Health and wellbeing – Page 8 – The NEN

New collaboration to tackle health inequalities launched

The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland launches plans this week to bring about significant change to reduce health inequalities in three of Scotland’s local authority areas.

This collaboration brings together Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE) with councils and health boards in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Over the next two years, this partnership will help local areas and Community Planning Partners to strengthen their local plans to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing in their communities. It will support local partners to understand the actions which will have the greatest impact on health inequalities locally and help to overcome the barriers to implementing these.

The ultimate goal is to enable people to live longer, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of health inequalities and preventing illness before it starts. By creating conditions where communities can thrive, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change.

A key element of the collaboration is its role in bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation. The insights and learning from the collaboration will be shared across Scotland through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that communities nationwide can benefit from the knowledge gained.

To mark the beginning of the partnerships, each of the three local areas host launch events this week. These events will serve as a platform to engage with the community, share the vision of the collaboration, and kickstart this ambitious project to build a healthier, more equitable Scotland.

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: “Our mission in Public Health Scotland is to see life expectancy increase and health inequalities reduced. The circumstances in which we are born, live and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives. People born in the most deprived areas are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours.

“It’s possible to change this by taking action across the range of factors that impact on health and wellbeing. That is what this new partnership is all about. We’re determined to see an improvement in Scotland’s long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners from across the system including the NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses.

“The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland will bring together national expertise, informed by the success of ‘Marmot Places’ across England and Wales, with local knowledge to agree priority actions and support meaningful change.

“We’re looking forward to working and learning together with a determined focus to see improvement in health, wellbeing and life expectancy across Scotland.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE said: “Research in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas in Scotland. Progress in improving health stalled after 2010, in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities increased.

“We have been working with places in England and Wales to implement change at local level to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We are inspired by the commitment of communities and local leaders to improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

“We are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives thereby tackling health inequalities within their area.

“This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.”

Find out more about the Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland

Find out more about the UCL Institute for Health Equity

New Ramadan Guidance for Kidney Patients

Doctors urged to provide clear fasting guidance to protect kidney health ahead of Ramadan

Leading charity Kidney Research UK has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) to use their combined expertise to launch new guidance ahead of Ramadan to help patients make informed decisions to protect their health and fast safely.

Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a month of fasting, spiritually reconnecting, and doing charitable acts. For some Muslims living with kidney disease fasting may pose risks to their health, but knowing if one should fast on account of their health can be difficult.

The new guidelines, produced with the aid of academics, medical and religious professionals, aim to equip doctors with the information they need to support kidney patients mark the holy month safely.

Dr Sahira Dar, a GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association said: “Islamic teachings provide exemptions in Ramadan for those whose health might be harmed by fasting, including certain kidney patients.

“This can be complex as kidney health varies considerably. Some higher risk people may be able to safely fast with the right advice. Some patients may also find they can improve their health by adopting healthier practices as part of Ramadan.

“We hope this guidance will enable doctors and patients to have these conversations and stay safe.”

The guidance explains the impact of fasting on kidney function and outlines tailored recommendations for different patients, including practical advice for patients on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.

It encourages patients to talk to their healthcare team well before Ramadan starts and outlines key advice, including:

· Discussing fasting plans with your doctor to understand any risks.

· If appropriate, trying a short practice fast, to see how your body responds.

· Drinking plenty of water between sunset and sunrise, mindful of medical advice on personal fluid requirements .

· Being aware that kidney disease and medications like diuretics or immunosuppressants may make fasting unsafe.

· How, when breaking fast, to mainatain a balanced diet mindful of portion control, calories and potassium content

· Alternatives to fasting, if fasting isn’t safe and cause ill health.

Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said “We want kidney patients to be empowered and able to approach Ramadan with confidence.

This is why we have consulted with religious and medical experts, and we urge health professionals to make use of this guidance to support conversations with patients so that people can protect their health while still feeling connected to their faith.”

For Blackburn mum Amina Lorgat, clear guidance has been crucial. Her 17-year-old son Rayhan received a kidney transplant last year after his kidneys failed due to IgA nephropathy, and he remains in the high-risk category for fasting.

“We didn’t know how we were going to navigate dialysis and Ramadan last year. It was very raw, new, and stressful for us, but we successfully made the most of the blessed month alongside home dialysis” she explained.

“Post-transplant, there is still a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to fasting. It’s important that there is clear guidance from health professionals about how to safely observe Ramadan at different stages of kidney health.”

Fasting remains too dangerous for Rayhan whilst the anti-rejection medication he takes to protect his new kidney is still being adjusted and his kidney function still needs to stabilise. He also needs to drink at least three litres of water a day.

For Rayhan, this Ramadan will still be meaningful. His family plans to spend time together reflecting on their faith, reading the Qur’an, and helping others in their community.

Amina said. “A lack of awareness from others about your inability to fast for reasons beyond your control can be challenging. That’s why medical advice needs to be clear for Muslims.

“I remember being unable to participate because of chronic asthma and, even as an adult, feeling a sense of wanting to fit in with others who were fasting. Thankfully it is still possible to join the spiritual aspects of Ramadan which are just as important.”

The guidance, aimed at both patients and doctors, can be downloaded at:

Ramadan-fasting-leaflet-FINAL-web-accessible Download

https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-health-information/living-with-kidney-disease/how-can-i-help-myself/healthy-eating-for-kidney-patients/fasting

Football fundraiser set to score big for disability charity

Legends of the game unite to raise £20k for inclusive play and social spaces

A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.

The Big Match will take place on March 7^th at Spartans Football Club in Edinburgh, with two rival teams – Residential United and Commercial City – going head-to-head to support Capability Scotland’s YouthZone project.

The event, organised by Steve Currie of estate agents Murray & Currie, will see former football stars Gordon Smith and Billy Davies manage the teams, with big-name player Darren Dods and former Hearts striker Gary Wales also taking part.

Funds raised from the match will go towards creating an outdoor play area for YouthZone, a lifeline service for disabled children and young people in Riccarton, Edinburgh. The group offers a safe space for socialisation, skills development, and play at weekends.

Steve Currie, Director at Murray & Currie, said: “The Big Match is all about bringing people together for a fantastic cause. The property sector is a competitive industry, so putting that energy into a friendly football rivalry makes for a great event.

“Knowing that every goal and every donation made helps build a safer, more inclusive space for children and young people at YouthZone is a huge motivator. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone supporting this initiative.”

The £20,000 target has the potential to benefit 65 children and 30 adults, helping them feel more included in their community while providing a safe and enjoyable space to gather.

Costs for the project have doubled due to unexpected issues, and so this funding will allow YouthZone to build a safer and more accessible outdoor space, complete with accessible play equipment and protective fencing.

Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “This event will make an incredible difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.

“YouthZone is a place where they can relax, socialise, and have fun in a supportive environment, and the funds raised from The Big Match will help us enhance and protect this vital space.

“We’re hugely grateful to The Big Match for choosing us as their charity partner and to all the sponsors, players, and supporters making this event possible.”

Now in its third year, the match is backed by headline sponsors Shepherds and Graham & Sibbald, with Hummel donating kits and The Spartans Community Foundation providing the stadium, changing rooms, and referee, thanks to the generosity of Chris Kirby at Hummel and Dan Gerrard at Spartans.

Edinburgh’s property industry has rallied behind the event, with teams made up of players from Murray & Currie Property, Simpson Marwick, Ralph Sayer, Murray Developments, S1 Developments, VALTTI Paints, Hampden Bank, Handelsbanken, Thistle Property, AH&Co Accountants, Redpath Bruce, Square & Crescent, Melville Independent, Turcan Connell, Square Foot Media, and AMA Developments.

With excitement building, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd of supporters keen to cheer on their teams while making a meaningful difference.

Capability Scotland is a leading charity providing care, support and education to children and young people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, while supporting parents and caregivers through respite.

The charity has multiple outreaches all over Scotland to ensure young disabled people get the opportunities to grow and thrive.

To support The Big Match, and for more details, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/steven-currie-2?newPage=true

For more information on Capability Scotland, visit: https://www.capability.scot/

Look after your emotional health

How is your emotional health?

It’s important to understand and manage our emotions, so we can feel good within ourselves and our relationships.

Managing our emotions is a skill – and it’s never too late to learn new techniques.

Read our 9 top tips: https://tinyurl.com/yn7rvykn

#EmotionalHealthDay

#EmotionalHealth

#MentalHealth

Children in Scottish hospitals deprived of mental health support

Charity Starlight highlights the need for play to reduce healthcare-induced trauma

Only one in four (25%) health boards in Scotland report having budgets for essential mental health play services for seriously ill children, according to a freedom of information request carried out by Starlight, the national charity for children’s play in healthcare.

Areas with the most children living in areas of highest deprivation tended to have less or no resourcing. As noted in Starlight’s recent report², these children are most at risk of trauma.

Cathy Gilman, chief executive of Starlight said: “Play services, which include evidence-based activities, games and toys, are one of the most effective ways to reduce trauma in children undergoing healthcare treatment.

“It can explain complex procedures in child-friendly ways, distract children from pain and help professionals do their jobs by reducing children’s stress.

“The lack of budget for this vital support in Scotland is as shocking as it is sad, with so many children facing incredibly harrowing circumstances without support.”

Starlight’s research also revealed that even those trusts with budget for play services did not extend support to evenings and weekends – quiet periods that can be hardest of all for children to face.

Claire’s daughter Lucy, 12, has had a rare condition affecting her oesophagus and trachea since birth. Claire said: “We live two hours away from Aberdeen and Lucy’s dad is in the RAF, so it’s hard for him and Lucy’s two siblings to visit when we are staying there, and other family are five hours away.

“This means it’s usually just me there, so having the play workers in hospital organising fun things to do, for example face painting and having visits from exotic animals, means that Lucy can have some fun, and I can do things such as have a shower, and not have to worry about her being alone in hospital, as I know she is with the play workers and having fun.”

Heather Beattie, play service manager at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, said: “I genuinely believe that a paediatric hospital couldn’t function properly without a solid, well-trained play team.

“Play is such a vital component of creating a positive experience for both the child and their family and is an inseparable part of their treatment journey.

“You can’t separate children from play, it’s inherent to who they are. But it’s crucial that this play is appropriate and provided by trained professionals who understand the unique needs of these young patients.”

In October 2024, Heather’s team won Play Team of the Year award at Starlight’s annual Play in Healthcare Awards.

Equality regulator informs Scottish Government and NHS Fife regarding staff access to single sex facilities

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and NHS Fife, regarding access to single-sex changing facilities for NHS staff.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “As Britain’s equality regulator, we promote and enforce compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

“Health bodies in Scotland, England and Wales must have an accurate understanding of the operation of the Equality Act as it relates to the provision of single-sex services and spaces.

“Today we reminded NHS Fife of their obligation to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, religion or belief and gender reassignment.

“Under the Public Sector Equality Duty, all Scottish health boards must assess how their policies and practices affect people with protected characteristics. We have requested that NHS Fife provide us with a copy of any equality impact assessment relating to the provision of changing facilities for staff; any information relevant to how such policies have been kept under review; and any details on steps taken to ensure that the rights of different groups are balanced in the application of these policies.

“We also highlighted that the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that changing facilities will not be suitable “unless they include separate facilities for, or separate use of facilities by, men and women where necessary for reasons of propriety”.

The Health and Safety Executive have an Approved Code of Practice and guidance that NHS Boards can refer to.

“This week media reported on NHS Scotland’s forthcoming Guide to Transitioning, which the Scottish Government confirmed has been shared with health boards in preparation for its implementation. It is important that this guide, and all guidance, policies and practices which rely on it, faithfully reflect and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

“We have asked to meet with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the Scottish Government’s role in ensuring that NHS Scotland and other bodies meet their legal obligations under the Equality Act.”

‘Introduction of NHS Scotland app must inspire charge to further digital innovation across the country’

NHS Scotland’s new ‘Digital Front Door’ app must inspire the charge to further interconnected innovation, a formal health service partner insists.

NHS Lanarkshire has been chosen to pilot the platform which is aimed primarily at giving patients more access to, and control over, their own care, as well as the ability to interact with a range of different services, while cutting waiting times across Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney recently pledged to fully launch the National Digital Front Door – which will include access to health and social care data – later this year.

Outlining government plans for NHS renewal, he called the app “a much-needed addition to improve patients’ interaction with the NHS”.

He added: “Over time, it will become an ever more central, ever more important access and managing point for care in Scotland.”

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes that a digital first approach to care is exactly what is required for a modern, interactive health service which empowers patients while reducing the need for travel and in-person appointments – with vast potential to go further.

Executive Chair Graham Watson said: “The Digital Front Door app is set to be a very welcome addition and is a natural step towards patient-centred empowerment that reduces health service pressures.

“It can also be a springboard to so much more, acting as a central tenet of NHS Scotland’s digital innovation ambitions, helping to inspire fresh, interlinked workforce-led ideas which aim for greater efficiency, better use of resource, and improved patient outcomes.

“I believe the potential is huge with the Digital Front Door complementing the integration of a wide spectrum of new technologies across NHS Scotland– from artificial intelligence to telemedicine advances, virtual reality and robotics.”

The app announcement formed part of the First Minister’s speech on the overall renewal of the NHS, including assurances that increased use of digital solutions and technology would improve capacity, and delivery for health and social care services.

Mr Watson insists that the Digital Front Door can be immediately transformative for Scotland’s patients. “The app holds the promise of much-needed support in areas such as digital dermatology, mental health, and the management of long-term conditions, to name just a few examples of how it can work flexibly around daily demands,” he said.

“I am in no doubt that the ability for people to access their health information online and manage their data, alongside options for interacting with services, and receiving notifications will be life-changing for the people of Scotland.

“The NHS Lanarkshire pilot is a very positive development prior to wider rollout for an ambitious, digital first health service.”

Professor Jann Gardner, former NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive, welcomed the opportunity to trial the app. She said: “This launch is an exciting step forward, broadening patient access to care and giving people greater control over their healthcare journey.”

The NHS Scotland Event to be held on 9 June in Glasgow will explore work being taken forward on ‘Delivering a stronger digital first approach to all our health and social care services – improving access to services through innovation and technology’.

enabling-connecting-empowering-care-digital-age Download

Cancer death rates 80% higher in the most deprived areas of Scotland

ACTION ON SMOKING URGENTLY NEEDED

Cancer death rates are around 80% higher for people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived, a new report from Cancer Research UK reveals.

The report, titled Cancer in the UK 2025: Socioeconomic Deprivation, found that there are around 4,300 extra cancer deaths in Scotland each year linked to socioeconomic inequality. This equates to 12 additional deaths each day – around a quarter of all deaths from cancer.

Almost half of these additional deaths are caused by lung cancer, where the death rate for the most deprived areas is almost three and a half times that of the least deprived areas of Scotland. 

More than a tenth of all cancer diagnoses in Scotland are linked to deprivation. Many of these cases are caused by preventable risk factors such as smoking.  

Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in Scotland, and rates in the most deprived parts of the country are more than four times those in the least deprived.

cancer_in_the_uk_2025_socioeconomic_deprivation Download

In publishing the report, Cancer Research UK is calling for urgent action to tackle these stark inequalities.

One vital opportunity to do so is the upcoming vote in Scotland for new legislation which will see an increase in the age of sale of tobacco.

If MSPs vote for the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it would become illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after 1st January 2009.

This vote will pave the way for the Bill to become law in Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK.

Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Where you live shouldn’t increase your risk of dying from this devastating disease. These figures are shocking and unacceptable and crucially many of these cancer deaths are avoidable.

“With almost half of the additional deaths being caused by lung cancer, it’s clear that action on smoking is needed urgently.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed late when treatment options are more limited.

“One of the ways we can prevent lung cancer is to deter people from ever taking up smoking in the first place.

“If MSPs vote in support of the age of sale legislation in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it could be one of the most impactful public health interventions in living memory, helping people to live longer, better lives, no matter where they live in Scotland.”

Introducing a lung cancer screening programme in Scotland would also help address these inequalities.

The UK National Screening Committee has recommended that all UK nations move towards implementing a national lung cancer screening programme to target those considered to be of high risk of developing lung cancer – people aged between 55 and 74 who either smoke or used to smoke. 

A targeted lung screening programme is being introduced in England, but no such commitment has been made by the Scottish Government.

If lung screening were to be introduced, around 400 extra cases each year in Scotland could be diagnosed at an early stage (stages 1 and 2) rather than a late stage (stages 3 and 4).

Dr Hume added: “Lung screening matters because it means more people can be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

“Research has consistently shown that lung screening is effective at reducing deaths from cancer so it’s essential a Scotland-wide programme is introduced here as soon as possible.”

Neil Gray: “Our plan is delivering”

Pledge on waiting times exceeded

The pledge to carry out 64,000 surgeries and procedures with additional funding by the end of March 2025 has been exceeded, new figures released to the Scottish Parliament have revealed.

More than 75,500 NHS surgeries and procedures were delivered between April 2024 the end of January 2025, around 11,500 more than pledged.

Funded through £30 million investment, the targeted activity has resulted in significant reductions in inpatient/daycase waiting lists across a number of health board areas and specialities. Between April 2024 and September 2024 there has been:

a 44% decrease in Imaging waits at NHS Fife
a 22% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Forth Valley.
a 19% decrease in Ear, Nose and Throat waits at NHS Highland
an almost 15% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lanarkshire
an almost 10% decrease in General Surgery waits at NHS Lothian.

The targeted funding has also helped reduce the total national waiting list size between April 2024 and September 2024 for imaging by 7.5% and for scopes by 7.3%.

In April 2024 the Scottish Government funded NHS boards to deliver 64,000 procedures (40,000 diagnostic procedures, 12,000 surgeries and 12,000 new outpatient appointments) by March 2025. By January 2025, 56,500 diagnostic procedures, almost 9,200 surgeries, and over 9,800 outpatient appointments took place.

The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the impact of the funding until the end of March 2025 with boards reporting they expect to see further progress.

Latest published data also shows a rise in planned care activity between April 2024 and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 – with an 8.3% increase in inpatient/daycase procedures and a 2.5% increase for new outpatient appointments.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am pleased to see health boards are now reporting the tangible impacts of our investment to clear the longest waits. Our plan is delivering and we are seeing progress across a number of speciality areas. I thank staff for their outstanding effort in carrying out this additional activity which is having a positive impact on people’s lives.

“This is a good start, however, we know many people are still waiting too long. We are determined do more and our 2025-26 Budget, with cross-party support now agreed, will provide a record £21.7 billion for health – including £200 million to help clear waiting list backlogs, improve capacity and reduce delayed discharge.

“This record funding will help us ensure no one waits more than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment or inpatient/daycase treatment by March 2026. We will also deliver over 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in the coming year which will ensure people receive the care they need as quickly as possible.”

£150,000 grant awarded to Eric Liddell Community to support Dementia Care & Community Service

The Eric Liddell Community has received crucial funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to help sustain its vital work in combating loneliness and isolation in Edinburgh.

The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, is delighted to announce that it has received a generous £150,000 grant from The Garfield Weston Foundation. This three-year funding award will support the charity’s core operating costs, helping to continue its crucial work in dementia care and community support services.

For over four decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been at the heart of Edinburgh, providing a range of essential services, including its flagship Dementia Day Care service, a wellbeing programme for unpaid carers, and a Community Hub programme.

The Garfield Weston Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of The Eric Liddell Community since 2008, including providing multi-year grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, foundation representatives visited the Community Hub, where they engaged with members of staff from the Dementia Day Care Service and spoke with members of the local community.

Their visit reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s mission, leading to this significant funding award.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, expressed his gratitude for the support: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Weston family and entire Garfield Weston Foundation team.

“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted us all – we are more grateful than ever to partners like Garfield Weston for giving us the support and flexibility we need to thrive despite these challenges.

“Unlike project-specific funding, this grant gives us the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging needs. It is a powerful endorsement of our work.”

Securing funding for core operational costs is one of the greatest challenges which charities face. The Garfield Weston Foundation is among a select group of charitable partners that recognise the importance of unrestricted funding, allowing organisations to allocate resources where they are most critically needed.

Through this generous grant, The Eric Liddell Community will continue to expand its essential services, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need.

For further information about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit:

ericliddell.org.