Tag: public health

Improving the lives of people with diabetes

Increased access to technologies

A further 2,500 people living with type 1 diabetes are receiving “life changing” access to the latest technologies to help prevent serious health complications.

An additional £6.9 million Scottish Government funding this year is expanding access to closed loop systems, prioritising children and adults who health boards believe will benefit the most.

Closed loop systems use a blood glucose sensor linked to a pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – reducing the need to work out dosages and take injections.

Training, education and support is given remotely by health professionals including specialist nurses and dietitians.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Expanding access to closed loop systems will have a life changing impact on those living with type 1 diabetes. These technologies greatly reduce the risk of long term complications and removes much of the burden of managing the condition on a day to day basis.

“More than a century since insulin was first discovered, technology continues to change lives for the better. I hope all children and adults who benefit from these technologies go on to lead healthy and active lives with the support of treatment advances such as this.

“We are harnessing innovation, in line with our ten-year Service Renewal Framework, to help people better manage their own treatment. This will shape an efficient health and social care system which delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place.”

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects more than 35,000 people, including around 3,340 children.  

Some 70% of NHS diabetes spend is on preventable complications including treating kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and foot amputations.

During the programme’s first year in 2024-25, the Scottish Government invested £8.8 million and around 2,100 people received closed loop systems; including approximately 77% of under 18s with type 1 diabetes.

In 2025-2026 health boards will receive £7.5 million ongoing funding for consumables used by the systems and £6.9 million to support adding 2,500 more people.

Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework – gov.scot

Improving patient care over winter

Initiative will save thousands of ambulance journeys every month

Almost £1 million is being allocated to help reduce pressures on A&E departments and improve patient flow over the winter months.

The Scottish Ambulance Service will receive £995,000 to increase staffing for a clinical hub model, which uses GPs to triage patients as calls come in to prevent unnecessary ambulance dispatches and ensure everyone gets the treatment they need.

The system was trialled successfully over a weekend in September this year and it is estimated that it could save 12,000 ambulance journeys over winter as well as safely preventing an additional 4,500 patients being conveyed to Emergency Department front doors.

The funding will also enable the expansion of patient transport hubs in areas where pressures are greatest, using Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers who help identify and co-ordinate early discharges – reducing handover delays by keeping the flow of patients moving through the system in periods of high activity.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving patient care over the winter months is a priority and this funding will see patients treated faster in the setting which is appropriate for them.

“The measures being taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service will help cut unnecessary ambulance dispatches and improve patient outcomes and experiences through earlier clinical intervention.

“Our winter preparations have also seen a £20 million investment for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.

“And, as the temperature drops, we continue to urge those eligible for the flu vaccine to take up the offer.

“As always I thank all our dedicated health and social care staff who continue to work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it.”

Shaping healthier food environments for the next decade

In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, Nesta, an innovation agency for social good, has today published two key publications which explore how Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments and support efforts to reduce obesity and health inequalities.

The two publications are:

  • ‘Planning for Healthier Communities – Opportunities in the Scottish Planning System’ (research report)
  • ‘The role of Local Development Plans (LDPs) in shaping healthier food environments across Scotland’ (supporting briefing)

These resources draw on research, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned to recommend practical steps for integrating food environment policies into the local planning system.

Around two thirds of adults in Scotland are living with overweight or obesity, and one in three children starting primary 1 are at risk of overweight or obesity, with rates significantly higher in more deprived areas.

Recent modelling also projects substantial increases in overweight by 2040. The need for change is evident and reducing overweight and obesity is a key priority in Scotland’s Population Health Framework.

Historically, planning policies in Scotland have rarely addressed food environments or obesity directly.  But now, the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) provide an opportunity to change that. LDPs are currently in preparation stage, with decisions taken over the next two to three years shaping Scotland’s food environment for the next decade.

Many organisations, including local authorities and health boards, play a key role in the planning process. These new publications outline key stages and priority areas where public health professionals can contribute and influence the development of plans, such as:

  • providing local health data and expertise to support the case for food environment policies
  • focussing on health inequalities and areas where unhealthy food environments and obesity rates are highest
  • building stronger collaborations between planning and public health to gather evidence and advocate for change

Claire Hislop RNutr (Public Health), Organisational Lead – Food and Physical Activity, Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland’s current food environment often fails to support healthy eating. This is particularly evident in communities with higher deprivation and where access to affordable, nutritious food can be limited.

“Improving Scotland’s food environment requires a package of measures; utilising the planning process as part of this is both necessary and possible.

“In particular, Local Development Plan preparation offers a unique, but time limited, opportunity to contribute to creating communities that enable and promote healthier food options – for years to come.”

Frances Bain, Mission Manager, Nesta, added: “Nesta were delighted to partner with Public Health Scotland on this research which was carried out through a residency placement and explored the potential to use the planning system to influence healthier food environments.

“Thanks to all the local and national stakeholders who participated in the research and in particular Dr Meadhbh Maguire for leading the work.

“We have been able to outline the opportunities and challenges that exist when considering new planning policies relating to the food environment and highlight the role that local development plans can play in supporting public health.”

Find out more about Nesta

Read the research report and briefing

Gordon Macdonald encourages people across Edinburgh to get flu vaccine

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging people across Edinburgh to get their flu vaccine as the SNP Scottish Government announced £20 million to strengthen social care and ease pressure on the NHS this winter. 

Mr Macdonald has warned of an early and potentially difficult flu season and is encouraging everyone eligible, especially children, young people, and vulnerable groups, to take up the free vaccine.

The SNP’s £20 million investment announced by Health Secretary Neil Gray will boost local care capacity, reduce pressure on hospitals, and support hardworking NHS staff this winter, while Labour continues to talk Scotland down and offer no real plan for the NHS. 

The SNP Government is also recruiting 290 new frontline Scottish Ambulance Service staff and investing £5 million in NHS 24’s digital systems to help people access care more quickly. 

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “Flu can be serious, especially for older people and those with underlying conditions. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our NHS. 

“I’d also particularly encourage parents and carers across the city to make sure children and young people get their free flu jag, and for everyone eligible to take up the offer. It’s quick, easy, and helps keep our whole community healthy this winter. 

“This latest £20 million investment shows once again that the SNP is taking real, practical action to support our NHS and our social care services.”

Scotland’s Abortion Law Review

Publication of independent expert group report

An independent report by an expert group set up to review the current law on abortion in Scotland has been published today.

The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned following a Programme for Government commitment for 2023 -24 to independently review the existing law and ensure that abortion services are safe and treated first and foremost as a healthcare matter for women.

The group was chaired by Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion Professor Anna Glasier and brought together lawyers, clinicians, academics, and representatives of women’s organisations to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience were heard. Their work considered current clinical practice, international examples, academic research, and a wide range of stakeholder views from across Scotland.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Professor Glasier and all the members of the Expert Group for their work and for their robust consideration of current clinical practice and research.

“I also welcome the time they have taken to consider a broad range of views from stakeholders across Scotland.

“It is right that we continue to ensure that abortion is treated as a healthcare matter and that women are supported to access safe and timely abortion services.

“The recommendations within the report represent the views of the Expert Group – it is only one part of this review process, and the Scottish Government will now begin its own period of evidence gathering and engagement with a range of stakeholders. We will take time to carefully consider all the findings and respond in due course.”

Chair and Expert Group Professor Anna Glasier said: “I am extremely pleased to see that the Expert Group’s report on the law on abortion has been published today. The Group worked incredibly hard, and benefitted greatly from the input and expertise of a wide range of stakeholders, to develop evidence-based, balanced recommendations.

“The report demonstrates the Group’s view that it is time for an abortion law that reflects the reality of current clinical practice where abortions are safely provided in the best interests of women.

“It is now for the Scottish Government to consider these recommendations and carry out the further engagement required to come to a decision on legislative proposals. I look forward to hearing the Government’s views in due course.”

 Today, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) welcomes the publication of an independent report by the expert group established to review Scotland’s abortion law.
 
The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned as part of the Scottish Government’s 2023–24 Programme for Government to undertake an independent review of the current law and to consider how abortion can be regulated as a safe, modern healthcare service for women.
 
In response to the report, Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome this report – the proposed changes in Scotland represent an important step towards ensuring that women can access abortion care safely, confidentially and without fear of investigation or prosecution.

“These recommendations also reflect a positive trend across all four nations of the UK towards treating abortion as essential healthcare rather than a criminal issue.

“In England and Wales, MPs have already sent a clear message by voting to remove women from the criminal law – reflecting public opinion that reproductive rights matter. We now urge Peers in the House of Lords to follow suit and back this vital amendment to see abortion decriminalised.

“Abortion is healthcare that around one in three women will need in their lifetime, and it should be regulated and delivered to the same professional standards as any other medical procedure, not through the criminal law.”

  • Read the full report via the Scottish Government’s website here.

Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group Report – gov.scot

Additional £25.5 million for planned care

Delivering extra appointments and procedures for patients

Health boards will receive an additional £25.5 million this year to allow them to deliver more planned care appointments and procedures to reduce long waits for patients, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The additional funding will support the delivery of more outpatient appointments and inpatient/day case procedures across a variety of specialities including orthopaedics, dermatology, general surgery and gynaecology. Cardiology and paediatrics will also get extra funding.

This new support takes total additional investment to £135.5 million in 2025-26 to help the National Health Service maintain progress on reducing waiting lists.

Recent figures show the total list size and longest waits are coming down. There has also been an increase of more than 31,000 appointments and procedures from April to September this year compared to same period in 2024.

Speaking during a visit to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the First Minister said: “The latest figures show our plan to support Scotland’s NHS is working, delivering real benefits for patients.

“We have already provided £110 million of additional targeted funding this year to tackle the longest waits. Now we are providing a further boost to deliver more appointments and procedures, taking the total additional funding to £135.5 million for 2025-26.

“I am determined to build on the progress being achieved by hardworking staff in our health service, like those I met today at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. We want to help them provide the care and treatment patients need and expect – and we are already seeing results.

“Not only are the total list size and longest waits coming down, but we are treating more people than last year. There is still work to be done, but these are very welcome improvements.

“Under my leadership, the people of Scotland can expect a strong National Health Service delivering patient care of the highest possible quality.”

The additional £25.5 million will be shared between the following health boards:

  • Ayrshire and Arran
  • Fife
  • Grampian
  • Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • Highland
  • Lanarkshire
  • Lothian
  • Shetland
  • Tayside

In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, as at 30 September 2025, new outpatient ongoing waits over 52 weeks had decreased by 17.6% and inpatient/day case ongoing waits over 52 weeks had decreased by 5.7% compared to the previous month.

Reduction in NHS waiting lists – gov.scot

Improving health through prevention

Funding digital type 2 diabetes programmes

A new Scottish Government programme is expected to prevent up to 4,000 people from developing type 2 diabetes.

The £4.8 million investment will offer education and virtual, app-based, individual consultations with nutritionists, dietitians and health coaches via the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) initiative to fast track proven healthcare innovations.

By focusing on prevention, this will reduce future health complications for patients, improve quality of life and ease long-term pressures on the NHS.

Health professionals in primary or secondary care will refer suitable patients soon after diagnosis of pre-diabetes or history of gestational diabetes – increasing equity of access to NHS services across Scotland – and self-referral will also be available.

Meeting frontline staff and patients at Pennywell All Care Centre in Edinburgh, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “We want to improve access to treatment in the community, enhance preventative services and maximise the opportunities of digital innovation through our Service Renewal and Population Health Frameworks. This will deliver a sustainable and high quality health and social care system for the future.

“This digital programme reduces the need to travel to in-person appointments and helps patients make sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle and prevent progress towards type 2 diabetes. It enables rural and urban communities to easily access services which can have a life-changing impact.

“It is a prime example of transformative innovation that benefits frontline staff and patients alike and supports our health and care service to meet the challenges it faces.”

The three-year programme will enable up to 15,000 people at risk of type 2 diabetes to access nine months of digital diet and lifestyle change advice through ANIA – with up to 4,000 of those expected to avoid the condition.

Director of Innovation and Transformation at NHS Lothian Jenny Long said: “Over the past five years, NHS Lothian’s dietetic service has successfully delivered both the diabetes remission and award-winning prevention programmes, supported by permanent Scottish Government funding.

!Their success has led to further investment in digital innovation via the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway.

“New digital services will improve patient access and outcomes across the region, enabling direct referrals from primary care and reducing waiting times.”

The ANIA Pathway, funded by the Chief Scientist Office and led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, is designed to fast-track proven innovations into frontline healthcare across Scotland. By identifying, assessing, and implementing new health technologies with strong evidence and impact, ANIA ensures patients across Scotland benefit from the latest advances in care.

Head of Innovation at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery Jason White said: “This programme represents a major step forward in the delivery of preventative healthcare across Scotland.

“It will empower people with pre-diabetes via easily accessible technology to make meaningful lifestyle changes that will significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“The Centre for Sustainable Delivery is proud to support this initiative through the ANIA programme. It’s a scalable, evidence-based solution that will support people to improve their own health and wellbeing over nine months.

“It will improve patient outcomes and reduce demand on NHS services through reducing the growth of type 2 diabetes across Scotland.”

There are 310,000 people living with type 2 diabetes in Scotland, representing more than 5% of the population. In 2023, more than 25,000 new cases were diagnosed and the number is predicted to reach 420,000 by 2044.

Type 2 diabetes | NHS inform

Scale of obesity challenge in Scotland highlighted by new research

New research from Public Health Scotland (PHS), conducted in collaboration with Sciensano* and recently published in Public Health, the journal of the Royal Society of Public Health, projects a surge in the number of adult cases of excess weight in Scotland by 2040.

The findings highlight the scale of the challenge for both population health and future care services.

Current estimates from the Scottish Health Survey show that around two-thirds of Scottish adults are overweight, and one-third are living with obesity. These figures are disproportionately higher than other UK nations and among the highest compared to other European Union countries.

This new research analysed data from the Scottish Health Survey and found that, without urgent and sustained intervention, the number of adults who are overweight or living with obesity is set to rise significantly.

Dr Grant Wyper, Principal Epidemiologist, PHS, said: “Our findings highlight the stark challenge ahead. We estimate 3.3 million cases of adult excess weight by 2040, with more pronounced increases for obesity. Between 2025 and 2040, we estimate an additional 118,000 female and 36,000 male cases of obesity.

“Furthermore, recent increases in excess weight among adults aged 65 and above are projected to intensify towards 2040, signalling growing and more complex pressures on Scotland’s health and social care systems in the coming decades.

“These findings should be seen as a clear warning, but the projections are not inevitable. Delivering on the Population Health Framework priority to improve healthy weight is vital.

“Excess weight is linked to a wide range of health conditions, including premature death, meaning that our findings point to the risk of future adverse impacts on population health and unsustainable pressure on healthcare services.”

Claire Hislop RNutr (Public Health), Organisational Lead – Food & Physical Activity, PHS, added: “The time for incremental change is over. The evidence shows we must accelerate progress on bold, preventative measures that reshape the food environment and ensure healthier options are accessible, affordable and widely available.

“At the same time, we must strengthen comprehensive weight management and support services to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. This approach aligns with the ambitions of the Population Health Framework.

“The framework priority for improving healthy weight needs a whole system package of prevention and treatment measures to improve levels of healthy weight, alongside ongoing policy developments to create conditions for better health and reduced inequalities.”

Read the published research

Read more about the Population Health Framework

Read the Scottish Public Health Systems consensus statement on improving Scotland’s diet and weight

*Sciensano is the federal research institute for public and animal health in Belgium.

Walk-in GP clinics to open in Scotland

Improving access to primary care

A network of walk-in GP clinics will open as part of work to improve access to primary care.

The clinics, which would be staffed by GPs, nurses and support staff, will be open seven days a week, 12:00-20:00, in addition to existing primary care services. They will provide a range of same-day assessments, diagnostics and treatment.

Fifteen clinics in sites across Scotland will proceed initially to test the benefits for patients.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving access to primary care and shifting more care into the community is central for this Government.

“As part of this, we are taking forward new and innovative ways to improve access to primary care, including the benefits of local walk-in GP clinics.

“These will be in addition to core GP services and will offer additional flexibility for patients. These will be designed in collaboration with NHS Boards, GPs and other partners to ensure they strengthen existing services.”

The announcement was made by First Minister John Swinney at the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen yesterday.

The Holyrood elections take place next May.

MHRA: NO EVIDENCE that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children

There is no evidence that taking #paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.

Always follow NHS guidance and report any suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme https://bit.ly/2A6B165

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.   

“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.

“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1970506529125064995

“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. 

“Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts. 

“We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme.”

Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.

If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.

See NHS Guidance – Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking paracetamol for adults 

Scottish Autism is aware that pronouncements regarding autism from the US Government will be a source of anxiety and worry for many in our community.

We are clear that public policy should be focused on recognising and accommodating the needs and rights of autistic people rather than stigmatising neurodivergence as something to be ‘treated’ or prevented. Spreading misinformation about the identified reasons why some people are born autistic does nothing to further this aim.

Scottish Autism’s focus is on finding better ways to support autistic people and their families. Our research, campaigning and service provision reflect this priority and always will.

Our Advice Line is open 10am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and our Community Advisors can help you to identify what support may exist in your area.

You can call the Advice Line on 01259 222022, email advice@scottishautism.org or LiveChat with us via our website.