With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing, Vision Express is putting eye health centre stage by bringing their Vision Van to the area as part of its Scotland tour, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests. Continue reading Eye health is no laughing matter as Vision Van comes to Edinburgh
Cyrenians is a Scottish charity stopping homelessness and supporting people. Cyrenians community gardens, situated at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Midlothian Community Hospital, provide opportunities for people to get outside and grow food, bringing people together and reducing social isolation. Continue reading Natural health service: Cyrenians and SNH celebrate 3 years of green learning
The number of smoking cessation attempts in NHS Lothian has reached a record low – and Tory health spokesman Miles Briigs MSP says that’s because complacency has set in. Continue reading Smoking cessation attempts in NHS Lothian drop over last five years
On Wednesday 15th August 2018 NHS Lothian will be celebrating Cycle to Work Day – and we want you to join in! Continue reading NHS Lothian supports Cycle to Work Day – 15 August
Aodan Donnelly, a trainee accountant from Edinburgh, will run 10 miles every day this month to raise money for the mental health charity SANE. The 24-year-old will cover 210km in total in August, which is equivalent to seven marathons! Continue reading Aodan to keep on running for SANE
Did you know that the average UK worker only takes around 20 minutes of their lunch break due to feeling that they won’t be able to complete all of the tasks they need to during the day?
While it’s important to stay on top of work, not taking time to eat, rest and recoup can be damaging and leave us feeling even more stressed.
In response to this The Spa at Charlotte Square is inviting busy Edinburgh professionals to reclaim their lunch breaks and indulge is a well earnt 25 minute express spa treatment during their lunch break. Perfect after a stressful morning or an extended Friday lunch- employees deserve to take their full lunch break and have some time to relax!
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) supports the universal provision of baby boxes across the UK. Continue reading RCM recommends universal provision of Baby Boxes in UK
Tuesday 7th August, 10am – 3pm
Lauriston Castle Gardens
“Jeane Freeman should acknowledge the link between our GP crisis and the increased pressure on A&E services.” – Miles Briggs MSP
Following the recent announcement that A&E waiting targets have not been met for a year, there has been growing pressure on SNP Ministers to take action. Continue reading NHS Lothian has longest A&E waiting times
Scotland’s organ donor registrations reaches half the population
Half of people in Scotland have registered to donate their organs or tissue after their death, and the country continues to have the highest rate in the UK.
There are more than 2,724,000 Scottish residents registered on the UK Organ Donor Register, or 50.4% of Scotland’s population, and surveys show that around 90% of people support organ donation. Approximately 550 people in Scotland are waiting for an organ transplant, which could save or transform their lives.
The rise in registered donors comes after high-profile annual awareness-raising campaigns. In addition, legislation has recently been introduced to the Scottish Parliament that would move Scotland to a soft opt out system, with appropriate safeguards. Under the proposed system, if someone has not stated a decision about donation after death, they may be deemed as having authorised it.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced the landmark achievement while visiting Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to learn about the work of the hospital’s kidney transplant and dialysis units.
Ms Freeman said: “Just over half of Scotland’s people have registered to donate their organs or tissue after death, reflecting both their incredible generosity and the progress we have made in highlighting the need for organ donors.
“However, we need more people to register. Most organ and tissue donations can only occur in tragic circumstances, and only 1% of people die in circumstances where they could be an organ donor. Registering only takes two minutes and could save or transform someone’s life.
“We have introduced proposals to change the laws around organ and tissue donation to move to a soft opt out system, to build on the significant progress we’ve already made and as part of the long term culture change to encourage people to support donation. However, the most important step people can take now is to make a decision and tell their family and loved ones. In the event of a tragedy, this would make it much easier for them at a very difficult time and ensure your decision is followed.”
Mr Marc Clancy, consultant transplant surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, said: “I have seen the unit grow from a small size performing 60 transplants a year to become the largest in Scotland.
“We are now transplanting 180 organs annually while achieving some of the best success rates in the UK. This is testament to the commitment of our staff and the national drive to expand organ donation.”
