If you have a cold or cold-like symptoms, the best thing you can do for yourself and others is stay home and rest
If you have a sore throat, but can eat and drink and don’t have a very high temperature, it’s likely to be a common virus.
For advice: http://ow.ly/nmh250MfoU0
Keep festive anxiety in check!
Daylight is a free app for people living in Scotland. It’s designed to help people who are experiencing symptoms of worry and anxiety. Try it out by going to
https://onboarding.trydaylight.com/daylight/nhs/144#1/1
| Last week, Elijah Bell (2) from East Kilbride walked out of hospital and is now having festive fun at home with his mum, dad and brother, Issac (1) following almost three months in the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. During most of Elijah’s stay, he was unconscious in bed. He had no movement on his right side, and his parents – Natalie and Jamie – had no idea what his future looked like. They didn’t know if he would ever move or talk again. Elijah first became unwell on the 23rd of September 2023 when he had a spike in temperature. At first, it was suspected that he had a viral infection, followed by tonsilitis due to his symptoms. Elijah quickly began to deteriorate and could barely stand. He was stumbling all over the place. His concerned GP referred him to Wishaw General Hospital. At hospital, things progressively got worse, and Elijah was sleepy to the point of unconscious. After tests, it was confirmed that Elijah had Pneumococcal Bacterial Meningitis. He was put on antibiotics and after five days, started to show a little bit of progress. |
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| Elijah’s mum, Natalie explained: “He was getting on top of his infection, but then on day six, he completely deteriorated, and he started having seizures. It was at this point we were transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. “When we arrived, the team placed him in an induced coma for two days to try and get control of the seizures and prevent any further brain damage. We thought we were going to lose him. “We had no idea what was going to happen, and we have never been so scared in our entire lives. After a few days, the doctors removed his tubes and he was able to breathe on his own, but he was still very much asleep and unconscious, to the point where he was unable to open his eyes for days in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.” The neurologist advised that Elijah had suspected areas of stroke due to vasculitis as a complication of meningitis. After five days in PICU, Elijah was moved to the Neurology Ward, but he was sleeping about 90% of the day. Another scan showed that he had Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain that increases the pressure. Elijah then had an external drain fitted to his head to help drain this. Prior to having the surgery, he had right-sided weakness because of the areas of stroke. He couldn’t move his right leg or arm. After he had the fluid drained, he began to move his right leg again. The drain was in for around two weeks, and, on the 31st of October, he had further brain surgery, and a shunt was fitted for life. |
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| Natalie continued: “It was at this point that we saw a big improvement in him. After his post-surgery recovery, he had intense neuro rehabilitation which included daily physio, speech and language, occupational therapy and daily visits from different doctors as well. He made amazing progress. “At this point we were allowed home for visits and Elijah took a couple of steps unaided in the house which was amazing. We couldn’t believe he was able to walk. The doctor was lost for words.” The home visits had helped Elijah’s recovery so much that the hospital team decided that he would make more progress at home fulltime. Elijah was officially discharged on the 7th of December 2023, and walked out of the hospital, holding his parent’s hands. Natalie explained that the family now has the future to look forward to, thanks to Elijah’s treatment, medical team, and determination. “We have been staying in Ronald McDonald House the last few months. One of us would stay with Isaac and the other with Elijah. We would switch each night. The first weekend we got home, you would have thought it was Christmas Eve in our house. When the boys woke up the next day, our Christmas tree was up, and it was all snowy outside. It really was magical. “We are looking forward to the next few weeks of Christmas visits and events, followed by a quiet day at home, just the four of us. “We are so grateful Elijah is here. We owe the medical team at the Royal Hospital for Children. They saved our son. Ronald McDonald as well, the amazing facility helped us so much. Being able to stay on the grounds, was amazing. “They made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. We may not stay miles and miles away, but we had no idea how Elijah was going to be health wise and being able to be only a few minutes from the hospital was truly amazing. “We also want to say that that we are beyond proud of our brave boy. He has shown the true meaning of strength and courage, and we love him so much. Thank you to everyone who was involved in saving Elijah’s life, we will be eternally grateful to you all,” she said. |
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| Shuko Joseph, Consultant in Paediatric Neurology at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow said: “It was our great privilege to be part of Elijah’s recovery journey as part of the neurology- neurorehabilitation team. “The family endured such challenging time with incredible resilience, strength, and hope. It is so wonderful to hear the family is getting on well at home especially at such a special time of year. “Such recovery has been a credit to Elijah and family’s wonderful efforts and excellent engagement with therapy sessions and would not have been possible without the expertise of the PICU staff, ID team, neurosurgical staff, neurology ward staff, nurse specialists and neurorehabilitation therapists. “We are so grateful for everyone involved in Elijah’s recovery.” |
Lothian Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has expressed her deep disappointment in Edinburgh City FC’s decision to scrap their women’s team and their development teams.
This decision follows weeks of financial turbulence for the team.
Ms Boyack has expressed her dismay that the burden of stabilising the club’s finances has fallen on the Women’s Team.
It will be a huge blow on the drive to get women more represented in sport.
The team have indicated that they hoped this decision would be temporary but have provided no timeline for when the teams may be reinstated.
Commenting on the decision, Sarah Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed by Edinburgh City FC’s decision to scrap their women and development team.
“I acknowledge the financial difficulties of the team but at a time when women’s football is finally getting the audience it deserves, to scrap the Women’s Team sends entirely the wrong message.
“We should be doing more to encourage women into football and sports more generally.
“Women’s’ teams represent the best opportunity to showcase the talented female footballers we have here in Scotland.
“If Edinburgh City FC are serious about this being a temporary decision, they need to lay out a clear timetable for when the Women’s and Development teams will be restored.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff member diagnosed with cancer has spoken about his experience to encourage more people to be aware of the condition, know the risks and seek help early if they have concerns.
Iain Sullivan, 48, of Kirkliston who works out of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station as a Technician, received the news earlier this year he had prostate cancer.
Speaking of his journey, Iain, who is ex-military with 25 years full colour service and been with SAS for three years, said: “My father was his early 60s with prostate cancer. At the time, I was only 40, so it was deemed not necessary to get checked by NHS due to young age. After going through this, it is really important for me to raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about any worries they may have and seek medical advice.”
Iain said last December his dad was advised his cancer had spread which led his dad to ask Iain in February this year to get tested due to the increased risk. The tests were simple and painless consisting of a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker in the blood, a digital rectal examination and a MRI scan. Following these tests, Iain was advised that he had tested positive for prostate cancer.
Iain said he wasn’t surprised by the news and added: “I had a feeling I was going to be positive – luckily my brother was clear.”
During the first months since the diagnosis, Iain said his “head has been all over the place”, but has since revealed his current position is Stage 1 of 4 which is the lower end of the spectrum, and at present hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Speaking of the support he has received he said his work colleagues have been “fantastic and supportive”.
Iain, who is currently off work, added: “My Crewmate Lewis has been checking up on me, along with the rest of the gang, and also my other friends and staff within the Edinburgh area have been supportive to me even through their own times of difficulties.
“They all work tirelessly and still have the kindness to look after each other. My partner Julie, who is also Ambulance technician, has shown amazing support and so has my son Brad, and other family members or course.”
Iain said he would urge people in his age bracket – and younger – to understand the risks, talk about them with friends and colleagues and seek help if they have concerns. It is important to understand that prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer in men.
He added: “It seems to be radio silence for men. I am surprised at the limited awareness of prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year.
People need to ask questions, seek advice and get help if you are worried. If nothing else, it’s worth the peace of mind and I will feel better for knowing you read this, are worried and then go to your GP”.
For more information, visit NHS inform or Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK who have a simple online risk checker that anyone can access to understand their risk in 30 seconds.
Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack has written to Cabinet Secretary for Health, to ask him for clarity over when the decision will be made over the New Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.
In a November meeting organised by Ms Boyack between patients and Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary assured patients that any decision over the Eye Pavilion would be made in December, in line with the budget.
However, a Scottish Government spokesperson has now claimed that the decision will not be made until the Spring.
Delaying this decision will force patients to rely on outdated services and face further cancelled appointments.
Campaigners were hoping that the current budget would provide long awaited clarity for whether the new facility would get the go-ahead.
Sarah Boyack MSP said: “Michael Matheson has fundamentally misled patients.
“To tell patients that the decision would be made in December, only for it to be pushed back to the Spring is a slap in the face for all those who need a new facility.
“Michael Matheson needs to confirm on the record when the capital spending will be announced and apologise for misleading patients.
“Every day the Scottish Government delays, the project becomes more expensive, and the current Eye Pavilion deteriorates further.
“If Michael Matheson does not provide clarity now, we are heading towards a crisis for eyecare services in Edinburgh.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, added: “We’re concerned the Scottish Government’s plans to review this project again in the spring is too little too late.
“It’s now 10 years on since the current hospital was declared unfit for purpose and by delaying the decision again is ignoring the critical need of patients and staff attending the current hospital.
“As time goes on, the building deteriorates further and the risk to people’s safety increases. People with visual impairment and eye conditions deserve better.”
A BUMPER month-long festive celebration is well underway at one of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes.
Pensioners at Cramond Residence have been treated to the homes’ biggest ever range of activities in the build-up to Christmas thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lifestyle Team.
In the lead-up to the big day, residents have enjoyed a delightful mix of songs, carols, parties, fine food, Christmas jumper celebrations as well as a pantomime, creating a buzzing festive atmosphere.
Elaine Vallance, Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence said: “This is our sixth and biggest Christmas at the home and it’s our goal to ensure it’s a magical experience for our residents.
“We focused on creating a festive atmosphere with activities that cater to all tastes to help get everyone into the spirit.
“The residents have thoroughly enjoyed the events so far, and we’ve made sure that Christmas week is filled with fantastic activities to help carry the joy into the New Year.”
Across December, Cramond Residence sparkled with festive spirit, beginning with the annual Christmas lights switch-on and a carol performance by Fettes students.
The month has featured a variety of events including religious ceremonies, sensory sessions, a Kirk service, pub nights, and numerous parties.
On Christmas Day, residents will enjoy a special festive lunch, followed by a week full of seasonal movies, a pub night, a Nutcracker ballet performance, and a grand New Year’s Eve celebration to bring in 2024 in style.
Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager for Cramond Residence said: “We are lucky to have Elaine and her exceptional team orchestrating an incredible array of activities for our residents.
“Christmas at Cramond Residence is always a special time for both our staff and residents. This year has been particularly memorable, and we’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with all our residents.”
Cramond Residence is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its residents, offering a bespoke activity programme that blends the luxury of a hotel with the warmth of home living. Constructed at a cost of £8m, the residence opened its doors in October 2018, embodying a philosophy of small group living with a strong focus on social interaction.
The facility provides an extensive array of dementia care services, available both within the general living environment and in a dedicated area specially designed for those in more advanced stages.
With a variety of activities specifically tailored for individuals with dementia, Cramond Residence aims to enrich their lives. The home boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained professionals committed to offering both support and respite.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.
There has been a concerning rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), UKHSA has announced.
Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella cases has increased by 53%. Much of this increase has been driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there have been 97 cases in 2023 (up to and including November), compared to just 4 cases last year.
The strain is difficult to treat because it does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella. Cases have been diagnosed in all regions of England, but cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).
In January 2022, there was a similar rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections caused by another outbreak strain.
Cases of Shigella have been rising since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021, with annual cases now higher than the average before the pandemic. The month with the highest number of reported Shigella diagnoses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was 392 in September 2019, which increased to 485 in September 2023 – representing a 24% increase.
Shigella is a gut infection that causes diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever. It is caused by bacteria found in faeces.
It can be passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands and only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection. Symptoms are typically seen between 1 and 4 days after exposure and are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: “This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult.
“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex. Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.
“It’s important that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) do not dismiss their symptoms and speak to their GP or sexual health clinic, mentioning Shigella, if they are unwell.
“GBMSM with Shigella may have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, so a sexual health screen at a clinic or ordering tests online is recommended.”
Shigella is very infectious. Although symptoms can be unpleasant, in most cases they will subside within a week, but some individuals need hospitalisation and require intravenous antibiotic treatment. Effective antibiotic treatments are limited for this extremely resistant strain.
Antibiotic treatment is recommended in cases with severe symptoms, those requiring hospital admission, those with prolonged diarrhoea (beyond 7 days) or in those who have underlying immunodeficiency.
If you have been diagnosed with Shigella, give yourself time to recover. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest. Don’t have sex until 7 days after your last symptom and avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.
Reducing transmission is key to protecting more vulnerable groups. You can find out more information about Shigella and get advice on other topics at Sexwise or by calling the free National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123.
If you suffer a strain, sprain, or suspected broken bone, wound, burn or other nasty injury this winter, you can be treated by one of our experts in the Minor Injuries Unit.
Call 111 to make an appointment or find more information:
https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/minor-injuries-unit/
The soaring need for support with neurodiversity has signalled a huge jump in demand for the services of Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
The charity, which champions all forms of neurodiversity, has experienced an 18% rise in enquiries over the last year.
Access to education and assessment and diagnosis were key issues raised by parents and carers, along with communication, rights and responsibilities and mental health.
Data shows that children and young people were particularly concerned with challenges including post-diagnosis support, mental health and the transition from leaving school to moving into adulthood.
The latest statistics from the Edinburgh-based charity, which supports children and young people under the age of 25 with all forms of neurodiversity, show that over 1,393 people have been helped in the first three quarters of 2023, an increase of 19% against the entirety of 2022. The most common condition, affecting 82% of clients, was autism.
The enquiries came from within Scotland, predominantly from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and East Lothian, with the vast majority coming directly from potential service users and a third via professionals.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Alan Thornburrow says: “Raising awareness is one of the key goals of Mindroom. Our vision is a world where no mind is left behind. And while we’re delighted to have been able to help so many people this year, the story behind the statistics is one of huge need.
“It’s encouraging that so many more people are now aware of the help and support we can offer but the big rise in demand demonstrates an ever-growing desire among parents, carers, professionals and the young people themselves to help them lead the best life they can. We’re committed to doing everything we can to facilitate that.”
The charity’s latest initiative is a three-year specialist outreach service, financed by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, to deliver a dedicated one-to-one support service for children and young people who have neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiverse families in North and South Lanarkshire.
Alan Thornburrow says: “We saw a rising demand in this area and have responded because we know just what an enormous difference receiving the appropriate help can make.
“The latest rise in figures is a challenge for us but one we are longing to overcome to help people achieve their true potential.”
For more information on the charity’s work go to https://www.mindroom.org/
