Tag: Health and wellbeing

NHS Lothian staff recognised in prestigious Scottish Health Awards

NHS Lothian staff celebrated success at the Scottish Health Awards, taking home four accolades during a ceremony at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

The Scottish Health Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of those individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high quality health and social care to the people of Scotland.

Among the winners was Lucy Duns, Community Midwife, NHS Lothian, who received the Midwife award for going far beyond routine maternity care, providing life-changing support to a pregnant patient experiencing domestic abuse.

She recognised subtle signs of distress, offered private, compassionate conversations, connected her to specialist services, and safeguarded both mother and baby.

Through extra visits, advocacy, and empowering guidance, she restored the patient’s sense of control and safety. Her dedication, empathy, and courage transformed a dangerous situation into a path toward security and wellbeing for her patient.

Laura Jess, Head of Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiology at NHS Lothian, has been awarded the Healthcare Scientist Award in recognition of her transformational leadership in healthcare science.

Laura has pioneered innovative, patient-centred services, influenced national policy, and significantly advanced respiratory and sleep physiology across Scotland.

A passionate advocate for education and workforce development, she mentors the next generation of healthcare scientists and promotes evidence-based practice.

Her leadership, dedication, and excellence continue to inspire colleagues, elevate clinical care, and shape the future of the profession.

Winner of the Allied Health Professional Award, Claire Yerramasu is a highly accomplished physiotherapist and Advanced Practitioner leading the Midlothian Community Respiratory Team at NHS Lothian.

With over 26 years of experience, Claire has revolutionised respiratory care, reducing hospital admissions, enabling earlier discharges, and establishing a multidisciplinary, patient-centred model now recognised across Scotland.

A champion of innovation, she integrates digital tools, service evaluation, and independent prescribing into practice. Claire also leads cutting-edge research, including a PhD Fellowship focused on co-developing data-driven risk stratification dashboards.

As an educator and national contributor, she is deeply committed to workforce development, patient engagement, and service excellence, cementing her reputation as a leader in respiratory physiotherapy and community care.

Steven Swanson, Senior Biomedical Scientist and Team Leader at Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, was named joint winner of the Leader of the Year Award.

Steven transformed the Biochemistry Department into a centre of innovation, collaboration, and patient-focused excellence, achieving over 16 awards for clinical and quality improvements.

Steven mentors and empowers his team, fostering resilience, trust, and professional growth. Under his guidance, service delivery has improved through faster turnaround times, reduced errors, and advanced technologies, all while prioritising staff wellbeing and patient care, embodying NHS Scotland’s core values.

The winners were joined by another 6 finalists from NHS Lothian including:

Sophie Wardrop, Pharmacy Support Worker – Support Worker Award

FND Specialist Practitioner Team – Innovation Award

Laura Jeffrey – Team Lead, Adult Complex and Exceptional Needs Service – Integrated Care Award

Dr Ruth Brotherstone, Jody Forster and Samantha Stredwick, were also finalists.

Tracey Gillies, Executive Medical Director of NHS Lothian, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our staff who were shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Health Awards. To be recognised among peers from across NHS Scotland is a tremendous achievement in itself.

“I would like to offer my special congratulations to our winners for their well-deserved awards and the recognition of their exceptional contributions to patient care and innovation.”

Shaping healthier food environments for the next decade

In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, Nesta, an innovation agency for social good, has today published two key publications which explore how Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments and support efforts to reduce obesity and health inequalities.

The two publications are:

  • ‘Planning for Healthier Communities – Opportunities in the Scottish Planning System’ (research report)
  • ‘The role of Local Development Plans (LDPs) in shaping healthier food environments across Scotland’ (supporting briefing)

These resources draw on research, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned to recommend practical steps for integrating food environment policies into the local planning system.

Around two thirds of adults in Scotland are living with overweight or obesity, and one in three children starting primary 1 are at risk of overweight or obesity, with rates significantly higher in more deprived areas.

Recent modelling also projects substantial increases in overweight by 2040. The need for change is evident and reducing overweight and obesity is a key priority in Scotland’s Population Health Framework.

Historically, planning policies in Scotland have rarely addressed food environments or obesity directly.  But now, the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) provide an opportunity to change that. LDPs are currently in preparation stage, with decisions taken over the next two to three years shaping Scotland’s food environment for the next decade.

Many organisations, including local authorities and health boards, play a key role in the planning process. These new publications outline key stages and priority areas where public health professionals can contribute and influence the development of plans, such as:

  • providing local health data and expertise to support the case for food environment policies
  • focussing on health inequalities and areas where unhealthy food environments and obesity rates are highest
  • building stronger collaborations between planning and public health to gather evidence and advocate for change

Claire Hislop RNutr (Public Health), Organisational Lead – Food and Physical Activity, Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland’s current food environment often fails to support healthy eating. This is particularly evident in communities with higher deprivation and where access to affordable, nutritious food can be limited.

“Improving Scotland’s food environment requires a package of measures; utilising the planning process as part of this is both necessary and possible.

“In particular, Local Development Plan preparation offers a unique, but time limited, opportunity to contribute to creating communities that enable and promote healthier food options – for years to come.”

Frances Bain, Mission Manager, Nesta, added: “Nesta were delighted to partner with Public Health Scotland on this research which was carried out through a residency placement and explored the potential to use the planning system to influence healthier food environments.

“Thanks to all the local and national stakeholders who participated in the research and in particular Dr Meadhbh Maguire for leading the work.

“We have been able to outline the opportunities and challenges that exist when considering new planning policies relating to the food environment and highlight the role that local development plans can play in supporting public health.”

Find out more about Nesta

Read the research report and briefing

Edinburgh Leisure launches unmissable £1 Black Friday Membership Deal

Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier than ever to kickstart your fitness journey in time for the festive season with an unbeatable offer: a £1 joining fee across all memberships, available for a limited time only from 14th – 30th November.

Whether you’re looking to swim, lift, climb, or stretch your way to better health, Edinburgh Leisure’s Full Fitness membership offers the best value in the city – giving you access to the widest range of activities across multiple venues, all with no contract and total flexibility.

This year’s offer is even more exciting with the inclusion of Evolve Meadowbank, a cutting-edge hybrid gym and Hyrox training club, now part of the Full Fitness package. It means more choice, more flexibility, and even greater value – all under one membership.

More Than Just a Gym

From state-of-the-art gyms and swimming pools to fitness classes, golf simulators, and climbing walls, Edinburgh Leisure offers something for everyone. And with a strong local focus, the campaign is shining a spotlight on three key venues:

  • Meadowbank Sports Centre – Featuring a modern gym, two fitness studios, Evolve Hybrid Gym, running track, and Café Refresh.
  • Leith Victoria Swim Centre – Home to a 25-yard Victorian pool, sauna, gym, and three group fitness studios.
  • Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre – Offering gym access, fitness classes, all at the home of tennis

Don’t Miss Out

This limited-time offer is your chance to join Edinburgh Leisure for just £1 plus the cost of whichever flexible membership you choose to suit your lifestyle and experience the breadth of fitness activities available across the city.

With no contract and local venues on your doorstep, there’s never been a better time to move more and feel great.

Offer valid from 14th – 28th November 2025.  Join now:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/black-friday

Sarah Boyack leads Holyrood debate calling for more support for Tourette’s

Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack has called for more support for those with Tourette’s as she led a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Thursday.

Ms Boyack used her speech to highlight the struggles her constituents, with Tourette’s, have faced in the education system and beyond as part of a wider campaign to ensure better awareness around the condition.

The debate came after Ms Boyack lodged a parliamentary motion calling for more Tourette’s support and training in the education system, at Holyrood.

The motion gained cross-party support from every major Holyrood party.

The debate was watched from the public gallery by people from the Tourette’s community.

As part of her speech, Ms Boyack highlighted the incredible barriers faced by children with Tourette’s in the education system, including a lack of support and understanding from schools.

She called for the Scottish Government to work with Tourette’s Scotland to establish a national plan, increase funding, support and awareness across education, health settings and the wider public.

The debate comes after the newly released film, I Swear, which follows the novel by the inspiring John Davidson,  a campaigner for Tourette’s awareness from the Borders which has exposed the issue to a wider audience.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Boyack commented: “I was honoured to lead this debate on such an important topic.

“Speaking to constituents and watching I Swear, I have heard about how much of a struggle Tourette’s can be.

“I hope this debate can help deliver the change we require to ensure Tourette’s is not a barrier to a quality life.

“The time for the Scottish Government to act is now – I am eager to work with Ministers and achieve the change we desperately need.”

£20 million to boost social care capacity this winter

Health Secretary urges those eligible to get flu vaccine

Health Secretary Neil Gray has updated parliament on winter preparations for the NHS, urging people to take up the flu vaccine and confirming up to £20 million to bolster social care capacity.

The £20 million investment will be targeted at initiatives by health boards to increase social care capacity and provide extra support at the front door of A&Es, which will reduce admissions and relieve pressure on acute services.

Mr Gray also warned of the potential impact of the flu virus this winter, with emerging evidence suggesting an early and potentially difficult flu season. He urged everyone eligible to get their vaccination, particularly children and young people who can transmit the virus to vulnerable family members and friends.

To help deal with increased winter pressures, the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will recruit more than 290 new frontline A&E staff this year, including newly qualified paramedics and ambulance care assistants.

To ensure callers are dealt with more efficiently this winter, NHS 24 has also implemented a new call centre system backed by £5 million of investment. Over 90% of callers triaged by NHS 24 as needing an ambulance response now have their call information transferred and referred digitally – this removes repetitive stages of the call process and significantly speeds up the process for patients.

The Health Secretary has also directed health boards to undertake a new approach, working together to plan digital care and business systems, and make best use of available capacity for orthopaedic elective services – ensuring patients receive the care they need as soon as possible.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We know pressure on the system exacerbates over winter and I am determined to ensure that pressure is relieved as much as possible. We have been preparing plans for this winter season throughout the past year with NHS boards and local authorities.

“Our investment of £20 million will be crucial in our efforts to bolster social care capacity, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure people receive the right care in the most appropriate setting.

“A key part of our winter response is prevention and our national flu vaccination programme is well underway. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect our own health and those around us – with flu cases rising and initial evidence suggesting this may be an early and potentially difficult flu season, I urge all those who are eligible to get vaccinated.  

“We have significantly increased Scottish Ambulance Service staffing and we are investing in capacity in our NHS 24 call centres so that people are getting the right support quickly and when they need it.

“Our dedicated health and social care staff are the cornerstone of our winter response every year – they will continue to work tirelessly in the coming months to provide excellent care, and I thank them for their outstanding efforts.”

The funding of £20 million comes from the 2025-26 health and social care budget to deliver improvements in urgent and unscheduled care and patient flow, linked to the Operational Improvement Plan.

Winter planning is undertaken collaboratively between health boards and local authorities and the Scottish Government has worked with the NHS and COSLA to ensure local plans are underpinned by consistent national principles.

These are set out in publication of “National Planning Priorities and Principles for Surge and Winter Preparedness in Health and Social Care”

Responding to the Scottish government’s £20 million funding announcement to boost social care capacity this winter, alongside its National Planning for Winter and Surge Pressures in Health and Social Care, unveiled this week (13 November 2025), RCEM Vice President for Scotland Dr Fiona Hunter said: “We welcome and recognise this much needed investment into social care.  

“Even though this funding is not for care happening inside the walls of Emergency Departments, bolstering social care capacity is one of the best ways to make sure people can leave hospital when they are deemed medically well enough to do so.  

“Last winter, from November to February, there were 1,991 patients stuck in hospital each day, despite being well enough to leave. That was a record. We can’t let a new record be set this year.  

“We need these beds. Patients are spending extreme hours in our departments waiting for that elusive ward bed to become available, often in a corridor, on a trolley or another inappropriate space.   

“However, this burst of funding could be too little, too late, to make a meaningful difference this winter. We are already in November and on the cusp of what will be gruelling months ahead for both our workforce, and our patients.  

“Further winter plans announced place too much emphasis on attendance avoidance – diverting people away from ED. While this is of course welcome, the crisis in which our EDs find themselves has not been caused by an increase in demand. 

“The number of people attending our departments this summer was lower than it was in 2019, yet 20 times as many people this year waited 12 or more hours to be admitted, discharged or transferred.  

“And we know this is where the harm lies for our patients in ED.  

“The announcement is a good start at a time when the health service is about to enter what will be yet another very challenging winter. But the crisis in our Emergency Departments is taking a heavy toll on our members, and their colleagues.  

“We need continued support and action from the government to address these deep-rooted long-term problems that are no longer confined to winter.” 

Scottish Ambulance Service recruits almost 100 new staff ahead of winter

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has boosted its staffing by bringing in almost 100 new recruits ahead of winter.

The extra staff were announced yesterday (Tuesday, 11 November) by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray while visiting the Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in South Queensferry.

The new staff include 25 call handlers who are based in the Service’s ambulance control centres and 22 staff, including GPs, clinical advisors and advanced practitioners, who have joined the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub.

A dozen scheduled care coordinators who manage the Service’s patient transport vehicles have also been recruited, along with 36 ambulance care assistants who will transport patients to planned hospital or clinic appointments. An additional 72 ambulance care assistants will join SAS by April 2026.

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “Compared to last year, we’re already seeing an increase of pressure on our services. It’s therefore essential that we continue to bolster our workforce to ensure we can give the best possible service to our patients and also provide support to our existing staff during this demanding time.

“To help our staff over winter, we’d like to remind the public that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or visit your GP during opening hours.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the new recruits and hardworking staff at the South Queensferry Control Centre.

“These new staff members will provide a crucial boost to the Scottish Ambulance Service as they deal with the increased demand and pressure that winter brings. This is on top of work already underway to recruit an additional 269 newly qualified paramedics this year.

“The additional call handlers and recruits to the Integrated Clinical Hub will all help to reduce conveyances and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. The new staff working in the Hub will help triage less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on emergency departments.”

Rapid heart attack tests speed people through emergency departments

~ Next-generation bedside devices, providing a result within 15 minutes, ease pressure on overcrowded emergency departments ~

People can find out if they are having a heart attack far faster using innovative tests, according to research supported by the British Heart Foundation and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference in New Orleans. 

When someone with chest pain attends hospital as an emergency patient , they are given a blood test for troponin – the telltale protein released into the blood when the heart is damaged, which indicates whether they have had a heart attack. 

But doctors say that the test result from blood sent to the laboratory is often not available when they first need it to help make decisions for patients, and a result can sometimes take as long as two hours. 

A new study, led from Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand in collaboration with BHF-funded researchers at the University of Edinburgh, investigated the performance of a new type of troponin test. Blood is placed directly onto a cartridge, and analysed on the spot, with some models of the test able to reveal if someone has had a heart attack within 15 to 20 minutes. 

In the study, people given a rapid test were admitted to a ward or sent home 47 minutes faster, depending on whether it indicated they had experienced a heart attack, researchers found. This shorter stay in the emergency department, which was the average across six hospitals, was seen in comparison to troponin tests in the lab. 

The new tests, produced by various technology firms, are already in use within some British hospitals and could help to tackle long waits and overcrowding within the NHS. Researchers say they could potentially also be used in GP surgeries and chest pain clinics, potentially helping to identify people whose heart attacks might otherwise have been missed. 

Nicholas Mills, BHF Professor of Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh and a consultant interventional cardiologist at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, helped to design the study, conducted in New Zealand.  

Professor Mills said: “When people go to the emergency department fearing they have had a heart attack, a blood sample is taken and sent to another part of the hospital for analysis in a lab.

By the time the results are available, it is likely the doctor or nurse will have been called away, so there are unfortunate and unintended delays in making decisions for patients. 

“The average turnaround for a lab troponin test can be as long as two hours, so tests which can be performed in real-time within minutes are far better for patients, reducing anxiety as they wait for an answer on what is happening to them. 

“Crucially, these tests could also ease some of the pressure on overcrowded emergency departments, helping  people move through more quickly.” 

Troponin is a protein found in the muscles, including the heart. When the heart is injured or damaged, such as during a heart attack, troponin is released into the blood. 

Hospitals used to routinely test people twice for troponin, to measure changing levels of the protein and establish if they had a heart attack. But the process was sped up, moving people through emergency departments an average of three hours faster, thanks to previous research led by the University of Edinburgh.

This showed just one troponin test could effectively identify people who were at high risk of having had a heart attack, and also the people at lower risk who could safely be sent home. 

This approach was used in the current study, but, to deliver answers to patients even more quickly, researchers investigated the new generation of devices which can analyse troponin levels in the blood on the spot.  

The study included almost 60,000 people attending an emergency department in New Zealand between February 2023 and January 2025. A faster test was given to 31,392 patients, while the rest had the standard test with blood samples sent to the laboratory. 

Those given a rapid test, compared to the lab-based test, had a 13 per cent shorter stay in the emergency department on average. That meant they were discharged or admitted to a hospital ward an average of 47 minutes faster. 

The calculation was made after taking into account other factors affecting how long people wait, such as the time of year and time of day. 

Researchers tracked all the people in their study for 30 days after they visited the emergency department, finding that the rate of people dying from cardiovascular disease or having a heart attack in that time was similar whether they were given a fast test or the regular test. 

This suggests a faster test is a safe way to decide if people should be admitted to a ward or discharged, which should not put people at extra risk by missing their heart attacks. 

The test involves a drop of blood, from a standard blood test, being placed on a cartridge which is inserted into the device. The level of troponin then appears on the screen, helping a doctor to provide a diagnosis. 

People who have not had a heart attack can be quickly reassured, thanks to a faster test. Those who have had a heart attack can receive earlier treatment with blood-thinners and be admitted directly to a specialist ward for treatment, which may include a procedure to restore the blood supply to the heart. Early treatment reduces the risk of lasting heart damage.   

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said: “Every minute matters if you are having a heart attack. And if you aren’t, you will want to be reassured or diagnosed with something different as soon as possible. 

“Troponin is the telltale protein which leaks into the bloodstream when the heart is damaged, so measuring it can be crucial for doctors to diagnose or rule out heart attacks. 

“But laboratory results can take hours to come back. So, it’s exciting to see that the bedside troponin test used in this study had a faster turnaround – providing results within minutes, and without compromising accuracy and safety. 

“Reducing delays in diagnosis is vital for patients, and also important for pressurised emergency departments working to ensure everyone gets the care they need, when they need it.”