a sudden and overwhelming sensation. Eight years on, he details the impact of tinnitus on his daily life, highlighting its disruptive nature and the difficulty of finding relief from the persistent ringing in his ears. 

Jamie shares his story here 

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. It’s common – around 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus all the time or regularly. The condition sounds different for different people.

Many people describe their tinnitus as a ringing sound, but tinnitus can also be heard as other sounds, such as buzzing, whooshing, clicking, humming, and hissing, to name a few, or even be a combination of sounds.  

Jamie Laing said: “I haven’t heard silence for 8 years. The very first time I ever heard tinnitus, I woke up one morning and I got out of bed, and I could hear this ringing noise.

“And I was looking around, thinking where the hell is this noise coming from? Then it suddenly dawned on me that it was inside my own head. For anyone who’s ever experienced tinnitus that is a really scary moment.  

“I would spend a lot of time in nightclubs, but I never wore anything to protect my ears. I should have done and everyone should be protecting their ears. My tinnitus sounds like a dog whistle, with a whooshing noise surrounding it as well.  

“So it takes me a lot to cry and I was shooting a television show called Hunted, and in it my tinnitus was so bad. People were asking me questions and I couldn’t hear what they were saying because the ringing was so overbearing. It was so loud, and I was like, this is the moment. This is the moment where tinnitus is going to take over.  

“The amazing thing is RNID is doing some incredible work, and through this amazing campaign they are raising money which will go directly towards tinnitus research to silence tinnitus for good.” 

Franki Oliver, Audiology Manager at RNID, said: “Tinnitus is in fact much more common than many people realise. Around 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus; that’s over 7 million adults in the UK!

“There is support out there with a range of professional tinnitus management options as well as self-management techniques available that can be helpful. 

“Thank you to Jamie Laing for sharing his story and raising awareness of tinnitus and how RNID can support people living with the condition.” 

Download your free tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus  

Tinnitus Facts: 

·        Tinnitus is in fact more common than many people realise. Around 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus. That’s over 7 million adults in the UK. 

·        Tinnitus sounds different for different people. Many people describe their tinnitus as a ringing sound, but some people hear other sounds such as buzzing, whooshing, clicking, hissing, or even a combination of sounds. 

·        Tinnitus is known to be more common in people with hearing loss. However, people without hearing loss can also have tinnitus.   

·        Tinnitus can be caused by loud noise exposure, but this is not the only cause. Tinnitus can be caused by certain ear conditions and other medical conditions. and other medical conditions. Sometimes there is no clear cause. 

Jet2 sale and free child places launched for last-minute February half-term getaways

Enjoy a last-minute getaway this February half-term with Jet2holidays

  • Jet away with Jet2holidays this February half-term for a memorable break with all the family
  • Winter sale from UK’s largest operator means families can snap up a last-minute deal to Antalya, Paphos or Lanzarote
  • More Free Child Place holidays available too across school holidays – on top of millions already available means families can get away for even less

Families seeking a fun-packed February half-term getaway, should look no further than Jet2holidays, as the UK’s largest tour operator has launched a fantastic sale and added hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays – on top of millions already available.

Whether you want to bask in the warming winter rays of Lanzarote or enjoy a family trip filled with exciting activities in Antalya or Paphos this February half-term, Jet2holidays is offering families the chance to do just that for even less, with a host of last-minute breaks available to the most sought-after family friendly destinations.

With the recent addition of hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays, on top of the millions that are already available, plus this sale, families seeking to escape the chilly UK weather for cosier climates across Europe and the Mediterranean, can do so for even less and create lasting memories with all the family in the sunshine.

Package holiday options with Jet2holidays offer ease for families, combining accommodation, VIP customer service, in-resort Customer Helpers and return transfers, as well as flights with Jet2.com and a 22kg baggage allowance in one ATOL protected holiday.

With February half-term fast approaching and up to £240 off for families of four, plus Free Child Place Holidays, there’s never been a better time to treat the family to a last-minute getaway with Jet2holidays.

Antalya – Turkey

Antalya’s stunning natural landscape and ancient ruins make the perfect playground for families to explore throughout the pleasant Winter season.

Head down to Turkey’s finest beaches to marvel at the stunning coastline views. With an abundance of culture and cuisine to unpack, Antalya is ideal for families seeking both a relaxing and adventurous holiday.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Lara Beach, 3 star Grand Park Lara, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Birmingham on 10th February 2024.

Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Lara Beach, 4+ star Aska Lara Resort and Spa, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Manchester on 11th February 2024.

Price: £599 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Side, 4 star Side Royal Palace Hotel and Spa, 7 nights all-inclusive plus departing from London Stansted on 10th February 2024.

Price: £669 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Paphos – Cyprus

The whole family can kick back and relax in the laid-back resort of Paphos, located on the sunny south-west coast of Cyprus. Inviting tavernas line up along the picturesque harbour to offer a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a choice of beaches, shopping malls, UNESCO-listed historical sites and a zoo, there are exciting activities to suit every itinerary.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Paphos Resort, 3+ star Mayfair Gardens, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from East Midlands on 11th February 2024.

Price: £439 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Paphos Resort, 5 star Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos, 7 nights all-inclusive plus departing from London Stansted on 10th February 2024.

Price: £769 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Cyprus Paphos Airport, Paphos Resort, 4 star Mayfair Hotel, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Manchester on 11th February 2024.

Price: £469 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Lanzarote

Sunshine-seeking families will adore the impressively warm winter weather in Lanzarote, making the Spanish island the ideal destination to escape to in February. Offering delightful beaches and awe-inspiring mountain views, Lanzarote presents incredible opportunities to create memories under the sun. With an array of vibrant resorts to choose from, you’ll be longing to return time after time.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, 3 star Bluebay Lanzarote, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Glasgow on 11th February 2024.

Price: £689 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, 4 star Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort, 7 nights half-board departing from Bristol on 11th February 2024.

Price: £839 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, 4 star Los Zocos Lanzarote, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Leeds Bradford on 11th February 2024.

Price: £899 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.               

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, 4 star Livvo Hotels Mirador Papagayo, 7 nights half-board departing from Birmingham on 11th February 2024.

Price: £629 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

For further information, please visit www.jet2holidays.com

All prices and availability correct at the time of issue.

Millions of pets are overweight with UK facing obesity crisis, warns PDSA

The vet charity for pets in need, PDSA, says the pet obesity crisis needs ‘urgent attention’ as vet teams estimate around half of UK pets are overweight – equating to around 5 million dogs and 4.7 million cats.

It comes as the charity launches its annual ‘Big Weigh In’ campaign in a bid to tackle the growing pet obesity crisis head on. PDSA, in partnership with Royal Canin, is inviting pet owners to book free weight checks at participating vet practices nationwide throughout February and March.

There are more than 500 vet practices signed up and pet owners can find their local participating practice and book their free appointment here: pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp

“We’re all guilty of over indulging at times, but worryingly, 36% of dog owners admit to regularly giving their pet leftovers*,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.

“And while a tasty treat now and then, when considered amidst the rest of their food intake, won’t harm your pet, regularly overfeeding them could lead to serious health problems.

“Since our PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report launched over a decade ago, overweight and obese pets have always been an issue but almost half of veterinary professionals (49%) say they’ve seen an increase in pet obesity in the last two years. And a quarter say obesity is one of the top five welfare issues in dogs.

“But with more and more people owning a pet these days, especially dogs, we’re now at a point where it needs urgent attention before it gets even worse.”

The dangers of overweight pets

“Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from health problems such as diabetes and urinary tract disease – symptoms tend to develop when they are younger and are harder to manage.

“Excess fat can also worsen other health problems – such as arthritis and breathing difficulties – as well as increase anaesthetic and surgical risks, all of which could negatively affect your pet’s quality of life.

“That’s why we’re urging all pet owners to get involved in the PDSA Big Weigh In this year and let us help you help your pet.

“It can feel like a big challenge to get a pet to lose weight, but trust us, it’s worth it and isn’t that difficult (I promise!). Once your pet has reached their ideal size and shape, they will be healthier, happier and more active. They will also have the best chance of living a long, healthy life.”

Dr Lauren Hayes, MRCVS, a veterinarian at Royal Canin, said: “We’re once again partnering with the PDSA on its Big Weigh In campaign to educate pet owners on the important role weight has on the overall health, and therefore happiness, of our pets.

“As well as booking an appointment, there are some simple measures that can help your pet get to a healthier weight. I would always advise using a digital scale to weigh your pet’s food, as it is surprising how easy it can be to overfeed.

“Consider swapping to low calorie treats or halving the treat to reduce caloric intake. At the appointment, you can also ask your vet about switching to a diet developed for weight loss, such as our satiety nutrition; which has been developed by experts to support safe weight loss while being high in fibre and contains the right macronutrients to keep your pet satisfied.”

The findings come from the 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual nationally representative assessment of pet wellbeing.

During the free weight check, pets’ weight and body condition score will be recorded and owners will be signposted to further materials to help educate them about their pet’s weight and encourage regular monitoring, as well as support with weight loss if needed.

There are also plenty of free helpful resources on PDSA’s website for owners to refer back to. Visit pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp

Choudhury: ‘Let’s work together and get new station done!’

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has called for sustained action to secure a train station for Winchburgh.

Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.

As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built.

Foysol Choudhury, a Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.

Mr Choudhury has raised concerns that he has written to THREE successive Ministers for Transport – Jenny Gilruth MSP, Kevin Stewart MSP and Fiona Hyslop MSP – to ask them to meet with him and other interested MSPs so that they can all work together to try and find a solution for constituents.

Mr Choudhury says he was disappointed to have only received a response on the 10th January 2024, which referenced the correspondence sent to Ms Gilruth, Mr Stewart and Ms Hyslop and said that as Winchburgh is in Ms Hyslop’s constituency, she has recused herself from this project. The letter said that the issue now lies in the Ministerial Portfolio of Patrick Harvie MSP, who says he cannot meet with Mr Choudhury at this time. 

Mr Choudhury has written back to Mr Harvie highlighting the importance of meeting to discussing this issue, for the sake of constituents, and has asked to be invited to an upcoming meeting with the relevant stakeholders.

Mr Choudhury said, following issuing this response to the Minister: “It is incredibly disappointing that I have had to write to so many Ministers, only to finally receive a response which did not offer a meeting.

“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town-I cannot understand why the Scottish Government has ignored my requests to this extent so many times.

“I even previously invited the Minister to come and see first-hand why a railway station is needed and the importance of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh, yet the Scottish Government still do not seem to be taking this seriously.

“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.

“We were able to come together earlier this week to have a very productive conversation on how we can work together towards a new station for Winchburgh and I am hopeful that together, we can get this done!”

Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents and will work with all relevant stakeholders possible to secure the station for his constituents. 

Disruption due to flooding possible over the next three days

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Persistent rain, heavy at times, is forecast in western Scotland on Sunday, becoming widespread on Monday.

“Flooding from surface water is possible on Sunday evening into Monday. River levels are also expected to be high overnight on Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, particularly around Speyside and Great Glen.

“We could see rivers reach the same heights as Storm Isha last month, but possibly higher in some locations. Travel disruption is possible, as well as flooding to land and properties.

“We have issued Regional Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7, updating Alerts and Local Flood Warnings as necessary.

“People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if they need to travel.

“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.” 

Be prepared

  • Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
  • Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.  
  • Create a flood plan which includes knowing how to shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies. 
  • Consider installing flood protection at your home.

Stay safe

  • Follow the advice of emergency responders.
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.  
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses. 
  • Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves around the coast.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Stay informed

Follow @SEPAFlood on X for the latest flooding information. 

  Check the Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings for your area.

Check your transport routes and check road conditions.

Check Ready Scotland for advice on preparing for severe weather.

Difference between Alert and Warning

  • We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.    
  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.  
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

Community Orchard planting event

SATURDAY 10th FEBRUARY from 11am – 2pm

YESTERDAY’s Apple Wassailing was not the last of the Community Orchard action!

On Saturday 10th February, come along and help us plant new fruit trees, and find out more about the orchard group (you don’t need to be a member, feel free to come and help out as a one-off). No experience necessary – it’s a great chance to learn. Tools and gloves provided.

Sat 10th February, 11am – 1pm

Meet at green portacabin through the gate at the back of the Toby Carvery car park.

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

#UrbanFarm

#CommunityOrchard

#Agroecology

Leith legends team up!

Leith Athletic Football Club girls team netted a visit to Paolozzi at 100 at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two this weekend.

Celebrating the 100th birthday of Leith artist Eduardo Paolozzi the free exhibition has taken over two rooms on the ground floor of the Edinburgh gallery. 

All kitted out in their brand-new Paolozzi shirts, a tribute to the man himself, the Leith team marvelled in 60 works including prints, tapestries, collages and sculptures.

There’s no substitute for Paolozzi! 

About Paolozzi at 100 

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two 

Open now till 21 April 2024 

Admission Free  

Paolozzi at 100 | National Galleries of Scotland 

Positive Futures groups in North Edinburgh

I am a community development worker for Positive Futures (Libertus services). I am currently engaging with people aged 50+ in the Muirhouse, Granton and Pilton areas, to facilitate community led self-supporting activity groups to alleviate social isolation.

We are particularly keen to increase the numbers in our allotment group at Lauriston Farm allotments as well as making contact with  anyone in the area with an sewing skills or learning the same, with a view to starting a new sewing group in the very future at Birnie’s court community room.

Baz Simcock

Positive Futures Community Development Worker
Libertus Service