Tag: Health and wellbeing

New Clinical Nurse Specialist appointed to support asbestos-related cancer patients

Funded by Action on Asbestos, Lynne Hunter joins national charity, Mesothelioma UK and will be based at the Western General Hospital

Lynne Hunter has been appointed as a Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist and will be based at the Western General Hospital. Lynne will provide nursing care and support for mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) patients in South East Scotland.

The post has been made possible thanks to funding from Scotland’s asbestos, industrial disease and injury charity, Action on Asbestos.

Lynne will work with Mesothelioma UK Team Leader for Scotland, Carolyn MacRae, and will link with colleagues across the region to promote equitable access to mesothelioma-specific support and treatment throughout the region.

Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. Between 50 and 60 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the South East Scotland region.

In her new role, Lynne will focus on caring for patients with mesothelioma at every part of their treatment journey, helping to make their journey as smooth as possible. She will provide specialist support and advice to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and link in with local patient support groups.

Most recently, Lynne has worked as a pleural nurse at St John’s Hospital in Livingston. Prior to this, she worked in general respiratory in St John’s Hospital.

Lynne qualified as Registered Nurse in 2012 and has also completed her clinical decision-making course at Napier University.

Commenting on her new role, Lynne said: “I am really excited to be taking on this new role and bringing my previous experience in respiratory nursing practice.

“I have always had a strong interest in this area of nursing and have described the role as my dream job and it’s finally great to get started.”

Lorraine Creech, Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK, added: “Mesothelioma UK is extremely grateful to Action on Asbestos who have provided the funding for this post and are now working closely with Mesothelioma UK to support and complement the work of the Scottish National Mesothelioma Network.

“Lynne is a very valuable addition to the Mesothelioma Nursing Service for South East Scotland and the Scottish Mesothelioma Network as a whole.

“Lynne’s appointment sees Mesothelioma UK reach 33 Clinical Nurse Specialists and seven within Scotland, providing dedicated care, support and treatment for mesothelioma patients throughout the UK.”

Edinburgh student helps start cancer cures in mum’s memory

An Edinburgh student has raised over £3,900 to help Worldwide Cancer Research start cancer cures, in memory of her beloved mother who passed away three years ago following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Alex Burns, 21, joined by best friend Tara Haworth, 22, completed a 100km walking challenge along the Union Canal at the beginning of May, inspired by her mum Anne’s desire to raise money for life-saving research, and to bring together those who loved her to do something positive.

Anne Burns, who passed away in 2018, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.  The mum of two went into remission but was told the cancer had returned in 2014.

Speaking about coping with losing her mum, Alex, originally from Helensburgh, said: “Four years after her second diagnosis in 2014, my mum passed away on 25th March 2018, which was also her birthday. It’s been really difficult since then, and I’ve not really talked about it much.

“Although cancer is a part of her story, she is better remembered for the love and laughter she brought to everyone in her life. People didn’t really know what to say to me and my sister when mum passed away, but being able to celebrate her memory three years on has brought together all the people that loved her and helped us do something positive to remember her.”

Since it was established in 1979, Edinburgh-based UK charity Worldwide Cancer Research has funded over £200million of research in over 30 countries to start new cancer cures.

This year, 16 institutes, in 15 cities across eight countries have now received £3.2m of funding – three of which are UK-based – to fund research into 11 different cancer types, as well as fundamental research. 

Alex added: “Supporting a local charity like Worldwide Cancer Research, and particularly supporting the funding of research into new cancer cures, was something that my mum would have loved.

“When my mum was at the end of her journey, she wanted to make sure there were new avenues to explore and bring hope to others who might find themselves in the same position as her.

“There’s nothing you can say to make losing your mum easier, but doing something like this walk to, not only bring together everyone who loved my mum, but to also raise funds so that this doesn’t happen to others in the future.

“My mum loved raising money for cancer research, and I wanted to honour that by doing something I think she’d be proud of.”

Alex completed the walk with best friend Tara Haworth.

“We’ve been friends since our first year at the University of Edinburgh, where we were in rooms next door to each other in halls. Tara is my only friend from Edinburgh who actually met my mum as she passed away early in my first year.

“I wasn’t really ready to be massively social during this time, but Tara has just been so empathetic and understanding throughout this whole journey. She’s been by my side every step of the way, and now quite literally as we take on this 100km walk!

“We started walking at 4am and finished around midnight, walking from the Edinburgh Quay to the Falkirk Wheel and back, with five breaks to meet friends and family en route and celebrate my mum’s memory.

“We’ve already raised almost £4,000 which is just amazing, and we’re so thankful to everyone who has sponsored us and hopefully this money helps bring hope to more people in the future.”

Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive at Worldwide Cancer Research said: “Breast cancer affects a huge number of people right across the world. By funding more discovery research, we can continue to start cancer cures and save more lives in the future.

“We are so grateful to Alex and Tara for their amazing fundraising efforts and for helping us continue to make our ground-breaking research possible. Together, with the help of Curestarters like them, we can end cancer.”

For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help us start new cancer cures, please visit: 

https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/support-us/donate/

To support Alex’s fundraising, go to: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alexandra-burns42

Henry Duncan Grants to provide £1m to support mental health and wellbeing

 Corra Foundation announces £1m Henry Duncan Grant funding for community-based mental health and wellbeing support

This year’s Henry Duncan Grants programme  opened on May 25 and the fund totalling £1m will have three strands:

  • Organisation Grants – open to charities with an annual income up to £500,000 and a core focus on supporting people of any age who experience mental ill health. A maximum of £8,000 per year granted up to five years.
  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Project Grants – open to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic led charities with annual income up to £500,000, delivering projects that support people of any age who experience mental ill health. A maximum £8,000 per year up to three years.
  • Micro grants – open to small charities and voluntary groups with an annual income up to £50,000, supporting communities experiencing disadvantage to improve mental health and wellbeing by reducing isolation and loneliness. This includes Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and rural communities. One-off grants of a maximum £1,000.

It is estimated that around one in three people in Scotland experience mental ill health in any year. The health, economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are likely to increase people’s need for mental health support.

The impacts aren’t spread equally across the population, with adults living in areas of poverty approximately twice as likely to have common mental health problems.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities have been among those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This is likely to affect people’s mental health, for example through fear and anxiety, experience of illness or loss of loved ones.

Corra also acknowledges the impact that racial injustice has on mental health and well-being. Research has shown that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are disadvantaged when accessing mental health and well-being services, including the quality of care they receive. This is due to racism, structural and institutional inequalities, fear, stigma and discrimination.

For these reasons, Henry Duncan Grants 2021 includes a strand focused on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

These are project grants, rather than core, reflecting the fact that much of the work done to support mental health among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities is delivered by organisations that do not have mental health as their primary focus. Corra believes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is fundamental to its ten-year strategy. As a result, the team are working proactively to reach, and be accessible to diverse communities.

Henry Duncan Grants opened on 25 May – please keep an eye on the Corra Foundation website, or follow Corra on Twitter @CorraScot or Facebook for more information.

Spring into summer with an offer from Edinburgh Leisure

With Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, pools, fitness classes and climbing arena open, they are encouraging you to spring into summer with an enticing no-joining-fee offer. At a time when health has never been so important, their latest offer could be just what you need to kick start your fitness regime.

The no-joining-fee offer is available on new memberships and can be bought online on the Edinburgh Leisure website from Tuesday, 1 June to Wednesday, 30 June and is applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships.

The Edinburgh Leisure experience may be different from before Covid-19 with new customers needing to join online rather than in venue and pre-booking required for all activities, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.

Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments; and safety remains important with enhanced cleaning taking place and additional sanitisation stations available throughout the venue for use before and after each visit; and timetabled activities with staggered start times to reduce congestion.

With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre, 6 golf courses, 9 swimming pools, 10 state of the art gyms and 800+ fitness classes per week across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.

For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

New treatment standards for drug users announced

New standards for treatment for drug users will ensure everyone has access to the support which works best for them.

The 10 new standards, published today by the Drug Deaths Taskforce, will reinforce a rights-based approach for people who use drugs and the treatment they should expect, regardless of where they live.

Funding from the additional £50 million for drugs services announced by the First Minister in January will ensure that all Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are supported by the Scottish Government to embed the standards by April 2022. They make clear that people must be able to start receiving support on the day that they ask for it and emphasise the importance of allowing people to make informed choices about the type of medication and help available to them.

These 10 standards apply to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) which is the term used to refer to the use of medication, such as opioids, together with any psychological and social support, in the treatment and care of people who experience problems with drug use.

Minister for Drug Policy Angela Constance said: “I want to thank the Drug Deaths Taskforce for their work on developing these standards and all those who gave their views following the interim report.

“We now have a set of standards which are safe, accessible and person-centred. These will help ensure consistency of treatment across the country. Making help available and giving people an informed choice is an essential part of respecting a person’s rights and dignity. It is also an approach which is more likely to be effective and provide people with the support and treatment they need.

“We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and that is why we allocated an additional £250 million over the next five years to improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.

“These MAT standards will mean everyone with problematic drug use can access the right support for them regardless of their situation or location.”

Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce Professor Catriona Matheson said: “The publication of the MAT Standards and the start of their implementation represents a major achievement for the Taskforce and the beginning of a new phase of our work.

The Standards constitute the most significant intervention in the strategy to reduce the unacceptable level of drug related deaths. The Standards will form a critical element of the longer term, sustainable actions that will save lives, complimenting the emergency actions taken to date.

“The evidence is clear that using street drugs and not being in treatment is dangerous and life-threatening. The Taskforce wants more people at risk to be in treatment programmes.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the rapid development of the Standards and who are now involved in their roll-out and adoption. Commitment like this will help save lives.”

Scottish Drugs Forum CEO David Liddell said: “Scotland’s MAT Standards are the most significant landmark in improving Scotland’s response to problem drug use in over a decade. Implementing the standards will be the most significant development in addressing the on-going public health emergency of drug-related deaths.

“People who enter treatment are amongst the most vulnerable people in our society and often find engaging with services difficult. Services need to be more attractive, more approachable and more accessible; and reach out to people who have been in treatment but no longer are. 

“These standards are the basis for  making services truly person-centred. Implementing them will help services develop empowering relationships with people in treatment. Full implementation of the standards will save lives, reduce harm and transform people’s quality of life.”

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards:

  • all people accessing services have the option to start MAT from the same day of presentation
  • all people are supported to make an informed choice on what medication to use for MAT, and the appropriate dose
  • all people at high risk of drug-related harm are proactively identified and offered support to commence, re-commence or continue MAT
  • all people are offered evidence based harm reduction at the point of MAT delivery
  • all people will receive support to remain in treatment for as long as requested
  • the system that provides MAT is psychologically and trauma informed (Tier 1); routinely delivers evidence based low intensity psychosocial interventions (Tier 2); and supports the development of social networks
  • all people have the option of MAT shared with Primary Care
  • all people have access to advocacy and support for housing, welfare and income needs
  • all people with co-occurring drug use and mental health difficulties can receive mental health care at the point of MAT delivery
  • all people receive trauma informed care.

Scottish Government launches lung cancer detection campaign

A new Detect Cancer Early (DCE) campaign is encouraging people to contact their GP if they have a new or different persistent cough or unusual breathlessness for three weeks or more in an effort to return to pre-pandemic cancer detection levels.  

These could be the early signs of lung cancer – and it’s important to get checked, especially if you’re over 40. While lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5,500 new cases diagnosed every year, more people than ever are surviving the disease. This is down to improved treatments and more people being diagnosed earlier.

The campaign has been developed in response to Public Health Scotland’s data that show around 25% fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed now compared to pre-COVID-19. This, coupled with the fear of a potential cancer diagnosis continues to stop people acting early, when there are more treatment options available and the chance of survival is higher. The campaign, entitled ‘Settling In’, aims to empower people to take responsibility for getting any potential symptoms checked.

Since the launch of our £43m Detect Cancer Early Programme the proportion of lung cancer diagnoses at the earliest stage have increased by 43%, and by 57% in the most deprived areas of Scotland.

Launching the campaign, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “More people are surviving cancer than ever before, but we know that fear of cancer is putting people off getting checked or attending screening, when invited.

“Don’t ignore early cancer signs and symptoms, and certainly don’t delay getting checked. NHS Scotland remains open during COVID-19 and your GP practice is still there for you – getting checked early is a hugely important step in finding out if you, or your loved one, needs urgent medical help.

“While it’s probably nothing to worry about, a quicker diagnosis can mean less worry. If cancer is confirmed, more treatment options are available if it’s found early.”

Co-chair of Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group Lorna Porteous said: “If you have a sign or symptom that might be due to lung cancer, please don’t delay contacting your GP practice.

“During the pandemic appointments may be done by either telephone or video so when you do get in touch, please give as much information as you can. You will be asked to come in for a face-to-face appointment if we need to examine you or do some tests – measures are in place to ensure your safety.”

Top professional snooker referee, Leo Scullion, today backed the call for people worried about potential lung cancer symptoms to get checked without delay, as someone who survived the disease after seeing his GP about a persistent cough. 

Leo, 63, originally from Glasgow but treated in Ayrshire, was diagnosed in July 2014 and started treatment in September 2014 which involved chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Following a period of recovery, Leo returned to the snooker circuit in 2017. 

He was told his cancer was in remission in December 2019, five years after diagnosis –  the same year he reached the pinnacle of his career, officiating his first World Championship final.

Leo said: “I was aware I was coughing, but it became noticeable to those around me.  I was in China for a tournament and put it down to the smog at that time, and the fact I was a smoker. 

“I did have other symptoms which I now know were warning signs.  I was waking up in the middle of the night with terrible sweats, and by the time I came back home, I was feeling pretty horrible. Looking back, I think I knew there was something more going on, your body just tells you.

“As soon as the results came back, I just remember saying ‘is it terminal?’ At that point my GP reassured me that there was plenty they could do.

“When I was at the sharp end and I needed help, the NHS was there for me.  If you’re worried about any unusual changes to your health, or worried about someone close to you, go and get checked.  It really is that simple.  The sooner they can find out what is wrong, the better.  I’m very grateful I went when I did.  There were times when I wondered whether I’d be back refereeing.  To be back working at a professional level, and to have my health, is tremendous. 

“There is life after a diagnosis, and I intend to cause havoc for the rest of it!” 

Heart Research UK Healthy Tips: Healthier Takeaways

Takeaway food is often cheap, convenient and tasty, but it also tends to be high in fat, salt and sugar. Regularly consuming takeaways can have a negative impact on your heart health and your waistline. Swapping your usual takeaway for a healthier option may be a good way to cut down on fat, salt and sugar.

Heart Research UK has some tips for choosing healthier takeaways:

Find a food outlet with healthy options

Choose a food outlet that provides healthy options on their menu. Some food outlets list calories on their menus to help you to make healthier choices.

Choose wisely from the menu

Avoid deep fried foods, such fried chicken and chips. Swap large deep-pan pizzas for smaller pizzas with low fat toppings and avoid stuffed crust pizzas.

Avoid ordering too much food

Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just order a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt. If you order too much, why not share it or freeze a portion.

Make a healthy ‘Fakeaway’ at home

Cook healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home using online recipes. Try swapping side dishes, such as chips, naan bread or fried rice for home-cooked brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread.

Think about what you drink

Rather than drinking sugary or alcoholic drinks with your takeaway, try drinking low calorie drinks, such as sugar-free squash or water instead. This can reduce your calorie intake as well as the cost.

‘Far from Over’: Cole-Hamilton presses Health Secretary over Davidsons Mains Covid outbreak

Liberal Democrats Health Spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has used a Scottish Parliament debate on Covid-19 to highlight the need for caution as Scotland begins to move out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Cole- Hamilton, who represents the Edinburgh Western constituency, raised concerns over the temporary closure of Davidsons Main Primary School within his constituency. He said that events at the school were a stark reminder that the pandemic was far from over.

The School has been forced to temporarily close on Tuesday, after over half of the after 12 classes were forced to self-isolate.

Mr Cole-Hamilton seized an opportunity to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf, for reassurance that the Scottish Government will work to tackle the appearance of Covid hotspots across the Lothians.

Although unable to give a specific answer, Mr Yousaf assured Mr Cole-Hamilton that he will look at the data in the community of Davidsons Mains to ensure that accurate and appropriate testing measures were in place to keep the covid-19 virus under control.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has appreciated the seriousness of the outbreak at Davidsons Mains Primary, and I am grateful that he plans to take action to ensure our community is kept safe and faces as little disruption as possible.

“The situation in Davidsons Mains is a stark reminder that our communities are by no means rid of this virus. But I hope that the willingness of the Cabinet Secretary to treat this outbreak seriously will be of some comfort to worried pupils and members of the school community.

“Tributes must be paid to the school staff, who have worked quickly and efficiently to respond to this challenging set of circumstances. They’ve applied every infection control protocol to the letter since this first started but community transmission of this very virulent strain has seen cases increase.

“I look forward to seeing the school gates reopen at the start of next month.”

Royal tennis at Craiglockhart!

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge experience LTA Youth – the LTA’s new and innovative junior tennis programme

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were today given a first-hand introduction to LTA Youth, the new LTA programme that will help more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis – whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background.

The Duke and Duchess were visiting Edinburgh Leisure’s Craiglockhart Tennis Centre to learn more about the new programme and take part in a series of LTA Youth drills with local children.

After an explanation of the principles behind the programme by Scott Lloyd (Chief Executive, LTA) and Olly Scadgell (Participation Director, LTA) the Duke and Duchess went on court to join children from Canal View Primary School, Edinburgh, and try their hand at three fun games that help teach progressive skills for tennis as well as for other sports.

Firstly they did a hopscotch warm up, before picking up racket and ball to play floor tennis against a partner. The Royal couple competed with the children to see who could keep rallies going the longest.

Finally Their Royal Highnesses each captained a team of children in an epic game of ‘team cones’ with each child playing a mini match against the others to secure a point for their team.

Graham Watson (Chair, Tennis Scotland) and Blane Dodds (Chief Executive, Tennis Scotland) explained about the implementation of the programme in Scotland and the opportunity for parents to book courses locally. 

Before leaving all the children present were given LTA Youth rackets to inspire them on their journey to becoming young tennis players. 

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “It was great to be able to show Their Royal Highnesses our new junior tennis programme first hand.

“LTA Youth is designed to be fun, inclusive and competitive and help children enjoy tennis whatever their age. Courses across the country can be booked via the LTA website.”

LTA Youth courses are available to book now across Britain at:

https://www.lta.org.uk/play-compete/lta-youth/youth-programme/

Great feedback: Praise for Leith police Beat Hunger campaign

The ‘Beat Hunger’ Campaign is aimed at tackling food inequality and poverty in the North East of Edinburgh and has continued its drive to improve community wellbeing.

Over the last month, the North East Community Policing Team have distributed 112 ‘Beat Boxes’ to 28 identified vulnerable families and young adults referred to us by partners including Community Renewal Edinburgh, Dr Bell’s Family Centre, Castleview Primary School and Children 1st.

We’ve completed 23 recipient evaluation questionnaires and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Here’s a sample of the feedback sent to us:

‘Great way of police being involved in community projects’ – Taylor.

‘This really got me back into cooking after losing the enjoyment for a while. My kids loved it and the recipes took me out my comfort zone’ – Rebecca.

‘It has been good for breaking the barrier between police and a young guy like me in a good way’ – James.

‘You made my family and I so happy, I don’t know how to thank you’ – Nora.

‘Thank you so much for the Beat the Hunger boxes for our families. The feedback has been amazing, all of these initiatives really do make a difference’ – Castleview Primary School.

Local community Sergeant Elaine McArthur-Kerr of Leith Police Station said: “This initiative is directly aligned to our purpose to improve the wellbeing of our people, places and communities and acknowledges the increasing shift within Police Scotland to adopt a public health, whole system approach to tackling many of the complex issues faced by a significant proportion of the people our officers & staff come into contact with.

“This fantastic and innovative opportunity to encourage positive lifestyle choices has generated considerable public support and has been recognised by Local Policing East ACC Tim Mairs.

“Plans to develop the initiative alongside local priorities are ongoing and we hope to circulate the community cook book to all in the city in the near future.”