North-East project boosts capacity outside Central Belt
First Minister John Swinney has officially opened the first phase of a new residential rehabilitation service in Aberdeenshire, which will increase capacity in the North East of Scotland.
The 27-bed facility, named Rae House and run by Phoenix Futures, will be followed by a second phase which will consist of 53 units of housing and therapeutic community ‘Dayhab’ in Aberdeen City, which in total could provide up to 200 placements a year.
In the following phase, the therapeutic community ‘Dayhab’ model will see people living in separate accommodation coming together for day programmes at a central hub in Aberdeen to help them address their drug and alcohol use.
Speaking at the official opening, First Minister John Swinney said: ““We want every person experiencing harm from drug use to be able access the support they need. Residential rehabilitation is central to that and we have made £100 million available to improve access over the course of the Parliament.
“Following our support for Phoenix Futures’ family service in Saltcoats, this further investment of £11 million into the North East service will help address geographic barriers and provide a welcome increase in residential rehabilitation capacity in Scotland, particularly for areas outside the Central Belt.
“I am pleased that the way we have funded placements has allowed more people in the North East to access this type of treatment quickly.
“A recent report suggests we have achieved our aim of 1,000 people a year receiving public funding for their residential rehabilitation placement by March 2026, but we want to do more and our Additional Placement Fund will support even more people to access rehabilitation.
“Yesterday’s suspected drug death figures showed an 11% decrease for 2024 but they remain too high. There has been some encouraging progress, but we know there is much more to do and that is why, through our National Mission on drugs, we’ll continue to invest in a wide range of evidence-based measures to save lives and reduce harms.”
Phoenix Futures Chief Executive Karen Biggs said: “We are delighted to open Phoenix Futures Scotland’s new residential rehab in Aberdeenshire, bringing much-needed recovery support to the North East. This service ensures people can access life-changing treatment closer to home.
“Thanks to the Scottish Government’s innovative funding model, we’ve overcome financial and systemic barriers that previously limited access to residential rehab.
“By prioritising investment in recovery services, Scotland is setting a precedent for inclusive and effective addiction treatment. This facility will provide a safe, supportive space for people to rebuild their lives.
“We look forward to working with local communities and partners to make recovery accessible to all who need it.”
Funding for scientific and technological health projects
More than £6 million will be invested as part of the Accelerated National Innovations Adoption (ANIA) programme to help people with type 2 Diabetes, stroke patients and babies born with a rare genetic condition.
A national digital intensive weight management programme will support 3,000 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With £4.5 million invested over three years the project is expected to help around 40% to achieve remission from the condition by the end of their first year in the programme.
Two additional projects will look at pharmacogenetics – how a person’s genetics affect their response to certain drugs.
A total of £1.1 million will support testing of recent stroke patients to determine if they have a genetic variation that impairs the benefits of a drug commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of secondary stroke and which would mean an alternative drug should be considered for them.
A programme to provide a genetic test for newborn babies will also receive £800,000 funding to determine if they have a genetic variation which puts them at risk of permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common emergency antibiotic.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Neil Gray said: “In January the First Minister laid out our vision for Scotland’s NHS with digital innovation being a crucial part of our plans to reform health services.
“So I am pleased to announce funding for these projects which demonstrate the transformative potential of scientific and technological innovation to improve health and social care.
“These projects have life changing effects for those who will benefit from them, resulting in improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.
“Innovation is transforming healthcare and delivering medical benefits for the people of Scotland and the NHS, which will see reduced pressures as a direct result of projects just like these.”
Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, Gordon James, said: “”The approval of these innovative projects through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway is a significant step in delivering transformative innovations at scale to benefit patients all across Scotland.
“Lead by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), this project to deliver the diabetes remission programmes, pharmacogenetic testing for stroke, and genetic testing for newborns was an incredible example of collaboration from NHS organisations and colleagues to deliver the highest possible standard of patient care.
“The ANIA pathway is an initiative by NHS Scotland aimed at expediting the integration of high-impact innovations into healthcare services, and that’s exactly these new programmes will offer for more patients across Scotland than ever before.”
Chief Scientist, Prof Dame Anna Dominiczak said: “Scotland’s triple helix of industry, academia and our NHS are working in partnership to lead a scientific revolution which has the power to transform healthcare.
“These are excellent examples of research enabled, clinically beneficial and cost-effective innovations, which should be prioritised for national adoption”
Ending NHS England will ‘reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients’
Major reforms to empower NHS staff and put patients first
Changes will drive efficiency and empower staff to deliver better care as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change
Move will reduce complex bureaucracy and undo the damage caused by 2012 reorganisation
Reforms to reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients have been set out today by the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
NHS England will be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to put an end to the duplication resulting from 2 organisations doing the same job in a system currently holding staff back from delivering for patients.
By stripping back layers of red tape and bureaucracy, more resources will be put back into the front line rather than being spent on unnecessary admin.
The reforms will reverse the 2012 top-down reorganisation of the NHS which created burdensome layers of bureaucracy without any clear lines of accountability. As Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the state of the NHS found, the effects of this are still felt today and have left patients worse off under a convoluted and broken system.
The current system also penalises hardworking staff at NHS England and DHSC who desperately want to improve the lives of patients but who are being held back by the current overly bureaucratic and fragmented system.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “This is the final nail in the coffin of the disastrous 2012 reorganisation, which led to the longest waiting times, lowest patient satisfaction and most expensive NHS in history.
“When money is so tight, we cannot justify such a complex bureaucracy with 2 organisations doing the same jobs. We need more doers and fewer checkers, which is why I’m devolving resources and responsibilities to the NHS frontline.
“NHS staff are working flat out but the current system sets them up to fail. These changes will support the huge number of capable, innovative and committed people across the NHS to deliver for patients and taxpayers.
“Just because reform is difficult does not mean it should not be done. This government will never duck the hard work of reform.
“We will take on vested interests and change the status quo, so the NHS can once again be there for you when you need it.”
Sir James Mackey, who will be taking over as Transition CEO of NHS England, said: “We know that while unsettling for our staff, today’s announcement will bring welcome clarity as we focus on tackling the significant challenges ahead and delivering on the government’s priorities for patients.
“From managing the COVID pandemic, the biggest and most successful vaccine campaign which got the country back on its feet, to introducing the latest, most innovative new treatments for patients, NHS England has played a vital role in improving the nation’s health. I have always been exceptionally proud to work for the NHS – and our staff in NHS England have much to be proud of.
“But we now need to bring NHS England and DHSC together so we can deliver the biggest bang for our buck for patients, as we look to implement the 3 big shifts – analogue to digital, sickness to prevention and hospital to community – and build an NHS fit for the future.”
Incoming NHS England chair, Dr Penny Dash, said: “I am committed to working with Jim, the board and wider colleagues at NHS England to ensure we start 2025 to 2026 in the strongest possible position to support the wider NHS to deliver consistently high-quality care for patients and value for money for taxpayers.
“I will also be working closely with Alan Milburn to lead the work to bring together NHS England and DHSC to reduce duplication and streamline functions.”
Work will begin immediately to return many of NHS England’s current functions to DHSC. A longer-term programme of work will deliver the changes to bring NHS England back into the department, while maintaining a ‘laser-like focus’ on the government’s priorities to cut waiting times and responsibly manage finances.
It will also realise the untapped potential of the NHS as a single payer system, using its centralised model to procure cutting-edge technology more rapidly, get a better deal for taxpayers on procurement and work more closely with the life sciences sector to develop the treatments of the future.
The reforms to deliver a more efficient, leaner centre will also free up capacity and help deliver significant savings of hundreds of millions of pounds a year, which will be reinvested in frontline services to cut waiting times through the government’s Plan for Change.
The changes will crucially also give more power and autonomy to local leaders and systems – instead of weighing them down in increasing mountains of red tape, they will be given the tools and trust they need to deliver health services for the local communities they serve with more freedom to tailor provision to meet local needs.
The number of people working in the centre has more than doubled since 2010, when the NHS delivered the shortest waiting times and highest patient satisfaction in its history. Today, the NHS delivers worse care for patients but is more expensive than ever, meaning that taxpayers are paying more but getting less.
Too much centralisation and over-supervision has led to a tangled bureaucracy, which focuses on compliance and box-ticking, rather than patient care, value for money and innovation. In one example, highlighted by Dame Patricia Hewitt’s 2023 review, one integrated care system received 97 ad-hoc requests in a month from DHSC and NHS England, in addition to the 6 key monthly, 11 weekly and 3 daily data returns.
The review also revealed the challenges caused by duplication – citing examples of tensions, wasted time and needless frictional costs generated by uncoordinated pursuit of organisational goals that do not take account of their wider effects.
Substantial reform, not just short term investment, is needed to deliver the government’s Plan for Change mission to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future, and this announcement is one of a series of steps the government is taking to make the NHS more productive and resilient so that it can meet the needs of the population it cares for.
NHS England’s new leadership team, Sir Jim Mackey and Dr Penny Dash, will lead this transformation while re-asserting financial discipline and continuing to deliver on the government’s priority of cutting waiting times through the Plan for Change.
These reforms will provide the structure necessary to drive forward the 3 big shifts identified by government as crucial to building an NHS fit for the future – analogue to digital, sickness to prevention and hospital to community.
Since July, the government has already taken significant steps to get the NHS back on its feet, including bringing an end to the resident doctor strikes, delivering an extra 2 million appointments 7 months early and cutting waiting lists by 193,000 since July.
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that NHS England is to be abolished, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Everyone wants more to be spent on frontline services so the sick and injured can be treated sooner.
“Delays and long waits for operations and appointments have left several million unable to work, with a knock-on effect on economic growth.
“More of a focus and greater investment in the entire NHS team of staff, not just nurses and doctors, would help turn around the fortunes of a floundering NHS.
“Put simply the health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end.
“But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist.
“The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way.
“Thousands of expert staff will be left wondering what their future holds. Wherever possible, their valuable skills must be redeployed and used to the benefit of the reformed NHS and patients.
“Ministers have to reassure employees right across the NHS that there’s a robust plan to rejuvenate a flailing NHS and deliver for working people.”
Following Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement to scrap NHS England, a leading cybersecurity expert has warned the move could leave the health service dangerously exposed to cyberattacks.
While the proposed reforms aim to cut bureaucracy and streamline services, he warns that removing NHS England’s centralised cybersecurity infrastructure is “like a hospital suddenly removing its emergency department and expecting patients to fend for themselves.”
Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point Software, said, “While the Prime Minister’s sweeping reforms cover everything from cutting red tape to reining in bureaucracy, one critical area must not be left in the lurch: our cybersecurity defences. Scrapping NHS England’s centralised services is not just a bureaucratic shake-up; it’s like a hospital suddenly removing its emergency department and expecting patients to fend for themselves.
“At present, NHS England provides the backbone for our cyber defences, from a unified email service to specialised threat protection. Removing these central functions risks leaving individual NHS Trusts to fend off cyberattacks with a patchwork of under-resourced teams. As the adage goes, ‘a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,’ and our cyber chain is already under severe strain with attacks on the rise.
“Moreover, dismantling these central services could open the door for a surge of third-party suppliers to step in. While more suppliers might seem like a win for competition, it also fragments our defence and leaves us vulnerable; each new supplier is a potential weak link in our security armour.
“We need a robust, unified security system that acts like a digital fortress, not a hodgepodge of outsourced patches. In the midst of these broad reforms, let’s ensure the cyber element isn’t left out in the cold. Our digital defences must be retained or replaced with an equally robust solution; otherwise, we’re setting the stage for a cyber disaster.”
A leading European tobacco control expert is encouraging elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to dismiss tobacco industry attempts to weaken measures in the UK Government’s four-nations Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is progressing through Westminster.
The call comes ahead of Lilia Olefir, Director of the Smoke Free Partnership (a European coalition of tobacco control non-governmental organisations), leading a discussion as part of ASH Scotland’s Learning Week yesterday (10 February) about the importance of regulating emerging addictive and health harming tobacco and nicotine products.
Alarm is being raised by public health experts as tobacco companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Altria have moved into the nicotine pouch market, which is estimated to be worth $2 billion globally, through developing their own products or acquiring companies which produce nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches, which are placed under the top lip, are teabag-like products filled with a fibrous white powder and infused with nicotine and ingredients such as sweeteners and flavourings that are released during use.
A health risk assessment on nicotine pouches by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system, is a health risk. Pouches present high risks for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with cardiovascular disease.
By fighting Big Tobacco, these women are protecting public health and empowering women and girls to stand up for their right to a healthier future. Here are their messages to fellow advocates—urging them to keep exposing Big Tobacco and strengthening global efforts to… pic.twitter.com/T369V747yY
Lilia Olefir, who is also the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control Coordinator for Europe and won the 2024 Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence, said: “The tobacco industry is strategically marketing new nicotine to target young people, claiming that novel products have lower health risks, while simultaneously lobbying to avoid regulation on them for as long as possible.
“The rise in use of novel products by young people is extremely alarming and that’s why updating legislation is vital to address concerns about young people’s access to emerging tobacco and nicotine products.
“Annual tobacco industry spending on lobbying activities in the EU is at an all-time high of €19 million and their interference remains the largest obstacle to the implementation of effective tobacco control policies to protect children and young people.
“It’s not a surprise ASH Scotland’s analysis has found many concerning industry-connected arguments against restrictions that can be enabled by the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which parliamentarians would be wise to ignore for the benefit of younger people’s health.”
In March 2023, Belgium became the first nation in the EU to ban nicotine pouches, followed by the Netherlands a month later, and France decided in February 2025 to introduce a ban.
In Scotland and across the UK, nicotine pouches are currently not covered by tobacco or e-cigarette regulations so are not required to adhere to the same controls on advertising and retail displays as tobacco nor age of sale restrictions that are in place for cigarettes and nicotine containing vapes.
Strong measures to restrict the advertising and promotion of nicotine pouches will be introduced in the event of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being passed.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “The evidence presented by the Smoke Free Partnership and ASH Scotland’s analysis suggests that the tobacco industry is aiming to attract youths to use its new addictive and health harming products such as nicotine pouches to maintain a sizeable customer base in the UK and across Europe to enable the generation of huge profits into the future, at a considerable cost to the health of our young people.
“We have seen a disturbing increase in marketing campaigns promoting nicotine pouches in Scotland in recent months, including the provision of free samples in major train stations and a proliferation of shop window posters which are seen by children and young people.
“We welcome the robust measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which proposes to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.
“We strongly urge elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to reject the destructive interference by the tobacco industry and its profit-motivated business associates who are not public health stakeholders and should never be treated as such.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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!”
