Tag: Health and wellbeing

Cancer 360: Tech reform to transform cancer diagnosis

Cancer 360 brings patient data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker

  • Millions of patients to receive faster cancer diagnosis, helping slash treatment delays as groundbreaking new tech rolled out on NHS as part of major reform to health service
  • For first time, all NHS trusts will have access to technology that brings key patient information together so medical teams can easily spot those in need of urgent attention
  • The £2bn tech investment from the Autumn Budget will drive essential reforms, freeing up staff time and saving lives, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change

Millions of cancer patients will receive a faster diagnosis, helping cut treatment delays and boost survival rates as the government rolls out pioneering new technology across the NHS through the Plan for Change.

Currently, there are over 2 million people living with cancer, many of whom face a complex journey of tests, appointments or treatments. But a trailblazing new tool – dubbed Cancer 360 – brings all that data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker – with the technology set to benefit millions over the next 5-10 years.

This government inherited a broken NHS. Lord Ara Darzi’s independent investigation found the NHS in ‘critical condition’ – with surging waiting lists and deteriorating national health – and set out the need to improve cancer waiting time performance and cancer survival.

Cancer 360 represents the crucial reform that must accompany investment, shifting the NHS from analogue to digital, by creating a simple dashboard showing clinicians all the information they need about their patients in one place. Instead of having to gather vital information about each cancer patient from various systems, spreadsheets, emails, and records.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This government grasped the nettle and made difficult but necessary choices to invest £26 billion into our NHS – a move that is already helping millions of patients and will help millions more.

“It’s a long road, but we’re already getting our NHS back on its feet, giving patients over 3 million more appointments, hiring 1,500 new GPs and starting the roll out of new tech that will save lives.

“It is only this government’s Plan for Change that will deliver for patients and make our NHS fit for the future.”

The real-time tool will help teams to easily track a patient’s progress, avert delays, and even produce personalised treatment plans. It will dramatically reduce paperwork and help ensure vital warning signs aren’t missed. 

Cancer 360 is a prime example of the government’s commitment to reform – doing things differently by harnessing digital innovation to improve patient outcomes.

Following recent expansion of the NHS App, which has already stopped 1.5 million hospital appointments being missed and saved 5.7 million staff hours since July 2024, Cancer 360 demonstrates how we are continuing to drive the NHS from analogue to digital, giving patients better care and more control over their healthcare journey.

The investment comes from the Autumn Budget – where the government made difficult but necessary choices to put £26 billion in our NHS. This includes the biggest increase in NHS spending since 2010, excluding COVID-19 years – including £1 billion for digital transformation projects and £121 million for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). While this investment is crucial, it’s the reforms in how we use these resources that will truly transform cancer care.

The new tool is built into the FDP, which brings patient information together from across separate systems into one safe and secure environment. Since April 2024, hospitals using the platform have typically performed 70,000 more procedures and reduced unnecessary hospital stays by almost 19% – treating more patients and freeing up valuable bed space.

Suraiya Abdi, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust said: “The implementation of Cancer 360 has enabled my team to monitor and safely carry our patients through their cancer pathway.

“The tool enables us to have in-depth conversations at our weekly meetings regarding a patient’s next step as well as allowing us to escalate queries directly to other teams for faster turnaround.

“The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team therefore enabling them to focus on the patient journey. I have witnessed an improvement in performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience.”

The government’s National Cancer Plan will transform the way we approach this disease, improving care and bringing this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

Through the Plan for Change, the UK government is driving forward work to develop innovative treatments and technologies for patients.

Last month the Prime Minister announced plans for a new health data research service, to transform access to NHS data so clinical trials can be fast-tracked to accelerate the development of the medicines and therapies of the future, in turn helping boost the UK’s world leading life sciences sector and drive growth. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also recently announced thousands of cancer patients will benefit from new artificial intelligence which detects skin cancer. In addition, it was confirmed that the NHS will become the first health system in Europe to offer a new injectable form of nivolumab – one of the most widely used cancer treatments in England. 

This forms part of the government’s wider ambitions to cut waiting lists under its Plan for Change.

With a total of 3 million additional appointments already delivered 6 months early, the government is exceeding its own targets and driving down waiting lists at pace, which have fallen for 6 months in a row and by 219,000 since July 2024 – evidence that reform and investment together can deliver real results for patients.

Progress in clearing longest health waits announced

More than 105,500 appointments and procedures were delivered by health boards last year through an additional £30 million of targeted investment – exceeding a pledge to carry out 64,000 appointments by the end of March 2025.

The funding was targeted at the longest waits and, as seen in latest published data, there have been reductions in waiting lists across a number of specialities. Between March 2024 and December 2024 there has been:

  • a 71% decrease in waits for Scopes at NHS Ayrshire & Arran
  • a 52% decrease in Imaging waits at NHS Fife
  • a 28% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lothian
  • a 23% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Lanarkshire
  • a 10% decrease in Orthopaedic waits at NHS Highland.

Latest published statistics also show improved waiting times performance with diagnostic waits at their lowest since October 2021.

In April 2024 the Scottish Government funded NHS boards to deliver 64,000 procedures (40,000 diagnostic procedures, 12,000 surgeries and 12,000 new outpatient appointments) by the end of the year.

By March 2025, 10,700 surgeries and 15,800 outpatients appointments were delivered. Almost 79,000 diagnostic procedures took place – delivering almost double the original pledge of 40,000.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We have delivered on our promise, exceeding our original target of 64,000 by more than 41,000 procedures – we have carried out nearly double the amount of diagnostic procedures originally pledged, with diagnostic waits now at the their lowest since October 2021.

“This is testament to hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“This is welcome progress and shows we are moving in the right direction.  But we know many people are still waiting too long and we are determined do more. That is why we are investing record amounts in our health service, targeting waiting list backlogs and delivering 150,000 additional appointments.   

“This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists and make it easier for patients to get access to the treatment they need.  Next week the First Minister will publish our Programme for Government, setting out how we will build on recent progress and further reduce patient waits in the year ahead.”

This is an update on progress previously reported in February this year – Pledge on waiting times exceeded – gov.scot

Eligible? Get your Covid vacccination

Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

Protection against COVID-19 reduces over time, so it’s important to get vaccinated when offered.

For more information, visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine #SpringTopUp

Foysol Choudhury MSP calls for pause on mental health service cuts to allow for Strategic Review

Lothians list MSP, Foysol Choudhury, has called for an immediate pause on proposed cuts to vital community mental health services in the city, urging the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to undertake a thorough strategic assessment of the city’s mental health provision.

The Labour MSP argues that the current decision-making process lacks the necessary time and consideration to evaluate the long-term impact on those who rely on these essential services.

The call comes in response to proposed cuts, including the potential cancellation of a £188,000 contract with Change Mental Health for the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative leaving 650 people with mental health challenges and mental health illness without support, Foysol Choudhury MSP, emphasised the need for proper planning, engagement with stakeholders, and an evidence-based approach to reforming mental health services in Edinburgh.

Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, a charity which runs services under the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative, has strongly criticised the approach taken by the EIJB, highlighting the flaws in both the economic and clinical rationale behind the cuts.

He stated: “On economic, clinical, and process grounds, the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board has approached this all wrong. It’s outrageous and short-sighted that vulnerable people will not be getting the support they need.

“Thrive and the wider Edinburgh third sector recognise the tight budgetary environment and the case for reform. However, this is not about scrapping services entirely. It’s about working together to redesign services that meet the needs of our communities.

“Removing the services will not remove the need and will just shift it to more expensive NHS services. We estimate that the Stafford Centre alone saves the NHS £4 million a year at a cost of only £188,000.

“The decision to remove funding risks undermining the stability and quality of services that so many depend on. It would be devastating to the population of Edinburgh.

“This approach, if carried forward, would leave Edinburgh as an outlier in Western Europe, where other cities continue to support community-based mental health services as an essential part of their healthcare systems.

“We call upon the EIJB and in particular the councillors on it, to reject this self-defeating proposal and instead work collaboratively with the third sector to redesign services to save money and deliver support for our city’s most vulnerable.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP pointed out that the proposal threatens to destabilise key services such as drop-in support, carer services, and veteran support, which have been fundamental in improving the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of Edinburgh residents.

The lack of consultation and the rushed timeline undermine the collaborative approach that was promised after earlier breakdowns in communication with third-sector partners.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “This is not just an issue for those directly impacted by these cuts. It is a question of public health, social cohesion, and responsible governance.

“Do Councillors, MSPs, and MPs across Edinburgh fully understand the magnitude of the decisions being made in their names? The risks associated with these cuts are profound, and it is crucial that we pause to reassess the long-term impact on mental health provision and the health system as a whole.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP concluded by calling for urgent engagement with the third sector, health professionals, and local communities to ensure a sustainable and effective redesign of services that meets the needs of the city’s population.

Mr. Choudhury also suggested a full review of the process before any further cuts are made.

Making housing accessible in Edinburgh

COUNCIL HOSTS ACCESSIBLE HOUSING SUMMIT

An event held last week (Tuesday 22 April) at the City Chambers brought together the Council and partners to take steps toward building, adapting, and finding accessible homes across the Capital.

Hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Accessible Housing Summit convened representatives from the third sector, housing associations and the private sector.

Through a series of roundtable discussions, participants explored three key areas: delivering new accessible homes, improving access to existing housing, and ensuring the best use of homes already available.

The event builds on insights from the 2022 Accessible Housing Study and feedback gathered from tenants, residents and partners gathered during consultations on the Council’s draft Local Housing Strategy.

In a tangible step forward, the Council recently began construction on a new residential development in Newington. Once complete, the site will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes available for social rent.

Attendees will now consider what actions can be taken forward to address improving access to information, advice on accessible housing and planning for new accessible homes in Edinburgh.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “As Edinburgh’s population grows and changes, so do the housing needs of our residents. We must therefore strive to ensure that everyone – irrespective of their health circumstances and accessibility requirements – has a home they can live in with dignity and comfort.

“Whilst this is a national issue, the City of Edinburgh Council faces unique challenges, including being landlord of a high number of older, flatted properties which can often be harder and costly to adapt.  

“It is vital for us to understand the nature, context, and complexity of the barriers to providing fully accessible housing and to work closely and collaboratively with our partners and organisations leading this crucial work to deliver the accessible housing our citizens need now and in the future.”

Sugarier than Coke: Dentists press for government action on baby food

The British Dental Association has urged Government to step up and confront the baby food industry, after the most wide-ranging analysis of the UK baby food pouch market every undertaken has found no improvement in the sugar content. 

The professional body has noted that market leader Ella’s Kitchen, Piccolo and Aldi appear to have pre-empted the launch of this damning research on BBC’s Panorama tonight by confirming cosmetic changes to their labelling, to bring them in line with NHS guidance on not marketing products to infants under 6 months. While technically a ‘win,’ dentists’ leaders stress these changes do nothing to reduce grotesque levels of sugar or reign in ‘halo labelling’ claims. 

The BDA contacted Annabel Karmel, the worst offender from its last review in 2022, and was informed they have withdrawn from the UK market. 

Market analysis of 209 products aimed at children aged under 12 months – the largest such exercise ever attempted, and nearly double the BDA’s pioneering 2022 study – found: 

  • Top brands are actively undermining government guidance on weaning from around 6 months. At the time this research was undertaken market leader Ella’s Kitchen and Piccolo were pushing products to 4-month olds contrary to Government guidelines, simply stating that “every baby is different”.
  • It’s straightforward to offer lower sugar levels. While ‘natural’ levels of sugar are described by manufacturers as inevitable with fruit-based pouches, some brands offer products based on similar ingredients that contain a fraction of the sugar levels of the worst offenders. Aldi Mamia Organic’s Apple & banana porridge contains just 5.5g per 100g, a third of the levels of similar recipes at the very top of the table. Given there is no evidence of widespread systemic change, it underlines the need for government intervention.
  • Over a quarter contained more sugar by volume than Coca Cola, with parents of infants as young as four months marketed pouches that contain the equivalent of up to 184% of the sugar levels of the soft drink, dizzying heights not seen in the 2022 research. Those pouches are without exception fruit-based mixes.
  • ‘Boutique’ brands still appear to have higher levels of sugar than traditional baby food brands or own-brand alternatives. Market leader Ella’s Kitchen is now the worst offender, its Banana puree taking the sugar crown with 19.5g per 100g from Annabel Karmel’s now discontinued Apple, Blueberry and Banana, at 17.3g.
  • Nearly a quarter of products examined contained up to two thirds of an adult’s recommended maximum daily of free sugars. Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) cite a guideline limit for babies, simply stressing that as little should be consumed as possible.
  • The sector remains wedded to disingenuous language highlighting the presence of only “naturally occurring sugars” or the absence of “added sugars”, with others making opaque claims of products being “nutritionist approved”. All high-sugar products adopt ‘halo labelling’ principles, focusing on status as ‘organic’, ‘high in fibre’ or ‘containing 1 of your 5 a day’, misleading parents into thinking they are making healthy choices for their children. Kiddylicious offer a “bedtime blend” suggesting a product with 13g sugar per portion is appropriate before sleep.
  • Nearly 3/4  of the products examined exceeded the 5g of sugar per 100ml threshold set for the sugar levy applied to drinks. Dentists stress expansion of fiscal measures would likely have favourable outcomes in terms of encouraging reformulation.
  • Eating straight from the pouch. Since the withdrawal of Annabel Karmel from the UK market, the BDA has not been able to identify any manufacturers still recommending babies feed straight from the pouch. However, only two brands – Sainsbury’s and Lidl – rule out this out this approach, which adds to the risk of dental disease.  Asda specifically state that ‘eating straight from the pouch can contribute to tooth decay.’ 

The BDA are launching a petition to the Department of Health to double down in the fight on sugar, with mandatory regulation, and to build on tried and tested policies from both home and abroad.

BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said: “Parents of infants are still being marketed products sugarier than Coke. 

“It shouldn’t take dentists naming and shaming the worst offenders to bring about needed change. Voluntary action has failed. We need government to step up and force industry to do the right thing.”

Full data is available to download here…

THE WORST OFFENDERS:

Ella’s Kitchen – Banana Puree https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/shop/bananas-baby-puree

With the highest sugar by volume, Ella’s Kitchen takes the sugar crown from past holders Annabel Karmel, who have now discontinued their line of pouches.

Ella’s Kitchen appear to have raced changes to packaging to pre-empt Panorama airing, removing messages that targeted the 4-month year old market, undermining official guidance by citing government advice on weaning from 6 months, but noting that “every baby is different!”

They look set to maintain all the ‘halo labelling’ cliches on ‘no added sugar’, being ‘organic’. The one redeeming feature is pouches offer guidance not to consume the puree straight from the pouch.

For Aisha: Pear & pomegranate https://www.foraisha.com/product/pear-pomegranate-pouch-100g/

A brand that prides itself on exotic flavours – the only pouch on the market featuring pomegranate – takes silver for sugar levels, at 16.4g/100g targeting infants aged 4 months+

Aldi Mamia Organic: Bananas & Apples https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/mamia-apple-bananas-pouch-000000000346206001

The highest amount of sugar in any pouch identified – with a portion size so large for its target 4- month plus market it represents nearly 2/3 of an adult’s RDA of sugar, and the same amount of sugar as half a can of coke.

Piccolo: Pure mango https://www.mylittlepiccolo.com/products/babies/pouches/pure-mango/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0ChT7IjUfbtLJnmyHtdHDhQDwJ2ReiNAKYMdiLaN2PsU8-NNr

Pure mango does exactly what is says on the tin, delivering 15g/100g of sugar to the 4-month+ market, also claiming that ‘every baby is different.

Hibernian Community Foundation: Parkinson’s Walking Football

Parkinson’s UK Get Active, Get Creative Scottish Parliament Event

Hibernian Community Foundation were kindly invited to the Scottish Government to support this event as part of our ongoing work with Parkinson’s UK in Scotland and Walking Football Scotland.

The event celebrated the power that physical activity and creativity has on people living with Parkinson’s. Our Football Development Officer Niamh Westwood and one of our Parkinson’s Walking Football volunteers Neil, were joined by Members of the Scottish Parliament, Trustee of Walking Football Scotland Matt Ramsay, several participants of our Walking Football Programme and other Parkinson’s partners to celebrate such a powerful event.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with almost 13,000 people affected in Scotland. Keeping active has many physical, mental, social and neurological benefits to someone living with Parkinson’s and we here at Hibernian Community Foundation are pleased to play a small part in that journey.

We welcome everyone living with Parkinson’s to our sessions. Our Parkinson’s Walking Football Programme runs every Wednesday at World of Football, 10 New Market Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ from 11am-12pm with refreshments available after the session from 12-1pm.

For more information or to register for the session please email:

niamhw@hiberniancf.org

AI doctors’ assistant to speed up appointments a ‘gamechanger’

Interim trial data shows revolutionary tech has dramatically reduced admin

  • Westminster Government drives forward use of innovative artificial intelligence in hospitals to improve patient care
  • New government guidance set out today will encourage its use across health service while protecting patient data and privacy 
  • Trials show dramatic reduction in admin and more time for direct patient care, as Plan for Change delivers ‘seismic shift’ in care to digital

NHS clinicians in England will be supported to use groundbreaking artificial intelligence tools that bulldoze bureaucracy and take notes to free up staff time and deliver better care to patients thanks to guidance published today.

Interim trial data shows that the revolutionary tech has dramatically reduced admin, and meant more people could be seen in A&E, clinicians could spend more time during an appointment focusing on the patient, and appointments were shorter.

Through its Plan for Change the UK government is getting the NHS back on its feet and slashing waiting lists. Guidance published today will encourage the use of these products – which use speech technologies and generative AI to convert spoken words into structured medical notes and letters – across a range of primary and secondary care settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries.

The government’s mission-led approach is driving forward the use of innovative tech and new approaches to reform the health system and improve care for patients – offering them quicker and smarter care.

One of the tools – ambient voice technologies (AVTs) – can transcribe patient-clinician conversations, create structured medical notes, and even draft patient letters.

Patient safety and privacy will be paramount. This is why the guidance will focus on data compliance and security, risk identification and assessment, while ensuring that staff are properly trained before using the technology. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “AI is the catalyst that will revolutionise healthcare and drive efficiencies across the NHS, as we deliver our Plan for Change and shift care from analogue to digital.

“I am determined we embrace this kind of technology, so clinicians don’t have to spend so much time pushing pens and can focus on their patients.

“This government made the difficult but necessary decision at the Budget to put a record £26 billion into our NHS and social care including cash to roll out more pioneering tech.”

The NHS England funded, London-wide AVT work, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, has evaluated AVT capabilities across a range of clinical settings – Adult Outpatients, Primary Care, Paediatrics, Mental Health, Community care, A+E and across London Ambulance Service.

This multi-site evaluation involving over 7000 patients has demonstrated widespread benefits. Interim data shows:

  • Increase in direct care – clinicians spending more time spent with patients rather than typing on a computer
  • Increase in productivity in A&E – the technology has supported more patients to be seen in emergency departments by carrying out admin for A&E staff

At GOSH, AVTs have listened to consultations and drafted clinic notes and letters. These were then edited and authorised by the clinician before being uploaded to the secure electronic health record system and sent on to patients and their families. Clinicians agreed the AI helped them offer more attention to their patients without affecting the quality of the clinic note or letter. 

Dr Maaike Kusters, Paediatric Immunology Consultant at GOSH, says: “The patients I see in my clinics have very complex medical conditions and it’s so important to make sure I capture what we discuss in our appointments accurately, but often this means I am typing rather than looking directly at my patient and their family.

“Using the AI tool during the trial meant I could sit closer to them face-to-face and really focus on what they were sharing with me, without compromising on the quality of documentation.”

As it stands, clinicians in hospitals and GP surgeries are forced to spend much of their consultations recording information into a computer instead of focusing on the patient in front of them. 

Once the patient has left, they are often required to take that information and summarise it in documents like referral letters. The government is determined to reform these outdated ways of working and revolutionise care, and this innovative tech will do that work for them, so they can see their next patient. 

The Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre in East Hull (part of City Health Care Partnership) has introduced an ambient scribing product to make their documentation process faster and better support their work to care for people living with frailty. 

By converting a conversation with a patient into a clinical note, the ambient scribing product is freeing up time for a range of staff including GPs, consultants, nurses, and physiotherapists.

Thanks to government action, GP surgeries delivered 31.4 million appointments last month– a 6.1% increase on the previous year – and waiting lists have fallen by 219,000 patients. This technology will help consolidate this progress. 

The government is already using AI to speed up diagnosis and treatment for a range of health issues – spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker.