Tag: positive feedback

Walking charity steps into new era with new name and bold rebrand

PATHS FOR ALL HAS BEEN RENAMED WALKING SCOTLAND

  • New name signals commitment to making Scotland more active

SCOTLAND’S national walking and wheeling charity has today announced it has rebranded, marking a bold new chapter after almost 30 years of empowering people to walk more, move more and enjoy the outdoors.

Walking Scotland has officially unveiled its new identity, replacing its long-established name, Paths for All, to better reflect its mission and growing impact across the country.

The change signals the charity’s renewed commitment to embedding walking and wheeling into the everyday lives of Scots, enhancing health, wellbeing and sustainability.

From local Health Walks to national policy changes, the organisation has built meaningful partnerships and inspired communities to enjoy the benefits of active travel.

This rebrand follows their ‘Every Day in May’ campaign as part of National Walking Month, which encouraged people across Scotland to walk daily and to discover the profound social, physical, and mental benefits that even short walks can bring.

The charity’s new name reinforces its position as the country’s national authority on walking and wheeling – building on decades of proven impact while setting ambitious goals for the future. It envisions a Scotland where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live has access to safe, welcoming environments to walk and wheel.

Walking Scotland’s launch follows overwhelming support for a clearer, bolder brand that better communicates its purpose and makes it easier for people to get involved – whether through walking, wheeling, supporting or donating.

The shift also reflects the growing recognition of walking as a low-cost, high-impact solution to a range of societal challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Walking Scotland said: “This isn’t just a name change, it’s a renewed commitment to putting walking and wheeling at the heart of everyday life in Scotland.

“For almost 30 years, we’ve made a real difference in communities across the country. But we’re not done yet. Walking changes lives – it improves health, connects people and helps address some of Scotland’s biggest challenges.

“Walking Scotland reflects a fresh and inclusive identity that truly captures the scale of our ambition for the next 30 years. We want everyone in Scotland to be able to walk and wheel, everywhere, every day.

“The feedback from our stakeholders, communities and partners has been incredibly positive – this brand resonates and will help us reach more people and grow our impact.”

The organisation points to a growing body of evidence that supports its mission. According to the most recent national attitudes survey, over 77% of Scots agree that walking helps to clear their minds and improve their mood.

Crucially, walking is free, widely accessible, and requires no special equipment, making it a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against inactivity, social isolation, and pressure on the NHS.

To find out more about Walking Scotland, visit: www.walkingscotland.org.uk

Shawfair Park secures good outcome from Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspection

  • Inspection finds the hospital to be safe and well-led
  • 95% of patients rate their experience as very good or good

Shawfair Park Hospital, part of Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, has received a good outcome from an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).

Inspectors visited the hospital in early November and their review focused on three key areas: patients’ experience of their care, whether the care provided was safe, and the quality of leadership. In their report, published today, HIS rated the hospital ‘Good’ on all three counts.

Inspectors noted the positive feedback that the hospital receives from its patients. 82% of patients who responded to an email survey rated their experience as very good, with a further 13% rating the service as good, and patient testimonials received are generally very positive.

The inspectors commented on the way that feedback is regularly discussed by senior managers and action plans developed to address issues that are raised by patients.

Both the inspectors and patients they spoke to commented on the cleanliness and tidiness of the hospital. Inspectors also noted that effective systems are in place to maintain good infection control, which is so crucial during the COVID pandemic.

HIS also praised the visibility of the hospital’s leadership and the way they support colleagues with their development and education. A system for rewarding colleagues who are ‘inspiring people’ was singled out as good practice.

Shawfair Park and Spire’s other hospital in Edinburgh, Murrayfield, employ over 500 colleagues and partner with 250 consultants.

They see around 30,000 patients each year who come to the hospital for a range of treatment ranging from orthopaedics to ophthalmology, through to care for cancer and other critical conditions.

Paul Gregersen, Hospital Director at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, said: “I am very pleased that Healthcare Improvement Scotland has concluded that our hospital provides safe, high quality care to patients and that they highlighted the positive feedback we get from our patients.

“These findings reflect the dedication of our staff who have worked so hard in such challenging circumstances over the past two years.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our local community in the months to come as we help to meet the demand for treatment and diagnosis across Edinburgh and beyond.”

HIS’s report can be accessed here