Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has welcomed an announcement from the First Minister that the Scottish Government will save Edinburgh’s historic Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
This U-turn comes after a hard fought community and cross party campaign and after the Lib Dems secured a vital commitment towards a replacement facility from the Scottish Government, as part exchange for Liberal Democrat votes for the Scottish budget, earlier this year.
In those negotiations, the Lib Dems persuaded the Government to protect specialist eye services within the City of Edinburgh as well as securing a massive boost to mental health funding. In this afternoon’s announcement, the First Minister made good on that commitment and promised “the renewal and replacement of health facilities across Scotland – including the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.”
Commenting, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:“This is a huge victory today, not just for the cross party MSPs who worked to save the Eye Pavilion, but also for everyone across Edinburgh and the Lothians who fought to see the promise of a replacement facility in the capital made real.
“The First Minister’s announcement is welcome, but it should have come much sooner. Even after securing the protection of specialist eye services, the Scottish Government was attempting to rail road a more casual set up, with different treatments and services dispersed across the Lothian region.”
“I know from both constituency correspondence, and conversations on the doorsteps throughout the recent election campaign that this was a major issue for local communities. The thought of losing the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion was genuinely upsetting for people, especially those who are affected by full or partial sight loss.”
“I am delighted that Edinburgh no longer risks being the only capital city in Europe without a dedicated eye care centre. This demonstrates what can be achieved when politicians seek to work productively, on a cross party basis, for meaningful change.”
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“These figures show the devastating affect that Covid-19 has had on Care Homes in Scotland.
“My thoughts are with all the families whose loved ones have died from Covid-19 throughout the last year.
“SNP Ministers were completely unprepared for Covid-19, with a lack of PPE and unclear guidance for care homes.
“The decision by SNP Ministers to move Covid-19 positive hospital patients to care homes, without being tested, is the single biggest failure throughout the pandemic.
“The Scottish Conservatives have called for a full public inquiry into care home deaths in Scotland and these figures reinforce the need for that inquiry.”
Homeless charity Rowan Alba is appealing for local volunteers to support its CARDS befriending service which works with people across the city, providing vital support and social contact to reduce isolation.
The Community Alcohol Related Damages Service (CARDS) was set up by Rowan Alba in 2010. Those who are referred to CARDS by health care specialists, GPs, hospitals and mental health services have, for various reasons, become isolated and developed a problematic relationship with alcohol. CARDS volunteers are there to provide vital social contact and to listen without judgment.
A team of 60 volunteers deliver 1-1 befriending support to 80 clients across the city, usually meeting once a week to provide emotional support, helping clients build their social skills and confidence to engage with their local community.
Since getting support from CARDS, 69% of clients have reported improved mental health, 77% have reduced their alcohol intake and 80% said life was less chaotic. 69% said they have spent less time in hospital.
As a crucial befriending service for older people with long term alcohol issues and at risk of crisis, CARDSis just one of a number of services delivered by Rowan Alba in supporting some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable, isolated and homeless people. The charity aims to break the cycle of homelessness for people deemed ‘un-houseable’ by other services.
Rowan Alba pioneered the home for life concept with Thorntree Street in Leith, providing permanent homes for older men with a long-term history of rough sleeping and street drinking. The charity’s second home for life property will open in Peffermill in 2022.
Rowan Alba also provides temporary supported accommodation at Stramullion in Pilton, supporting women with complex needs to move out of homelessness and into their own home.
The charity has years of expertise working with older people with alcohol issues; these issues may stem from years of health inequality, trauma, homelessness, family breakdown, mental health issues time spent in prison or abuse. Many have developed Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD), which has left them physically and emotionally damaged and socially isolated.
Tracey Stewart, Volunteer Service Manager at Rowan Alba said; “We have all faced periods of isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic but for those who are referred to CARDS, social isolation is something many have lived with for years.
“The 1-1 befriending service provided by our volunteers provides vital emotional support, helping clients to re-learn how to manage a trusting relationship with another person.
“CARDS urgently needs more volunteers to support our clients across Edinburgh, so we are looking for people who can provide compassionate support for individuals who have had a difficult relationship with alcohol now or in the past.
“Ideally you will have had experience in a role where managing relationships is key. Being able to listen without judgment and understand the benefit of human contact is vital.
“Our best volunteers are the kind of people whom you end up chatting to at a bus stop and go away being moved by the interaction. It’s as simple as that. We provide all the support, training and guidance that you need.
“Half of our staff started as volunteers and 85% of people who were looking to get in to social care as a career find themselves within employment within the first year after volunteering Those who come for the experience hang around for much longer. It’s a community in itself.”
Comprehensive training and support are provided and volunteers are asked to make a time commitment of at least 1 year.
Full details of the application process are available at:
Practical advice for people who have recovered at home
Post-viral fatigue is when you have an extended period of feeling unwell and fatigued after a viral infection.
Fatigue is a normal part of the body’s response to fighting a viral infection such as COVID-19. Fatigue is likely to continue for some time after the infection has cleared. It can make you sleep more, feel unsteady on your feet, make standing for long periods difficult, as well as affecting your ability to concentrate and your memory.
Self-isolate Please follow government guidelines. Remember, this includes isolating from your family/ household wherever possible, even if they have symptoms or are also self-isolating. If you deteriorate, seek immediate medical help following government guidelines.
Rest Rest is very important for your body as it fights off infection. You need to rest both your body and mind. Keep television, phones and social media to a minimum. Relaxation, breathing and meditation can all support quality rest – the NHS Apps Library has free tools you can try. Sensory relaxation tools such as fragrances, blankets, and relaxing music can also help. If a strategy doesn’t work for you, try another one until you find one that does.
Sleep You may find that you need to sleep more. Make sure you follow healthy sleep habits: ensure your room is as dark as possible, have a bedtime routine, and avoid caffeine, eating late and using electrical items before bed.
Nourishment Try to keep your normal routine for eating and drinking. Being ill with a temperature can make you dehydrated so make sure you drink fluid when you’re thirsty and enough so that you pass urine with normal frequency and volume.
Move Get up and move around slowly and gently a few times each day. This will keep your body mobile and help with circulation.
Keep activity levels low Both physical and cognitive (thinking) activities use energy. Try to do only a small number of these activities each day, including basic activities of daily living, such as washing and dressing.
Allow time
COVID-19 affects people differently, so give yourself time to recover. Its impact afterwards doesn’t always reflect the severity of the virus and you don’t have to have been hospitalised to experience fatigue. You may feel pressure to resume your usual activities quickly, but don’t rush.
Have fun Do some low energy activities that you enjoy, such as reading or watching TV, for short periods with regular rests.
Stop Please follow government guidelines. Unless you feel fully recovered after self-isolation, you shouldn’t work. Your body still needs to focus on fighting the infection.
Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch MP and COVID hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, have issued a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.
As Government publishes third report on COVID-19 disparities, the Minister for Equalities and hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, issue a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.
Evidence shows vaccine confidence has steadily increased among ethnic minorities.
This follows flexible vaccine delivery, and targeted communications from government and medical professionals, and partnerships with broadcasters.
The call comes as data shows vaccine confidence has steadily increased following government action, with 93% of adults reporting positive sentiment towards the vaccine. However, some groups are still less likely to get the jab. 30% of Black or Black British adults reported vaccine hesitancy, the highest compared with all ethnic groups.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has prioritised people based on age, with older people being offered the vaccination first. As the UK’s White population makes up a greater number of those in the older age categories, the percentage of those who have already received vaccinations is higher when compared with ethnic minority groups.
As the vaccine is rolled out to younger age groups the Government will continue its targeted action to ensure that ethnic minority people are willing to take the jab.
Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, said: “We are taking the vital action necessary to protect our families, communities and the country from the scourge of COVID-19. Our positive progress deploying the vaccine and promoting confidence in it has been a tireless, collective effort, from faith leaders, voluntary groups and the NHS all working together in every community to turn back the tide of COVID-19.
“We are not complacent and we will continue to tackle dangerous disinformation and work with trusted partners to promote confidence in the vaccine so everyone takes up their jab when they are offered it.
“Vaccines are the key to unlocking a return to normal life, and this Government will continue to do everything it can to ensure everyone is confident to take them.”
‘Hero’ GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, whose tireless efforts during the pandemic – including online campaigning and debunking of misinformation, and personally calling scores of patients who have yet to take the jab – have been key to fighting the virus, said: “It is really important that everyone takes the vaccine – unless all of us are protected, none of us are protected.
“The vaccines are very safe – they have been trialled on hundreds of thousands of volunteers by world-leading scientists, and now millions of doses have been given, just in the UK alone. I urge everyone to take the jab when they are offered it.”
Alongside this the Minister for Equalities will today publish the third quarterly report to the Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary on progress to understand and tackle COVID-19 disparities experienced by individuals from ethnic minority groups.
The report sets out the swift and flexible action Government has taken to protect people, adapting the vaccine programme as it has rolled out to ensure everyone feels safe and able to get the vaccine, without being stigmatised.
Dr Masood Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG said: “We have strong, resilient communities and have been able to address vaccine hesitancy by connecting with people, listening to fears, and having meaningful conversations in order to reduce barriers, which is key for longer term sustainable solutions to address wider health inequalities.
“It’s so important that we share learnings to understand and address the health inequalities that COVID-19 has highlighted, and whilst we have had some success in reaching people and communities, there is still opportunity to do more.”
Dr Rohini Mathur, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “This report highlights the positive impact of increasing vaccine confidence in minority ethnic groups across England and points towards the importance of understanding the complex interaction between socio-economic, geographic, and health related factors in explaining disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The report sets out the following next steps:
The Minister for Equalities to share the findings of her third quarterly report with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to consider how to apply the findings of the review of experiences of frontline healthcare workers and the UK-REACH study.
NHS England’s published data on vaccination uptake by ethnicity should be further disaggregated to provide percentage uptake by vaccine priority group cohorts and sex. This should include levels of unknown ethnicity and an assessment of how this might affect the interpretation of vaccination uptake for different ethnic groups.
NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI) should publish data about the use of the NHS COVID-19 app by different ethnic groups. This will inform activity to increase the uptake and continued use of the app.
DHSC and NHS should further investigate practical barriers to vaccine uptake by ethnicity to assess and address any intention-action gap.
DHSC should ensure that NHS organisations and GPs are provided with clear guidance and protocols about how ethnicity should be requested and recorded in health records.
RDU should engage with the Office for Statistics Regulation about priorities for improving the quality (including harmonisation, robustness and reliability) of ethnicity data on health records, drawing on others’ expertise as appropriate, and report back in the final quarterly report.
The Minister for Equalities and the Minister for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment will continue a programme of engagement in the next 3 months, focusing on promoting vaccine uptake and encouraging asymptomatic testing, particularly for those within higher risk occupations, as sectors reopen.
As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, the government’s Vaccine Confidence campaign will aim to inform, educate and empower those aged 18 to 50 to take up their vaccine. Using the tagline ‘Every Vaccination Gives Us Hope’ content will take an optimistic tone, aiming to reach and persuade younger audiences, including ethnic minority groups.
At each step of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, tailored guidance and communications will continue to be shared through community and media channels to maximise reach and impact.
Communications
To drive forward uptake of the vaccine, the government has prioritised communications with ethnic minority people across the UK, that includes:
A partnership with 12 community radio stations, which has delivered key messages about vaccines in 13 different languages to 1.5 million people.
Television partnerships with 21 multicultural TV networks, delivering 30 second adverts on 43 TV stations in 9 languages, reaching approximately 3 million people each week.
A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport social media campaign to tackle false vaccine information, which has been shared with more than 4 million people through community and local networks, reaching people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Ethnic minority medical professionals promoting facts and dispelling myths about the vaccines online, including a series of videos with Dr Amir Khan, a GP from Yorkshire, whose video on the vaccine being halal reached more than 330,000 people.
A programme of Ministerial engagement, including a roundtable with Black African and Black Caribbean Faith Leaders and GPs, recognising the important role that churches play in promoting vaccine uptake amongst their congregations.
Celebrities and influencers, including Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain, backing the NHS COVID-19 vaccine drive.
A short film backed by the NHS based on an open letter signed by Sir Lenny Henry and a range of high-profile celebrities encouraging Black adults in the UK to make informed decisions about the vaccine.
The Stroke Association in Scotland is planning to support hundreds more people affected by stroke as they recover from the effects of their stroke and impact of lockdown in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The charity has received a Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to help develop and expand its peer support offers to help people affected by stroke, rebuild their lives again.
John Watson, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “As well as the physical disabilities caused by stroke, there are many other stroke related difficulties less visible but just as important. For example, a third of stroke survivors in Scotland will experience depression.
“We are delighted to be granted this award from The National Lottery Community Fund who has recognised the value of our support services and need for them to grow – particularly at this time. Our Recoveries At Risk survey last year highlighted that just under half of people affected by stroke felt less able to cope with the impact of their stroke during lockdown.
“In response to the pandemic, we are delivering new support offers in Scotland that aim to address the psychological impact of stroke – particularly the emotional needs of people affected by stroke.
“We will use the funding to continue and expand the support options for people recovering from stroke throughout Scotland. That support will help stroke survivors connect with local groups, facilitate Zoom meetings, and run face to face support groups. They will also receive vital information to help with their own self-management.”
Heather Melville-Hume from Galashiels, was only 43 when she had her stroke two and a half years ago. It came completely out of the blue. In an instant, her life changed as she knew it.
Heather was unable to walk confidently or use her lower right arm and dominant hand. The fatigue that came after her stroke was overwhelming. Everything felt like a huge mountain to climb – both physically and emotionally.
And as if that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Heather then lost her husband who she had been with for seven and a half years.
She said: “Nobody around me had been widowed at such a young age and there was no one I knew my age, dealing with the impact of a stroke. I was in a very lonely place.”
Heather heard about the charity’s stroke café via social media. And although initially anxious to join online and talk to people, something made her do it.
“I was delighted to feel at first like I didn’t need to say anything. People were just talking normally about everyday things, and it was very relaxed with a warm welcome by volunteers involved.
“After a while people started to talk about what sort of a week they’d had. And that’s when I heard some fascinating stories about peoples’ stroke experiences and how they were coping/had coped. I realised I was not alone, that every stroke comes with its challenges, but there is hope and you can get back to a new normal.
“I am delighted the Stroke Association in Scotland is receiving support from The National Lottery Community Fund. There is so much value in connecting with strangers with shared experiences in lifting your mood, spirit and importantly raise a smile on the hardest of days.”
ANOTHER BIG WINNER announced this morning was ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council), who received almost £100,000.
The Forth Street-based organisation will use the funding ‘to continue supporting isolated women and activities will include exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, a women’s health forum, and opportunities to practice talking and writing in English.
‘Participants will meet new friends and will benefit from a supportive network, improved wellbeing and increasing social interaction.’
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “In these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.
“I would like to congratulate the Stroke Association in Scotland on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference.”
Six-week post-lockdown recovery programme now live!
Former MP, author and trainee Personal Trainer Tom Watson included in the team
The UK’s leading health and fitness group David Lloyd Clubs, alongside psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope, have launched Team PB – a six-week programme to motivate, encourage and support people to realise their health goals, specifically with the Coronavirus pandemic and its physical and mental effects in mind.
Six volunteers from across the country, including former leading politician, author and trainee Personal Trainer Tom Watson, will take part in the programme and will share their stories, challenges and achievements via David Lloyd Clubs Instagram channel, Facebook and website.
Members of Team PB have all been significantly impacted by the pandemic in some way and are all dealing with various mental well-being, nutritional and physical challenges brought on by the crisis.
Meet the members:
Tom, 54 from Bewdley, who over the last few years famously lost 7 stone and reversed his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, hit a brick wall when it came to his health in the third lockdown. He wants to get back to his health journey with the help of Team PB.
John, 41 from Manchester feels completely burnt out as a result of the pandemic and hopes that Team PB will help put him back on track to leading a healthy lifestyle so his physical and mental health can improve.
Eva, 59 from North London has found that the lockdowns had a huge impact on her activity levels and with a big birthday approaching wants to improve her physical wellbeing
Michelle, 32 from Southampton is a mother of three and had Covid in December 2020. She is still recovering and experiences a lot of post-exercise exhaustion despite being a healthy and fit person. She’s joined Team PB so she can reach her potential.
Rachael, 44 from Derby has found she has struggled with anxiety over the past year and hope being part of Team PB will help her get back into exercising to improve her mental and physical health
Jack, 27 from North London was an asymptomatic sufferer of COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic, and after finding it incredibly hard to breathe during exercise, gave up exercising altogether. With Team PB’s help, he wants to work towards building a stronger and healthier physique and growing my confidence.
Expert support comes in the form of David Lloyd Clubs fitness trainers, plus Psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope.
Tom Watson, commenting on his inclusion in Team PB, said: “I have been on a life-changing health journey these last four years. Learning about the importance of good physical and mental health and putting what I’ve learnt into practice has been quite literally life-saving for me.
“When the pandemic hit, like so many, I tried my best to keep active and keep positive and found exercise helped with this. I took regular runs with the DL Run Club and completed online classes at home.
“By the time the country reached the third lockdown, I had hit a brick wall, and my health took a bit of a nosedive. I know this has been a common occurrence for so many – not having access to a gym and the motivation that comes with access to good facilities and trainers like those at David Lloyd Clubs has impacted my physical and mental health.
“I’m delighted to be part of the David Lloyd Clubs Team PB project. I’ve already noticed a difference in working with Sophie Lammas, my trainer at the club in Bromsgrove, over these past couple of weeks and feel excited to be part of such a positive initiative. I hope that as a team, we can share our experiences to give others the confidence to reset their health journeys after the pandemic lockdown.”
Commenting on the role that diet plays in positive physical and mental wellbeing and her role as the Team PB nutritionist, Jenna Hope says: “It’s no secret that so many of us have struggled with our diet during lockdown, reaching for unhealthy snacks and drinks to combat feelings of boredom, anxiety and loneliness meaning we’ve piled on the pounds.
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of optimising nutrition to support our wellbeing, but many don’t realise the significant link between nutrition and mental health as well. I am looking forward to showing how an improve diet will boost the wellbeing of everyone, not just those affected by weight gain.”
Taking a ‘360’ approach to health and fitness, the six-week programme will start with an assessment with Dr Jessamy and nutritionist Jenna Hope to understand how members have been affected by the pandemic, to understand what has been holding them back in the past and to identify any barriers or bad habits which will.
Alongside a session with one of David Lloyd Personal Trainers, an in-depth and tailored support package will be created. They will have three one to one PT sessions a week for six weeks with regular Zoom meetings with Dr Jessamy and Jenna Hope to ensure they are equipped with the tools and support to help create healthy life-long habits.
Dr Jessamycommented: “The mind and body are intimately connected and so the two should go hand in hand with any transformational fitness programme.
“Exercise is great support for mental health, increasing self-esteem, energy levels and endorphins, improving body image, motivation, mental functioning and sleep, and boosting morale. Beating those ‘I can’t’ thoughts and seeing what your body is capable of is incredibly empowering.”
“The success of a programme such as this requires motivation, resilience and good habits applied consistently, so that will be our start point. I will give our team an individual psychological assessment so they can think about how best to approach this challenge and understand what has been holding them back and feel more empowered to tackle their issues head on. I can’t wait to see them develop in confidence as they start to see the results.”
Jenna Hopecontinued: “A nutrient rich diet is pivotal for supporting optimal physical and mental wellbeing and should be the start point for anyone starting a fitness programme.
“But nutrition is a complex and very personal thing – what is right for me, may not be right for you, and without the right diet fueling your physical programme, you won’t achieve your best results. I am delighted to be a part of David Lloyd’s Team PB; throughout the six weeks I’ll be providing bespoke nutrition and meal advice to help support the team to live the healthiest versions of themselves.”
Lucy Day, head of gym at David Lloyd Clubs comments: “The pandemic has really brought home to millions just how important health and wellbeing is. So many people have been negatively affected both physically and mentally, and we know that more people than ever will be wanting to invest in themselves and commit to being healthier and happier.
“What sets our Team PB campaign apart, however, is it takes a truly ‘360’ approach to fitness and wellbeing, underpinned by expert psychological and nutritional support. It will identify any bad habits and motivational blockers, offering expert tailored advice throughout, which will give our team positive and sustainable results to improve their wellbeing for years to come.
“We hope to change the lives of these members, ensuring that they become the very best versions of themselves and in turn inspire others to go on their own journeys to becoming healthier and happier.”
More than 300,000 Scottish adults have never had their eyes tested
More than three quarters (78 per cent) of Scottish adults say their eye health is very important to them
Worryingly, a fifth (19 per cent) believe no diseases can be spotted during eye exams
Scottish adults are willing to pay more for the most advanced technology in their eye exams
Survey commissioned by Dunfermline-based retinal imaging tech experts, Optos
Thousands of adults (355,840[1]) in Scotland have never had their eyes tested by an optician – potentially putting their vision at risk.
The survey of Scottish adults was commissioned by retinal imaging technology experts, Optos. It revealed that more than three quarters (78 per cent) of people in Scotland considered their eye health as very important to them. In Edinburgh, this increased to more than 80 per cent while in Glasgow, this figure dropped to 74 per cent.
Despite caring about the health of their eyes, the pandemic had prevented two-fifths (40 per cent) from attending appointments. Half (50 per cent) of those surveyed said it was because they worried about how safe it was to attend, while 24 per cent said there were no appointments available and 15 per cent were shielding or self-isolating.
Gareth Steer, VP of European Sales at Optos said: “Over the past year, we’ve all been spending more time at home and in front of screens. From working at a laptop or sitting watching TV, there are increasing concerns around eye health and a rise in cases of eye strain.
“Sight loss prevention charity, Fight for Sight, recently found that more than a third[2] of people felt their eyesight had worsened since the start of the pandemic.
“We want people across Scotland to know that opticians using advanced retinal imaging technology are able to carry out their appointments in a safe way and will be able to identify any potential problems early, reducing the risk of eye disease and protecting eyesight.”
Encouragingly, people in Scotland do see the value in having the best eye exam possible and value expert advice. More than two thirds (64 per cent) state that they want the reassurance that potential issues are found early.
Opticians were considered the number one authority on eye health. Almost three quarters (72 per cent) said that they always follow the advice of their optician, above GPs (57 per cent), nurses (40 per cent) and pharmacists (35 per cent).
Six in 10 (63 per cent) said they would pay more for an eye exam that uses more advanced imaging technology because their eye health is so important to them.
Despite this, more than half (54 per cent) do not realise signs of diabetes are visible in a retinal eye exam, 49 per cent do not realise certain cancers can be detected, while 19 per cent don’t believe any eye diseases can be found in a retinal eye exam at all.
Gareth Steer added:“Advanced imaging technology is proven to support opticians in spotting potential vision and life-altering issues early. This includes diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure and detached retinas.
“A big part of this is education. We need to be more aware of the importance of eye care and attending eye appointments, even if you don’t think you have any issues. Advanced retinal imaging technology means opticians can carry out a very detailed exam quickly and from a safe distance.
“At Optos, we’re doing all we can to help raise awareness around the benefits of regular eye care examinations. The survey clearly shows that eye health is very important to people across Scotland so it’s essential we all make our vision a priority and ensure we find problems and treat them early.”
‘one of the greatest achievements in Health Service history’
Over 60 million doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine have been administered, with 37.9 million people across the UK receiving at least one jab.
More than 22.6 million people in the UK have been vaccinated with both doses for the strongest possible protection
Public urged to get vaccine when eligible
Around 72% of UK adults have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published yesterday (Sunday 23 May) show.
Health services across the UK have now administered a total of around 60.6 million vaccines since 8 December, including around 37.9 million people with their first dose (72%) and 22.6 million with both doses (43%), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose.
This comes as new real-world data shows the vaccines are reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 13,000 lives and preventing 39,100 hospitalisations in England by 9 May.
The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England are sending texts inviting people to book a vaccination to those aged 32 and 33.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Shortly after vaccinating over 70% of adults in the UK with a first dose, we have hit yet another incredible milestone with over 60 million doses delivered in total.
“Our trailblazing vaccination programme – the biggest and most successful in NHS history – is another great British success story and a testament to what can be achieved when all 4 corners of country comes together to defeat this virus.
“Our country has one of the highest uptake rates in the world and I’m delighted that so many have answered our call to arms. If you have not yet come forward, and you are eligible, I urge you to take up the offer – it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”
To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.
The move follows updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern.
The UK government announced new ‘decisive actions’ to halt the spread of the B1.617.2 variant of concern first identified in India last week. Targeted activity is taking place to continue to drive vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts to protect the most vulnerable.
The government continues to work in close partnership with local authorities to ensure the right action is taken at the right time, and to boost uptake of the approved vaccines for those eligible in these areas.
The UK Government says they are also providing support to the Scottish government, who are adopting similar action to control the spread of variants in Glasgow and Moray.
The government and its scientific experts are monitoring the evolving situation and rates of variants closely, and will not hesitate to take additional action as necessary.
Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “Today we hit yet another phenomenal achievement, with 60 million jabs in arms and over 4 in 10 people fully vaccinated with two doses.
“I want to pay tribute to the heroic work of NHS workers, volunteers, local authorities and civil servants across the whole country who have worked tirelessly to help make this happen.
“The vaccine is saving thousands of lives and provides invaluable protection from this virus, so when you get the offer please come forward for the jab.”
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “This latest milestone in our ongoing fight against COVID-19 is another opportunity to thank everyone again working throughout this weekend to deliver the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme come rain or shine, through thick and thin – undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in Health Service history.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “It’s superb to hear more great news about the vaccine rollout. This milestone underscores the incredible progress we are making right across the country in our fight against COVID-19.
“The UK government is supplying vaccines for people in all parts of the United Kingdom, and our fantastic NHS is working tirelessly to administer first and second doses.
“I’d encourage everyone to please take up the invitation to get the jab when it comes to help us all through this pandemic.”
The vaccine offers high levels of protection against symptomatic disease and even higher levels of protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
Protection increases with the second dose which is why it’s vital that everyone gets both doses of the vaccine as soon as they are offered to them. Getting the vaccine makes people less likely to get infected and growing evidence shows that it also helps to prevent them from passing the virus on to others.
The latest data from Public Health England’s (PHE’s) real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving at least 13,000 lives and preventing at least 39,100 hospitalisations in England by the 9 May. For the over 80s, it is estimated that 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation by 93% from the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant.
PHE analysis also shows that individuals who receive a single dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have approximately 80% lower risk of death against the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant originating in Kent and a second dose of the vaccine can provide 85-90% protection against symptomatic disease. Protection against death from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rises from approximately 80% after one dose to 97% after 2 doses against the Kent variant.
A new study by PHE shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant is similar after 2 doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant dominant in the UK, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.
Data published by YouGov shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated.
ONS data published on 6 May found that more than 9 in 10 (93%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.
Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.
The latest UK-wide vaccination statistics are published here
