Tag: Health and wellbeing

Edinburgh University groundbreaking research initiative to reduce stillbirths

Teddy’s Wish, in partnership with Sands, is funding a pioneering research project led by Dr Sarah Murray at the University of Edinburgh.

This vital initiative aims to investigate how environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, temperature variations, and air pollution, impact the risk of stillbirth.

Around 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth every day in the UK and 2,680 of these deaths were stillbirths in 2022. More children die around the time of birth than at any other time of childhood, yet only 2.4% of UK health research funds go to reproductive health and childbirth.1

Philanthropic funding is vital in enabling Sands to fulfil its mission to end baby deaths and help families rebuild their lives. For over a decade, Teddy’s Wish has been committed to supporting Sands in memory of Jen and Chris Reid’s beloved baby, Eddie.

Through their generosity, Sands has been able to advance research aimed at understanding why some babies die unexpectedly. The Environmental Influences on Stillbirth project will explore how the environment a woman is exposed to during pregnancy affects both maternal and fetal health. 

Jen Reid,Co-Founder and CEO of Teddy’s Wish said: “Teddy’s Wish is committed to funding research that brings us closer to understanding and preventing baby loss. We are delighted to be jointly funding this important research project with Sands to explore the impact of environmental influences on stillbirth with the hope that more babies will be delivered safely.”

The link between environmental factors and stillbirth has not yet been studied in-depth in UK populations. This research will link environmental data with comprehensive Scottish maternity records, providing a robust dataset to study potential environmental risk factors.

Dr Murray, Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This work is a step forward in understanding the complex and unknown factors that may contribute to stillbirth.

“Our findings could inform future public health guidelines and targeted interventions, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution.”

The research has the potential to reduce stillbirth rates across the UK by providing clinicians with clearer understanding of how the environment impacts on pregnancy and the baby’s wellbeing. The research insights could help people in government and the NHS improve maternity care for pregnant women and babies.

Janet Scott, Sands’ Head of Saving Babies’ Lives team, said: “Through this research, Sands and Teddy’s Wish aim to support advances in the health of babies and mothers, reducing the devastating impact of stillbirth on families across the country.

“Thank you to Teddy’s Wish for your unwavering support in helping save more babies’ lives and transform the life of future generations of families.” 

Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.  

Addressing Delayed Discharge

£100 million Scottish Government funding to improve patient flow

£100 million funding in the 2025-26 Budget to tackle delayed discharge will make Hospital at Home the ‘biggest hospital in the country’, if approved by Parliament.

The service, which offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, will grow to 2,000 beds by December 2026, alleviating pressure on health and social care settings.

The money will also ensure all A&E departments in Scotland have frailty units directly linked to community care settings, with an increased focus on collaborative working to identify ways to improve patient experience.

It is part of an overall £200 million package to clear the majority of new outpatient and treatment time patient waits and renew the NHS.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd visited Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline to outline a package of measures to reduce delayed discharge and to learn about other services that can be replicated across Scotland, such as Discharge to Assess that has been successful in Fife.

Ms Todd said: “Reducing delayed discharges is a key priority for the Scottish Government and the Budget we published last week will throw the weight of the government behind NHS improvement.

“More than 96% of all hospital discharges happen without delay but we are working with local health partners and local government to find solutions for those that don’t and address the variation we are seeing across Scotland. Our Budget for 2025-26, if approved by Parliament, will provide £200 million to help clear waiting list backlogs, improve capacity and remove blockages that keep some patients in hospital longer than necessary.

“Once someone has been assessed as well enough to be discharged from hospital, the best place for them to be is at home, supported by a bespoke care package. This can be delivered by services for older people such as Hospital at Home, and evidence shows that those benefitting from it are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

“We want to expand that service to make it the ‘biggest hospital in Scotland’, providing the very best care, in the comfort of a patient’s own home or home-like setting.

“We have a plan to renew our NHS and the Budget’s record funding for the health service will ensure that 150,000 extra patients are treated, deliver additional support for GPs, and invest in new hospitals at Belford and Monklands.

“We want to improve our NHS, but to do that Parliament must approve our Budget Bill to unlock investment to drive long-term and lasting improvements – and the healthier population that we all want to see. The NHS needs Parliament to unite behind this Budget.”

NHS: Winter Vomiting Bug advice

🌟 How to Cope with the Winter Vomiting Bug 🌟

We have some important advice for dealing with norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, after a recent increase in calls to the 111 service.

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While it can be very unpleasant, it usually goes away in about 2 days. Symptoms include:

🤢Feeling sick (nausea)

💩 Diarrhoea

🤮 Vomiting

🤒 High temperature

🤯 Headache

😩 Aching arms and legs

Unfortunately, norovirus spreads easily and quickly. If you catch it, here’s what you should do:

☑️ Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

☑️ Avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.

☑️ Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling food.

☑️ Remember, alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill the virus.

To prevent spreading norovirus, maintain basic hygiene and cleaning:

☑️ Disinfect surfaces and objects that could be contaminated using a bleach-based household cleaner.

☑️ Wash clothes and bedding separately on a hot wash (60°C).

☑️ Don’t share towels and flannels.

☑️ Clean toilets and surrounding areas with a bleach-based household cleaner.

Dr. Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Medical Director, advises: “If you experience sudden diarrhoea and/or vomiting, stay at home until you’re feeling better.

“There’s no treatment for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and avoid giving fizzy drinks or fruit juice to children as it can make their diarrhoea worse.

“Babies should continue to feed as usual. You don’t usually need medical advice unless there’s a risk of a more serious problem. Alleviate fever or aches with paracetamol and get plenty of rest.

“If you or someone you’re caring for shows signs of dehydration, use special rehydration drinks from your local pharmacy. Once you feel like eating, try plain foods like soup, rice, pasta, and bread.”

Stay healthy and take care this winter! 💙

Latest active travel route opens

The Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route was officially opened on Monday (9 December) with an inaugural group cycle ride and walk from Sauchiebank to Dalry Community Park.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson was joined by Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and Scotland Director for Sustrans, Karen McGregor alongside groups of local schoolchildren and representatives of the Dalry community, to cut the red ribbon marking the opening.

There were also stalls from partners at Police Scotland, Spokes, Soul Cycles and the Council’s Active Travel team.

The £17m project has transformed public spaces along the route, creating a green corridor with enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling connections alongside bringing disused areas back into community use.

Dalry Community Park itself is one of the greenspaces that has been upgraded with new play equipment after consultation with pupils at Dalry Primary School. We’ve also installed two new bridges along the route over the Mid Calder railway line and Dalry Road.

Along the route we’ve planted 200 semi-mature trees with further planting and seeding planned for spring 2025. This will create a healthier and more diverse woodland which will enhance the area’s ecological value.

Community gardens are planned for the Sauchiebank area, and a new toucan crossing has been installed across the West Approach Road to connect to Dundee Street.

The route also links to one of our other flagship active travel projects, the City Centre West to East Link along with the other established paths networks in the local area.

Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government, financed 100% of the design costs and up to 70% of construction costs totalling £11.6m. The Council financed the remaining £5.4m and led on the project’s delivery.

Further information is available on the city council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “It was a real pleasure to open the brand new Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route today. This project will breathe new life into Dalry, revitalising previously less used community spaces and the community play park, whilst making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to get around and keep Edinburgh moving.

“Expanding active travel routes in the Capital is a key priority for us and remains central to our goal of becoming a net zero city by 2030, by providing people with more options for safe, sustainable travel. I have no doubt that this route will be a great success as we carry on with delivering a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city for all.

“I’d also like to thank all our excellent colleagues for their hard work and to Transport Scotland and Sustrans who have been instrumental in seeing this project completed.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I was delighted to take part in the official opening of the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route and to celebrate with local schoolchildren and residents who will benefit – not only from the path, but through the improved public spaces also.

“£11.6 million of Scottish Government funding was awarded to the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel project through the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme.

“Ambitious projects such as this are making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle – tackling poverty and protecting the environment – but there is so much more we wish to achieve.

“Over £155 million has been invested this year and through the Draft Budget for 2025-26, we intend to invest over £188 million to help people leave their cars at home and to choose healthier and greener transport options.

Scotland Director for Sustrans, Karen McGregor added: “We’re very pleased that the Roseburn to Union Canal Path is now open to the public.

“Safer routes for walking, wheeling and cycling save lives. The current lack of off-road cycling connections in our cities is the biggest challenge facing people who want to travel actively.

“The evidence shows that in providing convenient and accessible links away from traffic, we are giving more people the confidence to make healthier and more sustainable journeys. Protected routes like the Roseburn to Union Canal Path do just that, enabling those living and working in Edinburgh to get around with ease.”

Healthy Heart Tip: Reducing stress levels this festive season

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Reducing stress levels this festive season

Feeling stressed at this time of the year? When you feel stressed, your body releases adrenaline which causes your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to increase. These reactions give you the ‘fight or flight’ response, which helps you to deal with the situation.

When we feel stressed it can be easy to adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits such as eating unhealthy foods and not being physically active, which can increase your risk of heart disease. The key is to recognise when you are beginning to feel stressed and put things in place to reduce it. Exercise, socialising, sleeping, meditation and trying mindful activities can help to manage your stress levels.

In this healthy tip, we look at ways to reduce your stress levels.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Exercising regularly and aiming to meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week will help to lower your risk of heart disease as well as help to relieve stress, tension and anxiety.

Next time you are feeling stress, why not try walking or running in nature, meditation or a yoga class?

Spend time with friends and family

Spending time with friends and loved ones can significantly reduce stress by providing emotional support and connection. Socialising releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which counteract stress hormones.

You may find it beneficial to talk through your situation with those that you trust or simply use the conversations to distract your mind.

Find a new hobby

Engaging in hobbies can be a good way to destress by providing a creative and enjoyable experience.

Activities like cooking, knitting, drawing, gardening or taking part in sports or physical activities can help you to relax and refrain from dwelling on negative thoughts or worries.

Finding enjoyment in hobbies releases dopamine, which improves mood and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Try different hobbies until you find one that you enjoy and leaves you feeling happy.

UK Government to tackle NHS workforce crisis with ‘refreshed plan’ – next summer

Revised Workforce Plan to be unveiled in summer

The Government and NHS will unveil a refreshed Workforce Plan in the summer with a ‘laser-focus’ on shifting care from hospitals and into the community, as we work to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.

Lord Darzi’s shocking report laid bare the systemic issues which have gripped the NHS for years and led to poorer experiences for patients and staff. Too much care is being delivered in hospitals because of historic underinvestment in the community.

Recent data shows that:

  • There are almost 16% fewer fully qualified GPs in the UK than other high income countries relative to our population.
  • The number of nurses working in the community fell by at least 5%, between 2009 and 2023.
  • A reduction of nearly 20% in the number of health visitors – who can be crucial to development in the first five years of a child’s life – between 2019 and 2023. 
  • The number of mental health nurses has just returned to its 2010 level.

The original workforce plan would increase hospital consultants by 49%, but the equivalent rise in fully qualified GPs would have been just 4% between 2021/22 and 2036/37. 

Through a refreshed workforce plan, alongside reform and investment, the Government is taking the decisive action needed to ensure it has the right workforce in the right place at the right time to deliver its 10 Year Health Plan and get the NHS back on its feet to deliver world-class care.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Lord Darzi diagnosed the dire state of the NHS, including that too many people end up in hospital, because there aren’t the resources in the community to reach patients earlier.

“Our 10 Year Health Plan will deliver three big shifts in the focus of healthcare from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. We will refresh the NHS workforce plan to fit the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, so the NHS has the staff it needs to treat patients on time again.”

Through the Government’s Plan for Change, an unrelenting approach is being taken to deliver an NHS fit for the future as part of a decade of national renewal. The Chancellor’s first Budget invested almost £26 billion of funding this year and next for the health system to address critical shortages and cut waiting lists, including delivering an extra 40,000 appointments.

Since July, significant progress has already been made by the Government on its Mission to deliver an NHS fit for the future and to support the workforce, putting funding in place to employ more GPs, ending devastating resident doctor strikes within its first few months, and sending crack teams of top clinicians into hospitals with high waiting lists.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said: “The NHS is nothing without our incredible staff and having a sustainable workforce is a key building block for an NHS fit for the future – that’s why we committed to update the plan regularly so that it reflects the changing and growing needs of patients.

“While the NHS is delivering more care to patients in the community, with the expansion of virtual wards, community diagnostic centres and neighbourhood hubs, part of our longer term goal is delivering even more care out of hospitals, and we’ll work closely with the government to refresh the workforce plan, alongside the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan.”

Delivering three big shifts in health care will be at the core of the government’s wider 10 Year Health Plan, from hospital to the community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. The workforce will form a central part of this plan.

Lord Darzi’s report made clear the NHS has suffered from years of underinvestment and a lack of effective reform, with far too many patients ending up in hospital. As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, care will be shifted from hospital to the community to support the NHS to free up hospital appointments, tackling waiting lists and easing the strain on the health service. 

The expansion of the hospital workforce has come at the expense of other care settings and the proportion of the total NHS budget dedicated to acute hospitals has continued to rise, while the proportion of the NHS budget going to primary care has fallen by a quarter in just over a decade – from 24% in 2009 to just 18% by 2021. Despite this significant flow of resources into hospitals, output has not risen at nearly the same rate and NHS productivity has still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

Because patients can’t get the care they need in the community, like GP appointments, they end up in A&E, which is worse for them and more expensive for taxpayers. At a typical A&E on a typical evening in 2009, there would have been just under 40 people waiting in the queue. By 2024, that had swelled to more than 100 people.

The ten-year plan is due out next Spring. Following that, the workforce plan, which is due to be revised every two years, will be refreshed next summer.

Edinburgh charity unveils bold youth mental health strategy

Youth organisation launches new inclusive and accessible mental health support

AN EDINBURGH-BASED youth mental health charity has unveiled an ambitious new strategy designed to create meaningful and accessible support spaces for young people across the city.

U-evolve, which has supported over 200 young people aged 11-21 each year since 2015, is marking a pivotal moment in its mission with the launch of its comprehensive 2025-2028 strategy.

The charity offers tailored services such as mental health coaching, counselling, art therapy, drop-in sessions, and specialised workshops, breaking down traditional barriers to mental health support.

The new strategy focuses on creating both physical and metaphorical spaces where young people can feel supported and empowered to take control of their mental well-being. 

Earlier this year, the charity made the move to Norton Park, Edinburgh’s first office complex dedicated to charities and social enterprises, operating from the carefully restored Victorian school building.

Susie McIntyre, Chief Executive of U-evolve, said: “Our new strategy is about creating space – both physical and metaphorical – where young people can feel genuinely supported and empowered to take control of their mental health. 

“Our move to Norton Park provides the ideal foundation for this transformative approach. The environment here inspires collaboration and innovation, enabling us to focus our resources and energy where they’re needed most- supporting the young people of Edinburgh.”

With a strong emphasis on listening to young people and involving them in decision-making, the strategy reflects a commitment to inclusivity, kindness, and continuous learning.

Part of this is done through Young Voices, a focus group centred around listening to the issues that matter to young people.

A young person benefitting from U-evolve’s work said: “I think Young Voices helps U-evolve realise the struggles that young people have today with Mental Health. 
 
“Being a part of Young Voices Team, has improved my confidence and especially around talking about mental health. It has helped me reflect and look at some problems that other young people have that I would not think of otherwise.”

The charity’s move to Norton Park symbolises a new chapter of growth and innovation. By reducing operational costs, U-evolve can invest more resources directly into supporting young people’s mental health and is now better positioned to extend its critical mental health services with renewed momentum.

Keith Robertson, CEO of Norton Park said:  “We’re proud to provide a professional home that enables organisations like U-evolve to focus entirely on their crucial mission.

“This strategy demonstrates the potential of charities when given the right support and environment.”

For more information on how to support U-evolve visit u-evolve.org or follow the charity on Instagram @uevolvescotland

Talk PANTS campaign has reached over 4,500 children and adults in Edinburgh during past year

More than 4,500 people in Edinburgh have learned about keeping children safe from sexual abuse through the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign running in the city over the past year.

Staff from NSPCC Scotland and the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee have delivered Talk PANTS workshops across the city since October 2023, giving parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

With the help of a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, the campaign helps children understand that their body belongs to them, that they have a right to say no, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

The end of the campaign has been marked with two events over the past week – one for families and one for professionals.

At the family event on November 29 at Gorgie Memorial Hall, children, parents and carers enjoyed snacks, games and a reading of ‘Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS’ followed by an appearance by Pantosaurus.

The professional event at Edinburgh City Chambers on December 3 featured speeches by Matthew McVarish, actor and co-founder of the global Brave Movement; Laura Brown, Lead Officer of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee; Lillian Cringles, Independent Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, and Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager.

The campaign launched last year at an event for families at McDonald Road Library. Since then, NSPCC Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council staff have joined Pantosaurus and thousands of families across the city, including at Sighthill and Craigmillar libraries, Edinburgh Zoo and the international book festival. Talk PANTS resources are now available in all 27 libraries across Edinburgh.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager, said: “It has been a great year delivering Talk PANTS workshops across Edinburgh. Welcoming children, parents and carers to our events and sharing the messages of Talk PANTS has been wonderful.

“The campaign doesn’t use scary words or talk about sex. Instead, we focus on the PANTS rules that help children understand important messages like their body belongs to them and they should tell an adult if they’re upset or worried about something.

“More parents and carers across Edinburgh are now equipped with the skills to be able to talk about this difficult topic with their children from a young age and can play their part in helping to prevent abuse. And more children now have a greater understanding of their rights, thanks to Pantosaurus and the Talk PANTS campaign.”

Lillian Cringles, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “This campaign has helped families and professional have these important conversations with children about their bodies and help keep them safe.

“This piece of work across the city has demonstrated a strong commitment to partnership, involving numerous agencies and services.  We intend to keep this alive through campaign legacy commitments over the next few years.

“While the campaign has come to an end in Edinburgh, I would still urge as many parents and carers as possible to find out about the Talk PANTS messages, which are available on the NSPCC website.”

A highlight of the Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign was the creation of sign language resources, which were developed in partnership with the communication charity – Signalong.

The legacy of the campaign will live on thanks to local ‘PANTS champions’ – people usually from a school or nursery trained to deliver the campaign messages to other professionals and families through webinars, workshops and awareness raising events.

And schools and nurseries in Edinburgh have been offered PANTS resource bags to use with children in the months and years to come.

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk.

Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

If you are concerned about a child you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.