Tag: pandemic

New national targets to tackle long waits for planned care in Scotland

Ambitious new targets have been set out for NHS Scotland to address the impact of the pandemic on long waiting times for planned care.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf announced NHS Scotland will aim to eradicate waits of more than two years, and then one year in most specialities by September 2024.

Mr Yousaf has asked health boards to take a focussed approach to tackle the waiting lists now that activity in the NHS is beginning to recover from the pandemic.

The targets are to treat those patients waiting longer than:

  • two year waits for outpatients in most specialities by the end of August 2022
  • eighteen months for outpatients in most specialities by the end of December 2022
  • one year for outpatients in most specialities by the end of March 2023
  • two years for inpatient / daycases in most specialties by the end of September 2022
  • eighteen months for inpatient / daycases in most specialities by the end of September 2023
  • one year for inpatient / daycases in most specialities by the end of September 2024

Mr Yousaf, who made the announcement while visiting Perth Royal Infirmary said: “We know that waiting times have grown as a result of the pandemic, which is why we now need to focus on treating these people that are waiting too long for treatment. That’s why I am announcing some of the most ambitious targets in the UK.

“From speaking to patients and clinicians across the country, I know there is a physical and mental consequence in having to wait a long period to be treated, that is why addressing long waits is a key focus of our plans for NHS recovery.”

Mr Alastair Murray, Chair of Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics and Trauma said: “Scottish orthopaedics very much welcomes the introduction of targets to address the growing number of people waiting for essential treatment. It is hoped that the targets set out will drive ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times for orthopaedic surgery in Scotland.”

The NHS will work together to reduce backlogs of care, specifically longest waiting patients, and that will mean some patients will be offered appointments outwith their local health board area to provide treatment more quickly – for example, the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital or at National Treatment Centres as they become operational over the next year.  

The approach will also build on the success of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, which was established to drive innovation and introduce new ways of delivering care that will create additional capacity for inpatient, daycase and outpatients. 

The National Clinical Prioritisation Framework will be revised to ensure any patient waiting more than two years is prioritised and treated, as well as those who require urgent clinical care.

Funding for the new drive will come from the £1 billion allocated for the NHS Recovery Plan.

LOTHIAN LABOUR MSP: “Our NHS is in a state of year-round crisis”

Lothians list MSP Foysul Choudhury said: “The latest figures show that waiting times in NHS Lothian A&E departments are at historic highs. The last eighteen months have seen a significant drop in compliance with the Scottish Government’s target of 95% of A&E patients to be seen within four hours.

“The figures for NHS Lothian currently sit at 65% of A&E patients being seen within four hours, with the Royal Infirmary currently around 50%, one of the worst figures in the country.

“I welcome the new appointments system for the Minor Injuries Unit, but this will only have an impact on overall waiting times if the whole system – including NHS 111 – is properly staffed, resourced and able to cope with the current and future levels of demand.

“Speaking to staff from NHS Lothian, they too often feel the stress of the pressures on the NHS. They are increasingly being abused at work by patients frustrated at long waiting times, and staff absences are being kept high by repeated waves of COVID. The Scottish Government must better support NHS staff to defuse the building crisis of morale among our healthcare workers.

“Our NHS is now in a state of year-round crisis. The Scottish Government promised the Scottish people only last year that they would focus on pandemic recovery, and these latest figures only make it more disappointing that they are instead being distracted by their obsession with the constitutional question.”

“SHAMEFUL”: £4 billion of unusable PPE bought in first year of pandemic will be burnt “to generate power”

The Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) lost 75% of the £12 billion it spent on personal protective equipment (PPE) in the first year of the pandemic to inflated prices and kit that did not meet requirements – including fully £4 billion of PPE that will not be used in the NHS and needs to be disposed of.

There is no clear disposal strategy for this excess but the Department says it plans to burn significant volumes of it to generate power – though there are concerns about the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of this “strategy”.

In a report today the Public Accounts Committee says that as a result of DHSC’s “haphazard purchasing strategy” 24% of the PPE contracts awarded are now in dispute – including contracts for products that were not fit for purpose and one contract for 3.5 billion gloves where there are allegations of modern slavery against the manufacturer.

The Committee says this only exacerbates DHSC’s “track record of failing to comply with the requirements of Managing Public Money even before the further exceptional challenges of the pandemic response”. It also raises concerns about “inappropriate unauthorised payoffs made to staff by health bodies”, with the planned large-scale NHS restructuring “increasing the risk of this happening again.”

Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “The story of PPE purchasing is perhaps the most shameful episode the UK government response to the pandemic.

“At the start of the pandemic health service and social care staff were left to risk their own and their families’ lives due to the lack of basic PPE. In a desperate bid to catch up the government splurged huge amounts of money, paying obscenely inflated prices and payments to middlemen in a chaotic rush during which they chucked out even the most cursory due diligence.

“This has left us with massive public contracts now under investigation by the National Crime Agency or in dispute because of allegations of modern slavery in the supply chain.

“Add to that a series of inappropriate, unauthorised severance payoffs made by clinical commissioning groups in the first year of the pandemic and the impression given falls even further from what we expect.

“DHSC singularly failed to manage this crisis, despite years of clear and known risk of a pandemic, and the challenges facing it now are vast, from getting the NHS back on its feet to preparing for the next major crisis. There are frankly too few signs that it is putting its house in order or knows how to.”

Further information:

Wright Violins hit all the right notes

A business that specialises in matching players to the right musical instrument has increased sales by 400% after receiving support from DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme, delivered by Business Gateway.

Founded by Tim and Helen Wright, former professional musicians, in December 2015, Tim Wright Fine Violins is an independent violin dealership based in Edinburgh, selling violins, violas, cellos and their bows.

Helen approached Business Gateway for advice during the pandemic when she and Tim decided to adapt the business. Lockdown had presented challenges for customers who were unable to trial their instruments in person, a fundamental process when it came to purchasing their products.

Working closely with Business Gateway, Helen conducted a strategic review of the business and accessed specialist digital support through DigitalBoost. This helped her to develop their website into an online shop, enabling clients to ‘get to know’ the instruments before playing them for a trial period.

The business also accessed regular 1:1 support from a dedicated business adviser, as part of Business Gateway’s Growth Service, as well as advice on marketing practises.

This has resulted in significant growth for the business, and business enquiries have increased by 700%. They have also expanded their overall market reach to new clients across Scotland, beyond the Edinburgh market, with customers coming from the USA, Japan, Africa, and across Europe.

Tim Wright, Founder, Tim Wright Fine Violins said: “We were already thinking about ways to grow the business. When the pandemic hit, this became more important, so we approached Business Gateway for advice as about how we could find ways to raise the profile of our service and share our expertise and knowledge of our products virtually.

“Thanks to the support from our DigitalBoost consultant, our website has grown into a digital shop-front, which has not only seen us through the pandemic but also allowed us to grow and reach the global marketplace for fine string instruments.

“Working with Business Gateway has helped us to develop processes for making action plans and sticking to them. Our business was based around our love of violins as opposed to any more formal business planning, we needed support to learn how to make decisions for business growth. We had reached a point where success felt intimidating, we now feel as though we have a secure, manageable plan for our growth.”

Al Bryce, adviser, Business Gateway said: “Tim and Helen have a unique business and, with the support of Business Gateway specialists, they adapted their services to work for an online platform. In doing so, they reached a much wider market, achieving significant growth and success throughout the pandemic and beyond.

“Tim Wright Violins is a fantastic example the success that can be achieved by adapting your service and getting your business online. We would encourage all businesses to make use of the free DigitalBoost service if there are areas where support is needed.”  

PANDEMIC: NHS Lothian releases film tribute to the exceptional response of staff to COVID-19

A special film which captures experiences of staff across NHS Lothian is being launched today (28 April 2022) to show the public and future generations what it was like to work during the pandemic. 

Premiering online, the film reveals how NHS Lothian staff mounted an extraordinary response to the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19.  

The health board was the first to receive and care for a COVID-19 patient in Scotland. It then went on to set up one of the first drive-through testing facilities and played a significant role in ground-breaking research, testing and vaccination. 

The one-hour documentary is told through a series of interviews, videos and photographs of staff, providing reflections of working during the pandemic over the last two years.  

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian said: “While this film cannot do justice to the work of every team or service, it offers a flavour of the outstanding commitment of all our staff.  We are extremely proud of how they responded to the pandemic and how hard our teams continue to work.  

“We recognise the journey is far from over. COVID is still with us, pressures on staffing are severe and the effects of the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come.  But we have learned a great deal and will put that to good use as we plan for the future.

“We want to thank all our staff for their continued exceptional service and our patients and the wider public of Edinburgh and the Lothians for the support they show our staff.” 

The film is part of NHS Lothian’s wider commemorative plans, which are supported by its official charity partner, the Edinburgh and Lothian Health Foundation. 

Also featuring in the film is a special commemorative song written and performed by Scottish singer and songwriter, Marina Rolink, especially to thank all NHS Lothian staff.   

Commenting on her involvement in the film, Staff Nurse Viv Conway, who was a student nurse during the first wave of COVID in 2020, said: “It’s still raw, and it’s still relevant in how we practice on our ward. It’s impacted our ward and it’s impacted the culture that we work in, the need to focus on our colleagues and our team. 

“I think the film really brings back a lot of emotions as a true representation of what it was like on the front line and the sacrifices that we made and how we came together at a very difficult time.” 

The film will premiere on NHS Lothian’s YouTube channel at 6pm tonight and will remain available for people to watch in the future.  

A trailer can be viewed now at: https://youtu.be/g5UOAedPv6Y 

Further talks on fiscal reform

Clarity needed on Barnett consequentials

During yesterday’s session of the Joint Executive Committee (JEC) with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes outlined some of the challenges needing to be addressed as part of the forthcoming joint review of the Scottish Fiscal Framework.

Chairing the meeting in London, Ms Forbes highlighted the need for further collaboration on fiscal flexibility, including consideration of further financial powers as part of the forthcoming Fiscal Framework review.

The meeting follows the UK Government’s Council Tax Energy Rebate announcement and the consequential funding for the Scottish Government.

The Spring Budget Revision has also been published showing that the Scottish Government has spent almost £15 billion on measures to respond to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. It represents the final decisions made in the Scottish Government budget allocations for this financial year despite the challenges due to late notification of consequentials.  

 

Speaking following the JEC, Ms Forbes said: “I have had a constructive conversation with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury this afternoon, where there was a frank exchange of views on what is quickly required from the Fiscal Framework Review and the need for further fiscal flexibility for Scotland.

“Our experiences of dealing with both the health and economic impacts of the pandemic and supporting those struggling with the cost of living crisis clearly demonstrate how difficult it is to take actions we deem vital without sufficient fiscal powers and often with late notice or lack of engagement when further funding is coming.

“This has been proven once again today. Whilst I will always welcome funding, the net change to our budget isn’t clear yet  – we are awaiting urgent clarity on this from the Treasury and how it will impact our final settlement for the current year.

“As the First Minister has said, we will pass on the full consequential funding to support people struggling with the current costs of living. Council Tax is already lower in Scotland and our current support such as the single Council Tax Reduction Scheme protects 470,000 lower income households.”

And the UK Government’s take on yesterday’s meeting:

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke held talks with the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes yesterday to discuss the upcoming review of the Scottish Government’s Fiscal Framework.

The ministers agreed they were close to finalising arrangements for an independent report on the Scottish Government’s Block Grant Adjustment arrangements which will inform the review.

They shared the ambition to get this first stage launched as soon as possible.

The Chief Secretary and Cabinet Secretary also agreed that the Fiscal Framework review should be guided by principles set out in the Smith Commission agreement. They discussed the importance of several principles, including fairness and consistency, as well as the need to have a framework that is implementable, sustainable and operates effectively in practice.

Both ministers expressed a desire to avoid unnecessary delays to starting the Fiscal Framework review, and agreed to continue a dialogue and joint preparations for the review while the independent report is underway.

Ministers also discussed financial impacts relating to the income tax personal allowance.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said: “Today was an enjoyable and productive meeting. We are working closely with the Scottish Government and engaging in regular discussions on the Fiscal Framework review, making good progress on our approach to the Scottish Government’s future finances.”

Omicron: Self-isolation rules change from today in England

From today (Monday 17 January), people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.

  • People self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature, from Monday, 17 January
  • Individuals who are still positive on their rapid lateral flow tests must stay in isolation until they have had 2 consecutive negative tests taken on separate days
  • This will support essential public services and keep supply chains running over the winter

From Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.

The decision has been made after careful consideration of modelling from the UK Health Security Agency and to support essential public services and workforces over the winter.

It is crucial that people isolating with COVID-19 wait until they have received 2 negative rapid lateral flow tests on 2 consecutive days to reduce the chance of still being infectious.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. If an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation.

It is essential that 2 negative rapid lateral flow tests are taken on consecutive days and reported before individuals return to their job or education, if leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10-day period.

For instance, if an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on both day 6 and day 7 to release from self-isolation, or positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10.

Those who leave self-isolation on or after day 6 are strongly advised to wear face coverings and limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, work from home if they can do so and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19.

The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have taken 2 rapid lateral flow tests and do not have a temperature in line with guidance.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “After reviewing all of the evidence, we’ve made the decision to reduce the minimum self-isolation period to 5 full days in England.

“These 2 tests are critical to these balanced and proportionate plans and I’d urge everyone to take advantage of the capacity we’ve built up in tests so we can restore more freedom to this country, whilst we are keeping everyone safe.”

Existing public health measures remain in place, including:

  • staying at home if you feel unwell
  • getting a test if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms
  • wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
  • working from home if possible
  • maintaining social distancing and regular hand washing
  • taking up the offer of the free COVID-19 vaccine

Self-isolation may continue in certain circumstances, such as for those who work with vulnerable people. A full list will be published in guidance in due course.

Vaccinations remain our best defence against COVID-19, offering substantial protection against infection and hospitalisation – and the government continues to urge the public to get boosted as soon as you’re eligible.

In line with this announcement, the government will also consider the guidance for close contacts of people with COVID-19, including around the advice for fully vaccinated contacts to take daily rapid lateral flow tests for 7 days.

NHS England has also announced that the first 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to book their booster jabs or attend a walk-in vaccination centre from today.

Plea to get booster in last week of the year as COVID cases soar

Figures for festive period are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic 

With just four days left to get ‘boosted by the bells’ all remaining over-18s are being urged to come along for their COVID-19 booster.

Latest published figures show 73.5% of eligible adults aged 18 and above in Scotland have now received their booster or third dose, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the vaccination centre at the Dewars Centre in Perth yesterday to thank staff for their ongoing efforts over the Christmas period, and encourage people to keep coming forward.

Mr Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible. That’s because it is the single best way to protect people’s health, and the NHS.

“This week we are calling on everyone in the country to rally round and do their bit by coming forward for their booster dose.

“I know that many people will have some well-deserved time off at this time of year. And if you haven’t yet had your covid booster, there is bound to be a vaccination clinic or drop-in centre near to you. Please have a look on the online portal to book an appointment, or check your local NHS board’s social media channels to find out where the vaccine is being offered, so you can join the thousands of others who have been boosted by the bells.   

“If you’ve yet to have your first or second dose, it still isn’t too late for that either. Our vaccination teams are waiting for you, so please come along. The sooner you have your first dose, the sooner you can then get your second, and then your booster, for the extra protection that gives.”

Provisional data released yesterday indicates an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Figures for 25, 26 and 27 December are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic. 

While the figures for each day covers tests reported in the preceding 24 hour period, the lag in reporting means that the majority of these cases will relate to tests done before the Christmas break. With the longer turnaround time for test results at the moment, the actual number of positive COVID-19 cases may be higher.

The figures are:

25 December 2021: 8,252 cases

26 December 2021: 11,030 cases

27 December 2021: 10,562 cases

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures are provisional, the steep increase in cases we have been expecting is now materialising, and this reflects the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron.

“We would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days ahead – though it is worth bearing in mind that they are likely to have been even higher but for the compliance of the public with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas. 

“These figures underline how important it is that we don’t underestimate the impact of Omicron – even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is much lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on NHS.

“This level of infection will also cause a significant and severely disruptive level of sickness absence across the economy and critical services. 

“So even though we are all thoroughly fed up with the impact of Covid on our lives, it is really important that over the new year period we follow guidance to help slow the spread of the virus while we complete the accelerated booster programmes. 

“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, I am asking everyone to limit contacts as much as possible, to keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and to get boosted by the bells. 

“I know sticking to all of these measures is really hard – especially at this time of year – but there’s no doubt whatsoever it will help keep us safer.”

Early winter shutdown for SPFL

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced that the 29 December and 2/3 January cinch Premiership fixture rounds have been postponed to 17/18 January and 1/2 February respectively.

The Boxing Day cinch Premiership fixtures will go ahead as planned, including St Johnstone v Celtic, which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

cinch Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs were consulted as to whether they wished to postpone fixtures in their divisions, but they did not wish to do so.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “We have had intense and positive discussions with all cinch SPFL clubs over the past 24 hours, since the announcement by the Scottish Government of a three-week period of restrictions on fans attending matches. We have advised our clubs that any postponements increase the risk of further disruption to an already highly congested fixture calendar.

“There are mixed views amongst cinch Premiership clubs about what to do for the best. However, a majority favour the postponement of fixtures to give a chance for games scheduled to be played over the festive period to be played in front of fans, once the three-week period of restrictions comes to an end. The SPFL Board has agreed to postpone the 29 December and New Year cinch Premiership fixture cards.

“cinch Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs voted to continue playing through the Government restrictions and we look forward to their festive fixtures over the next fortnight.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sky Sports and Police Scotland for their flexibility in accommodating these changes and to all cinch SPFL clubs for their clear, positive and constructive feedback as we work together to get through the challenges posed by Covid-19.

The cinch Premiership fixtures scheduled for 29 December will move as follows:

Monday 17 January
Celtic v Hibernian (7.45pm)

Tuesday 18 January
Aberdeen v Rangers (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)
Dundee United v St Mirren (7.45pm)
Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Livingston v Dundee (7.45pm)
Ross County v Motherwell (7.45pm)

The cinch Premiership fixtures scheduled for 2/3 January will move as follows:

Tuesday 1 February
Dundee v Dundee United (7.45pm)
Hibernian v Heart of Midlothian (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)
Livingston v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Ross County v Aberdeen (7.45pm)
St Mirren v Motherwell (7.45pm)

Wednesday 2 February
Celtic v Rangers (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)

Note
The Celtic v Hibernian match has been scheduled for Monday 17 January due to the Hibernian v Cove Rangers Scottish Cup tie on Thursday 20 January.

Public Health Scotland publishes First Annual Report

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published its first Annual Report and Accounts.

Since opening on the 1st April 2020, PHS has played a significant part in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working in collaboration with NHS Boards, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities and many others to tackle the virus, improve and protect health, and reduce health inequalities.

Public Health Scotland, Chief Executive, Angela Leitch, said: “The publication of this, our first, Annual Report, records what has been a year of great challenge and significant achievement.

“I would like to thank all PHS staff for their professionalism and commitment during this extraordinary year. In addition to our contribution to managing the response to the pandemic we have continued to produce a wealth of data, intelligence and evidence that is supporting decision making to address the public health priorities we have in Scotland.

“Our work relies on strong partnerships with many organisations across Scotland, the UK and beyond and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established in our first year.

“I’m very conscious of the impact of the pandemic on the lives of so many of our communities and we remain committed to doing our part in keeping Scotland as safe as possible.

“I commend this report to you and as we move forward into the future we remain committed to our key aims of helping to create a fairer and more equitable Scotland for all of our citizens.”

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GMB encourages everyone to get booster – but workers need pay boost too

Governments yet again ask key frontline workers for huge national effort, but they are still not paying them properly, says GMB 

GMB Union encourages everyone to get their booster – but says frontline workers need a pay boost too. 

Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said: “There has been no respite for our frontline workers throughout the covid pandemic. 

“They’ve put themselves in harm’s way to serve the public – particularly when governments and employers failed to ensure the provision of proper PPE and testing to keep them safe at work.  

“GMB members know the importance of keeping safe and well, that’s why we’re encouraging everyone across the four nations to get their booster. 

“But as governments, yet again, ask our NHS, social care and key frontline workers to undertake another huge national effort, they are still not paying these workers properly. 

“Against the backdrop of covid, there is a cost-of-living crisis, key services face an understaffing crisis and the people delivering them are enduring a wage crisis. 

“That’s not good enough and it’s got to be confronted.  

“Our key workers must be paid properly – it’s the least they deserve for everything they are doing for all of us.”