Changes to the questions people are asked before they are accepted as blood donors come into effect today – meaning all potential donors are treated the same.
The changes, implemented on World Blood Donor Day, will allow more men who have sex with men, and people whose partners have previously lived in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, to give blood if they meet the other blood donation criteria.
Questions about recent sexual activity will be the same for all donors, regardless of their sexuality.
The changes follow recommendations by the specialist research group For Assessment of Individualised Risk (FAIR), made up of leading medical and academic experts and LGBTI+ groups. The new questions will mean that people will still be unable to donate where there is evidence of recent sexual activity that could lead to a higher risk of a donor having blood-borne virus infection.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome the changes being made today and am grateful to everyone who currently gives blood and everyone who wants to give blood in future. Your support is vital to save lives and ensure our NHS has enough blood components to meet the needs of all those who will need a blood transfusion.
“Previous rules meant that automatic time bars were in place for a number of people, including men who have sex with men. It’s clear that such a blanket approach was simply not fair – not least to gay and bisexual men in committed relationships.
“There are also some people who have partners who previously lived in sub-Saharan Africa, but have been in the UK for a long time. These changes to the questions will allow more people in these groups to donate, and continue to ensure the blood supplied to our hospitals is safe.”
Development Manager for the Equality Network Scott Cuthbertson said: “I’ve been campaigning on the issue of blood donation for gay and bisexual men for over 15 years, and I welcome the support of Scottish Ministers in approving this change.
“For me this was never about a right to give, but the fact that there were many gay and bisexual men that could do so safely.
“I’m pleased the evidence, assessed by experts, has concluded that to be true, and that many thousands of gay and bisexual men will be able to donate their blood and help save lives.
“Today, during Pride Month, I’m proud to donate my blood for the first time alongside many other gay and bisexual men across the UK as the rules are changed to be fairer for all.”
As the covid crisis hopefully eases, concerns are being focused on the impact of lockdown on other health conditions. With health centres forced to postpone routine screenings last year, there are fears some conditions may have worsened in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment.
During Diabetes Week this week [June 14-20th], the national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is emphasising it is more important than ever that people with diabetes attend their regular check-up appointments, now that these have resumed.
RNIB director James Adams said: “Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can affect the small blood vessels at the back of the eye and is a major cause of sight loss among working-age adults. But damage to vision can be arrested if detected early enough.
“While it’s possible that diabetes won’t cause any changes to your sight, the most effective thing you can do to prevent this is to go to your retinal screening appointments and eye examinations, where safety measures are in place.”
The message is also being emphasised by NHS Scotland. Dr Mike Gavin, clinical lead for the national Scottish Diabetic Eye Screening Programme said: “We are working hard to see patients for screening, after the service was temporarily paused during the first lockdown in 2020. Patients should always attend screening whenever they are invited to prevent avoidable loss of sight.”
Each year, 5,500 patients with diabetes in Scotland need to undergo further imaging or see an NHS eye specialist for the first time due to worsening in their retinopathy.
There are 3.5 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Within 20 years of diagnosis, nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and almost two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes will have developed some form of diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes are also at increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
People from a South Asian or African-Caribbean background are two to four times more likely to get type 2 diabetes. They tend to develop it at a younger age which means they live with the condition for longer.
The risk of complications increases with the length of time people have the condition. It is not known why this is the case, but it is likely to be a mixture of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
RNIB Scotland is on the steering committee of a five-year study that is following 1,100 retinopathy patients from across Scotland.
The LENS (Lowering Events in Non-proliferative retinopathy in Scotland) trial is testing whether a cholesterol-lowering medicine, fenofibrate, can slow the progression of retinopathy.
LENS is being co-ordinated by the Universities of Oxford and Glasgow in partnership with Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, and with NHS Scotland’s Retinal Screening Service. More information about the trial is available at: www.ctsu.ox.ac.uk/lens.
* If you’re worried about your vision, contact RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.
Rapid lateral flow test kits will mailed from today to all visitors to the Glasgow Fan Zone to encourage testing. 17,000 ticket holders due attend the UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Zone at Glasgow Green will be contacted.
The move is part of a series of measures to help reduce the risk of transmission before and after the event.
In addition, a mobile testing bus is also now at Glasgow Green to provide on-site lateral flow testing, while attendees may be asked by COVID marshals on site whether they have taken a test as part of ongoing reporting on the site.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed the arrangements yesterday as he was given a tour of the facility alongside Scotland’s National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch.
Mr Yousaf said: “I am encouraged to see first-hand all the mitigations in place at the fan zone which have helped to ensure that it is a low risk event. Supporters can gather here safely in a controlled environment – with necessary physical distancing and hygiene measures in place – to enjoy the football.
“I am also pleased that feedback from fans and staff so far on the arrangements in place – and the atmosphere – has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Ticket holders have already been contacted to emphasise the importance of self-testing. It is important to test both before and after the event, so we are now offering test kits to all fans attending to help minimise the risk of transmission. Additionally a mobile testing unit will be on site. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or whose receives a positive test result must stay away, self-isolate and book a PCR test.
“Stewards will closely monitor the site and ask a sample of attendees about uptake of testing prior to arriving, while public health advisors will continue to look at data to ensure the event is being managed as safely as possible.
“The fan zone provides a focal point for celebrations and showcases the city. We want other businesses in Glasgow, including bars and restaurants, to be able to benefit from a boost in trade as a result of the tournament.”
Earlier slots for over-40s to help combat Delta variant
In another development, people over 40 whose second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment is scheduled more than eight weeks after their first are now being encouraged to seek an earlier slot.
It follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending that the interval for second doses be brought forward from 12 to eight weeks – where supply allows – particularly in areas where the Delta variant is a major threat.
The national vaccination programme is already scheduling appointments to reflect the latest guidance. However, many people – particularly over 40s – have already received an invitation in line with the previous recommendation of a 12 week interval, and they are now being invited to reschedule an earlier appointment.
Supplies permitting this will also apply to under 40s when their second dose appointments are due.
A new vaccine journey tool on the NHS Inform website allows people to check the status of their second appointment. If it is more than eight weeks from the first, another slot can be booked if there is one available. The national helpline can also be used, and drop-in clinics are being set-up around the country.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are working closely with NHS boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.
“Boards are boosting their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts and appointments are now being issued in accordance with the new recommendation of an eight week gap.
“The second dose is vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus – particularly the new Delta variant. In line with the advice from the JCVI, we encourage those whose appointment was already scheduled – which is mainly over 40s at this time – to use the NHS Inform online tool, drop-in clinics or the national helpline to get their second dose appointment as close to eight weeks after their first as possible.
“In the six months since vaccinations started in Scotland we have delivered first doses to more than three quarters of the adult population and second doses to more than half. We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows we cannot be complacent.
“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments.”
LOCKDOWN easing in England is set to be delayed.
So-called ‘Freedom Day’ was scheduled for 21 June, but Prime Minister is likely to announce a four week delay to retrictions when he addresses the nation at a press conference this evening.
Almost half of Scots have found meeting up with others more overwhelming than expected
People in the Lothians are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of Scottish adults (43 per cent) who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.
The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said: “As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others. Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.
“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace. Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.
“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed. Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now. As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes.
“We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing. This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.”
To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot
Thousands of hours contributed to national programme
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has thanked volunteers who have now contributed more than 25,000 hours to help deliver the national vaccination programme.
Scotland’s NHS Boards have been supported to deliver the programme by the National Volunteer Coordination (NVC) Hub which deploys people to help at vaccination centres.
The NVC hub is operated by the British Red Cross with the support of a network of national and local voluntary sector organisations who identify and deploy suitable volunteers. It provides a central point of contact for NHS Boards and local authorities which they can use in addition to local volunteers to ensure the right resources are in place.
Among the activities the volunteers have helped with are meeting and greeting the members of the public and providing re-assurance, advice and practical assistance for those that want it.
In addition to helping at vaccination clinics, volunteers have also been involved in supporting the community testing programme, including a team of 90 volunteers delivering testing kits to around 4,000 Glasgow households.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is fitting that during National Volunteers’ Week we acknowledge the huge contribution made by volunteers to our vaccination roll-out. I want to thank each and every one of them for giving up their time and helping to ensure the successful roll-out of the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen.
“The hub being coordinated by the British Red Cross helps ensure we have people in the right place at the right time to make everything run as smoothly as possible.
“It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than two million people in Scotland have now received both doses. I am grateful to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.
“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. This is equally important for those receiving appointments for their second dose as these offer longer lasting protection against COVID-19.”
British Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteer David Hardacre said: “I had never volunteered before and signed up through the Scotland Cares site. I have really enjoyed my time as a volunteer.
“It can be challenging at times hearing how difficult some folk are finding all this with Covid but it surprising what a chat and a friendly smile can do to lift their spirits. I have helped with a few things, including the vaccination clinics, which is great. You really feel part of the team, the NHS staff are so helpful and calm. I will continue to help so long as there is a need for me.”
British Red Cross Director, Scotland Marie Hayes said: “The response from the voluntary sector throughout the pandemic has been outstanding. Thousands of individuals, many of whom have never volunteered before, have turned out to support the NHS and local authorities and, importantly, their communities as we collectively act to beat the Covid virus.
“The tasks undertaken have been vary varied, some of these include; shopping and prescription collections, a friendly voice on the phone, marshalling at vaccination clinics, test kit distribution and collection etc. It has been quite remarkable to see so many come forward to help in whatever way they can.
“The endeavours of the volunteers over the past months has without doubt helped reach those most in need during this pandemic and I have no doubt these act of human kindness, great or small, will continue until we finally see an end to the current situation.”
As the national vaccination programme continues to progress through younger age groups on the priority list, members of the Armed Forces have again been asked to help accelerate the roll-out.
The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.
This includes military support and NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire have requested this to enable them to boost their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts.
Military personnel will therefore assist with vaccinations from Monday 7 June in these areas for up to five weeks.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in the vaccine rollout in Scotland, including the military, which has ensured more than 2 million people have received both doses.
“We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows that we cannot be complacent. That is why, as we have done previously, we have requested military support to complement our existing resources and to ensure we can get even more vaccinations into arms as quickly as possible.
“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. That includes going for second doses as they are vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.”
The Armed Forces have been working to support the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine programme with new deployments planned in Scotland and North West England.
Working together with local health boards and the NHS, personnel are part of Operation Rescript, the Armed Forces Covid-19 response. They are providing ongoing assistance to administer vaccines, provide logistics and planning support, as well as carrying out surge testing in response to variants of concern.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said: The Armed Forces continue to show their incredible versatility and flexibility, deploying wherever and whenever they are needed in support of this national vaccination effort.
I am delighted to see that across all corners of the UK, military personnel are working side by side with their NHS counterparts to help get the British public vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “We have vaccinated over three quarters of UK adults with a first dose and half of adults with a second dose. That is a huge effort across the healthcare system and beyond – and I am incredibly grateful for the amazing role our armed forces have played in this.
“We know how effective the vaccine is, thousands of lives have been saved and thousands of hospitalisations prevented. These are not just numbers, these are our family, friends and loved ones who have all been protected. Each vaccine brings us one step closer to putting this pandemic behind us. So when you get the call, get the jab.”
Commander Standing Joint Command, General Tyrone Urch said: “I am incredibly proud of our servicemen and women who have deployed in support of the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS and Health Boards across the United Kingdom to help deliver the vaccination programme efficiently and at pace.
“We are delighted to be able to support and complement the incredible work done by health professionals and volunteers across the country and we will continue to deliver anything requested of us.”
As part of the UK Government’s response to variants of concern, 400 trained vaccinators from across the Armed Forces are available to be deploy when and wherever required. 4,300 service personnel also remain at high readiness and can be called upon to support with Covid-19 tasks across the UK.
This comes in addition to support the Armed Forces have provided around the world, including delivering vaccines to Ascension Island, Falklands, Gibraltar and Tristan da Cunha, and delivering other essential COVID supplies to India and Nepal.
63 members of the Armed Forces will deploy to Lanarkshire and Lothian from Monday 7 June for up to five weeks.
42 service personnel will provide support to NHS Lothian. This will be made up of 36 vaccinators, 4 registered health professionals and 2 command and control managers. They will be split into 4 vaccine support teams who can deploy across Lothian as required.
21 service personnel will also work alongside NHS Lanarkshire and will consist of 18 vaccinators, 2 registered health professionals and one command and control manager. They will form two vaccine support teams and will deploy across Lanarkshire as required.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This support from the armed forces gives NHS Lothian a boost in the vaccination race against Covid-19, just when they need it.
“The armed forces played an important role in getting vaccination centres up and running and the extra support they are offering now is extremely welcome.
“The professionalism from NHS Lothian staff in the vaccination programme has been outstanding and if the momentum is kept up they’ll be on top of the second doses soon.”
Appealfor those who missed vaccine appointments to come forward
Anyone who was part of vaccine priority groups 1-9 and missed their original appointment is being asked to come forward to arrange their vaccination.
This includes everyone 50 or over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions, and unpaid carers.
Invitations have been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30-39-year olds starting to be invited now. In the specific areas of Glasgow affected by the current outbreak, all 18-39 year olds are being invited with older age groups first.
Anyone who believes they should have had a letter by now with details of either their first or second dose should call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site.
The system for handling missed appointments has recently been streamlined in order to speed up the process.
More than three million people – two thirds of the adult population – have now received their first dose. However, in response to the new variant currently circulating in parts of the UK, and in line with updated JCVI advice, second doses which are not already scheduled, are being brought forward from 12 weeks to eight weeks across Scotland where supply allows.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “Our vaccination programme has been extremely successful, and we’ve seen very high uptake rates across all age groups. However, we know that there will inevitably be a small number of people who, for a variety of reasons, may not have taken up their original appointment.
“Our message to you is clear – it is not too late, and you are still welcome. Please contact us to make an appointment today.
“It continues to be vitally important that everyone takes up the opportunity to get both doses of their vaccination when their opportunity arrives. I want to emphasise that the second dose offers greater and longer lasting protection, and should not be missed.
“Vaccination is crucial in protecting ourselves, our families and communities and helping us on the path back to normality.
“Anyone who missed their original appointment, or thinks they may have been missed, should contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 013 8013 or fill out the missing appointment form on the NHS Inform website. They can also help you find other ways to get your coronavirus vaccination if you are unable to leave your home for your appointment on medical grounds.
“People who have been vaccinated should still continue to get tested and engage with contact tracing teams if they are a contact of a positive case. While the latest evidence suggests vaccines provide a high level of protection, they don’t yet provide a guarantee that you can’t still get the virus or pass it on to others around you.”
A study into the long term effects of COVID-19 on the people of Scotland
A major study into the effects of Covid on the health of Scotland’s population has been launched.
The Covid in Scotland Study aims to identify the effects of Covid-19 on the health of people in Scotland. We want to find out how many people continue to be unwell after having Covid-19, what their symptoms are, and how it affects their lives.
Why is the study being done?
Most people with Covid-19 recover within three weeks. Some people don’t because they get ‘long Covid.’ We need to understand the long-term effects of Covid-19, the number of people who have long-term problems and the nature and impact of these.
Hasn’t this already been done?
There have been some other studies looking at long Covid but they have been done on particular groups, such as people who were admitted to hospital. In the Covid in Scotland Study, we are contacting everyone in Scotland who had a positive Covid-19 test as well as a comparison group of people who tested negative.
How will this study help people with long Covid?
Our study aims to help health and social care services make informed decisions about treating and supporting people with long Covid.
How can people take part
We are sending invitations via SMS to all adults in Scotland who have had a positive Covid-19 test and a sample of people who have only had a negative test(s). These messages are automated. We don’t have names, phone numbers or other identifiable information.
Are people who have had Covid-19 involved in designing and running the study?
Yes. People who have had Covid-19 symptoms are on the study steering group. They are providing advice throughout the study, helping to develop the information material and will help to share the findings.
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.
Where will the study be published?
Our results will be shared with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and patient groups. The results will be published in a medical journal and shared through social media and a press release.
