Tag: Health and wellbeing

NHS Lothian launches consultation

People across Lothian are being encouraged to help ensure health and care services across the region are fit for the future.

NHS Lothian and Lothian’s four Health and Social Care Partnerships has launched a major engagement initiative as they begin planning how services should be designed and delivered over the next five years.  Priorities include ensuring that people have equal access to the right care and support, wherever they live in the region.  

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said: “There are lots of reasons why we need to consider how things may need to change to ensure everyone has equal access to the care they need to live their best lives.

“The past two years of pandemic have been hugely challenging, so we need to make sure that we prioritise our resources as effectively as possible to help reduce waiting times.

“There are opportunities too. Technology and innovation in medicine can have a huge impact on what we can do and how we do it, and we have learnt a lot about new ways of working.”  

The move comes against a backdrop of challenge facing health and care services that existed even before the pandemic.

More people are living longer – a testament to improvements in general population health and innovation in medicine and healthcare – but this has also created the highest ever demand for these services, as people are likely to need them more in their later years.

The NHS workforce is ageing too. There are more NHS staff over 55 years of age than under 30. That means a focus on recruitment and training is vital, but also that the roles themselves in healthcare might need to change.

Mr Campbell added: “It’s really important that patients, carers, partner organisations and our staff understand the constraints and the opportunities and tell us what matters most to them as we develop our plans.

“There is not a household in the land that is not affected by these services at some point, so this really is for everyone to think about and have their say.”

This phase of the engagement process is running until the end of May and the public are invited to get involved by reading the draft framework and providing feedback or by attending one of the virtual events being held across the next two months. 

More information is available on NHS Lothian’s website.

LSDF-Summary-for-website-08042022Download
Lothian-Strategic-Development-Framework-ER-draft-final-14.04.22Download

NHS Scotland recruitment boost

Scottish health boards have recruited more than 1,000 additional healthcare support staff and almost 200 registered nurses from overseas to help address the unprecedented challenges facing the NHS.

The support staff recruitment drive, backed by £15 million, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf last October. The new employees will be working in a variety of roles, both in acute hospitals and in community health teams.

Under a separate £4.5 million initiative, offers of employment have been signed with 191 nurses from countries including India and the Philippines, with some already arrived and in posts in hospitals across the country, while agreements are in place with recruitment agencies for a further 203. The figure is likely to increase significantly over the coming months as boards take advantage of new infrastructure for employing qualified international staff.

All international recruitment is in line with the Scottish Code of Practice for health and social care personnel, which demonstrates Scotland’s commitment to ethical recruitment to protect the healthcare systems of developing countries.

Health and Social Care Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The pandemic has been the biggest shock our NHS has faced in its 73 year existence. To help deal with Winter pressures and pressure brought on by the current Covid wave we are expanding and investing in our NHS workforce.

“Our hardworking and compassionate health and social care staff have been on the frontline of patient care throughout the pandemic and I am incredibly grateful to them all.

“In October, we set ambitious targets to boost the number of health care support staff and step up international nurse recruitment. I am delighted with the success of the recruitment campaigns and seeing the new staff already providing frontline patient care.

“Scotland has the best paid NHS staff in the UK and record workforce levels, with more than 155,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff now working in the service. We are determined to continue this progress as we recover from the pandemic.

“Our National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care commits to understanding how we can achieve a more sustainable, skilled workforce which makes careers in health and social care – at all levels – more attractive.”

40,000 patients in Scotland to benefit a year from new audit

The Royal Osteoporosis Society calls for improved fracture prevention services in Scotland after report shows the shocking scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment

This month, the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board has agreed to introduce a national audit for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), following an inquiry which showed the increasing scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment in the NHS.

Half of women over 50 and one fifth of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose strength and break more easily. The condition affects around 300,000 people in Scotland and it’s estimated that 44,000 ‘fragility’ fractures occur here every year.3

Pioneered in Scotland and copied across the world, FLS are the tried and tested model for systematically identifying people aged 50 and older who have had a fracture (broken bone) and moving them onto a treatment plan.

People who have already fractured a bone are at a heightened risk of further fractures unless they’re identified and have access to appropriate medication to strengthen their bones. In women aged 50 and over, 23% of second fractures happen within a year of the first fracture but osteoporosis drug treatments reduce the risk of further fractures. 

Last year an inquiry led by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), highlighted inequalities in access to FLS. Scotland currently has a notional figure of 100% population coverage of FLS, whereas in England and Wales the proportion drops to 51%.  

Yet, unlike the rest of the UK, the lack of a central Scottish database means there is no measure of how those services are performing, creating stubborn health inequalities across different areas.

Clinicians in England, Wales and Northern Ireland already share data through a central Fracture Liaison Service Database, which makes public important data about the quality of services, and helps drive learning and improvement for people living with osteoporosis. A new Scottish Audit of Fracture Liaison Services will reach an estimated 40,000 patients per year.

Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, Convener of the Arthritis and MSK Conditions CPG, said: “We know there’s work to do to make sure everyone has the best chance of living in good health, with a good quality of life, for as long as possible. This includes ensuring the best possible care, delivered when we need it, as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“We know that when it comes to fracture care, there is still work to be done. This audit will help identify what needs to be done, when and where, so that we can all work together to improve the quality of life of everyone in Scotland.”

The ROS is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to bone health and osteoporosis.

Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society said: “We know that people who have suffered their first fracture are at a high risk of further fractures, which is why early diagnosis and access to the right treatment options are so crucial.

“We’re pleased the Scottish Government has made the first step towards setting up a national audit and we welcome their decision to share data with the rest of the UK.”

Although the decision to set up a new national audit has been approved by the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board, funding will still need to be found to set up the audit.

Craig Jones continues: “The new national audit will provide a benchmark for the standard of Fracture Liaison Services, helping healthcare teams learn from their own performance and the work of other teams across Scotland.

“Now we have agreement that an audit is needed, we must work together to secure funding so we can make it happen.

“If we create this audit, we can raise the standard of osteoporosis services across Scotland and end the postcode lottery that is putting thousands of people at risk of preventable broken bones.”

You can find out more information about Fracture Liaison Services at: https://theros.org.uk/blog/what-is-a-fracture-liaison-service/

Healthy Heart Tip: Alternatives to chocolate for a healthier Easter

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

Easter weekend marks the end of Lent and this is a time when chocolate eggs are traditionally exchanged with family and friends.

Chocolate is high in fat, saturated fat and sugar and consuming too much can increase your risk of weight-gain and heart disease. In this healthy tip, we provide ideas for cutting back on chocolate this Easter.

Avoid temptation when shopping for groceries


Long rows of chocolate eggs appear in supermarkets several weeks before Easter and it can be difficult to avoid temptation. Easter-themed treats are often heavily discounted in the weeks following Easter, which adds to the temptation. Avoid visiting the Easter-themed aisles in supermarkets and try to stay focused on your grocery shopping and finding healthier snacks.

Buy non-edible Easter gifts

A large Easter egg can contain your entire daily energy requirement. Replacing Easter eggs with non-edible gifts, such as toys, games, books, egg cups or flowers, can be a way to help your loved ones avoid over-indulging this Easter.

Get outdoors and step away from the chocolate

Make the most of the Spring weather and get outdoors. Remember to leave the chocolate and other high-calorie Easter treats at home.

Going for a walk, run or bike ride can be a good way to shift your focus away from food and stay healthy.  

We hope you have a happy and healthy Easter holiday!

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

NHS Lothian RFU staff and patients take four million steps for Ukraine

NHS Lothian staff and patients at the Robert Fergusson Unit (RFU) have walked four million steps in under a month to raise money for Ukraine.

Four million steps is how many it would take to walk the distance between the RFU and Kyiv. A step challenge, rather than a distance challenge, ensured patients with limited mobility could also take part.

The RFU, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is a national NHS neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injury and associated behavioural disturbance.

Helen O’Leary, Occupational Therapist at the RFU, said: “Our staff and patients really wanted to do their bit to help the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

“Though some of our patients have a reduced ability to interact with the world, they are still aware of what goes on globally and are incredibly generous and kind.

“It’s so wonderful to see patients who wouldn’t otherwise be so active get up and walk around, and for such a good cause.”

The RFU team raised £2,358 in donations and £446 in Gift Aid, which will go to the British Red Cross to help provide aid to the people of Ukraine.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in improved long-term activity among both patients and staff. This is key to relieving stress and managing neurological conditions and some patients are continuing to count their steps even after they have reached their goal.

Stepped up mental health support for veterans of Afghanistan

Samaritans are to launch a new veterans support helpline, backed by more than half a million pounds of government funding, to provide peer-to-peer emotional support to veterans.

The new helpline is one of more than 50 projects announced today from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs Afghanistan Veterans’ Fund, totalling £5million.

Around £150k is being provided to RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, who will improve the wellbeing of veterans through volunteering with Afghans who now live in the UK, including Afghans who worked with the UK military and were evacuated during Operation Pitting.

Other projects include:

  • Providing veterans in Scotland with opportunities to engage with mindfulness and recovery in nature, through the charity Mindfulness Scotland
  • Encouraging veterans to connect with one another through sports such as rugby, golf, climbing and horse riding.
  • Increasing access to assistance dogs for veterans struggling with their mental health in England to assistance dogs to help alleviate symptoms and triggers of PTSD.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said: “We are forever grateful to those who served in Afghanistan and members of the Afghan community who worked with them. Their courage and commitment to this country will never be forgotten.

“This targeted funding for charities across the country will ensure that, regardless of location, those who have served and their families can access services easily.”

The Afghanistan Veterans’ Fund was announced by the Prime Minister last year, following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fund supports the Afghanistan veteran cohort with help adjusting to civilian life.

The fund, which is being distributed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, will also increase dedicated support mechanisms for young veterans and their families. The £5 million boost will also help increase the user friendliness and accessibility of services, better signposting veterans to the range of state and charitable services available to them.

The Samaritans project will see volunteers from the military community trained to provide peer-to-peer support by the charity, to encourage improved mental resilience and wellbeing in the armed forces community.

Chief Executive Officer of Samaritans Julie Bentley said: “Samaritans is proud to be supporting our Armed Forces community, many of whom have put their physical and mental health on the line to serve their country, with the creation of a new dedicated support service for military veterans.

“Sadly, we know from calls to our helpline that veterans consistently make up over 70% of the calls from the military community, and that they are almost twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts compared with the general population.

“That’s why it’s so important that veterans facing a crisis can easily access support and contact a trained veteran volunteer to help improve their wellbeing.”

Chief Executive Officer of RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity Alistair Halliday said: “The funding from the OVA will enable RFEA The Forces Employment Charity to deliver vital support. We will be working with UK Veterans to support Afghan people who are arriving in the UK and who worked alongside our UK Armed Forces during the 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan.

“The aim of our programme will be to enable those arriving from Afghanistan to access employment providing financial independence and inclusion in UK society. The sustained links that we will create between UK veterans, many of whom served in the Afghanistan conflict, and those arriving from Afghanistan will create long-term benefit for both groups”.

£1 million to support people with neurological conditions

Migraine Trust and Thistle Health and Wellbeing among projects benefiting from investment

Nineteen projects supporting people with neurological conditions are to benefit from Scottish Government backing.

As part of a five-year neurological care and support action plan, innovative projects which harness new techniques and technology will be helped by a third round of funding – with £1 million commissioned for work across Scotland.

The 2022 to 2023 award will continue to support earlier projects as well as invest in new schemes.

These include a collaborative bid from the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to work with community, primary and secondary care pharmacists to help people with migraine manage their symptoms and treatments more effectively.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Partnership Delivery Group will also receive more than £100,000 to meet key Neurological Care and Support Framework commitments – helping people to live well and improving patient experience.

Epilepsy Scotland will receive more than £40,000 to improve mental health outcomes for people with epilepsy, and other projects include NHS Lothian’s digital neurosymptoms platform.    

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition and our neurological action plan provides a clear vision for those affected to be able to access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.

“The allocation of this funding, as part of our £4.5 million investment over five years, will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.  

“We know that migraine, which affects one in seven Scots, can have a hugely negative impact on the lives of those affected by it and this investment will enable the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to help those dealing with it.

“But all of these innovative projects, including cross-sector collaborations, seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Funding recipients

Keep the Heid and Read!

Scotland’s Makar Kathleen Jamie leads pledge support for national reading initiative

Scotland’s Makar, Kathleen Jamie, is one of the first people in the country to pledge their support for the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign, which launched this week.

Joining some of the country’s most influential individuals and organisations, including the Institute of Directors and the SPFL Trust, in pledging to take part in the ‘national reading moment’ on Wednesday 11 May, the Makar was happy to help drive awareness of the project.

The Scotland-wide initiative, led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and with support from Baillie Gifford, aims to inspire and encourage people of all ages and abilities to read every day to boost their mental health and wellbeing – starting with a pledge to read for just six minutes on11 May.

Research shows that reading for six minutes a day can reduce stress by 68 per cent – in people of all ages.  With the national reading moment due to take place during Mental Health Week 2022 (9-15 May 2022), the campaign signals the perfect opportunity to take stock and establish a regular reading habit.

Kathleen Jamie, the national poet for Scotland (2021-2024), said: “Our local libraries are full of great reading material – books of course, but also comics and pamphlets of poetry, so they are the perfect places to release the imagination, whatever your ability and interests.

“Reading for pleasure can have a huge impact on our wellbeing.  I read every day, often early in the morning to set me up for the day, so I’m glad to support the Keep the Heid and Read campaign.  I’ve pledged my six minutes of reading on 11 May and would encourage everyone else to do the same.”

An online totaliser, capturing the number of reading minutes pledged towards the national reading moment, is available at: www.keeptheheid.scot

Speaking about the inspiration behind the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign, Pamela Tulloch, chief executive at SLIC, said: “This campaign was designed to promote the positive and easy-to-implement changes which can help increase mental health and wellbeing, and highlight the part local libraries can play in that process.

“We believe starting with a simple pledge to read for just six minutes on 11 May will help inspire people to take forward these good habits in their everyday lives.”

Working in partnership with Scotland’s 32 public library services, SLIC hopes the free to use services across Scotland will encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign.

Pamela added: “Libraries play a valuable role in reconnecting communities and with the majority of libraries now reopened across Scotland after the pandemic – all with an abundance of free reading materials available – we hope these services will allow people all over Scotland to take part in the national reading moment.”

Individuals and groups, such as schools and workplaces, are invited to sign up now to get involved at www.keeptheheid.scot, and add to the totaliser count.  Gaelic translated ‘Na bi ga do chall fhèin, leugh!’ campaign materials are also available in full. 

Keep up-to-date and share your support using #keeptheheid on social media. 

Link to SLIC’s online totaliser: https://www.keeptheheid.scot/

Scots reminded to take small steps to get set for a healthy Easter

People across Scotland are being encouraged to put a spring in their step this Easter with a few simple steps from NHS 24 to manage their health safely at home.

NHS 24’s Spring Campaign features lots of simple tips and advice on how to keep you and your family well by preparing for minor illness or bumps and scrapes.

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan says: “Easter is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s health services. Lots of people tackle gardening or DIY over the break, so it’s a really good idea to think about what you might need at home to stay safe.

‘Treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, are always useful to have at home, and your local pharmacy can help with advice about how to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes.

‘If you have kids at home, some simple medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, cold and hayfever remedies are great to keep in the cupboard to make sure that any sniffles or sore heads don’t get in the way of enjoying the break.

‘This year many GP practices and community pharmacies across Scotland may have different opening hours over Easter so it’s useful to know where to go if you do require medical advice or you have run out of medicines. NHS Inform has lots of symptom checkers on common illnesses so you can get fast, clinically assured advice that can help you decide what to do next. Managing minor ailments at home means we can enjoy Easter and make the most of the holidays.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/spring.

Creative Mental Health Group to launch at Edinburgh College

Students! Edinburgh College Wellbeing team have launched a Creative Mental Health Group and are looking for students to join to help explore mental health through a number of creative methods.

If you would to take part, please email matt.cormack@edinburghcollege.ac.uk