The most recent data for NHS Scotland reveals that 96.6% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours – beating the 95% target. Continue reading NHS Lothian hits four-hour A & E target
Tag: Health and wellbeing
Boost for Scotland’s bees and butterflies
Ten-year plan to stop decline of pollinating insects
A new strategy has been launched to make Scotland a more pollinator friendly place by protecting indigenous bee and butterfly populations.
Since 1980 the number of pollinating insects in Scotland – honey bees, bumble bees, the solitary bee, butterflies and hoverflies – have declined by an estimated 51%, leading to fears of a negative impact on agriculture, food security, the economy and human health.
The Pollinator Strategy calls for:
- the restoration and creation of flower rich habitats,
- greater use of green urban infrastructures, such as roof top gardens
- the development and use of pollinator friendly pest control
- new research into the impact of climate change on bee and butterfly numbers
Speaking at The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham (pictured above) said: “Scotland’s biodiversity is one of our key assets, and the contribution the humble bumble bee and other pollinators make to this wonderful environment should not be underestimated. That is why we are committed to making Scotland a more pollinator friendly place.
“Pressures like land use change, pesticides, pollution, disease and climate change are threatening these life-giving insects, so we must act now to protect the pollinators and in turn safeguard our environment, our food and in turn our health.”
Scottish Natural Heritage has led the development of the Pollinator Strategy working closely with a range of environmental and land management organisations.
SNH chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Growing evidence shows our native bees and insects that carry out pollination are facing tough times. Pollination is crucial for our environment – and, therefore, our own health, wealth and wellbeing.
“This strategy, a key part of the Scottish Biodiversity 2020 route map, sets out what needs to be done to ensure these bees and insects survive and thrive for generations to come, contributing to healthy ecosystems and landscapes in our country. We look forward to continuing this important work with our partners to strengthen the resilience of our native pollinator species.”
Drug deaths: blame Thatcher?
Rising inequality during the 1980s and an ‘erosion of hope’ in Scotland’s poorest housing schemes increased the risk of drug-related deaths among members of ‘Generation X’ in Scotland, according to new research. A study by NHS Health Scotland and Glasgow University has found that poorer men born between 1960 and 1980 were at greater risk because of the economic and social conditions during that period.
The study also found links to gender and deprivation: young men in poor neighbourhoods were found to be 10 times as likely to die from drugs as women of the same age from a more affluent area.
Researchers discovered the link while investigating the reasons why drug-related deaths have continued to rise. According to the most recent figures drug-related deaths reached an all-time high in 2015, when 706 people died.
Report author Dr Jon Minton from the University of Glasgow said his analysis was ‘consistent with the hypothesis that economic and other policy decisions during the 1980s created rising income inequality, the erosion of hope amongst those who were least resilient and able to adjust, and resulted in a delayed negative health impact.’
He said: “The same kind of pattern we have observed and reported on previously regarding the risk of suicide in vulnerable cohorts in deprived areas in Scotland is repeated, and even more clearly visible, when looking at trends in drug-related death risk.
“For people born in 1960s and 70s, the risk of drug-related deaths throughout the life course was much increased, and gender and area inequalities in these risks increased even more. The similarity in trends in both suicide and drug-related deaths suggests a common underlying cause.”
NHS Health Se in drug-related deaths was ‘likely to be the result of a cohort of people who are at higher risk’.
Dr Fraser said: “The full impact of excess mortality in these cohorts with high drug-related deaths is unlikely to be known for some time. It already represents the deaths of hundreds of people prematurely.
“We are hopeful that the findings will be useful in informing current and future policy to help prevent the creation of further cohorts at greater risk of drug-related deaths in Scotland.”
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell has announced a refresh of Scotland’s drug strategy, to respond to the changing nature of Scotland’s drug problem.
The Road to Recovery strategy was launched in 2008 and since then has been backed by more than £630 million of investment to ensure treatment is a person-centred and sustained offer.
Ms Campbell (above) also announced work is being progressed to develop a “Seek, Keep and Treat” framework. This joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Drugs Forum will examine the operational implications of engaging with older drug users, how to encourage them into services and how to keep them in treatment.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said:
“I’m proud of what the Road to Recovery strategy has achieved. In Scotland, drug taking in the general adult population is falling and drug taking levels among young people remain low.
“However the nature of Scotland’s drug problem is changing and we need to adapt services to meet the needs of those most at risk, who we know face complex and wide ranging social and medical issues.
“In setting out our plans to refresh the existing strategy, I’m encouraging everyone involved in treatment services to think about how they can make changes at a local level. There is also a collective need to challenge the stigma of addition and build services based on respect and dignity, as well as clinical need.
“I look forward to hearing views from across the sector in the coming months as we work together to tackle the evolving and complex needs of those who suffer from problem drug misuse.”
Stay safe in the sun this summer
NHS Lothian’s Sheena Dryden, Clinical Nurse Specialist for skin cancers at the Dermatology department of the Lauriston Building. talks about how to keep sun-safe outdoors this summer:
Be sun-aware
We can all get caught out unawares by the sun and I think that’s one of the biggest problems in Scotland. Because our weather is so varied, we’re often unprepared for periods of great sunshine – we can start off a day in summer with a fleece on and want to be in shorts by the end of the same day! When we’re abroad we expect the blue skies and the heat and are prepared for it, but here we don’t tend to think about using sun protection, what with the changeable weather.
We need the sun for vitamin D, so it’s good to get at least 10-20 minutes in the daylight every day to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. However, everyone is at risk of melanomas and other skin cancers, even if you tan well or have darker skin, so even on cloudy or breezy days, always try and remember to apply sunscreen regularly to keep protected if you’re outdoors. The months between April and the end of September are the highest-risk months, with the most affecting times of day being between 10am and 3pm.
Staying safe
We recommend an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above, and UVA protection of at least 3 stars or smiley faces. SPF protects against the UVB (shorter burning) rays, and UVA are the deeper, more damaging rays that age the skin and are thought to cause some forms of skin cancer. Sunscreen must be applied liberally over the skin, because if it is rubbed in, this halves its efficacy. You need the thick layer of sunscreen to properly protect you. Some people have SPF in their facial make-up, but that’s only ever a maximum of factor 15, which when it’s rubbed in brings it down to 7.5, so it’s always better to have extra protection on as well. The basic principle for safety is that if you can see your skin, so can the sun!
In terms of clothing, the head is very vulnerable, even if you have hair, so it’s important to keep it covered with a hat. Plus, remember to cover your ears and the back of your neck when you’re out in the sun, in addition to wearing sunglasses and tightly-woven clothing.
Things to remember
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every couple of hours, and always after you have been swimming, towelling dry or perspiring. Apply evenly onto your skin, without forgetting hands and feet. It’s also worth getting a friend or family member to help apply sun cream to your back, because it’s so easy to miss parts of it when you do it yourself.
As soon as you start to get red you should move out of the sun. However, the problem with this is that on holiday you could be sitting under a parasol but you can still get reflection off the sand, the decking of a boat or light pavements. Anywhere close to the water is also dangerous as water is very reflective. So when we say ‘out of the sun’, we mean right indoors, and also avoiding areas like conservatories or inside cars – contrary to popular belief, you can still get burnt through glass.
Keeping children safe
The advice for babies is simple – they should not be out in the sun. Young children should have cream of at least SPF 50 applied regularly, and minimal doses of being out in the sun, with a special effort being made to keep them directly out of the sun between 10am and 3pm. For families this can be quite a challenge when you’re trying to keep the kids occupied during the Easter and summer break and with outdoor activities. However, kids are often up early and that would be the ideal time to take them out. The challenge is thinking of creative ways around keeping them indoors at those times. Do as the locals in the Mediterranean do and take leisurely lunches inside and siestas!
What to do if you get bad sunburn
If you get sunburnt make sure to keep hydrated with lots of water (avoiding any alcohol or caffeinated drinks), and try to keep your body temperature down, for example with a cool shower and resting in a cool room. If you or a family member gets seriously burnt and you’re unsure of what to do, seek medical advice from your GP or call 101 for guidance. If there’s a lot of redness and blistering, or you are showing signs of severe burns, medical attention may be required. Headaches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes shivery episodes can also be signs of heatstroke, which can be serious.
Useful links
NHS Inform’s tips for staying safe in the sun.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/summer-health
YouTube video: David Cornfield Melanoma Fund – Dear 16 Year Old Me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEZtMrSGAio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEZtMrSGAio
Teenage Cancer Trust’s ‘Shunburn: stay safe in the sun’ video.
https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/support-us/spread-word/shunburn-stay-safe-sun
https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/support-us/spread-word/shunburn-stay-safe-sun
Lothian social care overspend shows need for funds, say Greens
Alison Johnstone, Health and Social Care spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said NHS Lothian’s overspend on care services of £1m a month highlights the need to raise more funds to meet the growing demand for social care services. Continue reading Lothian social care overspend shows need for funds, say Greens
Positive report for Ferryfield House
North Edinburgh’s Ferryfield House, one of NHS Lothian’s community hospitals which specialises in short-term and respite care, has received a very positive inspection report. Continue reading Positive report for Ferryfield House
To Leith from Leith Walk: Malcolm opens new surgery
Former health minister Malcolm Chisholm was on hand to help open the new £1.17m Leith Surgery on Thursday. Malcolm was an obvious choice – as well as representing North and Leith at both Holyrood and Westminster, Malcolm has also been registered at the Leith Walk surgery for forty years!
Up to 2,000 more patients will be added to the surgery list as a result of the move which will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose facility. Continue reading To Leith from Leith Walk: Malcolm opens new surgery
Scotland Women prepare for Euro 2017 with nutrition workshop at Edinburgh College
Scotland’s Women’s National Football Team swapped football boots for aprons when they attended a workshop on cooking and nutrition at the Edinburgh College campus on Granton Waterfront ahead of their appearance at UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. Continue reading Scotland Women prepare for Euro 2017 with nutrition workshop at Edinburgh College
NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007
Scottish NHS Boards commit nearly £8 billion to tackle mental health services over decade
Latest figures have revealed that NHS Lothian spending on mental health services has totalled over £1 billion since 2007. Local MSP Ben Macpherson says the figures show the SNP’s commitment to supporting those with mental health issues since the party came to power a decade ago. Continue reading NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007
Teachers’ report on effects of poverty makes ‘shocking reading’
Teaching union the EIS has today formally launched a summary report of a member survey on the impact of poverty in education. The survey was designed to gauge members’ perceptions of how poverty arising from cuts to social security benefits, poor wages and insecurity of employment, is impacting in the classroom. Continue reading Teachers’ report on effects of poverty makes ‘shocking reading’