While urban greenspace is often associated with improved mental health, new research has found the benefits are dependent on the characteristics of the population using the space – and their proximity to it.
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) looked at the link between greenspace and prescription rates to treat mental health disorders across all Scottish towns with more than 10,000 residents.
They found a significant relationship between mental health and the amount of urban greenspace in areas with high proportions of people from black and minority ethnic and/or in areas of high deprivation.
However, the link between lower prescription rates and greenspace in these communities was only evident when looking at those spaces in the immediate neighbourhood. When considering greenspace within a 30-minute walk, no significant relationship was found between greenspace and mental health disorders.
This suggests that the mental health benefits of greenspace for these groups occur where it is closest to home – with previous research finding they are often the least likely to use their nearest greenspace.
Researchers found no significant relationship between mental health and green space in all other population groups.
The research, which has been published by the Urban Forestry & Urban Greening journal, will provide valuable information for urban and land-use planning, where decisions are taken at the population level.
The lead author Dr Michaela Roberts, Environmental Economist at the James Hutton Institute, said: “Our work supports the broad supposition that greenspace and mental health are positively related, and adds further support for the need to understand a populations’ relationship with greenspaces, to ensure urban greening achieves the highest gains for communities.”
Co-author Alistair McVittie, Ecosystem Services Economist at SRUC, said: “Our results highlight that the relationship between greenspace and mental health relies not only on the presence of greenspace itself, but also on the characteristics of the population using the greenspace.”
The research was funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services Division.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has confirmed that more than 100 military personnel will be drafted in to help tackle the ambulance crisis. He also told MSPs that additional funding of £20 million will be invested in the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) to help improve response times, alleviate pressures and improve staff wellbeing.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Yousaf announced:
assistance from more than 100 military personnel – 88 drivers and 15 support staff – following final approval by the Ministry of Defence. Personnel are expected to begin deployment from this weekend onwards.
around 100 2nd year paramedic students to help in ambulance control rooms
more Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers at the busiest A&Es, increasing from 11 to 20 – helping ensure timely admission of patients at A&E and reduce ambulance waiting times
additional help from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in the form of volunteer drivers, as well as the British Red Cross and private transport companies where clinically appropriate
immediate work to create temporary admission wards in hospitals, meaning patients can be admitted quicker
additional senior clinical input in ambulance control rooms and to assist and speed up decision-making on mental health, addictions, falls, breathing difficulties, high intensity users and trauma
£500,000 to fund staff wellbeing measures
14 additional staff members in Highland to reduce the on-call requirement in Campeltown, and remove it completely in Fort William, Kirkwall and Broadford.
Tuesday’s funding announcement comes in addition to £20 million already announced as part of the NHS Recovery Plan. That investment will deliver a net increase of almost 300 ambulance service staff by April 2022.
Mr Yousaf said: “The global pandemic has created the most challenging crisis in the history of the NHS. Ambulance services around the UK, as well as the wider NHS, are experiencing unprecedented demand – largely because of COVID-19, but also due to a combination of increasingly complex cases, and exceptionally busy emergency departments.
“The Scottish Ambulance Service is the heartbeat of our NHS. It has a unique role in engaging with all parts of the health and social care system across the whole of Scotland – 24 hours of every day. It is vital that we ensure it has the support it needs to perform this crucial role.
“The additional investment I have set out today means that the Scottish Ambulance service’s frontline budget for this year is more than 16% higher than it was last year. The measures we have announced today will begin to address some of these issues, both improving the level of service for the public, and also helping to reduce the pressure on the workforce, who are doing so much to serve the public during these incredibly demanding times.”
BPS survey reveals high level of parents’ fears about effect of pandemic on primary school playtime
A survey for the British Psychological Society (BPS) has revealed that more than three-quarters of parents of primary-aged children believe play is now more than or just as important as academic catch-up, amid fears the pandemic has reduced opportunities for their children to engage in playtime at school.
Almost all parents who responded to the BPS survey said access to playtime in the primary school day was important for their children (96 per cent).
Yet research shows that since 1995, children’s break times in the school day have been reduced by 45 minutes a week, resulting in eight out of ten children now having less than one hour of physical activity per day.*
As a result of the findings, the BPS is launching a Time to Play campaign to put more play back in the school day, restore the playtime eroded and reverse the negative impact on children’s wellbeing and development.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by the BPS, had more than 1,500 respondents from across the UK. Key findings include:
96 per cent of parents surveyed said access to playtime in the school day was either very important (79 per cent) or important (17 per cent) for their children
79 per cent of parents said play was more important or equally as important as academic catch up for their children post-pandemic.
69 per cent were very or fairly concerned that the pandemic has impacted on the opportunities their children have for unstructured playtime at school.
61 per cent ranked social development as the most important benefit of play to their child.
Dr Dan O’Hare, co-chair of the BPS Division of Educational and Child Psychology, said: “It’s clear from the survey findings that play is valued highly by parents. We now need the government to take bold action and prioritise school playtime for our children’s development.
“This isn’t an ‘ask’ for more playtime, it’s about reclaiming what has been lost. There needs to be adequate support, funding and resources for teachers who are already under increasing pressure to deliver the curriculum.”
The campaign will urge the government to put back 10 minutes each day onto school playtime, effectively reversing the years of decline by restoring 50 minutes spread over a week.
In June this year, in a Statement to Parliament on the education recovery programme, the previous Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the next stage of the government’s recovery plan would include a review of time spent in school and college. The findings of the review are scheduled to be set out this year.
Against this backdrop, the BPS is calling for a focus on unstructured, child-led play in school, highlighting its benefits including aiding social development, problem solving and physical development as vital priorities alongside academic catch-up.
Dr O’Hare added: “We know that pre-pandemic children’s playtime has been eroded and now, against the landscape of ‘academic catch up’ after lockdowns, closures and pressure on children and schools, this issue is even more urgent.
“Reduced opportunities to play will likely have a negative impact on the wellbeing and development of children, and it is vital that we don’t forget that children have also missed out on play with their friends, physical activity and fun.
“It’s important to understand the role play has in children’s development to really understand why we are campaigning to get more play in the school day. Play is fundamental to children’s health and wellbeing. It can develop children’s skills in coping with challenge, facing uncertainty and how to be flexible and adaptable to different circumstances.
“The intrinsic value of play is that it brings entertainment, enjoyment and freedom to children. It is important that there are opportunities for all children to have high quality play throughout the school day, regardless of their needs, skills and abilities.”
We know visits from loved ones can help with recovery. Please help us keep everyone safe by following this guidance:
To ensure that there are not high numbers of people in multi-bedded rooms we need to work with you to plan visits.
Please do not visit if you have COVID symptoms or have been identified as a contact of someone who is.
On arrival please check-in with a member of the ward team who will make sure that it is safe to visit.
Each patient may have two designated visitors (this can be changed throughout the stay if required).
If both visitors are from the same household, they may visit together. If they are not, they must visit separately.
Visitors must have had both doses of the Covid vaccine, the second dose more than 14 days before any visit.
Unfortunately, children and young people under 16 will not usually be able to visit.
These arrangements may vary. In certain circumstances more than two people may visit, e.g. when patients are nearing the end of life, or for patients with dementia whose distress may be eased by the presence of a relative or carer.
You must wear a face covering during your visit and follow infection control guidance.
We want to ensure that our patients have close contact with you during the visit, therefore holding hands is permitted but you must adhere to hand hygiene requirements. You do not need to wear gloves.
During outbreaks we may need to amend our guidance to maintain safety.
Please maintain physical distancing in communal areas of the hospital.
The name and contact details of those visiting will be kept should we need to inform NHS SCotland Test and Protect.
Thank you for following our guidance and helping keep everyone safe.
We encourage all visitors to take a voluntary Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting. Information on how to order Lateral Flow Tests is available on the Scottish Government’s website. Tests can also be collected from COVID testing centres in the afternoon or early evenings. If you do not wish to have a test or are not able to, you will still be permitted to visit.
It is essential you do not visit if you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
a persistent cough
flu-like symptoms
fever
new loss of taste or smell
It is also essential that you should not visit if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19); you should remain at home for the required isolation period, which is currently 14 days.
In order to keep our patients as safe as possible, the guidance may need to be amended at short notice. If this is the case, we will tell you why and keep it under review where possible.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has partnered up with Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity and leading first aid training provider, St Andrew’s First Aid, to provide free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to ten Scottish Men’s Sheds.
The SMSA put a call out to the 190+ Men’s Sheds across Scotland inviting them to apply for the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and received 44 applications showing a huge demand for this vital equipment (retailed at just over £1,500) to be located at Shed premises across Scotland.
The ten recipients will use the equipment to not only protect their members but – with the addition of an outdoor cabinet purchased by the Shed – will also make them accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sudden cardiac arrest strikes 7 million people a year worldwide with no warning and no pattern. There’s little time to react and even less time to think, this means an AED must be close at hand, easy-to-use and ready to shock.
Chris Jowsey, Treasurer of Glenkens Men’s Shed, said: “One of our members had a cardiac arrest whilst at the Shed and sadly passed away despite the prompt actions of his fellow Shedders to get medical assistance. We can’t help but wonder if we’d had a defibrillator that day, if the outcome might have been different.
“We are delighted to have received this defibrillator through the SMSA and St Andrews First Aid and to be able to make it accessible to our entire community.”
Tom Bennett of Springburn Park Men’s Shed (above) said: “We have been trying to raise funds for a defibrillator for over two years for our Shed located within a public park in our village.
“We are thrilled to accept and maintain this defibrillator and make it accessible to our members, other community groups, park users and the general public.”
Jim Dorman, Director of Campaigns and Public Engagement at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Knowing that these vital pieces of equipment will be available to both members of the ten Sheds and to the wider communities will hopefully bring considerable peace of mind.
“With every minute that passes following a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival drops by 10%. Swift use of a defibrillator is all the difference needed to significantly increase a person’s chance of survival. We are delighted to donate these defibrillators to help more communities save lives.”
The successful Men’s Sheds across Scotland are: Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed; Forfar and District Men’s Shed; Glenkens Men’s Shed; Inverurie & District Men’s Shed; Macmerry Men’s Shed; Mens Shed Dumfries; Pentlands Men’s Shed; Peterhead & District Men’s Shed; Springburn Park Men’s Shed; and Whale Firth Men’s Shed.
There is still time to apply for the prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 from the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA).
2021 Timeline:
Deadline for applications: Midnight on Sunday 26th September 2021
Shortlist announced and open to public vote: Monday 4th October 2021
Closed to public vote: Midnight on Sunday 17th October 2021
Winner announced at SMSA AGM/Awards event: Thursday 4th November 2021
More than a quarter of residents living in Scotland are concerned about a loved one’s drug and alcohol use during the pandemic, a new survey has uncovered
Drug and alcohol use has impacted the lives of millions of people living in the UK. In England and Wales, it’s estimated that 3.2 million people had taken drugs in the last year alone.
The new Drug and Alcohol Survey from Delamere, has uncovered the regions and cities that are most concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.
According to the survey data, Scotland was the location with the sixth-highest concern for drug and substance abuse. 26% of the region reported being concerned about a friend or family member’s drinking or drug use during the pandemic – that’s more than 1 in 4 people!
The biggest worry was alcohol, with one in seven Brits saying that in the last year they have been concerned with a loved one’s drinking. Men are almost three times (32%) more likely to be worried about how drinking or substance abuse is affecting their lives, compared to women where 24% reported feeling concerned.
Over a third of people in the UK (36%) consumed drugs over the last 12 months
22% of adults in Britain increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic
Prescription drug misuse is on the rise, with 1 in 10 overusing prescribed medication
Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the UK, with a 7% usage in the last year
Brighton was the drug hotspot of the UK, with the highest rate for three drugs
England and Wales have seen a record number of drug-related deaths during the pandemic in 2020, a total number of 4,561 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered. The new Drug and Alcohol Survey from Delamere, the private rehab clinic, has uncovered the prevalence of drug and alcohol misuse in the UK in a post-pandemic world.
The addiction experts surveyed 2,000 adults living in the UK on their alcohol and drug consumption over the last 12 months to determine the impact of the pandemic on usage.
Despite pubs, bars being closed for around 31 weeks in 2020, the pandemic brought an increase to the nation’s drinking habits. The survey found that one in four (22%) of adults had increased their alcohol consumption in the last year.
Despite the nation living under lockdown restrictions, the findings uncovered that 49% of UK residents had consumed alcohol in the last twelve months alone and 36% had taken drugs.
It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic and resulting shutdown of social interaction last year caused upheaval in the mental wellbeing of people across the UK. Cannabis has become a feature in many people’s lives during the lockdown, with 7% of the country using it in the last year, making it the most commonly used drug in the UK.
Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, misuse is becoming a health concern for specialists in the United Kingdom. The survey discovered that one in ten UK residents have overused prescription medication outside of prescriptions.
A fifth of UK respondents had purchased prescription drugs rather than obtaining them via a GP, with 7% saying they had ordered the medication through the dark web. The biggest prescription problem was found in Wales, London, West Midlands and Edinburgh.
Experts have warned the use of illegal drugs is rising at an alarming rate across the UK, with some of the boroughs most populated areas among the worst affected areas. Brighton was the drug use hotspot in the South, with the highest rate of use for Cocaine, Ketamine and MDMA use. One in five Brighton residents reported having used cocaine, while one in ten reported using MDMA.
The use of painkillers such as Codeine and Tramadol outside of a prescription was more prevalent in Belfast and Cardiff had the biggest rate of people taking these drugs outside of a prescription.
Which cities are using drugs the most?
City
Cities that use each drug the most
Residents who have used the drug
Belfast
Painkillers
3 in 10
Liverpool
Cannabis
Over 3 in 10
Liverpool
Ecstasy
1 in 6
Liverpool
“Legal” Highs
1 in 10
Cardiff
Prescription Drugs
1 in 6
Brighton
Ketamine
1 in 14
Brighton
MDMA
1 in 10
Brighton
Cocaine
1 in 5
Sheffield
Over the Counter Medication
Over 1 in 6
Sheffield
Heroin
1 in 20
The use of painkillers such as Codeine and Tramadol outside of a prescription was more prevalent in Belfast and Cardiff had the biggest rate of people taking these drugs outside of a prescription.
Two Edinburgh women are backing a national campaign by charity RNIB Scotland, which has expressed concern that the covid crisis may lead to a rise in preventable sight loss if people neglect eye-treatment or regular check-ups.
During National Eye Health Week this week [September 20-26th], it will remind people that going for regular eye examinations remains as important as ever.
The Edinburgh-based charity’s director James Adams said: “A lot has happened over the past 18 months with the covid pandemic. But we must not neglect other health matters such as our vision because of this.
“Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can not only detect early signs of sight problems, possibly in time to arrest or reverse damage, but also sometimes pick up the symptoms of other conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It is entirely safe to visit your local optometrist.”
Julie Mosgrove, vice-chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “We have been communicating regularly with our members to share the latest Scottish Government guidance throughout the pandemic in relation to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing measures.
“We would stress the importance of attending regular eye examinations as this is a vital health check that can detect a number of conditions and prevent avoidable sight loss.”
Edinburgh resident Hazel Kelly from Corstorphine has described how an eye examination prevented her own sight condition getting worse.
“In my case, after a routine check-up by my optician, they picked up on something and referred me to my local eye hospital, where I was diagnosed with the beginning of two rare corneal conditions,” Hazel said. “This referral from my optician ensured I got early treatment which prevented me from actually going blind. And while I still have issues, if these conditions hadn’t been picked up earlier then the outcomes for me could have been far, far worse.”
Kirin Saeed also from Edinburgh, backed Hazel’s message from her own experience of sight loss. “I believe eye tests are incredibly important,” she emphasised, “because they’re free and you can make sure that the precious gift that we all have, which is eye-sight, is kept safe and secure.”
According to the recent ‘State of the UK’s Eye Health 2021‘ report there were 4.3 million fewer eye tests across the UK in 2020, a 23 per cent drop compared to the last 12 months.
RNIB provides high quality information about all aspects of eye health, and a wide range of support to people experiencing problems with their sight, from emotional reassurance and counselling, to practical help with new technology and welfare benefits.
* Contact RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.
– Covid-19 booster vaccinations get underway today
– Lothian launches drop-in clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds
Residents in care homes for older people are the first to be offered coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccinations from today (Monday).
This group will be offered both flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that they could be given alongside one another.
From tomorrow (Tuesday 21 September) frontline health and social care workers are able to book an appointment for a booster jab online at NHS Inform. The portal can be used by all health and social care workers to book a flu vaccine.
Adults aged 70 years and over and those 16 years and over who are on the highest risk list (previously known as the shielding list) will begin to be contacted by letter or by their GP from the end of September.
People on the highest risk list who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their last COVID-19 vaccination will be offered a third primary dose instead.
Other eligible groups – including all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions, adult carers, unpaid and young carers, adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals and all adults over 50 – will be able to book an appointment online from October.
Meanwhile, also from today (Monday) children and young people aged 12 -15 years old can go to drop-in clinics for a vaccination if they wish to get their jab before they receive their letter inviting them for a scheduled appointment. Everyone in this age group will be invited for vaccination at a community based clinic or a school delivery session from 27 September.
Heath Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased to see the booster programme getting underway for residents in care homes for older people, offering longer lasting protection against severe COVID-19 illness.
“The booster programme will run alongside our biggest ever flu vaccine programme as both of these programmes are important for individual and for public health and wherever possible, those eligible will be offered COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines together.
“We are also starting vaccination of 12-15 year olds after Scottish Ministers accepted advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers. This group can now head to drop-in clinics for their jabs or wait for a letter offering them a scheduled appointment.”
NHS Lothian launches drop-in clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds
Young people aged 12 to 15 will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at drop-in clinics across Lothian from today (September 20).
Mass clinics in West Lothian, Edinburgh and Midlothian will open their doors to young people as part of the latest phase of the national vaccination programme.
Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall vaccination clinics will be the first in Lothian to administer the lifesaving vaccine, before more clinics are added to the list over coming days.
Pat Wynne, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian said: “We are delighted to offer drop-in clinics for young people aged 12-15.
“These clinics will enable young people to attend, without a prior appointment to receive their vaccination.
“We recognise that young people, as well as their parents and guardians may have questions regarding the COVID vaccination and we encourage them to visit the pages on NHS Inform where there is a range of information available.
“Alongside this, our teams at Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall are one hand to answer any questions people may have.
“Vaccination remains critically important in the continued fight against COVID-19 and we welcome the further expansion of the vaccination programme across Lothian.”
The clinics are opening their doors following the publication and government acceptance of the advice of the four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to offer a single dose of the COVID vaccine to all healthy 12-15-year-olds.
Young people do not need to be registered with a GP to attend, however it is requested that they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.
As well as the drop-in clinics for 12-15’s, NHS Lothian continues to operate a range of COVID vaccination clinics in locations across Lothian.
Mr Wynne added: “We continue to offer vaccination clinics across Lothian for anyone who requires a first dose of the vaccine, or who is now due their second dose. I would urge anyone who has still to be vaccinated to pop along.”
Responding to the latest urgent and emergency care survey published this week by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said:“The survey is welcome as it provides an invaluable insight into the patient experience and confirms that Emergency Departments are doing an incredible job in difficult circumstances.
“We are appreciative of patients engaging and providing this feedback in the middle of the pandemic in September 2020. Managing to continue these core assurance processes is a challenge but continues to be very important.
“It is encouraging to see improvements in many areas compared to previous years. It is particularly pleasing to see one-third of patients using type 1 services rate their experiences 10 out of 10, and also that 94% of patients had confidence and trust in the doctors and nurses examining and treating them. This is a testament to the dedication, commitment, expertise, and compassion of Emergency Medicine staff.
“While there are many positives to highlight in this report, understandably there are some areas for improvement. Many of the areas that are a source of frustration for patients are largely a result of staff shortages and the existing workforce’s ability to dedicate ample time to each patient.
“It is important that patients have the opportunity to talk through their treatment or condition, that all patients receive the help they need when they need it whether before, after or during their care, and that their pain or condition is managed throughout their time in A&E.
“The current challenges facing the health service are no doubt affecting clinicians’ ability to deliver the highest quality of care that they strive to provide. Current workforce numbers do not match current demand, and workforce shortages crossed with increases in demand mean existing staff are stretched thinly.
“To meet current demand the workforce needs 2,500 more consultants in England along with sufficient numbers of nurses, trainees, allied health professionals and SAS doctors.”
Dr Katherine Henderson continued:“It is interesting to see that 41% of patients contacted NHS 111 before going to A&E and 32% contacted their GP before going to A&E.
“This highlights the importance of NHS 111 as a resource for patients. It is absolutely essential that the efficacy of NHS 111 is properly evaluated so we can learn how best to resource it and wider services. Call handlers must have the tools they need to provide sound guidance to patients, and they must have an adequate range of services and pathways to which they can direct patients.
“It is also significant that 32% of patients also contact their GP before going to A&E. This highlights the crucial link between primary and urgent and emergency care and makes clear that both are under-resourced. Plans to tackle the challenges facing urgent and emergency care must include a joined-up approach that include ways of supporting and resourcing primary care.”
