Time, gentlemen, please … renewed call for minimum unit pricing

Pubs feel the pinch: Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland was from supermarkets or off-licences

Alcohol sales went up again during 2014 – and the Scottish government says the latest figures reinforce the need for minimum unit pricing to tackle the sale of cheap, strong alcohol.

This comes after recent statistics showing a second year of increases in alcohol-related deaths.

Despite recent improvements in alcohol-related harm levels following measures such as the multi-buy discount ban and increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, affordability remains a key issue, and is closely related to consumption and harm.

Figures published today show that 10.7 litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland in 2014 – equivalent to 20.5 units per adult per week – compared to 10.6 litres in 2013. This is in contrast to the trend for declining sales seen in recent years and is mainly due to more alcohol being sold in supermarkets and off-licences – known as the off-trade.

Scots continue to drink almost a fifth more than in England and Wales, where nine litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult – equivalent to 17.4 units per adult per week.

The figures also show that for the first time since 2007, the average price per unit in the off-trade has not increased and remains at 52 pence. However, more than half of alcohol sold in off-trade costs below 50 pence per unit – the level proposed for minimum unit pricing.

The shift from sales in pubs and clubs to supermarkets and off-licences, where average prices are much lower, has also continued. Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland – 72 per cent – was from supermarkets or off-licences, the highest market share seen.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “It’s concerning that the decline in consumption seen in recent years now appears to have stalled, especially after figures published last week showed alcohol-related deaths have increased for the second year running.

“That is why we remain absolutely committed to tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol head on. In particular championing the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing.

“We recognise that no single measure will help change our relationship with alcohol. Our Alcohol Framework has more than 40 measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, such as the multi-buy discount ban, increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, increased delivery of Alcohol Brief Interventions, legislation to ban irresponsible promotions, and introduction of a lower drink drive limit.

“The Framework has had a positive impact so far, but while an average of around 22 people a week still die because of alcohol, there can be no room for complacency. That is why we are working on the next phase of our alcohol strategy which will be ready in 2016.

“The fact that more than half of alcohol in the off-trade is being sold at under 50p per unit is worrying, given the established link between affordability and alcohol-related harm. It reinforces our belief that minimum unit pricing is an essential part of an effective alcohol strategy.”

Check it out: cancer awareness campaign launched

#GetChecked for potential signs or symptoms of cancer

#GetChecked – a new campaign to encourage people to get checked for potential symptoms of cancer in a bid to save more lives in Scotland – has been launched.

The Scottish Government has joined forces with Cancer Research UK to call on people in Scotland to wear checked patterns in support of finding cancer early as part of the drive to turn the Big C into the wee c.

The campaign aims to make check patterns synonymous with early detection, so that every time someone sees a check they think about getting checked, attend screening when invited, or encourage a loved one to do the same.

X Factor and The Voice coach Yvie Burnett and Lindsay Blake from Burntisland, Fife who survived breast cancer after early detection, kicked off the campaign with M&Co, who were unveiled as its first #GetChecked partner yesterday.

The women are big supporters of the #GetChecked campaign and they joined staff at M&Co’s flagship store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh to raise awareness of the importance of early detection to help save more lives in Scotland.

#GetChecked will be promoted in M&Co’s network of 62 stores across Scotland over the next two weeks to help spread the message. Their windows will also be dressed in colourful checks and staff will be handing out leaflets and stickers to promote the importance of early detection to customers.

Members of the public will also be encouraged to take a ‘check selfie’ showing an item of check as a visual prompt for making people think about getting checked, either themselves or nudging a friend or relative.

Statistics show that the likelihood of surviving breast cancer is five times higher if detected at an early stage compared to a late stage, 14 times higher for bowel cancer and 20 times higher for lung cancer.

Around 1,000 deaths could be avoided each year if Scottish cancer survival matched the best in Europe and early detection is key.

Yvie Burnett said: “I lost my wonderful Dad in 1992 when I was in my twenties, which was far too soon. When I had children he wasn’t around to see them and there are so many things I have done in my life which I would have loved to share with him.

“That’s why I’m passionate about what #GetChecked aims to do. I’m proudly wearing my checks today, and I hope others across the country will as well – the more we can encourage people to present early, the more lives that will be saved. It’s as simple as that.”

Mum of two Lindsay Blake, 42, said: “I was on holiday in Turkey when I first spotted a small indentation in my right breast that I’d never seen before. As soon as I got home I went to my GP to get it checked out and was referred to hospital for a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.

“It was a shock when I was told I had cancer but my husband, kids, family and friends were all amazing from start to finish. Their support kept me feeling positive, even through the tough days. Now two and a half years on I’m well, back at work and starting to feel more like me again.

“I lost my own mum to lung cancer in 2009 and it broke my heart to watch her fade away. I don’t want that to happen to any other family. That’s why I’m determined to do everything I can to raise awareness that if cancer is caught early it can be very treatable. It’s so important women and men of all ages get to know their body by looking and checking themselves regularly then if they find any unusual changes or feel unwell go to see the GP.”

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said: “We know more about cancer today than ever before, and thanks to early detection, research breakthroughs and treatment advances, half of men and women now survive cancer in Scotland. But early detection is key to further boosting survival rates.

“#GetChecked is part of the wee c initiative, which aims to bring cancer down to size in Scotland. Early detection is one way we can all help turn the Big C into the wee c and we’re calling on the people of Scotland to show their support by wearing their checks.

“Having the support of M&Co, Cancer Research UK’s charity partner, who will be displaying checks throughout their 60 stores will help create the association between checks and ‘getting checked’ and lead to early detection. We want to empower people to visit their GP or attend a screening appointment, as well as encouraging their loved ones to do the same.”

John Hodgson, Central Operations Manager at M&Co, said: “We’re delighted to be kick starting such a vital campaign in association with our charity partner Cancer Research UK. Through our network of 62 stores in towns and cities across Scotland, 750 employees and large number of customers we’re committed to helping reach as many people as possible with the early detection message.

“Most people have been or will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives. If we can play a part in encouraging people to get checked earlier with signs or symptoms so more lives can be saved, we’ll be extremely proud.”

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior policy manager, said: “More people than ever are living beyond a cancer diagnosis and, over the last 40 years, survival in the UK has doubled. Today half of all those told they have cancer will survive the disease for at least ten years.

“We know that early detection saves lives but to help make that happen it’s important that people with unusual or persistent changes to their body go and #GetChecked. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, diagnosing and treating it at an early stage, means treatment is more likely to be effective .”

For more information on #GetChecked and the wee c visit: www.theweec.org andwww.facebook.com/theweec

Health advice for students from NHS24

STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead by Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation, NHS24.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks is reminding students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk

He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to plan ahead for their health.

“Freshers’ week is the ideal time for new students to register with a GP when getting to know their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can use NHS inform to search for local services.

“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.

“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”

The Freshers’ Zone at NHS inform provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.

From August 1 this year, young people under the age of 25 who are starting university for the first time, and have not previously received it in school, will be offered the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis W.

For more information on the immunisation programme, and the signs and symptoms of meningitis, visit http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/menw.aspx

Tomorrow is Living Life Day

Emotional wellbeing is the focus of Scotland’s first ‘Living Life Day’, which takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 25 August).

With the theme ‘Make your day different’, Scots are being encouraged to take steps to improve their wellbeing, whether that’s through exercise, relaxation or time with family or friends.

National Living Life Day will also raise awareness of NHS Living Life, a free service providing over-the-phone therapy for anyone in Scotland experiencing mild to moderate stress or anxiety. It will be 7 years since the NHS Living Life service was launched, which offers free telephone appointments with a Self-help Coach or Therapist.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of NHS Living Life, said: “One in four people in Scotland will experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. Living Life Day helps turn the spotlight on the importance of looking after your emotional wellbeing at an early stage. Services such as NHS Living Life are an empowering and practical way for anyone feeling stressed or anxious to get information, access resources and learn coping skills.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “I’m delighted to support Scotland’s first Living Life Day. It’s so important that we all start think about looking after our mental health in exactly the same way we think about caring for our physical health. Physical activity, relaxation and spending time with family and friends are all excellent ways to improve mental wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of problems developing. Living Life Day is a chance for people to think about how they might be able to devote more time to these things.

“NHS Living Life is a tremendous service that helps thousands of people every year. It’s there for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety, and gives them the chance to talk about their feelings and get some practical advice on how to cope. This service is one of the many steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve Scotland’s mental health, reducing the number of people who develop more serious illnesses.”

To find out more about NHS Living Life visit www.livinglife.scot, or phone 0800 328 9655 (lines are open Mon-Fri, 1pm-9pm). Follow @NHS24 to find out what’s happening across the country for #LLDay

Back to skool advice from NHS24

AS children return to school after the summer holidays, NHS 24 is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school in the next week or two, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead.

“NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types.

“There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have in your first aid kit at home.

“It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.”

For further health advice and information go to www.nhsinform.co.uk

The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years.

The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.

For more info visit

www.twitter.com/nhs24 and www.facebook.com/nhs24

Supermum Lisa’s special delivery

Lisa raises funds for Edinburgh’s Sick Kids

Lisa Quarrell, a mum-of-two, visited the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh this week to hand over a state-of-the-art piece of equipment to help reduce children’s fear of needles.

Lisa, who’s from East Kilbride, is a familiar face at the hospital after her brave son Cole was admitted to the Paediatric Neurology ward at just two years old to receive treatment for epilepsy. Now three, Cole was just three months old when he first started taking seizures.

Cole was admitted to the RHSC in Edinburgh to undergo a lesionectomy on his left temporal lobe. During this time, little Cole had bloods taken twice a day, every day. On top of epilepsy treatment and examinations, these examinations proved to be extremely stressful for baby Cole, mum Lisa and dad David.

Lisa said: “It was very difficult to find Cole’s veins as they would collapse a lot of the time. The trauma of this made Cole extremely needle phobic. Twice a day, we would have to hold him in place for up to 20 minutes, until we could find a vein and get the blood sample that the nurses required.

“It was heart-breaking for me to watch Cole experience this level of fear over the needles and I was desperate to do something to help the nurses and other patients have an easier time when it came to this essential treatment. When the Ward 7 nurses told me about the AccuVein device it seemed like the perfect solution and I knew I wanted to fundraise for this great piece of kit.”

The state-of-the-art AccuVein device, worth more than £3,500, shines a special light over a child’s body to reveal the veins located underneath the skin. This technique allows nurses to carry out any needle-based procedures more quickly and accurately than ever before, vastly improving what is a traumatic experience for so many children.

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF), which exists to transform the experiences of children visiting hospital, has also invested almost £5,000 to fund this vein illumination device and other innovative equipment to help reduce children’s anxiety around needles across the hospital.

Lisa continued: “It’s amazing the difference one small instrument can make to a child’s experience in hospital and I’m so happy to see the first AccuVein device I fundraised for go to good use in Ward 7. I’m hoping to fund a further four devices in the next few months so that more children than ever before can benefit.”

Roslyn Neely, Chief Executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “At the SKFF we believe that nothing should get in the way of being a child, this includes small procedures like injections, blood samples and cannulation which can be extremely stressful for young children.

“We’re extremely grateful to Lisa and her entire family for their help in bringing this equipment to the ward floors – we’re already seeing the positive impact it is having for patients, families and the nursing staff across the hospital.”

Talking about a healthier Scotland

‘We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.’ – Health Secretary Shona Robison

The conversation on the long term future of health and social care services in Scotland began at an event held in Dundee yesterday.

Representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS, care sector, charities, patient groups and the third sector came together this morning in a café conversation-style event hosted by national third sector health and social care organisation, the ALLIANCE.

It is the first in a series of events and discussions which will be held around the country between August 2015 and April 2016.

Opening the event, Health Secretary Shona Robison called on people from across the country to get involved. She also announced the launch of the Creating a Healthier Scotland website, giving people the opportunity to follow the conversation and contribute to the debate as it progresses.

Ms Robison said: “Earlier this year I announced my intention to hold a national conversation about the future of our health and social care services. I want to seek agreement on how to make more progress in improving the health of the population, and on how our NHS and social care systems should develop by 2030 to continue supporting everyone to live well.

“We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.

“The NHS is a treasured institution and holds a special place in this country’s heart. Nearly every single person has used or had some experience of the NHS in their lifetime and so it is absolutely right that we involve as many people as we can in the discussion about where the NHS will go in the next ten to fifteen years and beyond.

“There will be many opportunities for people to get involved, and tell us what matters over the coming months.

“We have made some real progress in recent years – cutting waiting times, vastly reducing superbug infections in our hospitals and bringing together health and social care through legislation for the first time ever to deliver fully joined up services for people in Scotland.

“We have also taken steps to address immediate challenges – like investing £100 million to tackle delayed discharge, recruiting record levels of staff, investing more than £12billion in a financial year for the first time ever and setting out a new plan for emergency care.

“Our vision for 2020 – that people should live longer healthier lives at home or in homely settings remains the right course to set. But our approach to health and social care between now and 2030 cannot simply remain the same as we face increasing challenges and pressures and we must start discussing and planning for that now.

“Most importantly, I want to ensure that as far as possible the outcome of the national conversation is turned into a practical reality. This isn’t about producing just another vision – we want to take these views and put them into practice as quickly as we can.

“Today marks the beginning of this conversation and I’m pleased to be here in Dundee to listen to a wide range of stakeholders, professionals and patients of the NHS.”

Ian Welsh, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) said: “The ALLIANCE welcomes the national conversation on the future of health and social care in Scotland. This provides us with an opportunity to engage with people across the country who use support and services in defining priorities for improving Scotland’s health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with our members to generate a substantial contribution to this process and support creative discussions about what keeps people well.”

The national debate will focus around three broad questions:

What support do we need in Scotland to live healthier lives?
What areas of health and social care matter most to you?
Thinking about the future of health and social care services, where should our focus be?

Find out more on the Creating Healthier Scotland website: http://healthier.scot/

Contribute to the debate via post and email, or by joining the discussion on the blog, Twitter, orFacebook page.

Step out and discover Drylaw’s hidden gems

Discovering the Orient in Drylaw!

An Evening Walk discovering Drylaw’s hidden gems!

Thursday 30 July

Meet at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, 7pm

Come and join Pilton Community Health Project’s experienced, award-winning volunteer guides who will lead the short walk in Drylaw, part of a programme of walks across North Edinburgh.

For more information call 551 1671 or email admin@pchp.org.uk

Olympic torch shines at Sick Kids

‘The Olympic torch signifies strength, bravery and persistence – something which the patients of Edinburgh’s children’s hospital have bags of’ – Rachel McKenzie, Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

Ultra-marathon cyclist Katie Ford visited the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh recently to see the impact the Olympic torch she donated to the children’s hospital is having on patients of the Paediatric Neurology ward. Former Olympic torch-bearer Katie also presented a cheque for its new display case.

The iconic beacon, which featured in the London 2012 Olympic Games’ torch relay, has now been installed at the top of the hospital’s Ward 7 corridor to inspire young patients to try and walk the length of the pathway following major surgery.

Katie, who experienced up to three Grand-Mal epileptic seizures a week and up to15 Petit-Mal seizures a day spent five years in and out of the Sick Kids hospital as a youngster.

Fifteen years ago, the inspirational 29-year-old underwent life-changing surgery using equipment funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF). The video telemetry equipment was used to investigate Katie’s seizures and has allowed her to go on and participate in a number of gruelling charity cycles including Race Across America – an impressive 3,000 mile cycle trail with a 9 day time limit.

Glasgow born Katie said: “It’s fantastic to return to the hospital that gave me so much support in overcoming my epilepsy. The Sick Kids Friends Foundations’ funding meant I could go through the work up testing that allowed me to be selected for neurosurgery that changed my life, and will always have a special place in my heart for that reason.

“It’s so humbling to see the Olympic torch I carried during the 2012 relay take pride of place at Ward 7. I have been privileged enough to meet so many kids with epilepsy here whose dignity and strength is incredible and even helped me carrying on riding during the toughest part of the Race Across America.

“Without the staff and patients of Ward 7 and the hospital, I would never have had the honour of carrying the Olympic flame, or even been able to ride a bike safely. Because of this, I feel the torch belongs here and not with me. It’s an incredible thing and I just hope it continues to inspire the brave, young patients of ward 7 to get back on their feet as soon as they can, because they’ve already inspired me to do more with my own life.”

Rachel McKenzie, head of fundraising at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, added: “We feel very lucky to have such a treasured possession among the wards at the RHSC and are extremely grateful to Katie for this priceless gift. The Olympic torch signifies strength, bravery and persistence – something which the patients of Edinburgh’s children’s hospital have bags of.

“At the Foundation we’re working hard to ensure children are less scared during their time in hospital and have a positive experience – the Olympic torch is a fantastic asset which lights up ward 7 for our young patients. I have no doubt it will go on to inspire some future athletes and Olympians who, like Katie, will overcome the biggest of challenges.”

Pictured: Karen Duguid, Senior Charge Nurse from West Lothian, Katie Ford who donated the torch and Margaret McEwan, Play Specialist from East Lothian with the Olympic torch on Ward 7 at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Western General: Must do better

Follow-up inspection finds there’s still room for improvement at Western General

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has published its report following an unannounced follow-up inspection visit to the Western General Hospital on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May – and further improvement is required before the local hospital can be given a clean bill of health.

HEI, part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, was set up to help reduce healthcare associated infection risk to patients through a rigorous inspection framework.

The HEI inspection team examined NHS Lothian’s self-assessment information and then inspected the hospital to validate this information, meet patients and staff, and visit wards and departments to assess how clean the hospital was and if it was meeting national standards.

This follow-up report should be read along with the previous report produced last November, as May’s inspection follows up on the requirements made at that inspection. (See NEN blog post 26 January ‘Simply Unacceptable’).

Inspectors found that the NHS board has met six of the requirements made at the previous inspection in November last year, and partially met two other requirements.

This latest inspection resulted in no new requirements or recommendations.

Jacqui Macrae, HEI’s Head of Quality of Care, said: “Our inspectors found that NHS Lothian has met six of the eight requirements we made in our previous inspection. Progress has been made in addressing the remaining two requirements but these have only been partially met.

“As a result, NHS Lothian must take further action to maintain a clean environment in the acute receiving admissions unit. It must also ensure that a consistent system is in place to check all mattresses across all wards and departments.

These requirements will be carried forward to the next inspection and we expect NHS Lothian to address these areas as a matter of priority.”

The full HEI inspection report can be found at: http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/inspecting_and_regulating_care/nhs_hospitals_and_services/nhs_lothian/western_general_hospital.aspx