Thousands of patients left waiting 12 hours EVERY SINGLE MONTH
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is raising the alarm ahead of winter, as new stats show that Emergency Departments (EDs) are struggling more than they were this time last year.
The latest data, from Public Health Scotland, showed that in September 2026 8,441 patients (6.7% of total attendances) at major EDs waited more than 12 hours before being admitted, discharged or transferred.
That’s almost 2,000 more than in September 2025.
RCEM is calling on the Scottish Government to tackle the bed capacity issue which is largely driving many of these long waits and for a reduction in corridor care by 50%.
When patients at the ‘back door’ of the hospital can be discharged in good time, it allows A&E to admit new patients into beds, freeing up Emergency Care space.
Meanwhile, just 60.6% of patients waited fewer than four hours – well below the 95% target set by the NHS.
Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Scotland Vice President, said: “Throughout 2026, EDs have been in a state of crisis with absolutely no room to stretch when extra pressure comes our way.
“Thousands of patients each month have been waiting for more than half a day in our EDs. That’s thousands of our own parents, children, brothers and sisters experiencing agonising waits because of a total breakdown in patient flow.
“As these latest figures show, our Emergency Departments (EDs) are far from ready for the surge in demand which we know will come when winter hits, as it does every year.
“Last winter was incredibly tough – both for patients and for the staff trying their best to look after them. We are entering the cold months now in a worse state than this time last year, despite promise after promise that things would be different.
“We once again call on the government to urgently send support our way in the form of improvements to the ‘back door’ of our hospitals. Lives are at stake, and without immediate intervention, EDs are at risk of collapse.”
Today’s data also showed that:
An average of 1,973 inpatient beds were occupied by patients medically fit to be discharged
12-hour waits in September 2026 were 28 times higher than September 2019
19,589 patients waited more than eight hours – the highest number on record
Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film, TV, and games in education, has released new research that found that school trips to the cinema provide a powerful cultural enrichment opportunity that supports young people’s educational, personal and social development.
Into Film runs a renowned culturally valuable annual initiative, the Into Film Festival, which provides primary, secondary and SEND schools and colleges across the whole of the UK the chance to book free class visits to their local cinema.
The Into Film Festival runs in cinemas in every corner of the UK, from the Orkney Islands to Truro and everywhere in between. Events are often paired with additional live events and discussions alongside the film, with producers, directors and other professionals who work in the screen industry.
Every year, over half a million 5-19-year-olds and their educators share the joy of cinema through the Into Film Festival, which is taking place this year between 6-27 November. Over 100 different films will be shown in over 600 cinemas and community spaces. It is the UK’s largest free film festival for children and young people and is highly valued by schools wishing to provide quality cultural opportunities for pupils.
The study, funded by Cinema First, gathered insights on their cinema experiences from 3,044 children and young people aged 7–18 across the November 2025 Into Film Festival and the 2026 Spring Cinema Programme. The research which was conducted as a pilot in 2025/26 will continue in 2026/27 to further understand the impact of school cinema trips for young people, including their cinema habits, motivations and barriers, and to identify practical opportunities for the cinema sector for the future.
The findings emphasise the critical role cinemas play in providing equitable access to cultural enrichment:
Cultural Access: For 10% of attendees, the festival was their first ever cinema trip. Furthermore, 19% of respondents identified school as their primary decision-maker for film outings, making educators a key provider of theatrical exposure for nearly 1 in 5 children and young people. At present, one in five primary and secondary pupils receive no enrichment activities in an average week, rising to one in four for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.[1] School trips to the cinema offer individual and collective cultural experiences that extend far beyond a standard school outing.
Building Community, Belonging and Wellbeing: Amid growing concerns around youth isolation, cinema offers a powerful space for connection. 70% of respondents reported that being at the cinema made them feel part of something bigger, citing that the communal setting fostered feelings of safety, community, and belonging. Cinemas can offer a unique space for social connection and shared experiences amongst their peers.
Positive, Responsible Screen Time: Contrasting mainstream concerns about screen use, the research highlights that screen use—when time-limited, overseen by trusted adults, and embedded in an in-person social setting—supports critical reflection, literacy, and academic confidence.
Drivers of Attendance: Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family proved to be the single strongest influence on film choice. While 74% described cinema visits as exciting special events, cost and winter seasonal factors heavily dictated personal leisure choices, with 11% choosing cinema as their top holiday activity.
Educational Impact & Focus:
67% reported enhanced imagination after watching a film in the cinema.
66% felt better equipped to communicate their thoughts.
64% engaged in follow-up film discussions with peers or teachers.
63% reported improved story comprehension and predictive skills.
36% noted improved classroom focus and concentration.
Over 50% reported an increased capacity to understand others’ feelings and experiences.
Designing cinema experiences that combine the appeal of the big-screen experience with community and educational partnerships, can strengthen local relationships and help nurture the next generation of cinemagoers.
Fiona Evans, CEO, Into Film and former teacher, said: “The Into Film Festival is unique in delivering access to culture for UK schools on such an incredible scale. Going to the cinema is a magical experience, full of opportunities for learning, empathy and inspiration.”
The annual Into Film Festival educator bookings and programme are now live:
Edinburgh councillors and Scottish Ministers must action to improve families’ experiences of social housing and temporary accommodation and private sector accommodation in the capital.
New research has uncovered how inadequate housing in the city is badly affecting families’ health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
This small study was carried out by parents living in social housing themselves, with support from The Poverty Alliance, and Muirhouse community organisation Low Income Families Together (LIFT).
The research was commissioned by the Scottish Health Equity Research Unit (SHERU) at the University of Strathclyde and funded by the Health Foundation.
Families in the research say that mould and damp are a common issue, with the solutions offered often feeling temporary, rather than getting to the root of the problem.
The research also highlights issues with repairs and maintenance processes with social housing providers not meeting standards under the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme, where tenants have the right to have small urgent repairs carried out within a given timescale.
Families shared experiences of jumping through hoops to get support with housing issues and parents described feeling ‘left in the dark’ when it comes to hearing back from housing officers.
The report says access to person-centred, timely and compassionate support from social housing providers is vital.
Pauline Nicol-Bowie MBE, Founder and CEO of LIFT, said: “LIFT has been supporting families in North Edinburgh for nine years, and it is heartbreaking that we are still hearing the same stories about housing, homelessness and families living in unsuitable accommodation. In fact, from what we see every day, the situation has become worse.
“Parents shared their experiences, not because it is easy to talk about their struggles, but because they desperately want things to change for their children and for other families.
“These parents have done their part. They have shared their stories, highlighted the problems and helped identify what needs to change. Now they deserve to see those voices turned into action.”
Fiona McHardy, Research Fellow, Scottish Health Equity Research Unit, said: “This community-led research highlights the troubling gap between Scotland’s national ambitions for improving housing and families’ everyday experience.
“Our research shows that the housing emergency is making it increasingly difficult for services to translate policy ambitions into support on the ground.
“In a challenging fiscal climate and wider public sector reform context, closing this implementation gap will require sustained national investment in prevention, stronger alignment between national and local priorities, and coordinated action across services.”
Poverty Alliance Research Manager Dr Laura Robertson said: “Homelessness statistics published last month show that Edinburgh continues to face housing pressures with 3,820 children living in temporary accommodation in the city.
“This research unveils the real, lived experiences of the housing emergency in Edinburgh. Housing is the foundation for health and wellbeing, but the effects of inadequate housing supply and conditions are affecting families’ physical and mental health.
“Families involved in the research want to see compassionate, consistent housing support, improved repairs and maintenance processes, and good quality, habitable housing and green spaces, where their children can play freely and safely.
“Housing is a key driver of child poverty in Scotland and adequate funding of social homes by the Scottish Government is vital to ensure we end the injustice of child poverty in Scotland.”
Experts will meet in Glasgow tomorrow at a National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children that’s been organised by NSPCC Scotland and Parent-Infant Foundation
The event is being held due to serious concerns about the length of time babies and young children in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home
Participants will discuss why delays in decision making about a permanent home can happen with the aim of assisting a Scottish Government review into the impact of this, with a specific spotlight on babies and young children’s unique developmental needs
Experts in the care system will come together this week in a bid to kick-start a Scottish Government review into the impact of delays in deciding on permanent homes for children.
NSPCC Scotland and the Parent-Infant Foundation have organised the National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children amid serious concerns about the length of time those in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home.
Evidence shows that babies and children in Scotland’s care system wait more than two years on average for decisions or recommendations about their permanent home, with many then waiting months or even years longer before moving there.
Practitioners, policy makers and people with experience of the care system will gather for the National Summit atGlasgow University Union Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday (October 28), to discuss the challenges the country faces in securing permanent homes for children at the earliest opportunity.
The Scottish Government is legally required under the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, to conduct a review of this issue by September 2028.
The two charities want to ensure this review shines a light on the true impact of delay on babies and young children and looks to the evidence for practical and legislative changes to prevent them from facing prolonged uncertainty in the care system.
A key focus of the event will be the impact of uncertainty, instability and broken primary carer relationships on babies and children who enter the care system.
Within the current system children can experience multiple home moves and numerous primary caregivers due to drift and delays in decision making within the care system about their permanent home.
This can be harmful for all children, but it’s particularly damaging for babies who are uniquely vulnerable during this critical stage in their development. It can also lead to a greater risk of being exposed to abuse and neglect, disrupted relationships, and increased likelihood of the need for ongoing support as they transition to adulthood and throughout their lives.
The National Summit will set out why infancy is a crucial stage of development and a unique opportunity to improve a child’s future and needs a distinct response from all the adults and services supporting them.
Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy manager, said: “Delays in securing a permanent home for a baby or child should not be seen as simply administrative issues. They have a profound impact on their development, relationships, wellbeing and future.
“Babies and children cannot wait. Their needs do not pause while systems deliberate. Scotland now has an opportunity to build a system that delivers timely decisions, protects the rights of infants, supports families effectively and provides children with the safety, stability and loving relationships they need to thrive.
“This summit aims to build consensus around the need for reform and identify practical and legislative changes that will ensure babies and children experience a more stable and timely journey through the care system.”
Lucy Morton, Scotland Development Lead for Parent-Infant Foundation said: “Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily.
“Early relationships between babies and their caregivers are incredibly important. If babies are within an uncertain system, with instability and broken relationships with their caregivers, this can be particularly damaging. We want to help change this and our work with infant mental health teams in Scotland helps us envisage a more responsive and therapeutic system.
“We are delighted to be working with NSPCC Scotland to help bring together experts at the Summit to build understanding and collectively help speak up for all babies in Scotland.”
Findings from the BeST? services trial, led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the NSPCC and other universities[1], showed that achieving a permanent home for children in Scotland takes nearly four and a half times longer in Scotland than in England.
The research also showed that only 27% of children got a permanent home within five years and among those who did, the average time taken to achieve this was 488 days.
And Scotland’s care system for under-fives costs around twice as much as England’s.
The research also showed that in England, where a family court Judge oversees cases and sets clear timescales, all the adults involved are more likely to put the baby or child’s developmental needs at the centre of decision making throughout.
The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act introduces a range of changes intended to improve support for children in care and people with care experience, including new rights and support around advocacy, aftercare and kinship care.
Before it was passed, NSPCC Scotland proposed an amendment to introduce legal time limits for decisions about a child’s permanent home, but this was rejected.
However, the charity then worked with cross party MSPs including Martin Whitfield and Fulton McGregor, to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to review permanence legislation in the next parliamentary term.
A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.
In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.
The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.
Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it. My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.
“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”
The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.
Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.
“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring. While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.
House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”
Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.
ASH Scotland and Scottish dental experts are welcoming a measure under the Tobacco and Vapes Act coming into force on Friday (29 October 2026) making it an offence to sell nicotine pouches to people under the age of 18.
The restriction, which aims to reduce sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to young people, is being welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, the British Dental Association Scotland and an Edinburgh-based paediatric dentist, following growing concerns about impacts on oral health.
A health risk assessment by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that a main risk of using nicotine pouches is the high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system and presents high risks for children.
Dentists in Scotland are also warning that the use of nicotine pouches can cause chronic inflammation and other negative impacts on gum tissue.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said: “ASH Scotland welcomes this long overdue legislation to prevent sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to children.
“Nicotine addiction can have a devastating impact on young people through affecting their cardiovascular system, brain development and mental health.
“This restriction is an essential step in closing legal loopholes and preventing the tobacco and nicotine industry from continuing to generate massive profits at a cost to children’s health.”
Charlotte Waite, Director of the British Dental Association Scotland. said: “Dentists have already seen the impact these pouches can have on the gums of patients barely in their teens.
“It’s absolutely right to take them off the menu for young people.”
Francesca Capaldi, a paediatric dentist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, said: “Emerging evidence is raising concerns about the impact of nicotine pouches on oral health, including burning, pain and changes to the gums.
“We must take steps to protect children and young people from these potential harms and safeguard their oral health and wellbeing.”
In addition to the age of sale restrictions for nicotine pouches, the new law is also making it a criminal offence to provide free samples, discounts or coupons to promote all recreational nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Talented bands from across Scotland are taking part in The Beatles Marathon UK, a day-long musical journey held at Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 14th November 2026, starting at midday. Bands will play all 13 studio albums by The Beatles to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
This is the third Marathon, after hugely successful events in 2023 and 2024 raised over £21,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by late rugby legend Doddie Weir who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017.
Money raised for the Foundation is used to support those suffering from the disease, their families, and ultimately funds research to find a cure.
For co-founders Scott and Stuart McGachan, the Marathon is deeply personal. Growing up alongside their older sister Clare, there was never a moment without music at home. The trio were raised by their parents Pat and Moira on a musical diet of Gerry Rafferty, Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, and – of course – The Beatles.
In 2021, Pat was diagnosed with MND and his health quickly deteriorated. MND affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse with time. There is no cure – only treatments to reduce the impact it has on a person’s life.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Stuart, who had now moved to the US, had hoped to take his father to Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where a single band takes on the entire Beatles catalogue over the course of a day. But Pat’s health meant that travelling to the US was not an option.
It was clear that the Marathon would have to come to Pat, and so Stuart and Scott founded The Beatles Marathon UK, hoping that their father would be able to enjoy all of the hits by the fab four one last time. Sadly, it was not to be, and Pat passed away just weeks before the first event in 2023.
The Beatles Marathon UK now stands as a tribute to Pat and all those fighting MND. Funds raised during the event will empower the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to support individuals like Pat, and provide much-needed assistance to families like the McGachans as they navigate through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.
This year’s event will feature a digital release of Pat’s version of ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’, sung by Pat himself. With parallels to the production of ‘Now and Then’, released by The Beatles in 2023, the McGachan family were able to isolate Pat’s vocals from a 2016 demo he recorded.
Pat’s composition of the 1965 track, which he called the “cowboy version”, has been professionally recorded with a little help from his friends and family who play on the recording.
This process gave those involved one final opportunity to play and sing in harmony with Pat. The result is a beautiful and heartfelt rendition, true to Pat’s vision. The record will be released on streaming platforms in the lead-up to the Marathon, and Scott’s band Unrising Sun will play Pat’s version of ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’ on the night, featuring guest appearances.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Tickets for this year’s Beatles Marathon UK are on sale and selling fast. They can be purchased through the event’s website at www.BeatlesMarathon.com. The event is family-friendly, with free entry for under 6s and discounted tickets for under 18s. Food and drink is on offer from local vendors, and additional entertainment is available for children.
Bands playing at this year’s Marathon include Sebastian Dangerfield, Broken by Rock, Hard Dave’s Night, The Charles Hawtrey Band, Unrising Sun, Jumbo Gibson, Mountain People, Kings of Marigold, The Bad Eggs, Lollapaloosers, and Eight Arms to Hold You.
Responding to the Scottish Government’s new Benefit Take-up Strategy, released yesterday, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Today, the Scottish Government published its third Benefit Take-up Strategy. As the charity for older people facing financial hardship, we know firsthand how important income maximisation is for the older people in Scotland that we work with.
“With over £350 million going unpaid every year to older people on low-incomes, improving take-up of social security is essential to tackling poverty in later life. Our research shows that if there was full take-up of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction across Scotland, 30,000 older people would be pulled out of poverty and there would be a £90 million reduction in health and social care spending each year.
“However, our Older People’s Index 2026 revealed that 1 in 5 older people don’t know about Pension Credit, and around 1 in 4 don’t know about Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit, with even lower awareness of support like the Scottish Welfare Fund. So, this strategy and the actions proposed are incredibly important.
“We are therefore pleased to see a greater focus on how agencies can work together to increase take-up across all entitlements including those reserved to Westminster.
“We also welcome moves to better use existing data to help people access their entitlements no matter who administers them and look forward to seeing measurable progress.”
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