Tag: NHS Scotland

Twice as likely to die early or live with ill health if you live in Scotland’s poorest areas

We’ve known for some time that health inequalities exist, but a new report out today shows the scale of the problem. The NHS Health Scotland study (below) found that people living in the poorest areas have DOUBLE  the rate of illness or early death than people in our wealthiest areas.

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Nearly a third (32.9%) of early deaths and ill health in Scotland could be avoided if the whole population had the same life circumstances as the people who live in our wealthiest areas.

Our report also shows that early death and illnesses associated with the things that harm our health the most, like drugs, tobacco, poor diet, and alcohol, are more common in the poorest areas than in wealthiest areas.

Dr Diane Stockton, the study lead at NHS Health Scotland said: “The stark inequalities highlighted in our report represent thousands of deaths that didn’t need to happen. Illnesses that people didn’t have to endure, and tragedy for thousands of families in Scotland.

“It does not have to be this way. The fact that people in our wealthiest areas are in better health and that conditions that cause most of the ill health and early death result from things we can change – like illnesses associated with mental wellbeing, diet, drug use and alcohol dependency – shows that it is possible to create a fairer healthier Scotland.

“Our report highlights that to do this, we have to improve the life circumstances of people in our poorest areas and prevent their early death or avoidable ill health. This is about more than encouraging healthy choices. It’s easier to access the things that harm our health in these areas, and so no one type of behaviour change is going to solve this problem on its own. It’s about addressing the environment we live, rest, play, work and learn in so that it supports us to be mentally and physically well. And it’s complex. There is no silver bullet, but, with collective effort for a fairer healthier Scotland, we can help to ensure that everyone in Scotland can enjoy their right to the highest attainable standard of health.”

View the report on the ScotPHO website 

 

 

 

New analysis reveals cuts in smoking cessation aids in NHS Scotland

A report published today by the British Lung Foundation highlights a sharp decline in stop smoking aids being prescribed by GPs and pharmacists across Scotland, just weeks after the Scottish Government announced new plans to create a “smoke-free” generation in Scotland by 2034.  Continue reading New analysis reveals cuts in smoking cessation aids in NHS Scotland

Organ donation: Scotland’s opting in

Scotland will move to a soft opt out system for organ and tissue donation, under legislation introduced to the Scottish Parliament.  The Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill will change organ and tissue donation from the current ‘opt in’ system to an ‘opt out’ system.

Under the proposed system, if someone has not stated a decision about donation, they may be deemed as having authorised it.

The Bill contains safeguards to ensure people’s wishes regarding donation are followed and that families will be asked about their loved one’s views to ensure donations don’t occur where the person would not have wished it.

The move to an opt out system received 82% support from respondents in a public consultation in 2017. It will add to measures that have contributed towards improvements in organ donation over the last decade in Scotland, which has seen   an 89% increase in the number of deceased organ donors and a 78% increase in organ transplants.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell (above) said: “We need to do all we can to further reduce the number of people in Scotland waiting for transplants. We have made significant progress over the past decade, and moving to an opt out system will be part of driving a long term change in attitudes towards organ and tissue donation.

“Organ and tissue donation is an incredible gift. Importantly, under the proposed system, people will still be able to make a choice about donation as they can now and there are safeguards to ensure their wishes are followed. I would encourage people to continue to make a decision about donation and to tell their family.

“Organ donation can only occur in tragic circumstances, and every donor, supported by their family, makes a selfless decision that can save other people’s lives.”

Under the proposed system there will be protections for adults without capacity to understand deemed authorisation, adults resident in Scotland for less than 12 months and children under 16 who will not be subject to deemed authorisation and will only be able to donate if they, or someone on their behalf, explicitly authorises it.

Less than 1% of people die in circumstances that enable organ donation to proceed, as a potential donor usually has to be in an intensive care unit and  there may be medical reasons that mean organs are unsuitable for transplantation.

Since 2008 in Scotland, there has been:

  • An 89% increase in the number of people who donated organs after their death (54 to 102 in 2017/18)
  • A 78% increase in the number of lifesaving transplant operations from deceased donors (211 to 375 in 2017/18
  • A 22% decrease in the number of people on the active transplant waiting list (689 to 534 in 2017/18)

Winter health crisis: Scotland’s flu rates double in a week

 “Vaccination is the best defence against flu”

The number of people suffering from flu-like illnesses in Scotland more than doubled in the first week of 2018 compared to the previous week and is four times higher than the same week in 2017. Continue reading Winter health crisis: Scotland’s flu rates double in a week

Festive A & E figures show a service under unbearable strain

An increase in flu cases and patients with complex care needs have contributed to significant pressure on Scotland’s A&E departments over the Christmas period, as clinicians focus on delivering the best treatment for patients. Continue reading Festive A & E figures show a service under unbearable strain

Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions in lead up to four day festive closure

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With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, a major health campaign is encouraging people across Lothian to plan ahead if they depend on repeat prescriptions.  Continue reading Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions in lead up to four day festive closure

Government must focus on preventative health measures, say Greens

The Scottish Government must give a greater focus to preventative public health measures in order to improve the National Health Service, the Scottish Greens will say during a Holyrood debate later today.  Speaking in an opposition debate on the NHS in Scotland 2017 report, Green MSP Alison Johnstone will say the report’s findings prove there’s a greater need for early intervention and for general practice funding to be reformed to help support GP retention. Continue reading Government must focus on preventative health measures, say Greens

UK can learn from Scotland’s NHS – but dangers lie ahead

The unique strengths of Scotland’s NHS, in particular the way it improves quality and safety, could be undermined by serious financial pressure over the next few years.

A report by independent health think-tank The Nuffield Trust says that the UK could learn much from the strengths of Scotland’s NHS – but it goes on to warn that financial pressures could undo the good work that is going on north of the border. Scotland’s Health Minister Shona Robison has welcomed the report and says ‘significant’ reforms are helping improve service delivery. Continue reading UK can learn from Scotland’s NHS – but dangers lie ahead