New statistics have revealed that Scots seeking health information online look at muscle, bone and joint injuries more than any other condition. Figures released by NHS 24 show people look up these injuries more than any other health complaint on the national health website, NHS inform. Continue reading NHS 24: Don’t rely on ‘Dr. Google’
Tag: Health and wellbeing
Busiest year yet for organ donation
The number of patients living in Scotland whose lives were saved or improved by an organ transplant has reached a record high.
New figures show that in 2016/17 there were 133 deceased organ donors in Scottish hospitals – up from 99 the previous year. This equates to a donor rate in Scotland of 24.8 per million of population – the highest rate in the UK. 348 people in Scotland waiting for an organ received a deceased donor transplant, which is also the highest ever number of transplants.
The NHSBT figures also show that the number of people in Scotland waiting for a transplant dropped to the lowest on record and that nearly 2.4 million people in Scotland are now on the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is approximately 45% of the Scottish population.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: “This is fantastic news and shows the real progress we’re making on organ donation. An increase in deceased donor numbers of 34% is not only really positive news for people waiting for a transplant, it puts us ahead of our target in progressing to reach 26 deceased donors per million of population by 2020.
“And it means that more Scottish residents than ever before received a life-changing transplant, although we know that there is still more to do to ensure that as many people as possible can receive the transplants they need.
“We must always be mindful that most organ and tissue donation can only occur as a result of tragic circumstances and I’d like to thank every donor and their family who made the selfless decision to donate their organs or tissue and enabled others to live and transform their lives. I’m also very grateful to staff across the NHS in Scotland who work tirelessly to ensure that people’s donation wishes are respected and that every donation counts.
“Our consultation on a soft-op-out system closed recently and the responses are currently being independently analysed. We have a presumption in favour and will be setting out our next steps in the coming months.”
Primary teacher Heather Marshall (above) was facing an uncertain future until she received a life-saving liver transplant in November 2016.
The 40 year old from Gartcosh was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 2015 – a liver condition that she was initially able to manage with medication. However in 2016, Heather’s health went into rapid decline, resulting in her being listed for transplant in October 2016.
At this point, Heather was retaining fluid, was constantly itchy and nauseous, was unable to lie down due to the threat of fluid filling her lungs and struggled to breathe or eat – a state she describes as ‘just existing’.
The liver she desperately needed came just three weeks after being listed for transplant and Heather admits that she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the decision of her donor and their family.
Heather said: “From the start of 2016, I noticed a dramatic difference in my health. I had no energy, didn’t feel great and my skin had started to become jaundiced. Throughout the year I struggled with infections to my bile ducts which resulted in me being referred to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to be assessed for a transplant at the beginning of October.
“When I left the hospital after a week of assessment I was shocked at how ill I looked. I’d been working up until that point, but as soon as I stopped it was like my body had just given up.
“I knew that a transplant would be necessary at some point as it’s the only real treatment for PSC, but I had no idea it would happen so quickly. I went from being someone who worked full-time to someone who could barely function in a few short months. As well as the physical limitations, it was mentally very difficult.
Speaking about her transplant, Heather said:“I was relieved and excited when I got the call. I knew I wasn’t well and that I didn’t have long without a transplant, but it was such a conflict of emotion. You’re so aware that to get that chance of life, something awful had to happen to someone else.
“I’d always been on the NHS Organ Donor Register and I think it felt easier to accept that gift, knowing I would be happy to do the same for someone else.
“You never expect that this kind of thing will happen to you or someone you know so organ donation isn’t something that’s top of your mind. I understand it’s not for everybody, but I would encourage people to think about it and make their wishes known.
“I know that without my transplant I wouldn’t be here now. I got married just after my diagnosis, and because of my donor I have a future. I’ll never stop being grateful for that.”
Save yourself a fair whack with an Edinburgh Leisure discount card
While we all know that exercise is good for us, life is hectic. For those unable to commit to a monthly or annual gym membership, Edinburgh Leisure’s Discount Card might be the solution. For a one-off annual payment of £29.90 (less than 60p a week) is all you need to pay to save all year long.
The Discount Card gives unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s venues across the city, with savings of up to 25% across a huge range of activities including gym visits, swimming, fitness classes, golf, racquet sports and much more (*exceptions apply – see below).
It also lets you book classes or courts eight days in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favourite session. And for those purchasing a card before 30 April, a free swim or gym visit is given as an incentive to get you started.
With over 30+ venues offering 1 climbing centre, 15 gyms, 700+ fitness classes per week, 23 tennis courts, 6 golf courses, 10 swimming pools, Edinburgh Leisure is ‘the biggest club in town’.
The Discount Card is available to buy online at Edinburgh Leisure’s website or from any one of Edinburgh Leisure’s venues. The discount lasts for 12 months and anyone signing up before 16 April will receive a free gym or swim.
*There is no discount on the following activities: soft play, Clip ‘n Climb, all climbing activities with the exception of casual climb and bouldering; sauna, steam room, shower and Turkish Bath; hall hire for football, basketball, volleyball etc; outdoor football; bowling and putting.
Protect your child from playground bumps and bruises this Easter
Parents across Scotland are being advised on how to protect children from playground bumps and bruises during the Easter holidays. As part of the national Be Healthwise this Easter campaign, NHS 24 has issued a number of top tips on how to prevent and treat minor scrapes and bruises. Continue reading Protect your child from playground bumps and bruises this Easter
Protests force rethink of hospital parking charge hike
NHS Lothian has ditched plans to raise parking charges at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Parking at the privately-run car parks at Little France were due to be hiked from £7 to £15 A DAY, but heath chiefs have been forced to rethink following complaints from staff.
Car parking charges at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh will now remain at current levels for 2017/2018. In a statement NHS Lothian said:
Healthy pregnancy, healthy baby
All pregnant women in Scotland are to receive free vitamins. The move to provide universal access will improve parent and children’s health and has widespread support among healthcare professionals.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell confirmed the development at Edinburgh Royal Maternity Hospital last week, where she also launched the first Scotland-only Maternal and Infant Nutrition Survey.
Ms Campbell said: “We are committed to giving every child in Scotland the very best start in life and helping women to enjoy a healthy pregnancy is a key part of this.
“There is strong evidence that taking vitamins during pregnancy improves both the mother and baby’s health. By offering them to all pregnant women we can contribute towards giving every baby a fair and equal chance – a move that is widely supported by healthcare professionals.
“I’m also pleased that the Maternal and Infant Nutrition survey is now underway. Data will be gathered on nutrition, breastfeeding, formula feeding and weaning practices and help us strengthen the support we offer to new mothers. I would strongly encourage pregnant women and families with young infants who receive a survey pack to complete and return it.”
Easter Holidays: Remember to check your repeat prescription
NHS 24 is calling on the public to remember to check their repeat prescription in time for the Easter holidays. This year, Easter falls between Friday 14 April and Monday 17 April and while some GP surgeries may be open, others will be closed. Continue reading Easter Holidays: Remember to check your repeat prescription
Concern as cancer targets missed four years running
A new scheme to decrease health inequalities connected to cervical cancer screening rates has been given £180,600 … but the Scottish Greens say that cancer targets have now been missed for four years running. Continue reading Concern as cancer targets missed four years running
Put a Spring into your step this Easter!
SPRING is a time of new beginnings – so with this in mind, NHS 24 has issued a number of top tips for exercise this Easter. Continue reading Put a Spring into your step this Easter!
Dr Owl’s back for Easter
Dr Owl is taking to the skies once again to remind people to make the most of the Easter holiday weekend by taking a few simple steps to look after their health. Continue reading Dr Owl’s back for Easter