Health and wellbeing – Page 54 – The NEN

Women on “skinny jabs” must use effective contraception, MHRA urges

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to their weight loss or diabetes medicine or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA.

Women taking popular medicines for weight loss and diabetes, sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs”, are being reminded to use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.

These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.

Effective contraception includes oral (the pill) and non-oral (the implant, coil or condoms) forms of contraception. However, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception. This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase.

This advice, which is already in the patient leaflets that come with the medicine, is just one of the reminders in the latest guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the safe use of “GLP-1 medicines” known by the brand names Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza.

The full advice can be found on the regulator’s website. It comes after concerns from the UK regulator that some people are not using these medicines for weight loss and diabetes safely.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.

“Our guidance offers patients a “one stop shop” for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely.

“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process. ”

Alongside advice on contraceptive use, the MHRA reminds patients that these medicines should not be bought from unregulated sellers such as beauty salons or via social media, or taken without a prior consultation with a healthcare professional.

Not only does this expose people wanting to lose weight to serious health risks, it is also against the law to sell these medicines in this way. 

The only way to guarantee receiving a genuine GLP-1 medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy.

The guidance also reminds patients of the symptoms to look out for in the event of acute pancreatitis which, although uncommon, can be serious.

The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesn’t go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help.

Summary of advice to patients

You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.  
Always have a conversation with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medicines before you start taking them.  
Do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you get pregnant while using them, you speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible.
If you are prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide), use a barrier form of contraception and do not rely on oral contraception.  
Understand the potential side effects and have a conversation with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.  
Tell your doctor you take a GLP-1 medicine if you are about to have surgery.  
Report any adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.  
After taking the recommended four doses in each syringe, any medicine left in the syringe should not be extracted and the syringe should be disposed of in the bin. 
Use of these medicines is not a quick fix to lose weight and the MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used by people who do not meet the medical requirements.

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 medicine, or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.  

RCEM: Government must address elective care waits AND long ED stays

Both must be political priorities, says Royal College of Emergency Medicine

Following the Scottish Health Minister stating he is ‘determined’ to cut elective waiting times the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned this cannot be the Government’s only focus.

New data detailing A&E performance in Scotland reveals that long waiting times in the country’s Emergency Departments and the issue of delayed discharges – where people remain in hospital wards despite being well enough to leave – remain significant issues.

Published by Public Health Scotland and covering April 2025, the figures reveal that:

117,827 people visited a major A&E Department (Type 1) in Scotland.
Of these, almost one in three (32.9%) waited four hours or more to been treated, admitted or discharged; more than one in every 10 people (10.3%) waited eight hours or more, and 4.2% waited 12 hours or longer.
Each day an average of 1,854 beds were occupied by people who were considered well enough to not need to be in hospital – this is the second highest for any April since guidelines changed in 2016.
Longer waits are now far more common than they were seven years ago. In April 2018, fewer than one in every 50 patients (1.3%) would have endured a wait of more than eight hours, with 12-hour plus waits being extremely rare (0.3%).

The concerning data comes just a day after Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP said he was ‘determined’ to reduce long waits for elective care pledging £106m to fund an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures this year.

But the Minister made no reference to addressing long stays in Emergency Departments.

Responding, Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Vice President Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government is clearly focusing on improving health care with £200m pledged to support the NHS.

“But while reducing waits for elective care is important – it is not a panacea, and will not address the very serious issues happening elsewhere in the system.

“Issues that I, and my members, see every day such as patients stranded in corridors for hours, and a lack of available ward beds.

“The Government must make addressing these a political priority too.

“We have to be able to get people out of ambulances and into out department as quickly as we can, to be able to find patients a ward bed when they need one and then get them home again as soon as they don’t.

“Without this flow through the hospital these dangerous and degrading long ED stays will go on, and patients will continue to be put at risk.”

Graphic visualisations of the data compiled by RCEM can be found here.

Further progress on child mental health waiting times

Staff praised as national target is exceeded again

The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the second quarter in row.

Latest Public Health statistics show 91.6% of those referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from January to March – the Scottish Government standard is 90%.

The figure is an increase from 90.6% for the previous quarter and from 86% for the same quarter in 2024.

However the Children First charity says the figures are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’.

Visiting the CAMHS service in NHS Forth Valley to thank staff for their dedication, Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want all children and young people to be able to access appropriate mental health treatment as and when they need to, and this continued progress on waiting times is testament to the hard-working staff who care for those referred to these services.

“We have exceeded our promise to provide funding for 320 additional staff for CAMHS by 2026 and this will no doubt have contributed to the improvements we are seeing but I am well aware there is still much to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.

“However, we are on the right path and the £123.5 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”

Lesley Dunabie, Department Manager & Head of Nursing for NHS Forth Valley CAMHS, said: “We are delighted that the changes introduced by local staff over the last 18 months have made such a positive impact to our waiting times and significantly improved the services and support available for children and young people with serious mental illness.

“We are committed to building on this by continuing to develop and improve local services for children and young people and working with a wide range of partners to help increase access to support in local schools and communities at an earlier stage.”

Children First: Figures are ‘tip of the iceberg’

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “We know that today’s figures are just the tip of the iceberg. Every day, Children First teams across Scotland are hearing from more and more children and young people in severe distress. Scotland is facing a childhood emergency. Children need help now.

“Scottish Government must do more to invest in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.

“If you are worried about your child, then Children First’s support line is here to help. You can contact our friendly team on 08000 28 22 33 or on our website at https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline .”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Chilldren’s Services Coalition commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 164 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment are extremely alarming.

“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.

“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a negative impact on classroom behaviour, affecting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Quarter ending March 2025 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Publications – Public Health Scotland

£106 million to reduce waiting times

SCOTLAND’S LONGEST WAITS TO BE TARGETED

More than £106 million has been allocated to health boards in Scotland to help tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations.

The funding has been assigned to specialty areas for the year ahead where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes £25 million for trauma and orthopaedics, £21 million for imaging, £14 million for cancer treatment and more than £12 million for ophthalmology.

The investment is part of the £200 million announced as part of the Programme for Government to build capacity, tackle delayed discharge and improve patient flow through hospitals.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists – significant activity is already underway through this additional investment which will help us target the longest waits for treatment.

“We are determined to reduce patient waits in the year ahead and this £106 million of additional funding will help us to deliver more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in 2025-26. This funding is just part of our record investment of £21.7 billion for health and social care this year.

“Last year, health boards vastly exceeded the commitment to deliver 64,000 appointments and procedures – instead delivering more than 105,000 through our targeted approach. This investment will allow us to build on this progress and deliver tangible improvements for patients.”

Leith care home celebrates success after ‘Good’ Care Inspectorate report

HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Care Home, in Leith’s Albert Street, is delighted to announce its ‘Good’ rating after a recent inspection from the Care Inspectorate (CI), Scotland’s independent regulator of social care.

This outstanding achievement underscores the home’s unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care to its residents. Following a comprehensive inspection, Victoria Manor received a ‘Good’ rating across all key areas, with exceptional scores of 5 (Very Good) in Leadership and Management, Staffing, and specific aspects of resident well-being and involvement.

The CI praised the home’s positive leadership from Home Manager Julie McNaughton and Deputy Manager Natasha Thomas, who have helped foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents. This has led to excellent care outcomes at the home which provides nursing and nursing dementia care services.

The report highlighted the team’s transparent complaint reviews, embedded skilled-level dementia training, and a holistic approach to end-of-life care, which families described as “very positive”. Inspectors commended the kind and dedicated staff, with comments reflecting their pride in working at Victoria Manor and their collaborative spirit, described by social workers as a “dream to work with”.

The home’s beautifully landscaped gardens, accessible facilities, and vibrant activity programmes were also recognised as key strengths to create a warm and engaging environment.

Julie McNaughton, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Home Manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the hard work and passion of our team at Victoria Manor. I would like to thank the whole team for their commitment, and I want to congratulate them on a positive report.

“Our focus remains on creating a nurturing environment where every resident feels valued and supported. This rating is a testament to our mission.”

Natasha Thomas, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Deputy Manager, added: “We’re dedicated to achieving our aim of being the care provider of choice for those looking for the very best care.

“The culture is changing at Victoria Manor for the better as our colleagues feel valued and supported.”

For more information on HC-One Scotland homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.

NHS Lothian’s Spiritual Care Services awarded Bereavement Charter for Scotland

NHS Lothian Spiritual Care Services has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).

Bereavement can have a profound and long-term effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Within health settings, Spiritual Care Teams support bereavement services and are key in providing specialist spiritual support as part of end-of-life care to both the patient and their family. They support staff and service users to explore a person’s values, beliefs and preferences in relation to end of life care and following a bereavement.

This accreditation is a testament to the services dedication to providing high-quality, human rights-based spiritual and bereavement care. It highlights the team’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.

Over the past few months, the Spiritual Care team attended several training events to support their learning and journey as a service to support people in bereavement.

The award of the Charter mark recognises the unique skills and insights Registered Chaplains can offer to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they are committed to offering support and care particularly for staff who may have experienced a bereavement in their personal life or at work.

Mark Evans, Head of Spiritual Care said: “This is a real testament to the amazing work my colleagues all do to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they bring unique skills and insights to support people who are bereaved and who are coming to terms with the grief they carry.

“This work also supports the organisations objectives of delivering excellent person-centred care and ensuring our workforce feel valued and supported.”

Edinburgh Leisure launches new Inclusive Fitness Programme for Adults with Additional Support Needs

Edinburgh Leisure has expanded its commitment to inclusive fitness by launching a comprehensive new programme of gym sessions and exercise classes specifically designed for adults with additional support needs.

The new “Fit and Active” initiative offers a diverse range of weekly activities across two venues, with all sessions free to attend for cardholders. Classes include seated strength training, danceability sessions, gymability workouts, inclusive circuits, retro dance, and seated cardio options.

“We’re delighted to introduce these new classes that provide accessible fitness opportunities for adults with additional support needs,” said Sara Kemp, Community Development Officer (Equalities) at Edinburgh Leisure.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has the chance to stay active and healthy in a supportive, welcoming environment.”

The programme runs throughout the week at both Meadowbank Sport Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with sessions carefully scheduled to provide regular opportunities for participants. Activities range from traditional gym-based workouts to creative movement classes like danceability and retro dance.

Weekly Schedule:

Monday: 1:1 gym sessions at both venues

Tuesday: Four different classes at Meadowbank including seated strength, danceability, gymability, and inclusive circuits

Wednesday: Danceability class at Leith Victoria

Thursday: Gymability sessions at Leith Victoria

Friday: Retro dance and seated cardio classes at Meadowbank

All sessions are included free of charge with a Fit and Active card.

Interested participants can apply for their card by emailing:

fitandactive@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

The programme represents Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all members of the Edinburgh community, ensuring that fitness and wellbeing services are accessible to people of all abilities.

For more information about the Fit and Active programme or to apply for a membership card, contact Edinburgh Leisure at:

fitandactive@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

Telecare users and their loved ones urged to speak to telecoms providers ahead of switch to digital landlines

The 2 million vulnerable people who rely on lifesaving telecare alarms to call for help have today been urged to get in touch with their landline providers so companies can provide additional support for them during the switch to digital landlines.

Users of lifesaving alarms encouraged to call their providers to access additional free support with the switchover from copper to digital landlines
During the switchover, telecoms companies will send engineers to help customers and test connections of telecare alarms used by 2 million nationwide
Comes as BT and Virgin Media launch national awareness campaign, supported by the UK government, to ensure no one gets overlooked during vital digital migration

The switch from analogue to digital landlines is being rolled out across the country as copper networks become increasingly unreliable and spare parts are no longer available.

Putting safety at the centre of the switchover, landline companies will send an engineer to carry out the switchover and personally test the telecare alarm, ensuring it continues to work once a household has moved onto the digital network.

Landline providers will also offer vulnerable customers a free battery back-up device so their landline can continue working in an outage.

It comes as a major new campaign funded by BT and Virgin Media and backed by the UK government launches today (Monday 2 June), urging the millions of telecare users in the UK– typically elderly and disabled people – as well as their support network to identify themselves so nobody gets overlooked.

Many local authorities and private telecare operators have already signed data sharing agreements with landline providers to ensure that as many telecare users have been identified as possible. With over two thirds of landlines already migrated, the campaign is the final layer of protection to identify any additional users.

Following a fall last year, Ann, who is in her 90s and from Stockport, became reliant on her telecare device. She is backing the campaign after her provider successfully migrated her landline last year.

Ann said: “The visit with the engineer was most enjoyable and very smooth, they handled everything for me. It’s left me feeling more reassured and confident.

“It’s also given my daughter Vickey peace of mind, knowing that if I need support, my pendant will work as it should. I’d encourage other people like me who rely on a personal alarm to get in touch with their landline provider for support.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “We cannot afford to leave anyone behind during the vital transition to digital landlines.

“I have personally set a strict checklist of safeguards for industry to comply with before they migrate any telecare user.

“This industry-led campaign marks a further step towards keeping people safe as we boost the resilience of our networks for the digital age.

“I urge anyone with a telecare alarm – or anyone close to a user of a telecare alarm – to pick up the phone and contact their provider to access the help that’s available.”

Since 2017, UK operators have been carrying out work to retire the decades old copper home phone network and move customers to digital landline services ahead of the analogue switch-off. Analogue landlines are reaching end of service life, becoming increasingly unreliable and spare parts are no longer available.

Recent Ofcom data reveals faults rates substantially increased by 45% in 2024.

The campaign launched today and builds on the voluntary industry charter signed by BT, Virgin Media and other providers and the checklist agreed in November 2024. The checklist commits providers to complete a strict checklist of safeguards before transferring customers from old analogue phone lines onto a digital network, reducing the risk of them being disconnected during the migration. This includes engineer visits and issuing battery backups.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “Patient safety is our priority and by supporting this campaign we are making sure that no-one will be put at risk by having to use unreliable devices.

“We are working with communication providers who are delivering the digital phone switchover to make sure no-one falls through the cracks. BT and VMO2 are offering free advice as well as supported installations for vulnerable people.

“Modernising our telecoms infrastructure will make a world of difference for millions of people and help guarantee their safety.”

Claire Gillies, BT Group’s Consumer CEO, said: “Moving customers onto newer digital services is a necessary step as the reliability of the 40-year-old analogue landline technology is increasingly fragile – therefore the time to act is now.

“The Digital Switchover project requires team collaboration, so we’ve been working hard with industry partners and are really pleased to have the support of government in helping us raise awareness and drive action.

“It’s incredibly important that nobody gets left behind, and we encourage telecare users and their carers to contact their provider to ensure a smooth switch.”

Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “This major new campaign marks a significant moment where 2 industry leaders have come together to raise awareness of the digital landline switchover.

“With traditional analogue landlines becoming less and less reliable, the programme is essential step to safeguard services for the future. Inaction would mean putting services at risk.

“Our message is clear: if you or someone you know use a telecare alarm, pick up the phone and talk to your provider. Let us know, and we’ll support you every step of the way.”

Amy Low, CEO at AbilityNet, said: “As a charity our core aim is empowering older and disabled people to use technology, so we’re fully behind this campaign which will raise further awareness to the most vulnerable, as well as their carers, with an urgent message to act.

“With the digital switchover happening it has never been more important that they contact their provider who can offer tailored support and in-home assistance to ensure everything goes to plan.”

Matthew Evans, Director for Markets and Chief Operating Officer at techUK, said: “As the current PSTN system becomes increasingly unreliable – with faults rising 45% in 2024 – we need to ensure a swift transition to a digital network fit for the future.

“With many other countries and many millions of UK households having already completed the migration, it is essential to raise awareness and complete this move.

“We are proud to support VMO2 and BT as well as the UK government as they establish this important campaign and we look forward to continuing to work with the telecoms sector and other parties to ensure the delivery of a safe and sustainable switch.”

Alyson Scurfield, chief executive of telecare advisory body, TSA said: “Landline phone lines are switching to digital, which could stop telecare alarms working.

“However, many people, families and carers just aren’t aware of the impact this could have on life-saving telecare. That’s why TSA is supporting this incredibly important national campaign.

“If you or someone you know uses a telecare alarm, then please call your landline provider. They will make sure your alarm keeps working through the switchover. Please help us spread this message far and wide.”

Business leader who overcame cancer TWICE chosen as Guest of Honour at Race For Life Edinburgh

An inspirational business leader who overcame cancer twice launched Race for Life in Scotland’s capital.

Gail Izat was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, sounding the starter horn to send around 1,300 participants on the courses at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. She was cheered on by her colleagues from Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group and headline sponsors for Race for Life.

More than £201,300 was raised at Race for Life Edinburgh – vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Every year, around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.

Gail, who is Standard Life Managing Director (workplace & retail intermediary), was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2019, just two months after celebrating her 50^th birthday.

It was a shock when the disease returned days before Christmas in 2022. Now in remission, mum of two Gail has vowed to do everything she can to help give others more tomorrows with their loved ones.

Gail, from Edinburgh said: “I’ve had cancer twice but I’ve got through it twice thanks to life-saving science.

“When you’ve had cancer suddenly you realise you’re not immortal and actually you have something that might kill you. At first having cancer felt like being admitted to a secret club I didn’t want to belong to. I felt strongly that I didn’t even want to talk to people about cancer until I found out more information about what I was actually facing, until I knew it was curable.

“But as time went on I started to believe I was going to get through the disease. And as I’ve recovered, I’ve found events like Race for Life offer a chance to meet people whose lives have also been touched by cancer. It offers a wonderful support and a sense of community.”

Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK.

Race for Life Edinburgh included a 360 degree photobooth, provided by headline sponsor Standard Life, where participants were able to receive a digital copy of a photo as a reminder of the day. Standard Life fielded a team of 30 staff who completed Race for Life Edinburgh.

A group of 17 pupils aged between nine to 26 from the award winning Sarah Hendry School of Dance in Glenrothes entertained the crowds with Highland Dance moves. Sharon Holgarth from Event Buddies Scotland was at the picnic area offering face painting and a stilt walker circulated to chat to supporters.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible. 

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Edinburgh.

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

“We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

 “It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Edinburgh, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.     

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide.

Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone – a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.” 

 To enter, visit raceforlife.org      

Gail Izat’s story

Gail Izat is in remission from triple negative breast cancer.

Around 15 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease have this type of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancers are cancers whose cells don’t have receptors to the hormones oestrogen and progesterone or a protein called Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER 2).

This means doctors cannot use targeted hormone therapies or drugs that specifically target those receptors, leaving chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy as the main treatment options.

On October 1 2019, Gail had day surgery to remove the tumour and she started chemotherapy treatment on November 30 2019. Gail had eight sessions of chemotherapy in total. After the side effects of treatment meant she lost her long dark hair, her husband Bill McGeoch and their sons, Rory, now 21, and Euan, 19, also shaved their heads in solidarity.

In the spring of 2020 as the UK went in to lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Gail started six sessions of radiotherapy. Treatment was complete by the end of April 2020. Gail steadily recovered and was monitored closely over the next two years.

But in December 2022, the results of her annual mammogram stopped her in her tracks. Gail said: “After I’d had cancer for the first time I couldn’t fully shake off a sense of dread that it might return.

“I’d had a busy few days at work and I remember an O131 Edinburgh number kept coming through to my mobile phone as a missed call. Eventually the hospital left a voicemail asking me to call.

“The doctors had found something and I had to go in the next day for urgent tests. I had cancer again.”

That Christmas was difficult for all the family. But it was a relief in January when tests showed the cancer had not spread. On February 23 2023 at St John’s Hospital, Livingston, Gail endured a 14 hour mastectomy surgery and reconstruction.

She was in the intensive care ward for several days. Early in March, Gail had to return to hospital for seven days for more surgery due to complications.

Gail said: “It took me a good ten weeks to recover from the surgery and it was actually harder than all the treatment I’d had previously. But I was lucky. They’d caught the cancer early and I got through it thanks to the amazing support I had from my family and my colleagues at work.”

Gail had six months of daily chemotherapy tablets which she completed in October 2023. She now has an annual mammogram and a CT scan every six months. She keeps fit by walking every day with the family pet labradoodle, Poppy.

Gail said: “It’s important to live for the moment but also to think of the future. I feel passionate about Standard Life’s work as we make a positive difference.

“We support people to think about how they can be kind to their future selves by pension planning and through long term savings.”

Edinburgh marks a year of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) enforcement

NHS Lothian, and Asthma + Lung UK have praised the benefits of the LEZ, following a year of enforcement.

Experts at the NHS and a leading charity have highlighted the ongoing impact of the LEZ enforcement on air quality and health. In addition, the new rules have incentivised active travel and greater use of public transport.

A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. Edinburgh began enforcement alongside Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. Dundee began enforcement on May 30, 2024, and Glasgow on June 1, 2023.

With Clean Air Day (19 June) just a few weeks away too this one-year anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the LEZ here in Edinburgh and beyond.

In recent years air quality in Edinburgh has improved, with our monitoring data showing reduced pollution levels, and people getting ready for the LEZ may have contributed to this.

Over the last year, the average amount of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for non-compliant vehicles entering the zone has been decreasing steadily.

Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number decreased by 56%. There is also evidence of lower numbers of second contraventions. The vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant, over 95%. Around 3% of vehicles entering the LEZ are exempted classed.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement.

The first annual report on LEZ operation is expected to be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee later this year, including air quality trends and how the scheme contributes to our carbon reduction targets, as well as operational matters such as the number of PCNs issued, costs of maintaining and operating the scheme, gross and net revenue and other key issues.

The Council is working with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on data collection and analysis of the LEZ and will present a report in the Scottish Parliament that will help inform the national picture of LEZ impact.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson: “I’m proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone.

“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health.

“Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people’s health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this.

“The average decrease in PCNs here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It’s also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport.

I look forward to seeing the annual report when it is considered by Committee.

“The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”

Flora Ogilvie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian said: “It’s great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents.

“Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

“Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe.

“With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air.

“With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.

“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.”

77% of all PCNs in the last year were served to light passenger vehicles (private cars) and 21% to light goods vehicles (panel vans) with the remaining 2% being divided among the other classes of vehicle. 62.4% of PCNs are paid within 14 days at the discounted rate.

The penalty charge structure for all of Scotland’s LEZs is set by the Scottish Government.

The city council publishes regular updates on PCN figures on their website.

Income from the LEZ will be used in the first instance to pay for the operation and maintenance of the scheme. Any surplus income will be contributed towards Council projects which contribute towards the wider goals of the LEZ, particularly improving air quality and climate change emission reduction.

All LEZ monitoring and evaluation information will be made available on our webpages.

Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK.  The World Health Organization and the UK Government both recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health.

Another key development is that the Low Emission Zone Support Fund has now resumed and is open to new applications. This is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

There are separate funds available for households, businesses and retrofitting vehicles. All eligibility criteria and application details can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website