Health and wellbeing – Page 6 – The NEN

NHS Scotland to make ‘major green strides’ this year due to innovation

NHS Scotland is poised to make “major strides” across 2025 in its drive to reduce emissions through breakthrough innovation, a health service partner believes.

After pledging to become a net zero organisation by 2040, the NHS continues to make significant gains through a variety of initiatives including new technologies, new ways of working, and a deep focus on reducing emissions.

A formal partner of NHS Scotland, InnoScot Health says that innovative approaches for more environmentally sustainable care continue to be embedded at greater pace.

Innovation Manager Frances Ramsay said: “There have been some very positive developments across NHS Scotland in recent times which, looked at collectively, add up to a picture of the health service making major strides on the road to lower emissions – from new thinking in building and transport emissions to more reusables and greater upcycling at all levels.

“Its electric fleet is ever-expanding. As of April 2024, 45% of NHS Scotland’s vehicles were electric, representing a significant increase from the figure of 19% in October 2022, and that will only rise.

“Emissions from the energy used to heat and power NHS buildings continue to fall steadily, as do medical gas emissions, including the replacement of anaesthetic gas Desflurane with a less harmful gas which is now saving emissions equivalent to powering 1,700 homes every year.

“In fact, NHS Scotland won the European Sustainable Healthcare Project of the Year award in 2023 after becoming the first national health service in the UK to stop using Desflurane.

“It also means greater cost efficiency with the National Green Theatre Programme supporting health boards to achieve not only annual reductions of around 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide generated from surgery but also financial savings of around £6 million. These better practices significantly add up as we increasingly look to 2040.”

InnoScot Health continues to champion and encourage greener workforce innovation, recently helping to develop a breakthrough with midwives working at St John’s Hospital in Livingston which aids skin-to-skin contact while allowing birthing partners to keep newborns warm by utilising upcycled staff fleeces as a covering material altered onto new scrubs.

Alongside NHS Lothian’s Research and Development team, InnoScot Health helped protect and register the design, meaning that Cozy Cuddle Scrubs (by Stacey)™ are now well-placed to become more widely available through manufacturing partners.

Frances continued: “With so many projects coming to fruition, there is much to be proud of and so much innovation potential in the drive towards a net zero NHS Scotland.

“We want to inspire and encourage that vital push as much as possible by lending our support to the 180,000-strong workforce – and who better to deliver net zero than the people who are closest to the issues and can see first-hand how emissions-producing processes are contributing to climate change?”

Pioneering staff at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital recently announced their role in co-designing friendly and reusable theatre caps made from sustainable plant-based material as part of a research project led by the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University.

The project primarily aims to reduce waste created by the 800,000 single-use theatre cap products disposed of annually by Scottish hospitals, demonstrating the power of innovation-driven collaboration for sustainable design, as well as the potential for further rollout across the country.

InnoScot Health’s own sustainability call aims to inspire health and social care professionals to come forward with their ideas for greener ways of working that can help the health service adapt and strengthen.

Get Fit for Free at Easter Road!

FOOTBALL FANS IN TRAINING IS BACK!

Football Fans in Training is back!

Starting Monday 3rd February join us for a programme that is so much more than physical activity!

FFIT gets you active and provides insights on how to improve your mental health and diet to live a well-rounded life!

Open to males & females & running every Monday from 6.30-8.00pm out of our Community Hub in the Famous Five Stand at Easter Road Stadium.

Kickstart your 2025 with this positive life changing programme!

Monday Yoga sessions at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

New year new Yoga class for 2025!

These classes are run by expert Yogini Stephanie Knight for beginners and those with some experience.

There are two classes:

Mondays 1-2.15 Chair Yoga for those who would need to sit down and use the prop of a chair to do the poses.

Mondays 2.30-3.34 Beginners’ Yoga for those who can manage standing and using a mat on the floor for the poses.

Recommended donation per class: £3-5 depending on your ability to pay.

This contributes towards the costs of running the class which we are keeping as low as possible by bringing in external funding.

Please remember we receive no government or council funding to run our activities at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Special family trip to Edinburgh for brave heart hero Evie

A family from Tyneside was this week given the chance to make lasting memories after a challenging two years, thanks to South Shields-based children’s charity, The Charlie and Carter Foundation and its community partner, train operator, Lumo.

At five years old, Evie Green has already faced challenges beyond her years. Diagnosed with myocarditis at just four months old, Evie’s condition progressed to the point where, by the age of four, she was in urgent need of a heart transplant.

In the spring of 2023, Evie was placed on a Berlin Heart Ventricular Assist Device while awaiting a heart transplant. While the device was lifesaving, it meant she had to stay in the hospital and couldn’t run or play freely because she was connected to the machine.

After more than a year in hospital and a national call out for a new heart, Evie finally received a transplant in the summer of 2024 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. While Evie was in hospital her family was supported by The Charlie and Carter Foundation, which provides financial relief to families of critically ill children, so that they can stay by their side without the worry of financial strain.

Lumo, who selected The Charlie and Carter Foundation as its charity partner of the year for 2024/25, following a unanimous internal vote and as part of its ongoing commitment to the organisation, were delighted arrange a special trip to Edinburgh for Evie and her family to enjoy some much-needed family fun.

The day to the Scottish capital included a complimentary visit to Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura and even a ride in Lumo’s driver’s cab.

Sarah Cookson MBE, Co-Founder of The Charlie and Carter Foundation, said: “The biggest thank you to Lumo for organising this very special trip out for Evie and her family, helping them make precious memories to treasure forever.

“This beautiful and brave little girl has spent so long in hospital and her family have spent so long worrying, they deserve the world and more.

“Our charity provides financial support to families who care 24/7 for their sick children who are suffering from life limiting conditions and we know only too well how much they struggle and worry each day.

“Days like these would have just been a dream before Evie received her gift of life. Thank you never seems enough, but thank you Lumo, it was a day they will remember forever.”

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have given Evie and her family a wonderful day out in Edinburgh. After spending so much time in hospital and missing out on experiences most children enjoy, providing them with a memorable day of fun together was truly the least we could do.

“We’re proud to partner with South Shields based Charlie and Carter Foundation, whose incredible work supports families like Evie’s right across the country. We look forward to continuing our efforts together to make a meaningful difference.”

Evie’s mum, Chloe Green, said: “We are very grateful to Lumo for providing a VIP day out in Edinburgh and to The Charlie and Carter Foundation for nominating our family for this special trip.

“Evie received a heart transplant last summer and was in hospital for 18 months overall, so it is so nice to be able to go on days out thanks to Evie’s special donor heart. We had a fantastic trip exploring Edinburgh, going to the zoo, Camera Obscura and walking along the Royal Mile and we will be forever grateful for this trip.”

Parents urged to improve mental health with wild water ‘mindful dips’

SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.

The Foundation has provided £4,500 to Dr Bell’s to support its ‘mindful dips’ initiative which provides wild swimming sessions for parents who are looking for a break from the challenges of parenthood.

Founded in 2006 in Leith, Edinburgh, the charity provides a welcoming space for families with young children where they can receive encouragement, support, and advice in a relaxed atmosphere.

For parents, the demands of caregiving can often come at a cost of their own wellbeing as they prioritise the needs of their children.

Recognising the need for a respite, Dr Bell’s introduced a groundbreaking wild swimming programme, giving parents the chance to take a mindful break from the pressures of parenthood.

Designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing for parents facing stress, anxiety, and isolation, the sessions cater for all levels of swimmers, whether they are seasoned veterans or new to the water.

Held at nearby natural swimming spots, the mindfulness dips provide parents with guided experiences in cold water immersion from trained professionals, helping them to reduce stress, improve their mood, and build resilience against the pressures of life.

“Parents often put themselves last time and time again, and that often takes a toll,” explains Megan Henry, Early Years Manager at Dr Bell’s Family Centre.

She said: “This programme is about giving them a moment to focus on themselves, surrounded by nature and a supportive community. It’s not just swimming, it’s a chance to breathe, reset, and reconnect.

“Many of those who attend the sessions have never done wild swimming before, and while they may be nervous, stepping into the cold water has an immediate impact. They feel calmer, more in control, and even excited to face the challenges of parenting.”

The programme’s success lies in its holistic approach. Alongside the swims, parents benefit from mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and ongoing support from the Dr Bell’s team.

By combining physical activity with mental health strategies, the programme offers parents the support to help their wellbeing.

The Scottish Building Society Foundation’s funding has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, and will help the programme expand in the future, offering more parents the opportunity to experience wild swimming.

Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: “By supporting the wild swimming programme, we’re not only helping parents, we’re also creating ripple effects that benefit their families and communities.

“We’d encourage any parent who is struggling, or just needs a little bit of support to contact Dr Bell’s. While you may not want to take the plunge into Scotland’s wild waters, they will be on hand to offer help and advice where needed.

“As a mutual organisation, we are committed to strengthening communities across Scotland. The charities supported through this round of funding reflect the incredible work happening on the ground to tackle issues such as isolation, mental health, and youth development.

“All of the charities The Foundation supports are fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.

“We look forward to supporting them further in 2025, empowering them to continue making a positive difference, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to apply for funding, visit: www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation

Back in the Saddle: New Course Helps Seniors Rediscover Cycling Joy

Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3^rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.

The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.

“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”

The course features:

Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
A traffic-free learning environment
Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
All necessary equipment provided
Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants

Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.

Important Notes:

This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
No current cycling experience required
All abilities welcome

The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.

For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Beating the blues this Blue Monday

TODAY, the third Monday in January, has been designated the most depressing day of the year.

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, people can find themselves suffering from low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety which experts blame on a combination of factors like poor weather, the festivities behind us and concerns over money.

But according to wellbeing expert and author Lynn Crilly, a few simple steps can banish the Blue Monday lows, boost your mood and help focus your mind in a more positive direction.

She said: “Whilst it can be normal to feel low after the excitement of the run up to Christmas and enjoying time away from work, January can leave us feeling like everything is rather grey,” she says.

“Mondays in particular are most people’s least favourite day of the week, and with a long month stretching ahead it does feel like there are far too many in January.

“January blues are not the same as clinical depression or a mental health disorder and they don’t interfere with everyday life,” she says.

“But you might feel low and like you want to hide away and hibernate. You could lack the motivation for usual tasks, or feel disappointed in yourself if New Year’s resolutions haven’t gone to plan.

“It’s normal to feel sluggish after the holidays, particularly if you’ve overindulged, but a particularly low mood in January can become overwhelming if you don’t address it.

“From years of experience as well as clinical research, I know there are simple steps you can take to turn a low mood into a more positive outlook.

“If you are struggling with low mood, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is not your fault you are feeling this way and you are not the only one. If you don’t make it to the gym or that social event and you spend the odd day in front of the television, embrace it and enjoy that time to yourself.”

Here, Lynn shares her five steps to help beat the January blues this winter

1. See the winter light

The days are shorter, and the miserable cold weather may have deterred you from leaving your house, but the natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Remind yourself that now the Winter Solstice is over, the days are getting longer. Getting outside for walks, letting natural light into your house or sitting outside when having your lunch break will all help to top up your vitamin D which the body craves.

2. Embrace winter

By the third week in January the novelty of snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a film has worn off and you’re wondering how long it will be before you can leave the house without a coat. But be persistent and shake up the ‘warm and cosy’ routine.

Try making your home or at least your bedroom feel cosy and warm, with candles and extra blankets or even leaving up a set of fairy lights after Christmas . You can experiment with seasonal cooking or baking or try your hand at new creative hobbies such as knitting, painting or even jigsaw puzzles can be very therapeutic for some. These things help to focus the mind as well, which is a good tool in combating negative thought patterns.

3. Make self-care a priority

It can be very easy to let the simple everyday things go out of the window but incorporating daily wins into your routine are all things we can let slip when we are feeling low. Make your bed everyday, eat healthy meals and making time for some exercise all show that you care about yourself and your home. You could also set an intention for the day which doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, but can provide a sense of accomplishment and make a difference to your mood.

4. Trick your mind and body

Research shows that watching a feel-good film or listening to upbeat music can help your brain to release happy hormones called endorphins. These are also released when you exercise and help to reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. Make yourself a playlist of your favourite tunes and if you find mornings the hardest, have it to hand for when you get up. Plan some nights with television and some good films with yourself or better still share with friends and family.

5. Plan your social life

It can be all too easy to hibernate at this time of year but try to resist it and get in touch with friends and family to socialise. It doesn’t need to cost anything: going for a walk, an exercise class or starting a new hobby together are all things which can help combat the blues.

It is so important for your mental health not to isolate yourself but to find a balance between enjoying your own company and time and that with others.

Challenge of boosting treatment by a fifth to cut NHS backlog could be ‘huge incentive to innovators’

New analysis indicating that healthcare treatment needs to be boosted by a fifth to eliminate COVID backlogs could represent ‘a huge incentive to ambitious innovators’, insists an NHS Scotland partner.

Researchers believe that the Scottish health service must aim to treat at least 20 per cent more non-emergency hospital cases over the next three years in order to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Experts from the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Oxford suggest in their Scotland-wide study – published in The Lancet – that successfully targeting an additional 32,300 cases per year by the end of 2026 could clear the COVID-19-related backlogs.

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health insists that helping to accelerate workforce-led innovation represents a key facet in meeting that challenge, aligning with the study’s suggestion of adopting “broader system-level strategies” in tandem with additional capacity.

Regulatory Project Manager Paula Sweeten insists that it’s “a sizeable ambition, but an achievable one too if supported by incisive decision-making and the right encouragement of impactful innovation”.

She said: “We believe that inspiring and supporting the 180,000-strong NHS Scotland workforce to innovate in a major way can help to make the required difference to waiting lists which were significantly exacerbated by the pandemic.

“Indeed, this new research states that referrals waiting to receive non-urgent treatment rose by a huge 73 per cent over the four years from 2019 as services were placed under tremendous strain.

“Overcoming that legacy of having to focus health service resource on COVID-19 for successive years remains a massive challenge of course – and we need to be realistic about what can be achieved with current investment in Scotland – but innovation opportunities are undoubtedly part of the solution.

“Those working within NHS Scotland are well-placed to identify those opportunities, leveraging not only the daily insights of individuals who are closest to challenges, but the vast collective experience and knowledge across every health board to establish more efficient, forward-looking practices.”

Researchers found that the medical specialties where most patients waited more than 12 weeks for both inpatient and outpatient appointments were Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), General Surgery, Gynaecology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Urology.

InnoScot Health has seen a growing number of innovations submitted by health and social care staff in the fields of gynaecology and surgery, and insists that the workforce is an important driver of not just adopting new innovations, but coming up with those initial ideas themselves.

Study lead, Dr Syed Ahmar Shah of the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, noted that NHS Scotland requires “a holistic approach, including system-wide strategies like better demand management, prioritising cases by clinical urgency, and improving overall efficiency”.

A multifaceted approach is needed, the researchers concluded, combining capacity increases with other measures including improvement of waiting list management, promotion of preventive healthcare, and workforce strategies aimed at recruitment and retention.

Digital health solutions such as telemedicine may help to manage less urgent cases, while innovative scheduling practices could optimise resource use, they noted.

Dr Shah added that there is a need “to set realistic recovery plans and ensure adequate funding for their implementation”.

Paula continued: “InnoScot Health believes improved collaboration across the Scottish system, with empowered innovators at its heart, is vital in the push for more efficient approaches and smarter use of resource.

“We consider that to be a huge incentive to many of NHS Scotland’s most entrepreneurial-minded, ambitious innovators who have ideas to share and are keen to spearhead sweeping change.

“This country was founded on groundbreaking ideas, and our organisation is committed to ensuring dynamic healthcare innovation is very much to the fore at this vital time of transformation.

“By uniting our accelerative expertise with the workforce ideas and delivering real value from healthcare innovation, we can collectively aim to improve patient outcomes while finding tailored solutions to optimise clinical time as part of a more sustainable NHS Scotland.”

‘Blue Monday’: Acas encourages bosses to prioritise staff mental health throughout the year

Workplace expert, Acas, is urging bosses to check in on their staff as its helpline statistics revealed a rise in mental health related calls in Autumn / Winter compared to Spring / Summer.

The Acas helpline saw an almost 20% rise in calls on mental health in the Autumn and Winter months combined compared to the Spring and Summer months in 2024.

Blue Monday has been marked by some to be the most depressing day of the year but Acas advice is for employers to prioritise mental health throughout the year.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year.

“Employers that create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health are better equipped to support them at work.

“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place. Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”

Acas advice for employers on managing staff mental health include:

Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health;
Consider whether someone may need workplace adjustments, for example working more flexibly;
Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor; and
Clearly communicate the internal and external support available to staff. This can include offering practical help such as signposting to financial advice or bringing advice providers into work.

Acas advice for workers to support their own mental health and wellbeing include:

Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling;
Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available;
Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not;
Make time for activities you enjoy

For the full Acas advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/mentalhealth

Acas has a range of training courses to help employers manage mental health at work.

Psychotherapist sends Blue Monday warning

AN EDINBURGH based mental health expert has warned that the concept of Blue Monday trivialises mental wellbeing – and may do more harm than good.

As a consultant psychotherapist and co-founder of The Anchor Practice, Paul Bell and the 13-strong team of clinicians form the largest private practice of its kind in Scotland, working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.

Paul said: “I find myself increasingly concerned about how this well-meaning but misguided concept of ‘Blue Monday’ impacts our understanding of mental health.

“While the day ostensibly aims to raise awareness about mental wellness, it actually risks trivialising the complex reality of depression and mental illness.”

“The notion that depression can be predicted by a specific date on the calendar not only promotes harmful pseudoscience but potentially undermines the gravity of mental health struggles known to be increasing in Scotland – particularly among our youth.”

The Anchor Practice team witness on a daily basis the profound challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues.

He added: “Scotland currently faces unprecedented challenges in child and adolescent mental health, with waiting lists for specialist services at record levels. Against this backdrop, the commercialisation of mental health through concepts like Blue Monday is particularly tone-deaf.

“When major brands use this pseudo-event for marketing campaigns – whether selling holidays, gym memberships, or wellness products – they can inadvertently contribute to a superficial understanding of mental health.

“The fundamental issue with Blue Monday lies in its oversimplification of depression.”

The original concept for Blue Monday, originally created for a travel company’s PR campaign, claimed to use a mathematical formula considering factors like weather, debt levels, and time since Christmas.

Paul said: “This pseudo-scientific approach misrepresents both seasonal and clinical depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition that deserves proper understanding and treatment.

“The reality is that mental health support requires sustained, long-term commitment – both at a societal and individual level.

“This means securing long term funding for Scotland’s mental health services; improving access to professional support for children and adults and promoting genuine mental health education in schools and workplaces.”

The Anchor Practice is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering a range of evidence-based treatments, but also specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – a well-researched treatment for a variety of common mental disorders in children and adults.

Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy is firmly rooted in high quality research and informed by contemporary understandings of neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Delivered by highly trained and regulated clinicians, psychodynamic therapy can provide sustained results, promoting deep, lasting change beyond symptom management.