Tag: Health and wellbeing

Creating a healthier Scotland

LONG-TERM FOCUS ON PREVENTION AND SERVICE RENEWAL

Supporting people to lead longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives will be at the heart of two new ten-year plans published today to create and maintain good health, prevent disease and reform health and social care services.

The Population Health Framework aims to tackle the root causes of poor health and outlines a wide range of actions, including giving greater access to green spaces and opportunities for sport and active recreation.

Addressing these underlying factors can increase life expectancy, reduce the gap between the most deprived communities and the national average and prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease which disproportionately affect those in more disadvantaged areas.

The Population Health Framework includes legislating to make the balance of foods available on promotion healthier and to restrict the location of less healthy foods in stores and on websites. 

Targeting the location and promotion of foods high in fat, salt or sugar will focus on those foods of most concern for childhood obesity, which mirrors the current policy in England and Wales.

The Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework aims to ensure health and social care services are sustainable, efficient, high quality, and accessible – which includes being able to expect faster and fairer access to care.

It empowers people to be more involved in and in charge of their own care and includes measures to improve access to treatment in the community; enhance preventative services and maximise the opportunities of digital innovation.

There will also be a new national body called NHS Delivery, created by bringing together NHS National Services Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland.

This will provide a focal point for training, digital and support to other health boards, with scope to deliver more national support to local services in future.

Health Secretary Neil Gray visited Blackburn Partnership Centre in West Lothian with COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly before launching the frameworks in the Scottish Parliament.

The centre includes a GP practice and community centre which promotes weight loss and healthy living through exercise and low-cost, nutritious food.

Mr Gray said: “Too many lives are cut short in Scotland because of illness that is preventable. We know health is not determined solely by what happens within the walls of hospitals or care homes and we want to create an environment in which everyone can live a healthy life.

“Through action on early years, jobs, income and building powerful communities the Population Health Framework builds the conditions to help people thrive and prevent poor health.

“Addressing the problem of obesity and helping people eat well and maintain a healthy weight is a public health priority. We are taking wide-ranging action to support people to make healthier food choices, recognising the contribution which poor diet makes to worsening health trends.

“Through the Service Renewal Framework we will take action to deliver care closer to home, support people to better manage their own treatment and build on innovation, digital and treatment advances.

“This will help shape an efficient health and social care system that is focused on prevention and early intervention, and delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place. The creation of a new national body, NHS Delivery, will help to support that journey.

“Refocusing the whole system towards preventing ill-health from occurring or escalating can help us ensure the sustainability of our National Health Service. I am determined to ensure the measures outlined are delivered effectively and as quickly as possible as we work to transform the health of the nation.”

Cllr Kelly said: “Health is created in the communities in which we live, go to school or work, and access essential services. It is at the local level where we find the key levers to tackle the root causes of health problems and ensure people live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Local Authorities, working with key partners, are uniquely placed to shape our communities. 

“The Population Health Framework sets out action across every building block of health. Committing to this preventative approach requires whole system working in order to intervene as early as possible and provide support to people in all aspects of their lives.

“Currently, people from deprived communities have less access to affordable, nutritious food. The Population Health Framework sets out a priority to improve the food environment and ensure access to a healthy, balanced diet is accessible and affordable to all.

“Alongside this, Local Government is committed to improving public services across the whole system, and the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework sets out our high level ambition for improving the sustainability of the system and services people may need in order to help them live healthier, fulfilled lives.”

Obesity Action Scotland Chair Andrew Fraser said: “Obesity Action Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to taking progressive measures on retail food and drink promotions.

“They will improve the food environment and protect consumers from in-store choices that encourage people to purchase food that is high in fat, sugar and salt.

“Promotions result in over-consumption of calories, and make it easy to gain weight; measures that counter this pressure on consumers will contribute to the prevention of overweight and obesity that we want to see.”

Population Health Framework

Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework

Swing into Summer with Edinburgh Leisure’s Citywide Golf Campaign

Edinburgh Leisure is inviting locals and visitors alike to “Swing into Summer” with a fresh campaign celebrating the city’s six diverse golf courses and a new exhibition showcasing Edinburgh’s rich golfing heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious beginner, Edinburgh Leisure offers the perfect tee-off point with a choice of six scenic courses across the city. With both 9- and 18-hole options, flexible memberships, and pay-as-you-play access, there’s something for every skill level and schedule.

The “Swing into Summer” campaign aims to boost participation in golf by highlighting the sport’s accessibility, sociability, and health benefits—especially for retirees, young professionals, and casual players looking for a relaxing way to stay active.

It also positions Edinburgh Leisure as the ideal launchpad for summer golf adventures, including the prestigious Scottish Open in North Berwick this July.

Discover the Courses

  • Braid Hills – A historic course with panoramic views and a legacy tied to golfing legends like James Braid and Tommy Armour.
  • The Wee Braids – A family-friendly 9-hole course perfect for beginners and quick rounds, just minutes from the city centre.
  • Silverknowes – A coastal gem with generous fairways and stunning views across the Firth of Forth.
  • Craigentinny – A walkable parkland course with vistas of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, offering a mix of challenging holes.
  • Carrick Knowe – Nestled near Murrayfield Stadium, this mature course blends tradition with modern design.
  • Portobello – A compact and forgiving 9-hole course with tight greens and a memorable finishing hole.

Teeing Off Through Time: A Golf Heritage Exhibition

As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to present “Teeing Off Through Time”, which will be on permanent display at Silverknowes Golf Course.   There will also be an opportunity to visit the exhibition from 9–15 July at St James Quarter, next to Mhor Bakery on Leith Street, where it will be on display as part of Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900.

This free exhibition explores Edinburgh’s pivotal role in the history of golf, showcases the stories behind Edinburgh Leisure’s six courses, and celebrates iconic local tournaments like the Dispatch Trophy and Gibson Cup.

Visitors can also view rare photographs and memorabilia from the Braid Hills and Silverknowes collections, made possible by the Sporting Heritage Grants Programme and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will be on display again at Silverknowes from the beginning of July.

Book Your Round Today

Whether you’re chasing birdies or just enjoying the views, there’s never been a better time to play.

Book your round and explore Edinburgh’s golfing legacy today.

Book online now – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/golf/

Scan here to get a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh Leisure’s golf courses.

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“Exciting” drug study could detect unrecognised cancer symptoms earlier

An innovative new study, funded by Cancer Research UK, aims to identify patients with early signs of cancer through medications they are prescribed before they are diagnosed with the disease.

It’s hoped the project could help identify various cancers at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective.

A team of researchers including Professor Chris Cardwell, Professor Carmel Hughes, Dr Sarah Baxter, Dr David Wright and Dr Blánaid Hicks of Queen’s University Belfast with Professor Peter Murchie of the University of Aberdeen, will study extensive anonymised medical information to identify treatments given to people who are then diagnosed with cancer.

The research will be the first of its kind to study prescription information comprehensively in the UK. Similar studies have been carried out overseas and smaller studies conducted looking at fewer cancer types in the UK.

Previous studies have already shown increased use of pain and indigestion medication in women with ovarian cancer up to eight months before diagnosis and increases in haemorrhoid treatments in patients with colorectal cancer up to 15 months before diagnosis.

Professor Chris Cardwell, of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Our study has the potential to identify previously unrecognised medications which are newly used in the period up to two years before cancer diagnosis.

“These changes in specific medications could act as an alert for doctors to consider earlier cancer investigation or point to unrecognised symptom patterns.

“Diagnosing cancer as early as possible is key to ensuring treatment is as effective as possible and give patients the best chance of recovery.”

The study, which will receive £76,462 from Cancer Research UK, will focus on eight cancers: multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, ovarian, lung, renal, colorectal and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – selected because these cancers are known to involve more GP consultations prior to diagnosis.

Currently, there are many symptoms and medical conditions known to be associated with cancer, but often symptoms can indicate a variety of conditions, not just cancer, making diagnosis harder.

Professor Peter Murchie, of the University of Aberdeen, said: “This is an exciting study which we hope will show how our increasingly sophisticated health records can be used for the maximum patient benefit.

“We know symptoms of cancer can develop slowly so changes in our prescription data could become a very important early warning signal to prompt busy GPs.”

Prescription data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank at Swansea University, which works with the NHS to provide crucial information for researchers while keeping data anonymous and protected, will be used.

This requires permission from the Databank’s Information Governance Review Panel which oversees the safe and responsible use of population health records.

Codes used in the NHS to indicate medication prescriptions are easier to analyse and track than symptoms, for example an increase in dose or stronger medication can be flagged more easily to medical colleagues than notes on a patient’s record saying a symptom is worsening.

Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: “Innovative approaches to tackling cancer are crucial to improving outcomes for patients. We have already made great strides in turning many types of cancer into a treatable disease if diagnosed at an early stage, and studies like this aim to help doctors identify people at risk of cancer much earlier.

“Earlier diagnosis takes us further along the path towards a world where cancer diagnosis is the start of the road to recovery and a less fearful prospect for patients.”

Nearly one in two people born in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime.*

With around 10,300 people being diagnosed with cancer each year in Northern Ireland (385,000 across the UK) finding new ways to diagnose cancer earlier, is vital.**

Vaccine to prevent gonorrhoea

Reducing diagnoses to address antibiotics resistance

Thousands of cases of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea could be prevented through a new vaccine programme.

The Scottish Government is funding the programme, which will begin in August, to address increasing health inequalities and growing resistance to antibiotics treatment.

Those eligible include gay and bisexual men at highest risk of infection, those involved in selling or exchanging sex regardless of gender and those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level. 

Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis. The number of cases has been rising steadily in recent years and it is the second most common bacterial STI in Scotland. Latest figures show there were 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, a 59% increase on pre-pandemic.

Speaking at the Public Health Scotland Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Conference in Edinburgh, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. 

“The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection. 

“Anything which stops people from contracting gonorrhoea in the first place can have huge benefits, including ensuring our health system remains resilient by reducing the amount of treatment needed.”

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of the Vaccination and Immunisation Division at PHS, said: “With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the 4CmenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention. This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea.

“Public Health Scotland is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering to those at increased risk of gonorrhoea from August 2025.”

Walking charity steps into new era with new name and bold rebrand

PATHS FOR ALL HAS BEEN RENAMED WALKING SCOTLAND

  • New name signals commitment to making Scotland more active

SCOTLAND’S national walking and wheeling charity has today announced it has rebranded, marking a bold new chapter after almost 30 years of empowering people to walk more, move more and enjoy the outdoors.

Walking Scotland has officially unveiled its new identity, replacing its long-established name, Paths for All, to better reflect its mission and growing impact across the country.

The change signals the charity’s renewed commitment to embedding walking and wheeling into the everyday lives of Scots, enhancing health, wellbeing and sustainability.

From local Health Walks to national policy changes, the organisation has built meaningful partnerships and inspired communities to enjoy the benefits of active travel.

This rebrand follows their ‘Every Day in May’ campaign as part of National Walking Month, which encouraged people across Scotland to walk daily and to discover the profound social, physical, and mental benefits that even short walks can bring.

The charity’s new name reinforces its position as the country’s national authority on walking and wheeling – building on decades of proven impact while setting ambitious goals for the future. It envisions a Scotland where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live has access to safe, welcoming environments to walk and wheel.

Walking Scotland’s launch follows overwhelming support for a clearer, bolder brand that better communicates its purpose and makes it easier for people to get involved – whether through walking, wheeling, supporting or donating.

The shift also reflects the growing recognition of walking as a low-cost, high-impact solution to a range of societal challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Walking Scotland said: “This isn’t just a name change, it’s a renewed commitment to putting walking and wheeling at the heart of everyday life in Scotland.

“For almost 30 years, we’ve made a real difference in communities across the country. But we’re not done yet. Walking changes lives – it improves health, connects people and helps address some of Scotland’s biggest challenges.

“Walking Scotland reflects a fresh and inclusive identity that truly captures the scale of our ambition for the next 30 years. We want everyone in Scotland to be able to walk and wheel, everywhere, every day.

“The feedback from our stakeholders, communities and partners has been incredibly positive – this brand resonates and will help us reach more people and grow our impact.”

The organisation points to a growing body of evidence that supports its mission. According to the most recent national attitudes survey, over 77% of Scots agree that walking helps to clear their minds and improve their mood.

Crucially, walking is free, widely accessible, and requires no special equipment, making it a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against inactivity, social isolation, and pressure on the NHS.

To find out more about Walking Scotland, visit: www.walkingscotland.org.uk

Scotland’s first ‘Breast MOT’ Clinic launches on Edinburgh Waterfront

Advanced clinic provides same-day scan and surgeon consultation

SCOTLAND’s most comprehensive same-day breast implant health check service has launched at a new state-of-the-art hospital.

Based at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, the specialist service is the first of its kind in the country, providing women with same-day ultrasound scans and consultant-led advice from a plastic surgeon, all in a single visit.

Leading the service is radiologist Dr Theodora Zachari, whose expert ultrasound scanning is carried out using advanced Canon Aplio i-series equipment, regarded as the gold standard in soft tissue imaging.

Following the scan, patients immediately meet with a highly experienced consultant plastic surgeons for interpretation and advice.

Dr Omar Quaba, consultant plastic surgeon and co-founder at Waterfront Private Hospital, said: “Many women with breast implants are unsure about their long-term condition, especially those placed over a decade ago or performed overseas.

“This one-stop clinic removes the need for multiple appointments, giving patients peace of mind and a clear pathway for future care, all on the same day.”

While breast implants are considered safe, patients are advised to monitor them regularly, particularly as they age. Changes in shape, discomfort, or concerns about rupture or capsular contracture are among the common reasons for seeking checks.

Until now, women in Scotland often faced long waiting times, fragmented care or the need to travel elsewhere in the UK to access equivalent services. The new health check clinic aims to address these gaps by providing a streamlined, patient-focused experience delivered by specialists.

Dr Theodora Zachari, Consultant Radiologist, said: “Women deserve accessible, high-quality care when it comes to their health. This service brings together radiology and surgical expertise to provide answers without delay.”

The hospital’s new clinic provides a safe, professional alternative for those seeking clarity on the health of their implants, whether they are experiencing symptoms or simply want reassurance.

Operating as a boutique family-run hospital, Waterfront Private Hospital has gained a strong reputation for personalised care and surgical expertise. Patients are seen in a luxury clinical environment, with direct access to the same medical team for follow-up care and advice.

Dr Quaba added: “Our goal is to demystify breast implant health and make it easy for women to take control. Whether it’s peace of mind or planning a revision procedure, this clinic gives them the trusted information they need.”

Women can self-refer or be referred by their GP, and the service is open to anyone with implants, regardless of where or when the surgery took place. Consultations typically last around an hour and are followed up with a tailored report and further guidance where needed.

The Waterfront Private Hospital team stresses that implant-related issues can often be managed effectively when identified early. As such, regular health checks are increasingly considered a vital part of long-term cosmetic care.

Opened in late 2023, the hospital is home to some of the most qualified and experienced plastic and skin surgeons in Scotland, including dual-qualified specialists in plastic surgery and dermatology. This expertise allows for a full spectrum of care, from cosmetic procedures to life-saving skin cancer treatments.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit: www.waterfronthospital.co.uk

Carers Week: Playlist For Life

Caring for someone living with dementia can be hard

Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.

Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…

Latest version of Ready Steady Baby! available now

The latest version of Ready, Steady, Baby! is now available.

Everyone who is pregnant and lives in Scotland will receive a free printed copy from their midwife (also available in other formats and languages). It’s also available on NHS inform.

https://nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby

New ‘life-changing’ eyecare hospital opens in Edinburgh

A new eyecare hospital offering cataract, glaucoma and eyelid surgery, and a range of specialist ophthalmology services, has opened in Edinburgh offering access to some of Scotland’s leading eye surgeons.

Clarity, located at The Stones at the South Gyle Business Park, provides a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostics tools and testing equipment, allowing for precise evaluations and personalised treatment plans, as well as the latest lens technologies to offer patients tailored solutions. 

The hospital, which opened on 2nd June, will be managed by Andrew Gunn, who worked for Aspen Healthcare and Nuffield Health for 10 years and has held senior operational roles at award-winning hospitals, including The Edinburgh Clinic. A passionate and enthusiastic leader, he says he is committed to making a difference in patients’ lives and strives for excellent outcomes by fostering a positive culture and environment for both staff and patients.

The hospital’s team is made up of seven clinical ophthalmic specialists with decades of combined experience in both NHS and independent care settings.

Amongst others, it includes Dr Naing Latt Tint, considered one of Scotland’s top cataract, lens and refractive surgeons; Dr Andrew Tatham, president of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society and clinical lead for ophthalmology with NHS Research Scotland; and Dr Mei-Ling Cheng, a Consultant Ophthalmic and Glaucoma surgeon with advanced specialist training in cataract surgery.

Together, they say Clarity offers excellent clinical standards with clear pricing for precise treatment options, and a complete care pathway, from consultation and diagnosis, through to surgery and aftercare. They estimate wait times for treatment will be as little as two weeks from first consultation. 

The Edinburgh hospital is Clarity’s first in Scotland, and there are plans to roll out more sites in the future. 

Matt Currall, CEO of Clarity, said: “Being able to see your family and friends smile, absorb the depth of different colours in our world, and take in the feast nature offers, are all things many take for granted. Those who can’t enjoy that, due to eye conditions including cataracts and glaucoma, often feel very isolated.

“At Clarity, we believe optimal eye health is essential for enjoying life to the fullest so we’re dedicated to providing transformative eye treatments which restore patients’ vision so they can feel connected to their surroundings once again.

“We’ve curated a team of specialist ophthalmology experts – true leaders in their field – to ensure the people of Edinburgh suffering with eye conditions have access to timely, high-quality care, so they can get back to full clarity of vision. 

“Our doors are now open, and we encourage both patients and referrers, including GPs and opticians, to explore everything we have to offer.”

Andrew added: “Joining Clarity Edinburgh is an incredibly exciting opportunity. It marks my return home to Scotland, but more importantly, means I’m able to lead on this new chapter for the city’s eyecare patients, helping them rediscover the wonders of life through our innovative and compassionate service.

“I look forward to making Clarity the hospital of choice in Edinburgh and beyond for eye treatments and surgery.”

To find out more, visit https://www.clarityhealthcare.uk/. 

RNIB spotlights assistive technology at event in Edinburgh

Blind and partially sighted residents in Edinburgh will be able to try out assistive technology at an upcoming local event with a leading sight loss charity. 

RNIB Scotland will be speaking to visitors and offering support at a ‘Low Vision Solutions Open Day’ on Wednesday 11 June, 10am – 2pm at RNIB’s Hillside office on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh.

The event will be an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people, and their friends and family, to meet with RNIB to receive advice and support. 

A range of trusted experts on-hand to talk through live demonstrations on a 1-1 basis and also a chance to meet local support services to find out information about technology products and services that are available.  

There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people living with sight loss that include cost, confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.  

Derek Rutherford, RNIB’s Product Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Low Vision Solutions event taking place this week.

“One of RNIB’s priorities is to equip blind and partially sighted people to thrive and live independently, and accessible technology plays a vital role in this.”