Health and wellbeing – Page 43 – The NEN

Sona: BBC ALBA lets off steam in new sauna culture series

BBC ALBA is set to explore the wellness trend taking off in Scotland in a brand-new series, Sona.

Launching exclusively on BBC iPlayer tonight (Saturday 30 August) at 10pm, viewers can relax and unwind with presenters and close friends, Vicky Kilgour and Duncan MacDonald, as the pair embark on a wellbeing journey, sampling saunas and wellness activities along Scotland’s west coast – from Argyll to Duncan’s homeland on the Isle of Skye.

Sona – meaning ‘happy’ in Scottish Gaelic – uncovers friendship, open conversations and finding the path to true personal wellbeing through this growing wellness movement.

From boosting cardiovascular health to reducing stress, saunas are increasingly recognised as a tonic for supporting both the body and the mind. And with Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden recently ranked as the world’s happiest nations in The World Happiness Report 2025, all having saunas at the centre of their daily lives, Vicky and Duncan explore whether Scotland can find its own version of health and happiness in this funny, heartfelt, honest and at times, moving series.

Along their quest to find ultimate contentment, sauna evangelist Vicky shares her happy place with her friend Duncan – a sauna novice and someone whose happy-go-lucky nature and endless curiosity mean he is always looking for the next thing to get obsessed about.

In the first episode, Vicky takes Duncan out of his comfort zone as the pair travel to Asknish Bay in Argyll and Bute for a chilly dook, before introducing him to her favourite local sauna. Keen to keep up the wellness adventure, the pair also try out mud baths and salt scrubs with inspiring locals who embody the wellbeing lifestyle.

As their journey continues up the west coast, Vicky and Duncan take on more holistic activities, including yoga and reiki, as well as embracing outdoor pursuits such as kayaking in the waters surrounding Skye, and even gorging, all in search of inner peace.

Both from different backgrounds and generations, Duncan and Vicky’s unlikely friendship is the centrepiece of Sona. Having been close friends for many years, they will talk about everything and anything, nothing is off limits.

The pair have helped each through some of life’s toughest moments, and are now supporting each other on their wellness journey.

Presenter, Vicky Kilgour said: “Scotland has loads of wild saunas and wellness resources and I am on a mission to try them all in the hope of finding happiness with my close pal, Duncan.

“Sauna culture has truly taken hold here in Scotland, especially along our coasts where wild swimmers use them as a way to warm up after a cool dip.

“In this new series, we’re discovering that saunas are offering people a way to come together, recharge, and embrace healthier lifestyles.”

Duncan MacDonald added: “Although I was a bit sceptical at first, I have now truly embraced the wellness journey after exploring sauna spots along the west coast of Scotland with Vicky.

“From the sense of calm after a session to the way it lifts your mood, it’s amazing how something as simple as sitting in a hot container can have such a big impact on your health and happiness.

“Viewers looking to embrace the sauna culture – hats and all – might be surprised by just how good it makes them feel.”

Sona will premiere exclusively on BBC iPlayer on Saturday 30 August from 10pm.

Viewers can watch the new series on BBC ALBA from Thursday 4 September at 10pm : https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002j0sm

MHRA crackdown on illegal ‘Botox’ after victims left seriously ill

More than 40 people hospitalised following suspected use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning criminals that they face prison as it cracks down on the illicit trade in unlicensed botulinum toxin products, commonly referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures.

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched a number of criminal investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism – a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis – were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings.

The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.”

This crackdown is part of the MHRA’s wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.

Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin.

Understanding the health risks

Botulism caused by botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment.

Anyone who has recently received a botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately via NHS 111 or emergency services.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “No one should have to suffer serious illness or risk their life because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.

“This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA’s criminal investigations and our new regulations, we’ll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines.

“I would urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to consider the risks and find a reputable, insured, and qualified practitioner.”

MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said: ““Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can have life-threatening consequences for the people who take them.

“If you are offered botulinum toxin without a medical consultation, in an informal setting, or at a price significantly below usual rates, this should be treated as a warning sign. Lower cost does not mean safe; it may put your health at risk and could lead to hospitalisation.”

How to protect yourself and report concerns

Licensed botulinum toxin products undergo rigorous testing and quality controls to ensure they contain the correct active ingredient at safe concentrations. Legitimate treatments should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals in proper clinical settings with appropriate emergency equipment available.

Before any treatment, verify that your practitioner is medically qualified and registered with their professional body. Check that products being used are licensed in the UK by asking to see packaging and checking batch numbers. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic settings, or practitioners who cannot provide proper credentials.

The MHRA urges anyone who experiences side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them via the Yellow Card scheme at:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust speak out on impact of EIJB cuts

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, working alongside our partners in the Thrive Collective, is deeply disappointed by the recent decision of the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to end the Thrive contract for Physical Activities and Greenspaces from the end of November.

Through Thrive, we and our partners have worked in close collaboration with communities, health services, and local organisations to provide inclusive opportunities that improve physical and mental wellbeing.

We are proud of the collective impact that this work has had for people across Edinburgh, particularly those experiencing health inequalities.

This follows the earlier decision to withdraw grant funding for our Healthy Lifestyles work in South Edinburgh. Together, these cuts represent a significant reduction in support for programmes that enable communities across the city to access the health and wellbeing benefits of nature, physical activity, and local greenspaces.

The decision will have a real impact on the 1250 participants who rely on these programmes to support their physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of social connection. Many of the people we work with face health inequalities and barriers to accessing mainstream services, and these activities have provided an essential lifeline.

Charlie Cumming, ELGT Chief Executive, confirmed the loss of this funding will directly affect our capacity to deliver dedicated programmes that improve health through engagement with local greenspaces.

It will also reduce the resources that are community-based, accessible, and effective alternatives to clinical treatment—helping people recover and build resilience outside of primary care settings.

Despite this setback, ELGT remain committed to championing greenspaces and active lives as vital to Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing.

We will continue to explore new ways of sustaining this essential work and will seek to secure funding that ensures these opportunities remain accessible to the communities who need them most.

We would like to sincerely thank all participants, volunteers, and partner organisations who have engaged with us.

Your commitment and enthusiasm highlight just how much this work matters and the difference it makes across the city.

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS GREENSPACE TRUST

Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children

A free chickenpox vaccination will offered for first time to children across England on the NHS from January – Scotland expected to follow suit

Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work

Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.

It’s expected that the vaccination programme will also be introduced in Scotland.

From January next year, GP practises will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – the clinical term for chickenpox – as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents won’t need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.

The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We’re giving parents the power to protect their children from chickenpox and its serious complications, while keeping them in nursery or the classroom where they belong and preventing parents from scrambling for childcare or having to miss work.

“This vaccine puts children’s health first and gives working families the support they deserve. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to give every child has the best possible start in life, and this rollout will help do exactly that.”

The vaccination programme forms part of the UK government’s wider ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever as part of the Plan for Change — boosting the nation’s health and ensuring the future sustainability of the NHS as we shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention.

The vaccine will help reduce cases of chickenpox and protect children from serious complications that can cause hospitalisation, such as bacterial infections like strep A, brain and lung inflammation and stroke.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency said: “Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness, but for some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and tragically, while rare, it can be fatal.

“It is excellent news, that from next January, we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme – helping prevent what is for most a nasty illness and for those who develop severe symptoms, it could be a life saver.

“We now have extensive experience from a number of countries showing that the vaccine has a good safety record and is highly effective. The programme will have a really positive impact on the health of young children and also lead to fewer missed nursery and school days.”

The government’s decision to roll out the MMRV vaccine in January is based on expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), following research showing the significant impact of severe cases of chickenpox on children’s health, hospital admissions and associated costs.

Private vaccinations for chickenpox at pharmacies and clinics currently cost around £150 for a full course of two doses. This rollout will mean the vaccination will be available free of charge on the NHS to eligible children.

Other countries where the MMRV vaccine is already offered — such as Germany, Canada, and the United States — have seen substantial decreases in chickenpox cases and related hospital admissions since introducing their vaccination programmes.

Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England said: This is a hugely positive moment for families as the NHS gets ready to roll out a vaccine to protect children against chickenpox for the first time, adding to the arsenal of other routine jabs that safeguard against serious illness.

“We will work with vaccination teams and GP surgeries across the country to rollout the combined MMRV vaccine in the new year, helping to keep children healthy and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses.

“The MMRV vaccine rollout forms part of the government’s overall aim to ensure young people thrive, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan. This includes expanding access to vaccines, as well as free school meals, mental health support and dental care.”

This is the first time protection against another disease has been added to the routine childhood vaccination programme since the MenB vaccine in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Department for Education has recently announced plans to roll out Best Start Family Hubs in every local area, relieving pressure on parents and giving half a million more children the very best start in life.

The eligibility criteria for children will be set out in clinical guidance covering which age groups will get the MMRV vaccine and when, to ensure the most effective protection for children.

As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.

Health support for injured Veterans

NETWORK TO PROVIDE EXPERT CLINICAL REVIEWS

Veterans will now have access to an independent clinical review on long-term military-related injuries or conditions through a new service.

The Veterans in Service Injury Network (VISIN), supported by £50,000 annual Scottish Government funding, will be hosted by NHS Highland and available across Scotland.

Veterans can ask to be referred to the network through engagement with their usual health point of contact if their injury or condition remains a concern despite intervention. A dedicated Veteran Coordinator will then convene a multi-disciplinary team, which will include Veterans or Reservists with experience of service-related injuries.

If appropriate, the team recommend further treatment options and longer-term support to assist with the Veteran’s ongoing health needs.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all armed forces personnel serving and veterans living in Scotland are able to access the best possible care and support, including safe, effective and person-centred healthcare.

“We know that some Veterans have complex health needs as a consequence of long term injuries or conditions related to their service, and the Veterans In-Service Injury Network (VISIN), provides a pathway for them to access specialist support through engagement with their usual health professional.

“It is important that our Veterans receive the best support possible, in recognition of the valuable contribution they have made. I have no doubt that the establishment of VISIN will make a positive difference to the treatment and care that Veterans receive.”

NHS Highland Armed Forces Champion Jo McBain said: “NHS Highland is proud to host the Veterans in Service Injury Network, providing vital support for veterans living with long-term physical health consequences of their service.

“The response from both clinical and military communities has been outstanding, with their enthusiasm and engagement proving invaluable throughout the pathway’s development and implementation.

“Our experienced, multidisciplinary team draws expertise from across the country, reflecting the diverse healthcare specialisms veterans require. Furthermore, we’re well-supported by military partners and third sector colleagues in delivering this essential pathway of care.”

Join the Botanics Choir for autumn term

TUESDAY EVENINGS from 5.30 – 7pm

Love plants? Love singing? Join our friendly community choir as we celebrate the changing of seasons with plant-inspired songs

Whether you’re a choir enthusiast or first-time singer, everyone is welcome. No singing experience is required and you don’t need to audition.

We meet every week in person. Term starts on Tuesday 9 September at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Corstorphine Community Centre: Caring For Carers

THURSDAYS FORTNIGHTLY 10.15 – 11.30am

Are you a Carer?

We know the role is complicated and tiring. Join us fortnightly for a little light relief- maybe even a giggle.

Relax with like minded folks, share experiences, find out about resources and carve some time out for you.

Stay of execution for third sector projects as EIJB forced to think again

EDINBURGH Integration Joint Board has reined back on plans to slash services delivered on their behalf by third sector organisations across the city. The EIJB is trying to tackle a massive funding deficit but bowed to pressure to rethink their plans at a meeting yesterday.

Change Mental Health is relieved that the Stafford Centre and services delivered in Edinburgh by the organisation are effectively safeguarded, for the time being, following yesterday’s decision by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure better collaboration leading to better outcomes.

Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, said: “While this is good news for the people who use our services, we remain clear that the proposed cuts were in themselves not needed. They represented a tiny part of the EIJB’s budget while having a significant, detrimental effect upon Edinburgh’s population.

“The process they put in place was fundamentally flawed in its approach, causing unnecessary distress to both organisations and service users. It has been disheartening for the third sector to have to continually make the argument that cutting early intervention and prevention services will only ever result in greater costs in the end.

“The fact remains that there are still significant cuts taking place to mental health services in the city and our sympathy and solidarity goes out to those charities affected. We are very disappointed and concerned that many of these cuts have been passed that disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people.

“We called for the EIJB’s proposals to be paused to allow for a full, evidence-led and co-produced redesign of services. That appears to be what will now happen and we are grateful for that.

“We will now be a part of a crucial recommissioning exercise that can enable services to be more integrated and cost-effective through a better collaborative approach.

“However, trust needs to be rebuilt. There needs to be full transparency and a genuine dedication to working with the third sector by the EIJB, as well as a commitment to the principles of community-based early intervention and preventative approaches. We’re here to work closely with them, along with our partners, to ensure that we can truly meet the needs of our communities.”

Speaking after the meeting, Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said: “We are in a mental health crisis, and community and preventative mental health support is an essential part of how we tackle it.

“We welcome the IJB’s decision not to go ahead with the original proposals which would have effectively ended that support in Edinburgh. However, we are disappointed that a number of impactful support and advocacy services have been cut.

“This process has shown that we need to come together – funders, providers and especially the people who need this support – to jointly design a mental health system that works for and meets the needs of the people of Edinburgh.

“Redhall Walled Garden will continue to provide essential support to people with mental health problems for the time being, albeit with reduced funding and a recommissioning process to come.

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone that came out in support of Redhall, including Edinburgh’s politicians, members of the public and, most importantly, the people we support at Redhall and who make it what it is.”

The IJB voted in favour of the proposals relating to agenda item 6.1.

Late Composite Proposal – Item 6.1 Review of Contracts and Service Level Agreements Download

Review of Contracts and Service Level Agreements Download

Poor quality bone services in Scotland have led to a devastating rise in broken hips, putting older people’s lives at peril

Scottish Govt must now deliver a mandate for universal Fracture Liaison Services and set rigorous care quality standards – just like England and Wales

A failure to deliver high-quality Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across Scotland is contributing to a devastating increase in broken hips, say campaigners.

FLS are early diagnosis services for osteoporosis, which is one of the top drivers of disability and early death amongst older people in Scotland.

Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and break more easily – often just from a fall from standing height, a cough or a sneeze.

Half of women aged over 50 will suffer devastating broken bones as a result of osteoporosis, as well as a fifth of men. The end result of late treatment of osteoporosis is a life-threatening hip fracture, which kills over a quarter of sufferers within a year.

The number of people aged 50 and over who suffered hip fractures rose considerably in 2024 to 8,426* cases, a new report by Public Health Scotland shows.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is now calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a mandate requiring all health boards to have high-quality Fracture Liaison Services (FLS). The Scottish Government must also set rigorous performance standards for FLSs to ensure enough patients are being identified, treated and monitored.

A mandate like this is already in place in England and Wales, leaving Scotland trailing behind, despite Glasgow being the birthplace of the FLS model, which has been copied in 57 countries.

Without a mandate from the Scottish Government, NHS chiefs are not incentivised to provide high-quality FLS in all areas. The lack of publicly available data – because a national audit of all FLSs has been delayed – is concealing life-threatening gaps where services are not present or performing.

Fracture Liaison Services are specialist NHS clinics that diagnose and treat osteoporosis in people over 50 after the first broken bone. Early detection and treatment – with inexpensive medication that is available on the NHS – is vital in preventing further fractures such as broken hips.

Currently, many patients in Scotland are not having their osteoporosis diagnosed and treated, which is leading to a devastating cascade of further avoidable fractures.

If Scotland had quality universal FLS coverage, over a five-year period, it is estimated:

8,899 fractures will be prevented – with 3,341 of those being hip fractures

60,000 acute bed days will be saved

£104m in all associated costs can be saved – including £64m in acute care costs

Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: “In England and Wales, the governments have promised a national roll-out of life-saving bone clinics, but the Scottish Government has, so far, declined to match that commitment, saying an audit of current services is needed first.

“The slow pace of auditing services is fuelling the rise in life-threatening hip fractures, which will lead to lost lives. Scotland invented the world standard for fracture care, so it’s hugely disappointing to see the nation fall behind England and Wales.”

Carol Mochan, Shadow Minister for Women’s Health, said: “Every one of these hip fractures represents a person whose life has been turned upside down, and too many could have been prevented.

“The Government knows what we need – a mandate for universal, high-quality Fracture Liaison Services. Wales has done it. England is doing it. There’s no reason people in Scotland should be left behind.”

Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Scotland led the world in creating Fracture Liaison Services, but that early lead has been squandered. 

“Latest figures show that the number of people aged 50 and over with hip fractures has been rising, with the largest increases amongst people aged 70 to 89. This could be prevented by timely diagnosis and treatment, yet only 41.5% of patients in Scotland receive a full inpatient care package within 24 hours of admission. 

“The rise in hip fractures is the inevitable result of this inaction. The promised audit remains unfinished, and without a mandate for quality services, patients will keep falling through the cracks. The Scottish Government must act now to put Scotland back at the forefront of osteoporosis care.”

Almost 200,000 people in Scotland are living with undiagnosed spinal fractures due to under-prioritisation of osteoporosis care.

Osteoporosis affects around 250,000 people in Scotland, and it’s estimated that 41,900 ‘fragility’ fractures occur here every year.

Fractures are the fourth worst cause of premature death and disability in Scotland.

Half of women over 50 and one fifth of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose strength and break more easily – even from a cough, a sneeze or a hug.

Fractures are preventable with safe, effective medications that are highly affordable for NHS Scotland.

3.5 million people in the UK are estimated to have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes 500,000 broken bones every year in the UK, costing over £4.5 billion.

The report by Public Health Scotland also shows standards of care in hospital for people following a hip fracture have plummeted. The average time patients spent in the emergency department after a hip fracture increased to 5 hours 36 minutes, compared with 5 hours 10 minutes in 2023.

Just 30% were admitted to a ward within the four-hour target in 2024, which compares with 37% in 2023. Scottish hip fracture audit – reporting on 2024 – Scottish Hip Fracture Audit – Publications – Public Health Scotland

The Welsh Government issued a mandate to deliver universal FLS, which has been achieved. Wales also published a Quality Statement for Osteoporosis and Bone Health, which committed to delivering quality standards of care for people with osteoporosis. Targets have been set to identify, treat and monitor more patients.

England has committed to rolling out universal FLS by 2030.

Increase in numbers of newly qualified paramedics

MORE THAN 450 RECRUITS SINCE 2020

Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed an increase in the number of newly qualified paramedics joining the Scottish Ambulance Service, with 360 new recruits joining the service since 2023.

New figures show a steep increase in recruitment between 2022-23 and 2023-24, and a total recruitment of 489 since 2020.

The investment in newly qualified paramedics is designed to give the service more resilience, improve capacity and increase the number of patients treated in the community.

A three-year paramedic undergraduate degree programme was launched at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2017 and is now available at five universities across Scotland.

Figures for the last five years, which include graduates from outside Scotland, are:

2020-21 = 24

2021-22 = 58

2022-23 = 47

2023-24 = 179

2024-25 = 181

The number of paramedics currently working in Scotland is 2,156.6 whole time equivalent posts.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is an absolutely vital part of the health service, so the Scottish Government is working hard to provide it with the staff and resources it needs to continue delivering a high-quality emergency service to people across Scotland.

“Since 2020, we have supported the recruitment of additional staff, with further recruitment already underway this year—bringing workforce levels to a record high.

“Ambulance staff have shown outstanding resilience in the face of sustained pressure, and I want to thank them for their continued dedication and hard work.”

Michael Dickson OBE Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We are delighted to welcome this number of newly qualified paramedics to SAS. This reflects their experience to date, and it also reinforces the important role paramedics can play in the future of NHS Scotland.

“Our continued ambition, supported by Scottish Government, is to grow and develop the SAS workforce, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland.”