The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, which regulates higher-risk cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers, has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Bill requires procedures to be performed by, or alongside, certain healthcare professionals in a registered setting, bringing consistent regulation to the industry. The Bill also ensures non-surgical cosmetic procedures cannot be performed on under 18s.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be able to inspect premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being committed.
The Scottish Government will support businesses to adapt to the new requirements. Businesses will have at least until September 2027 to make necessary changes.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular, and when not carried out safely they can cause serious and lasting harm.
“This legislation is designed to ensure that higher-risk procedures take place in appropriate settings with a healthcare professional present, and that under-18s are properly protected. These are meaningful, proportionate changes that put public safety first.
“I also recognise the importance of ensuring businesses are supported to adapt to new requirements and we have listened closely to the sector. The offences in the Bill cannot come into force before September 2027 giving an extended period of time for businesses to respond to these changes. The Bill is designed to be responsive to changes in the industry, and the procedures will be kept under review to ensure the list remains effective and proportionate.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who campaigned so passionately on this issue – their determination has helped shape stronger legislation.
“I am also grateful to colleagues across the Parliament who worked together constructively to pass this Bill.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 cases notified since 13 March. Sadly, this includes 2 people who are known to have died.
Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA’s health protection team is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread.
UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure. This can be collected from the following sites:
Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March (queue closes 7.15pm) and from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March and planned to open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30 pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Advice has been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, where antibiotics are also being offered to those who need them.
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover, and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs. If you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: Our thoughts remain with the friends and family involved and we understand that many people in the university and wider community will be affected by this sad news.
“Our investigations have identified that some cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury and it is important that anyone who visited the club between 5 and 7 March now comes forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university – these students are being contacted directly through the university.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, do not hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:
a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
sudden onset of high fever
severe and worsening headache
stiff neck
vomiting and diarrhoea
joint and muscle pain
dislike of bright lights
very cold hands and feet
seizures
confusion/delirium
extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they newly mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. It is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection.
Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths following the reported outbreak of meningitis in Kent. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the surrounding communities at this incredibly difficult time.
We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Symptoms can appear suddenly and be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
At Meningitis Now, we are here for anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time.
You can find more information from https://bit.ly/4rAHm1x or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now says:“We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of two young people following the reported outbreak of meningitis linked to the University of Kent and schools local to Canterbury. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the entire community at this incredibly difficult time.
“Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones. University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because they are more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis, and because bacteria can spread more easily in settings where students and young people live, study and socialise closely together.
“We urge students, young people, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
“Symptoms can appear suddenly and can easily be mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even the after-effects of a night out, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
We welcome the swift response from the UK Health Security Agency to identify close contacts and provide precautionary antibiotics where needed. Rapid public health action is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of further cases. We are offering our support and resources to the university, schools and wider community to help in any way we can.
“At Meningitis Now we are here to support anyone affected by meningitis, whether they are directly affected themselves, supporting a loved one, or dealing with the aftermath of the disease. Our support services are available to anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time. You can find our more information from www.meningitisnow.org or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
“Meningitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Vaccination is the only way of preventing certain types of meningitis, and many students will have had the MenACWY vaccination at school. However, it is important for teenagers and young adults to be aware that they are unlikely to have been vaccinated against one of the most common causes of meningitis in this age group, which is MenB. We encourage everyone to check that they and their families are up to date with the vaccines available to them and to be aware of the signs and symptoms too.
“This tragic situation is a stark reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection against meningococcal group B, or MenB, disease. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK and can strike suddenly with life-changing consequences.
“Since 2015 only infants have been vaccinated against MenB and we believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS. Currently the vaccine is only available privately through high-street and supermarket pharmacies.
“If anyone is worried about symptoms, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help. Acting quickly can save lives.”
Specsavers is launching its first ever graduate development programme for recently qualified audiologists and hearing aid dispensers.
Applications are now open for the Specsavers Audiology Graduate Programme, a brand-new opportunity open to qualified audiologists with HCPC registration or those on track to qualify and be registered by September 2026. Applications are welcomed from local final year students and graduates of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Specsavers is currently the only major UK audiology employer offering a clearly defined, national, structured audiology graduate programme offering a guaranteed salary alongside structured clinical, leadership, and business development. Graduates will also benefit from ongoing support from experienced partners and central support teams and clear progression routes into permanent roles and/or business ownership.
Successful applicants will be based within a Specsavers hearing care practice – which can be either in a store or with a home visits service – for 18-months where they will complete a training programme to providing strong foundations for early career audiologists. Graduates will be able to build and develop clinical, leadership and business skills – learning how to drive clinical excellence and deliver exceptional patient care and customer experience.
Laura Monaghan, Head of Careers for Specsavers Hearing Care, said: :‘Our first audiology graduate programme provides an excellent springboard into a fulfilling and rewarding clinical career.
“We’re looking for people who care about doing the right thing for patients, enjoy keeping quality and service standards high and are wanting to combine their clinical skills with experience in leadership and business operations.
“We’ll give successful applicants structured early-career support, with help from our expert office teams and store partners, so they have everything they need to succeed.
‘Specsavers is a family business, and each practice is owned and run by its clinical and retail directors. We have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the last three years in the UK and Ireland and are ranked number 12 in 2025’s World’s Best Workplaces™.
‘Unlike many graduate opportunities, this is not just a job vacancy, but a nationally-supported graduate pathway with consistent training and a variety of avenues for progression. If you are a passionate, ambitious, and hard-working Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser that is ready to learn how to lead and grow in audiology, we’re waiting to hear from you and look forward to giving your audiology career an excellent launch pad.’
Alongside having HCPC registration as an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser – or currently studying for an audiology degree and due to qualify and register by September 2026 – applicants will also need a full UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK.
You might wonder – what’s that got to do with mental health?
Well, a lot, actually.
Money’s harder to manage if you have a mental health problem. And being in debt makes it harder to look after your mental health.
That’s why it can feel really difficult to get out of a debt – mental health cycle.
Thankfully, if this is something you recognise, there are organisations out there ready to help you. Check out these organisations or our website for more help and support.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer and its second biggest cancer killer. We know that one of the ways we can reduce our risk of developing bowel cancer is by taking part in regular exercise.
This April, for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer UK are encouraging people to do something active every day as part of our ActiveApril campaign.
Whether your readers would like to challenge themselves to reach a fitness goal or get active in their own way, every movement they make in ActiveApril will bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country
A programme giving dedicated support to cancer patients throughout their treatment will be rolled out nationwide.
Following the success of 12 pilot projects, which received over £5 million in funding between 2022 and March 2025, an additional £1 million will be provided annually to expand the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) programme, reaching more people with cancer than ever before. An assessment by Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that over a 12-month period, SPOC services had more than 30,000 interactions with people affected by cancer.
The SPOC makes life easier for patients with cancer, providing easy access to clinical teams providing information and advice about appointments, tests and results, and explaining what clinical and non-clinical support is available for them and their family.
Patient feedback from the pilots highlighted reduced stress around appointments, quicker access to blood results, more time for questions, and greater emotional support. Staff reported improved wellbeing and more time for professional development and clinical care.
Announcing the expansion at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where the SPOC navigation team has supported patients since early 2023, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to roll-out this invaluable initiative which gives people with cancer a consistent contact throughout their treatment, enabling specialist staff to focus on complex clinical care.
“The Single Point of Contact service ensures cancer patients know exactly who they can turn to when they need advice about their diagnosis or care. The expansion of this programme means more people can benefit from this type of one-to-one support which is truly making a difference.”
NHS Forth Valley Deputy Medical Director Professor Karen Adamson said: “Digital follow-up for patients with prostate cancer is transforming how we support people after diagnosis. It offers a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive their results and ongoing follow-up, without the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
“In 2024–25, 391 patients received their results and follow-up digitally, releasing the equivalent of 26 Clinical Nurse Specialist clinics so more patients can be seen and supported. Feedback shows patients value the service, describing it as quick, convenient and reassuring.
“This approach reflects our commitment to value-based health and care – improving patient experience and outcomes while making the best possible use of specialist clinical time.”
An Edinburgh MSP has gone to Specsavers to see how local opticians and audiologists are making a difference to patients, the community and supporting the NHS in Scotland.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western and leader of Scottish Liberal Democrats chatted to the Specsavers team in the Gyle Centre store about the expert eye and hearing care services they provide to the local community.
Jonathan Bell, audiology director says: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome Alex, introduce him to our Specsavers team and talk to him about the care we currently provide to his constituents.
‘We discussed the unique partnership model that sees the Gyle Centre store – like all Specsavers services – owned and run by the audiologists and optometrists who provide expert care to patients, in the heart of their community.
‘Our team offers vital eye and hearing care services, and we are keen to change even more lives through better sight and hearing. We are well-placed and have capacity to add NHS care to our hearing offer and would encourage NHS commissioners to consider the commissioning of a community audiology service that would allow us to test and fit NHS patients with hearing devices, free of charge.’
Mr Cole-Hamilton says: ‘I was pleased to visit Specsavers, hearing about what the team already does in terms of serving our community.
“Seeing the technology and clinical expertise in store, and the ability to identify a whole range of health conditions, was a good reminder of how important it is that everyone gets their eyes tested and hearing checked regularly.
‘It was also interesting to learn more about how we could improve access to NHS care by commissioning community hearing health services. Being able to access NHS-funded hearing care on the local high street would reduce pressure on GPs and our hospitals.’
Mr Cole-Hamilton also heard how Specsavers supports community organisations and provides a range of career opportunities for local people.
Ian Hobson, optometry director at the store adds: ‘We had a valuable discussion and were able to showcase the clinical expertise and comprehensive range of eye and hearing health services we offer.Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional care right in the heart of our community.’
Specsavers has more than 1,000 stores throughout the UK and is the leading provider of NHS primary care optometry services – testing more than 20 million eyes every year. It also provides more than 40% of NHS community audiology services in England, supporting more than 200,000 NHS audiology patients a year. Ear wax removal is another popular service offered by Specsavers.
For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a home visits service covering more than 90% of the UK – with more details available at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.
The findings of a Dignity at Work survey conducted by the Scottish Parliament have been published.
All staff who work for MSPs, or for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), were invited to take part in the survey under the SPCB’s ‘Inclusive Parliament’ review.
The review takes account of forthcoming changes in employment law arising from the Employment Act 2025.
The Act will bring in stronger whistleblowing protections and a duty for all employers – including MSPs in that capacity – to take proactive, preventative steps to stop harassment, including third-party harassment.
The survey asked all staff for their views and experience of working at Holyrood and in constituency offices, including whether they had confidence in the Parliament’s current procedures for reporting inappropriate behaviour.
The findings from the survey and its accompanying report have been communicated jointly by the Parliament’s Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP and Clerk / Chief Executive of the Parliament David McGill.
Writing to all MSPs and staff they said many staff work in positive, supportive environments, but they were both “deeply concerned” by new findings on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
The review also identified areas where the Parliament’s systems and culture must improve.
The full text of the joint message is published below along with the SPCB’s report:
Dear colleagues
Inclusive Parliament Review: Dignity at Work survey findings and report
Reason for the Review
In June 2025 we commissioned a review of our Dignity at Work policies and systems. This was to help ensure the SPCB and MSPs, as employers, were prepared for the forthcoming changes in employment law arising from the Employment Act 2025. These changes bring in stronger whistleblowing protections and a duty to take proactive, preventative steps to stop harassment, including third-party harassment.
This means not only responding when concerns are raised but creating the right conditions so that harassment is less likely to happen in the first place, helping everyone feel safe, respected and supported.
As part of the review, we asked all staff who work for MSPs and the SPCB to take part in our Dignity at Work survey. While SPCB staff are surveyed regularly, this is the first report since 2018 that has included feedback from a survey of MSP staff.
We also consulted with staff, trade unions, staff forums, external equalities groups and MSPs and undertook a benchmarking exercise looking at the approach taken in other parliaments, including the Senedd Cymru which has just completed a similar exercise.
In addition, our Independent Support and Advocacy Service invited people to give feedback on their experiences. The results from the survey and associated work have been published [here] today.
Main Findings
Many teams across Parliament demonstrate positive and supportive working cultures, and the vast majority of Members, managers and staff uphold the standards of dignity, courtesy and respect that the public rightly expect.
However, the review also identifies areas where our systems and culture must improve. Fragmented reporting routes, barriers to speaking up and low confidence in existing processes undermine our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace.
We are deeply concerned by the findings on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. These incidents during this session only came to light through this review, making it clear that some colleagues did not previously feel safe or confident to share their experiences.
Our foremost concern is for those affected. Coming forward is never easy, and we are grateful to everyone who took part in this review. Anyone who raises concerns must be supported and assured that their concerns will be handled with independence, expertise and empathy. There can, and must, be zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour.
It is important to stress that most Members, managers and staff will not recognise themselves in these findings. The clear majority conduct themselves in a way that reflects the standards of this Parliament and the expectations of the public. Nevertheless, the issues identified show that our systems and culture are not yet providing the safety, trust and consistency that everyone should be able to rely on. That must change.
To build an environment where people feel safe to speak up, and confident that concerns will be handled fairly and consistently, we must learn from these findings and ensure the necessary reforms are taken forward swiftly, transparently and with care.
Next Steps
The SPCB considered the report earlier today and gave its full support to the recommendations. It wished to place on record its thanks to the staff and external expert providers who took forward the review.
We will update you on the implementation of these recommendations over the weeks ahead. While some of the actions can, and will, be implemented swiftly, others will necessarily take a little more time. However, we will make the most of the momentum that this comprehensive report has provided.
Once again, we would like to thank all those who took part in this review.
Yours sincerely,
David McGill Clerk/Chief Executive Chair, Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Samaritans Scotland’s Small Talk Saves Lives trailer will be pitching up at Bristo Square TOMORROW 13th March from 10am – 3pm
New data has revealed that over half of adults in Scotland (59%) would appreciate kind words from a stranger if they were visibly upset. However, nearly half of the respondents in Scotland (49%) felt that small talk is a thing of the past.
Responses from Scotland were spread across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
People in Edinburgh were most likely to appreciate a kind word from a stranger if they were visibly upset (68%), followed by Inverness (67%), Dundee (64%), Aberdeen (50%) and Glasgow (49%).
Overall, the weather was the go-to small talk topic of choice for those across all five Scottish cities, with sport, family, and TV following closely behind.
The data is released as part of the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign – a campaign by Samaritans, Network Rail, and British Transport Police to remind people to practice their small talk skills, as it could be a life-saving tool.
Small talk has a big impact. As part of the campaign, Samaritans volunteers will be visible in locations across Scotland, with pop-up events taking place in Wishaw, Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Eyemouth, and Edinburgh during the week beginning 9th March, encouraging people to use small talk and check in on others.
A survey commissioned by Samaritans found that over three quarters (78%) of people in the UK admitted to having avoided small talk in the past, despite 59% of respondents stated they would appreciate kind words from a stranger if they were visibly upset, and two thirds (68%) of them said they would be more inclined to make small talk with a stranger if they knew it made a positive impact.
The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, which Samaritans has run in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police since 2017, encourages the public to make some small talk with someone they think could be in distress, as your words could be a life-saving kit.
Dave Brown, Head of Rail at Samaritans, said: “We know that people are often worried about saying the wrong thing to someone who is visibly upset, but it’s always better to say something than nothing at all.
“A brief chat, about the weather, or asking someone where they can grab a coffee, can be all it takes to interrupt those negative thoughts. Your words are a life-saving kit.”
Matt Hosgood, Regional Rail Lead at Samaritans Scotland, said:“Samaritans ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign returns for its ninth year. This campaign is delivered by the Samaritans rail team, in partnership with Network Rail and the British Transport Police.
“The campaign comes at a time where over half of UK adults say they would appreciate some kind words if they were visibly upset. With this in mind, we are encouraging members of the public to feel empowered to check in on each other, reinforcing how asking something as simple as “Do you know where I can get a coffee?” can be enough to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts, open up a conversation, and potentially save a life.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play to actively listen, show that we care and know where to signpost people for appropriate, timely support. Trust your instincts – if you see someone who might need help, stop and ask if they are okay, where it is safe to do so.
“Samaritans volunteers across Scotland will be visible in locations all over the country with a cup of tea or coffee, a biscuit and other goodies, as well as providing vital emotional support to anyone who might need it.
“Our trailer will be in Wishaw, Glasgow Forge, Kirkcaldy Galleries, Eyemouth Harbour and Edinburgh’s Bristo Square during the week beginning 9th March, so do pop by for a cuppa and a blether, as we work together to see that fewer people die by suicide.”
Louise McNally, principal suicide & trespass prevention specialist, said: “Millions of people pass through the rail network each day, and everyone single one of them could ask a simple question or say a friendly comment that could make all the difference.
“By encouraging colleagues and passengers to pause and start a conversation with someone that looks like they might need help, we’re encouraging people to make looking out for one another second nature and reminding them that small talk really can save lives.”
Superintendent Sam Painter, British Transport Police lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, said:“The Small Talk Saves Lives campaign reinforces the message that anyone can play a role in supporting vulnerable people, even through something as simple as a little small talk.
“We continue to work closely with Samaritans and Network Rail to ensure that those experiencing a mental health crisis receive timely and appropriate help.
“While a moment of small talk could help someone feel less alone, we also encourage anyone who sees a person they believe is in distress on the railway network to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.”
For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives
