PCHP is a Warm and Welcoming space for you to enjoy.
That’s why today we’ll be opening our doors for our annual #WinterWarmer so ditch the PJ’s (or not!) and join us for some warm soup, hot chocolate, games and a guid auld fashioned blether!
Look forward to seeing you all.
Smokers who choose to quit on the 1 January could save a whole day of their life by 8 January* according to new research from University College London (UCL), published today (30 December).
The research commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care shows, smoking is more harmful than previously thought, with every cigarette stealing on average approximately 20 minutes of life from smokers.
This equates to nearly seven hours of life lost when smoking an average pack of 20 cigarettes.
If a smoker quits on New Year’s Day, by 20 February, smokers could get a week of their life back and by the end of the year, they could have avoided losing 50 days of life.
Any smoker considering quitting for 2025 can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, which has recently been updated with new information about beating cravings, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan, which tailors its advice to each smoker’s preferences.
The research follows the introduction of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which recently passed Second Reading in the House of Commons.
The world-leading Bill includes measures to create the first smoke-free generation , phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone born after 1 January 2009.
The Bill delivers on one of the three key shifts in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, to move from sickness to prevention. Achieving this will help reach a key measurable milestone set out by the Prime Minister in his Plan for Change to cut waiting lists and protect the NHS.
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit, and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit.
“The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.
“For anyone looking to quit in 2025, the NHS provide a range of services to help break free from the habit.
“This government is going further than ever to protect children and young people from ever becoming hooked on nicotine through our Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “Smoking has an immediate impact on your lung and heart’s health as well as significantly increasing your chance of getting a chronic illness or disability and of dying young.
“Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your current and future health. This new year – start afresh and leave smoking in the past.”
Separately, new research conducted by Censuswide shows more than half (53%) of smokers are planning on quitting smoking as a new year’s resolution in 2025.
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK. It causes around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and 1-in-4 of all cancer deaths in England and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users.
Just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase. After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and by the time one-year rolls around, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a smoker.
Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy.
“The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately.
“It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.”
Ex-smoker, Kamran, started smoking in university and tried to quit several times without success. With support from his local stop smoking service, Kamran quit smoking as a 2024 New Year’s resolution.
Kamran said: “It wasn’t until I quit smoking that I realised how much it had affected my health; I often felt short of breath and couldn’t keep up with my children.
“I tried to quit a few times without any help, but after a few days I would find myself thinking about it again.
“Quitting can be challenging but keeping busy and using stop smoking products was the best way for me to get through it.
“Now that I’m smoke free, I feel less stressed and am able to play a more active role in my family. I am proud of myself, and I feel great that I’ve managed to control it.”
Using stop smoking services is three times as effective as an unassisted quit attempt. To support current smokers to quit, the government recently confirmed an additional £70 million for stop smoking services in England, for 2025/26, with local authorities having received confirmation of their funding amount.
This is in addition to the NHS recently announcing the roll-out of a pill, Varenicline, that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes.
Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England national speciality advisor for tobacco dependency said: “NHS treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, are helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives and we have seen adult smoking rates drop by more than half in the last three decades.
“But smoking remains a huge public health issue and giving up is one of the best things someone can do for their health, so if you’re looking for support to help you quit, please contact your local NHS stop smoking service.”
NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “As a GP, I see firsthand the devasting effects smoking can have on health. Each cigarette smoked not only shortens life expectancy but also significantly increases the risk of many health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia and COPD.
“I often see patients attempting to quit smoking with no support, but going cold turkey can be tough. Quitting smoking is easier when you have a plan and the right support – you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS offers a range of free quitting support, including the NHS Quit Smoking app and local stop smoking services.”
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill contains powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to certain outdoor settings to reduce the harms of second-hand smoking, particularly around children and the vulnerable. Children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals are being considered in England and will be subject to consultation.
This sits alongside plans to crack down on youth vaping, with the Bill banning vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as giving powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes and nicotine products, subject to consultation.
Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
The UK government is committed to cutting waiting lists – backed by an additional £22.6 billion for day-to-day spending over two years – as announced by the Chancellor in her first Budget. Protecting children and young people from smoking will free up valuable NHS services and help cut waiting lists.
In October, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched change.nhs.uk to encourage the biggest conversation ever about the NHS to help inform the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
Having the flu can leave you feeling awful, but there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery:
Do:
Rest and get plenty of sleep
Keep warm
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains
Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better
Don’t:
Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol
You can check your symptoms and decide what to do next by visiting
Essential health services will be open on public holidays.
When your GP and pharmacy are closed and you are too ill to wait, visit NHS Inform.
For urgent advice, or if you think you need to attend A&E, but it’s not life or limb threatening, call 111.
An information campaign and increased recruitment of call handlers are among the initiatives NHS 24 has put in place to help protect vital front line health and care services over the festive period.
First Minister John Swinney visited the NHS 24 call centre in Dundee to observe preparations ahead of the Christmas and New Year period and to express his gratitude to staff.
NHS 24 has been working proactively to bolster resilience and alleviate pressure on both the 111 service and other primary care resources. Initiatives include:
The First Minister said: “The festive period is traditionally very challenging for the NHS. The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures; both at NHS 24 and across the wider health and care sector is truly inspiring.
“NHS 24 data shows that a quarter of calls to 111 can be resolved online, and the service is encouraging more people to take advantage of its digital self-help guides for faster, more convenient care.
“These online tools can help ensure our front line services can focus on those who need urgent care.”
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Ron Cook, said: “Our digital services use the same clinical advice people get if they call NHS 24 and offer a great first option when people are unwell and are not sure if they need to seek further help.
“We are advising patients to save time and look after symptoms safely and effectively at home by using NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online app’s symptom checkers which will give clinically assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.
“By checking symptoms online this will give advice on how best to manage your condition or what to do next if further help is required.”
The Right Care, Right Place campaign reminds the public to use healthcare services appropriately:
Dear Editor,
The festive season is a time for connection and conversation, but for those with undiagnosed hearing loss, it can feel like a struggle to keep up. This Christmas, RNID is encouraging everyone to look out for the signs of hearing loss in themselves and their loved ones.
Do you notice someone turning the TV up louder than others prefer? Do they struggle to follow conversations in noisy places like pubs or restaurants, or frequently ask people to repeat what they’ve said? Perhaps they find it hard to hear on the phone, feel like others mumble, or have a partner who thinks they’re not listening. If any of these feel familiar, it might be time to check your hearing.
The good news is that it is very easy to look for the signs of hearing loss in yourself and loved ones and to do something about it.
Taking our free simple check at rnid.org.uk can be the first step on your hearing journey. This Christmas, let’s keep everyone part of the conversation!
Sincerely,
Crystal Rolfe
Director of Health at RNID
RESEARCH data by Specsavers has revealed a staggering amount of Scots don’t know the words to the nation’s favourite football chants and songs.
From the national anthem ‘Flower of Scotland’ and classics like ‘Loch Lomond’ to recently adopted favourites like ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, many Scotland fans either don’t know the songs or are mishearing the lyrics.
As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers recently put supporters’ knowledge to the test.
Via a Censuswide survey[1] and interviews outside of Hampden ahead of the Scotland men’s national team’s crucial match against Croatia, the responses threw up some shocking and surprising results.
Among the most surprising was the lack of knowledge of Baccara’s ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, with over half of Scots (55%) not knowing the lyrics to the 70s disco hit and recent fan favourite from the terraces.
Almost a third (30%) believe the lyrics to the chorus are: ‘Yes sir, I can boogie, if you play you can’t go wrong’. The actual lyrics are ‘if you stay you can’t go wrong’.
Over a third of Scots (34%) don’t recognise former national anthem ‘Scotland the Brave’, with one eighth of Scots believing the lyric ‘now feel the blood a-leaping’ is actually ‘now feel the floods are creeping’.
Nearly one fifth of Scots (17%) believe the Gaelic verse in ‘Loch Lomond’ ‘Ho, ho mo leannan, ho mo leannan bhoidheach’ means ‘let’s go home, let’s go home together’.
However, A quarter of the people from the Highlands and Islands and Inverness correctly identified the lyrics as ‘my sweetheart, my beautiful sweetheart’.
Most shockingly, almost a quarter of Scots aged 35-44 (23%) don’t recognise the national anthem at all.
Presenter Beth Wallace took to Hampden ahead of the Croatia match to find out if the core Tartan Army support could do any better. However, many also struggled to find the right words.
With answers ranging from ‘if you stay, you will be mine’ for ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ to ‘not a scooby’ as a response for the lyrics to ‘Loch Lomond’, it’s fair to say the fans didn’t perform as well as the team on the pitch that evening as Steve Clarke’s team earned a significant 1-0 win to increase their chances of a Pot 1 place for the World Cup Qualifying draw.
However, plenty of supporters did themselves and the country proud as they correctly recounted the lyrics with that famous Scottish gusto, before going on to roar the national team to victory at a packed Hampden stadium.
Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: ‘Keeping on top of your hearing health with regular checks and not overexposing yourself to loud noises is of paramount importance to your overall wellbeing.
‘Specsavers encourages everyone, particularly the raucous Tartan Army, to get their ears checked on a regular basis to avoid further complications in the future.
‘Not only is it good for your health, it means you’ll be able to hear our famous Scottish symphonies loud and clear at matches.’
As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all.
Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique.
That’s why Specsavers carries out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.
Visit www.specsavers.co.uk or go in store to book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists.
Everyone is familiar with the old saying ‘there’s no use crying over spilled milk’, but it’s spilled gravy that might be doing the damage this Christmas – and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is asking the public to take extra care when they’re serving up the Turkey this December 25th.
Burns from hot gravy are among reasons why people self-present at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments on Christmas Day. Other common minor conditions include cuts from parents using box cutters and craft knives to open presents, falls from ladders following decorations being hung or presents decanted from lofts, and acid reflux or constipation.
Debbie McCoach, Interim Lead Nurse at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Accident and Emergency Department, said: “Christmas Day at home is mostly full of buzz, excitement – and let’s be honest – chaos.
“In times of hectic family life, rational thinking can go out of the window and accidents can very quickly and easily happen. We’re asking everyone to have a lot of fun but approach things with caution, particularly when it comes to the kitchen.”
Upset tummies and respiratory issues from seasonal illnesses are also big with self-presenters at A&E, which are minor illnesses that should be treated elsewhere.
Dr Claire Harrow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services said: “We’re also asking people to be aware when and when not to attend the Accident and Emergency department.
“A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening care. Otherwise, on Christmas Day, people should be calling NHS24 on 111 if they have a minor injury or minor illness. In doing so, they’ll be provided advice and will be given an appointment if required, virtually or in-person.
“After all, no one wants to be sitting in a waiting room on Christmas Day!”
There are instances where A&E will be essential and, when it comes to safety, paediatricians are asking parents and carers to be extra vigilant of their child at home to avoid hospital this Christmas.
Staff at the Royal Hospital for Children A&E have highlighted the anticipated big hitters when it comes to objects causing serious injuries this Christmas, along with some advice on how to avoid them.
Dr Joanne Stirling, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow said: “Bikes and scooters are always big on Christmas lists and we’re pleading with parents to remember that if Santa is bringing anything with wheels, especially if it is motorised, then a helmet is also included. We’ve had a few incidents with eScooters this year and the injuries have been very serious.
“This request extends to the “big kids” of the family too. i.e. mum and dad who may be eager for a “wee shot”– trust us, if you’re unprotected, the injury won’t be worth it.”
Dr Stirling highlighted others for parents to watch out for and if an injury does occur, should be brought straight to A&E:
Claire is from Glasgow and has been a Senior Charge Nurse at NHS 24’s Cardonald contact centre for a year. She is working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Claire says: “It has been lovely to take part in the school festive traditions with the kids throughout December. I’m really looking forward to attending the panto on Christmas Eve as well getting involved in some carol singing.
“It’s such a magical time of the year to spend time with the family, and we have lots of quality time planned in between my shifts.
“My top tip for over festive is if you have kids, ensure you have child-friendly remedies available at home.
“Pop into your local pharmacy where they can give you advice on the most appropriate medicines for your family.”
NHS 24 – #PoweredByPeople
People with back, joint, and muscle issues living in areas with the worst waiting lists for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are set to be treated quicker and supported back into employment as the Government ‘gets Britain working’.
As part of the Government’s drive to tackle economic inactivity – where someone is out of work and not looking for work – 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England will share part of a £3.5million package to improve MSK services.
The funding will see each area receive up to £300,000 to treat one of the main drivers of economic inactivity, and is part of the Government’s Plan for Change which will put more money into people’s pockets and get the NHS back on its feet.
The MSK Community Delivery Programme will be administered through NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, and will give ICBs the resources and leadership to develop more efficient ways of getting MSK patients treated, off waiting lists and back onto the path of employment.
Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP, said: “For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working.
“It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential.
“This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again.”
There are 2.8million people economically inactive due to long-term health and MSK is the second largest reason given, behind mental health. Around 646,000 people – around 1 in 4 (23%) – said MSK was their primary condition.
Waiting lists for MSK community services are the highest of all community waits in England, at 348,799 people in September 2024, with approximately 23.4 million working days in the UK being lost due to MSK conditions in 2022 alone.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “With prevention, early detection and treatment, we know that the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues in England could better manage their conditions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to rejoin the workforce.
“Through the Plan for Change, the government is taking decisive action to drive down waiting lists, improve treatment options and boost the economy.”
Several of the 17 ICB locations spearheading the delivery of this programme also host NHS England’s Further Faster 20 programme and the Government’s recently announced WorkWell programme – meaning people with MSK conditions will benefit from an amalgamated approach of reduced waiting lists combined with intensive and bespoke employment support.
Professor Tim Briggs, NHS England’s National Director of Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery and Chair of the Getting it Right First Time programme, said: “The NHS has a proven record of spearheading improvements through the Getting it Right First Time Programme and this initiative could make a real difference to people with MSK conditions– providing them with the care they need and helping them to return to work.
“Local health systems will be able to assess their current services and share examples of best practice to roll out innovative ways of working, as well as improving data on how services are performing.”
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said: “With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives.
“Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge.
“MSK Community Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme in dedicated sites across England, and in the future across the whole country.”
The Government announced the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper in November as part of the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation, bringing together skills and health to get more people into work and get on in work.
