Tag: Public Health Scotland

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme begins

With Scotland’s new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine programme having begun, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated.

PHS’s Head of Immunisation and Vaccination, Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, joined the First Minister, John Swinney, in a visit to the vaccination clinic in the Hub Community Centre in Clydebank today.

During the visit to the clinic in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dr Ghebrehewet and the First Minister were delighted to meet with pregnant women and older adults who are among the first to have come forward for their RSV vaccine.   

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system. It is the leading cause of emergency respiratory admissions to hospital in Scotland in infants, with 1,516 children aged under one hospitalised with the virus last year. 

To help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

There were also over 1,000 cases of RSV recorded in adults aged 75 and over in Scotland between October 2022 and September 2023, with more than half (535) having to spend time in hospital as a result.

Local health boards in Scotland have been inviting all those currently eligible by letter to come forward for their free RSV vaccine including:

  • Those turning 75 years old on and between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
  • Anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 August 2024.

Highlighting the importance of pregnant women and older adults coming forward for the RSV vaccine, Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at PHS, said: “I’m pleased to join the First Minister and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s vaccination team at Clydebank Community Centre today and see people coming forward for the RSV vaccine.

“Vaccinations have played a major role in protecting the health of people across the globe over the last 50 years. Today’s launch of the new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step in protecting the population of Scotland against preventable diseases.

“RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as newborns, infants and older adults. If you’re eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV.

“Public Health Scotland continues to work closely with all health boards to ensure as many people as possible receive their vaccine and protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.” 

Sara, a pregnant woman who received her vaccine at the clinic today, said: “I’d heard of RSV before and how serious it can be for babies.

“After I saw there was going to be a vaccine, I read up about it and decided it was the obvious thing to do to protect my baby when they are born.”

The First Minister said: “I encourage pregnant women to take up their vaccination appointments to protect their babies against the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants during the first weeks and months of life. 

“Ensuring a healthy childhood is every parent’s first priority, however, it is equally important that those aged 75-79 take up their offer of this vaccine.

“We have acted quickly with partners to introduce this vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This programme will reduce the numbers seriously ill or hospitalised, helping to manage the significant winter pressures on our NHS.”

View information on the RSV vaccine for babies on NHS inform

View information on the RSV vaccine for adults on NHS inform

RSV vaccination programme in Scotland

Following last year’s advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Public Health Scotland has been working with the Scottish Government and NHS boards to develop plans for the roll out of Scotland’s  Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants and older adults. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms. Most cases recover after 2-3 weeks of illness, but RSV can cause severe illness in some people, including newborns, infants and older adults, leading to complications and hospitalisation. 

With the new programme set to commence later in the summer, some information is now available on NHS inform and more detail will follow soon.   

View the JCVI advice on RSV immunisation programmes    

View NHS inform information for newborns and infants and older adults

Record residential rehabilitation placements in Scotland

938 placements approved

A total of 938 residential rehabilitation placements were approved between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 to support people to attain an alcohol or drug-free lifestyle.

The Scottish Government is making £100 million available over this parliamentary term to increase access to residential rehabilitation for problematic drug or alcohol use. Latest statistics from Public Health Scotland (PHS) show the number of placements given the go ahead for public funding last year was up 126 on the previous year. The first three months of 2024 represented the highest number of quarterly approved placements since records began.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “These Public Health Scotland statistics indicate welcome progress – we are firmly on track to meet our commitment to giving 1,000 people access to public funding for residential rehabilitation each year by 2026. 

“We do, however, recognise the scale of the challenge we continue to face and are determined to do more by expanding on good practice and addressing gaps in pathways in collaboration with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. 

“My focus is on taking action to save and improve lives now as part of our £250 million National Mission. We’ve already reinforced our human rights-based approach where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal matter. We are prioritising getting people into the treatment and recovery that is right for them, at the right place at the right time.

“We are determined that every penny of the £100m we are investing to expand residential rehabilitation will make a difference to those who are suited to this form of treatment.”

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

It’s #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth.

People living in Scotland aged 50 to 74 are sent a home bowel screening test every two years.

The test can be done in the privacy of your home and returned using the pre-paid envelope provided.

To find out more, visit http://nhsinform.scot/bowelscreening

Drug overdose: How to save a life

PUBLIC Health Scotland have worked with @SimonCommScot to publish a new resource on what to do in an emergency response to a drug overdose.

First, know the signs of overdose.

Get your copy of ‘How to save a life’ here:

🔽

https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/how-to-save-a-life-emergency-response-to-an-overdose/…

#HarmReduction

how-to-save-a-life-booklet_1323Download

A&E waiting times hit all time high in Scotland

‘UNDERFUNDED, OVERCROWDED and, at times, UNSAFE’


New data released yesterday (5 March 2024) for Scotland reveals January was the worst month on record for people waiting to be seen in A&E.

The figures published by Public Health Scotland show that, in January 2024:

  • 41,161 (38%) patients waited over four hours in major Emergency Departments, a 21% increase compared to last January (33,962) 
  • 17,077 (16%) of patients waited eight hours or more in Emergency Departments, almost 13 times higher than in January 2016 (1,338) 
  • 8,402 (8%) of patients waited twelve hours or more in Emergency Departments, the largest amount for any January since records began and 36 times higher than in January 2016 (232). 

There were 1,866 beds occupied due to delayed discharges, an increase of 53 compared to December 2023. 

Dr JP Loughrey, Royal College of Emergency Medicine Vice President for Scotland said: “This is beyond exasperating. Most people attend A&E in desperate need – to be seen by a medical professional quickly and with dignity.

“Already struggling, patients are having to endure overcrowded waiting rooms and corridors – for hours. If admission is required, they must wait for a bed – for hours.

“This latest data makes for grim reading, and it is incredibly demoralising for my colleagues to be working under such strenuous circumstances.

“They are working all out to put patients first whilst also having to carry the burden of working in an underfunded, overcrowded, and at times unsafe emergency care system. We need intervention from the Government and policy makers to ensure we never reach this nadir again.”

The data also reports:

In January 2024, there were 108,427 attendances at major Emergency Departments in Scotland. This is marginal decrease of 0.25% compared to the previous month. 

  • 62% of patients were seen within four hours at major (Type 1) Emergency Departments. This is the worst four-hour performance for any January since records began.
  • This is a decrease of 0.5 percentage points compared to December last year and a decrease of 3.2 percentage points compared to January 2023. 
  • 41,161 (38%) patients waited over four hours in major Emergency Departments. This is a 1% increase compared to December last year (40,763) and a 21% increase compared to January 2023 (33,962). 
  • The number of patients waiting more than four hours has increased by more than three times compared to January 2016 (9,808). 
  • 17,077 (16%) patients waited eight hours or more in Emergency Departments. 
  • The proportion waiting this long has increased by 2% compared to the previous month, December 2023 and has increased by 2.3% compared to the previous year, January 2023. 
  • The numbers waiting more than eight hours is almost 13 times those in January 2016 (1,338). 
  • 8,402 (8%) of patients waited twelve hours or more in Emergency Departments  
  • This is the largest amount for any January since records began. 
  • The proportion waiting this long has increased by almost 1% compared to December last year and has increased by more than 1% compared to January 2023. 
  • The numbers waiting more than 12 hours is 36 times those in January 2016 (232). 
  • There were 1,866 beds occupied due to delayed discharges, an increase of 53 compared to December 2023. 

Foysul Choudhury: Action on Scotland’s Public Health Needed Now

On Wednesday (6 December), Foysol Choudhury MSP chaired the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Improving Scotland’s Health.

The CPG focuses on action which could be taken, such as reducing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods, to reduce illness and deaths in Scotland such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.  

Wednesday’s CPG saw a presentation from Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, about Public Health Scotland’s Economy and Poverty Programme, health trends and the importance of addressing health-harming commodities.  

Following the meeting, Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP has also highlighted the concerning health disparities between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.

Mr Choudhury said: “The concerning health trends we heard about at the meeting have raised alarm bells for me yet again about the disparity in life expectancy between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities. 

“This is something I have raised before and will continue to raise until we see improvements in the quality of life for all in Scotland-until a time when where you are born will not affect your chance to live a long and healthy life. 

“CEO of Public Health Scotland Paul Johnston noted in his presentation on Wednesday that change is possible, if we invest time, energy and resources into prevention now. 

“That is why the work of this CPG is so vital, to ensure action is taken and preventative frameworks are put in place to support the future of Scotland’s health for the next generation.” 

Winter Vaccines: Don’t Let Your Protection Fade

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

Those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter are urged to come forward for vaccination.

With more than one million COVID-19 vaccines administered so far this winter, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging eligible people to take up the offer of their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible.

During the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 and we strongly encourage eligible people to take up the vaccination offer now, to help avoid missing out on socialising with friends and family over the peak winter season. 

This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19. In particular, people with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions or liver disease, that put them at greater risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19.  Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, as these give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses.

All health and social care workers are eligible for the free flu vaccine, with frontline workers also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine offers protection against the most likely circulating strains.

This week’s Viral respiratory diseases report shows that the winter vaccination programme for 2023 is well underway, with Health Boards across Scotland delivering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at pace to those eligible this season.

While many eligible people have booked their vaccination appointment, those that haven’t should do so as soon possible.

There is now increased availability, so anyone who previously had difficulty getting an appointment on the booking portal is encouraged to please try again. Alternatively, look at whether your local Health Board is running drop-in clinics where an appointment is not necessary.

If you think you may be eligible for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both) you can check using our self help guide at 

www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines 

and book an appointment.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, PHS said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased to see so many people coming forward to take up the offer.

“Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. The vaccinations offered this season top up your protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and flu.

“Those that have not yet received their vaccinations are encouraged to come forward and make an appointment or check local arrangements. There are a range of vaccination sites available in each Health Board, with some now offering drop-ins too.”

Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said: “Flu and COVID-19 can still be serious, and can result in hospitalisation.

“The vaccines are the best protection we have against the viruses, and it’s important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is especially true for pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, who are at increased risk from the viruses.

“Anyone who is eligible and who hasn’t yet been contacted about their vaccines can book an appointment using the online booking portal or by calling the vaccination helpline. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or that of your child, you can use the self-help guide on NHS inform.

“If you’ve been given an appointment for a time, date or location that doesn’t suit, you can also use the online portal to book a more suitable appointment.

“The flu virus changes every year and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so it’s important you get the winter vaccines when offered.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has already come forward for vaccination and would urge all those who are eligible and have still to be vaccinated to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.”

Justine Craig, Chief Midwifery Officer for Scotland, said: “If you’re pregnant, you’re eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives.

“The vaccines are the best way to help protect pregnant women and their babies against the known risks of flu and COVID-19 in pregnancy. They can be given at any stage during pregnancy and are safe if you’re planning on breastfeeding.

“If you need information about the winter vaccines, you can speak to your midwife, who will also be able to advise you on how to get vaccinated.”

Chickenpox vaccination to become part of routine childhood schedule

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Public Health Scotland (PHS) will work with Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to make plans for the introduction of a varicella (chickenpox) vaccination as part of the routine childhood schedule.

JCVI’s recommendation is to offer a two-dose programme offering vaccination at 12 and 18 months of age, using the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.

Varicella vaccines have been seen to dramatically decrease the number of cases of chickenpox seen in childhood when used in other countries.

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: “Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease.

“While most cases of chickenpox in children are relatively mild, many children are unwell for several days and have to miss school or nursery as a result. In some cases, chickenpox can be more severe and can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections or other complications.

“The offer of the varicella vaccine is a welcome new addition to the routine childhood schedule and, as well as reducing the number of cases, will prevent more severe cases of chickenpox.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation to introduce a chickenpox vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme.

“Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious disease.

“We will work with Public Health Scotland, NHS Boards in Scotland, as well as colleagues across the UK, to consider this recommendation in more detail.”

More information on the current childhood immunisation schedule is available on NHS Inform.

Read the full JCVI advice.

RCEM Scotland: Huge increases in extreme A&E waits ‘dangerous and shameful’

More than TEN TIMES as many people waited over 12 hours in Scottish A&Es in August 2023 than in August 2019 – an increase branded ‘dangerous and shameful’ by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

The figure has been calculated using data published yesterday (3 October 2023) by Public Health Scotland and reveals how many people visited a major Emergency Department in Scotland in August 2023.

When compared with August 2019 (pre-pandemic) they show the number of people waiting:  

  • more than four hours is up from 14,372 to 39,147 
  • more than eight-hours is up from 1,395 to 10,793
  • more than 12-hours is up from 352 to 3,847.

The data for August 2023 shows:

  • 116,673 people visited a major Emergency Department in Scotland – almost 6,000 more than the previous month (110,854).
  • 67.90% of patients were seen within four-hours at major Emergency Departments.
    • This is a decrease of 1.7% from the previous month.
  • 37,415 patients waited more than four-hours in major Emergency Departments, which is a 9.8% increase from the previous month and an 5.3% decrease from August 2022.
  • 10,793 (9%) patients waited eight-hours or more in an Emergency Department
    • This is an increase of 2% from the previous month. But a 1.9% decrease compared with August 2022.
  • 3,847 (3%) patients waited more than 12-hours before being seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred
    • This figure has increased 0.9% from the previous month, but decreased by 1% compared with August 2022.
  • There were 1,797 beds occupied due to delayed discharges, the most for any August on record. 

Visualisations for the data are available here.

Responding to the figures, Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland, said: “When you compare figures month-on-month you only get a snapshot of what is happening, but when you take a longer view it reveals the bigger, much more concerning picture.

“To think that in just three years we have seen the percentage of people experiencing extreme waits increasing so significantly is shocking.

“But worse than that it is shameful, and it is dangerous. We know long waits increase the risk of people dying.

“The system is stretched to beyond capacity. Nobody wants to be in this situation – not patients and certainly not clinicians. And this should not be blamed on the pandemic – it is symptomatic of a much wider issue.

“In the short term, we need decisive and urgent action from the Scottish Government to avert what is looking like an inevitable winter A&E crisis, but we also need and effective long-term strategy to reverse this unacceptable situation.”