There is no evidence that taking #paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
Always follow NHS guidance and report any suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme https://bit.ly/2A6B165
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.
“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1970506529125064995
“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence.
“Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.
“We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme.”
Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.
If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.
Scottish Autism is aware that pronouncements regarding autism from the US Government will be a source of anxiety and worry for many in our community.
We are clear that public policy should be focused on recognising and accommodating the needs and rights of autistic people rather than stigmatising neurodivergence as something to be ‘treated’ or prevented. Spreading misinformation about the identified reasons why some people are born autistic does nothing to further this aim.
Scottish Autism’s focus is on finding better ways to support autistic people and their families. Our research, campaigning and service provision reflect this priority and always will.
Our Advice Line is open 10am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and our Community Advisors can help you to identify what support may exist in your area.
You can call the Advice Line on 01259 222022, email advice@scottishautism.org or LiveChat with us via our website.
Five-figure investment and physio partnership set a new standard
RESIDENTS at one of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes are stepping into a new era of wellbeing, thanks to a bold investment in their physical health.
Cramond Residence, located in Edinburgh, has unveiled a dedicated physiotherapy gym – transforming a lounge into a vibrant space designed to help residents stay stronger for longer.
Already, the specialist equipment is proving popular with residents, helping them rebuild strength, mobility and confidence as part of the wider physiotherapy offering.
Ross Bijak, General Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “The idea came directly from listening to some of our residents, and our physiotherapy partners.
“We’re already seeing residents gain confidence, move more freely and enjoy their sessions in a way that just wasn’t possible before. We could see the demand and the opportunity to do something far more impactful and really took that onboard.”
A standout feature of the transformed space is a £10,000 state-of-the-art exercise bike, usually found in elite rehab clinics or high-performance sports centres.
The ground-floor suite has now been fully refurbished in consultation with Balanced Edinburgh, who provide expert one-to-one therapy on-site. Every detail has been carefully thought of, from slip-resistant flooring and therapy bars to wall mirrors and guided physio videos.
The new suite puts an end to scheduling clashes and brings clinical-quality therapy into a calm, private and bespoke setting.
Judith at Balanced Edinburgh, said: “We collaborated closely with the team at Cramond to create a space that meets the needs of both residents and therapists. From the flooring and mirrors to the overall layout, every aspect has been designed to enable focused, effective therapy.
“This dedicated space allows us to deliver consistent one-to-one sessions without interruption, helping residents to progress more steadily and confidently. It’s already making a noticeable difference.”
The new space has also allowed for a wider range of session times, increased privacy and a stronger therapeutic focus – especially important for residents undergoing rehab or recovering from injury.
Staff training on the new equipment is already under way, ensuring every team member can confidently support residents in getting the most from the facility.
Richard Annan, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence added: “This is a real leap forward for us. Residents are already using the new equipment and feeding back on how it’s helping them day to day.
“When providing any service, we want to ensure we are giving residents the kind of environment and support that most people wouldn’t expect from a care home. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here, and even more excited about the impact it will have.”
Cramond Residence offers a wide range of activities tailored for dementia care, enhancing residents’ quality of life and providing relief and support through specialist facilities and trained staff.
Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner thanks to a new life saving patient safety initiative called Jess’s Rule
GPs across England to take “three strikes and rethink approach” after three appointments – as Jess’s Rule rolled out nationwide to prevent avoidable deaths
Move will save lives and help catch serious, deadly conditions earlier, particularly in young people
Named after Jessica Brady, who tragically died of cancer aged 27 after twenty appointments at her GP surgery failed to diagnose her condition
Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner through a new life-saving patient safety initiative called Jess’ Rule that is being rolled out across the NHS in England today [23 September 2025].
Jess’s Rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who died of cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27, and will help avoid tragic, preventable deaths as GPs are supported to catch potentially deadly illnesses sooner.
In the five months leading up to her death, Jessica had more than twenty appointments with her GP practice but eventually had to seek private healthcare. She was later diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. With such an advanced disease there was no available treatment. She was admitted into hospital where she died three weeks later.
The new initiative will ask GPs to think again if, after three appointments, they have been unable to offer a substantiated diagnosis, or the patient’s symptoms have escalated.
While many GP practices already use similar approaches in complex cases, Jess’s Rule will make this standard practice across the country, aiming to reduce health inequalities and ensuring everyone – no matter their age or background – receives the same high standard of care.
Designed in collaboration with the Chair of Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS England, Jess’s Rule will help to catch serious conditions earlier and support GPs with guidelines that bolster their clinical judgment, while encouraging them to reflect, review and rethink if they are uncertain about a patients’ condition.
Jess’s mum Andrea Brady said: “Jess lived for just three short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her shock and devastation, she showed unfailing courage, positivity, dignity, and love. Jess was determined that people should understand how desperately she had tried to advocate for herself and seek a resolution for her declining health.
“In the bleak weeks following the loss of Jess, I realised it was my duty to continue what she had started. It has taken nearly five years to bring about Jess’s Rule. I would like to dedicate this initiative to all the young people who have been diagnosed too late.
“It has only been made possible because of the people who have listened — politicians, medics, and the nearly half a million who supported the campaign.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Jessica Brady’s death was a preventable and unnecessary tragedy. I want to thank her courageous family, who have campaigned tirelessly through unimaginable grief to ensure Jessica’s legacy helps to save the lives of others.
“Patient safety must be the bedrock of the NHS, and Jess’ Rule will make sure every patient receives the thorough, compassionate, and safe care that they deserve, while supporting our hard-working GPs to catch potentially deadly illnesses.
“I don’t want any family to endure the pain Jessica’s family have been through. This government will learn from such tragedies and is taking decisive action to improve patient safety.”
Jess’s Rule could support GPs to ensure continuity of care for patients with persistent health concerns. This could involve arranging face-to-face consultations if previous appointments were remote, conducting thorough physical examinations, or ordering additional diagnostic tests.
It also encourages GPs to review patient records comprehensively, seek second opinions from colleagues, and consider specialist referrals when appropriate.
Research shows that younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds often face delays in diagnosis of serious conditions, as their symptoms may not match typical presentation patterns seen in older or white patients.
A report from the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation found that half of 16 to 24-year-olds required three or more interactions with a healthcare professional from a GP practice before being diagnosed with cancer, compared to one in five across the whole population.
Jess’s Rule emphasises the need to remain alert to symptoms that might suggest serious conditions, regardless of a patient’s age or ethnicity, thereby reducing health inequalities.
Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director at NHS England says: “I am very humbled by the efforts of Andrea and Simon Brady, who have campaigned for this important initiative which will undoubtedly save lives by avoiding missed or delayed diagnoses and ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
“Many clinicians already apply a version of “three strikes and rethink” in their routine practice, but Jess’s Rule formalises this instinctive approach, providing a consistent structure to support reflection and timely action for patients.”
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “No GP will ever want to miss signs of serious illness, such as cancer. Ensuring a timely diagnosis often means better outcomes for patients – but many conditions, including many cancers, are challenging to identify in primary care because the symptoms are often similar to other, less serious and more common conditions.
“Alternative diagnoses are often more likely, particularly when considering risk factors such as age.
“If a patient repeatedly presents with the same or similar symptoms, but the treatment plan does not seem to be making them better – or their condition is deteriorating – it is best practice to review the diagnosis and consider alternative approaches.
“We hope that by formalising this with Jess’s Rule, it will remind GPs to keep this at the forefront of their minds. The College has also worked with Jess Brady’s family and the Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust to develop an educational resource for GPs on the early diagnosis of cancer in young adults, based around the principles of Jess’s Rule.”
Jessica Brady’s legacy will ensure that patient voice is at the heart of healthcare – a key commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
This initiative, targeting primary care, builds on the recent rollout of Martha’s Rule to every acute hospital in England, which empowers patients, families, and carers to request urgent clinical reviews if they are concerned about deteriorating conditions not being adequately addressed.
Jess’s Rule is just one of the ways the government is supporting GPs to provide worldclass healthcare for patients as part of the Plan for Change.
This includes recruiting over 2,000 extra GPs in a year, providing vital cash for over 1,000 GP surgeries to create additional space to see more patients, and securing a record funding boost for practices – over £1 billion in 2025-26. Public satisfaction with GP services is finally on the rise, with 73.6% of patients describing their GP experience as “good” according to recent ONS statistics, up 6.2% since July 2024.
By catching illnesses at earlier stages, Jess’s Rule will help reduce hospital backlogs, improve outcomes for patients, and save lives.
800 EXCESS DEATHS ASSOCIATED TO LONG A&E WAITS IN SCOTLAND LAST YEAR
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine will today reveal that there were more than 800 deaths associated with long A&E waits before admission in Scotland last year.
Shockingly this is an increase of a third (202) from the 2023 figure.
The latest analysis will form part of a presentation by RCEM Scotland’s Vice President, Dr Fiona Hunter, at the College’s Future of Emergency Care event being held this afternoon (Tuesday 23 September 2025) in Edinburgh.
The event, which will be attended by RCEM Officers, clinicians, healthcare leaders, policy makers and politicians, will focus on Scotland’s Emergency Care crisis and what can be done to alleviate it.
Provide Scotland with enough Emergency Medicine staff to deliver safe and sustainable care
Resource NHS Scotland to ensure equitable care is provided throughout the emergency care system
It comes as Scotland’s Emergency Departments faced a summer of unrelenting pressure with an unacceptable number of people enduring long and dangerous waits.
Over the warmer months (1 June until 31 July 2025) one in 24 people (9,881) endured a stay of 12 hours or more from their time of arrival at an Emergency Department in Scotland.
This is 7,003 more patients than the entire year of 2018.
When looking at July alone, 4,686 people experienced this extreme wait – over 2,400 more than in the winter month of January 2022 (2,266).
Meanwhile, further analysis for the previous year (2024) reveals a record 76,510 patients waited 12 hours or more to be admitted, discharged or transferred from A&E.
That’s 20,432 more people who endured an extreme wait compared to 2023.
Of these patients, 58,906 people were waiting to be admitted to a ward for further care.
Using the Standard Mortality Ratio – a method which calculates that there will be one additional death for every 72 patients that experience an eight–12-hour wait prior to their admission – RCEM estimates that there were 818 associated excess deaths related to stays of 12-hours or longer before being admitted in 2024.
That’s equivalent to 16 people losing their lives every week.
Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland, said: “The fact that the deaths of more than 800 patients have been lost due to a system in crisis is a national tragedy.
“Behind this statistic are stories of heartbreak. Because these are people. Mums, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents – their deaths shattering the lives of families and friends.
“These are patients who are sick and need further care on a ward. So they are forced to endure extreme wait times for an inpatient bed to become available for them. Often, they will be experiencing this, counting the hours they have been in ED, on a trolley in a corridor, cupboard, or simply any available floor space.
“It doesn’t have to be this way – the crisis is fixable and it comes down to patient flow in hospitals – getting people out of ED and into a ward bed and getting them out of hospital when they are well enough to go home.
“We urge all political parties to adopt the recommendations in our manifesto to give Scotland a Emergency Care system that we can be proud of once again. Because without government action, the cost will continue to be measured in lives.”
The College’s census highlights that there is a shortage of key decision makers to provide quality care to patients.
RCEM’s ‘Scotland Emergency Medicine Workforce Census 2025’ provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of the Emergency Medicine workforce, providing an insight into the working patterns of clinicians and allowing a forecast to be made around the future workforce needs of Emergency Departments in Scotland.
This is the second national Scottish census, the first having been conducted in 2021.
Responses were received from 28 major Emergency Departments, along with three Rural and Remote hospitals and found:
There is one whole time equivalent (WTE) consultant for every 4,692 attendances. While it’s an improvement compared to RCEM’s census in 2021, (1:6,444) it’s still below RCEM’s recommended figure of 1:4,000.
Of the 329 consultants, 38 are planning to retire in the next five years, along with 10 SAS doctors.
There were 16 gaps in the consultant rota – the same when compared to RCEM’s last census in Scotland. Meanwhile, there were 32 in the SAS rota, up from 23, and 26 in the resident doctor rota, down from 28 compared to four years ago. Recruitment issues were highlighted among the main reasons for rota gaps.
The average weekday consultant presence was 14 hours a day, down from 15 hours in 2021. Given RCEM’s recommendation that consultants are present at least 16 hours a day in all medium and large systems, this decline is a worrying find.
Responding to RCEM’s census, Dr Fiona Hunter said, “The College’s workforce census is a vital piece of work which reveals the true extent of workforce pressures our departments in Scotland are facing.
“While there have been some slight improvements compared to our first census in 2021, it is still abundantly clear that EDs are not adequately staffed, with senior decision makers, to deliver high quality patient care.
“Going into work, caring for patient, after patient, on a trolley in a corridor takes an immense toll. It’s no wonder they are burnout and stressed as they struggle to do the one thing they came into medicine to do, provide care.
“To futureproof our workforce, we have published a set of recommendations to the Scottish government. It must read this report and act. Because if they don’t, our Urgent and Emergency Care workforce will continue to be pushed beyond their limits, and patients will ultimately bear the brunt.”
Opticians issue rallying call to young patients as part of National Eye Health Week
Children in Edinburgh have been urged to ‘ditch the devices’ as part of a nationwide screen amnesty to promote the importance of good eye health.
Independent optometrists have encouraged people to take good care of their eyes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22-28 September.
The awareness campaign aims to promote the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye exams.
Ross Grant, manager of McGraths Opticians in Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, said: “Research shows half of all sight loss is avoidable, so we want to inspire our patients to make some small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference to their vision and eye health.
“As part of this year’s National Eye Health Week we’re advocating a screen amnesty at 8:20pm (20:20) – a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children to put their screens down and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.”
Emma Greenhall, manager of Hendry Opticians in Blackness Road, Linlithgow, added: “Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health. We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that.”
On average, people in the UK spend a staggering 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent saying they experience screen fatigue – tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches and poor colour perception.
Screen users can avoid eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule, especially if they’re using a computer for long periods of time. Look 20 feet in front of you every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
Organisers of National Eye Health Week have also issued a series of top tips such as eating a balanced diet featuring plenty of fruit, vegetables and nuts; quitting smoking; regular exercise and having regular eye exams, with a check-up encouraged at least once every two years.
During seven days of intense activity, the campaign will educate people about how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future.
Each day will focus on a different theme including; primary eye care services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes and ‘live well to see well’.
For more information or to book an appointment visit:
More than 1.6 million new cases of sight-threatening eye disease are forecast over the next decade – the equivalent of one new case every three minutes!
The analysis carried out by Eye Health UK for National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) uses data modelled by York Health Economics Consortium to predict future cases of the four most common causes of sight loss – cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
Future forecasting predicts a 24 per cent rise in the number of people suffering late age-related macular degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness and a 13 per cent surge in cases of glaucoma.
David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK warns: “Urgent steps to tackle poor eye health, including greater uptake of sight tests and prevention strategies, are needed to avoid people suffering unnecessary and irrecoverable vision impairment.The good news though is half of all sight loss could be prevented with lifestyle changes, early detection, and timely treatment.”
Worryingly, four in ten Brits fail to have their eyes tested every two years, as recommended; with many people, particularly those living in socio-economic deprivation, rationing eye test attendance due to concerns about the cost of glasses, or delaying check-ups until symptoms cause concern.
This behaviour prevents early detection of eye disease and timely referral for sight-saving treatment.
Despite more than 30 million people being entitled to free NHS sight tests [6], and NHS optical vouchers being available to help with the cost of eyewear for those on low incomes, children and for people with complex prescriptions; a lack of awareness of these benefits perpetuates barriers to people attending routine eye checks and increases the risk of avoidable sight loss.
More than half (55%) of people on low incomes say they’re unaware of their entitlement to free NHS sight tests and fewer still (just four in 10) know about NHS help towards the cost of prescription eyewear.
Responding to the research, David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK comments: “Educating people about their entitlement to help with eye care costs is vital to improve uptake of routine sight tests and mitigate the rising prevalence of sight-threatening eye disease, that’s being driven by an ageing and unhealthy population.”
Conditions like macular degeneration can be detected early during routine eye tests, saving sight and reducing the economic burden of vision impairment – the lifetime cost of a new case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an adult aged 50 or over, causing at least moderate visual impairment, is £73,350.
Referral for medical treatment and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can halt or slow the progression of AMD.
Important lifestyle changes for AMD patients and those at risk of the disease include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids; exercising regularly; quitting smoking; maintaining a healthy weight and protecting their eyes from the sun’s damaging UV.
To help people assess their chances of suffering future eye disease and understand how they can reduce the risks, we’ve created an eye health calculator which can be found here
Free advanced eye tests offered for Scottish drivers over 70 ahead of new laws for motorists
Almost six million motorists could be affected by new laws forcing older drivers to prove their eyesight is road safe
Optical Express is helping older drivers manage changes with free Advanced Eye Tests during National Eye Health Week
Britain’s over-70s are being offered a complimentary Advanced Eye Test this September – as the government considers forcing older motorists to undergo mandatory vision checks.
The potential shake-up comes after shocking RAC figures1 showed UK road deaths increased to 1,633 last year, with nearly 30,000 killed or seriously injured.
With nearly six million over-70s still on the road, and numbers increasing each year, experts warn the figures would get worse if action isn’t taken now.
To help older Brits get ahead and retain their safe driving independence, Optical Express is making available to every over-70 in the UK an Advanced Eye Test, waiving the need for those applicable to pay any private fees for this service during National Eye Health Week (22–28 September 2025).
The Advanced Eye Test is available at select Optical Express clinics across the UK with no cap on the number of appointments offered – meaning anyone and everyone in the age bracket that is a member of the UK Public can claim.
Optical Express’ Advanced Eye Tests go beyond the standard check. Every patient who attends an Advanced Eye Test at Optical Express undergoes a series of diagnostic tests, the results of which are much more innovative than those provided during a standard eye test.
They can spot early warning signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, issues that often creep up unnoticed but can have an impact on driving ability.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “Driving with poor eyesight is dangerous – for the driver, their passengers and everyone else on the road.
“With the government now considering tougher rules for over-70s, it’s more important than ever that older motorists take their eye health seriously. Regular vision and health tests should be seen as every bit as essential as an MOT or insurance.
“This initiative isn’t just about road safety. Good vision also means independence, confidence, and the freedom to keep driving for longer, all of which contribute to a better quality of life.
“By removing the cost barrier, we hope thousands of people will come forward for a free test during National Eye Health Week and take an important step towards protecting both their sight and their licence.”
Over-70s are being urged to book now to make sure their eyesight is up to scratch – and road safe.
For more information or to book a free Advanced Eye Test, visit www.opticalexpress.co.uk, call your local clinic or book in person.
As the world marks World Falls Day on 22nd September, Edinburgh Leisure is shining a spotlight on its Balanced Life programme – a specialist initiative helping adults reduce their risk of falling and maintain independence.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions among older adults. They place a significant burden on the NHS and social care, but many are preventable. It is estimated that falls cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion annually. In 2023, over 15,000 people attended A&E in relations to a fall, 10,000 of which were people over 50 years old. (Lothian Falls Prevention and Management Framework).
Working in collaboration with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), Balanced Life is integrated into Edinburgh’s new Falls Prevention and Management Pathway and is already making a difference across Edinburgh.
As well as Balanced Life, working in partnership with EHCP has enabled Edinburgh Leisure to grow their provision from 33 to 73 classes per week creating capacity to support 2,632 adults this year to improve their balance, strength, and confidence – key factors in preventing falls.
Balanced Life is an evidence-based two-tiered falls prevention programme designed for adults who have had or are at risk of having a fall. Offering a range of tailored classes which build strength, balance and mobility, this programme supports people to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life through targeted exercises delivered by specially qualified instructors.
Level 1 – Active Balance is a weekly class focusing on functional exercises that promote balance, confidence and daily movement
Level 1 – Grounded Balance is a weekly class which teaches participants how to get down to and up from the floor safely using backward training principles to reduce ‘long lies’ following a fall
Level 1 – Dynamic Balance is a weekly circuit-based class which focuses on strength and functional fitness
Level 2 – Balance Plus is designed for people with a higher falls risk of having a fall. People referred to Balance Plus are asked to attend 3 classes per week to build their strength, mobility and balance confidence
Claire Craig, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Falls are widely recognised as a significant and costly, yet largely preventable, source of harm within the health and social care system.
“We are excited to be working with Health & Social Care to expand our successful Steady Steps programme, launching a new two-tiered programme to reduce falls and frailty in the city.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh, improving lives and helping ease pressure on the NHS.”
Hannah Cairns, Chief Allied Health Professional at the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have enjoyed working closely with Edinburgh Leisure on the falls prevention pathway.
“They bring a wealth of experience in the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing, and have a proven track record of delivering groups and services that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
“We are proud to support the development of Balance Life, a key contributor to the integration of physical activity within the newly developed falls prevention and management pathway.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh.”
By supporting people to stay active and steady on their feet, Balanced Life is helping to reduce avoidable falls and the associated healthcare costs.
Balanced Life is referral-only, ensuring those most at risk are supported. Health and social care professionals can refer eligible individuals.
Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to promoting healthy ageing and tackling health inequalities through inclusive physical activity programmes.
An exciting new charity partnership will help take action against dementia across Scotland and beyond with a giant inflatable brain tour as part of an innovative brain health programme.
Alzheimer Scotland has been selected as the Charity Partner for 2025/26 by Scotmid, which is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and includes Semichem, Lake & Dales Coop, Scotmid Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors.
Studies indicate that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable, often through making simple lifestyle changes.
As part of its ambitious plans for the 12-month partnership, Alzheimer Scotland will spread this prevention message by investing in a giant, walk-through inflatable brain – named Babs the Brain in honour of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
”Babs” will embark on a Big Brain Tour of Scotland, visiting stores as well as community venues.
At each stop, people can step inside the inflatable to learn how different areas of the brain work, enjoy interactive activities, and make their own personal brain health pledge.
The partnership will raise vital funds for brain health initiatives across Scotland, while Alzheimer’s Society will provide support to reach communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The partnership was officially launched at Scotmid’s HQ in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where colleagues and pupils from Hillwood Primary School were among the first to experience Babs the Brain.
Dame Barbara’s widower Scott Mitchell attended the event and has given the project his full support.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be embarking on this charity partnership with Scotmid. We see this as the start of a shared mission to empower people of all ages to protect their brain health, reduce their risk of dementia, and help make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to expand the work we do by finding creative ways to empower communities across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland to look after their brain health.
“Not only will we raise vital funds, we will also leave a lasting legacy beyond this partnership of healthier habits, stronger connections, and better awareness of dementia prevention.”
Karen Scott, Scotmid’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re truly delighted to join forces with Alzheimer Scotland.This partnership isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about coming together with our communities to create real, positive change.
“By working hand in hand, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia across Scotland.”
Scott Mitchell, who was appointed People’s Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, said: “Babs the Brain and the brain health prevention work Alzheimer Scotland will be doing alongside it is a wonderful legacy for Barbara and something she would be proud to put her name to.
“I have no doubt she would have treated us to one of her famous giggles for the name alone!”
Other initiatives planned for the coming year include in-store ‘brain healthy’ shopping experiences, from recipe cards to highlighting ‘brain-boosting choices’.
Funds raised will also support Alzheimer Scotland’s STARS: My Amazing Brain schools project, which brings brain health education to children and families nationwide.
Programme aims to improve patient experience and reduce admissions
The Scottish Government will extend a successful programme run by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), enabling its Palliative and End of Life Care team to continue its vital work this year.
This £417,000 investment will enable the dedicated SAS team to continue transforming care for patients nearing the end of life, enhancing dignity, comfort, and choice while reducing pressure on emergency services.
The team has developed 30 alternative care pathways to Emergency Departments, including direct referrals to hospices and cancer support helplines. These pathways ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time—often in the comfort of their own homes.
This approach helps improve their quality of life in the final stages, allowing clinicians to provide more compassionate care tailored to each person’s specific needs.
In 2023-24 alone, it led to a:
A reduction of 1,600 patients conveyed to hospital.
1,451 fewer ambulance attendances in 2023/24 compared to the previous year.
4000 staff trained in palliative care support.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “”The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who needs it can access high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated palliative care.
“The work of the Palliative and End of Life Care Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and I am pleased that we are able to provide this funding to extend their vital work.”
Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We welcome this funding, which will help us build on the success of previous work and will further develop our specialist capability to support patients with palliative and end-of-life needs across Scotland.
“The funding will expand training, deepen our partnership working with health and social care partners and further improve patient experience, dignity, and choice at the end of life.”
‘Palliative Care Matters for All’, published this month by the Scottish Government, is a five-year strategy produced in partnership with NHS Scotland, charities, health and social care professionals, and people with experience of palliative care services.
Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.
NHS inform’s accessing medicines self-help guide will help to decide whether you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy for more medication. The guide can be used for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.
Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.