Tag: Health and wellbeing

HEALTH CRISIS: NHS Lothian is ‘stretched beyond capacity’

Hospitals and GPs in Lothian are being stretched beyond capacity as a result of sustained and intensifying pressures, NHS Lothian has warned.

Speaking in Tuesday, Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said the healthcare system was under extreme duress as a result of an increase in the numbers of emergency patients, large numbers of delayed discharge patients and an increase in respiratory illnesses.

He said teams at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, the Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People were all being pushed to the limit.

To help free up vital beds, he said that some relatives may be asked if they can provide care to their loved ones as an interim measure while those packages of care to help in their own homes are put in place by their local Health and Social Care Partnership.

He said: “These challenges are unprecedented, but they are also sustained. We need people in Lothian to help their own communities and the NHS.

“We have large numbers of people waiting to be admitted into a hospital bed, so I would urge everyone who is asked to provide care to their loved one to give the request some serious consideration.”

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian, said: “Our teams will have carried out a robust clinical assessment before they discuss the temporary possibilities with patients and their families.

“We know that most patients want to return home as soon as they possibly can, especially at this time of year. This would also help our teams and the patients waiting to be admitted.

“Also, if you have a loved one in hospital who has been discharged and requires to be collected, please do so as early in the day as possible.”

The primary care sector in Lothian also experienced one of its busiest days to date on Monday (19th December) as they provided care to increasing numbers of adults and children, especially families with concerns around Strep A following recent increases in the virus.

Jenny Long, Director of Primary Care, NHS Lothian, urged people to remember that there were a number of winter viruses in circulation and to consider NHS Inform and their local pharmacist for help and advice, use over the counter medication, drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Cold-type symptoms such as a runny nose or mild cough are more likely to suggest a viral illness.

If you have a sore throat, but can eat and drink, and don’t have a very high temperature then it is likely to be a common virus and there is no need to contact your GP.

The most up to date information on Strep A can be found at 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/streptococcus-a-strep-a/.

Know how to get the right care, in the right place this Christmas

As Christmas and Hogmanay both fall on the weekend this year, most health care providers will have different opening hours from usual.

Ahead of the busy festive holiday, NHS 24 is reminding people across Scotland to be aware of changes to opening hours for their local GP practice and pharmacies.

Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director says, “We are anticipating very high call volumes over the festive break and a continued high demand for the 111 service. NHS 24 staff continue to work tirelessly, with a commitment to deliver safe and effective services 24/7 and answer every call as quickly as possible.

“It’s vital that everyone is aware of what help and advice there is out there over the Christmas and new year public holidays.

“For any health care advice or information that is urgent, but not life-threatening, go online and use nhsinform.scot. NHS inform has lots of health guidance, whether that be self-care advice, information on the appropriate healthcare providers that are close to home. It also explains when and why to call the 111 service.

“Scotland’s Service Directory is a brilliant resource and can be accessed on NHS inform, but very easily on NHS 24’s new app NHS 24 Online. The website and app have the handy ‘Find my Nearest’ function that allows the user to locate health and care services within their local area by using their post code or location. They will be able to see how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and phone numbers for the service. The app can be downloaded quickly, and could make seeking advice even more convenient.”

Dr Ryan continues: “We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding if they have to wait to access the 111 service during this period of high demand. By encouraging the public to have ‘Healthy Know How,’ it is hoped more people in Scotland will have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”

“If you do fall ill over the festive period, it’s essential you know where to get the right care, in the right place. Anyone in a  situation considered life-threatening or an emergency, should still always call 999 or go straight to the Emergency Department.”

Dr Ryan’s advice is part of a NHS Scotland national health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays. Tips include:

  • Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
  • Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure you have some remedies in the house.
  • Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
  • Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.

More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here – www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Health crisis in NHS Lothian can no longer be ignored, warns Boyack

More than 90 dentists withdrew from NHS Lothian dental list from 2021 to June 2022, a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Scottish Labour has revealed.

Sarah Boyack warns of a health crisis as waiting times for A&E and NHS dentistry continue to spiral, while delayed discharges have gone up.

Scottish Labour’s FOI request revealed that between 2021 and June 2022, 92 dentists withdrew from NHS Lothian dental list. As at beginning of June this year, out of the 163 general dental practices in Lothian, only 51 confirmed that they are accepting patients, with some accepting children only.

Since 8th May 2022 and up until 11th  December, there has been only one week during which the percentage of people seen within Scottish Government’s 4-hour target was above 70 per cent – in the week ending 11th December more than 1,756 people were stuck in A&E for more than four hours – only 63.6 per cent of those attending NHS Lothian’s emergencies were seen within 4 hours. In the same week, 353 people were stuck in A&E for more than 12 hours.

This comes as the recent monthly report on delayed discharge shows rates in NHS Lothian for October 2022 soaring to 1,644 compared to 1,420 in September 2022.

This makes NHS Lothian the second-worst performing health board in Scotland, only topped by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with 3,848 delayed discharges in October 2022.

October recorded the highest average number of beds occupied per day due to delayed discharges in Scotland since the current guidance came into place in July 2016.

Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian Sarah Boyack said: “Another month, another set of damning statistics from NHS Lothian.

“On top of the cost of living crisis, which is taking its toll on people’s mental and physical health, we see piling pressure on our NHS, worsening patients outcomes and huge waste of public money.

“With the freezing cold, people will get sick and they will require care. That’s why we need support to GPs to allow them to respond to the rising demand and handle cases, whenever possible, at primary care level.

“These are not just figures – it is someone’s dad, friend or life partner; it’s the NHS staff who is overworked and underpaid; it’s the people who left our health service because they simply couldn’t cope.

“With a general election approaching, now is the time focus on what really matters and make a difference for millions of people.”

Care staff ‘sleigh’ month of festivities

THE CHRISTMAS cheer is flowing at an Edinburgh care home as it kicks off a bumper month of festive fun with a light switch-on and live band.

Lifestyle Co-ordinators at Cramond Residence have prepared a variety of activities throughout December including a Christmas party, a bespoke seasonal menu, wreath decorating workshops and a secret Santa to engage residents over the festive period and spread joy.

The team carefully curate a fitting calendar of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities each month, with December set to be the merriest yet.

Elspeth Baxter, resident at the home said: “The lifestyle team at Cramond Residence always make such a big effort for every holiday – and Christmas is no different!

“It is much appreciated and spreads a lot of joy within the home. From putting the final touches to our Christmas tree to creating a 7ft wreath which now sits proudly at our entrance, it brings everyone together and we love seeing the home decorated.”

The Christmas party will see residents eat, drink and be merry, with festive themed food and drink, as well as music and games – with a special guest appearance from Santa who will be presenting each deserving resident with a gift.

Other activities throughout the month include carol singing, a festive cocktail and mocktails class, a Christmas movie night and a ceilidh with a live band, before treating the residents to a whisky by the fire on Christmas Eve and a jam-packed all-day celebration on the 25th. 

Garylee Rushforth, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom care home, said: “The festivities are always looked forward to by our residents, so we strive to put on a good mix of activities for everyone to get involved in.

“This year we are delighted to be welcoming family, friends and the local community back into the home to celebrate with us, which really is what Christmas is all about.

“Coming together over the festive period can help our residents reminisce on previous Christmas memories from their childhood or family times – their stories are always a treat to hear.”

Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses” where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Prices at the home start from £2,200 per week.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Don’t let aches and pains stop festive fun

Winter is here and that means Scotland’s 111 service sees an increase in calls relating to muscle aches, as well as joint and bone injuries.

As part of the national winter ‘healthy know how’ campaign, NHS 24 is advising people how to safely treat common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back pain, wrist ache and twisted ankles so they can still enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Dr Ronald Cook, NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director says: ‘During winter, we always see an increase in calls relating to muscle, joint and bone injuries – often because of slips, trips and falls in bad weather.

“People can suffer a wide range of symptoms from minor discomfort right through to severe pain but a lot of the time these types of injuries will naturally heal and with safe treatment at home, don’t need a trip to the hospital.

‘We have recently updated NHS inform’s MSK pages with the most up to date advice on how to look after this type of injury, and also when and where to seek further help if the issue needs urgent attention or symptoms are not improving. It’s a fantastic resource and I would recommend anyone with an MSK issue to visit NHS inform first to help them get the right care, in the right place.’

Dr Cook’s advice compliments the national winter health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays.

Tips include:

  • Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
  • Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure the medicine cupboard is well stocked.
  • Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
  • Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.

Advice on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and treatment advice can be found here – nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints

More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here – nhsinform.scot/winter

Health Board issues COVID-19, flu and Norovirus advice to visitors 

Members of the public are being asked not to visit NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, flu or Norovirus.

Those who plan to visit loved ones in hospital should only do so if they are not displaying any symptoms and all visitors should wear a mask, if eligible, during their time on site.

Symptoms of Norovirus include:

  • Suddenly feeling sick
  • Projectile vomiting
  • Watery diarrhoea
  • Slight fever
  • Headaches
  • Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Continuous cough
  • High temperature, fever or chills
  • Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
  • Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
  • Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
  • Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick or being sick

Symptoms of flu include:

  • A sudden fever
  • A dry, chesty cough
  • A headache
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Chills
  • Aching muscles
  • Limb or joint pain
  • Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A sore throat
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping

Taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our everyday life in recent years and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of the viruses and practicing good hygiene.

You can protect yourself and others by:

  • Staying at home if unwell, have a fever or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or Norovirus
  • Wearing a face covering in healthcare settings and not visiting loved ones if unwell
  • Wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
  • Cleaning hands and surfaces regularly
  • Opening windows when meeting indoors
  • Socialising outdoors when possible

Morag Gardner, Deputy Nurse Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Division said: “During the winter months viral infections, such as COVID-19, flu and Norovirus, can further add to the pressures hard-working staff are facing across our sites.

“Our dedicated members of staff are working around the clock to continue to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care possible. To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses. We are also asking anyone who does attend the site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask during your time at the hospital.”

NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Department (A&E) across its sites if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening. 

Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:

1.        Visit the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/

2.       Call NHS24 on 111

3.       Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/

For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue calling 999 or attending A&E.

Experiences, quality time and managing expectations: advice on navigating the holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, for many families their celebrations could be looking very different this year due to the cost of living crisis, increasing fuel bills and squeezes on household budgets.

Educational and Child Psychologists from the British Psychological Society (BPS) have offered their expert advice to manage children’s expectations this festive season, and how to focus on the smaller things that can mean a lot.

“Families might be having to cut back not just on presents and gifts this year, but visiting family and friends, and it may not feel the same as previous years.

“This can cause anxiety and stress for both parents/carers and children and young people when anxiety is already high about paying bills and everyday costs during the winter” says Dr Abigail Wright from the BPS’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology (DECP).

“The festive season can often bring a whole range of different emotions for people, including joy and happiness, but also sadness and worry. These are likely to be heightened given the incredibly difficult times we are living in, and also following the disrupted Christmases of the last two years due to Covid,” adds Dr Denise Miller from the DECP.

However despite these challenges, BPS experts say there are ways to make sure children and the whole family enjoy the festive season, and find the joy in the little things:

Preparation is key. If you are worried about your children being disappointed with gifts, or not seeing as many friends and relatives, gently explain this to them early on, but also explain that it will still be a very special time for everybody.

Explain to children that the most important part of the festive season is spending time with family and friends. When they look back, children’s memories of the happy experiences of the time spent with loved ones will be far more important to them than the number of presents they receive.

In this vein, there may be opportunities to spend time with family and friends which create happy memories and experiences, but cost very little, such as going for a walk, visiting lights, watching a movie on television or playing games, going to a carol service or free musical performance, or borrowing books from the library.

Both children and adults may also enjoy creative activities including making things, drawing, and writing stories and poems. Acts of kindness in the community can also provide a sense of purpose. Perhaps you could set up a Christmas treasure hunt activity for your children and your friends.

If children do become upset because things are not as they expect and show ‘big’ emotions, a good approach to use is ‘emotion coaching’. This is an approach which acknowledges how the child may be feeling while naming the emotion and showing empathy before looking to simply ‘fix’ the problem. This might be discussing an activity which may support them feeling calmer and less upset, or simply having a hug!

Finally, Alison Greenwood of the DECP emphasises the need for parents and carers to look out for themselves, as well as their children at this time of year.

“As parents and carers, do make sure you also take care of yourselves and practice some self-care,” she adds. “Take part in activities you also enjoy, and that promote your emotional wellbeing. Connect with yourself and what is around you – and if you can, use the support of friends and family.”

NHS Lothian issues winter vaccines reminder as hospitalisations increase

Those eligible for the free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are being urged to get their jabs as winter sets in and hospitalisations increase.

The reminder comes as Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows that in Scotland, in the week ending 11 December 2022, there were on average 735 patients in hospital with COVID-19, an 18.2% increase from the previous week.

Admissions for flu are also on the rise with the highest hospital admission rate noted in patients aged less than one year old (18.5 per 100,000).

Parents and carers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t done so already. All primary and secondary school pupils and all pre-school children aged 2 to 5 (on 1st September 2022) are eligible for the vaccine, as well as children aged 6 months and over with an eligible health condition. The flu vaccine for children is a painless nasal spray which will help protect them and reduce the risk of them spreading the virus to more vulnerable people.

The vaccines are safe, effective and offer the best protection to those most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and flu while also helping to protect the NHS at this, the busiest time of year.

Adults over 50 are entitled to get both free vaccines and further information on eligibility for each jab is available at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care with NHS Lothian, said: “We’d like to thank all those who have come forward for vaccination so far. The vaccines are the best protection we have against flu and COVID-19, and with hospital admissions due to the virus rising, it’s really important that that those who are eligible get vaccinated.

“If you are eligible and you’ve not yet had your winter vaccines, or if your child has still to receive their flu vaccine, please arrange to get this as soon as possible.”

Winter vaccines appointments for adults can be booked online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or you can drop in to a local clinic.

For information on the flu vaccines for children, please visit NHS Lothian’s website.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Uptake for the winter vaccine programme is very encouraging with Scotland delivering more jabs per head of the population among over 50’s than any other UK nation. However, the number of hospitalisations from both COVID-19 and flu are on the rise.

“The vaccines help to prevent serious illness and the need for hospital treatment freeing up capacity as we move into what could be the most challenging winter in the history of our health and care service.

“We are concerned that flu-related hospital admissions have been rising, with admission rates highest among very young children, and we urge parents and carers to get their children vaccinated with the painless nasal spray offered to this group.

“As well as protecting the child, the vaccine helps to reduce the risk of children spreading flu to family and friends who are more vulnerable, which is especially important at this time of year when families are getting together more.”

It’s Freezing: Charity warns public to watch out for signs of Raynaud’s

With Christmas right around the corner and freezing temperatures across Scotland, the charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is urging people to look out for signs of Raynaud’s – a painful condition that affects blood circulation and is triggered by the cold. 

SRUK says many in the UK are “woefully unaware” of Raynaud’s, despite around one in six people living with the condition. According to the charity, more than one in two UK adults don’t know any of the signs and symptoms with millions likely to dismiss symptoms rather than visit their GP. 

The charity is also concerned that high energy prices are preventing many from properly heating their homes, meaning those in Scotland who are living with Raynaud’s are likely to spend Christmas suffering in silence. According to SRUK, keeping warm is ‘crucial’ for living well with the condition, but a recent survey by the charity found that nine in 10 Scottish people with Raynaud’s (90 percent) reported being worried about the cost of their energy, with many choosing to limit their heating or keep it off altogether. 

Recognising the signs of Raynaud’s 

For someone with Raynaud’s, cold temperatures and stress can cause painful flare-ups, also called Raynaud’s attacks. This is when the blood temporarily stops flowing to parts of the body, most commonly the hands and feet.  

When this happens, the skin can change colour to white, then blue and finally to red as the blood starts to return. The condition can also be extremely painful, preventing many from carrying out everyday tasks like handling bank cards and house keys, unbuttoning a coat and even driving. 

Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “Winter is well and truly upon us and we know that people with Raynaud’s can find this time of year extremely difficult. We all get cold hands and feet when the temperature drops, but for those affected by Raynaud’s the impact can be seriously debilitating, so it’s important not dismiss it and seek advice and support.”  

Signs of Raynaud’s include: 

  • Colour changes to the skin in areas such as the hands or feet, often in response to cold conditions
  • Cold and numbness in the affected areas, such as the fingers and toes
  • Tingling or pain, especially as the circulation returns to the affected areas. 

For around 300,000 people with Raynaud’s, the condition can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as the autoimmune diseases lupus and scleroderma, which is why SRUK is urging people in Scotland to visit their GP if they think they may have Raynaud’s. 

The charity also has an online test people can take to check if they may have the condition. This is available at www.sruk.co.uk/testme  

A warning to stay warm this winter 

SRUK is also warning that many people with Raynaud’s could be jeopardising their health by cutting back on their heating this year. 

From a survey of more than 1,600 people with Raynaud’s, the charity found that in Scotland specifically:  

  • More than four in five respondents (86 percent) said they rely on their heating to prevent painful Raynaud’s attacks 
  • More than eight in 10 people surveyed (83 percent) said they had experienced a Raynaud’s attack as a result of choosing not to put their heating on. Of these, one in three (33 percent) believe it could happen again  
  • More than four in 10 respondents (42 percent) are trying to find other ways to stay warm, such as wearing thick jumpers and gloves 
  • Of those surveyed, the number of people in Scotland paying between £200 and £300 each month for their energy more than doubled between October 2021 and October 2022 (from 16 to 37 percent). Meanwhile, those paying less than £200 almost halved during the same period (from 59 to 32 percent). 

Farrington said: “We know that high inflation and the cost of living are making things difficult for lots of people right now but keeping warm is the key to living well with Raynaud’s. 

“We understand that not everyone will be able to afford to keep their homes heated at a consistent temperature, so you can also stay warm by wearing lots of thin layers, thermal socks and gloves, and using heated slippers and blankets. We would hate for anyone to suffer in silence this winter.” 

The charity has written to the UK government calling for more support to keep heating affordable for people with Raynaud’s this winter and beyond. Read the full letter at www.sruk.co.uk/about-us/news/raynauds-energy-campaign 

SRUK also has a factsheet available, which is packed with tips to help people keep warm this winter. This is available from the SRUK website at www.sruk.co.uk