Tag: public health

New Earlier Cancer Detection campaign focuses on head and neck cancers

People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier

The latest phase of the Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign has a new focus on head and neck cancer symptoms.

Around 1,300 new cases are diagnosed each year – Scotland’s sixth most common cancer – yet only one third are detected early. The campaign encourages people to recognise possible cancer symptoms and not delay contacting their GP practice or dentist.

To emphasise this message, a group of people who had their cancer detected early, the ‘early birds’, met Health Secretary Neil Gray to share vital stories of how this provided more treatment options, helped them live well and allowed them to continue doing the things they love.

The group are urging people with unusual, persistent symptoms to do the same and act early.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “Early detection is so important to cancer care. The stories from our ‘early birds’ demonstrate the positive impact it can have on treatment and outcomes.

“So, I’m urging everyone to make sure they contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms. The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”

Dr Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, said: “Head and neck cancer incidence rates have gradually increased over the past decade, making early detection more important than ever.

“Dentists play a vital role in detecting signs of cancer. Routine dental examinations allow us to identify subtle changes in the mouth and throat, and surrounding tissues that could signal early-stage cancer.

“Early diagnosis leads to better treatment options, so we urge people to attend their check-ups. Most importantly, if you notice any sores, lumps, red or white patches that do not go away after three weeks, don’t wait until your next appointment – we want to see you. It’s crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms. Get checked right away.”

Dr Douglas Rigg, GP said: “If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know.

“Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.”

Case study

Daniel Morrison, 30, from Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, was one of the early birds at the breakfast meeting with Neil Gray. He was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer but is now recovering and living well with his young family thanks to early detection at his GP practice.

Daniel said: “It’s thanks to spotting my cancer early that I’m now delighted to say I’m in recovery and able to look forward excitedly to the future with my young family.

“I’d noticed fluid under my tongue and felt really fatigued but it’d be easy to try and ignore as nothing. I’m so thankful however that I got checked early, treated and looked after by a team of amazing medical experts throughout.

“This is why I’m passionate about the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign – it’s so important that people understand the difference contacting your GP practice early can make.”

Watch the campaign film here.

For more information on ‘Be the Early Bird’ and to use the symptom checker, please visit getcheckedearly.org.

‘Encouraging progress’ as child mental health waiting times target met

The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.

Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.

The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.

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Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.

“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.

“However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”

Responding to the latest CAMHS referral figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “While the progress on meeting CAMHS waiting times should be applauded, it shouldn’t deflect attention from the still growing mental health crisis among Scotland’s children and young people.

“Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.

“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.  

“The Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.” 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Quarter ending December 2024 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Publications – Public Health Scotland

Scottish pilot tackling hidden waiting list of people at risk of bowel cancer

A Cancer Research UK-funded scheme aims to tackle a waiting list of people at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.

The project, which aims to improve patient access to vital colonoscopies, has launched in the Scottish Borders and, if successful, could change NHS practice across the UK.

The initiative is part of a UK-wide programme from the charity, with additional support from the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, called Test, Evidence, Transition (TET) which aims to accelerate the adoption of best practice in the early diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Cancer waiting times in Scotland are currently amongst the worst on record. In April-June 2024, only 73 per cent of patients who were referred urgently with a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days, with the Borders region performing above the national average at 77.9 per cent. This is still below the 95 per cent standard and nationally is the third worst performance on record since 2012.*

However, patients regarded as being at a higher risk of developing bowel cancer – usually because of pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by this target.

Instead, they are put on ‘surveillance’ lists because they need tests at regular intervals and do not have a current suspicion of cancer based on symptoms.

Stretched resources can mean those with symptoms of suspected cancer take priority, leaving some of those who may have a similar risk, waiting for long periods of time for a colonoscopy with no NHS target in place for them.

To tackle this issue NHS Borders, with the support of Cancer Research UK and research partners at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, has developed a new nurse-led surveillance pathway to improve access to colonoscopies.

Dr Jonathan Fletcher, Consultant Physician and NHS Borders Lead Clinician for the project, said: “With the support of Cancer Research UK and the Bowelbabe Fund, we are excited to be overhauling the colonoscopy follow up arrangements for Borders patients with a variety of conditions that increase their risk of colorectal cancer.

“There will be a range of benefits to patients and the endoscopy service that we hope to examine and measure with this initiative.”

A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy, a non-surgical procedure using a flexible camera to examine the inside of the colon.

In the new pathway in the Borders, patients will receive a new reminder phone call 4-5 days prior to their colonoscopy appointment to reduce missed appointments and carry out a pre-assessment to note any changes in their health.

It will also offer services advising patients on steps they can take to reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer and will improve the use of IT systems to make management of the waiting list more efficient and effective.

Julieann Brennan, Strategic Lead and Board Coordinator for Public Health National Screening Programmes in Scotland, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with Cancer Research UK to improve access to our colonoscopy services, particularly for those who may be at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.

“We also want to make improvements in communications with those patients who may be at higher risk.”

TET is a major Cancer Research UK programme which aims to accelerate the adoption of innovation in the health system while reducing inequalities in access to best practice cancer care. Previously, the scheme has focused on reducing waiting times for people with suspected breast and prostate cancer.

Naser Turabi, Director of Evidence and Implementation at Cancer Research UK, said: “There is a relatively less well-known group of people who are at a higher risk of bowel cancer, waiting too long for crucial colonoscopy tests. It has no official target and so can get less attention and resource.

“We are delighted to support this exciting initiative undertaken by NHS Borders who are keen to reduce the wait and improve outcomes for patients in their region.

“If patients in this pilot scheme can be tested at the right frequency, we have a better chance of diagnosing cancer earlier, when treatment is much more likely to be successful. We hope the learning from this work will be adopted elsewhere in Scotland and across the UK.”

TET has received £2m from Cancer Research UK and the Bowelbabe Fund for projects across the UK, with each project delivered by local NHS teams in conjunction with academics to find new ways to improve both patient experience and cancer outcomes.

The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was created to continue the inspiring legacy of Dame Deborah James who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35.

Launched in the last few weeks of her life and now stewarded by her family, together with Cancer Research UK it works to fund cutting-edge research, raise awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer with the aim of helping more people affected by cancer have more time with the people they love.

Postive impact of new RSV vaccine

Report shows fewer older people hospitalised

Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed a report showing the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine has led to a significant decrease in hospitalisations among older people.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, demonstrates that vaccination resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

The Scottish Government invested £4.2 million via health boards in the vaccine supply. The programme began last August following expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Mr Gray said: “Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.

“We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.

“RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.

“It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”

RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform

RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform 

The RSV programme was in addition to winter vaccines offered, such as flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal.

Taskforce recommends actions to attract and retain nurses and midwives in Scotland

A taskforce has published 44 recommended actions on how to improve working conditions for Scotland’s nurses and midwives.

The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce was established by the Scottish Government in 2023 to build on efforts to make Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work.  Chaired by Health Secretary Neil Gray, it brings together key stakeholders, including the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery, to engage with nursing and midwifery staff, understand the challenges they face and recommend ways to improve the profession.

A key part of this work was the Listening Project, which gathered insights from more than 4,000 nurses, midwives, students and academics to shape future improvements. The findings from the Listening Project have led to 44 recommended actions designed to improve recruitment and retention of staff and workplace conditions.

These actions include:

  • ensuring appropriate staffing levels so that all staff can take the breaks they are entitled to
  • reviewing data-inputting and paperwork requirements to reduce the administrative burden on nurses and midwives
  • developing national guidance on rostering and flexible working to ensure better work-life balance
  • ensuring nurses and midwives can participate in decision making and planning
  • widening entry routes into nursing and midwifery careers

The next stage of the taskforce will focus on implementation, with a dedicated group developing a detailed work plan and timeline that ensures these recommended actions are delivered effectively.

Accepting all 44 recommendations, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray said: “Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.

“The publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report marks an important milestone; we have heard directly from staff about what matters most to them, and this has shaped the recommended actions which will deliver real change for nurses and midwives.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to take part in this important piece of work. The Scottish Government will now work with our partners to deliver the actions contained in the report.”

Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said: “This is the culmination of two years of collaborative working, and we welcome the recommended actions announced today.

“We see this as a significant step and, as the implementation board begins its work, the recommendations should provide a strategic roadmap to begin to tackle the nursing retention and recruitment challenges in Scotland.

“Implementation of the recommendations will take time and investment, we look forward to playing a key role in the Implementation Board to ensure delivery and enable Scottish government to meet its aspiration of making Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work.”

Prime Minister takes part in National HIV Testing Week

In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No 10 Downing Street.

  • Prime Minister takes part in National HIV Testing Week – UK Government backed drive offering free, quick and easy HIV self and home testing kits. 
  • First Serving Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public HIV test.  
  • HIV Testing Week to drive efforts to reach estimated 4,700 undiagnosed people living in England to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No10 Downing Street. 

By taking part in the campaign, he will be the first serving British Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public test on camera. 

Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust Patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a rapid home test to raise awareness that during National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a free and confidential HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv to do at home. 

The campaign which sees up to 20,000 funded kits being available to the public – centres on regular home or self-testing – one way to meet the Government’s ambition to end new HIV cases in England by 2030 committed to by the Prime Minister in December. 

After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister said: “It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick. And during testing week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.

“If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know, and that is a good thing because you can then get access to treatment, and that will also help meet our collective target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.”

It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of leading HIV Charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home.  

However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.  

The Prime Minister has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.  

Once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access free, effective treatment which means they can have a normal life expectancy and can’t pass on the virus. 

Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said: “The Prime Minister has made history by becoming the first G7 leader to publicly take an HIV test while in office and has led by example.  

“This free, quick and simple test sends a powerful message to the country and to the public. During National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a test to their home, whether that’s to Downing Street, to Penzance or to Berwick-up-Tweed. 

“England can be the first country in the world to end new HIV transmissions, but we are not on track to do so by 2030. Scaling up HIV testing will be crucial to our shared goal. We are delighted that Keir Starmer is leading from the front in this mission.”

Beverley Knight MBE said: “Living with HIV today is a world away from the experience that my late best friend Tyrone endured in the early 2000s.

“People living with HIV can now easily know their status, can access effective treatment and live a long, healthy life. I wish this was case for Ty.

“In his memory, I’m using my voice alongside the Prime Minister to make everyone aware of how easy it is to test. People need to hear the crucial message that thanks to effective medication people living with HIV can’t pass it on, so we can end this epidemic once and for all.”

Rebecca Mbewe, an author and speaker, who is living with HIV said: “Testing for HIV is the only way to know your status, and it helps you stay in control of your health. If you do have a positive result, you won’t be on your own.

“I have been living with HIV for close to 30 years, I am still able to do anything and everything that I like. I still have my glass of gin and tonic. I can still go out and dance. Thanks to free, effective medication,

“I have a full life, I can’t pass HIV on and I have a normal life expectancy. Every time I have a birthday I love telling people my age. It’s a statement. It’s a celebration!”

Improving miscarriage care

£1.5 million to support delivery of compassionate, high-quality care

Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding.

The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space. It will introduce a graded model of miscarriage care across the country. This means all women can receive tailored support and services, and won’t have to wait until a third miscarriage. This will include access to progesterone prescriptions – where clinically appropriate – both for threatened and recurrent miscarriage.

These changes will be supported by £1.5 million Scottish Government funding and aim to ensure that early pregnancy care is equitable so that no women are disadvantaged, regardless of where they access and receive care.

The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: “The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, has a profound and lasting impact on women and their families.

“To all who have experienced such a tragedy, I offer my deepest sympathy. The Scottish Government recognises this impact and is clear that women and families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss must be provided with the right information, care and support, tailored to their individual circumstances.

“I am very grateful to everyone in Scotland’s NHS who works to provide miscarriage care and support.

“I know there is already a lot of good work underway within NHS Boards to improve miscarriage care services. The 2025-26 Budget, if approved by Parliament, will provide £1.5 million to support NHS Boards to improve delivery of sensitive and compassionate miscarriage care.”

Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of pregnancy charity Tommy’s commented: “We are delighted to see the Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland launching today.

“The Framework is a real milestone on the path to excellent care for women and families in Scotland and Tommy’s has been pleased to work closely with our colleagues in Scottish Government as they have developed the Framework, which aims to ensure the right support and care for parents after every tragic loss.

“With compassionate care at its heart, we are looking forward to continuing to support our Scottish colleagues as they oversee the rollout.”

The Miscarriage Association’s Chief Executive Vicki Robinson said: “We are extremely pleased to see the publication of this important Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, which represents a significant step forward in ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve during such a heart-breaking time.

“This framework is a vital step in providing evidence-based care and offering women additional support in early pregnancy. We are proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to seeing it bring positive change. This is a crucial milestone in ensuring that miscarriage care is accessible, equitable, and compassionate across Scotland.”

First Minister sets out major increase in NHS capacity

‘Protecting, strengthening and renewing the NHS’

People across Scotland will have better access to NHS treatment through increased capacity, expanded primary care services, enhanced use of digital innovations and a range of other measures, First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday.

Speaking to representatives from across the health and social care sector, the First Minister set out action to drive down waiting times and reduce pressure on frontline services.

The First Minister was joined by Health Secretary Neil Gray and announced a range of actions including:

  • A substantial increase in capacity, with 150,000 additional appointments and procedures per year
  • Increased investment in primary care, making it easier for people to get appointments with their GP
  • Improved use of data and new digital innovations including the roll-out of a Scottish health and social care app – a ‘Digital Front Door’ to the NHS for patients

The First Minister said: “Protecting, strengthening, renewing our National Health Service – that is a goal I think we can all get behind. A real focus of common purpose.

“That requires action from me, as First Minister, from my Health Secretary Neil Gray, and from my Government. We can offer the leadership and direction – as the measures outlined today seek to do.

“So, today, we commit to a substantial increase in capacity in order to significantly reduce people’s waits.

“Our plan will ensure that a greater proportion of new NHS funding goes to primary and community care. GPs and services in the community will have the resources they need to play a greater role in our health system.

“This increased investment will result in GP services that are easier for people to access. That is important in terms of people’s confidence in the health service – but equally, it will make it more likely that health issues are picked up quickly and dealt with earlier.

“Our National Health Service is there when we need it. No other public institution supports us with so much care through life’s biggest moments. We must support it in return.

“The approach I set out today charts our course to do that. It addresses both the challenges and the opportunities. It sets the NHS on a path of modernisation and renewal.”

Improving Public Services and NHS Renewal – First Minister’s speech – gov.scot

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Zone declared in Scotland and England

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.

This means that from 12:00 noon on Saturday 25 January, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

Surveillance has indicated that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is currently circulating in wild birds in the UK and their risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as being very high. Maintaining strict biosecurity is the most effective method of protecting birds from the virus.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleansed and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

Public Health Scotland advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and Food Standards Scotland advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Scotland’s Deputy Chief Vet Officer Jesus Gallego said; “While the risk to public health is very low, we are currently experiencing a heightened risk of an incursion from this virus and so it is vital that appropriate precautions are taken to protect poultry and other captive birds from infection. 

“The introduction of this zone is a preventative measure, aimed at minimising the effect that this, often devastating virus, can have on Scottish kept birds”.

Green MSP calls for drug consumption rooms in nation’s Capital

Scotland’s first legal drug consumption room in Glasgow is a “crucial milestone” and a “big step forward” in tackling drug misuse in Scotland, but it’s only the beginning, says Green MSP for Lothian LORNA SLATER.

At the new Thistle unit, those with medical training operate the facility and can intervene should something go wrong for a user, as well as providing support and advice for people who are giving up drugs.

There are health rooms where treatments are available too, for testing for diseases or having wounds checked and cleaned. The facility also has a recovery area, a shower room and a clothing and book bank.

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Ms Slater said: “Stigmatising and shunning drug users is wrong, and it does not work. It has contributed to Scotland having the highest number of drug deaths in Europe. Instead, we should be supporting people through addiction and treating them as the human beings they are.

“Safe consumption rooms alone will not solve all the issues associated with drug addiction and misuse. To start to truly tackle the crisis we also need to address poverty and inequality and invest in rehab services, mental health provision and safe housing.

“I urge all related bodies to learn from Glasgow’s experiences and look to implement a service in Edinburgh that remains non-judgemental, supportive, and focused on harm reduction. We need this and other measures quickly.”

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The City of Edinburgh Council has previously published a report that looks at opening a drug consumption room in the city after months of delay. The latest feasibility study can be found here: 

https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-01144-1press@scottishgreens.org.uk