Tag: Health and wellbeing

Drive to free up hospital beds

Councils have been asked to increase support for care at home, nursing homes and care homes to reduce delayed discharges and free up hospital beds.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has confirmed to COSLA that, subject to expenditure being aligned to local plans, the Scottish Government will meet additional costs to increase support and staff capacity in social care.

The move aims to help the care system adapt to increased pressure placed on it by COVID -19, with many people requiring continued support for daily living, even if they have not contracted the virus.

Ms Freeman said: “We have placed the NHS on an emergency footing and we also need to increase the capacity in our social care sector.

“Extensive work is already underway by health and social care partnerships to free up hospital beds and care for older people, and others in need of support, in care homes and in our communities.

“We have now informed councils that any additional expenditure to maximise the care available to our communities, aligned to work that is already underway, will be covered by the Scottish Government.”

COSLA’s Health and Social Care spokesperson Councillor Stuart Currie said: “COVID-19 represents an unprecedented challenge to anyone working in caring professions in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government and local government have shared leadership to ensure the entire system is working together to optimise the impact on the wellbeing of our communities.  Work is underway locally to do this and today’s announcement gives welcome assurance to the sector about the steps which will be taken to maximise the care available to our communities.

“COSLA guidance will be issued shortly to support commissioners to work collaboratively to protect the resilience of the social care sector and ensure they remain operationally and financially viable.”

Coronavirus: New NHS 24 arrangements

Patients worried about symptoms should dial 111 if they need help

Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are now asked to dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.

Please do NOT call your GP or go to the surgery. If you require a sick note due to coronavirus, you can get this from the NHS Inform website.

This improvement provides patients with a straightforward dedicated route to clinical advice and support, as well as freeing up GP practices to treat and care for all non-COVID-19 health conditions.

Callers to the 111 helpline will be assessed and, if necessary, transferred to a local community hub staffed by clinicians from across the healthcare system to ensure patients get the best possible advice at the right time.

Depending on their assessment, patients may be given advice to help them continue self-isolating at home or be given an appointment to attend a local assessment centre for further treatment.

NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information. There is also a free NHS 24 helpline for people without symptoms looking for general information on coronavirus.

For patients who do not have any coronavirus symptoms, they should continue to telephone their GP when open and not call NHS 24.

In the out of hours period, when displaying symptoms other than coronavirus, you should only call 111 if you need urgent assessment and cannot wait until your GP is open.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This change means that anyone who has coronavirus symptoms and needs additional help or advice can now call the same number any time, day or night, seven days a week.

“As the number of people presenting with symptoms continues to grow, we must adapt to manage the daily growth in demand. As well as ensuring people are getting the right help at the right time, this step will also help ensure GP capacity to provide care for people in the community is protected and that only those cases that need to be admitted to hospital are admitted.”

NHS 24’s Director of Service Delivery Steph Phillips said: “NHS 24 has been at the forefront of supporting Scotland’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, through the NHS Inform website, the special helpline and the 111 service.

“This change will make it easier for people who are concerned about their symptoms to get the help they need as quickly as possible. Please help us to help you.”

NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information.

If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download an isolation note directly from NHS Inform.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

  • high temperature or fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

Patients should only call NHS 24 (on 111) if their symptoms:

  • have not improved after 7 days
  • are severe or they have shortness of breath
  • worsen during home isolation

For any other health related concerns, make NHS Inform your first point of contact or call your GP during opening hours. If your GP practice is closed and your query can’t wait you can still call NHS 24 (on 111).

If you don’t have symptoms and are looking for general information on coronavirus, call NHS Inform’s free helpline: 0800 028 2816

Claimants asked to apply online as Jobcentres limit access

People are being urged to use online services before turning to the telephone for help with their benefit claim

With a rise in new claims, and with demand for support over the phone increasing, the Department for Work and Pensions is taking unprecedented action to make sure people can get the support they need, including moving 10,000 existing staff to focus on processing new claims.

In line with recent Government guidance and to best serve those who need support, the Work and Pensions Secretary has taken the decision to limit access to jobcentres from tomorrow, with members of the public not admitted into jobcentres unless they are directed to do so with a booked appointment.

Only the most vulnerable claimants who cannot access DWP services by other channels will be invited to attend, with the public urged to use online services.

In addition, the Secretary of State has also today announced that reviews and reassessments for disability benefits are being suspended for the next three months. The suspension will be kept under regular review and extended if necessary.

These stronger measures come in response to the changing situation and mean more staff are being deployed to process new claims and make payments, with remote support a top priority for the department.

Around 10,000 existing staff will be moved to process new claims, with 1000 already in place. In addition, the Department is expecting to recruiting 1500 extra people to aid the effort.

The changes are part of the Government’s effort to stop the spread of the virus, supporting people to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

The measures follow Government guidance last week that people were not expected to attend face to face jobcentre appointments, and the suspension of face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits for the next 3 months.

In the meantime, all services can be accessed online and over phone with the Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey is urging people to use online services first, helping keep phone lines free for those who really need them.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said: “Our jobcentres are fully committed to supporting people facing challenges during these extraordinary times.

“To help people most effectively and efficiently, we need people to claim online. If you cannot get online, phone us for help and we will only see people face to face in our jobcentres if invited.”

Those looking to put in a claim for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance should apply online.

For more information visit Understanding Universal Credit

 

Marie Curie charity cancels all collections

Terminal illness charity, Marie Curie, has announced that all of its upcoming public collections in Edinburgh and West Lothian, and across the UK as part of its biggest annual appeal will be cancelled due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

The Great Daffodil Appeal, which runs throughout March, sees hundreds of volunteer collectors hitting high streets and supermarkets to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in exchange for donations.

                                                                                                                                                       The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie provide much-needed expert care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their loved ones, helping them to make the most of the time they have together.

The appeal also helps the charity provide practical information and support, fund research and campaigns for more people to have access to high quality, personalised care wherever and whenever they need it.

With over 2,200 collections across the country cancelled with immediate effect, Marie Curie has estimated that it will lose £1 million from these vital collections alone – with further losses coming from many other cancelled fundraising activities and events. This will impact the charity’s work, which is going to be more important than ever over the coming months as the NHS focuses on the coronavirus.

In light of this, the charity is urgently asking people to get involved in the appeal via other ways to help its nurses, it’s hospice in Edinburgh and the West Lothian Community Palliative Care Service at St John’s Hospital to care for more people including donating online (mariecurie.org.uk/donate) or via text-to-donate (text DAFF to 70111 to donate £5*). 

Meredith Niles, Executive Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Marie Curie, said: “It is with great disappointment that we have decided to cancel all of our Great Daffodil Appeal public collections due to COVID-19 as well as a number of other fundraising events that were due to take place over the coming weeks and months – a decision which has not been taken lightly. 

“The health and safety of our dedicated volunteers and staff is of utmost importance. We are extremely grateful to the thousands of people who signed up to collect for us, without whom the Great Daffodil Appeal would not exist.

“Where possible, we hope to be able to re-schedule collections and events for later in the year, and would like to thank all our volunteers, supporters, corporate partners and staff for their ongoing support at this challenging time.”

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19), our Support Line team are ready to help with the information you need when you need it.

Call free 0800 090 2309. You can also find more information on our website: mariecurie.org.uk/coronavirus

Consumers asked to shop considerately

As increasing numbers of supermarkets and shops try to deal with the challenge of replenishing shelves in time to meet demand, the Scottish Government has asked consumers to shop considerately – in particular to ensure those in the frontline of dealing with COVID-19 are able to get the supplies they need.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Ensuring that we all have access to food and other essentials is key to our safety and wellbeing in these unprecedented times.

“I want to thank everyone working to produce food, distribute it and sell it in shops and supermarkets for all their efforts to keep products on the shelves.

“For the past week I have been in close contact with Scotland’s national retailers, who confirmed that they have sufficient stocks to provide enough food and other essentials for everyone.

“The issue is that, currently, demand is so high that products cannot be replenished on shelves in time, which is creating a perception of food shortages. This is a false picture though, and pressure on the supply could be greatly eased if shoppers buy just what they need rather than stockpiling. So I am calling on consumers to please shop considerately.

“In particular I would ask people to think about the needs and interests of our frontline and key workers who cannot get to the shops as often as the rest of us and who are shopping at unsocial hours.

“Please also consider helping those who can’t get to the shops themselves, especially elderly and vulnerable neighbours, family and friends who are being asked to restrict their social contact.  And consider supporting local businesses and smaller retailers in the community by giving them your custom as well.

“I also want to assure consumers that the Scottish Government is continually working with the food and drink industry and liaising closely with local government and other governments across the UK to ensure that fresh food and supplies remain available across all of Scotland.

We have already acted to enable local authorities to relax restrictions on delivery hours, delivery driver work patterns, and shop opening times to help supermarkets and shops remain stocked and allow shoppers more opportunity to access supplies out of normal business hours. We remain committed to doing all we can to keep the shelves stocked – the public has a pivotal role to play in helping us do that.”

Who are the Key Workers?

What is a key worker? The UK Government gives the following information:

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:

Health and social care

This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare

This includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

Key public services

This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government

This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response, or delivering essential public services, such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.

Food and other necessary goods

This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

Public safety and national security

This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport

This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services

This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories above, they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

If your school is closed, then please contact your local authority, who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or children, can attend.

We are grateful for the work of teachers and workers in educational settings for continuing to provide for the children of the other critical workers of our country. It is an essential part of our national effort to combat this disease.

Walk for Autism to go ahead

Walk for Autism UK and Ireland is calling for final registrations for its third annual campaign, which is set to continue as planned from March 26.

In a bid to encourage community spirit amid the UK’s current uncertainty, it has already reported its most successful pledge to date with a record number of sign-ups this year and is urging others to get involved.

Walk for Autism will see over 1,800 individuals across the country walking 10,000 steps a day for eight days finishing on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In addition, those currently taking part have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity, vital funds that will support autistic people and their families.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon (above) said: “We are delighted with the number of walkers that are joining us in this year’s campaign and want to extend our thanks to each and every person who is stepping up to the challenge.

“We still have time to gain more momentum and together, raise even more money. This fundraising is essential in providing much needed support for autistic people, including their families.

“We appreciate that these are unprecedented times, but walkers can undertake the challenge solo, at a time and place that is convenient for them, whether it’s in your local park, your garden or even at home – every step counts.

“Right now, a sense of belonging is more important than ever and although participants may no longer be walking in groups, we are still very much a community. Once signed up, our fundraising team known as ‘Walking Buddies’ are available on email to offer round the clock support and registrants can also access a Facebook group to meet others supporting the initiative.”

In Scotland, money raised as part of the campaign will contribute to facilities at Autism Initiatives’ ‘One Stop Shops’ that provide free support and advice services for thousands of autistic people across Edinburgh, The Lothians, Borders, Perth and Kinross and Highland.

One Stop Shops offer a range of services including 1:1 support, drop-in sessions, group activities and training to name a few. With over 3,600 autistic people registered for support, these essential establishments help more than 600 individuals a month.

Although Walk for Autism UK and Ireland officially takes place March 26 to April 2, those taking part are free to undertake their eight-day steps challenge on dates that suit them.

Those stepping up to the challenge will start walking from March 26 up until World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2020. Those who sign up by March 20 will receive a fundraising pack which includes a t-shirt and pedometer.

To find out more about Walk for Autism or to sign up visit www.walkforautism.co.uk

NHS staff must have parking charges waived amid crisis, say Tories

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NHS staff at the three Scottish hospitals which still demand payment for parking should have their charges waived, the Scottish Conservatives have said.

Workers at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Royal Infirmaries, as well as Ninewells in Dundee, are still charged by private firms for parking there.

At First Minister’s Questions yesterday, shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said those fees should not apply during the coronavirus crisis.

Nicola Sturgeon said she agreed with the sentiments, adding that health secretary Jeane Freeman was looking into alternatives.

The Scottish Conservatives have long campaigned for the parking charges to be refunded to staff and vulnerable patients.

Mr Briggs said, given the sacrifices being made by key health workers, the move had to apply now. 

Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said: “NHS staff shouldn’t have to pay to park at work at the best of times.

“But given this crisis, their brave and fundamental role in fighting it, and the advice given in relation to public transport, the message has to be clear.

“All those working at the three hospitals where charges still apply should be able to park there for free. Given the sacrifice they are making on behalf of all of us, that’s the very least they deserve.

“It’s vital we see urgent action now and I’m pleased the First Minister has agreed to take this forward.”

Find comfort in nature

Tackling anxiety and isolation at home with Butterfly Conservation

As we’re all being encouraged to spend more time in our homes and feeling the worry and anxiety of 24/7 news coverage of the global pandemic, Butterfly Conservation is suggesting a way to look after your mental health by spending time in your garden or outdoor spaces. 

For those who are able to get outside, and who now perhaps have more opportunity to do so than normal, gardens across the UK are waking up to spring and there are plenty of species of butterfly to look out for.

Richard Fox, Associate Director (Recording & Research) at Butterfly Conservation suggests a few top butterfly species to spot: “There are a surprising number of species of butterfly which are coming out of hibernation ready for spring. In just the last few days we have had recorded sightings of Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral all getting active as the weather is warming.

“The three common White butterflies (Large, Small and Green-veined) have also all been sighted already this year in the UK and before long it will be possible to see Orange Tips and Speckled Wood, both of which are early flying butterflies. We’ve not had any recorded sightings yet, but we’d love to receive one!

“The Holly Blue is the only blue butterfly that people are likely to see in their gardens in suburban or urban areas, which should be flying before too long. There are moths flying at night too, though they are a little harder to see in large numbers before the weather starts really warming up.”

Butterfly Conservation Chief Executive Julie Williams said: “While it’s crucial that we all stay safe and take steps to keep ourselves and others physically well at the moment, it’s also important that we take care of our mental health too.

“Anxiety, isolation and feeling stuck at home can have detrimental effects for our mental health and we’re encouraging anyone who can access an outdoor space to take a break in nature, while respecting the guidance on social distancing.

“There’s so much life waking up for Spring in our gardens and outdoor spaces and many of us might have a bit more opportunity to explore them than usual. It’s a proven fact that spending time in nature can have beneficial effects on your mental health.

“Take some mindful time to watch for our first Spring butterflies, record what you see and share it online. You could also plant some wildflower seeds now, ready for our summer pollinators.”

Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, the mental health charity, said: “We know being told to stay indoors and avoid others can be a very daunting prospect. There are a variety of things you can do to maintain wellbeing in these circumstances, one of which is engaging with nature and green space.

“For many of us, we don’t have access to our own green space in the form of a garden, so in this time of social distancing, we welcome Butterfly Conservation’s suggestion of taking time to watch for the first Spring butterflies. Even something as simple as going to a local public park or sitting by a window to watch butterflies can be beneficial to our mental health.”

If you’d like to take a break in nature, you can identify the butterflies in your garden on the Butterfly Conservation website.

We’d also love you to share your sightings on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also contribute your sightings online to the Garden Butterfly Survey scheme which is run by the Butterfly Conservation.

BPS offers advice to schools, parents and carers to help children through the uncertainty of school closures

The British Psychological Society’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology (DECP) has published tips for schools, parents and carers dealing with the unprecedented school closures.

This follows the announcement that schools in the UK will close for all bar a small number of children from Friday 20 March.

Being out of school for what is an open-ended period, with restricted access to their usual social spaces, is likely to be difficult for many young people.

But schools, parents and carers can take steps now to manage this difficult period, look out for signs of stress in young people, and meet their needs over the coming months.

Tips for schools:

  • Make plans to keep in contact with some children. Some children need a consistent relationship with an adult in school, and will benefit from consistency, reassurance and connection of key adults at school keeping them in mind.
  • Make time to talk during this week’s timetable. Create the opportunity for children to talk about their thoughts and feelings ahead of the final day of school, which can help to normalise feelings of worry and concern.
  • Schools should be mindful that providing a full timetable for parents and carers to administer at home won’t be possible, and could cause heightened stress and conflict in homes.
  • Online learning is not a suitable approach for the youngest children. Schools should consider how to share expertise on play-based learning with parents and carers.
  • Psychological wellbeing is paramount during this period, due to the general situation and possibility of a family member or friend being ill. This may mean that focusing on wellbeing and mental health is vital.
  • Some will choose not to send their children to school for the rest of this week due to concerns and anxieties about the current situation. Schools should consider how to maintain strong relationships with these parents and carers.
  • Schools should support parents and carers to address their children’s concerns and signpost them to the DECP’s advice on talking to children about coronavirus.

Tips for parents and carers:

  • Stress and anxiety in such an unusual and unpredictable situation is normal.
  • Children can sometimes believe that they are responsible for events that are beyond their control – reassure them that it is the adults’ job to keep them safe.
  • Friendships are key to maintaining resilience for children, so help them to maintain these relationships through phone calls, online communication, and writing letters.
  • Normalise the experience for young people by reassuring them that there are lots of other people in the same situation right now.
  • Having a routine and structure helps children to feel secure in uncertain times, and involving them in creating this structure, perhaps visually, can be particularly helpful.
  • Don’t put too much pressure on doing academic work. Parents and carers aren’t teachers, and it is important to also spend time building relationships, enjoying shared activities and reassuring children.
  • Restrict access to rolling news coverage. While it’s important to keep up to date, constant exposure to news can be overwhelming for both adults and children.
  • Young people may be concerned about the announcement that exams will not go ahead as planned. Acknowledge the uncertainty, but reassure them that a plan is being put together to make sure that everyone gets the qualification that they have worked towards.
  • Play is fundamental to the wellbeing and development of children of all ages, and a great way to reduce stress in adults.

You can access the full list of tips for schools, parents and carers, alongside the DECP’s position on the government announcement, on the BPS website.