£30 million to reduce waiting times in Scotland

Significant activity is underway to clear the longest NHS waits following the allocation of £30 million of targeted funding.

The funding has been allocated to specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

It is estimated the £30 million, initially announced in April, will help boards across the country deliver around; 12,000 additional procedures, 40,000 extra diagnostic procedures and 12,000 new outpatient appointments.

Activity levels will increase over the coming weeks and the Scottish Government will work closely with Boards to support delivery.

 Speaking on a visit to Ninewells Hospital’s ophthalmology ward in Dundee, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This initial investment of £30 million will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic. This is all part of our programme to tackle waiting times, including waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment and diagnostics for cancer.

“Together, our actions will help Scotland’s NHS maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment. The number people waiting over two years for a new outpatient appointment is down by more than half in the last two years, and we want to build on that progress.

“As part of the £30 million, we have invested close to £2 million in ophthalmology helping to increase activity in the short term as we aim to deliver one cataract procedure every 30 minutes on standard lists.  This will allow a more resilient and sustainable service for the future.”

Improving the Cancer Journey

NEW DROP-IN AT PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT

New Drop-in!! Pilton Community Health project together with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Lothian are happy to announce a new drop-in.

Is cancer part of your story?

If it is, we have drop in sessions 1st Tuesday of the month 12-2 pm with Lee, a Link Worker from ‘Improving the Cancer Journey’, a Macmillan funded service to support people with the non clinical impact of cancer – money, work, the emotional impact & practical issues.

This service is open to families and carers too and offers everyone time to talk about what matters to them, helps them access local supports and services and be a listening ear/point of contact.

#fivewaystowellbeing

#PCHP40

#cancersupport

#family

#community

The NEN North Edinburgh News

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Granton Information Centre

Granton Library

Call for more fully accessible toilets

  • Over a quarter of a million people in the UK in need of such facilities
  • More than 2,400 Changing Places toilets currently available in the UK including 289 across Scotland 
  • Changing Places Awareness Day highlights the need for more fully accessible toilets

Friday (19 July) was Changing Places Awareness Day – the annual event highlights the importance of fully-accessible toilets needed by more than a quarter of a million people in the UK.

Muscular Dystrophy UK and PAMIS, co-chairs for the Changing Places Consortium, are calling for more Changing Places toilets to be made available on the awareness day.

Muscular Dystrophy UK supports more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

The charity campaigns for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments, funds ground breaking research and supports people to live well now.

PAMIS, promoting a more inclusive society, is the only charity in Scotland that solely supports children, young people and adults with profound learning and multiple disabilities (PMLD) and their families to lead healthy, valued and included lives doing the things they want to do within their community, offering a range of projects and programmes.

Together they campaign for Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces, so that people can access their community.

A Changing Places toilet is different to a standard accessible toilet. With extra space (12 sqm) to help accommodate larger wheelchairs and the presence of carers to assist and support the users. It has specialist equipment such as an adult size changing bench, ceiling track and hoist, peninsular toilet, and height adjustable sink.

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, hidden or physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis, often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

Without enough Changing Places toilets, people with hidden and physical disabilities face the option of not leaving their homes, limiting fluid intake on days out, or having to be changed on dirty toilet floors.

Currently, there are more than 2,400 Changing Places facilities that have been installed and the Changing Places Consortium works with a range of companies, providers venues and government departments.

Changing Places Awareness Day is not only an opportunity to call for more toilets but a day to mark the official launch of the campaign, started back in July 2006. Enabling a celebration of all the achievements to date and thank the dedicated campaigners, who fight for change.

A bathroom with toilets and sinksDescription automatically generated

Rob Burley, Director of Care, Campaign and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “For some of the people we support, standard accessible toilets can’t meet their needs, which is why we are proud to be the co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium.

“A person living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition might be in a large powered wheelchair and so may need extra space to manoeuvre around the toilet. They may also need assistance from a family member or a carer and require some of the specialist equipment that is provided in a Changing Places toilet, such as a ceiling hoist and height adjustable sink.

“We hear from a lot of people saying that without a Changing Places toilet they have had to risk their health and safety and that their dignity has been impacted by having to be changed on a toilet floor, rather than having access to hoists and adult changing benches.

“Currently there are over 2,400 registered Changing Places toilets but there is a need for more. We’re calling to have them in all appropriate venues. Legislation calls for them to be mandatory in new buildings over a certain capacity, but given the difference these facilities make, we encourage all venues to install a Changing Places toilet, regardless of size, as it will make a huge difference.”

Scottish charity PAMIS has been campaigning for more Changing Places toilets for over twenty years since the majority of the families the organisation supports cannot use accessible toilets and require the additional space and equipment provided by a Changing Places toilet.

Fiona Souter, Inclusive Communities Director explains: “People with profound learning and multiple disabilities are isolated in their own communities due to the lack of appropriate toilets and this is fundamentally a human rights issue where we frequently hear from families who cannot access healthcare, education or enjoy days out with family and friends because there are no Changing Places toilets nearby.

“While there have been major steps forwards in Scotland most notably around changes to building standards and planning legislation making it mandatory to include a Changing Places toilet in certain sized new public buildings there are still huge geographical gaps in provision.

“We want Scotland to be a truly accessible and inclusive country to visit as well as to live and that is why Changing Places Awareness Day is so important – the more people are aware of these life changing facilities the better.”

Kerry Thompson, from Milton Keynes, was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy (FHL1) and regularly uses Changing Places toilets. She explains why they are so important to her day-to-day life: “Taking a simple trip out can be a military operation. I have a check list of things to take, especially if it’s more than a few hours.

“The biggest problem I face when going anywhere is using a disabled toilet. I find some are simply too small to fit me, my wheelchair in, and it can sometimes feel very claustrophobic, manoeuvring can also be tricky or near impossible.

“My only option is sometimes having to wait until I get home. However, I suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), so holding it can prove really challenging.

“When I found out about the Changing Places campaign, I wanted to get involved and help spread the word on how important these facilities are to so many people, like me, and their families and carers. It makes such a huge difference.”

In a reflection of the importance of Changing Places toilets, and the campaign, Changing Places has recently been shortlisted for Third Sector’s Big Impact award, which celebrates a project that has had a substantial impact on national life.

Vintage Vibes launches wellbeing prize draw!

CHARITY PROJECT INVITES EDINBURGH LOCALS TO IMPROVE THEIR WELLBEING WITH FEEL GOOD PRIZES WHILE TACKLING LOCAL LONELINESS

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes has launched its new Wellbeing Prize Draw, encouraging Edinburgh locals to donate and enter the draw to win fabulous prizes that support their wellbeing while helping the charity project to tackle the loneliness crisis among older people in the city.

The multi award-winning charitable partnership brings people together through friendship matches, groups, and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh – which has been named as one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people.

Prize draw tickets are now available online at Vintagevibes.org.uk, with local businesses going the extra mile to support the cause by donating a wide range of fabulous prizes to encourage wellbeing and fun.

From tickets to shows at The Edinburgh Playhouse and The Cameo Picturehouse, to feel good treatments for your hair, body, mind and soul, a family photography session, and experiences such as a family day out at Edinburgh Zoo, or a meal at The Port of Leith Distillery Bar!

Gemma Wright, Fundraising and Communications lead at Vintage Vibes, said: “All proceeds from the prize draw go to supporting lonely and isolated older people in Edinburgh, which is one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people.

“By supporting our new Wellbeing Prize Draw you could not only win a fabulous prize to improve your own happiness and wellbeing but know that you are in turn helping to improve the life of a lonely local older person too.”

Now in its 9th year, Vintage Vibes has helped over 1000 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships based on mutually shared interests from singing and musical theatre to gaming, and even, like VIP Shelia and volunteer, Nicky, Love Island! Events, and groups are also available from theatre to cinema, and singing to bring people together for fun and friendship.

Vintage Vibes VIP, Sheila said: “I was pretty depressed before I joined Vintage Vibes. I didn’t really know what to do with myself and had lost myself a bit. Then I met my volunteer, Nicky and it’s really lifted my spirits.

“We just talk and talk, and I love going out for a coffee or a trip out with her. When you get that low, you don’t know how to fix it but having a good friend in your life makes all the difference. Joining Vintage Vibes has been amazing for me”.

Vintage Vibes’ 2024 annual survey showed that 75% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project had improved their mental health and 95% reported feeling happier and having a better quality of life. Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.

“It has been a privilege to work in partnership with, and fundraise for, Vintage Vibes since October 2023. We are proud to support their Wellbeing Prize Draw and the work they are continuously doing to help tackle loneliness in the over-60s right here in Edinburgh.” – Gordon Millar, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre Director.

For a full details, list of prizes and to get your ticket for the Vintage Vibes Wellbeing Prize Draw, visit vintagevibes.org.uk.

National RSV vaccination programme announced

  • The UK is the first country in the world to offer a national vaccination programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both infants and older adults from RSV
  • The vaccine will protect infants and older adults, easing winter pressures on the NHS
  • Eligible people urged to take up offer when rollout begins in September

The UK will become the first country in the world to have a national programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The rollout, which will start from 1 September in England, includes both a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79.

These are the groups at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Scotland will begin its rollout first, from 12 August, while Wales and Northern Ireland will also start their schemes in September.

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under five and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. It also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75.  The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand. I am thrilled to see the UK leading in the way in tackling this devastating disease.

“My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care, and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through. 

“Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter.”

People aged 75-79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible. 

Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to get the vaccine to protect their baby.

These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “RSV is a very serious illness, infecting up to 90% of children by the age of two and causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter – so this rollout is a huge step forward and will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk.

“We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September and for women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected.”

Professor Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said: “This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS. UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV immunisation programme and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health.

“Having successfully procured an effective vaccine and designed a programme to protect both babies and older people, we are already working rapidly with our NHS and Local Authority colleagues to be ready to provide vaccinations from September – please do come forward if you are eligible.”

The vaccine has been developed and produced by Pfizer. The programme follows the advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published in September 2023.

UK’s first AI physio clinic trialled by NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian has become one of the first health board in Scotland to trial a new physio clinic app to unlock faster, personalised treatment for patients.

The new platform – called Flok Health – provides same-day access to automated, responsive video appointments with an AI physiotherapist via a smartphone app.

Flok is the first platform of its kind to have been approved by the Care Quality Commission as a registered healthcare provider, creating a brand new treatment pathway for physiotherapy patients.

Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “Technological developments such as Flok have the potential to substantially improve the care and journey for some people with back pain by complimenting the range of healthcare services available.

“We’re looking forward to continuing working with Flok to further understand and explore the potential for how we could integrate such technology with our current therapy provision.”

As part of a series of three-month pilot studies between May and December 2023, over 1000 NHS staff who were suffering from back pain self-referred to Flok’s AI physiotherapy clinic to receive treatment.

An initial video assessment was held with each of the staff members from NHS Lothian, NHS Borders, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and an AI physiotherapist to evaluate their symptoms and ensure Flok could safely provide the right treatment for their condition.

Once approved for treatment, patients had a weekly AI video appointment with their digital physio, which could be accessed at a time that suited them from the comfort of their own home.

During these appointments, the AI physiotherapist was able to prescribe exercises and pain management techniques, monitor each patient’s symptoms, and adjust their treatment in real-time.

The majority of patients were initially prescribed six treatment appointments with Flok’s AI physio. After these weekly appointments had been completed, patients were given unlimited access to personalised sessions for several months, during which they could focus on preventative care and reducing the risk of recurrent issues, in line with their needs.

Nearly all (97%) of the patients who self-referred to Flok within Lothian received an automated triage outcome. More than nine out of 10 (92%) were immediately approved for AI physio and given access to an appointment that same day. A handful (5%) were automatically referred to another NHS service, including NHS 111 or their GP).

The remaining three per cent of patients were given an additional assessment via telehealth appointment with a member of Flok’s clinical team. All but one of these individuals were then cleared to receive treatment with the AI physio, with the remaining patient successfully referred to an alternative service for urgent care.

In the latest service evaluation, all of the patients who took part in the survey said their experience with Flok had been at least equivalent to seeing a human physiotherapist, with nearly six in 10 (57%) of patients saying they thought the AI physio experience was better than the traditional alternative.

The digital service was also effective, with more than four in five participants (86%) reporting that their symptoms had improved during treatment with the Flok platform.

Finn Stevenson, Co-Founder and CEO at Flok Health, said: “Around 11 million people suffer from back pain in the UK and 20% of us will visit our GP with a musculoskeletal problem each year. But it’s getting harder and harder for patients to access the physiotherapy they need.

“Creating faster, more convenient access to physiotherapy services is vital to tackling this crisis. Harnessing new technologies, like AI, can help us unlock individualised treatment for thousands of patients, while reducing pressure on NHS services and freeing up capacity for treating those in need of in-person care.

“We’re proud to be leading the charge on this at Flok. It has been incredible to see the positive impact that AI physiotherapy can have throughout our initial trials with NHS Lothian, NHS Borders, Cambridge University Hospitals and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We’re excited to be working closely with the NHS to develop this new technology and create a new care model for on-demand personalised treatment at population scale.”

For more information on FLOK check Flok Health

Music legend Lulu reveals she has moderate hearing loss as a result of 60 years of live performances

New poll finds nearly a quarter of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing

  • The revelation comes just weeks after the showbiz icon, who is in her seventh decade of performing, appeared at Glastonbury Festival and announced the second part of her farewell tour.
  • Specsavers has partnered with the music legend, alongside DJ and tinnitus sufferer Woody Cook and the Night Time Industries Association, to encourage people to safeguard their hearing.

British legend Lulu has revealed she is living with moderate hearing loss – after a hearing check at Specsavers revealed the impact that 60 years in the music industry has had on her hearing.

The news that her career has damaged her hearing comes just weeks after the Scottish singing sensation – who is on her seventh decade of performing her debut single ‘Shout’ – wowed crowds at Glastonbury and announced dates in November as part of her farewell ‘Champagne for Lulu’ tour.

The music icon is now calling on music lovers to take steps to protect their own hearing, as a new poll reveals 23% of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing.

The study, commissioned by Specsavers of 900 adults who attend concerts and festivals, found that, in Scotland, 40% have noticed a negative impact on their hearing immediately after a gig – with 47% experiencing ringing in their ears, 33% buzzing and 35% a muffled sensation. Just over a quarter (26%) said they had suffered temporary hearing loss, while just under a quarter, (21%) experienced pain in their ears.

Despite this, over half (55%) of those in Scotland planning to attend a live music event this summer are unlikely to wear hearing protection. Of these, 48% said they avoid it because they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience as much, and over a quarter (33%) thought it would alter the quality of the music, which is not the case.

Lulu said: ‘After being on stage nearly all of my life, I have always noticed ringing and muffled sounds, but never really thought much of it.

‘Music has always been a cornerstone of everything I do, so it’s incredibly important that I can still enjoy it. Wearing hearing aids will mean I can continue to hear every note.

‘But it’s more than just this – connecting with people is a huge part of my life and I want to be able to join the conversation and not be left out of it. The good news is it’s not too late for me to preserve the rest of my hearing.

‘Using hearing protection is such a simple and easy thing to do when around live music and I urge others to wear it.

‘Music is still my life, and I plan to carry on enjoying it for many years to come.’

The average volume at a live music event is between 115 and 120 decibels (dB) – which could damage hearing if exposed to it for long enough without hearing protection. The survey found a quarter (74%) of people in Scotland didn’t know that the average volume was that high.

Romaan Babar, audiologist at Specsavers, said: ‘With festival season well underway, it is crucial music lovers protect their hearing. Repeated exposure to high decibel levels at gigs and festivals has the potential to lead to permanent damage, such as sound-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

‘In fact, hearing damage can start at around 85 dB if you are exposed to it for eight hours plus – such as at a festival – if you don’t wear ear plugs. Each additional 3 dB of volume cuts that exposure time in half, so by the time the volume reaches 100 dB, which is still less than the average gig, it could only take 15 minutes for your hearing to be damaged – which is quite scary.’

Specsavers has partnered with Lulu, DJ Woody Cook, who has tinnitus, and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to promote the need to wear hearing protection to live music lovers and people who work in the sector.

Woody says he wishes he’d taken steps to protect his hearing earlier. He says: ‘Without doubt, the tinnitus I suffer with today is a result of listening to loud music. Sometimes it makes me feel like I have a continual electric buzz or high-pitched noise in my head which makes me feel really disorientated.

‘I love music – and obviously, I work as a DJ – so my tinnitus has a massive impact on my personal and professional life. I wish I had known about the risks earlier. I’m now taking steps to protect my hearing from any further damage and recommend others to do the same.’

In another survey, among those working in venues with loud music in 91% have experienced a negative impact on their hearing, with reporting tinnitus (36%) or hearing loss (36%). 29%) rarely or never wear hearing protection at work – with a quarter (25%) saying that’s because their employer has not provided them with it.

The NTIA, which represents the UK’s clubs, bars and pubs, launched the Listen for Life campaign last October to raise awareness of the importance of hearing protection. It has partnered with Specsavers as part of a new industry report ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ to launch a new Night Time Economy Charter, which will help businesses to better look after the hearing health of colleagues and customers.

Mike Kill, CEO of the NTIA, says it’s worrying how common hearing loss and tinnitus are for those working in the night time industries. He added: ‘We want those who enjoy going to festivals, gigs, pubs, bars and clubs to be able to enjoy them without damaging their hearing – and for those who work in loud environments to be given the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves.

“This charter can play a massive part in doing that.’

Romaan Babar adds: ‘What might start as a minor annoyance after a gig can lead to long-term consequences.

“It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. Wearing ear plugs, not standing too close to speakers, and taking breaks from loud environments can all help preserve your hearing.’

You can read about more about hearing protection in the ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ report here: www.specsavers.co.uk/reports/hearing-health-2024, and more about ‘Listen for life’ and the NTIAs 10-point charter for businesses here: https://ntia.co.uk/listen-for-life-campaign/ 

Find out more about hearing protection at Specsavers at specsavers.co.uk/hearing

BBQ food preparation advice

It’s common to fire up the BBQ in sunny weather. But, it’s important to follow food safety advice.

This helps to avoid contaminating your food and food poisoning.

Do

  • follow all instructions on the packaging – some foods can be cooked from frozen, while others need to be defrosted in advance
  • defrost meat thoroughly before cooking, ideally in your fridge
  • cook food in the oven before finishing on the barbeque to ensure it’s cooked all the way through
  • keep meat and ready to eat foods separate – like salad and bread
  • turn food regularly to cook it evenly
  • use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats
  • heat foods until steaming hot before eating
  • wash ready to eat salad bags and all foods that can be eaten without peeling

Don’t

  • do not use a sauce or marinade for cooked food that’s had raw meat in it
  • do not wash uncooked meat
  • do not eat hot foods that have been left out in the heat – especially foods like cooked rice, cooked meats, shellfish and dairy products

Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors

The summer months are an opportunity to get out and enjoy outdoor spaces. This can be brilliant for both your physical and mental health. But, be mindful that a small number of people each year are affected by infections caught outdoors.

Do

  • wear gloves while gardening, especially if you handle compost, as there can be Legionella bacteria
  • wear a mask if you’re working on anything dusty
  • wash your hands after doing outdoor activities
  • wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with farm animals or the environment where they’re kept – like a gate, fence or building
  • be aware of when and where you can be bitten by ticks – ticks in Scotland can carry the germ that causes Lyme disease
  • take plenty of clean drinking water when you’re outdoors
  • use chemical treatments or boil water to make untreated water safe to drink

Don’t

  • do not drink untreated water – germs like E.coli can contaminate lochs, rivers and burns and can be harmful if swallowed

Edinburgh patient forced to go private following year-long wait

Edinburgh resident John Rowan (68) has had to go private for hearing aids after waiting over a year for his regular hearing aid check, despite the Scottish Government setting a waiting time target of 18 weeks.

Mr Rowan’s hearing loss originated from contracting measles as a child and the legacy of contracting measles is now affecting his hearing in later life.

Despite being retired, Mr Rowan is heavily involved in the charity sector and until recently, sat on the board of a Scottish-wide charity and he volunteers with several others.

In May 2023, Mr Rowan self-referred himself for a new hearing test and was added to the waiting list. Despite assurances his appointment would be in May 2024, he was not invited to an appointment.

The further deterioration in his hearing has left him struggling to hear basic conversations.

Due to this, Mr Rowan took the decision to go private to receive hearing aids.

Labour MSP for Lothian, Sarah Boyack, has been pursuing this issue on Mr Rowan’s behalf.

However, the NHS confirmed to Ms Boyack in May 2024, that due to pressure there was no confirmation for when Mr Rowan would receive his appointment.

Only after Mr Rowan had paid out of pocket for his hearing aids did the NHS get back in touch to confirm an appointment for August 2024.

Mr Rowan said: “My hearing test was due in May, however, unfortunately it was pushed back with no date given to me for when I might be tested.

“Due to the ongoing delay, I had to resort to going private to ensure I got the hearing aids I desperately needed.

“My loss of hearing affects me in day-to-day life, as I struggle to listen to conversations which I need to hear in the roles that I do with the voluntary sector.

“I am incredibly concerned if more is not done to tackle these waiting times then my hearing will only deteriorate further.”

Sarah Boyack MSP added: “Mr Rowan’s case illustrates the dire state that the Scottish Government have left NHS Lothian in.

“These delays and missed targets dramatically affect patients’ lives.

“It is unacceptable that Mr Rowan is facing further deterioration of his hearing due to delays.

“The Scottish Government must address the crisis in NHS Lothian as an immediate priority.

“No one should be having to pay out of pocket simply to be able to hear conversations with friends and family.

“If they don’t I fear cases such as Mr Rowan’s will only become more common.”

NHS24: Breathing Space in Dunbar

Friday was a good day for our Breathing Space service – the sun was shining and we unveiled a new Breathing Space bench in Dunbar! ☀️

The ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench initiative is designed to be physical reminders for people to pause, reflect, and find comfort. Breathing Space benches are dotted all over Scotland, with the latest being unveiled in Dunbar train station in East Lothian.

Our Breathing Space team work in partnership with organisations, charities, and local groups to secure sites for new benches. The Dunbar bench was installed with support from Samaritans, Scotland’s Railway, and Dunbar Rotary.

Managed by NHS 24, Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.

Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, explains why the benches are important symbols to prioritise mental health: “We’re proud to work alongside other mental health champions such as Samaritans and Scotland’s Railway to promote mental well-being within communities throughout Scotland.

“The installation of our newest Breathing Space Bench at Dunbar Train Station will serve as a powerful reminder to everyone that taking time to think, reflect, and chat about mental health is essential, especially during life’s busy moments.”