COVID-19 is still with us and flu cases are rising. The vaccines help to protect you against serious illness from the viruses.
If eligible, visit nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or find a drop-in clinic here:
Ageing Well, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian is seeking new participants to join various city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life.
Available to join are Buddy Swim sessions, a 19-week cycle skills course and a two-week technical skills Nordic Walking course, which is followed by four weeks of walking around Edinburgh.
Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Ageing Well activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities. All activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves.
“The emphasis is on meeting new people whilst making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. For anyone who has made a promise to themselves, or their family, to improve their fitness in the new year, now is the time to walk the talk and to register their interest in any of our Ageing Well programmes.
“I can guarantee it will be a lot of fun, will improve their wellbeing and fitness, and all our activities are sociable, with plenty of opportunities to make new friends.”
Buddy Swimming is aimed at older adults, who perhaps lack confidence, to get back in the water. Participants are met and greeted by Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteers and ensure they have the support they require in the water, followed by that all-important chat and cup of tea afterwards.
Ageing Well’s Buddy Swimming takes place in three Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city, moving to four, when Warrender Swim Centre, reopens in early 2023.
The 19-week Cycle Skills course will start at the beginning of March 2023 and takes place on a Monday at 10am.
The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton.
Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.
Suitable for anyone who hasn’t been on a bike for ages or for those that don’t currently own one, Edinburgh Leisure can provide bikes, helmets, and hi-viz vests, but people are welcome to bring their own.
Ageing Well’s six-week Nordic Walking course launched in March 2022 and will start again in Spring 2023, day and date to be decided.
Nordic Walking is for everyone. Its origins are Finnish and it provides a total-body version of fitness walking with specially designed poles, not to be confused with trekking poles. It can be enjoyed at many levels, at low, medium, or high intensity. The poles mean that effort is shared between the upper and lower body, so it feels easier than normal walking, particularly uphill. More than 10 million people globally enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.
Participants will meet at Brighton Park in Portobello and would be expected to attend the first two technical sessions to graduate. Each session will last 1-hour, and poles will be provided, if people do not already have their own.
Once group members have graduated from the 2-week introductory course, they will be eligible to join the Nordic Walking 4-week course, visiting various locations. These walks would take between 1.5 – 2 hours.
The Nordic Walking course complements Ageing Well’s already popular regular walks which take place in different locations around the city each week.
Ageing Well relies on external funding and donations to deliver its programmes across Edinburgh. A contribution of £3 per week for each activity is appreciated. This can be paid in one go or each week. People’s generous support means Edinburgh Leisure can provide a range of activities to reach more older adults in need of their support, protecting their health and wellbeing and improving their quality of life.
In 2018 the Ageing Well programme was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE. The award reflects the tremendous contribution of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well volunteers and the positive difference they make to the lives of participants.
To find out more about any Ageing Well activities, visit:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/active-communities/ageing-well
Don’t delay registering your interest in any of the Ageing Well activities: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 0131 458 2260.
NHS Lothian has published the findings of a research project, funded by NHS Lothian Charity, to learn about the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s historical ties with the enslavement of African people and people of African descent.
The main findings include:
From 1729 to 1850, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) received at least £28,080 from 43 individuals with ties to Atlantic slavery. These donors included physicians, surgeons, politicians, colonial officials, bankers, and a range of merchants, both in Britain and its colonies, who were connected to the enslavement of African people in the British West Indies and America.
From 1749 to 1892, the RIE owned and leased an estate in Jamaica called Red Hill pen, bequeathed in the will of the Scottish surgeon and enslaver Dr Archibald Kerr. Until the abolition of slavery in Britain’s colonies in 1834, the RIE owned and leased the enslaved people, drawing substantial rents from the property. After Abolition, the estate employed ‘apprentice’ Black labourers.
Between 1773 and 1801, the RIE was involved in requests for the manumission (the granting of freedom) of an enslaved Black woman (Juliet) and later her two enslaved children (John and William Moodie) on Red Hill at the request of their father, Dr John Moodie, a White man.
Through a complex series of events, the RIE eventually received approximately £832 from the British Government after the abolition of slavery (1834) as ‘compensation’ for the loss of the labour of the enslaved people at Red Hill.
NHS Lothian is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination and harassment, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between the different groups of people working for the organisation and using its services.
Throughout January, a series of public engagement events, led in partnership between the project’s independent Advisory Group and researcher, will be held in Edinburgh and online.
The purpose of these events is to start a conversation about what we have learned, the lasting impact, and the changes NHS Lothian can make today.
We are particularly interested in hearing from those groups who are most adversely affected by this history of slavery, including NHS Lothian BME staff and the wider ethnically diverse communities across Lothian. The Advisory Group will then make recommendations to the NHS Lothian Board to suggest how the organisation might correctly and appropriately learn from its past and act to tackle the modern-day racism and racial inequalities experienced by the people who work for NHS Lothian and use our services.
The full historical report and further details on the project itself can be found on NHS Lothian’s website, including how to take part in these important conversations – https://org.nhslothian.scot/AboutUs/OurHistory/Slavery/Pages/default.aspx
Two open sessions will also take place at the Centre for Research Collections, University of Edinburgh. During these sessions, relevant eighteenth and nineteenth century records used in the historical report will be available for people to view with the guidance of staff at Lothian Health Services Archive.
Talking about the importance of this charity-funded project, NHS Lothian Chief Executive, Calum Campbell said: “It is essential that our health and care system is truly inclusive so that everyone in Lothian lives longer, healthier lives, with better outcomes from the care and treatment we provide.
“We also strive to be an inclusive employer where everyone who works with and for us has better experiences. This work to acknowledge and tackle racism and racial inequality is vital to delivering this ambition.
“This project was fully funded by NHS Lothian’s official charity, NHS Lothian Charity. An independent researcher was contracted by NHS Lothian Charity to undertake the research and will lead the subsequent public engagement work.
“We hope that the public will get involved in conversations about this important work, helping us to understand and consider different reflections and viewpoints that will inform the independent Advisory Group’s final recommendations.”
Director of NHS Lothian Charity, Jane Ferguson said: “This is an important piece of work that we are serious about working in partnership on with NHS Lothian and we are providing charitable funding to take it forward.
“Reducing health inequality is one of the Charity’s priority objectives and this research helps both us and NHS Lothian understand what more we can do to help improve the health outcomes of our ethnically diverse communities.”
A list of FAQs has been provided to help with any questions that you might have about this project.
For more information visit:
https://org.nhslothian.scot/AboutUs/OurHistory/Slavery/Pages/default.aspx
Do you have a passion for working in healthcare? Looking to start your exciting career as a Clinical Support Worker or in Administration?
NHS Lothian’s Modern Apprenticeships may just be what you are looking for!
Applications will open 6th January! More details to follow.
An increasing number of respiratory viruses in Lothian is heaping extra pressure on the hospital system.
Cases of Flu are surging and there are still high levels of COVID and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), as well as norovirus, causing hospitals and GPs in Lothian to be stretched beyond capacity.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said the sector as a whole was already experiencing significant pressures because of an increase in emergency patients and large numbers of delayed discharge patients, before this latest increase in infection rates.
He added: “Our teams across the health and social care system are facing sustained and relentless challenge. The system is under horrendous pressure and the challenges our teams are facing are uncharted.
“We are experiencing more cases of infection – flu, COVID and RSV, as well as norovirus – than ever before.
“In order to maintain our patient flow through the hospital and retain beds for the most urgent of cases, we need to support people to go home quicker after their treatment and reduce any preventable admissions. That is where the public can help.
“Please take sensible precautions to prevent infection, especially if you have underlying health conditions or plan to be with those that do””
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, the Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People are all at full capacity.
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, urged people to help reduce the spread of infections to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in their communities.
She said: “Although they can be mild infections for many, RSV and Flu can be extremely serious for some people causing them to require urgent hospital treatment. We have now reached extraordinary levels of flu in Scotland that we haven’t seen for many years.”
“We are asking anyone who has cold or flu like symptoms to help limit the spread of infection and reduce the chances of passing it to someone who will become very unwell.
“Stay at home if you feel unwell. And if you do have to go out, please wear a mask. People should also remember to wash their hands, and cough or sneeze into a tissue and bin it.”
People in Lothian are also being reminded to stock up their medicine cabinets with paracetamol and cold remedies so they can treat common illnesses at home.
Anyone who has cold type symptoms, such as a runny nose or mild cough, or who has a sore throat without a temperature and can eat and drink, is likely to have a viral illness and does not need to contact their GP. They should drink plenty of fluids and rest and get additional help and advice from NHS Inform or their local pharmacy.
The most up to date information on Strep A can be found at:
Following warnings that hospitals and GP services are being stretched beyond capacity NHS Lothian is explaining how relatives and carers can help.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said that ongoing delays in discharging patients who no longer need clinical care is continuing to intensify pressure across the whole healthcare system but there are ways that people can help.
He said: “Our services have been experiencing unprecedented demand for some time and we are doing everything that we can to increase capacity, provide essential care for patients and relieve pressure on staff.
“As we move into the New Year, we’re asking people to play their part in easing this sustained pressure by helping to care for loved ones at home, managing illnesses properly and reducing the spread of infections, which can result in increased hospital admissions.”
To help reduce waiting times and free up beds for new patients, NHS Lothian has been appealing to relatives and carers of patients who could be discharged to provide interim care for them at home.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian, explains: “Many of our patients no longer require hospital treatment but can’t go home until an appropriate care package is in place or a care home placement becomes available.
“We are urging families of these patients to please consider how they can help look after a loved one at home on a temporary basis. Our teams will be on hand to provide support and discuss their needs and will only allow patients to go home after a robust clinical assessment.”
“People can also help by arranging to collect friends and family who have been discharged as early as possible.”
Most Strep A infections are relatively mild and clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics.
Speak to your GP or call 111 outwith hours if symptoms get worse.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
For more information, please visit http://nhsinform.scot/strepA
We’ve extended our drop-in clinics so you can get your winter vaccines over the festive period and into January without an appointment.
Flu cases are rising so, if you’re eligible, please get yours soon.
Clinic details here: http://ow.ly/V46850MblNa
| Area | Site | Days | Drop-in times |
| East Lothian | Edington Cottage Hospital | Monday to Friday Closed from 24th December to 8th January | 8.30am – 4.30pm (Closed 10am to 10.30am and again from 12.30pm to 1.30pm) |
| East Lothian | Haddington Corn Exchange | Monday to Sunday | 8.30am – 4.30pm(Closed 12pm – 1pm) |
| East Lothian | Musselburgh Primary Care Centre | Monday to Friday Closed from 24th December to 8th January | 8.05am – 4.50pm (Closed 10am to 10.20am and again from 12.30pm to 1.15pm) |
| Edinburgh | Fort Kinnaird (SAS Bus – next to Currys) | Monday 19th – Friday 23rd December | 9.30am – 4pm |
| Edinburgh | The Gyle | Monday to Sunday | 9.30am – 6.30pm |
| Edinburgh | Ocean Terminal | Monday to Sunday | 9am – 6.30pm |
| Edinburgh | Waverley Mall | Monday to Sunday | 10am – 5.30pm |
| Midlothian | Gorebridge Leisure Centre | Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Closed Thursday 22nd December onwards, reopens Wednesday 4th January | 8.30am – 4.30pm (Closed 12.30pm – 1.15pm) |
| Midlothian | Rosewell Steading | Monday to Sunday | 8am – 5pm |
| West Lothian | Livingston Designer Outlet | Monday to Wednesday and Friday | 9.30am – 5pm |
| | | Thursday | 9.30am – 6pm |
| | | Sunday | 10.30am – 4.30pm |
| West Lothian | Carmondean Health Centre | Monday and Tuesday | 9am – 4.30pm(Closed 12pm – 1.15pm) |
| West Lothian | Strathbrock Partnership Centre | Monday to Sunday | 9am – 6pm |
| West Lothian | West Calder Health Centre | Wednesday and Friday | 9am – 4.30pm(Closed 12pm – 1.15pm) |
A kidney cancer drug has been accepted for use within NHS Scotland and across the UK thanks to an international study, with NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University leading the UK part of the trial.
The treatment, pembrolizumab, is an antibody delivered intravenously as an immunotherapy to reduce the chances of a relapse after kidney cancer surgery.
Thanks to the research, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has advised that the drug will now be made available to treat eligible adults with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
In Scotland, about 1000 patients are diagnosed with RCC each year, and the incidence of the disease has been increasing over time.
Surgery carries the hope of cure if disease is caught early, but about a quarter to half of patients who undergo a nephrectomy (whole or partial kidney removal) have disease recurrence at different sites within three to five years of this.
RCC is generally resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy so, until now, there have been no additional treatments that reduce this risk of relapse.
The study showed that, for patients with a raised risk of relapse, pembrolizumab reduced the risk of kidney cancer coming back by a about a third and there are early indications that this is leading to patients living longer.
This has led to the SMC recommending the drug for NHS use and the first non-trial patients are now receiving this new treatment in Edinburgh.
Dr Stefan Symeonides, Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and Oncology Consultant at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, said: “Research continues to explore which people might benefit most from this treatment, as pembrolizumab is not always effective or suitable for every patient.
“However, this represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of kidney cancer as confirmed by UK approvals from the SMC in Scotland and NICE in England and Wales, as well as its incorporation in treatment guidelines from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
“Approval of pembrolizumab is welcome news to many RCC patients, who otherwise had no treatment options available to them to prevent or reduce the risk of relapse of the cancer following nephrectomy.”
Visit the University of Edinburgh‘s website to read more.
Humza Yousaf must be sacked for ‘dangerous negligence’, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said, as the party revealed that the number of patients waiting over 12 hours to be seen in Accident and Emergency in Lothian has soared.
Statistics have shown that, in the year from November 2021 to October 2022, a shocking 15,936 people in NHS Lothian spent more than 12 hours in A&E waiting to be seen – despite an SNP government commitment to see 95% of patients within four hours.
This figure has spiralled in recent years, with the number of people waiting more than 12 hours now around 18 times higher than the same period in 2018/19.
With A&E services in disarray and the situation only worsening throughout the winter, Scottish Labour is warning that lives will be lost due to the SNP-created A&E crisis.
Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The facts are plain for all to see – NHS Lothian’s A&E services have been plunged into a deadly freefall by Humza Yousaf’s dangerous negligence.
“Despite the efforts of hardworking staff, the number of patients spending a shocking 12 hours waiting in A&E has soared this year.
“The SNP’s mismanagement of our NHS is putting lives at risk – we urgently need a real plan to put a stop to this chaos and protect services in Lothian.”
The Scottish Conservatives are also calling for Yousaf’s sacking. A spokesperson said: “With each passing week, Humza Yousaf continues to preside over complete chaos in our A&E departments.
“His tenure as Health Secretary has been nothing short of a disaster and Nicola Sturgeon must sack him immediately.”
Number of A&E patients waiting more than 12 hours:
| Year to October 2019* | Year to October 2022* | Change (%) | Change (times higher) | |
| NHS Ayrshire & Arran | 1557 | 8038 | 416% | 5 |
| NHS Borders | 56 | 2925 | 5123% | 52 |
| NHS Dumfries & Galloway | 43 | 392 | 812% | 9 |
| NHS Fife | 4 | 1053 | 26225% | 263 |
| NHS Forth Valley | 206 | 2899 | 1307% | 14 |
| NHS Grampian | 28 | 1685 | 5918% | 60 |
| NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde | 197 | 5997 | 2944% | 30 |
| NHS Highland | 20 | 667 | 3235% | 33 |
| NHS Lanarkshire | 851 | 6267 | 636% | 7 |
| NHS Lothian | 910 | 15936 | 1651% | 18 |
| NHS Orkney | 4 | 8 | 100% | 2 |
| NHS Shetland | 0 | 1 | ||
| NHS Tayside | 3 | 27 | 800% | 9 |
| NHS Western Isles | 0 | 0 | ||
| NHS Scotland | 3879 | 45895 | 1083% | 12 |
* 12 month period from November to October
