Tag: Health and wellbeing

‘Biggest public sector reform for decades’: consultation launched

A National Care Service for Scotland – but COSLA condemns proposals

A consultation has been launched to seek the public’s views ahead of the creation of a National Care Service, which will ensure everyone who needs it can expect the same standards of care, wherever they live in Scotland.

Local government umbrella organisation Cosla has criticised the government’s plan as another move to undermine local democracy.

The National Care Service will deliver person-centred care that supports people in a way that suits their needs, providing real benefits for those who are being cared for and the people who care for them. It will introduce ethical commissioning, based on fair work principles, for the benefit of everyone involved.

The consultation sets out some of the options for delivering social care in a way which changes the system from one that supports people to survive to one that empowers them to thrive. It recognises that this will involve significant cultural and system change that will need to be supported by new laws, and new ways of working.

In order to deliver these recommendations there will continue to be strong local accountability.  The consultation proposes Community Health and Social Care Boards to strengthen the voice of the local population, with people with lived experience and local elected members sitting alongside professionals.

Consulting on the proposals was one of the commitments for the first 100 days of this government. Implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care, and the establishment of a National Care Service, will be one of the most significant tasks of the current parliament.

At a minimum the new National Care Service will cover adult social care services. However, the consultation document also recognises that if we want to build a comprehensive community health and social care system, we should consider extending its scope to other groups such as children and young people, community justice, alcohol and drug services, and social work.

Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “The importance of our social care services has never been clearer. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our nation’s carers, paid and unpaid, for the commitment and compassion we have seen throughout the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government commissioned the Independent Review of Adult Social Care during the pandemic, because it was clear we needed to do things better in future.

“We have already made significant improvements, with reforms such as the integration of health and social care, and implementation of the Real Living Wage Policy for Adult Social Care workers and this year the Scottish Government pledged £64.5m to fully fund the pay increase. But we can go further. What we are now proposing is the biggest public sector reform for decades, since the creation of the National Health Service.                                                                            

“I am committed to implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review  and staying true to the spirit of that report by building a system with human rights at the heart of it.

“The Review recommended the creation of a National Care Service, with Scottish Ministers being accountable for adult social care support. I believe however that it is right for this consultation to look beyond simply the creation of a national service for adult social care. The ambition of this government is to go much further, and to create a comprehensive community health and social care service that supports people of all ages. We are also committed to a ensuring there is strong local accountability in the system.

“Absolutely vital to this is ensuring that our invaluable social care workforce feel happy, respected and fulfilled in their role.

“We are at the beginning of a journey to improve social care in Scotland. We will only get this right with your support. I want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible over the next couple of months, so we can build a better system together.”

In a statement, the Social Covenant Steering Group which will advise on the creation of a National Care Service, said: “Most of us have waited many years to see plans for major improvements in the way social care support is delivered and we welcome the publication of this consultation.  

“Many people may feel they have been consulted before and are keen to see some action.  But this time it is an important legal step in in order that a bill can be put to Parliament. 

“So, it is important that as many people as possible including; current users of social care support, unpaid carers, the workforce and everyone else who cares about this vital support will take this opportunity to express their views on the kind of system we need to enable everyone to reach their potential.”

The Consultation on the National Care Service which was launched today cuts straight through the heart of the way Scotland is governed, says COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison:

“The Consultation launched today cuts through the heart of governance in Scotland – not only does it have serious implications for Local Government – it is an attack on localism and on the rights of local people to make decisions  democratically for their Place.  It once again brings a centralising approach to how decisions which should be taken locally are made.

“We welcomed large parts of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care and have been keen to get on and deliver, however the vision this consultation sets out goes beyond the Feeley Report. It isn’t evidence based and will take years to deliver – years when we should be making improvements which will benefit all users of social care services.

“Councils know their communities and all the evidence suggests that local democratic decision making works.  Councils have shown time and time again during the last 18 months of the pandemic that we can deliver for the communities we serve when we are trusted and resourced to do so.

“It is deeply concerning that the consultation is also a considerable departure from the recommendations of the independent review set up to look at Adult Social Care.

“The lack of prior engagement with Local Government is not new – the partnership between the Scottish Government and Local Government which we have been seeking to build, continues to elude us in practice and it is the communities we serve who are losing out.

“Let’s be clear – this is not a “thinly veiled” attack on Local Government – there is no subtlety to it and, sadly for local communities, the ‘onion peel’ of Local Government services by this Government shows no sign of letting up.

“On behalf of the communities we serve, COSLA and Local Government will engage constructively with the Consultation process.  People may be surprised by the extent of services covered by this Consultation and I would urge as many as possible to respond to it, as this could really be the end for anything other than central control in Scotland.

“We all want better services for our communities, nobody more so than Local Government and that is what Local and National Government should be working on collectively for our communities.”              

Consultation on a National Care Service for Scotland. 

A number of consultation events will be held throughout late August, September and October.

“Don’t forget about flu”

Free flu vaccination programme extended

More people than ever in Scotland will be offered the free flu vaccine to help protect as many lives as possible this winter.

Those people eligible for the free flu vaccine now include:

  • those aged 50 and over
  • those aged 6 months to 49 years who have certain underlying health conditions which increase risk
  • pregnant women
  • children aged 2-5 (not yet at school)
  • health and social care staff
  • unpaid and young carers
  • all primary and secondary school age children, (in school setting)
  • independent NHS contractors, (GP, dental and optometry practices, community pharmacists), laboratory staff (working on COVID-19 testing) including support staff
  • teachers, nursery teachers and support staff in close contact with pupils
  • prison staff and support staff in close contact with the prison population (delivering direct detention services)
  • those in the prison population

The flu vaccination programme will run from this September until March 2022. All those who are eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as possible when invited to protect themselves and others and help the NHS and social care services avoid additional pressure over the winter period.

Almost every year in Scotland thousands of people are hospitalised with flu. This winter our immunity may be even lower than usual due to lower levels of the flu virus circulating last year as a result of the crucial public health measures in place to protect the population from COVID-19. Therefore this year, more than ever, it is important to get the flu vaccine to ensure everyone is protected.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer has written to the healthcare professionals who will be delivering the flu vaccine to ensure they are prepared to deliver our largest ever flu programme from September.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Flu can be extremely serious and is very infectious. With COVID-19 still circulating in the community we can best protect the people of Scotland by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated against flu too. 

“That’s why this flu season, we are extending the vaccination programme and offering the flu vaccine to around four million people in Scotland. This will help to protect those most at risk as well as ease pressure on our National Health Service and social care services. The vaccines are safe and the best way to help protect you, and others, from flu this winter.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman said: “The public health measures put in place to help fight against COVID-19 meant that the circulation of flu viruses was very low last season.

“As restrictions continue to lift and we get back to living our lives more normally it is important this year, more than ever, that you receive your flu vaccine if you are eligible, and before flu starts to spread widely. It only takes a few minutes to be vaccinated, and it helps to provide protection from flu for the period of time that flu is likely to be circulating in Scotland.

“The JCVI has also published interim advice on providing a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to those eligible in the autumn. Any such extension to the vaccine programme would run alongside the vital flu programme, to protect those at risk from flu this winter.

“We will take this into account while we await the final JCVI recommendations. But we urge people not to forget about flu, and to come forward for their flu vaccination this year.”

Heart Research UK: Healthy Heart Tips

Getting Fit Whilst Getting to Work

Many more of us who have been working from home will be set to return to offices either part-time or full-time over the coming weeks and months (writes Dr HELEN FLAHERTY).

There has never been a better time to start integrating exercise into your commute, as we begin to establish new routines both at work and home. With this in mind, here are some tips for doing just that:

Park further from work

Not everyone lives within cycling distance of their workplace, and you may rely on a car to get from A to B.

If this is the case, try parking further from work and cycling the last part of your commute.

Track your distance

It can be really motivating to see how far you have cycled over a week or month and you may be surprised about just how far you can go with an extra few miles each day!

Apps like Strava are great for tracking how far you have cycled over a long period of time.

Adapt your routine

If getting on your bike is simply a matter of starting out a little earlier, consider what might have to change within your routine to accommodate for this.

This may be getting to bed earlier, preparing your meals the night before, or having a lighter breakfast before you set off.

Invest in a new bike

Buying some new equipment can be a great first step towards committing to a new habit.

If you find your rusty old bike is putting you off commuting, you may look to see if your employer is signed up to the Cycle-to-Work scheme where you can get a brand new bike at a lower, monthly cost than you may otherwise pay.

You may also be able to donate your old bike to a local bike renovation scheme.

Older people invited to participate in University nature walks study

This Edinburgh University Dept of Clinical Psychology project aims to evaluate the impact of nature walks for older adults who would otherwise be restricted in their ability to access nature. 

The University of Edinburgh are looking for participants who are:

• 65 and over

• Fluent in English

• Unable to access nature based outdoor spaces

Participation involves taking part in an online survey and watching a short video clip. This should take around 40minutes.  

To take part visit www.tinyurl.com/outdoorwalks.

For more information contact lead researcher: Sarah Montrose at:

s2007876@sms.ed.ac.uk 

Information for Participants:

PIS__final1Download

VOCAL’s Carer Survey now open

The Edinburgh and Midlothian 2021 Carer Survey is now open!

This survey will ask you about your current or past caring role, and taking a break from caring, work, money, and your health and wellbeing. It will also cover the support and services you have accessed. You don’t need to be registered with VOCAL to take part.

As a thank you for your time, you can enter a prize draw. There are two prizes up for grabs:

  • a one-week free holiday to VOCAL’s new carer cottage in Blair Atholl, plus £150 to spend
  • a £50 eVoucher for a retailer of your choice

All responses are anonymous and you can provide as much information as you feel comfortable with. Your support will help develop the future of carer support in Edinburgh  and Midlothian and we would really appreciate your time.

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and you can save your progress and come back at a later time. VOCAL’s Carer Support Teams in Edinburgh (0131 622 6666) and Midlothian (0131 663 6869) can also support you in completing the survey, simply call them for advice.

Have your say and complete the survey.

The survey will close on Friday 10 September and if you have any questions, please email social@vocal.org.uk

Have your say! https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162506936253

Cole-Hamilton comments on Lothian’s A & E “crisis”

Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has commented on the waiting times “crisis” that is emerging across Lothian A&E units.

Mr Cole-Hamilton, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health since 2016, made his comments following reports yesterday that the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is on the brink of having to declare a major incident.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “Reports of Edinburgh patients waiting up to twelve hours for treatments are not just concerning, but they are potentially catastrophic for our healthcare service.

“The escalation of this so-called “ping-demic” is having devastating effects across our health services, and many of our hospitals are working at minimum staff capacity because of it. Of course, we must be vigilant, but our NHS simply cannot cope when faced with such reduced staffing measures.

“The Scottish Government need to come forward with concrete actions and urgent changes on isolation policies. That means a test and release system, as recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons and others.”

‘Prehabilitation’ for cancer patients in Scotland

A new scheme to provide pre-treatment support to cancer patients is launching across Scotland. The project will give tailored help and advice on exercise, nutrition and mental health, to improve outcomes for those preparing for cancer treatment.

Prehabilitation – pre-treatment rehabilitation – will be offered at all eight Maggie’s centres across the country, thanks to Scottish Government investment of £270,000.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the charity’s Dundee centre where he learned more about the project. He said: “Prehabilitation enables people with cancer to physically and mentally prepare for treatment by adopting healthy behaviours – with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for them.

“It can reduce the length of stay in hospital and post-treatment complications, and improve recovery, fitness, nutritional status, neuro-cognitive function and quality of life.

“This pilot scheme will help us understand how the NHS and Third Sector can work together to help people ahead of their cancer treatment.

“With eight centres across Scotland, working with Maggie’s allows us to meet the needs of cancer patients close to home. We want to empower them to get the best possible results from their treatment, and improve their long-term health.

“Cancer treatment has remained a top priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee said: “We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to support people with new cancer diagnoses to understand the benefits of making changes before treatment begins.

“Gentle exercise, eating well and emotional and psychological support are already aspects of the Maggie’s core programme of support – but this usually comes after the patient has started treatment. This new project will ensure newly diagnosed people find support sooner, and will be delivered while working with the NHS as part of their overall care package.”

Prehabilitation is a flagship action in the Scottish Government’s Cancer Plan. As a component of rehabilitation, it should underpin the whole cancer pathway and be integral to the care of all people with a cancer diagnosis.

The Scottish Government has established a Cancer Prehabilitation Steering Group, to ensure lessons from the Maggie’s pilot and other approaches are shared across Scotland and inform future ways of working.

Liver disease diagnosis in Scotland ‘is a postcode lottery’

New research published today in a leading GP journal shows that large parts of Scotland do not have an effective way of identifying people with liver disease, resulting in late diagnosis.

The research, produced from a survey undertaken by the British Liver Trust, used a Freedom of Information request, and shows for the first time how many areas across the country have little or no formal structures in place for detecting and managing liver disease and liver cancer.

The mapped survey results (see below) also show huge swathes of the UK (marked in red) do not have any effective patient pathway in place. This is in sharp contrast to other chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, where patients receive standardised care.

Figure 1 Areas in red have no pathway in place. Amber denotes areas with a partial pathway or pathway in development. Green areas have a full pathway in place. Areas in black did not respond.

Three quarters of people in the UK are currently diagnosed when it is too late for effective intervention or treatment and one in four people diagnosed late in hospital sadly die within a couple of months.

The charity is now calling for earlier detection of liver disease and better patient care across all regions of the UK to be prioritized, and is working to influence healthcare commissioners.

Dr Helen Jarvis, Clinical Advisor for the British Liver Trust and lead author of the research, says: “Anyone who has liver disease, or is at risk of getting it, should get the medical care and advice they need no matter where in the country they live. 

“The publication of this new data shows that, unfortunately, in the UK this is not yet the case. There are pockets of good practice, but there are also many areas that do not have a consistent approach to testing for and diagnosing liver disease. It shouldn’t be a postcode lottery.

“GPs and other healthcare professionals in primary care are doing a fantastic job under a lot of pressure, but in many areas, they’re working within a system that doesn’t allow them to detect and treat liver disease effectively. 

“Unfortunately, many GPs also report a lack confidence and knowledge when it comes to managing the condition. Sadly, this means that in many cases, people with liver disease are diagnosed far too late when treatment options are limited. This had led to thousands of avoidable deaths.

“The liver is an incredibly resilient organ, but only up to a point. Symptoms of liver disease often only appear once damage has progressed and the liver is starting to fail. However, 90% of liver disease is preventable and, in many cases, it’s reversable if caught in time. That’s why early detection and prevention are key.”

Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, said: “Shockingly, deaths due to liver disease have more than doubled in the last 20 years and the condition is expected to overtake heart disease as the biggest cause of premature death in the UK in the next few years.

“Obesity, alcohol and viral hepatitis are the three main risk factors for preventable liver disease.

“We need to take urgent action to stop this silent killer in its tracks. Although the results of our research are very concerning, we do know that there are areas of good practice and that the changes we’re calling for are entirely possible and will save many lives. 

“We now need to take what’s working well in those areas with good liver patient care and apply them in others so that every person with liver disease gets the best possible care, no matter where in the UK they live.”

Scottish Government announces new national facility for families affected by drug use

A new residential rehabilitation facility to support families affected by drug use is to be developed in North Ayrshire.

Funding for the National Specialist Residential Family Service which will be run by the charity and housing association Phoenix Futures and based in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, has been agreed in principle. The facility will provide rehabilitation services for twenty families at any one time and will be based on an existing facility run by the organisation in Sheffield.

Once given final approval, funding for the development will be made available from the £100 million announced as part of the national mission to improve and increase the provision of residential rehabilitation.

Meanwhile following the publication of the latest drug-related death statistics, an urgent review has been ordered on the use of so-called street benzos after latest statistics showed the drugs were implicated in 73% of drug-related deaths in 2020.

Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia however increasingly, illicit supplies of street benzos are being used with opiates such as methadone and heroin contributing to poly-drug use in Scotland.

The rapid evidence review will look at who is using the drugs and why in order that measures to reduce demand can be introduced. It follows work by the Drug Deaths Taskforce to develop guidelines on the consistent prescribing of benzodiazepines across the country so that people can be offered support for their drug use and any underlying mental health problems.

Other actions include:

  • commissioning research on the role and risks of methadone in drug related deaths
  • awareness campaign on the increasing availability of naloxone and its benefits
  • awareness campaign on stigma and its negative effect on people seeking treatment
  • consider whether alcohol and drugs services should be included in new National Care Service as part of the consultation
  • setting of a target for the number of people in treatment for 2022

Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said: “Once again, Scotland drug-related death statistics are a national disgrace and my heart goes out to all the families who have lost a loved one.

“We announced a national mission on this crisis in January and we have been taking a range of actions to tackle this national tragedy backed by an investment of £250 million over the next five years.

“Of that, £20 million each year is being spent on increasing capacity and improving access to residential rehabilitation and to that end, we have approved in principle an application for a development in North Ayrshire which will create a new national specialist service for families. It is vital that we make it easier for parents to access treatment by removing any barriers such as a lack of childcare and this project, run by Phoenix Futures will do exactly that.

“Though men are more likely to use and experience harms from drugs, there has been a disproportionate increase in drug related deaths among women and there is a strong link between women having children removed from their care and risk of drug related death.

“Poly-drug use – the use of more than one drug at a time – is an increasing concern with benzos implicated in almost three quarters of deaths last year and I have asked for an urgent review of benzo use so we can fully address the rise in popularity of this type of drug and reduce the demand.

“To tackle the number of drug deaths in this country we must increase the number of people in treatment and we will shortly be announcing a target so we can measure the impact of the introduction of the Medication-Assisted Treatment standards. These include the roll-out of same-day support services for anyone asking for help.

“We know there is much work to do and that the investment we are making must reach those directly affected by drug use and I am absolutely determined to make every penny count.”

Phoenix Futures Director of Operations CJ Williams said: “The Scottish Government’s Residential Rehabilitation Rapid Capacity Programme (Recovery Fund) announcement that it has agreed in principle to fund a National Specialist Residential Family Service in Scotland has been well received by all at Phoenix Futures Scotland.

“There is a clear and defined need for a service that supports families to stay together in a safe residential setting. Phoenix Futures have decades of experience of providing services for families to draw from in establishing and operating this new project.

“The Specialist Family Service will create fairer access to residential rehab for the whole family, and is a welcomed start to the commitment of investment from The Scottish Government as part of its mission to reduce drug related deaths and harms.

“We look forward to working with all involved to open Scotland’s National Specialist Residential Family service.”

Lothian Tory MSP calls for local residential rehab to be utilised

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called for local residential rehab to be utilised, following the announcement that a national rehab centre is to be developed in North Ayrshire.

The facility will provide rehabilitation services for twenty families at any one time and will be based on an existing facility run by the organisation in Sheffield.

Once given final approval, funding for the development will be made available from the £100 million announced as part of the national mission to improve and increase the provision of residential rehabilitation.

Scottish Ministers agreed to increase funding for rehabilitation beds earlier this year, following a campaign by the Scottish Conservatives to secure the funding.

Last week figures were released showing that drug related deaths in Scotland had reach a new record high, having risen consecutively in each of the last seven years.

The number of drug related deaths in Lothian rose to 159, an increase of 4 deaths from 155 in 2019. The number of drug related deaths in Lothian has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

The Scottish Conservatives are calling for the Right to Rehabilitation to be made into law, so that anyone needing drug and rehabilitation support has a legal right to access it.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Scotland used to have a national rehab centre in the form of Castle Craig Hospital which used to provide vital residential rehab to NHS patients across Scotland.

“It is fundamentally clear that the drug deaths crisis needs to see all available services utilised. That is why Scottish Conservatives have led calls for a Right to Rehab.

“Castle Craig Hospital sits just 20 miles south of Edinburgh. But currently only 2 of the 60 patients are NHS funded.

“I have visited Castle Craig Hospital and was hugely impressed with the residential rehab services they offered and the person centred care which was helping people mostly from the Netherlands to get their lives back on track.

“There are growing questions being asked why SNP Ministers not using the rehab beds available on NHS Lothian’s doorstep ? 

“I have raised the opportunities which Castle Craig Hospital could present with SNP Ministers for years – we’ve seen no action as the same time as drug deaths have escalated to the shocking level we see today.

“I have written to Drugs Minister, Angela Constance, to ask why SNP Ministers are not utilising this local residential rehab facility and instead will expect patients across the East to travel Ayrshire when local rehab opportunities already exist.”

Scotland opens first new blood donor centre in 60 years

Scotland’s first new blood donor centre venue in at least 60 years has opened at The Centre, Livingston – at a crucial point in history for the nation’s blood donors.

Recent exceptional weather combined with the easing of pandemic restrictions has led to a dip in group O and A blood donations – and with elective surgeries recommencing across the country, the need for donations is rising.

Livingston Donor Centre, situated in The Centre, aims to bring in 210 donations each week from donors living, shopping and working in the area. Designed to make blood donation easier by placing the facility within a busy shopping centre (with excellent transport links and ample parking) the hope is the venue makes it easier for local people to build giving blood into their regular routines.

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, says: “We’re delighted to be opening our new venue in Livingston today. It’s a fantastic new facility which will play a huge part in saving lives across Scotland in the future.

“This is the very first time we’ve opened a blood donor centre in a brand new Scottish location since the 1960’s – up until now, our donor centres have all been based in our biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

“However, no matter where you live, patients in Scotland need you to make an extra special effort to give blood in the coming days.

“The good weather, lockdown easing and the school holidays, mean we really need donors with the blood group O and A – that’s O-, O+, A- and A+ donors in particular.

“Please make a special effort to keep your appointment, and let us know if you need to cancel. If you’ve never given blood before, or haven’t for a while, now is the time to donate.

“The Livingston Donor Centre is currently a pilot, and we plan to be in this venue for six months. we welcome all donor feedback on the blood donor centre, its location, donating hours and your donation experience there.”

  • Please make an appointment to give blood at Livingston Blood Donor Centre.
  • You can book your appointment by creating your online donor account at www.scotblood.co.uk,  contacting us online, or by phoning 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).