NHS Lothian laboratory teams are the first in Scotland to develop and use PCR testing to detect Group A Strep illnesses among those admitted to hospital.
The tests are proving vital in helping to identify and reduce onward spread of these infections, which are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Patients who are suspected of having a Group A Strep illness are typically treated swiftly with antibiotics, but this treatment impacts the success of more traditional testing methods, meaning an accurate diagnosis is more difficult and can take longer.
The introduction of the PCR testing, which is not affected by antibiotics, means patients are being diagnosed more accurately and much more quickly. A quicker diagnosis means treatments can be tailored, and the potential for onward spread of infection can be significantly reduced.
Dr Kate Templeton, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, NHS Lothian explained, “While the ongoing impacts of COVID are still being felt across healthcare, and society more generally, a more positive outcome of the pandemic has been the wealth of research and innovation within laboratory testing and diagnostics.
“Within NHS Lothian, we are taking the experience and knowledge gained throughout the pandemic and applying that to other health conditions. The development and use of the PCR test, which had more commonly been used in response to COVID, for Group A Strep illnesses is hugely important. Not only is it providing quicker diagnosis, but it is helping to reduce the spread of these infections and ultimately it is saving lives.”
The Lothian labs team is now processing PCR tests for suspected Group A Strep illnesses for all Health Boards across Scotland, a vitally important role, amid the ongoing surge in respiratory illness that is being seen across the country, and which is hugely impacting levels of hospital presentations and admissions.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “The NHS Lothian laboratory teams did incredible work throughout the pandemic, but they haven’t stopped there.
“This new development, which builds on their immense knowledge, and the investment we have made in this area, is now proving vital as Scotland’s healthcare system responds to increased and sustained levels of respiratory illnesses.
“The introduction of the PCR test will mean Scotland’s hospitals can diagnose Group A Strep illnesses more quickly, improving treatment options for patients and minimising the potential spread of infection. This innovation is proving invaluable now, but will continue to play a vital role in future years.
“I am immensely proud of the laboratory teams for their ongoing work in this area, and as they continue to support not just NHS Lothian, but Scotland’s other Health Boards throughout this particularly difficult winter.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Plant Based Diets for Heart Health
This January many people will be challenging themselves to go plant-based in support of Veganuary, a month-long campaign aimed at encouraging people to try out a vegan diet.
A vegan diet consists of only food coming from plants and eliminates any animal-based foods such as milk, eggs, meat, and cheese. Adopting a more plant-based diet comes with many health benefits.
Specifically in relation to heart health, vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat, which has a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
Here we outline some ways you can eat more plant-based every day, not just January:
Include fruits and vegetables at breakfast
Making sure we consistently get our minimum of five fruits and vegetables every day can be quite difficult if we don’t consume at least one portion with every meal. Start the day off right by including a portion at breakfast.
This could look like adding mushrooms to your scrambled eggs or including a banana alongside your porridge. Just make a conscious effort to tick off one of your five a day at breakfast.
Plan snacks around plants
Regardless of what diet you follow, everyone can benefit from eating more plants. A great way to do this is to plan your snacks around fruits and vegetables.
Carrot, cucumber, pepper, sugar snap peas and edamame beans make great vegetable snacks; pair them with some hummus or a homemade low-fat yoghurt and mint dip.
Any fruit works well as a snack and most pair nicely with a few teaspoons of almond or peanut butter to make a more substantial snack.
Eat plant-based, protein-rich foods
If the thought of a bean chilli or lentil spaghetti bolognese doesn’t appeal to you, simply make your usual ones but try adding in a tin of beans or lentils while its cooking. They will add more fibre to your meal, helping you stay full for longer, and reduce the amount of saturated fat you are consuming (providing you eat your usual portion size).
An added bonus is beans and lentils are much cheaper than buying meat, so you can bulk up your meals and make them go further at a fraction of the cost.
As a group of organisations who support vulnerable children and young people, many with autism and a learning disability, we would add our support to concerns relating to a delay in a Scottish Government commitment to establish a commissioner to promote and protect the rights of autistic people.
Currently too many of those with autism and learning disabilities are struggling to get the support needed, with their human rights breached, and a commissioner is vital to help them fight their corner.
However, with a delay in public consultation on this until late 2023, there is a real concern that the delivery of a commissioner is simply not being prioritised.
While not by any means a panacea, a commissioner for autism and learning disability would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
It would be a powerful voice, improving access to services and advocating on people’s behalf when they cannot. A commissioner would also close the current gap between what the law says and what actually happens, delivering improvements. Importantly people would also have recourse when the system falls short and fails to deliver for them.
Many of those with autism and learning disabilities feel invisible, and such a role can help people live good lives with choice and control, free from discrimination. We would urge the Scottish Government to develop a sense of urgency on this vital matter.
A special groundbreaking event was held yesterday (Thursday 19 January) to mark the start of construction work on the new Currie Community High School.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills at the Scottish Government was joined on site by Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council and Head Teacher Jenny Hutchison.
The new Currie Community High School, which will be one of the most energy efficient high schools in Scotland, is expected to open in 2025 and is being built by partners Kier Construction.
The campus will be one of the first Passivhaus-designed high schools in the country setting the standard for energy consumption across school estates. Passivhaus is a rigorous energy standard which reduces the amount of energy needed for heating by up to 90%. It also lowers the total amount of energy used by around 70% and minimises carbon emissions. The new school will support Edinburgh’s aim of net zero emissions by 2030.
At the heart of the new school plans are five core elements: education, inclusion, outdoor learning and sustainability, digital learning and community access. The school will have a series of learning zones for pupils with breakout areas which include:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) over three levels with dual-teaching classrooms, science labs, technician areas and a learning plaza
Languages and Humanities with dual-teaching classrooms, learning plaza and a debating chamber
Expressive Arts with music rooms, a recording studio, art studios including a kiln room, dance studios, drama studio and stage
Health and Wellbeing with a gym hall, games hall, fitness suite and swimming pool, food technology and hospitality
Integrated Support with wellbeing hub, support for learning classroom, a sensory room and a sensory garden
There is a strong emphasis on outdoor learning with the creation of a special terrace on the second floor providing all of the learning zones with immediate access to external teaching spaces. This focus will shape the curriculum on offer and ensure these outdoor spaces promote sustainability and link lifelong learning to the surrounding grounds of the school and community.
Health and wellbeing also feature prominently in the designs with the creation of a dedicated wellbeing hub and separate wellness centre to support pupils. The hub will be based in the integrated support zone and is a dedicated room in a quiet location which can be used as part of a planned alternative/flexible timetable to help young people learn in a variety of settings.
The wellness centre will be in the community and sports side of the building and will provide a space for counselling and activities to support improved mental health.
The new building will offer the community daytime, evening and weekend access to an intergenerational community hub. Visitors can drop in to the library space in the foyer, access meeting rooms and digital services, visit the café, keep healthy at the gym and pool or enjoy a walk around the grounds. There will also be public allotments.
Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “These are exciting times for the Currie school community as there are so many innovative elements to the plans which have energy efficiency at their centre.
“This will make the new campus one of the first high schools in Scotland to meet Passivhaus standards and supports Edinburgh’s aim of net zero emissions by 2030.
“The new school will provide a first-class learning setting and be an exciting, inspirational and creative hub for the whole community which will meet both future educational and environmental needs.
“I’m delighted to see such a strong emphasis on outdoor learning with the creation of a special terrace and how the outdoor spaces will promote sustainability for the school and local community.”
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This new school will provide an inspiring learning environment for around 1,000 pupils and will benefit generations to come. It has been a privilege for me to break the ground here today on this fantastic addition to the area and to hear what a difference this completed project will make to pupils and the wider community.
“The project will be completed using support from the first phase of the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), which is managed by the Scottish Futures Trust and will benefit tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland.”
Jenny Hutchison, Currie Community High School Head Teacher, said: “It was great to be at the event this morning as everyone can now see the construction taking place on the site of the new school.
“We’re so incredibly excited about what our new school has to offer as a learning and community campus with an amazing energy around curriculum development and how we ensure that young people develop the skills to be 21st century ready.
“As one of the first Passivhaus schools in Scotland, we are committed to energy efficiency for the benefits of our young people and community. The opportunities for intergenerational learning are endless with transformational learning spaces both inside the building and out.”
Phil McDowell, Regional Director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said:“This really is a unique project, which not only creates an outstanding new school, but its vast range of facilities will bring important socio-economic benefits to the local area.
“Everything about the new school has been designed with the focus of minimising energy usage and creating a healthy environment for generations to come.
“We’re proud to continue our successful relationship with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver this fantastic new facility for the community of Currie.”
The new school will deliver more proactive services closer to people across the city, which is a key part of our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy. We want everyone to live well locally and be able to meet most of their daily needs from within their own community by walking, cycling, wheeling or taking public transport.
This means working with our local partners and communities to better plan and deliver services that meet everyone’s needs.
Local community hubs will bring daily services together for everyone to help create more social, inclusive and accessible communities that are connected by safe active travel routes. These will help to support the wellbeing of all citizens and end poverty and isolation in Edinburgh.
Are you an unpaid carer looking after a loved one? Or know someone who is? LifeCare is launching a series of classes and activities that are FREE for unpaid carers and the person they care for.
Starting on the 25th January at 11am in our Boardroom, come along to movement therapy designed to spark memories, have fun and boost your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you would like to attend, please submit your name on the following form:
MEN’S COOKING CLUB AT PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT
Looking forward to welcoming you all back to #makingthyme our men’s cooking and wellbeing club TODAY (Tuesday 17th January from 1-3pm at #pchp.
This week we’re going to kick things off with a deliciously healthy Spanish omelette and salad so if you’re interested in joining us, please feel free to register via the QR code on the poster or by sending me a WhatsApp.
We’ll take some time this week to discuss how we might like to take this group forward into Spring so if you have any ideas or are interested in something specific, let us know and we can discuss as a group.
Research by leading animal charity PDSA has revealed that 84% of owners believe their pet improves their mental health, which is unlikely to come as a surprise if you are an animal lover.
Four-legged friends can have a positive impact on our life in many ways, both mentally and physically. This Blue Monday (16 January 2023), PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares her top five reasons why owning a pet is beneficial for our overall health.
The power of companionship
“Spending quality time with your pet is beneficial to the wellbeing of both you and your four-legged family member. Humans and animals are social creatures, so this companionship can go a long way in reducing loneliness. Giving your furry friend love and attention, as well as receiving it in return, can significantly boost mental wellbeing – particularly for those who are socially isolated and may not see other people during the day.
“As well as being a great bonding activity, and essential for their own wellbeing, walking with your pooch can also be a social experience for you, allowing you to meet other dog walkers while out and about.
“Having a two-minute chat with neighbours as you pass each other in the park or conversing in a pet shop can make all the difference to your mood. These human connections are also easier to form, as you already have an established common interest – the love for your pets.
Animals and stress-busting
“For many, pets are calming figures in our lives and can offer solace in our darkest moments. In 2022, Google searches for emotional support dogs rose by 50% – indicative of the positive impact animals can have on our mental health.
“Whether you find comfort in petting your pup or confiding in your cat’s ear for a chat about your troubles, this stress relief plays an important part in maintaining wellbeing.
“In fact, research shows that spending just 10 minutes interacting with your pet each day can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. As well as reducing stress, receiving an animal’s unconditional love without fear of judgement can help build self-confidence.
Thriving on routine
“Like people, most pets benefit from an established routine. From feeding and grooming, through to playing games and taking them out for a walk, the responsibility of caring for a pet can provide a clear day-to-day purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. These actions also help establish structure in your day and are excellent habits for your own wellbeing, as well as your pets.
Finding the fun in everyday
“Sometimes the monotony of everyday life can feel overwhelming, which is where our furry friends come into play – literally!
“A good game of tug, chase, or fetch can get you up, moving, and having fun, and brings lots of benefits for our pets as well. Activities like this not only encourage you to get more active but can help you feel less overwhelmed by stressors in your life, too. When you engage in regular play or exercise sessions, a chemical called dopamine – a feel-good hormone – is released by the body, helping you feel positive and motivated.”
Knowing they need us too
“Having a pet means they are reliant on you to meet their welfare needs and, for many, this responsibility can stimulate positive feelings such as a sense of belonging, added security, and being in control.
“The accountability and structure that comes with pet ownership can be highly motivating and encourage you to create the very best life for them and, in turn, for you! That’s why so many people make sure they are doing everything they can to give their pets a happy and comfortable life.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.
To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
A report by National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism found that 96% of people surveyed support a commissioner to promote and protect the rights of autistic people.
The organisations surveyed 1,215 autistic people, family carers and professionals working with autistic individuals.
The report urges the Scottish Government to move forward on its commitment to establish a Commissioner “sooner rather than later”, with public consultation now delayed until late 2023.
The survey asked respondents to rank priorities for a commissioner; the majority indicated that the commissioner should hold local authorities, service providers and the Scottish Government to account in providing adequate support to autistic people and their families.
Fifty-eight percent of survey respondents indicate that they need mental health support for themselves or for an autistic person they support, and 49% said they need support in education. Yet first person accounts from autistic people and families in the report show that too many are struggling to get the support they desperately need from public services.
Nicola Cameron, the parent of Alex who is autistic, said: “Our experience has been prolonged, frustrating, and confusing. After six years we are finally getting some clarity on Alex’s support needs.
“But it is upsetting to have lost critical years that could have been used to make his school experience easier. We have been left to navigate the system on our own, learning as we go and funding everything ourselves. And still we have not heard from CAMHS.
“It is clear resources are stretched and children like Alex are being failed by the services that are meant to help them. Support for young autistic people involves different professions and, because each autistic person is individual, the journey cannot ever be linear.
“But it can be easier. We feel that a commissioner for autistic people could help to create a more joined up system that prioritises individuals’ needs, and fights for recognition of the autistic community.”
Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said:“The commitment to establish a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability was an SNP manifesto commitment at the last election, but we’ve only inched forward and now with the delay in the Public Consultation until the end of this year there’s a very real concern that this important work is simply not being prioritised.
“The longer the delay the longer diagnosis waiting lists grow, the longer people go without the care and support they need, the longer people are stuck in hospital, and the longer children wait for support in school.”
Charlene Tait, Deputy Chief Executive of Scottish Autism said:“Every day we encounter individuals and families whose human rights are being breached as a result of a lack of accountability within the system.
“All too often it feels like the system works against autistic people and their families, when it should be working for them. They need a Commissioner in their corner.
“We consider that the creation of a Commissioner is a necessity, and we call on the Scottish Government to develop a sense of urgency on this issue.”
