Health and wellbeing – Page 4 – The NEN

Three quarters of A&E staff witness violence and aggression at work at least once a week

‘Safe to Care’ campaign launched

Around three in four UK Emergency Department staff have told the Royal College of Emergency Medicine that they experience or witness violence and aggression in their department on a daily or weekly basis.

That’s according to new survey data, revealed today (7 September) as part of the launch of RCEM’s Safe to Care campaign.

‘Safe to Care‘ aims to highlight the appalling levels of violence and aggression that doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in Emergency Medicine continue to face while at work.

In the coming weeks and months, RCEM will be sharing testimonies of those who have experienced violence or aggression at work and will be calling on the four UK governments to take immediate action to ensure Emergency Department (ED) staff feel safe, and are safe, to provide care.

Levels of violence towards NHS staff has become intolerable: RCEM surveyed over 2,000 ED staff, with 96% of respondents saying they experienced violence or aggression in their ED from patients or members of the public.

More than three quarters (73%) said it was a weekly, or even daily, occurrence and around two thirds said the incidents they experienced were of a discriminatory nature.

One anonymous resident doctor told the survey: “Working in the ED, you brace yourself for a lot, but nothing truly prepares you for direct, hateful verbal abuse, especially when it’s racially charged.”

Meanwhile, an ED consultant told the survey that they had been kicked in the face by an aggressive patient lying on a trolley.

Just four per cent told RCEM that they always felt safe working in ED, and barely more than half (57%) felt safe most of the time.

If left to continue, the impact this will have on the workforce could be devastating for Emergency Medicine, with 75% of staff reporting short-term stress and anxiety, 40% experiencing burnout, 14% taking time off work – and 28% experiencing long-term stress or anxiety.

Meanwhile, many staff said they had little confidence that reporting incidents will lead to action, with fewer than half (41%) of staff who made a report saying their trust took ‘meaningful action’.

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “No one should go to work fearing or, worse, expecting, to be attacked, intimidated or abused. Nor should they lack confidence that their employers have their backs, or that the judicial system will kick in.

“Yet, that’s the reality faced by the majority of my colleagues in EDs across the country. They often do not feel safe to care for patients. It is an appalling state of affairs which is contributing towards many people seriously considering whether Emergency Medicine – or even healthcare in general – is for them.

“Tackling violence and aggression is crucial for the wellbeing of staff, whose dedication to the NHS is all too frequently being repaid in kicks, punches and abhorrent verbal abuse.

“We know that long waits and crowding are key drivers of this, but that is not the fault of staff – that’s on our governments. Every hour of every day, our Emergency Medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.

“This should not be a novel concept to anybody. Much has been said by us and other organisations over the years about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff. But the problem seems to be getting worse, not better.

“It’s time for action, time for governments, employers and organisations stand up for NHS staff, and time to ensure that those who intimidate, abuse or assault those who are trying to care for them face meaningful consequences for their actions.”

Violence and aggression is not always an isolated problem. Many survey respondents pointed out that long waiting times (90%), overcrowding (85%), staff shortages and corridor care (both 65%) was making the problem worse.

Tackling these issues will undoubtedly create a calmer environment in A&E, which provokes fewer incidents.

In a new briefing, RCEM is calling on government in the four nations, and NHS leaders, to make Emergency Departments safe to care by:

Preventing violence and abuse before it occurs – starting with the eradication of long waits to be seen, crowding and corridor care, whilst strengthening security standards
Supporting staff through better training, reporting, follow-up, and links with the police
Improving accountability of organisations to protect and support NHS staff, with better working across systems to ensure perpetrators face justice

Dr Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee, said: “Safe to Care has a very clear goal: make EDs a place in which you can work without fear of intimidation or attack.

“Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising.

“Whilst most patients and relatives continue to be a pleasure to treat, it is true that we are seeing increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour from a significant minority.

“Anyone who works in ED knows that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff has become normalised. That must end and we call on policymakers and NHS leaders to help us make EDs a safer place for staff.”

RCEM_Safe-to-Care_VA_Briefing_Media_0926 Download

Letter: Take action to improve lymphoma care this Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Dear Editor

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our Let’s talk lymphoma campaign, Lymphoma Action is inviting people affected by lymphoma to write to their MP, MSP or MS and ask them to raise important issues about lymphoma treatment and care in Parliament.

The campaign aims to make it easier for decision-makers to understand the realities faced by people affected by lymphoma, and to encourage practical action to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.

Lymphoma is officially categorised as a rare or less common cancer. The recent National Cancer Plan recognised that people affected by rare and less common cancers often face major challenges with diagnosis and care. Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer, but too many people still experience delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatment and unequal care.

For the first time, the National Cancer Plan gives rare and less common cancers dedicated focus and commits to improvements in treatment and care. It recognises that people with these cancers must receive the same priority as those with more common cancers. But making promises is only the first step – they need to become reality.

This September, we want to hold the government to account and make sure the plan is put into action, leading to meaningful change for people affected by lymphoma and other cancers. If you are affected by lymphoma, you can write to your representative this September and ask them to raise lymphoma in Parliament.

Together, we can push for the improvements people affected by lymphoma deserve and help make sure the National Cancer Plan delivers real change.

Find out more about how you can get involved at www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/BCAM.

Once you register your interest, we’ll send you a draft email with the information your representative needs and details of how to send it.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Harris

Lymphoma Action

Edinburgh creative living with MS urges others to ‘find your people’ at MS Walk Glasgow

An Edinburgh writer and filmmaker living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is encouraging other people affected by the condition to come together at MS Walk Glasgow this month, saying that community can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that many people experience after diagnosis.

Roby Walsh, 38, who is based in Leith, will join family and friends from across Scotland at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September for the MS Society’s annual MS Walk Glasgow.

Roby, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2017, will take on the 5K route. In 2022, she underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Florence after previous MS treatments had not worked for her.

She says the experience was one of the most difficult periods of her MS journey, making her participation in MS Walk Glasgow particularly meaningful.

She says the event is about much more than crossing the finish line: “For me, it’s become almost like a tradition. I used to take part in similar walks when I was living in Australia.

“It’s important to support and bring awareness, and of course to support funding and research. But it’s also a good way to bring people together and talk about MS.”

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible – they can be mild or severe, and include fatigue, pain and mobility issues.

Roby lives with a range of symptoms that aren’t always visible to other people. Speaking about her experience of MS, she says: “My MS is really invisible. If you see me, you would never say I have a disability, because I think I’m good at putting on a façade. But something that doesn’t go away is the pain. I’m always in pain. From when I wake up until I go to bed early, around 9pm, I’m always in pain.

“Sometimes that affects me psychologically and drains me. You have to be kind to yourself.”

Fatigue can also affect Roby’s social life: “You want to go out with your friends and have a nice night, but by 9pm I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m going home,’” she said. “You have to adapt. That’s the word: adapt.”

For Roby, one of the most important messages she wants to share with other people living with MS is not to isolate themselves. She said: “Sometimes when we get diagnosed with something like this, we tend to isolate. I feel that isolation is a big part of people’s experience with MS.

“Maybe we need to find the courage sometimes to come out and find your people, or just ask to have a chat with someone else. You will find there are so many other people like us, and it’s okay.

“I’ve done it. I pushed a lot of people away. But I’ve learned from that mistake, and that’s the advice I would give: don’t isolate yourself.”

Since moving to Edinburgh in 2019, Roby has thrown herself back into the creative world. She is now a writer and director, has published a children’s book and made her first short film, Glitch, which is currently being shown at film festivals.

She has also found a new sense of purpose in using her experiences to raise awareness and champion greater representation of disabled people in creative industries: “I’ve connected with so many other women with different kinds of disabilities, including invisible disabilities like mine.

“I find this fire in me, thinking we need so much more empowerment around us. There can be so much more representation in industries like modelling, acting and film.

“I want people to see that there is so much more to a person, and this doesn’t define you.”

Roby hopes that message will encourage others to join her at MS Walk Glasgow, whatever distance they choose.

Participants can walk, roll or stroll routes ranging from 1K to 20K, making the event accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

“You don’t have to go for a run. You don’t have to do 20K,” Roby said. “You can just start with something like 5K.

“Even if you want to do it alone, you’re not going to be alone, because you’re going to meet so many people there. You make friends.

“I would say, do it. It’s a really amazing experience.

“In the end, you’re like, ‘Yes, I’ve done it.’ It’s a challenge with yourself as well. If I go back to some of the most difficult points in my MS journey, I could never have imagined doing these walks.

“Now, looking back, I’m really proud. I’m so proud of everything. I’m proud to be able to do the walk 100% and continue that tradition.”

Jo Anderson, Director for Scotland at the MS Society, said: “More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. Roby’s story is a powerful reminder that MS is different for everybody, and that many of the symptoms people experience are invisible to those around them.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Roby for sharing her story and for fundraising for the MS Society through MS Walk Glasgow. I’m really looking forward to meeting her and cheering her on at Glasgow Green on the day.

“MS Walk Glasgow is a chance to come together, celebrate the strength of the MS community and raise vital funds to support everyone affected by MS. Every person who walks, rolls or strolls will be helping us continue our work supporting people with MS and funding pioneering research.”

MS Walk Glasgow takes place at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September. With 1K, 5K, 10K and 20K routes available, there’s a distance for everyone to walk, roll or stroll.

Sign up today and help raise vital funds to support people affected by MS and fund pioneering research.

Find out more and register on the MS Society website:

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/support-and-community/near-me/ms-walk-glasgow

Local MP exposes lack of consistent surrogacy guidance across Scotland’s health boards

Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today (Friday 4 September 2026) raised concerns over a lack of consistent guidance for midwives across Scotland caring for surrogate mothers and babies.

Through Freedom of Information requests the Edinburgh North and Leith MP has uncovered serious gaps in vital guidance for midwives and wider clinical teams when supporting births where a surrogacy arrangement is in place.

Tracy Gilbert’s FOI requests to all of Scotland’s NHS Boards found that only NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NHS Fife have active guidance in place for midwives and clinical teams on the care and treatment of surrogate mothers and babies.

Of the remaining NHS Boards:

Five have no policy at all
Four have a policy where the review is overdue
One has a policy currently in draft form
One referred to Department of Health and Social Care guidance

The Edinburgh North and Leith MP raised the issue during a debate on the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill in the House of Commons, warning that midwives and maternity teams should not be left to navigate these legal, clinical and safeguarding issues without clear and up-to-date guidance.

Tracy warned that the lack of consistent guidance could leave maternity staff without the information they need to ensure surrogate mothers and babies receive the best possible care.

Speaking after raising the issue in Parliament, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Every mother and baby deserves the very best care with their needs put first in all decisions. However, I have exposed worrying gaps in the guidance available in some areas of the country for staff caring for families involved in surrogacy.

In many cases midwives will come across no or very few surrogacy cases in their careers; up-to-date guidance is therefore even more essential so that those midwives have access to the support and signposting that they need.

“The Scottish Government should now make sure that health boards across Scotland have this important guidance in place.”

An overview of the findings of the FOIs across health boards is as follows:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran	Policy in place Dec 2025, due for review in Dec 2028
NHS Borders	Policy in place March 2022, Review overdue (March 2025)
NHS Dumfries and Galloway	Refer to Department for Health and Social Care guidance
NHS Fife	First policy effective from May 2026, to be reviewed May 2029
NHs Forth Valley – First guidance	April 2015, reviewed October 2021, review overdue (October 2024)
NHS Grampian	No guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde	No guidance
NHS Highlands	Guidance in draft
NHS Lothian	Guidance in place Feb 2022, review overdue (Jan 2023)
NHS Orkney	No guidance
NHS Shetland	No policy
NHS Tayside	Policy put in place Jan 2019, review overdue (Aug 2025)
NHS Western Isles	No guidance

Bringing healthcare closer to home

Deputy First Minister visits Hospital at Home hub

Providing more healthcare services at home for people across Scotland is central to the Scottish Government’s ambition to fundamentally reform the NHS in the year ahead, the Deputy First Minister has said.

Jenny Gilruth visited the Hospital at Home hub for Central and West Fife in Kirkcaldy today to meet staff and hear about the recent redesign of the service.

It followed publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026-2031 this week which set out major changes for the NHS, ensuring services fit more effectively around people’s lives.

The Deputy First Minister said: “People having access to the care they need in their own home is fundamental to NHS reform and improving services.

“The expansion of Hospital at Home in NHS Fife and across the country will be a key part of this, improving access to safe and effective care at home. Building on progress made already, we will increase capacity so that more than 10,000 people can benefit from Hospital at Home services this winter.

“Removing geographical barriers to care and simplifying the structure of our NHS will give us a platform to allow people to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It will reduce unnecessary duplication and remove artificial boundaries to care.

“We will undertake this alongside continued investment in local community services like GP walk-in centres, digital transformation led by our MyCare app, and by working jointly with our workforce and trade unions.”

Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 – gov.scot

The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026-2031

Scots researchers to tackle bowel cancer mutation

Focus on patients with BRAF-mutation

A pioneering new Scottish study aims to better understand, and improve treatment, for patients with an aggressive form of bowel cancer associated with some of the poorest survival rates.

Scotland has the highest mortality rates of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in the UK. It remains the second most common cause of cancer death in Scotland, claiming around 1,700 (17,700 in the UK) lives annually.*

The new research will focus on the BRAF mutation-caused form of colorectal cancer, which is estimated to affect around 10-15 per cent of bowel cancers.** It will examine how two existing treatments, encorafenib and cetuximab, could be used to tackle the disease earlier.

Dr Mark White, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre at the University of Glasgow, said: “The ability to analyse tumour samples before and after treatment provides invaluable insight into how cancers adapt and resist therapy.

“By understanding these changes, we hope to identify new strategies to improve outcomes for patients.”

While these treatments have already shown promise in treating advanced colorectal cancer, neither their impact earlier in the disease’s development nor how they potentially change the biology of the cancer, have been fully explored.

The research aspect of the study, led by Dr Mark White of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, will examine the cancer before and after the treatments in patients taking part in the FOxTROT4 clinical trial which will use advanced technologies to assess the cellular adaptions.

FOxTROT4 is part of the FOxTROT clinical trial platform led by the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Leeds and will be among the first worldwide to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this drug combination in patients with BRAF mutant colon cancer before they undergo surgery to remove tumours.

The research will employ breakthrough technology which maps changes in tumour cells with unprecedented precision.

By using this approach, researchers can examine tumours more effectively, offering a unique opportunity to observe how cancers respond in real time.

This new method will also allow scientists to track gene activity across cells and zoom in on individual cells to see what genes are switched on and where they are in the body.

A major focus of the project is uncovering why resistance to targeted therapies develops – a key focus for cancer research. Previous work using sophisticated laboratory models demonstrated that tumour cells can rapidly adapt to treatment by altering their biological state.

FOxTROT chief investigator, Professor Jenny Seligmann of the University of Leeds, said: “This is a valuable opportunity to maximise what we can learn from a clinical trial. By studying tumour samples before and after treatment, we can begin to understand how these cancers adapt, evolve and develop resistance to therapy.

“The commitment of patients participating in the trial, together with the expertise of research teams, will help generate knowledge that could shape future treatment approaches for this particularly challenging form of bowel cancer.”

Previously, tumours in preclinical model were observed to shift between different cell states, as quickly as within three days, even when key cancer-driving pathways were effectively suppressed.

This study will now validate those findings in human samples from patients enrolled in the FOxTROT4 trial, specifically examining whether similar adaptive changes occur in response to treatment prior to surgery.

Cancer Research UK director of research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: “From understanding cancer’s triggers to developing world-first vaccines and testing anti-cancer drugs in studies like this one, we’re developing more personalised, precise and powerful prevention techniques to stop cancers before they start.”

Ultimately, the findings could help refine therapeutic strategies and lead to more effective, personalised treatments for patients facing this challenging form of colorectal cancer.

The FOxTROT 4 clinical trial funding has been provided by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Pierre Fabre and Merck Serono.

Swinney: “No child should start the school day hungry”

Investing in free breakfast clubs

Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.

The announcement follows the opening of new breakfast clubs in East Lothian, at East Linton and in Letham Mains, during the Government’s first 100 days in office, delivering on a commitment to expand access.

Ahead of a visit to a breakfast club in East Lothian the First Minister said: “No child should start the school day hungry.

“I have seen first-hand the real impact and benefits that the breakfast clubs provide to pupils, parents and teachers. They give children a healthy start to the day, helping to ensure they are ready to engage and learn in class.

“For parents and carers, breakfast clubs allow for an early drop off at school while easing the pressure on family budgets at a time when rising bills and living costs continue to bite.

“The Scottish Government is continuing to do all it can to eradicate child poverty and put more money in people’s pockets. Alongside measures such as free school meals, these free breakfast clubs will help ensure more children are supported to succeed at school, regardless of their background.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “Local authorities deliver a wide range of services for children and families and are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of their communities.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for local authorities to expand and enhance breakfast provision in a way which meets local need. I look forward to continuing to work together to support our children, young people, and families across Scotland.”

Further measures to eradicate child poverty will be set out by the First Minister in his Programme for Government tomorrow (Tuesday).

Chris Hoy’s stage 4 diagnosis highlights dangerous myth men believe about prostate cancer

Sir Chris Hoy’s stage four prostate cancer diagnosis has highlighted the importance of understanding the often-silent nature of the disease, after the six-time Olympic gold medallist revealed his cancer had spread to his bones.

Hoy has previously spoken about how he had no obvious symptoms of prostate cancer and initially sought medical advice after experiencing shoulder pain. A scan subsequently revealed a tumour, with further investigations finding that the primary cancer was in his prostate and had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, ribs and spine.

In response, Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, says Hoy’s experience is a powerful reminder that men should not wait until they feel unwell before taking their prostate health seriously.

research: https://pantheraclinic.co.uk/.

Comment from Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic: “Chris Hoy’s diagnosis is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer does not always announce itself with obvious symptoms, and by the time symptoms develop, the disease can already be advanced.

“One of the most dangerous misconceptions about prostate cancer is that you will know when something is wrong. Chris Hoy’s experience demonstrates why this isn’t necessarily the case. He had no clear warning symptoms and initially sought medical advice because of shoulder pain, only for investigations to reveal that the cancer had originated in the prostate and had already spread to his bones.

“While every patient’s circumstances are unique, his story highlights why men shouldn’t use feeling fit, healthy or symptom-free as reassurance that everything is fine.

“Prostate cancer can develop silently, particularly in its earlier stages, which means men need to be aware of their individual risk rather than simply waiting for their body to tell them something is wrong.

“Symptoms men should speak to a healthcare professional about include:

Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
A weak or interrupted urine flow
Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis

“However, it is important to stress that prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The absence of symptoms should not necessarily be taken as reassurance, particularly for men who have other risk factors.

“Age remains one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer, with the likelihood of developing the disease increasing as men get older. Family history is also important. Having a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer can increase an individual’s risk.

“Ethnicity is another important factor, with Black men statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer and often at a younger age.

“These risk factors do not mean that someone will definitely develop prostate cancer, but they can help healthcare professionals assess an individual’s level of risk and determine whether further investigation or discussions about testing may be appropriate.

“For men who are over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer or belong to a higher-risk group, Chris Hoy’s story is an important reminder not to wait until something feels wrong before speaking to a healthcare professional.

“It is also important to remember that prostate cancer is not one single disease and that a diagnosis does not automatically mean the same outcome for every patient. Treatments and outcomes vary depending on factors including how advanced the cancer is, where it has spread and how it responds to treatment.

“Chris Hoy has also spoken openly about continuing to live his life and finding hope despite his stage four diagnosis. His experience is an important reminder that even when cancer is advanced, patients should have open conversations with their healthcare team about treatment, symptom management, support and their individual options.

“For anyone who has been prompted by Chris Hoy’s story to think about their own health, this is a good opportunity to speak to a healthcare professional rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

“The key message is simple: feeling healthy does not necessarily mean you are free from prostate cancer. Knowing your risk, understanding the potential symptoms and having conversations with a healthcare professional can all play an important role in detecting and managing the disease.”

https://pantheraclinic.co.uk/.

Fake Weight-Loss Pills Could Be the Next Online Health Scam as New Daily GLP-1 Tablet Arrives in UK

Pharmacist warns arrival of oral GLP-1 treatments could give patients more choice, but may also create opportunity for counterfeit sellers

The arrival of daily GLP-1 weight-loss tablets could change how thousands of people access weight-management treatment, particularly those previously put off by injections.

But a UK pharmacist is warning that the growing market for weight-loss pills could also create a new opportunity for counterfeiters, with tablets potentially easier to disguise, package and sell online than injectable pens.

Foundayo, the brand name for orforglipron, has been approved in the UK for weight management and type 2 diabetes and is expected to become available privately.

Developed by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind Mounjaro, Foundayo has already been dubbed the “Mounjaro pill”. However, the two are different medicines. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is administered as a weekly injection, while Foundayo contains orforglipron and is taken as a daily tablet.

Sobia Qasim, Superintendent Pharmacist at UK online pharmacy Curely, says the development could be significant for patients who have previously avoided GLP-1 treatment because of injections. She said: “For some people, the biggest barrier to considering weight-loss medication isn’t necessarily the treatment itself. It’s the fact that it involves injecting themselves.

“Having an oral option could make GLP-1 treatment feel much more accessible to people who are uncomfortable with needles or simply prefer taking medication as a tablet.

“But increased demand also creates an opportunity for illegal sellers. We’ve already seen counterfeit weight-loss injections circulating, and tablets could present a different challenge because people are much more accustomed to receiving pills through the post.”

Why weight-loss tablets could become a target for counterfeiters

The MHRA has repeatedly warned consumers about fake and illegally supplied weight-loss medicines.

Almost £45 million worth of illegal medicines were seized in the UK during 2025, while counterfeit GLP-1 products discovered previously have contained incorrect ingredients, no active medicine and, in some cases, potentially dangerous substances.

In February 2026, the MHRA also confirmed that a falsified version of a Mounjaro injection had been supplied through an online pharmacy in the UK.

Sobia says the shift towards tablets could make it even more important for patients to check where their medication is coming from: “A tablet may instinctively feel less suspicious than an injection because we’re used to seeing medicines in bottles and blister packs.

“That familiarity can create a false sense of security. A professional-looking box, blister pack or website does not prove that a medicine is genuine.

“Counterfeiters can reproduce colours, logos, packaging and batch information extremely convincingly. The most important checks are around who prescribed the medicine and who supplied it.”

Seven signs a weight-loss pill could be fake

Sobia says consumers should be particularly cautious if:

It is being sold through social media messages

Prescription weight-loss medicines should not be bought through private messages, marketplace listings or informal social media accounts.

There is no medical consultation

A regulated provider should assess your health, current medicines and eligibility before prescribing treatment.

The seller guarantees a specific amount of weight loss

Individual results vary. Guaranteed outcomes should immediately raise questions about the provider.

You are pressured to buy quickly

Countdown timers, “limited stock” claims and urgent payment requests can discourage people from checking whether a seller is legitimate.

The price seems unusually cheap

A significantly lower price may indicate that a product is fake, unlicensed, incorrectly stored or illegally obtained.

The tablets arrive loose or in unfamiliar packaging

Prescription medicines should arrive appropriately sealed and labelled with dosage and patient information.

You cannot identify the registered pharmacy supplying it

Consumers should be able to establish which pharmacy is dispensing their medication and verify its registration with the appropriate UK regulator.

The pill won’t necessarily replace weight-loss injections

Despite excitement around oral GLP-1 treatments, Sobia says patients shouldn’t assume tablets will automatically be a better choice than injections.

“The biggest development isn’t that tablets are replacing injections. It’s that patients are gaining another option.

“Convenience means different things to different people. Someone who already takes daily medication may find a tablet incredibly straightforward. Someone else may prefer having to think about their treatment only once a week.

“Treatment suitability goes far beyond whether someone would prefer a pill or injection. Your health, existing medication, ability to follow the treatment and clinical circumstances all need to be considered by an appropriate prescriber.”

Could tablets make travelling easier?

The introduction of oral GLP-1 treatment could also appeal to people concerned about travelling with injectable medication and associated equipment.

Sobia said: “For some patients, travelling with tablets rather than injection equipment may feel simpler and more discreet, particularly when flying or moving between destinations.

“However, that doesn’t remove the usual precautions around travelling with prescription medication. It should remain in its original packaging and patients should always check the specific storage and travel guidance for the medicine they’ve been prescribed.”

What to check before ordering weight-loss medication online

Before purchasing any prescription weight-loss treatment online, Curely recommends checking that the provider requires a genuine clinical assessment, uses an appropriately qualified prescriber and dispenses medication through a registered UK pharmacy.

Patients should also be asked about existing health conditions and medication, receive clear dosage and safety information and have access to ongoing professional support.

Sobia said: “The checks around the medicine are just as important as the product itself.

“Who prescribed it? Was a proper consultation completed? Which registered pharmacy supplied it? Can you contact a healthcare professional if something goes wrong?

If those questions cannot be answered clearly, do not take the medication.”

What to do if you think a weight-loss medicine is fake

Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit or suspicious medication should avoid taking another dose until they have spoken to a pharmacist or doctor.

Consumers should keep the packaging, receipt and details of the website or seller. Suspected counterfeit medicines and adverse reactions can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Sobia added: “People may feel embarrassed if they’ve bought medication from an unofficial seller, but healthcare professionals need to know exactly what may have been taken so they can provide the right treatment.

“Do not throw the packaging away and don’t assume feeling unwell is simply a normal side effect. With an unregulated product, there is no reliable way to know what it contains or what dose has been supplied.

“As more weight-loss treatments become available, patients will have more choice, which is positive. But whichever format someone chooses, the safest route remains a properly regulated service offering clinical assessment, genuine medication and ongoing professional support.”

NHS IVF access criteria review

Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment

Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed. A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.

It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.

Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.

The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.

Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.

“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.

“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”