The programme protects those most at risk from severe illness
The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh.
Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.
Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.
The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.
First Minister John Swinney qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer. Attending the NHS Lothian centre at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal he said: “I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.
“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk and, with flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.
“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”
Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.
More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform:
ASH Scotland is encouraging expectant mothers in Edinburgh to access new free ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ resources developed by the health charity to increase awareness about the impact smoking and vaping has during pregnancy.
In Scotland, one in 12 women reported smoking at their first midwife appointment.
A new animated video and e-learning module produced by the charity aims to help expectant mothers to understand the links between cigarettes, e-cigarettes and pregnancy, know more about how tobacco and vaping affect the health and development of babies, and increase confidence to quit smoking.
Health damage associated with smoking is felt more intensely by pregnant women who are at higher risk of experiencing illness and complications. Evidence also shows that second-hand smoke poses serious health risks to infants, with exposure leading to an increased chance of developing asthma, respiratory infection and sudden infant death.
The World Health Organization states that foetal exposure to e-cigarette vapour can negatively impact development. Partners or family members who smoke or vape in the home should be encouraged to do so outside during pregnancy and after the birth.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Addiction is not a lifestyle choice – it is a public health concern and a social justice issue and expectant mothers in Edinburgh can give their baby the best start in life by quitting smoking.
“A mother quitting smoking prior to pregnancy reduces the potential of health risks affecting their baby to near non-smoker levels andASH Scotland wants to ensure that they are empowered to seek support to give up.
“We trust that our new ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ animated video and e-learning module will help inform expectant mothers across Edinburgh about the many benefits of giving up smoking.”
The new resources are available at ASH Scotland’s website here.
Findings from a paper published in the medical journal, Eurosurveillance, show that fully vaccinated children aged 8 weeks to 17 years were 69% less likely to be hospitalised with whooping cough (pertussis).
The study, which looked at the impact of vaccination on whooping cough-related hospital admissions in children between January 2013 – July 2024, demonstrates the significant protective effect of this childhood vaccination. Being fully vaccinated for their age also reduced the risk of whooping cough-related hospital stays in babies aged 8 weeks to 1 year by 88%.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, and this latest evidence confirms that unimmunised infants are more likely to develop complications which can require hospital treatment.
The study also found lower vaccine uptake in deprived areas, highlighting the need to focus efforts on addressing the persistent health inequalities that leave some communities more vulnerable with others.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation Division, PHS said:“This important study clearly highlights the remarkable power of vaccinations to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like whooping cough.
“By ensuring children are fully vaccinated, we can dramatically reduce hospitalisations and complications, safeguarding their health and giving families peace of mind.
“Getting immunised during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby in the first few vulnerable weeks of their life. All pregnant women are eligible for the whooping cough vaccine from week 16 of their pregnancy. The ideal time to get it is between weeks 16 and 32. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended every time you’re pregnant, even if you’ve had the vaccine before.
“It is also extremely important that parents or carers ensure their babies get their whooping cough vaccine which is given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.”
Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwife about getting the whooping cough vaccine; and you can find more about pregnancy and baby immunisations: www.nhsinform.scot/pregnancyandbabyvaccines
Parents are encouraged to contact their local NHS Immunisation team to arrange for their children to get vaccinated if they have missed any doses. Contact details can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations or by calling 0800 22 44 88.
If you have any concerns about symptoms of whooping cough, speak to your GP practice or phone 111.
An encouraging new study by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, confirms the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides strong and sustained protection against cervical disease that can develop into cancer.
Data from the study, published in International Journal of Cancer today, show that the HPV vaccine provides protection when administered to girls aged 18 years or less, with the greatest benefits seen in girls vaccinated at age 12-13.
Previous studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. This study using population health data, shows that the vaccine continues to be effective more than 12 years after it was given, in women who came forward for cervical screening.
The research also shows women from Scotland’s most deprived areas benefited the most from vaccination, helping to reduce health inequalities.
HPV is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth-most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Scotland’s routine cervical cancer screening programme and the HPV immunisation programme, introduced in 2008, work together to both reduce the prevalence of HPV and the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer among women.
The HPV vaccine is offered as a routine immunisation through schools to all S1 pupils in Scotland. It also helps to protect both boys and girls from genital warts and other HPV-related cancers that can develop later in life, such as some head and neck cancers, and other anogenital cancers.
Dr Kirsty Roy, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland said: “This study showcases both the effectiveness and impact of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical disease, especially as the strong community protection demonstrated by the data may also be contributing to reductions in cervical disease among women in more deprived areas where vaccine uptake is lower.
“Vaccination against HPV is effective in preventing cervical cancer and, along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.
“I would encourage all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine when it’s offered to protect themselves against future risks. PHS is working closely with Scottish Government and local health boards to ensure the continued uptake of the key cervical cancer prevention measures – the HPV vaccine and routine cervical screening.”
Dr Tim Palmer, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Clinical Lead for Cervical Screening (rtd), said: “This study shows conclusively that the HPV vaccine prevents the changes that can develop into cancer.
“It also emphasises the need for continued high uptake of the vaccine in schools as vaccination at older ages is much less effective. Screening is still important to prevent disease caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine.”
Emergency Departments record worst-ever September performance
Accident and Emergency
As Scotland’s Emergency Departments experienced the worst September on record for performance, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has asked the government: ‘where is the tangible plan for winter?’
The figures, released yesterday (4 November 2025) by Public Health Scotland, come as Health Secretary, Neil Gray, is reported to have said waiting times in A&E are ‘below the levels we all wish to see’.
The PHS data, for the month of September, reveals 6,427 patients waited 12 hours or longer in an Emergency Department before being admitted, discharged, or transferred.
That’s around one in every 19 people and the highest number who experienced this wait for the month of September since records began in 2007.
The data, for major EDs in Scotland, also showed that in September 2025:
12-hour waits were almost 34 times worse than in September 2018 – that’s despite the number of people attending EDs only increasing by 4.5% in the same period
One in eight people (15,348) waited eight hours or more to be discharged or transferred – the worst September on record
63.7% of patients were seen within four hours – again, the worst September on record and is far below the government’s target of 95%
There was an average of 1,955 beds occupied by people healthy enough to be discharged – a decrease of only nine compared to the previous month
The new data comes shortly after RCEM published its political manifesto for Scotland, urging all political parties to end overcrowding in EDs, and provide enough Emergency Medicine staff to deliver safe and sustainable care, along with adequate resources to ensure equitable care throughout the emergency care system.
Meanwhile, recently published analysis from the College revealed there were more than 800 deaths associated with long A&E waits before admission last year.
Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Vice President for Scotland, said: “These figures prove what I and many other EM clinicians already know – that we are in crisis and the depths of winter, when the inevitable seasonal pressure hits, is yet to arrive.
“Our members and their Emergency Medicine colleagues tell me about the relentless pressure their hospitals are under and the impact this has on patient care – people are being treated in ambulances, in corridors, and other inappropriate spaces.
“Our EDs don’t have elastic walls. These are visual signs our hospitals are full to bursting– we can’t move patients from our departments into wards because of a lack of available inpatient beds.
“On top of dealing with system pressures, our clinicians are facing violence and aggression from those we are trying our best to care for – that can be caused by frustration over long waits. It’s beyond unacceptable.
“We know that Scottish Health Secretary understands the scale of the issue, and just today acknowledged that ‘ED performance is below where it should be’.
“But we are yet to see any tangible plan from the government about how it intends to tackle the season ahead – which will be nothing short of challenging.”
Delivering extra appointments and procedures for patients
Health boards will receive an additional £25.5 million this year to allow them to deliver more planned care appointments and procedures to reduce long waits for patients, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
The additional funding will support the delivery of more outpatient appointments and inpatient/day case procedures across a variety of specialities including orthopaedics, dermatology, general surgery and gynaecology. Cardiology and paediatrics will also get extra funding.
This new support takes total additional investment to £135.5 million in 2025-26 to help the National Health Service maintain progress on reducing waiting lists.
Recent figures show the total list size and longest waits are coming down. There has also been an increase of more than 31,000 appointments and procedures from April to September this year compared to same period in 2024.
Speaking during a visit to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the First Minister said: “The latest figures show our plan to support Scotland’s NHS is working, delivering real benefits for patients.
“We have already provided £110 million of additional targeted funding this year to tackle the longest waits. Now we are providing a further boost to deliver more appointments and procedures, taking the total additional funding to £135.5 million for 2025-26.
“I am determined to build on the progress being achieved by hardworking staff in our health service, like those I met today at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. We want to help them provide the care and treatment patients need and expect – and we are already seeing results.
“Not only are the total list size and longest waits coming down, but we are treating more people than last year. There is still work to be done, but these are very welcome improvements.
“Under my leadership, the people of Scotland can expect a strong National Health Service delivering patient care of the highest possible quality.”
The additional £25.5 million will be shared between the following health boards:
Ayrshire and Arran
Fife
Grampian
Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Highland
Lanarkshire
Lothian
Shetland
Tayside
In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, as at 30 September 2025, new outpatient ongoing waits over 52 weeks had decreased by 17.6% and inpatient/day case ongoing waits over 52 weeks had decreased by 5.7% compared to the previous month.
Nearly three in five parents expect children’s physical activity to drop this winter
Over half of children aren’t getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, with levels set to drop this autumn and winter – and around 8 in 10 parents underestimating how much movement kids need.
The campaign is backed by Alex and Olivia Bowen, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle and Joe Wicks, who has shared top tips for parents getting active with children, as research uncovers impact parents have on their children’s activity levels.
Almost three in five (57%) parents say their children’s physical activity levels are likely to suffer a seasonal dip during autumn and winter, with cold or wet weather (60%) and darker evenings (41%) highlighted as the key barriers in new research findings.
To tackle inactivity and help families keep children moving all year-round, the Government has launched ‘Let’s Move!’, a new campaign supported by Sport England that aims to help parents discover simple, fun, and pressure-free ways to build movement into daily life – which can start with just 10 minutes of activity.
NHS guidance recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day – including 30 minutes outside of school hours. Yet the new survey reveals that 81% of parents underestimate how much physical activity children need. Already, more than half ofchildren in England aren’t getting the recommended amount of movement and, worryingly, the research shows this will increase during the colder months.
Supported by Joe Wicks, the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign makes staying active easy and affordable, offering ideas from kitchen discos to local activities and playground fun. It encourages families to move together – 80% of parents believe their habits influence their child’s activity levels – and highlights how everyday routines can support healthy, active lifestyles.
Regular movement boosts mood, focus, and family connections, with 78% of parents agreeing that their child is happier after being active, has more energy (71%) and has better concentration (68%).
The campaign is part of the Government’s wider effort to break down barriers to physical activity for people all over the country. Already, more than £900 million has been committed to build grassroots facilities in the places that need them most and deliver a pipeline of major sports events that inspire the nation. Alongside this, the new School Sport Partnerships and
Enrichment Framework will ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. Sport England evidence shows that improved health from participation in sport and physical activity relieves pressure on the NHS through £10.5 billiona year in health and social care savings.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Building a more active nation is a huge part of this Government’s Plan for Change and we want to show families all over the country just how many ways there are to get involved.
“Whether it’s dancing, playing team sport or playing in the playground with their friends, we know that children who get at least an hour of exercise a day experience so many benefits – they’re happier, healthier and focus better at school.
“I am determined that every child, whatever their circumstances, should have those opportunities.”
While just over half (52%) of parents say their children really enjoy traditional forms of sport, others face barriers such as low confidence (31%) or a dislike of competitiveness (30%). However, 94% of parents say their children enjoy physical play as a form of movement – with top activities including visiting the playground (56%), riding a bike (46%), dancing (44%) and playing tag or chase (43%).
‘Let’s Move!’ aims to support different ways for children to enjoy being active – from sport to play and everyday movement. The campaign features real families from local areas having fun getting active together in ways which suit them, such as dancing or playing in the playground. Their images are featured in out-of-home and social channels in the local areas to inspire others to visit nhs.uk/LetsMove for tips, local activities and inspiration.
Parents and TV personalities Alex and Olivia Bowen launched the campaign in Essex alongside inspiring local families, demonstrating that movement really can be for everyone. Olympic champions Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock led activities at the event, including dance challenges to obstacle courses, as families shared how they’ve been inspired to get active this winter.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Every child deserves the chance to be active, healthy and happy – but right now, too many are missing out on the 60 minutes of daily exercise their bodies need.
“’Let’s Move!’ is about showing families that physical activity doesn’t have to mean expensive gym memberships or organised sports. A kitchen disco, a walk to the park, or ten minutes of silly dancing – it all counts, and it all makes a real difference to children’s health, happiness and development. This builds on the work we have already done with Joe Wicks and his Activate animated series, inspiring children to move more.
“This campaign is part of our Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future by helping families make movement a natural, joyful part of everyday life.”
Joe Wicks, who got the nation moving during ‘PE With Joe’, is backing the campaign following the success of his animated workout series Activate, which was supported by a cross-section of government departments including DCMS, DfE and DHSC.
The series aims to make fitness fun for kids with short five-minute animated workouts. He shares new top tips as part of the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to help families slot activity into their everyday life, including being a role model, exploring local activities and getting outside whatever the weather.
Joe Wicks said: “As a dad, I know how hard it can be to keep kids moving – especially in the winter when it’s getting cold and dark.
“The idea of 60 minutes of movement a day for kids can sound like a lot, especially for kids who don’t feel confident doing traditional sports – but it doesn’t have to be all at once. It can start with something simple – a quick dance in the kitchen, a run or a brisk walk to the park, or an episode or two of Activate!
“It all adds up and gives kids an amazing mood boost – the key is making it fun.
“Let’s Move is about helping families find those little moments together – whether it’s discovering something local, or just getting active at home. It’s not about perfection, it’s about showing kids that moving isn’t a chore, it’s play. And when it’s playful, they’re way more likely to want to do it again, and again.”
‘Let’s Move!’ is being piloted in targeted areas of Sandwell, Lancashire, Essex and Bradford where inactivity levels and inequalities are greater than other parts of the country. These areas all receive funding from Sport England via their place partnership programme, to ensure those in greatest need can be active. The campaign supports the Government’s Health Mission, which prioritises preventative health measures, including addressing physical inactivity.
Sport England data also shows significant inequalities remain in activity levels, with Black (42%) and Asian (43%) children and young people, and those from the least affluent families (45%), still less likely to play sport or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities and affluence groups.
LIMINAL: OUT OF THE DRILL HALL until 6 NOVEMBER – FREE EXHIBITION
Liminal, a new exhibition showcasing artwork created by young people who are treated at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, is open for one week in Edinburgh.
Running until Thursday 6 November, the exhibition has been developed through a collaboration between the Mental Health Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), and artist Louise Fraser, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Liminal explores the emotional and physical “in-between” spaces that young people often navigate between childhood and adulthood, wellness and illness, comfort and unease.
The exhibition features imaginative and deeply personal work created by young people who have spent time in hospital settings. They participated in a series of workshops to create their artwork and co-produce the exhibition.
Through drawing, painting, and mixed media, they reflect on identity, transition, and the complexity of growing up while managing health challenges.
Poppy Porteous, age 13 from Linlithgow, is one of the young artists whose work is on display. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 7 years old and has been attending medical appointments at the hospital since.
Poppy said: “Living with a long-term health condition can be scary and frustrating sometimes, so doing art like this really helped me feel better. I got involved in the Liminal project after taking part in a teddy photography activity through the hospital and ECHC.
“I loved being part of Liminal. It was so much fun and everyone was really kind. My artwork shows the creative and messy side of me, especially the wooden block paintings. It felt great to be allowed to try everything and I love seeing my artwork on display”.
Ilayda Balkan,age 15 from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with Polyarthritic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)in April 2024. Her rheumatology nurse at the hospital introduced her to the arts project.
Ilayda said: “My nurse told me about the Liminal project before she retired, it felt like a gift she left me. Taking part was a lovely experience. I met kind, creative people and felt a real sense of empathy, even though we didn’t know each other’s stories.
“The project gave me space to express myself freely, and my artwork reflects that – especially my sunset paintings, which remind me of my family’s home in Turkey. Living with a long-term health condition can be really tough, but projects like this show that your illness doesn’t define you. It’s your kindness and strength that truly shine.”
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, led by the Mental Health Foundation, is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural festivals, and the biggest festival of its kind in the world. It celebrates and encourages using the arts to explore mental health, challenge stigma, and promote wellbeing.
Gill Means, Project Manager at Mental Health Foundation said:“Liminal has been a powerful and moving project to be part of.
“The young people involved have shared their experiences with honesty, creativity and courage, and their artwork speaks volumes about what it means to live with a long-term health condition.
“This exhibition is a celebration of their voices, their imagination, and the strength they’ve shown in expressing themselves through art.”
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) works to transform the hospital experience for children and young people by supporting their health and wellbeing through creativity, play and connection.
Creative projects offer a vital outlet for imagination and emotional resilience and help make hospital a place where children can still be children.
ECHC works in partnership with NHS Lothian to help seriously ill children and their families have a positive hospital experience.
Tonya McMullan, Arts Officer at ECHC, said: “We see firsthand, every day, how creativity gives children in hospital a way to express themselves, have fun and just be children again.
“Art can help them cope with tough days and give them some choice and control at a time when they have very little. “We’re so inspired by all the young people who took part in Liminal. Their artwork is powerful, moving and so inspiring.”
Liminal is on display at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh EH6 8RG until Thursday 6 November 2025. The gallery is open daily, 10am–5pm
From October to March we can’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight, so to keep bones and muscles healthy, it’s best to take a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D.
You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies and retailers.
HOLYROOD’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee has said it is disappointed by an ongoing lack of transparency in data gathering and analysis, which makes it very difficult to assess the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the Scottish Government’s approach to mental health spending.
The findings are part of the Committee’s Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026-27, which this year focused on mental health spending. Spending on mental health services now stands at around £1.5 billion and has risen in recent years.
The Committee acknowledge there is general support for the priorities set out in the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan, but regrets that it remains very difficult to identify links between those priorities and how mental health budgets are spent.
It calls on the Scottish Government to provide additional data to illustrate how and to what extent mental health budgets can be linked back to the priorities identified.
The Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to provide data on actual spend on mental health services to allow for better evaluation and to help inform spending decisions.
While acknowledging the current landscape is complicated, even more so as a result of the integration of health and social care, the Committee say the Government must do more to provide detailed analysis of current spending to inform current and future policy.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our pre-budget scrutiny this year has been focused on the Scottish Government’s spending on mental health but what we have found is that issues of transparency, data availability and analysis has limited our ability to effectively scrutinise policy and funding.
“More importantly, this limits the Government’s ability to understand the effectiveness of funding for mental health services and where spending could be better targeted to improve outcomes.
“We’re calling for more transparency, and better data and analysis to improve evaluation and to better inform spending priorities.
“Better data capture and analysis could also help inform preventative approaches to mental health funding and highlight areas where ring-fenced funding could be effective. We look forward to the Scottish Government responding to our report.”
The reported negative impact of a lack of long or even medium-term certainty around budgets is also highlighted and the Committee is seeking reassurance from the Scottish Government that the Spending Review can provide a degree of long-term certainty for services and the third sector.
Health and social care is the largest portfolio area in the Scottish Government’s budget, accounting for over £21 billion of spend, equivalent to around a third of the entire Scottish budget. Within this total, spending on mental health services now stands at around £1.5 billion and has risen in recent years.
