Providing more healthcare services at home for people across Scotland is central to the Scottish Government’s ambition to fundamentally reform the NHS in the year ahead, the Deputy First Minister has said.
Jenny Gilruth visited the Hospital at Home hub for Central and West Fife in Kirkcaldy today to meet staff and hear about the recent redesign of the service.
It followed publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026-2031 this week which set out major changes for the NHS, ensuring services fit more effectively around people’s lives.
The Deputy First Minister said: “People having access to the care they need in their own home is fundamental to NHS reform and improving services.
“The expansion of Hospital at Home in NHS Fife and across the country will be a key part of this, improving access to safe and effective care at home. Building on progress made already, we will increase capacity so that more than 10,000 people can benefit from Hospital at Home services this winter.
“Removing geographical barriers to care and simplifying the structure of our NHS will give us a platform to allow people to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It will reduce unnecessary duplication and remove artificial boundaries to care.
“We will undertake this alongside continued investment in local community services like GP walk-in centres, digital transformation led by our MyCare app, and by working jointly with our workforce and trade unions.”
A pioneering new Scottish study aims to better understand, and improve treatment, for patients with an aggressive form of bowel cancer associated with some of the poorest survival rates.
Scotland has the highest mortality rates of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in the UK. It remains the second most common cause of cancer death in Scotland, claiming around 1,700 (17,700 in the UK) lives annually.*
The new research will focus on the BRAF mutation-caused form of colorectal cancer, which is estimated to affect around 10-15 per cent of bowel cancers.** It will examine how two existing treatments, encorafenib and cetuximab, could be used to tackle the disease earlier.
Dr Mark White, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre at the University of Glasgow, said:“The ability to analyse tumour samples before and after treatment provides invaluable insight into how cancers adapt and resist therapy.
“By understanding these changes, we hope to identify new strategies to improve outcomes for patients.”
While these treatments have already shown promise in treating advanced colorectal cancer, neither their impact earlier in the disease’s development nor how they potentially change the biology of the cancer, have been fully explored.
The research aspect of the study, led by Dr Mark White of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, will examine the cancer before and after the treatments in patients taking part in the FOxTROT4 clinical trial which will use advanced technologies to assess the cellular adaptions.
FOxTROT4 is part of the FOxTROT clinical trial platform led by the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Leeds and will be among the first worldwide to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this drug combination in patients with BRAF mutant colon cancer before they undergo surgery to remove tumours.
The research will employ breakthrough technology which maps changes in tumour cells with unprecedented precision.
By using this approach, researchers can examine tumours more effectively, offering a unique opportunity to observe how cancers respond in real time.
This new method will also allow scientists to track gene activity across cells and zoom in on individual cells to see what genes are switched on and where they are in the body.
A major focus of the project is uncovering why resistance to targeted therapies develops – a key focus for cancer research. Previous work using sophisticated laboratory models demonstrated that tumour cells can rapidly adapt to treatment by altering their biological state.
FOxTROT chief investigator, Professor Jenny Seligmann of the University of Leeds, said:“This is a valuable opportunity to maximise what we can learn from a clinical trial. By studying tumour samples before and after treatment, we can begin to understand how these cancers adapt, evolve and develop resistance to therapy.
“The commitment of patients participating in the trial, together with the expertise of research teams, will help generate knowledge that could shape future treatment approaches for this particularly challenging form of bowel cancer.”
Previously, tumours in preclinical model were observed to shift between different cell states, as quickly as within three days, even when key cancer-driving pathways were effectively suppressed.
This study will now validate those findings in human samples from patients enrolled in the FOxTROT4 trial, specifically examining whether similar adaptive changes occur in response to treatment prior to surgery.
Cancer Research UK director of research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said:“From understanding cancer’s triggers to developing world-first vaccines and testing anti-cancer drugs in studies like this one, we’re developing more personalised, precise and powerful prevention techniques to stop cancers before they start.”
Ultimately, the findings could help refine therapeutic strategies and lead to more effective, personalised treatments for patients facing this challenging form of colorectal cancer.
The FOxTROT 4 clinical trial funding has been provided by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Pierre Fabre and Merck Serono.
Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.
The announcement follows the opening of new breakfast clubs in East Lothian, at East Linton and in Letham Mains, during the Government’s first 100 days in office, delivering on a commitment to expand access.
Ahead of a visit to a breakfast club in East Lothian the First Minister said: “No child should start the school day hungry.
“I have seen first-hand the real impact and benefits that the breakfast clubs provide to pupils, parents and teachers. They give children a healthy start to the day, helping to ensure they are ready to engage and learn in class.
“For parents and carers, breakfast clubs allow for an early drop off at school while easing the pressure on family budgets at a time when rising bills and living costs continue to bite.
“The Scottish Government is continuing to do all it can to eradicate child poverty and put more money in people’s pockets. Alongside measures such as free school meals, these free breakfast clubs will help ensure more children are supported to succeed at school, regardless of their background.”
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “Local authorities deliver a wide range of services for children and families and are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of their communities.
“This agreement provides an opportunity for local authorities to expand and enhance breakfast provision in a way which meets local need. I look forward to continuing to work together to support our children, young people, and families across Scotland.”
Further measures to eradicate child poverty will be set out by the First Minister in his Programme for Government tomorrow (Tuesday).
Sir Chris Hoy’s stage four prostate cancer diagnosis has highlighted the importance of understanding the often-silent nature of the disease, after the six-time Olympic gold medallist revealed his cancer had spread to his bones.
Hoy has previously spoken about how he had no obvious symptoms of prostate cancer and initially sought medical advice after experiencing shoulder pain. A scan subsequently revealed a tumour, with further investigations finding that the primary cancer was in his prostate and had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, ribs and spine.
In response, Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, says Hoy’s experience is a powerful reminder that men should not wait until they feel unwell before taking their prostate health seriously.
Comment from Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic: “Chris Hoy’s diagnosis is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer does not always announce itself with obvious symptoms, and by the time symptoms develop, the disease can already be advanced.
“One of the most dangerous misconceptions about prostate cancer is that you will know when something is wrong. Chris Hoy’s experience demonstrates why this isn’t necessarily the case. He had no clear warning symptoms and initially sought medical advice because of shoulder pain, only for investigations to reveal that the cancer had originated in the prostate and had already spread to his bones.
“While every patient’s circumstances are unique, his story highlights why men shouldn’t use feeling fit, healthy or symptom-free as reassurance that everything is fine.
“Prostate cancer can develop silently, particularly in its earlier stages, which means men need to be aware of their individual risk rather than simply waiting for their body to tell them something is wrong.
“Symptoms men should speak to a healthcare professional about include:
Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night Difficulty starting or stopping urination A weak or interrupted urine flow Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty Blood in the urine or semen Pain or discomfort when urinating Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
“However, it is important to stress that prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The absence of symptoms should not necessarily be taken as reassurance, particularly for men who have other risk factors.
“Age remains one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer, with the likelihood of developing the disease increasing as men get older. Family history is also important. Having a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer can increase an individual’s risk.
“Ethnicity is another important factor, with Black men statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer and often at a younger age.
“These risk factors do not mean that someone will definitely develop prostate cancer, but they can help healthcare professionals assess an individual’s level of risk and determine whether further investigation or discussions about testing may be appropriate.
“For men who are over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer or belong to a higher-risk group, Chris Hoy’s story is an important reminder not to wait until something feels wrong before speaking to a healthcare professional.
“It is also important to remember that prostate cancer is not one single disease and that a diagnosis does not automatically mean the same outcome for every patient. Treatments and outcomes vary depending on factors including how advanced the cancer is, where it has spread and how it responds to treatment.
“Chris Hoy has also spoken openly about continuing to live his life and finding hope despite his stage four diagnosis. His experience is an important reminder that even when cancer is advanced, patients should have open conversations with their healthcare team about treatment, symptom management, support and their individual options.
“For anyone who has been prompted by Chris Hoy’s story to think about their own health, this is a good opportunity to speak to a healthcare professional rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
“The key message is simple: feeling healthy does not necessarily mean you are free from prostate cancer. Knowing your risk, understanding the potential symptoms and having conversations with a healthcare professional can all play an important role in detecting and managing the disease.”
Pharmacist warns arrival of oral GLP-1 treatments could give patients more choice, but may also create opportunity for counterfeit sellers
The arrival of daily GLP-1 weight-loss tablets could change how thousands of people access weight-management treatment, particularly those previously put off by injections.
But a UK pharmacist is warning that the growing market for weight-loss pills could also create a new opportunity for counterfeiters, with tablets potentially easier to disguise, package and sell online than injectable pens.
Foundayo, the brand name for orforglipron, has been approved in the UK for weight management and type 2 diabetes and is expected to become available privately.
Developed by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind Mounjaro, Foundayo has already been dubbed the “Mounjaro pill”. However, the two are different medicines. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is administered as a weekly injection, while Foundayo contains orforglipron and is taken as a daily tablet.
Sobia Qasim, Superintendent Pharmacist at UK online pharmacy Curely, says the development could be significant for patients who have previously avoided GLP-1 treatment because of injections. She said: “For some people, the biggest barrier to considering weight-loss medication isn’t necessarily the treatment itself. It’s the fact that it involves injecting themselves.
“Having an oral option could make GLP-1 treatment feel much more accessible to people who are uncomfortable with needles or simply prefer taking medication as a tablet.
“But increased demand also creates an opportunity for illegal sellers. We’ve already seen counterfeit weight-loss injections circulating, and tablets could present a different challenge because people are much more accustomed to receiving pills through the post.”
Why weight-loss tablets could become a target for counterfeiters
The MHRA has repeatedly warned consumers about fake and illegally supplied weight-loss medicines.
Almost £45 million worth of illegal medicines were seized in the UK during 2025, while counterfeit GLP-1 products discovered previously have contained incorrect ingredients, no active medicine and, in some cases, potentially dangerous substances.
In February 2026, the MHRA also confirmed that a falsified version of a Mounjaro injection had been supplied through an online pharmacy in the UK.
Sobia says the shift towards tablets could make it even more important for patients to check where their medication is coming from: “A tablet may instinctively feel less suspicious than an injection because we’re used to seeing medicines in bottles and blister packs.
“That familiarity can create a false sense of security. A professional-looking box, blister pack or website does not prove that a medicine is genuine.
“Counterfeiters can reproduce colours, logos, packaging and batch information extremely convincingly. The most important checks are around who prescribed the medicine and who supplied it.”
Seven signs a weight-loss pill could be fake
Sobia says consumers should be particularly cautious if:
It is being sold through social media messages
Prescription weight-loss medicines should not be bought through private messages, marketplace listings or informal social media accounts.
There is no medical consultation
A regulated provider should assess your health, current medicines and eligibility before prescribing treatment.
The seller guarantees a specific amount of weight loss
Individual results vary. Guaranteed outcomes should immediately raise questions about the provider.
You are pressured to buy quickly
Countdown timers, “limited stock” claims and urgent payment requests can discourage people from checking whether a seller is legitimate.
The price seems unusually cheap
A significantly lower price may indicate that a product is fake, unlicensed, incorrectly stored or illegally obtained.
The tablets arrive loose or in unfamiliar packaging
Prescription medicines should arrive appropriately sealed and labelled with dosage and patient information.
You cannot identify the registered pharmacy supplying it
Consumers should be able to establish which pharmacy is dispensing their medication and verify its registration with the appropriate UK regulator.
The pill won’t necessarily replace weight-loss injections
Despite excitement around oral GLP-1 treatments, Sobia says patients shouldn’t assume tablets will automatically be a better choice than injections.
“The biggest development isn’t that tablets are replacing injections. It’s that patients are gaining another option.
“Convenience means different things to different people. Someone who already takes daily medication may find a tablet incredibly straightforward. Someone else may prefer having to think about their treatment only once a week.
“Treatment suitability goes far beyond whether someone would prefer a pill or injection. Your health, existing medication, ability to follow the treatment and clinical circumstances all need to be considered by an appropriate prescriber.”
Could tablets make travelling easier?
The introduction of oral GLP-1 treatment could also appeal to people concerned about travelling with injectable medication and associated equipment.
Sobia said: “For some patients, travelling with tablets rather than injection equipment may feel simpler and more discreet, particularly when flying or moving between destinations.
“However, that doesn’t remove the usual precautions around travelling with prescription medication. It should remain in its original packaging and patients should always check the specific storage and travel guidance for the medicine they’ve been prescribed.”
What to check before ordering weight-loss medication online
Before purchasing any prescription weight-loss treatment online, Curely recommends checking that the provider requires a genuine clinical assessment, uses an appropriately qualified prescriber and dispenses medication through a registered UK pharmacy.
Patients should also be asked about existing health conditions and medication, receive clear dosage and safety information and have access to ongoing professional support.
Sobia said: “The checks around the medicine are just as important as the product itself.
“Who prescribed it? Was a proper consultation completed? Which registered pharmacy supplied it? Can you contact a healthcare professional if something goes wrong?
If those questions cannot be answered clearly, do not take the medication.”
What to do if you think a weight-loss medicine is fake
Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit or suspicious medication should avoid taking another dose until they have spoken to a pharmacist or doctor.
Consumers should keep the packaging, receipt and details of the website or seller. Suspected counterfeit medicines and adverse reactions can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Sobia added: “People may feel embarrassed if they’ve bought medication from an unofficial seller, but healthcare professionals need to know exactly what may have been taken so they can provide the right treatment.
“Do not throw the packaging away and don’t assume feeling unwell is simply a normal side effect. With an unregulated product, there is no reliable way to know what it contains or what dose has been supplied.
“As more weight-loss treatments become available, patients will have more choice, which is positive. But whichever format someone chooses, the safest route remains a properly regulated service offering clinical assessment, genuine medication and ongoing professional support.”
Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment
Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed.A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.
It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.
The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.
“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”
More than 30 services will be opened across Scotland
First Minister John Swinney has announced 24 more areas will benefit from new GP-led walk-in services across Scotland, bringing the number of centres planned or operational to 40.
Work is underway with health boards to establish new walk-in services for communities including Angus, Dumbarton, East Kilbride, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Inverness, North Ayrshire, Paisley, Shotts, Tweeddale and West Lothian. Many will be able to open within a year.
Proposals are also in development for walk-in services in communities in Ayr, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Glasgow North East, Glenrothes, Grangemouth, Inverclyde, Musselburgh, North Lanarkshire and Oban.
It comes as First Minister John Swinney marked the official opening of the 11th GP walk-in service in Buckhaven in Fife and announced an extension of the pilot programme until April 2029.
The GP walk-in pilot is testing new ways of accessing same-day care from GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners or other clinicians at a wider range of times. They have been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.
Speaking at the service at Randolph Wemyss Community Hospital, the First Minister said: “I promised that my government would break from the status quo and introduce a new way for patients to access same day care – and we are delivering on that commitment.
“We are listening and want to create more choice for patients, closer to home and without the need for a pre-booked appointment.
“In the first six months since we opened the first service in February, more than 10,500 walk-in cases have been seen. As these services are phased in to become fully operational, seven days a week, I am confident that many more people will benefit.
“The opening of our newest GP walk-in service, in Fife, is an important milestone in the roll-out of this pilot project, fulfilling my government’s commitment to open five new walk-in centres within our first 100 days of office. We have done this in Aberdeen, Dunoon, Invergordon, Cardonald and Buckhaven.
“This is part of my Government’s wider agenda to provide patients with greater choice and access to care closer to home – in turn relieving pressure on hospitals and acute services. It will complement our trusted network of GP practices across the country, which we are bolstering with historic additional investment to recruit more GPs with £531 million to 2029.”
Some of life’s best moments come with a soundtrack – whether it’s at a music event, a festival or a night out with friends. It’s how many people connect, celebrate, and make memories. To keep it that way it’s really important to protect your hearing health.
Our new research found that a startling 83% of young people aged 20-29 have experienced ringing, buzzing or muffled hearing after listening to loud music or attending an event, and 10% experience it regularly. This could be you, your children or your grandchildren.
While these effects can initially be temporary, repeated exposure to loud sounds can risk hearing damage becoming permanent, leaving people to manage hearing loss or invasive tinnitus for the rest of their lives.
Despite this, only 7% of young people said they wore earplugs at music events in the last 12 months, and just one in five said they wear them often.
The good news is that protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be complicated. Small actions such as wearing good quality earplugs, which also make a thoughtful gift for festival lovers, stepping away from the speakers, or taking listening breaks can make a big difference and improve their experience.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy music more safely while keeping sound quality clear.
RNID’s ‘Don’t Lose the Music’ campaign is helping music lovers understand the risks of loud music and take simple steps to look after their hearing.
Senior Pupil Warns of Barriers Young People with Visual Impairment Face in the Workplace
A Portobello High School pupil is speaking out about the challenges visually impaired young people face in securing work experience and employment opportunities, after overcoming barriers of her own through a summer internship with Sight Scotland.
Millie Williams, who is in sixth year and has the rare genetic eye condition Leber’s congenital amaurosis, says many young people with sight loss struggle to gain employment and valuable workplace experience because employers are often unsure how to support them.
Millie, who has been visually impaired since birth but was not diagnosed until the age of five because of the rarity of her condition, faced repeated challenges in securing work experience, with many employers uncertain about what adjustments might be needed for a young person with a visual impairment.
Determined not to let those barriers stand in her way, she secured a placement through the Career Ready programme with Sight Scotland. Millie joined Sight Scotland’s People and Culture team earlier this summer, where she used her lived experience to help improve accessibility, engagement and recruitment processes across the organisation.
The four-week internship has boosted her confidence, developed valuable workplace skills and given her first-hand experience of professional life, leaving her feeling ready to enter the world of work when she completes her studies.
She said: “I’d never had any work experience before, and finding opportunities can be really challenging when you have a visual impairment.
“Some employers simply haven’t worked with someone who has sight loss before, so they can be unsure about what support might be needed and are sometimes reluctant to offer placements. That can be really discouraging when you’re trying to gain experience and build your confidence.
“When I was matched with Sight Scotland, I was delighted. It felt like the perfect place to start because everyone understood the challenges that I face on a daily basis, but more importantly they also focused on what I can do rather than what I can’t. I’ve had the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience in a real working environment.
“During my placement, I had the opportunity to visit a range of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans services, including the Royal Blind School, the Scottish Braille Press and the Veterans Activity Centres.
“I was also involved in the People and Culture team’s ARO project, which stands for Attraction, Recruitment and Onboarding. As part of this, I reviewed websites and digital platforms used by the organisation to see how welcoming and engaging they were, particularly for younger people like me.
“I also looked at how accessible they were for people with visual impairments, helping to identify ways to make them more inclusive for everyone.
“Working with Sight Scotland has been an amazing experience. Being part of an organisation where people genuinely understand visual impairment has made a huge difference. The team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one. They’ve given me opportunities to learn, develop new skills and gain experience that will help me in the future.”
Millie added: “Before I started, I could be quite nervous about introducing myself or asking for help when I needed it.
“Now, I feel much more comfortable communicating with others and taking part in conversations. It’s also given me a real insight into what working life is like and what it means to be part of a team. The placement has really boosted my confidence and shown me that my visual impairment doesn’t have to hold me back.”
Carol Ann Boyer, Director of People and Culture at Sight Scotland, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome Millie to the team and watch her grow in confidence throughout her placement.
“Work experience plays a vital role in helping young people develop skills, explore career options and prepare for the future, and we are proud to provide those opportunities in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Young people with vision impairments should have the same opportunities to gain workplace experience and pursue their career ambitions as anyone else. We hope Millie’s story encourages more organisations to open their doors to disabled young people and recognise the talent, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives they can bring to the workplace.”
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans’ 2027 internship programme is now open for applications. To register an interest or find out more, visit sightscotland.org.uk or email Lesley Sweeney at lesley.sweeney@sightscotland.org.uk.
New figures published by Public Health Scotland reveal that after adjusting for age, people who live in the most deprived areas of Scotland are 22% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than people who live in the least deprived areas.
Peter Hastie, External Affairs Manager Scotland at Macmillan Cancer Support said:“It’s shameful that in 2026, we’re still seeing that people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those living in the least deprived areas.
“Worse still, we know someone’s experience of cancer can be made much worse simply because of who they are or where they live.
“As we’ve seen with today’s data, we need to grasp the nettle by ensuring all routinely published cancer data includes a breakdown for deprivation as standard. It’s only by understanding where people are getting left behind that we can tackle this inequity once and for all.”
Key facts
The latest official statistics for Scotland show that after adjusting for age, people who live in the most deprived areas of Scotland are 22% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than people who live in the least deprived areas[i]
The deprivation gap remains even greater for certain types of cancer, with people who live in the most deprived areas of Scotland more than three times as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer and around twice as likely to be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, compared to people in the least deprived areas[ii]
Women and people assigned female at birth who live in the most deprived areas of Scotland are also 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than those in the least deprived areas[iii]
Macmillan’s analysis of other recent official data for 2024 shows people who live in the most deprived areas of Scotland have a 78% higher risk of dying of cancer than people who live in the least deprived areas[iv]
There are around 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, the highest figure ever reported for the UK and including around 290,000 people in Scotland[v]
If you or someone you love is affected by cancer, we’re here, whatever you need to ask. Call Macmillan’s free support line on 0808 808 00 00, open every day 8am to 8pm or visit our website at www.macmillan.org.uk.
