Tag: Health and wellbeing

NHS Lothian: Look out for your breast screening letter

Routine screening doesn’t stop you getting breast cancer, but it’s the best way to spot cancers at an early stage when they’re easier to treat.

That’s why it’s important you attend your appointment when invited.

Find out more at http://nhsinform.scot/breastscreening

#BreastScreeningScot

Glasgow woman’s mission to tell others: ‘Never miss your breast screening appointment

A retired member of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff, Liz Thomas (71) from Pollock, has been photographed as part of an exhibition to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and strength of women affected by breast cancer.

Liz and three other women chosen for the photoshoot have recently had or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They were chosen to be part of Pink Ribbon Foundation’s BOLD Scotland Exhibition.

This extraordinary project, captured by award-winning photographer Caroline Sikkenk, is currently displayed in Glasgow’s Princes Square by M as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to taking part in this project, Liz is also using this month to share an important message. She said: “Go for your breast screening when you’re invited.”

In November 2024, Liz attended her routine breast screening appointment at NHSGGC’s Breast Clinic in Nelson Mandela Place. Within a week, she was recalled and asked to bring someone with her.

“I wasn’t expecting good news,” Liz said. “They told me two lumps had been found. I had a biopsy and scans there and then. It turned out I had two Stage 3 tumours.”

Within four weeks, Liz underwent a mastectomy at Gartnavel Hospital, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in early 2025.

“The treatment was tough, physically and mentally, but I met wonderful people along the way. The staff were incredible. We even managed to laugh during chemo. One time, the nurses joked they had to separate me from the other ladies because we were giggling so much. Laughter got us through.”

Liz credits her daughter Jourdana, also an NHSGGC staff member, as her rock throughout the journey. “I have a good life and a great life ahead. Who knows if I’d have that if I hadn’t gone for screening?”

Now, Liz is on a mission. She said: “I tell everyone, my daughter, my friends, even the girl who does my nails, never miss your breast screening appointment. And if you’re over 70, you won’t automatically get a letter. You need to contact the breast screening centre yourself.”

Women aged between 50 and 70 will be invited for breast screening every three years. Those eligible, will be invited by NHSGGC via letter to the address registered with their GP, and people are advised to ensure this is up to date.

Anyone over the age of 70, can make an appointment for breast screening directly via the breast screening service.

For more information visit:
Breast cancer | Get Checked Early
Breast screening in Scotland | NHS inform

Exhibition Details

The BOLD Scotland exhibition is on display at Princes Square by M. Entry is free, giving everyone the opportunity to witness this inspiring and empowering project.

Half of adults now have at least one long-term condition, the Scottish Health Survey shows

The Scottish Health Survey 2024 results, published yesterday, provide information on the health, and factors relating to health, of adults and children in Scotland.

Half of all adults now have at least one long-term condition, continuing the upward trend.  Almost two in five adults (39%) reporting having a long-term condition that limits their activities.

Eight percent of adults report having doctor-diagnosed diabetes, the highest level recorded.

There has been a decrease in the proportion of adults eating five or more portions of fruit or vegetables per day, with only 11% meeting this guideline compared to 20% in 2021 when the questions were last included.

Food insecurity reduced with 8% of adults reporting being worried about running out of food due to a lack of money or other resources in the last 12 months, a decrease from 14% in 2023 which was the highest level recorded.

New questions on menopause and perimenopause showed that 76% of those who had experienced symptoms had utilised one or more ways of managing them. The largest proportions had utilised physical activity (40%), Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (38%) and/or vitamins, minerals or supplements (35%).

New questions indicated that prevalence of possible eating disorders among adults, based on self-reported eating behaviours and feelings towards food, was 13%. This was highest among those aged 16-24 (26%).

Other key findings show that in 2024:

  • The proportion of adults who reported having felt lonely ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’ decreased from 10% in 2023 to 7% in 2024, similar to the proportion recorded in 2021 (8%).
  • Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma amongst adults reached 18%, the highest proportion recorded.
  • Prevalence of any CVD (excluding diabetes or high blood pressure) remained in line with recent years at 16% of adults. 
  • In 2023/2024 combined, 15% of adults reported being unpaid carers.
  • The proportion of adults with a GHQ-12 score of 4 or more, indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder, was 22%, similar to levels in 2021 and 2023 (22% and 21%) and lower than the peak in 2022 (27%). 
  • In 2023/2024 combined, the prevalence of adults with two or more symptoms of depression was 10%, a decrease from 13% in 2021/2022 combined.
  • Seven per cent of adults reported currently having long COVID, consistent with 2023 (8%) and remaining higher than in 2021 (5%).
  • Around six in ten adults met the guidelines for moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (62%), a similar proportion as recorded in 2023 (63%).
  • The prevalence of hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption remained at 20% of adults, the same proportion as in 2023 and a decrease from 34% in 2003.
  • Almost a third of adults (31%) were living with obesity, a similar proportion to 2023 (32%), with a significantly higher proportion of females (35%) living with obesity compared with males (27%).
  • Fourteen per cent of adults were current smokers the same level as in 2023, maintaining the overall downward trend in prevalence recorded since 2003 (28%).
  • Current use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices (10%) remained in the range seen since 2022 (10%-12%).
  • Thirteen per cent of adults met the Scottish Dietary Goal for saturated fat of no more than 10% of energy excluding ethanol.
  • Less than a quarter (22%) of adults met the Scottish Dietary Goal of free sugars accounting for no more than 5% of energy excluding ethanol.

ASH Scotland calls for smoking cessation service funding transparency as survey shows stagnation of adult smoking rates

ASH Scotland is calling for the Scottish Government and NHS regional health boards to demonstrate increased transparency regarding funding being invested in smoking cessation services, which can help people to give up tobacco and reduce their risks of non-communicable diseases such as cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

ASH Scotland’s call comes as the Scottish Health Survey 2024 findings published today (Tuesday 21 October 2025) by the Scottish Governent show that fourteen per cent of adults were current smokers, which is the same level as in 2023.

The charity is raising concern that the Scottish Government has not provided details of its annual funding to health boards specifically for smoking cessation services in 2025/26. The last publicly available figure regarding government annual funding to NHS health boards to deliver specifically smoking cessation services was £7,852,085 invested in 2021/22, a significant reduction from the £9,110,000 allocated in 2016/17.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer in Scotland causing nearly 9,000 premature deaths each year, it is concerning that there is stagnation in the nation’s overall smoking rate, although we welcome the decrease from 26% down to 23% in our most deprived communities.

“The vast majority of people in Scotland who successfully give up smoking don’t use anything to aid their quit attempts, but it is vital that those who need behavioural support can benefit from NHS Scotland’s free person-centred specialist Quit Your Way services delivered by qualified health professionals which improves the chances of success by three to four times to reach a tobacco-free life and reduce the risk of cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“As the Scottish Government’s funding for smoking cessation services showed a downward trend between 2016/17 and 2021/22, and no details have been provided for 2025/26, ASH Scotland is calling for increased transparency by the government and regional health boards regarding funding for Quit Your Way services, which are needed to drive progress towards Scotland becoming a tobacco-free nation in 2034.”

The Scottish Health Survey 2024 main report, including a summary of key results, is available on the Scottish Health Survey website. 

NHS 24: Online Mental Health Courses

Visit NHS inform to find out more about the free online resources available to improve your mental wellbeing:

☁️SilverCloud – a website with courses that help you learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing.

☀️Daylight – a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

💤Sleepio – a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Find out more: https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing

Drug-checking pilot announced

Dundee lab agreement as Glasgow licence approved

The University of Dundee has agreed to host Scotland’s first national testing and research laboratory for drug-checking, boosting efforts to cut drug-related harm and save lives. 

Part of a national pilot and backed by increased Scottish Government funding of more than £1.5 million, the site will analyse samples to help respond to emerging trends such as highly dangerous synthetic substances.

In addition, a proposal for a drug-checking service in Glasgow has been approved by the Home Office. Applications for similar services in Aberdeen and Dundee have been submitted to the Home Office, while a fourth facility in Edinburgh is working on its application. People will be able to submit drugs for testing and receive harm-reduction advice alongside the results.

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee will provide more complete analysis of samples from the local sites, giving vital information for the national early warning system.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The University of Dundee has a strong reputation for forensic science and reaching this agreement, along with the licence approval for the first drug-checking site, are vital steps in our National Mission on drugs.

“It is particularly important in light of the current dangers posed by new synthetic opioids like nitazenes which raise the risk of overdose and death. Often people who use drugs are not aware of exactly what they contain.

“That is why we have consistently impressed upon the UK Government the importance of giving drug-checking facilities the go-ahead.

“We will now work at pace with local partners in Glasgow and all the pilot cities to get these services up and running as soon as possible.”

LRCFS Director Professor Niamh Nic Daeid said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the Scottish Government’s National Mission to reduce drug-related deaths.

“The National Research and Testing Laboratory will provide information and research about the types of drugs circulating in Scotland that will inform colleagues and communities working to reduce drug deaths across the country.”

Glasgow City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services Councillor Allan Casey said: “We are delighted to have received notification of the Home Office licence approval, having worked on the application and alongside national partners for some time.

“The service will complement other harm-reduction services in operation across the city and provide an opportunity to engage people in conversations about their health and wellbeing, as well as treatment, care and recovery.”

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee

LEGO MRI Scanner Set Helps Reduce Anxiety and Sedation for Children at NHS Lothian

Young patients in NHS Lothian are preparing for MRI scans by playing with specially designed LEGO sets to help settle their nerves.

The innovative model, developed by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, has already supported over one million children globally. Designed to help young patients understand the MRI process through play, the set includes a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, scanning room, staff figures and medical accessories.

Positive results have already been seen at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and St John’s Hospital in Livingston, where staff have reported calmer, more confident patients.

Ivy, a five-year-old patient from Edinburgh, was introduced to the LEGO MRI Scanner model ahead of her second scan.

Her mum, Rachel, shared how the experience transformed Ivy’s hospital visit: “On the day of her second scan Ivy did really well and was even a bit excited!

“If we hadn’t played with the LEGO MRI model beforehand, I think she would have had a full meltdown and would no doubt have needed general anesthetic. Nobody wants their child to be put to sleep if you can avoid it.

“Ivy is a visual learner and loves LEGO bricks, so seeing and explaining the procedure through play was a game changer. It really helped her to understand what to expect, took away any nerves and made things go plain sailing.

“Coming into hospital can be a stressful experience, but playing with this model made our whole family feel more relaxed, calm and prepared.”

The LEGO MRI Scanner set is part of a global initiative to make hospital experiences less intimidating for children. Research from the LEGO Group shows that 96% of healthcare professionals using the set report reduced anxiety in children, and 46% say it has helped lower the need for sedation or general anesthesia.

Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director Women’s and Children’s, NHS Lothian said: “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of children in our care.

“The LEGO MRI Scanner set has been a fantastic tool for helping young patients feel more comfortable and confident ahead of their scans. It’s a simple but powerful way to support children and families during what can be a challenging time.”

The sets are donated to hospitals and are not available for sale. NHS Lothian received its model through the LEGO Group’s Social Responsibility programme, which partners with organisations such as Fairy Bricks and Starlight Children’s Foundation to distribute the sets worldwide.

For more information about the LEGO MRI Scanner initiative, visit:

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/sustainability/children/lego-mri-scanner

Queen Margaret University marks World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day demands end to global neglect of osteoporosis care and treatment

Today, 20th October 2025, QMU proudly marks World Osteoporosis Day, reaffirming its commitment to addressing one of the most pressing yet under-recognised public health challenges of our time – osteoporosis.

In a bold call, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has deemed the response to osteoporosis as unacceptable, asking to end the global neglect in osteoporosis care and treatment.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone”. It is a condition where bones become thinner, less dense, and weaker, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It affects more than 500 million people worldwide, including approximately 250,00 people in Scotland.

Often dubbed the “silent disease,” osteoporosis develops gradually and is frequently diagnosed only after someone has had a bone fracture. Globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. In Scotland, the rate is even higher, with 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 affected. With the UK’s ageing population, the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to rise dramatically, leading to a growing concern amongst health professionals warning of an impending osteoporosis epidemic.

Alarmingly, according to the IOF, awareness of the condition remains low, even among healthcare professionals, and osteoporosis continues to be under prioritised within healthcare systems. As a result, up to 80% of individuals who experience a fracture caused by osteoporosis are never diagnosed with the condition or receive treatment for the underlying disease.

Health professionals and researchers at QMU have been working to change this narrative by promoting bone health and osteoporosis awareness through education, research and community engagement.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project (LOP) at QMU, launched in 2011, continues to lead the way in person-centred research and education. The project aims to transform how osteoporosis is understood and managed in health and social care settings.

Vicki Waqa, Nurse Lecturer with the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project at QMU, said: “In Scotland and across the world, osteoporosis in not treated as a priority.

“The neglect surrounding the condition can lead to devastating consequences, which include:

  • chronic pain;
  • disability;
  • loss of independence;
  • increased risk of future fractures;
  • premature death; and
  • the burden extends beyond individuals to families, healthcare systems, and economies.

“It is important that Scotland fosters a culture of proactive and preventative care that prioritises bone health and reduces the risk of fractures. It is imperative that clinicians do not neglect patients’ bone health, and that young people and adults understand how they can use diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices to create healthy bones and reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis in the future.”

More recently, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project has expanded its outreach across the central belt introducing Osteoporosis Community Cafés at QMU, that warmlywelcome people living with osteoporosis and those who care for them.

Vicki explained: “We were overwhelmed by the demand to attend our first Osteoporosis Community Café this autumn, with most participants confirming that they had experienced a lack of understanding, specialist information and support from health professionals and services.

“The Lydia Osteoporosis Community Café offers a friendly, supportive environment where people can share their lived experiences, learn from one another, build connections and collaborate with the Lydia team to enhance research and education initiatives focused on bone health and wellbeing. 

“It was very evident there was a very strong demand for information, connection, and person-centred support from everyone who took part.”

Dr Karen Matthews, Lead for Lydia Plus Osteoporosis Project, confirmed: “The current situation is no longer acceptable. World Osteoporosis Day 2025 is not just about awareness – it’s a real demand for change.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government, GPs and other healthcare providers to recognise osteoporosis as a serious public health issue and to act accordingly. QMU will play an important part in educating future healthcare professionals and existing healthcare staff, but the powers that be must do more to tackle the impending epidemic of osteoporosis.”

During World Osteoporosis Week 2025, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project team has been equipping its nursing students with knowledge and skills needed to effectively prevent, identify, and manage osteoporosis.

This initiative empowers the nurses of the future to play a leading role in reducing fracture risk and improving quality of life across all age groups. They will also share osteoporosis education provision with QMU’s paramedic science, physiotherapy and other allied health professional students.

By embedding bone health education into QMU’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the University is helping shape a healthcare workforce that’s equipped to address the growing global burden of osteoporosis.

Dr Matthews concluded: “On World Osteoporosis Day, we support the International Osteoporosis Foundation call for:

  • early diagnosis through bone density testing, especially for adults over 50 who experience fractures from minor incidents;
  • appropriate treatment and follow-up care to prevent future fractures; and
  • public and healthcare professional education to close the treatment gap.

“QMU is developing the next generation of researchers, nurses, and paramedics who are committed to delivering impactful, person-centred care and innovative solutions that make a real difference to the lives of people affected by osteoporosis.

“However, tackling this preventable crisis requires collective action — all health, research, and policy agencies must work together to prioritise bone health and improve outcomes for future generations.”

On World Osteoporosis Day 2025, we invite you to learn more about the work of the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project by viewing the latest initiatives on the website:

www.lydiaosteoporosis.org.

Holyrood Committee seek views on Bill which seeks to regulate cosmetic procedures industry

Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking views on a Bill which would mean cosmetic treatments such as fillers, Botox, chemical peels and microneedling would be subject to greater regulation.

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill is seeking to regulate the provision of certain non-surgical procedures, where a non-surgical procedure is defined as a procedure that pierces or penetrates an individual’s skin.

If passed, it would mean the treatments identified by the Bill would have to be administered by a registered healthcare professional, in a registered healthcare setting.

The Bill would make it illegal for under-18s to receive these treatments.

The Bill would also introduce enforcement powers for authorities and would give Scottish Ministers powers to impose further restrictions or to change the list of procedures covered by the Bill, through regulations.

Some of the procedures covered by the Bill include:

  • Ablative laser treatment e.g. laser skin resurfacing
  • Cellulite subcision e.g. cellulite dimple removal or Cellfina®
  • Chemical peel e.g. skin peel or facial peel
  • Dermal microcoring e.g. Ellacor® Treatment, removal of tiny cores of skin using hollow needles.
  • Injectable procedure e.g. Botox® injections, dermal fillers (including non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift)
  • Intravenous procedure e.g. IV drip therapy, beauty IV drips
  • Microneedling e.g. skin needling, Dermapen® microneedling
  • Thread Lift e.g. PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), cat or fox eye thread lift

Speaking as the call for views was launched, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee is aware that the use and administering of non-surgical procedures for cosmetic purposes has grown hugely in popularity over the last few years.

“But we are also aware of concerns that there may be risks when those providing treatments aren’t suitably trained to do so.

“This Scottish Government Bill proposes to strengthen the regulation of who can receive and administer these treatments, and where these can be carried out.

“We are seeking the views of business owners on how this could impact their business. We’re keen to hear the experiences of individuals who receive these treatments, whether positive or negative, on how the changes proposed could impact them.

“We are also keen to gather the views of health professionals and organisations on whether they support the proposals in the Bill. So please get in touch.”

Respond to the call for views:

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space

The call for views closes on 14 November.

John Swinney: Scotland ‘leading charge on global health’

Supporting innovation to tackle inequalities

Scotland’s contribution to tackling global health challenges continues to lead to sustainable, meaningful and lasting impact, First Minister John Swinney said.

In Lusaka, the First Minister visited the Blantyre-Blantyre research lab which has been supported by Scottish Government funding to improve health outcomes in Zambia and Malawi. He announced £125,000 for charity Kids Operating Room to support adapting NASA technology to generate oxygen in low-resource settings.

Ahead of arriving in Malawi today, the First Minister also announced a further £4 million funding over three years to help tackle non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell.

Delivered in partnership with other international donors and the Government of Malawi, this new approach to funding represents a major shift away from fragmented aid – aligning directly with Malawi’s national health priorities, to drive more effective, harmonised, and sustainable health improvements.

The First Minister said: “Over the 20-year period of our development programme, Scotland has a strong history of supporting health systems in our partner countries, with innovative projects between universities, NHS staff and institutions, as well as support throughout the COVID crisis.

“These partnerships have transformed healthcare in many ways – such as launching Malawi’s first dental school and supporting a programme which has trained psychiatrists, established the first dedicated A&E centre, and supported on cancer. 

“This latest investment of £4 million for the Malawi Health Service Joint Fund is a new, innovative approach that delivers on our commitment to partner-led development, helping establish life-saving and sustainable healthcare in Malawi.

“The work of Kids Operating Room, supported by Scottish Government funding, has helped open more than 100 state-of-the-art children’s operating rooms in 36 countries, including Zambia and Malawi.

“The charity’s ground-breaking project is another example of how Scotland is demonstrating leadership in tackling global health challenges – helping ensure that children no longer die unnecessary deaths because of a lack of oxygen.”

Kids Operating Room Chief Medical Officer Dr. Maija Cheung said: “This ground-breaking technology has real incredible potential.

At Kids Operating Room, we’re contributing because we believe this innovation could one day transform how oxygen is delivered safely to children undergoing surgery around the world. Oxygen is a vital medicine, yet in many low-resource settings it is unreliable or unavailable – and that makes surgery far more dangerous for children. That’s why this project is so important.”

Global health – International development – gov.scot

Kids Operating Room project with NASA.

University of Glasgow – Explore – Internationalisation – Partnerships for the world – The Blantyre-Blantyre partnership

Frailty services ‘delivering results’

Specialist teams improving care and easing hospital pressures

All NHS Boards now have frailty services in emergency departments to help older and vulnerable patients as soon as they arrive – improving care and reducing pressure on A&E departments.

On a visit to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Acute Frailty Unit, Health Secretary Neil Gray saw the impact the service is having on patient care, including:

  • the average hospital stay for those admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit was 3.4 days – compared to a typical 17.5 day average hospital stay for older frail patients.
  • no increase in re-admissions
  • two thirds of frailty patients admitted have been discharged directly home.

Frailty services provide specialist, multidisciplinary assessment and care for older patients where required. They are designed to accelerate early discharge, reduce delays, and shorten hospital stays — helping patients recover more quickly and return home sooner.

This expansion of frailty services across the country is backed by a share of the £200 million investment from the 2025-26 Budget, aimed at reducing waiting times, improving hospital flow, and minimising delayed discharges.

After his visit, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The success of the frailty service here in Dumfries and Galloway is something we are replicating across Scotland.

“By shifting the balance of care from acute hospitals to community-based services, we can ensure that people experiencing frailty are supported earlier – whether through GP referral or direct access via the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“This is about making sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“The work being done here is making a real difference, particularly for older patients, with average length of stay reduced by 14 days and no increase in re-admissions.

“Improving patient flow is a key priority, and services like this show how targeted, well-coordinated care can lead to better outcomes.”

Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway Nicole Hamlet said: “This work is making a real and measurable difference.

By reducing unnecessary time in hospital, we’re helping people get home or to a homely setting safely and sooner. It also frees up vital capacity in the hospital, which helps us deliver better care across the board.

“I’m very proud of what the team has achieved.

“The project builds on previous frailty work in Dumfries and Galloway and continues to evolve with input from those delivering the care. The team is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s management team and project leads.”

NHS Board hears of service results and progress towards key target