New report shows patients value NHS diagnostic services but face barriers to access

UK patients want better access to early and accurate diagnosis of health problems, according to new survey data from the Patients Association.

Many patients would consider paying to get tests done privately if they faced a long wait for NHS tests.

  • Nine in ten (90%) of UK patients say it should be more straightforward to get the diagnostic tests they need
  • Three in five (60%) said they would be willing to pay to get a test done if they faced a long wait, or the test they needed was not available
  • More than three in five (61%) believed being able to test at home could help speed up diagnosis
  • Patients want to know how to get the tests they need, why they are having them, and when they can expect results.

The survey, undertaken in partnership with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, represents the views of more than 1,000 patients from across the UK, who had received diagnostic support from the NHS in the preceding six months.

Nine out of ten (90%) of the people who completed the survey said it should be easier to obtain access to the diagnostic tests they need. They also wanted:

  • Better understanding of why they were being sent for a test
  • Increased speed and urgency
  • Improved access
  • A greater sense of empowerment when it comes to diagnostic tests, results, and subsequent treatment and care.

Access challenges

The findings demonstrated several challenges experienced by patients in gaining access to diagnostic tests.

  • One-third of respondents (33%) said when they tried to get a test, they found there were no appointments available locally. This reflects national data on the large numbers of patients unable to access diagnostic tests and services, even before consideration is given to any waiting lists for any treatment they may need.
  • Almost four in five (78%) patients felt testing facilities should be provided closer to patients’ homes to make access easier
  • Seven in ten (70%) wanted a clearer understanding of how to access tests. Some respondents highlighted that services are sometimes not available as advertised.

Speed and urgency of access to testing was another significant problem identified by survey. Only one in ten (11%) of respondent said they have never had any issues getting either a test or their results, or faced no consequences if they did.

For those living with long-term conditions, delays and difficulties in accessing diagnosis have had significant consequences. Nearly one in five (17%) respondents said their long-term recovery was set back significantly.

Many more reported consequences for their mental and physical health, and their wider work and family life.

Respondents were also unhappy about a lack of access to, and clear explanation of, test results. Almost nine in ten (88%) patients wanted a realistic timeline for their test results to come through and a similar number (87%) called for a better explanation of what those results meant for them and their treatment.

Patient-created solutions

The survey discovered patients are finding ways around the challenges they faced. For example, when asked whether they would be willing to pay to get a test done privately if they faced a long wait or if the test they needed was not available on the NHS, three in five (60%) of respondents said they would. This included patients who did not consider themselves to be ‘rich’.

The finding that so many patients would consider paying for tests shows the importance they place on getting a timely and accurate diagnosis, even if they had to pay.

Sustainable solutions

The survey’s results show many patients have a clear view on how diagnostic services in the UK could be improved.

Being able to test at home was seen as one way to make services more accessible. Nearly two thirds (61%) of respondents believed expanding opportunities to test at home could help speed up diagnosis.

When asked about specific examples, the numbers were even higher, perhaps building on our collective experience of testing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than three quarters (77%) said they would be happy to test themselves at home.

Investing in diagnostics and new technology was supported by most respondents. For example, more than half (57%) the respondents felt the use of new technology such as artificial intelligence could speed up diagnosis and reduce pressures on the NHS – an important factor since nearly one-third (29%) said they delayed seeking tests to avoid wasting NHS time and resources.

Looking to the future

Almost nine in ten (86%) felt testing and diagnosing conditions more quickly would help reduce the NHS backlog. While patients want to feel more empowered in taking charge of their own health, they are also keen that solutions are sought to support NHS efficiency and sustainability in the longer-term.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patient Association, says: “Patients value diagnostic services – that’s very clear from the survey. Frustrations about access to tests came over loud and clear.

“Those taking the survey clearly value being partners in their care. And to partner with the professionals sending them for tests, patients need and want clear communication on how to get tests, why they need a test, and when they’ll get results. Healthcare professionals can improve patient-centred care when ordering diagnostic tests by explaining how, why and when.”

Geoff Twist, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics, UK & Ireland says: “Tests that detect or diagnose disease early, or in some cases prevent it altogether, can play a vital role in the patient journey, and in helping the health system work efficiently.

“This report shows that patients themselves see and understand the importance of diagnostic tests, and that they will proactively seek them out to find the answers they need about their health.

“The message is clear. But to realise this we need a renewed policy focus, setting out how we can speed up getting existing diagnostic tests and innovations to the people who need them. Prioritising diagnostic services can help to relieve some of the pressure on our NHS today and protect it for generations to come.”

Download Patient Experience of Diagnostics Report

Lauriston Farm: Active travel route?

Could Lauriston Farm be part of an active travel route for you?

If there is community interest, we would be able to apply for funding to construct accessible paths that would allow you to walk, wheel or cycle across the farm without getting muddy.

Please see details and fill in our survey here:

https://www.lauristonfarm.scot/news/active-travel-routes-survey/

#ActiveTravel

#PathsForAll

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

One in five households in Scotland will still lack high-speed broadband in 2040

Broadcast 2040+, a campaign which aims to protect access to broadcast TV and radio, is highlighting worrying predictions laid out in a new report by EY*, that show 81% of premises in Scotland will still not have high-speed broadband in 2040.

The report TV Distribution After 2034 predicts that take up of high-speed broadband will still leave 19% of premises without the service in 2040. This highlights a critical issue in accessibility, affordability and usage of broadband services in the region.

The report forecasts a concerning trend in broadband take-up in Scotland with take up currently at 68%. By 2035, it is expected to slightly increase to 80%, followed by a further minor increase to 81% by 2040, despite higher levels of coverage.

Scotland is expected to be among the worst affected regions by the low broadband take-up, alongside Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East.

The digital divide has significant implications, especially for vulnerable groups in Scotland, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, rural communities, and low-income households. Nationally, the report says some 5.5 million UK premises will still be without a high-speed broadband subscription by 2040.

The report also focuses on the barriers to broadband take-up, such as affordability and a lack of digital skills, particularly among older and disabled residents. Currently, 34% of people aged 65 and over in the region do not have internet access at home, and affordability issues affect a significant number of households.

In response to these findings, the Broadcast 2040+ campaign is advocating for the Government to extend the protection of traditional TV and radio services beyond the current 2034 cut-off year. This action is seen as crucial in guaranteeing that everyone, especially those in vulnerable groups, maintain access to essential information and entertainment. 

The full report entitled “TV Distribution After 2034” can be found here. 

The report was commissioned by Arqiva, a broadcast infrastructure company and a member of the Broadcast 2040+ coalition. 

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance and part of the Broadcast 2040+ coalition said: “The Broadcast 2040+ campaign’s mission to safeguard the future of broadcast TV and radio is critical to helping bridge the digital divide that the UK faces.

“As today’s report makes clear, unless we protect these platforms, we risk putting 5.5 million households at greater risk of digital exclusion and the harms that this will cause. The government must take urgent and decisive action to ensure vulnerable people across the nation are protected and no one is left behind.” 

David Coulson, Partner, Economic Advisory at EY commented: “The EY study indicates that, despite widespread broadband coverage, universal access for all viewers should not be taken for granted.

“It is crucial those least likely to have high speed broadband in 2040 continue to have access to television, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled individuals, low-income households, and rural communities.”

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* Ernst & Young Global Limited, trade name EY, is a multinational professional services partnership. EY is one of the largest professional services networks in the world.

It primarily provides assurance, tax, information technology services (including managed services in areas like Cybersecurity, Cloud, Digital Transformation and AI), consulting, and advisory services to its clients.

The best bao buns are back!

Ozen returns to the city’s street food scene with all the full-on fresh flavours Edinburgh foodies have been waiting for

Edinburgh foodies rejoice, your favourite full-on fresh fusion flavours are back on the menu as Ozen makes its long-awaited return to the capital.

After a two-year hiatus, the Asian street food kings are back in a brand new location at the city’s St James Quarter. Expect all the classic combos that helped build their cult following, plus a bunch of brand new bao buns that will see food fans coming back for more.

All the signature bao buns you’ve come to love are making a welcome return, including the Karaageee Chicken bao bun stuffed with tender crispy fried chicken, and the Pig Deal crammed with red pork belly in a peanut crumb.

These are joined on the menu by some tasty new vegan additions such as the Eggplant featuring panko-fried aubergine – and not forgetting the quirky McOzen mash-up featuring a double beef patty, American cheese, pickles and special McOzen sauce.

Those with a sweet tooth will be hard pressed to say no to a dessert bun bursting with Biscoff cream and syrup, Nutella, or strawberry cheesecake paired with orange blossom syrup. 

The Edinburgh eatery is the vision of the self-confessed food-obsessed Chris Thomas, Alex Galpin and Jacob Rodriguez, who have more than two decades of hospitality experience between them. Their ultimate aim is to add a new dynamic to the capital’s food scene and offer a contemporary take on pan-Asian flavours. 

Speaking about the return of Ozen, Chris said: “We took some time out, travelled the world, and picked up ideas and inspiration for new flavour combinations along the way.

“We were really excited to get experimenting in the kitchen again, and when a space became available at St James Quarter we just knew we had to bring Ozen back. 

“The reaction has been incredible! So much so, that we’re already gearing up to open another Ozen very soon.

“We’ve got big ambitions to become Scotland’s first national bao bun brand and from the reaction to our relaunch, there’s definitely an appetite for it!”

Ozen Street Food is now open at the Little King Street Entrance to St James Quarter, Edinburgh. The full menu is available for collection or for delivery via Deliveroo.

Big Swap Event coming soon

SATURDAY 2nd MARCH from 11am – 2pm

ST MARTIN’S CHURCH, DALRY ROAD

GRANTON Goes Greener are very excited to be involved in another BIG SWAP event delivered in partnership with Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), NKS – Networking Key Services and SCOREscotland💚💚💚

We are now accepting donations of good quality household items and looking for more men clothes and shoes as well as some older children/teenagers clothes.

They can all be donated to Granton Parish Church, Edinburgh.

Any questions? Email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk 🙏🙏🙏

National Cat Awards: Nominations open tomorrow

Cat owners across the UK are being invited to nominate their pets for the biggest event in the feline year – the National Cat Awards.

The annual event, run by Cats Protection, celebrates the UK’s favourite cats, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.

Entries open on Tuesday 13 February and owners have until noon on Tuesday 26 March to nominate their cat in one of four categories. Owners or colleagues can also nominate a veterinary professional who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category:

Family cats: For cats who make a family complete – whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort and support in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.

Incredible cats – From heroic cats who save the day to those who have done something truly extraordinary. They might have survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure or maybe even saved a life.

Senior cats: Celebrating cats over the age of 11, who might be thriving in their older years or simply enjoying the quieter side of life.  

Connected cats: Recognising cats that make us smile. From well-connected cats with their own social media following to those who pop up in the local community.

Vet of the Year 2024: For vets or veterinary professionals who have provided outstanding cat care.

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser Catherine Cottrell said: “We share our lives with cats, and as one of the nation’s favourite pets, they have a special role in the lives of millions of people.

“Whether they’re curling up on our laps after a stressful day, providing companionship to elderly or vulnerable people or simply making us laugh, cats bring happiness to the lives of all sorts of people.

“The National Cat Awards is all about celebrating everything we love about cats and what they bring into our lives. We’re thrilled to be hosting the awards once again and hope this year’s entries will inspire more people to adopt a rescue cat.”

Winners will be selected in a public vote and by a panel of judges before being announced during a ceremony in London on 18 September.

The Cat of the Year 2024 will be selected from the four category winners.

Last year’s winner was Zebby, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, who won the title National Cat of the Year in recognition of the support he gives to his deaf owner by alerting her to sounds and noises around the home.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards from Tuesday 13 February.

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit:

www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

March: Shelf Life at Corstorphine Library

GOOD QUALITY CLOTHING DONATIONS WANTED

With support from the SLIC Climate Engagement Fund ‘Shelf Life’ Corstorphine Library will be hosting a month long fashion swap during March to help raise awareness of the environmental impact of fashion.

If you have clothes that are clean, in good condition but you just don’t ever get around to wearing, we would love to have them.

Donations can be dropped off at Corstorphine library any time that we are open – (that’s 1pm – 8pm Monday and Wednesday and 10am to 5pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) – please don’t leave clothes outside the library when we are shut!

For more information or if you have any questions, please email us at corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or pop in for a chat with our staff.

Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park celebrate over £8,000 raised during charity partnership

Impactful two-year collaboration helped raise vital funds and spread crucial awareness of secondary breast cancer

Make 2nds Count has proudly announced the successful conclusion of its two-year charity partnership with Dalkeith Country Park, a historic estate and visitor attraction near Edinburgh.

Generous contributions from the community and visitors resulted in an impressive total of over £8,217. These funds will play a vital role in supporting Make 2nds Count’s initiatives, including the monthly Tea and a Chat events in Edinburgh, Birdsong yoga, and providing meaningful gifts for retreats aimed at supporting patients.

The meaningful collaboration, which commenced in January 2022, was initiated through a close connection with Karen Henderson, a patient ambassador for Make 2nds Count. The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund, established by her husband, has become a beacon of support for Make 2nds Count and was the driving force behind this inspiring partnership.

Alistair Henderson commented: “The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund would like to thank everyone at Restoration Yard and Dalkeith Country Park for their fantastic support over the last 2 years, helping make life that little bit better and happier for Secondary Breast Cancer patients.

“Karen had a special bond with RY and DCP over the years, she loved a visit there to shop, to walk and to catch up with friends therefore it has been so nice that that relationship has been able to continue on through Karen’s Legacy Fund. 

“From the very start when we launched Karen’s Legacy Fund at RY back in May 2021 through; the 500 Mile Challenge, several fashion show events, the planting of Karen’s Tree, Karen’s Collection sale, etc etc both RY and DCP have been such enthusiastic and helpful supporters of both Karen’s Legacy Fund as well as Karen’s family and we appreciate it all greatly.”

Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park united with the common goal of raising vital funds for the charity and spreading awareness about secondary breast cancer. Over the course of two years, the partnership flourished with numerous successful fundraising initiatives.

Notable events included seasonal fashion shows with luxury raffles at Restoration Yard, The Kitchen Menu Donations – donating 50p from every dessert – a Wishing Tree at the 2022 Spectacle of Light and an online art auction as part of the Inception Art Show at Dalkeith Palace.

Make 2nds Count expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the team at Dalkeith Country Park and the local community, with Emma Hall, Head of Operations saying: “We are so thankful for the overwhelming support received over the past 2 years.

“From community members who attended events, and made generous donations, local press whose coverage helped shine a spotlight on the initiative, further amplifying awareness and to the team at Dalkeith Country Park who have been amazing and so supportive of our cause.”

As part of the partnership, Dalkeith Country Park displayed informative signage throughout the park during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These signs aimed to educate visitors about the signs, symptoms, and key statistics related to secondary breast cancer, highlighting the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

Reflecting on the positive experience, Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park jointly celebrated the success of their partnership. This collaboration exemplifies the impact that can be made when communities and organisations come together for a common cause.

Stephen Begg, Operations Manager at Dalkeith Country Park, says: “Everyone at Dalkeith Country Park and Restoration Yard is ecstatic to have raised such an impressive amount for Make 2nds Count.

“It’s been wonderful working with Make 2nds Count and gaining insight into the amazing work they do to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer. We are thrilled to have been part of their efforts for the last two years” 

Make 2nds Count is now actively seeking new partnerships with businesses to continue their vital work in 2024 and beyond, and they invite businesses interested in supporting M2C to reach out for potential collaborations and to be part of their ongoing effort to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer as well as fund research and provide crucial support for patients.

For further information, please contact: hello@make2ndscount.com

Artists announced for major new musical theatre residency in Scotland

Dundee Rep Theatre and Cove Park are today delighted to announce the musical theatre artists who will participate in a pioneering new creative residency programme in Scotland this Spring.

The Musical Theatre Writing Residency is a two-week international programme for emerging and established book writers, composers, and lyricists from the UK, India, and the United States.

Taking place in the stunning surroundings of Cove Park from 4 – 17 March, the programme will see writing teams provided with an immersive and creative space to freely connect, develop, collaborate and create ideas for new musical theatre works.

Artists were invited to apply as teams of up to three collaborators with a musical theatre idea in need of development, ready to take it to the next stage in its creation. Following a competitive selection process that saw nearly 200 applications, thirteen artists will take part in the residency fortnight, with a diverse range of multigenerational creative voices at different stages in their careers.

The artistic collaborators will include Scotland/UK-based artists Debbie Hannan and Andy McGregor; Linda McLean and David Paul Jones; Samir Bhamra, Devesh Sodha and Robby Khela; Jonathan O’Neill and Isaac Savage; US-artists Nikki Lynette and Lili-Anne Brown; and Indian artist Sushma Soma.

The residency will see the teams developing their ideas, with projects and themes including a punk rock musical based on the story of some of Scotland’s most militant suffragettes, a 90s-inspired sci-fi romp set around Scottish UFO hotspot Bonnybridge, and a haunting horror musical that blends dark rock, urban grime, pop, and cinematic scores with Hindu mythology.

The residency has been developed by Dundee Rep Theatre and Cove Park alongside twelve Scottish and international partners, making it one of the largest collaborative projects in the recent history of the performing arts in Scotland.

Partners include Capital Theatres, Citizens Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre, National Centre for the Performing Arts (Mumbai), National Theatre of Scotland, Octopus Theatricals (New York City), Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and the Traverse Theatre.

Associate partners include A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and the Tron Theatre.

Working alongside Cove Park and Dundee Rep, the partner organisations will play a valuable role supporting the artists with their own rich and varied expertise. All partners are committed to developing the musical theatre landscape, both in Scotland and further afield. This pilot residency is majority-funded as part of the British Council & Creative Scotland Partnership: Connect & Collaborate.

The residency has been devised by Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre, and will include facilitated sessions with Dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare (formerly Director of New Work Development at The Public Theater), Music Supervisor James McKeon (Musical Director: Moulin Rouge! The Musical, London), Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director of Goodspeed Musicals, Connecticut and David Greig, Artistic Director of Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh. Shonagh Murray joins as Associate Musical Supervisor, with Imogen Stirling, supported by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, joining as Associate Dramaturg.

The creatives will also benefit from networking opportunities and workshop sessions, both in-person and digital, with industry-leading writers, composers, producers, directors, and other theatre practitioners – including Tony® Award-winning director John Doyle, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, Tony® Award-winning producer Rashad V. Chambers, and more.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director at Dundee Rep Theatre, said: “This residency has been a number of years in the making. I’m thrilled that so many sector-leading organisations in Scotland, India and the US have joined Dundee Rep and Cove Park to present this residency.

“We will be creating a safe space for the participating artists to experiment with their work and the form. We know that there is huge audience demand for musical theatre and this is an opportunity for our participants to learn from industry-leading experts and from each other, I believe that this is a huge investment in the talent that we need to create the next decade of great musicals.”

Mara Isaacs, Creative Producer & Founder, Octopus Theatricals, said: “This residency represents the kind of multi-national, multi- sector collaboration that is essential to the flourishing of our field.

“There’s no telling what inspirational sparks will fly in a room filled with and supported by theatre companies, artists and colleagues representing the future of musical theatre in the UK, the US and India.”

Alex Marrs, Programmes & Communications Producer at Cove Park, said: “We look forward to welcoming this exciting cohort of musical theatre creators to Cove Park.

“This residen”cy expresses our core aim to provide a supportive space for risk and experimentation and addresses the acute and growing need for funded musical theatre development opportunities in Scotland.

“Alongside such inspiring partner organisations, we are delighted to support the creation of innovative and ambitious musicals for the benefit of audiences nationally and internationally.“

Dundee Rep has long been associated with new musical theatre, notably being the originating producer of new musicals including No Love Songs, Sunshine on Leith, Hi My Name is Ben (with Goodspeed Musicals, Connecticut), A Christmas Carol and Oor Wullie. Development, progression and learning sit at the heart of the organisation placing value on the collaboration and nurture of a diverse range of creative voices at different ages and stages of career.

Just one hour north of Glasgow, Cove Park is an international residency based on an outstanding 50-acre rural site on Scotland’s west coast.

Often working in partnership with leading organisations to develop commissions, exhibitions, and international residency exchanges, Cove Park’s programmes provide professional and creative development opportunities that support research, experimentation, and collaboration.

Cove Park offers uniquely designed private accommodation, studios, and workspace to create an inspiring context in which artists can progress ideas, acquire new skills, and develop work for audiences throughout the UK and beyond.

More information on the residency can be found at: 

www.musicaltheatrewritingresidency.uk