Any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3 June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme.
As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March. The Scheme was due to close in December 2023 but the Scottish Government extended to give women a final chance to apply.
Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.
“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish Government extended the scheme. I would urge any women who thinks she may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31 March.”
Over 1.5 million UK women are affected by endometriosis – now a new survey has uncovered the significant toll lesser-known symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and fatigue take on their social, emotional, and professional lives.
Nine out of 10 (96%) UK women with endometriosis experience a decline in their quality of life due to debilitating heavy periods and fatigue, yet many never seek medical help, according to a new study from leading iron supplement specialist Active Iron.
A survey of 1,500 women and girls for Endometriosis Awareness Month found that problem periods are often dismissed as merely “part of being a woman”. This is despite many individuals experiencing severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue.
Nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK reported having heavy periods, leading to menstrual fatigue.
This fatigue affected 74% of surveyed women aged 16 to 55 who have the condition, with 59% describing the fatigue as ‘extreme’. As a result, 84% reported a noticeable difference in their ability to function normally during their period.
Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops around organs within the abdomen. It is characterised by pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, as well as chronic pelvic pain. Many women also experience secondary symptoms including heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, and fatigue.
Despite this, on average, women wait 7.5 years for a diagnosis, and many with heavy menstrual bleeding avoid seeking medical help, thinking it’s normal.
Concerningly, the study revealed that symptoms like heavy periods and fatigue are not limited to women diagnosed with endometriosis.
Notably, 77% of those without endometriosis reported experiencing menstrual fatigue that impacted their daily lives, with 74% lacking the energy or motivation to do everyday tasks as a result.
This leaves many women facing serious physical, social, and emotional challenges due to debilitating symptoms. These issues not only harm their health but also disrupt important parts of their lives, such as work, relationships, and social activities.
More than a quarter of women (27%), irrespective of endometriosis diagnosis, reported being unable to work due to heavy menstrual bleeding and the accompanying fatigue. Approximately one in five (16%) had taken a sick day, while 34% had worked but experienced a decline in their performance.
Home life was similarly impacted, with 23% of all women surveyed saying that problem periods had negatively affected their relationship with their spouse or partner, almost a quarter (24%) avoiding staying overnight at a partner’s house, and 20% struggling to keep up with their children during their menstrual cycle.
As a result of heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue, 50% of women felt antisocial and didn’t want to spend time with friends or family, leaving 55% feeling isolated and alone when dealing with tiredness from heavy periods. Emotionally, 50% described themselves as feeling unhappy, sad or depressed.
Dr Ria Clarke, registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, and expert clinician for Active Iron, said: “It’s so important that we can dispel the misconceptions around heavy periods, fatigue and endometriosis, reduce unnecessary delays in diagnosis, and improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide whose lives are being negatively impacted.
“This is particularly important when you consider that these conditions aren’t exclusive to diagnosed individuals, and 47% of UK women find their current methods for alleviating period-related fatigue ineffective.”
Claire Lynch, head of marketing for Active Iron, added: “With this survey and our campaign, we want to spark meaningful conversations and change the way we talk about endometriosis and heavy periods.
“As we enter Endometriosis Awareness Month, our aim is to shed light on the lesser-known impacts of the condition, like heavy periods and menstrual fatigue, breaking down the stigma around menstrual health and aiding women in better managing their symptoms.”
More than half of women surveyed had been given pain medication to treat endometriosis, while 45% were recommended contraception, and 32% have been prescribed other hormone therapies.
Active Iron’s survey found, however, that women find their current methods to relieve menstrual fatigue ineffective. Many had resorted to consuming more coffee or energy drinks (42%), sleeping more (52%), and doing less activities (48%) to manage tiredness caused by their menstrual cycle.
“Given that menstruation is the leading cause of iron loss worldwide, it’s important to understand the link between heavy periods, low iron levels and fatigue. Rather than covering up tiredness and fatigue with quick fixes, a daily iron supplement can help women address the energy loss associated with diminished iron levels, in turn achieving symptomatic relief and improving their quality of life,” added Dr Clarke.
Many iron supplements are poorly tolerated, leading to debilitating side effects like nausea, constipation and changed bowel habits. This causes women to discontinue them, reducing the chance of improving their iron stores and resulting energy levels.
In contrast, Active Iron is clinically proven to improve iron levels by 94%, whilst avoiding troublesome side effects, resulting in increased energy levels, and longer-term improvements in overall health.
Don’t accept menstrual fatigue, visit activeiron.com/uk to learn more.
FOLLOWING this year’s World Hearing Day (3rd March 2024), an audiology director from the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has discussed the importance of regular hearing tests, sharing top audiology health tips to help the local community ensure their hearing is in great shape.
Lynne Philips, audiology partner at the Specsavers Home Visits team that covers Edinburgh, aims to raise awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.
One of the most reoccurring issues with hearing is earwax build-up which can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. Lynne highlights the challenges this can cause: ‘Everyone has earwax. It’s produced by our ears to help protect them from infections and to stop them feeling dry and irritated.
“However, too much wax can cause problems, particularly when it becomes hardened and impacted, potentially leading to hearing loss, discomfort, pain and in some cases infections.’
Lynne continues: ‘Because of this, it’s always hugely important to get expert help if you experience difficulty with your hearing, especially if you’re not directly able to access a local Specsavers store.
“The accredited hearing care professionals on our Home Visits team are able to pay you a visit and can safety check if this is a problem you have.
‘Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique. That’s why we carry out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.’
The Specsavers Home Visits audiology team can provide adult hearing tests, as well as numerous audiology services such as hearing aid fittings and replacements, assisting customers with any hearing concerns they may have.
Professor Grant McIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, said: “At a time when dentistry is under significant pressure, the details of a £350million underspend, representing 10 per cent of the total dental budget for England, is very concerning.
“This shortfall is undoubtedly directly impacting patients and dental teams nationwide.
“The disparity in underspend across different regions exacerbates an already troubling ‘postcode lottery’ in dental care access. It is evident that the current system is not working for patients or dentists, with some practices receiving unjustifiably little support.
“This will not only compromise patient care but also place undue strain on dental professionals, adding to the existing workforce problems that the profession has endured in recent years.
“We must rectify the underlying issues, ensuring suitable working arrangements for professionals and fair access to quality NHS dental care for all patients.”
New scientific research reveals reduction in anxiety of almost 10% and improvements in mental wellbeing when taking part in the Big Butterfly Count
The first-of-its-kind study also shows citizen science activities can connect people with nature, a vital step towards conservation success and nature recovery
Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby.
The pioneering study involved surveying people taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022. The results demonstrate that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduces anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing.
Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feeling of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part.
How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. Therefore, the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.
“The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”
Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times.
“This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”
Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.
Carly added: “Interestingly, the more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards, with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”
In conclusion, Dr Richard Fox said: “In order to save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive.
“This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife.
“We’re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact.”
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
Projects that work with children and families to prevent childhood obesity and reduce health inequalities are benefitting from more than half a million pounds of investment.
Ten projects across Scotland will share £538,141. The funding is allocated to initiatives such as Little n Lively – run by NHS Lanarkshire – which provides families and young children in the area with practical skills and information on nutrition and cooking and increased opportunities for physical activity and expanding social networks.
This year a number of health boards, including NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland, are continuing or implementing the ‘HENRY – Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers with children up to five years old to provide a healthier, happier start in life.
The internationally adopted, evidence-based package provides support with family emotional wellbeing and information about nutrition, physical activity and oral health.
The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure all children have the best start in life and the projects support the ambition to halve childhood obesity in Scotland by 2030.
Speaking on World Obesity Day (Monday), Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Preventing the causes of ill health is an important part of our efforts to make the health service sustainable in the years to come. That includes addressing obesity, particularly as we know good nutrition and physical activity is crucial for children’s health and development.
“We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up, and these early years projects are crucial to our bold ambition of halving childhood obesity by 2030.
“These ambitious and effective projects will also help tackle inequalities by working with families and communities to encourage healthy eating and offering support for those experiencing food insecurity.”
Health Improvement Adviser for NHS Shetland, Fern Jamieson said: “The continued early years funding from Scottish Government has enabled NHS Shetland and partners to continue delivery of the HENRY ‘Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme to more families across Shetland.
“Healthy Families Right from the Start is an 8-week programme to support parents and carers with children between 0-5 years to provide a healthier, happier start in life. Parents and carers have the opportunity to join online or face-to-face groups, providing improved access across Shetland.
“We have had reports that the programme is very interesting, enjoyable and a good opportunity to share ideas with others which has helped in making healthy changes across the whole family.
“With over 20 groups across Shetland, we are engaging with communities to deliver our standalone HENRY workshops. Feedback has been very positive and parents and carers feel more confident at mealtimes, understanding behaviours and cooking cost effectively.”
Projects receiving funding in 2023/24 are:
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: JumpStart Tots – £76,828
NHS Dumfries & Galloway: A whole systems approach with a focus on Early Years – £11,400
NHS Grampian: Training and support for a group of multi-agency professionals across Aberdeenshire to deliver the HENRY approach – £15,000
NHS Grampian: Upskill relevant teaching staff to deliver the Grow Well Choices Early Years programme – £15,000
Implementation of Agenda for Change recommendations
NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – will see a reduction of 30 minutes in their working week from 1st April this year.
The move follows a recommendation from a working group set up to implement a previous commitment to cut the number of working hours as part of the 2023/24 pay deal. It is one of a number of measures to modernise the NHS Scotland Agenda for Change system and has been agreed with trade unions.
If, due to service pressures, safe staffing or wellbeing issues, it is not possible for a staff member to receive their 30 minute reduction they will be recompensed accordingly, until such times as the reduction can be accommodated.
Other measures agreed include:
a consistent approach to Protected Learning Time across all NHS Scotland Boards, and
a defined process for undertaking a review of Band 5 nursing roles with any Band 5 nurse able to self-apply for a review of their role if they believe they meet the criteria.
The changes will support NHS Scotland workforce recruitment, sustainability and retention.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Our Agenda for Change system recognises the value, dedication and hard work of our staff and makes NHS Scotland an employer of choice.
“We expect NHS Boards to work in partnership with trade unions and staff to reduce the working week. This presents an opportunity to modernise how staff are rostered and work, ensuring that NHS Scotland is a leader in flexible and family friendly working practices.
“I am grateful to both Trade Union and Employer representatives for working in partnership with us to develop these reforms to help modernise our service.”
● Research* reveals that 79% of us believe we would be more motivated in the gym if we had a ‘gym buddy’ giving us a push to hit our fitness goals
● Not only are we more motivated when working out with a partner, but studies suggest it can strengthen the relationships of those who we choose to exercise with too
● The Gym Group’s Master Trainer and expert fitness team have curated a workout specifically designed to help pairs get the most out of their gym session – whether in a couple or the best of friends – this exercise plan will help any duo reap the benefits of working out with a partner
New research by nationwide low-cost gym chain, The Gym Group, has revealed that 79% of gym goers believe they’d be more motivated when hitting the gym if they had a ‘gym buddy’ pushing them to achieve their goals.
Studies also suggest that exercising with a romantic partner can have the added benefit of contributing to long and happy relationships.
To help inspire more ‘gym duos’, the nationwide gym chain has devised a ‘Power Pair’ circuit session of exercises. This workout is specifically designed to build motivation and enjoyment in the gym while working out together.
From friendly competition and encouragement, to simply sharing the load, working out with a partner can have great benefits in staying consistent with exercise.
To support gym-goers to reap the mental and physical health benefits of ‘pairing up’ with a gym buddy, The Gym Group offers all members on its premium Ultimate membership thebenefit of bringing a friend to their gym for free, four times a month.
Hitting the gym with a buddy can provide a sense of belonging and can boost your confidence to try something new together. This could be as simple as a new form of exercise or training for a bigger challenge like HYROX – the fastest growing fitness trend that can be taken on by pairs to share the experience.
To provide gym partners with workout inspiration, The Gym Group’s Master Trainer, Jenni Tardiff and team have curated a simple but effective workout, guaranteed to bring the power to their relationship.
Jenni Tardiff, Master Trainer, The Gym Group commented: “Overall the power of working out with someone lies in the accountability, motivation, intensity, and social support it provides.
“Whether you’re trying to smash your fitness goals, stay consistent with your workouts, or simply enjoy the journey of health and wellness, having a workout partner by your side can truly enhance the experience and lead to greater success and more enjoyment.”
TheGymGroup’s ‘Power Pair’ workout
The “You Go, I Go” (YGIG) workout is a training method where two partners take turns performing exercises with minimal rest in between. One partner completes a set of exercises while the other rests, and then they switch roles. This method maximises efficiency and intensity while providing support and motivation from your partner.
Warm Up Warm-up on any cardio machine for 5mins and perform some mobility drills and dynamic stretches
Circuit Repeat the Ski (or row), sled, box jump burpees and push ups for 3 rounds so total distance is 3km on the Ski (or rower)
● Ski-erg or Rowing machine
What
○ 30-40 secs hard effort, partner rests then swap
○ Complete 1km distance as fast as you can between you.
How
○ Stand facing the Ski-Erg machine with feet hip-width apart.
○ Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and arms extended in front of you.
○ Engage your core and lower back muscle and maintain a slight bend in your knees.
○ Hinge from your hips while simultaneously pulling the handles down towards your hips.
○ Keep a smooth and controlled motion, mimicking the movement of skiing.
○ Allow the handles to return to the starting position with control.
○ Adjust the settings on the machine as needed to suit your fitness level and goals.
● Sled Push
What
○ Push the sled to the bottom of the track and your partner pushes it back up x 8 (4 lengths each)
How
○ Load the sled with an appropriate weight, keeping it challenging but manageable. Your partner can sit on the sled for added weight or a ride
○ Drive through your legs, pushing the sled using short, powerful steps.
○ Keep your arms extended or you can do close grip with bent arms, maintain a strong grip on the handles throughout the movement.
○ Engage your core muscles and keep your back straight as you push the sled forward.
○ Partner pushes the sled back up.
Burpee Box jump or Burpee Step ups
What
○ Perform either exercise for 20 reps.
How
○ Begin in a standing position facing a box that is a challenging but safe height for you both.
○ Perform a burpee by squatting down, placing your hands on the floor, and jumping or stepping your feet back and bring chest to the floor.
○ Jump both feet forward toward the box, landing with your feet flat on the ground. Or you can step in toward the box.
○ Powerfully jump onto the box, using your arms for momentum and landing softly with both feet. Option to step up onto the box.
○ Ensure that your entire foot lands securely on the box, and keep your knees bent.
○ Step back down from the box.
○ Partner performs burpee and box jump.
○ Each partner performs 1 burpee and jump alternating until you have done 20 in total (10 each).
Partner Push-Ups
What
○ Aim to perform 10 push-ups each.
How
○ Get into a push-up position facing each other, with enough distance between you for your arms to extend fully. Option to lower knees to thefloor.
○ Perform a push-up while your partner holds a plank position on their toes or knees.
○ Switch positions after each rep.
With off-peak memberships from £13.99 and expert fitness trainers, high-spec kit and 24/7 access, The Gym Group has 233 locations across theUK – over 50% of the population lives within a 15 minute drive of a gym – find your closest gymhere.
Report shows impact of Scotland’s first fast-track cancer diagnostic services
More than one in ten patients seen by new cancer diagnostic services have been referred for cancer treatment, helping to speed up treatment and improve outcomes. Patients waited an average of 14 days from referral, to having cancer ruled in or out.
An evaluation report into Scotland’s first Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDS), published by the University of Strathclyde and the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), found 11.9% of patients seen over the two year period were diagnosed with cancer. Around 6% were given a pre-cancer diagnosis, meaning they require further monitoring in case a cancer develops, and the remainder were either given the all clear and referred back to primary care or diagnosed with other non-cancer conditions (41.1% and 40.7% respectively).
The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services, currently in place across five Health Board areas, were established to help speed up cancer diagnoses for patients with non-specific symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or fatigue, where the GP has a concern of a malignancy. Over the two-year evaluation period the services saw 2,489 patients, with more than 96% of them giving the service a positive satisfaction rating of eight out of 10 or more.
The report highlighted that the model delivers a quality service at speed, is cost effective, compared to previous pathways, and highly valued by patients and staff. Positive patient experience is attributed to the speed of referral, reduction in waiting times for diagnostic tests, having a single point of contact and enhanced information and communication throughout the RCDS pathway.
Visiting NHS Lanarkshire’s RCDS at University Hospital Wishaw, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving cancer services is a priority for the Scottish Government, as set out in our 10-year strategy published last year.
“This positive evaluation of Scotland’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service provides valuable insight into their role in achieving vital earlier cancer diagnoses and improving patient care.
“RCDSs reflect our commitment to enhancing equitable cancer services across NHS Scotland – this report has shown the pivotal role they can play in early cancer detection while delivering quality patient-centred care. As Scotland’s cancer care continues to evolve, RCDSs stand as an essential component in improving outcomes.”
Professor Robert van der Meer, Co-Lead Author of the RCDS Evaluation, University of Strathclyde: “Scotland’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDS) are working well. They’re achieving what they set out to do – find cancer – while delivering a high standard of quality care at speed.
“RCDS patients are complex and the specialist input that the RCDS can offer them, and concerned primary care clinicians, marks a gear-change in how we diagnose cancer in Scotland. RCDSs should be used as an exemplar for cancer care with learning embedded across all pathways.”
Mr Martin Downey, NHS Lanarkshire Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service Clinical Lead and Associate Medical Director for Access, said: “The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service offers a timely, often one-stop, environment for clinically complex patients with potentially serious non-specific symptoms suspicious of cancer, such as weight loss, fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain.
“These patients typically did not meet the criteria for existing cancer pathways and the service makes a positive difference to these patients, providing rapid patient centred assessment, diagnosis and coordination of ongoing care.”
With the clocks going forward at the end of the month and spring most definitely on the horizon, take advantage of Edinburgh Leisure’s new Spring Pass to kickstart your fitness regime.
It has never been more important to look after your wellbeing so Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched a two-week pass for wherever you’re at this spring, so you can try before you buy.
A short-term alternative to a full-time membership, the two-week pass costs just £20 for 14 days. Available to buy online or in venue from 1st – 31st March, the Spring Pass includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools, the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, all steam rooms and saunas, over 750+ fitness classes per week, and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, and represents excellent value for money.
The pass isn’t restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals.
And everyone who purchases a pass is automatically entered into a prize draw to win a year’s free membership with Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations. Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals.
So, embrace the longer days and lighter evenings and gift yourself a wellness present.
