Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures for Scotland for September 2022 Dr John-Paul Loughrey, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said:“The situation as we enter winter is dire. Month-on-month, more and more patients face longer and longer waits – that we know are associated with patient harm and even death.
“Emergency Medicine staff and our paramedic colleagues are doing all they can to ensure the urgent and emergency care system continues to function and patients continue to receive care. We want to thank health care workers for their hard-work and diligence at this incredibly challenging time.
“We know that patients are deeply worried about the crisis. Emergency Medicine staff are worried too, distressed that they are unable to move patients through the hospital or take in patients from ambulances to the Emergency Departments.
“The difficulty in discharging patients from hospital when they are medically fit to be discharged is causing exit block in hospitals. The lack of social care is preventing these patients from being discharged.
“This is leading to a lack of flow throughout the hospital and leading to long waits in Emergency Departments, long waits in ambulances outside Emergency Departments, and long waits for an ambulance in the community.
“The Scottish Government must get a grip of this crisis and urgently boost the social care workforce, only then will we be able to discharge patients, free up beds and reduce these long waits throughout the system.”
Gordon Ramsay’s Edinburgh venues are set to launch the GReat Donate, a festive fundraiser to raise money for specialist charity, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.
A £1 voluntary donation will be added to diner’s bills at the St Andrew Square restaurant and the soon to open St James Quarter restaurant throughout the months of November and December 2022.
The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, he has continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.
A spokesperson from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “SBH Scotland are a fantastic charity which makes a real difference to the lives of so many families across Scotland who are affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
“We understand how hard charity fundraising has been hit over the last two years and while we’ve been inspired by the charity’s tenacity during this time, we felt it important to do what we can to ensure they can continue to provide their life-changing services.
“The option to add a voluntary £1 donation onto your bill is a small gesture diners at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Street Burger restaurants can make, that’ll have a big impact.”
Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “As our only Honorary Patron, Gordon has been a great friend of our charity for nearly two decades and we couldn’t be more thankful for his continued generosity.
“Over the years, he has taken time out from his busy schedule to host gala dinners, launch appeals including the campaign to build our Family Support Centre, and personally meet with the families we support.
“We heavily rely on fundraising activity to ensure we can continue to deliver many of our vital services including support groups and 1-2-1 support. The last two years have been difficult for everyone, but particularly so for those already in need and SBH Scotland, like many charities, have experienced a devastating loss of funds.
“That’s why this festive season, we hope any diners visiting Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen or Street Burger will be happy to know that every £1 raised will go a long way to helping us continue to support thousands of families at the time when they need us the most.”
For more information on SBH Scotland and why Gordon’s festive fundraiser is so important, please visit: https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/
Valuable memory enhancing skills combat frustration for Edinburgh residents
WORKSHOPS to assist residents with memory skills have been introduced as the latest feature at a care home in Edinburgh.
With memory retention and recall being one of the leading causes of distress for the elderly, Cramond Residence has started offering memory sessions to help relieve these frustrations especially for residents with impaired cognitive function, those living with dementia and recurring memory decline.
To encourage engagement, the home’s lifestyle team keep group sizes small and use a variety of techniques incorporating visual elements such as playing cards, dominoes, flipcharts and photographs.
Lifestyle coordinator at Cramond Residence, Garylee Rushforth, said: “It was a natural next step for Cramond Residence to start providing these beneficial sessions to the residents.
“An impaired ability to recall information and events can lead to severe confusion, disorientation and a dissociation from a person’s own sense of self which is why we felt that it was so important that we fully engage with cognitive activities that can help to strengthen memory processes.
“In these sessions, we teach residents how to actively recall information in the short-term. Flashcards are used to display information and then the coordinators work with residents to teach them verbalised, visual and auditory recall skills related to this information.
“Processing the information given in a variety of mediums provides residents with multiple avenues to recall short term information easier. Carrying these out regularly will expand the memory bank and reduce time needed during the recall process.”
Cramond Residence’s team of lifestyle coordinators have created an exciting and varied programme of activities and workshops, all with the aim of providing its residents with a sense of independence and fun, as well a valuable life skills.
Garylee continued: “The memory sessions have been a great hit and we have received some fantastic feedback from residents so far and it’s a delight to help residents on this journey and see their individual progress.
“We engage with residents that attend outside of the sessions and test their memory skills on the go and have witnessed a greater ability to recall conversations and instructions in other workshops too which is brilliant to see.”
Cramond Residence, launched in 2018, has provided small-group living for up to 74 residents in nine luxuriously-appointed accommodation with the highest quality of care.
The highly-trained team organises exciting activities and excursions for their residents and offer specialised and individually tailored care in respite, recuperation and dementia care provision.
The medication and care provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.
The luxury home will continue to channel its efforts into improving the quality of life for its residents by introducing more innovative workshops and ideas.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, call 0131 341 4037 or visit:
Key target to involve all 32 local authorities is met
Scottish children have stepped their way into the history books as the country is confirmed as the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.
Around 187,000 school children in all of Scotland’s local authority areas are getting active for at least fifteen minutes a day meeting the criteria agreed with the Daily Mile Foundation. More than half of primary schools are now signed up to the Daily Mile.
The initiative is proven to improve the wellbeing of children across the country, as part of wider efforts to improve overall health and reduce the pressure on the NHS over winter.
It was started by former Head Teacher Elaine Wyllie of St Ninian’s Primary in Stirling in 2012 and has grown every year – extending beyond schools into communities and workplaces and encouraging more people in Scotland to get on the move.
The Scottish Football Association is backing the initiative using its extensive network of community clubs to promote the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We want Scotland to become a nation where more people are more active, more often. The benefits of instilling these habits early are plain to see – children will see the joy of walking, running or wheeling which will boost their health in the long term, and reduce the strain on our NHS.
“I try to do a Daily Mile whenever I can and there is no doubt I always feel better for it.
“I consider this initiative to be one of Scotland’s best exports – building on our success, other home nations and countries around the world are now embracing The Daily Mile initiative. Scotland continues to lead the way on a global scale.”
Founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie MBE said: “From one school in Stirling to Scotland to becoming a Daily Mile Nation, I am incredibly proud of all the schools, teachers and children that have helped us achieve this milestone and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and our partners across Scotland.
“The Daily Mile was created by children which I truly believe is why it has been so successful and is now reaching nearly 4 million children around the world.”
Daily Mile UK Partnership Manager Fiona Paterson said: “In our joint strategy published in 2020, The Daily Mile Foundation and the Scottish Government set out the key targets which would signify that Scotland could be recognised as the world’s first Daily Mile nation.
“We are delighted to announce that these targets have been met and that the foundations have been laid for further work to continue to embed the INEOS backed Daily Mile across the country’.
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “The Scottish FA recognises the unique reach of football and the importance that physical activity can play in the health and wellbeing of children and young people in this country, and we are thrilled to support this initiative as Scotland becomes the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.
“Opportunities to exercise on and off the pitch should be available to everyone and through our network of community football clubs and local partners, we are ready to play our part and use the power of football to inspire the country to become more active.”
Survey reveals inadequate psychological support after stroke in Scotland
95% reported stroke had an impact on their psychological wellbeing.
Most stroke survivors surveyed, do not feel they are getting the osychological support they need both in hospital (73%,) and in the community (68%.)
87% of stroke survivors in Scotland want to see equal access to physical and psychological care within their rehabilitation.
Stroke survivors with anxiety and depression risk being let down in hospital without psychological care, a new survey of over 100 stroke survivors in Scotland reveals today.
The research, conducted by the Stroke Association ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October), is part of an urgent call for improved psychological care after stroke.
The results, contained in a Stroke Association report, “Keeping Stroke Recoveries in Mind”,lay bare the unmet needs of stroke survivors in Scotland.
Nearly nine out of ten (89%) respondents revealed their stroke had an impact on their physical health, whereas 95% said their stroke had an impact on their psychological and emotional well-being. Of those, over one in three (39%) said the emotional impacts were severe compared to 36% who said the physical effects were severe.
Paula McGuire, 41, from Glasgow, who had her stroke last year, knows first-hand the devastation of the emotional impact of stroke. Whilst Paula suffered mild physical effects from her stroke, she found this more bearable than her anxiety.
She said: “My feelings of anxiety accelerated to levels I had never experienced before. I can only describe it as overwhelming and felt completely lost and alone trying to unpick what was going on, asking myself whether it was my fault.”
Paula’s low mood and anxiety rendered her unable to leave the house and carry on with the everyday tasks which we all take for granted. Going shopping, driving, swimming and meeting up with friends were impossible to undertake.
She continued: “I kept telling myself to try harder and face my challenges. I didn’t understand what was going on and it was very frightening. Fortunately, the nursing staff on the ward identified my low mood and anxiety early on and helped me to understand and process the changes I was facing.”
But some doctors wanted to treat Paula’s physical problems, without taking account of her anxiety. “All I needed them to ask me was: How was I feeling?”
Most stroke survivors surveyed do not feel they got the psychological support they needed in hospital (73%) or in the community (68%.)
Paula continued: “I was a wreck. I’d had a stroke at 40. How could anyone cope with that? People should have the same amount and standard of care for their emotional health as is given to those with physical challenges after stroke. It needs to be embedded into the system.”
95% of stroke survivors report they want to see equal access to physical and psychological care within their rehabilitation.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact can be devastating – wiping out speech or rendering people unable to walk.
“The emotional consequences of stroke can be life shattering – an overnight change to our emotions, personality and sense of self. These findings are further evidence2,3 of the desperate need for the system to address the psychological consequences of stroke.”
“Whilst guidance on psychological care and assessment and access to services has been included in the Progressive Stroke Pathway4, we know that psychological care is lacking as highlighted in The Scottish Stroke Care Audit5. With support from the Scottish Government, health boards have an opportunity to change that.”
The charity’s recommendations in its report, are based on proposals put forward by the Scottish Stroke Psychology Forum which seeks to give psychological care equal prioritisation to other forms of rehabilitation which focus on the physical effects of stroke.
The Stroke Association is now calling for:
The recommendations to be included in the forthcoming Scottish Government’s Stroke Improvement Plan.
Health boards to commit to delivering those recommendations and make psychological and emotional care a priority in stroke rehabilitation.
The Scottish Government to support health boards implement the recommendations – offering appropriate resource as required.
John continued: “This not just about recruiting more psychologists to treat people affected by stroke. Everyone working with stroke survivors at every level has a role to play in understanding and integrating psychological care into stroke services.
“An adequate level of education and training must be given to staff to meet their responsibility, and give them the skills in providing that care. This is critical to help people with emotional challenges after stroke to live well.”
Dr Jackie Hamilton, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist on behalf of the Scottish Stroke Psychology Forum said: “Throughout my years of experience working in stroke services I have found that often the focus is on physical recovery in the early period after stroke.
“What is frequently less understood is the impact of ‘hidden problems or challenges’ to achieving best physical outcomes as well as overall outcomes. Psychological care is not just managing anxiety and depression.
“It is also incorporates identifying and managing cognitive impairment and multi-factorial distress, such as the effects of experiencing a traumatic event, fear of recurring stroke, loss of role and identity, and changes to relationships and employment.
“These are all factors which are recognised as significant barriers to rehabilitation and adjustment. As such these should be considered at all stages when working and supporting individuals and their families across their rehabilitation journey.”
Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 41408 of which have already been delivered across NHS Lothian – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday.
The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.
Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 41408 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lothian by the SNP in government since 2017.
“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.
“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family across the city but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.
“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.
“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.
“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”
Childline counselling sessions about child sexual abuse and exploitation have increased 19% in the past year in Scotland
Charity launches campaign ‘The Full Story’ this week to connect more young people at risk of, or experiencing sexual exploitation with Childline
Short films using real Childline cases and posters have been unveiled
Childline has seen counselling sessions with children in Scotland about child sexual abuse and exploitation increase by almost a fifth in the past year.
New analysis by the NSPCC of Childline data reveals that 251 counselling sessions were delivered on this topic in 2020/21, and this increased to 299 sessions in 2021/22, an increase of 19 per cent.
The charity is revealing this data as its Childline service launches ‘The Full Story’ campaign in a bid to encourage more children and teenagers at risk of, or suffering sexual exploitation to use Childline for immediate, confidential help.
Over the last year, Childline has heard from thousands of young people across the UK about sexual exploitation with some being manipulated into performing sexual activities after being given money, drugs or love and affection.
Whilst others have been sexually exploited after being trafficked from their home after being threatened with violence or the promise of a better life elsewhere.
Across the UK the number of Childline counselling sessions on sexual exploitation and abuse has increased from 5,962 to 6,230 this year (April 2021 – March 2022).
One 15-year-old in Scotland told Childline: “My mum doesn’t care about me. She drinks a lot and there isn’t food in the house. I’ve started getting close to someone who looks after me when my mum doesn’t. I stay at her house sometimes. I used to sleep downstairs but now I sleep with her. We’ve done stuff together and had sex.”
A 14-year-old in Scotland told Childline: “I’ve met a man in his 40s who is really nice. I met him online and then we met in person. He sold me weed and has gone to the shops for me to get alcohol and cigarettes. We hooked up one night and have started seeing each other a lot.”
The campaign has created a series of short films showing five different scenarios of sexual exploitation, taken from real Childline calls.
In one of the films, 15-year-old Leah* is standing outside a party with her boyfriend. Over the next few seconds, she is plied with alcohol by her older boyfriend, who later says she owes him and tells her to have sex with his friends.
As well as helping children and young people gain an understanding of what sexual exploitation is and what a healthy relationship looks like, Childline is focussed on getting more young people to connect with them so they can offer immediate help and confidential support.
This week, the service has unveiled posters at bus stops, motorway service stations, cinemas, colleges, Pupil Referral Units, youth centres, youth hostels, children’s homes, GP’s, and sexual health clinics.
Although more children are reaching out for support on this issue, Childline’s counsellors know from what they hear from children and young people there are many barriers and reasons which prevent some children from speaking out and getting help.
For some children, they may be being exploited by a family member or someone in a position of authority, other cases it may be a girlfriend or boyfriend. The grooming methods used can be subtle, so often they don’t recognise anything is wrong or that they’re in danger.
Whilst others might blame themselves for what they are experiencing, some are being blackmailed or threatened by their abuser causing them to remain silent due to fear.
The campaign name, The Full Story, alludes to mixed and often conflicting feelings a child who is being sexually exploited may experience.
Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline Scotland, said: “Sexual exploitation is a complex crime and often when children describe what is happening in their relationship, they don’t realise they are being groomed and abused.
“Our counsellors have heard from children who have said they didn’t realise what they experienced in a relationship or friendship was wrong until they were much older, and some said at the time they thought their abuser was someone they could trust.
“Others said they thought they were to blame for what had happened and were scared about what would happen if they did speak out.
“This is why this campaign is so important as it’s essential that all children and young people have an awareness of this issue and know that no matter what the circumstances are, that sexual exploitation is never a child’s fault and there are people like Childline who can help.”
The charity’s Chief Executive Officer believes everyone has a role to play in protecting children from sexual exploitation.
Childline offers confidential, non-judgemental support to children and young people – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Young people can talk to the Childline counsellors online in 1-2-1 chat from an account they set up on the Childline website at www.childline.org.uk. This account can also be used to send the counsellors email and it’s always free to call 0800 1111 with no phone credit required.
The Childline website offers lots of information, advice, self-help and peer support on -pre-moderated message boards.
Childline is a safe place, where children and young people can share as much or as little as they want to – they don’t even have to tell Childline their name.
Childline’s support helps young people feel more in control and provides them with options to use Childline in a way that works best for them and to speak to a trained counsellor in a way that feels most comfortable.
The NSPCC Helpline often hears from parents and teachers concerned about children being sexually exploited. Generally, when that child has a significant change in their emotional wellbeing, unexplained absences from school, college or work and an unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, mobile phones.
If you are concerned about a child contact 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Cholesterol – Don’t Let it Scare you
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood. There are two main types, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad cholesterol’, and HDL, sometimes termed ‘good cholesterol’.
We need some of both types to be healthy, but an incorrect balance can be harmful. Being told we have high cholesterol can be scary and leave us worried.
This Halloween we encourage you to become informed and take positive action to restore a healthy cholesterol balance, and to reduce the fear that goes hand in hand with a diagnosis:
Increase fibre intake
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that comes from plants, and research tells us that those people who have more fibre in their diet have lower cholesterol.
Aim to eat fibre from a variety of different sources such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts, seeds and pulses (lentils and beans).
Pumpkins are a great source of fibre, when you are carving your pumpkins this week why not use the flesh to make a fibre-rich pumpkin soup.
Exercise more
We should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling can help increase the levels of ‘good cholesterol’ in our blood.
Aiming for 30 minutes moderate physical activity, five times per week will help restore a healthy cholesterol balance, among many other health benefits.
Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol can raise the levels of cholesterol in our blood. Cutting back on how much we consume can improve the health of our liver, meaning we can better remove bad cholesterol from our blood.
The good news is there are many alcohol-free alternatives available in the supermarkets and in pubs nowadays.
It is recommended that we limit our alcohol consumption to 14 units per week (about six pints of average strength beer or about five 250ml glasses of wine).
COVID-19 and flu marketing campaign launches in England today encouraging eligible people to get their vaccines ahead of winter
A new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines to top up their immunity will launch today (Monday 24 October), as almost 10 million people in England have already received their boosters.
Over-50s in Scotland can book their winter vaccines from today (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu, easing pressure on the NHS this winter.
Adverts will air across television, radio, social and digital media, stressing the importance of people getting both vaccines to increase their protection this winter.
Targeted communications for individuals with long term health conditions, pregnant women and ethnic minority communities, with a particular focus on those with low vaccine confidence, will also appear, and will include examples of where vaccine uptake rates have been low in the past.
More than 10 million people are expected to have received their COVID-19 autumn booster in England by today, with 49.5% of those 65 and over getting their flu jab, helping protect against serious illness throughout the winter.
Latest COVID-19 data has shown continued high rates of cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks.
Cases of flu have climbed quickly in the past week, indicating that the season has started earlier than normal. This is leading to increased pressure on emergency departments, with rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions rising fastest in children under 5.
Deputy Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary, Thérèse Coffey received her autumn booster this week and urges those eligible to take up the offer as soon as possible, saying: “Our COVID autumn booster and flu vaccination programmes are in full swing. Vaccines are our best line of defence against both viruses and will help keep people out of hospital this winter.
“While we have made great progress with almost 10 million people already boosted, including me, we are actively encouraging, through our new marketing campaign, everybody eligible to come forward for both jabs as soon as possible.”
Vaccination for flu is currently behind last season for pre-schoolers (12.1% in all 2 year olds and 12.8% in all 3 year olds), pregnant women (12.4%) and under 65s in a clinical risk group (18.2%).
Vaccines are the best defence against both viruses and will help reduce the amount of people requiring hospital treatment, reducing pressure on the NHS.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Thomas Waite said: “The restrictions we had in place to curb the spread of COVID and protect the NHS last year also prevented the flu virus from spreading as we would normally expect to see, so levels of immunity in the population are likely quite low.
“Flu has started circulating at low levels, mainly in children and younger people at the moment. As winter approaches, we can expect flu and COVID cases to rise in all age groups. Getting vaccinated against both viruses is the most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting seriously ill.
“If eligible please come forward for your jabs as soon as you can – it is important to be protected before any winter surges begin.”
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisations at UK Health Security Agency, said: “The latest data follows the pattern we predicted, and a difficult winter is expected.
“This year we want people to think about COVID-19 and flu as equally important – and both vaccines will provide a ‘boost’ this winter. COVID-19 vaccine protection decreases over time and topping up immunity will help to provide better protection against new variants.
“So far, we have seen millions of people getting their vaccines, particularly older age groups who remain at risk of severe illness and deaths from both diseases. Having both vaccines will help to protect you and to protect the health service so we can continue to treat patients with other conditions.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to book your vaccine as soon as you can and not to delay – you could be in contact with flu or COVID-19 tomorrow.”
NHS director for vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell said: “Thanks to the efforts of staff, the NHS autumn booster programme has vaccinated twice as many people as it had at this stage last year with almost 10 million people getting their COVID-19 boosters already.
“We are seeing evidence of increasing levels of COVID and flu infections in the community and care homes, and so ahead of what will be a very challenging winter, it is vital that everyone eligible gets protected; it has never been easier to get your vaccines, so book in without delay.
Building on the success of the 2021 to 2022 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, this year’s campaign will stress that the protection provided by vaccines wanes over time, so everyone eligible should boost their immunity by getting both vaccines ahead of a difficult winter.
The adverts use blue (flu) and yellow (COVID-19) halos to represent the protection both vaccines provide.
They will run on TV, video on demand, radio, social and digital channels. Highly targeted, eye-catching information on digital channels will help to reiterate the importance of boosting your immunity ahead of a difficult winter by booking jabs early.
The NHS Winter Vaccines chatbot will return, helping to guide those who are searching online for the right information. This instant online conversation tool was first developed to support last winter’s campaign and answers frequently asked questions with trusted NHS information in a single place.
Multicultural community activity will see teams of campaign ambassadors engage with a range of different ethnic groups who tend to be more vaccine hesitant. This will take place across the country in high footfall places of worship and nearby community settings. Dedicated radio adverts and unique social media material will reinforce key messages.
Around 33 million people are eligible for the flu vaccine and 26 million people are eligible for the COVID-19 booster in England.
Over-50s in Scotland can book their winter vaccines from today (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu, easing pressure on the NHS this winter.
