Tag: Health and wellbeing

Boris Johnson admitted to hospital

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, ten days after testing positive for coronavirus.

While the Queen was addressing the nation in a television broadcast last night, Boris Johnson (55) was on his way to hospital, where he remains this morning.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will chair this morning’s Coronavirus update cabinet meeting in Downing Street.

A statement issued by 10 Downing Street last night said: “On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests.

“This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus ten days after testing positive for the virus.

“The Prime Minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Smokers at greater risk of severe respiratory disease from COVID-19

Emerging evidence from China shows smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe respiratory disease.

If you smoke, you are not only putting yourself at greater risk of developing severe disease from the COVID-19 virus, but those around you exposed to second hand smoke, including children, are also put at increased risk.

Smoking tobacco is known to damage the lungs and airways causing a range of severe respiratory problems. The evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk. A small but highly impactful survey from China finds that smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.

In addition, the repetitive hand to mouth movement provides an easy route of entry for the virus, putting smokers at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England said: “In light of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more important time to stop smoking. Not only for your own health but to protect those around you.

“It will also help alleviate the huge pressures on the NHS.

“It is never too late to quit, no matter your age.”

Once smokefree, there are very real health benefits with the body continuing to repair the longer you stay smokefree.

The more immediate benefits include:

  • after 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
  • after 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax
  • after 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves, making physical activity like walking and running easier

To help reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing severe disease from coronavirus, you can use the smokefree app to access advice and support on how you can best stop smoking. Search ‘Smokefree’.

Follow the Smokefree Action Coalition #quitforcovid campaign on Twitter.

People with tinnitus urged to protect their mental health as coronavirus takes its toll

With 57,000+ people in Edinburgh thought to experience tinnitus, a leading charity has urged anyone experiencing heightened or new symptoms as a result of the stress and anxiety of the coronavirus situation to seek online or virtual support to protect their mental health.

The call comes from the British Tinnitus Association charity (BTA) which, earlier this year, revealed the huge mental health impact that tinnitus can have on some individuals – with one in seven people with the condition having had suicidal thoughts at some point.

Studies have found that stress often makes tinnitus worse and, for many people, loneliness can also be a factor. With mental health charities reporting an increase in anxiety, the UK lockdown causing a natural increase in social isolation and common support services such as GPs less available in locally and across the country, the BTA says that now is a challenging time for people with tinnitus, as it is for many others too.

They are urging individuals who are struggling with tinnitus and people who are experiencing symptoms for the first time to seek support and for health services to signpost appropriately so that people know how to access free support.

While there is no cure for tinnitus – and 110,000 people recently signed a petition calling for more funding to be made available for research to find one – there are several strategies that can be helpful in learning to manage the condition.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “There is naturally a huge amount of news and online discussion about coronavirus right now and we know that this is presenting our society with a significant mental health challenge.

“For people with tinnitus, the increased stress of this can worsen their condition which, in turn, increases anxiety further – creating a vicious cycle.

“With coronavirus also forcing a huge reduction in the level of support available through our community health infrastructure, it’s so important that we work together across the voluntary, independent and professional sector to signpost people to appropriate support.”

To improve support for people with tinnitus at this challenging time, the BTA is introducing new online resources to support those missing out on appointments, available via www.tinnitus.org.uk.

It will also continue to offer its free helpline service on 0800 018 0527, web chat on its website and further support through email at helpline@tinnitus.org.uk.

For more information on managing tinnitus at this difficult time, see the British Tinnitus Association’s article: Covid-19 guidance for people with tinnitus.

More important than ever to look after ourselves, says walking charity

Scotland’s walking charity is urging the public to stay active and take a walk everyday amidst the Coronavirus outbreak.

Paths for All says it’s more important than ever that people who feel well should walk alone or with those they live with to protect their physical and mental health.

Exercising once a day is one of only four reasons why people are allowed to leave their home. The charity believes that those not experiencing symptoms and not in the high-risk groups should go out for short, local walks as long as they minimise social contact.

Paths for All has also launched new online guidance and links to resources which can help people stay active indoors, connect with nature outside and encourage those working from home to move more.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Now more than ever it’s important for people to look after their physical and mental health.

“Fresh air, being outdoors and connecting with nature is not only positive for your physical health, but it can help your mental health by improving your mood and reducing stress and anxiety. We believe it’s important for people to continue to enjoy short, local walks provided you are well and where it’s safe and appropriate to do so.

“The official advice is to stay local. Choose routes right from your own front door if you can, to avoid non-essential travel. You should try to visit places you know will be quiet, away from hotspots, and remember to keep a distance of at least two metres from other people.

“If you are unable to go outside for a walk, then there are many ways you can keep moving at home. Browse online for demonstration videos and resources and remember to take regular breaks from sitting down to get up and move around.”

Walking provides many benefits, including increased fitness and enhanced mood on top of reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dementia and diabetes.

The charity’s campaigns and events showcase how walking can bring significant benefits to the nation’s health and environment, aiming to encourage everyone in Scotland to walk every day and everywhere.

Paths for All works with Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiatives.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: pathsforall.org.uk

Heart Research UK Healthy tip: Easy ways to get your 5-a-day!

Eating five portions of fruit and veg every day can help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease. As supermarket shelves are emptier than usual, Heart Research UK have some tips to help you achieve your 5-a-day during this challenging time.

What counts as a portion?

Eighty grams of fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and veg or 30g dried fruit count as one portion. For example, one fresh pear or banana, two small plums, or three heaped tablespoons of peas. Beans and pulses also count, but you should only count these once as they contain fewer nutrients compared to other fruit and veg. 150ml of fruit/vegetable juice or smoothie also counts, but you should limit these drinks to no more than one a day due to the sugars they contain.

Top up with lentils

Lentils are a versatile ingredient and a great source of fibre, which is good for heart health. Try replacing some of the meat in your bolognese sauce with a handful of lentils or try adding lentils to homemade soups.

Include tinned, frozen and dried fruit and veg in your meals

As the population is being encouraged to make fewer trips to the supermarket, you may find that you need to rely on the food in your store cupboard and freezer more than usual. Try adding dried or frozen fruit to your bowl of breakfast cereal in the morning and include a variety of frozen or tinned veg with your evening meals. Tinned fruit with yoghurt can also provide you with a healthy dessert.

Enjoy homemade soups for lunch

Homemade soups are an easy way to increase your veg intake. You can include a variety of tinned, fresh and frozen veg in soups. There are lots of healthy vegetable soup recipes available online, but here is one to get you started.

Easy-peasy pea soup.

  • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 400g frozen peas, defrosted
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)

Heat the oil over a medium heat and stir in the chopped onion. Gently fry the onion until soft, but not browned. Add the peas and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Puree the soup using a blender and add salt and pepper to taste. If you have fresh mint available, you can add this at the end.

Support for GP Practices

Additional funding of £15 million will be provided to GP practices to help them cope with extra pressures arising from coronavirus (COVID-19).

Around a third of the funding is intended to allow practices to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday if it is safe to do so – helping to alleviate pressures on out-of-hours services.

The remainder will help to cover costs of equipment, additional non-clinical staff, GP partners and locum cover for sickness leave.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I want to thank all GP practice staff for their incredible hard work throughout this pandemic. They are doing an invaluable job to keep crucial primary care services going in very challenging circumstances.

“Given the unprecedented situation we are in, I have taken the unusual step of asking GP practices to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday – but only if it is safe to do so. This will help to alleviate some pressure from out-of-hours services.

“Working with the Scottish GP Committee of BMA Scotland we have agreed a package of additional funding for GP practices to help them meet some of the costs of responding to COVID-19.  Part of this will help to cover the cost of remaining open on Good Friday and Easter Monday and the remainder will help to meet other costs being faced by practices during this difficult time.”

Chair of the BMA’s Scottish GP Committee Dr Andrew Buist said: “This is an unprecedented time for all of us, and asking GPs to keep their practices open over public holidays is not a request we have taken lightly.

“Practices and out of hours services are working under more pressure than ever during this pandemic and I know GPs across Scotland are willing to put in the extra work required to help the NHS fight this virus.

“Our NHS is changing, and at the forefront of that change is the primary care response. General practice is part of that protective ring around the hospital system that will help us all cope with the surge in demand we are expecting.

“I am extremely proud of how quickly GPs have responded to this challenge with flexibility and ingenuity. There is a huge amount of work being put in from the Scottish Government and across the system and now is the time for us to pull together, for clear thinking and strong leadership.”

All of Us: still here to help in Edinburgh

Help is available for any families struggling in Edinburgh despite the ongoing health crisis, say the city’s Child Protection Committee and NSPCC Scotland.

All of Us was launched earlier this year to help people find out where to get support and advice with parenting or other worries about family life and where to turn if they have concerns about a child.

The campaign is also raising awareness among communities and professionals about the early signs of child neglect and how to help families who are struggling.

It has never been more important that both children and adults have somewhere safe they can turn to if they are worried. That is why Edinburgh’s Child Protection Committee and NSPCC Scotland are doing everything they can to ensure that vital services such as the NSPCC run Childline and various helplines for adults worried about a child can stay open, while also ensuring staff and volunteers have a safe environment in line with government advice.

The partnership wants to help parents and carers, who may be struggling, and signpost them to where they can get advice and support before reaching crisis point.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland local campaigns manager, said: “We know that looking after a child can be challenging for all parents, and now even more so as we all have to be responsible and stay at home to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

“It is so important that people know there is still support out there and that they know where to turn for help.”

Joanna Barrett, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Scotland added: “The entire way we think about child protection has changed in a matter of days and it is encouraging how the Scottish Government has recognised the effects this crisis could have on children at risk of abuse and neglect.

“We all need to play our part by checking in with families however we can and reaching out for support and advice if we have any concerns.”

Jackie Irvine, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “We appreciate these are extremely challenging times for everyone, but protecting young people and supporting families remains a priority for us.

“The need for people to support each other is greater than ever, which we are seeing as communities pull together and show great strength.”

For parenting advice and support visit NSPCC helpline or call 0808 800 5000, weekdays 8am to 10pm and weekends 9am to 6pm. People can also contact Social Care Direct on 0131 200 2324.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/allofus 

Coronavirus appeal: Don’t order unnecessary prescriptions

GPs and Pharmacists across Greater Glasgow and Clyde have faced a high demand for prescriptions since the COVID-19 outbreak began and the country’s biggest health board is urging patients to not request or fill unnecessary repeat prescriptions.

It’s an appeal that will be echoed across the country.

GP practices and community pharmacies continue to operate. Patients are asked to phone in the first instance for any queries that are not coronavirus-related. For any patients with coronavirus symptoms, they are urged to consult NHS Inform or call NHS24 on 111.

Alan Harrison, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:  “A huge thank you to all GP practice and community pharmacy teams who continue to care for patients in extremely challenging circumstances.  

“But they are facing an unnecessary strain because individuals are requesting and filling prescriptions when they do not need to.

“That’s why we’re asking the public to please help us and not order unnecessary prescriptions. We’re all in this together.”

One in five midwife roles are currently unstaffed

The Royal College of Midwives has today made a plea to NHS leaders to protect the safety of pregnant women by ringfencing maternity services in the current crisis.

There is concern that vital staff, including midwives and maternity support workers, will be redeployed to other areas, at a time when a survey of senior midwives found that the shortage of midwives on NHS maternity units has doubled since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.

The survey of heads and directors of midwifery from across the UK, carried out by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), found that, even before the outbreak, services were struggling to get by with almost one in 10 midwifery posts vacant.

Survey respondents now report that this shortage has doubled to 20 per cent. The coronavirus itself as well as self-isolation has combined with existing staff vacancies to mean one in five midwife roles are currently unstaffed today.

Commenting on the survey results Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “While other areas of the health service can postpone and cancel procedures, there is still an ongoing need for maternity services.

“Women are still pregnant, still having babies, and they need the care and support of properly resourced maternity services. We have to ensure that midwives and maternity support workers are ringfenced from any redeployment to ensure that women continue to receive safe care.

“What this survey shows is that coronavirus is exposing the gaps that already exist in maternity services. The shortage of midwives has doubled since the start of the outbreak, a situation which is only likely to worsen as the pandemic spreads further.”

Over a fifth (22 per cent) of survey respondents also reported that local midwife-led maternity units had been closed, with more than a third (36 per cent) of areas also either stopping (32 per cent) or restricting (four per cent) homebirths.

In 11 cases the midwife-led unit has been closed to provide facilities to assess or care for coronavirus patients.

Nearly eight out of 10 midwifery leaders (78 per cent) reported ending routine face-to-face antenatal and postnatal visits, with a further nine per cent restricting just face-to-face postnatal visits.

Heads and directors of midwifery reported confusion about what should happen to midwives with long-term health conditions or who live with someone with conditions that put them at greater risk, and the impact their self-isolation would have on staff shortages. 

Gill Walton continued: “We have to protect the maternity front door and continue to provide the levels of care and support pregnant women need.

“We need to do all we can to make sure the maternity workforce is kept well and healthy as much as possible. The testing of NHS staff is an urgent priority.”

Extra funding for mental health services

Extra funding to develop mental health services to cope with further demand as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been confirmed by the Scottish Government.

Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey has announced a further £3.8 million to begin to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online services.

This includes £2.6 million to expand the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space telephone helpline and web support service and £1.2 million to provide extra capacity for Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT). Information about these expanded services will come on line as they become active.

Ms Haughey said: “Dedicated mental health professionals provide high quality care across Scotland – but in these trying times they are needed more than ever.

“The current situation around COVID-19, including concerns around social distancing, is an understandable cause of anxiety for many people. NHS 24 has already begun to see an increase in calls, including to Breathing Space, in recent weeks and anticipate this will continue to grow.

“It is vital that during this period of uncertainty anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.”

The additional £3.8 million will support a two-strand approach to the health response to COVID-19, both increasing the capacity of existing services while aiming to reduce demand. 

Funding of £2.6 million will provide additional capacity to the NHS Mental Health Hub of 27 full time equivalent (FTE) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, five FTE Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, and two FTE Senior Charge Nurses to provide 24-hour cover. This service is currently only available out of hours during the week and over the weekend.

This will take the total staffing for the hub to 69 PWPs, 20 MHNPs and six SCNs (all FTE).

The number of Breathing Space advisors will increase by 10 FTE workers and two FTE supervisors to expand both the telephone and webchat facilities. NHS 24 will also adapt a number of self-help guides and online resources through the NHS Inform website.

Funding of £1.2 million in the financial year 2020-21 will provide additional capacity to meet the immediate COVID-19 challenge on digital therapies supporting the rise in demand  and addressing the pressure on core  NHS mental health services. This will give support to the public and also to the Health and Social Care workforce and their families.