The flu vaccine is the safest, most effective protection against flu, and the flu can be serious even for healthy teenagers.
Please get the free flu vaccine this year.
NHS Lothian urges Secondary School pupils to get flu vaccine
Tag: public health
Scotland’s biggest ever flu vaccine programme launches tomorrow
Primary and secondary school pupils will start receiving their flu vaccine tomorrow (Monday) as Scotland’s biggest flu immunisation programme gets underway.
Over four million people will be offered the free flu vaccine this year with secondary school pupils eligible for the first time.
Running until December all primary and secondary school pupils will be offered the vaccine which is given as a painless nasal spray.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “More people than ever are being offered the flu vaccine and we hope to see a large uptake amongst pupils as we aim to keep flu out of schools this year.
“If you’ve not missed the deadline for returning consent forms to your school, I’d urge you to complete and return these now. Last year with the public health measures that were in place, there was lower levels of flu than there has been in previous years so our immunity levels to flu may be lower this year.
“The vaccines are safe and the best way to help protect you, and others, from flu this winter.”
The flu virus changes every year, so you need to get the vaccine every year to stay protected. The flu vaccine cannot give you flu, but it can stop you catching it. The COVID-19 vaccine does not offer any protection from flu, you need to get the separate flu vaccine.
In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinfrom.scot/childflu, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.
While the flu vaccination programme will get underway tomorrow, the decision on Covid vaccinations for 12 – 15 year olds is still to be taken.
Health Ministers of the devolved nations wrote to their respective Chief Medical Officers on Friday to seek further advice.
The joint letter reads:
Dear UK Chief Medical Officers,
We are writing on behalf of the 4 nations of the UK following the recent JCVI discussions on 1 and 2 September regarding the COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people aged 12 to 15.
JCVI has updated its advice on this topic. This advice says that the committee is of the opinion that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential harms. However, that margin of benefit, based primarily on a health perspective, is considered too small to support advice on a universal programme of vaccination of otherwise healthy 12 to 15-year-old children at this time.
The JCVI’s advice goes on to suggest that the government may wish to take further advice, including on educational impacts, from the chief medical officers of the 4 nations, with representation from JCVI in these subsequent discussions.
We agree with the approach suggested by JCVI, and so we are writing to request that you take forward work (drawing on experts as you see fit) to consider the matter from a broader perspective, as suggested by the JCVI.
We will consider the advice from the CMOs of the 4 nations, building on the JCVI’s advice, in making our decision. Given the importance of this issue, we would be grateful if you could provide your advice as soon as possible.
Sajid Javid MP
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, HM Government
Eluned Morgan AS/MS
Y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol
Minister for Health and Social Services, Welsh Government
Humza Yousaf MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Scottish Government
Robin Swann MLA
Minister of Health, Northern Ireland Executive
6,152 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Scotland yesterday.
Parents and carers urged to ensure 2 – 5 year olds are vaccinated against flu
Parents and carers of children aged 2-5 are being urged to get their child immunised against flu, particularly as immunity levels may be lower this year.
The letters will include details on where and when the vaccine will be given.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nicola Steedman, said: “Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and young people. That’s why we’re immunising all children aged 2 up to secondary school pupils in S6 against flu this year.
“With public health restrictions in place last year, everybody, including young children were not exposed to the flu virus and are likely to have lower immunity to flu than in previous years. I’d urge all parents and carers to take up the offer of getting the free flu vaccine for their child this year and help stop the spread of flu. The vaccine is safe and offers the best protection we have against flu.”
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinfrom.scot/childflu, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.
If you have to reschedule your appointment, you can find information on doing this in your child’s vaccination letter.
Teen vaccinations: Health Chiefs, it’s over to you …
JVCI advises politicians to seek further advice from CMOs
The four Chief Medical Officers will provide further advice on the COVID-19 vaccination of young people aged 12 to 15 with COVID-19 vaccines following the advice of the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The independent medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has approved the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for people aged 12 and over after they met strict standards of safety and effectiveness.
The JCVI has advised that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential known harms. It has advised the government to seek further input from the Chief Medical Officers on the wider impacts.
This includes the impact on schools and young people’s education, which has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
UK health ministers from across the four nations have today written to the Chief Medical Officers to request they begin the process of assessing the broader impact of universal COVID-19 vaccination in this age group.
They will now convene experts and senior leaders in clinical and public health to consider the issue. They will then present their advice to ministers on whether a universal programme should be taken forward.
People aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are already eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are being contacted by the NHS, to be invited to come forward.
The JCVI has advised that this offer should be expanded to include more children aged 12 to 15, for example those with sickle cell disease or type 1 diabetes.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our COVID-19 vaccines have brought a wide range of benefits to the country, from saving lives and preventing hospitalisations, to helping stop infections and allowing children to return to school.
“I am grateful for the expert advice that I have received from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
“People aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to the virus have already been offered a COVID-19 vaccine, and today we’ll be expanding the offer to those with conditions such as sickle cell disease or type 1 diabetes to protect even more vulnerable children.
“Along with Health Ministers across the four nations, I have today written to the Chief Medical Officers to ask that they consider the vaccination of 12 to 15 year olds from a broader perspective, as suggested by the JCVI.
“We will then consider the advice from the Chief Medical Officers, building on the advice from the JCVI, before making a decision shortly.”
Scottish Health Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I want to thank the JCVI for today’s advice regarding vaccination for 12 -15 year olds.
“While the JCVI has agreed that the benefits marginally outweigh the risks they are not yet prepared to recommend universal vaccination of 12-15 year olds, however, they have suggested that Health Ministers may wish to ask their respective CMOs to explore the issue further, taking into consideration broader educational and societal impacts.
“Therefore, I have agreed with the other three UK Health Ministers to write a letter asking the four Chief Medical Officers to consider this latest guidance and explore whether there is additional evidence to suggest it would be beneficial to offer vaccination to all 12 – 15 year olds. We have asked for this further work to be conducted as soon as possible.
“A further update will be issued once these discussions have taken place. In the meantime, we will offer the vaccine to those children and young people currently recommended.
“The recent increase in cases of COVID-19 means it remains crucial that everyone who is offered a vaccination takes up the offer.”
JCVI issues advice on third dose vaccination for severely immunosuppressed
The JCVI is advising that people with severely weakened immune systems should have a third vaccine dose as part of their primary COVID-19 vaccination schedule
This third dose should be offered to people over 12 who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose, including those with leukaemia, advanced HIV and recent organ transplants.
These people may not mount a full response to vaccination and therefore may be less protected than the wider population.
This offer is separate to any potential booster programme. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is still deliberating the potential benefits of booster vaccines for the rest of the population and is awaiting further evidence to inform this decision.
Immunosuppression varies widely in severity and duration. Many people who are immunosuppressed have lower levels of antibodies after coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination, as some studies have shown.
Preliminary data from the OCTAVE trial showed that almost everyone who was immunosuppressed mounted an immune response after 2 doses, as indicated by either antibodies or T cells. However, in around 40% of people, the levels of antibodies were low. It is not clear how much this may affect protection against COVID-19 as antibodies represent only part of a person’s immune response.
People with severe immunosuppression are more likely to be severely ill if they do catch COVID-19.
Studies are ongoing to see how effective a third dose is for immunosuppressed people, but it is very unlikely to cause any harm. Therefore, on balance, the JCVI’s view is that a third dose can be safely offered as it may increase their protection.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of COVID-19 Immunisation for the JCVI, said: “We want people with severely suppressed immune systems to have the best chance of gaining protection from COVID-19 via vaccination.
“Therefore, we are advising they have a third vaccine dose on top of their initial 2 doses, as we hope this will reduce their risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalisation and death.
The JCVI advises that for adults aged 18 and older, either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines be administered for the third dose, as a number of studies have reported an increased immune response in some immunosuppressed people after a third dose of an mRNA vaccine.
For those aged 12 to 17, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is preferred.
The decision on the timing of the third dose should be made by their specialist. As a general guide, the third dose should usually be at least 8 weeks after the second dose but with flexibility to adjust the timing so that, where possible, immunosuppression is at a minimum when the vaccine dose is given.
This will enable a better immune response to be generated. For example, it is preferable to give a vaccine dose before someone undergoes chemotherapy, rather than during their treatment.
Those with less serious immunosuppression are not included in this advice but are likely to become eligible for another dose as part of a potential booster programme, pending further advice from the JCVI.
In the event of a booster programme, it is expected that severely immunosuppressed people will also be offered a booster dose, at a suitable interval after their third dose.
A third primary dose is an extra ‘top-up’ dose for those who may not have generated a full immune response to the first 2 doses. In contrast, a booster dose is a later dose to extend the duration of protection from the primary course of vaccinations.
The UK Government accepts JCVI’s advice to offer a third COVID-19 vaccine to people with severely weakened immune systems:
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Today I have accepted the expert recommendations from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to offer a third vaccine dose to people aged 12 and over with severely weakened immune systems as part of their primary schedule following data from trials of those who are immunosuppressed.
We know people with specific conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 may have received less protection against the virus from two vaccine doses. I am determined to ensure we are doing all we can to protect people in this group and a third dose will help deliver that.
The NHS will contact people as soon as possible to discuss their needs and arrange an appointment for a third dose where clinically appropriate.
This is not the start of the booster programme – we are continuing to plan for this to begin in September to ensure the protection people have built from vaccines is maintained over time and ahead of the winter. We will prioritise those most at risk to COVID-19, including those who are eligible for a third primary vaccine, for boosters based on the final advice of the JCVI.
COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 105,000 lives and prevented 24 million infections in England alone. They are building a wall of defence and are the best way to protect people from serious illness. I encourage everybody who is eligible to get their jabs as soon as they can.
Professor Jonathan Van Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “We know there are people with severe immunosuppression for whom the first two doses of vaccine have not provided the same level protection as for the general population. The degree of protection will vary by individual, according to degree of immunosuppression and the underlying reasons for that.
So I welcome the advice from JCVI to offer a third primary dose to those with severe immunosuppression, at a bespoke interval, advised by their specialist clinician, and guided by the UK’s immunisation handbook, the Green Book.
We should be doing all we reasonably can to ensure that this group is not disadvantaged and a third primary dose is one step in this direction. We are also working hard to ensure there are other medical interventions that can be used in these groups, including specific treatments like antivirals and monoclonal antibodies.
A JCVI decision on whether young teenagers should be vaccinated is expected ‘within days’.
Scottish Government to push for vaccination certification
“A threat hanging over the whole of the hospitality industry” – Scottish Licensed Trade Association
Coronavirus vaccination certificates will be required to enter certain events and higher risk venues, such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds, if Parliament backs the move in a vote planned for next week.
While Covid cases continue to rise and to avoid as little disruption to the economy as possible, the Scottish Parliament will be asked to vote on the introduction of the certification scheme which will only be implemented once all adults have had the opportunity to receive both doses of the vaccine. Children and adults that are ineligible for vaccination will be exempt.
Proof of vaccination will be required later this month to enter:
- nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
- unseated indoor live events, with more than 500 people in the audience
- unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4,000 people in the audience
- any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance
There are currently no plans to introduce certification for the wider hospitality industry but this will be kept under review over the autumn and winter months.
From Friday (3 September), people will be able to download a PDF copy of their vaccination certificate, with a personalised QR code, to print off instantly or store on their mobile phone for use domestically or internationally. This is in addition to the existing paper letters that can be requested from NHS Inform and the CovidHelpline.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We do not want to reimpose any of the restrictions that have been in place for much of this year as we all know how much harm they have caused to businesses, to education and to people’s general wellbeing but we must stem the rise in cases.
“In addition to measures such as free testing and the installation of CO2 monitors in schools, we believe that a limited use of vaccine certification in certain higher risk settings, could help us to keep businesses open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.
“They will be for use in very limited settings and never for public services such as transport, hospitals and education. This is a significant step forward and not a decision we have taken lightly but it is in line with certification in other European countries.
“The original protective measures such as wearing a face covering, physical distancing, hand washing and isolating when necessary are still key to reducing prevalence of the virus but getting vaccinated remains the single most important step that any of us can take to keep ourselves and others safe.
“Ensuring that as many people as possible get vaccinated remains a key priority and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything we can to improve on the already high up take of the vaccine. We continue to urge anyone aged 16 and over to get vaccinated, please find your local drop-in clinic by visiting NHS Inform.”
THE announcement by the First Minister that the Scottish Government proposes to roll out vaccine certificates in nightclubs and larger event settings is a “threat hanging over the whole of the hospitality industry”, says the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA).
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said:- “Although the suggestion is that the wider hospitality industry will not be affected should the Scottish Government agree to the introduction of ‘Covid passports’ next week, it is a most unwelcome development for the licensed trade in general.
“But a simple question is: where is the evidence that this is required for nightclubs and what is a night club? We are seeing a large spike in infection rates following the general reopening of the economy when a number of sectors fully reopened and Scottish schools have been opened for two weeks, universities and colleges are about to open, but nightclubs alone have been targeted with the possible introduction of a Covid status certification system at this time.
“And what is a night club? With a wide variety of hybrid premises in the Scottish licensed trade market, how is this defined? Many pubs, bars and hotels are larger than nightclubs and offer various entertainments. Consultation with the industry before this announcement was made would have been helpful.
“If Covid status certification is to be introduced, any system must be easy to use for both businesses and members of the public.
“We await the finer details of how this scheme will work and will strive to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that their introduction, if that is what happens, is seamless and easy for all involved.”
Remaining under 40s urged to get their second vaccine dose
“No one should consider themselves invincible to COVID-19.”
People aged under 40 who have still to receive their second dose of the vaccine are being urged to book an appointment or go to a drop-in clinic and maximise the protection offered.
The number of cases is rising and around two thirds of new cases are in under 40s. Over the past month, 30% of COVID-19 related hospital admissions were in those aged under 40, and the majority of hospital admissions amongst unvaccinated individuals were in the under 40s age group (58%).
The second dose of the vaccine offers greater and longer lasting protection and can be given from eight weeks after the first, either at a drop-in clinic or by requesting an appointment through the NHS Inform website. Evidence shows that after two doses the vaccines are more than 90% effective against hospital admissions from the effects of the virus. Even if the time since the first dose is more than eight weeks, people can still be vaccinated and are encouraged to come forward.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “More than eighty per cent of the population have now received both doses and I really want to say thanks to all of them and of course, everyone involved in the delivery of our national programme.
“Scotland’s vaccination programme has been one of the fastest in the world, but it’s clear there are some people – particularly aged under 40 – who have been offered a second appointment and, for whatever reason, have not yet attended. Our message to you is clear. It’s not too late to get your vaccine and it remains vital that you get both doses in order to give maximum protection against this virus. Please don’t leave the job half done.
“We are working to make it as simple as possible for people to get their vaccines, and have increased the options available for how and when people choose to be vaccinated, such as drop-in and open-access clinics.
“While we are in the process of emerging from the pandemic, high case rates at the moment underline the fact that this virus is still a significant threat and the importance of getting vaccinated cannot be underestimated.”
Ian Scott, Clinical lead for Respiratory (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) ECMO service Scotland based in Aberdeen Royal infirmary said: “Over the last few weeks we have been seeing increased numbers of referrals to intensive care in the under 40s with COVID-19. In the UK, the average age of patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO support is currently under forty.
“The stark fact is, none of these patients have been double vaccinated and most do not have underlying health conditions.
“Normally at this time of year we would have no patients requiring this level of respiratory support. The survival rate of patients with severe COVID-19 is worse than viral pneumonia. The risks with requiring ventilation and ECMO are extremely high and we feel that some of these deaths could be avoided.”
NHS Grampian ECMO Lead Nurse Lucy Fleming said: “I am under 40. To see increasing numbers of young and otherwise healthy people of my own age requiring this level of intensive care is heart-breaking.
“There is no doubt that as cases rise, it is crucial that everyone who is eligible takes up their invitation for a vaccination and gets both doses.
“No one should consider themselves invincible to COVID-19.”
5,858 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Scotland yesterday (28th August).
Scottish Government hails hitting 100 day targets – but Covid numbers reach record high
The Scottish Government has delivered 80 priorities set out by the First Minister in May — but the annoucement was overshadowed by news that Scotland has just recorded more than 5000 daily Covid cases for the first time.
These commitments have been delivered across government and Ministerial portfolios, covering health and care, economy, climate change, communities, children and families, and how we lead Scotland safely through and out of the pandemic.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Recovery from the pandemic is an urgent priority for the government and I am proud of the bold, ambitious and transformative measures we have delivered in just 100 days.
“But this is only the beginning and there is much more we can and will do to build a fairer and more sustainable country as we continue to drive Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic.
“We have introduced co-ordinated and targeted policies which deliver demonstrable positive change for the people, families and communities who need it most – and for our economy, public services and environment.
“Delivering on the commitments that the First Minister made in May demonstrates our progress in taking the steps needed to make lasting and generational change, and to improve the lives of people across Scotland.”
Achievements include:
- consulting on the creation of a National Care Service to improve social care for everyone who needs it
- funding for 1,000 extra teachers and 500 pupil support assistants
- doubling the carers’ allowance supplement this winter through the introduction of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill
- publishing a recovery plan for the NHS
- £25 million to help small and medium businesses use digital technology and upskill employees
- free NHS dental care for all young people under 26 years old.
- opening three new rapid cancer diagnostic centres
- tackling loneliness and social isolation – particularly among young and disabled people
- free school lunches for more than 90,000 children
- appointing Environmental Champions to advise government on international best practice
- launching the new Green Jobs Work Academy to help people get the skills they need to move into new, greener jobs
The Scottish Government also committed to 14 new mobile phone masts to deliver high-speed connectivity for the first time to homes and businesses in rural communities. 14 new masts have been built, seven of which have been activated. The remaining seven are due to be activated by November.
But while the Scottish Government hails progress made since May’s Holyrood election, there are growing concerns about rising Covid-19 numbers.
The 100 days commitments had six particular areas of focus:
- leading Scotland out of the pandemic
- supporting our NHS and care services
- backing our economy and creating jobs
- helping children, families and young people
- tacking the climate crisis
- backing our communities and building better lives.
Yesterday – the day the Scottish Government made it’s 100 days delivery statement – also saw the highest ever number of Covid-19 cases. 5,021 new cases were reported in Scotland.
The government hails their first hundred days as a positive start, but it will be their actions to address the most ‘urgent priority’ – the rampant Covid virus – that will prove crucial for Scotland over the coming hundred days.
Scottish Government publishes NHS Reovery Plan
The Scottish Government has published its NHS Recovery Plan, committing more than £1 billion of targeted investment for the recovery and renewal of Scotland’s health service.
It sets out key actions for the next five years to help address backlogs in healthcare and increase capacity by at least 10%.
The plan outlines a range of reforms across primary and acute NHS services to help recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and get everyone the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
A key aim in primary care is to restore face-to-face GP consultations as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring everyone can continue to make use of eHealth services like NHS Near Me, if that is their preference. We are also bolstering the NHS Pharmacy First scheme to enhance the range of services patients can access from community pharmacists without having to go to their GP.
In acute care we are increasing capacity for inpatients, day cases, outpatients and diagnostics. Prior to the pandemic, Scotland’s NHS carried out approximately 270,000 inpatient/day cases per year, and approximately 1.4 million outpatient appointments. Through this Plan we will work to increase NHS capacity substantially beyond these levels.
A priority within the Plan is to focus on the health and wellbeing of NHS staff who have given so much, particularly during the pandemic.
Actions include:
- increasing investment in National Treatment Centres (NTCs) to more than £400 million, contributing to delivery of over 40,000 additional elective surgeries and procedures per year
- raising primary care investment by 25%, supporting GPs, community pharmacists, dentists and optometrists
- investing £29 million to target diagnostic backlogs, providing 78,000 additional procedures in 2021/22 rising to 90,000 per year from 2025/26
- providing £8 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of the health and care workforce
- investing £11 million in new national and international recruitment campaigns to produce an additional 1,500 staff over the next five years for our NTCs, 1,000 mental health link workers in communities, 800 more GPs, and boosting paramedic numbers through the £10,000 Paramedic Bursary.
- delivering £23 million to redesign urgent care – with rapid access to a senior clinician via a telephone or video consultation where possible, reducing the pressure on A&E
- devoting £130 million to deliver our National Cancer Plan and Detect Cancer Early Programme
- ensuring at least 10% of frontline health spending will be dedicated to mental health, and recruiting 320 additional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) workers
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was joined by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to launch the NHS Recovery Plan during a visit to the new national Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) which will play a key role in supporting improvements in outpatient and inpatient capacity as well as diagnostics.
She said: “This Plan will drive the recovery of our NHS, not just to its pre-pandemic level but beyond.
“As we maintain our resilience against COVID-19 and other pressures, the Scottish Government is providing targeted investment to increase capacity, reform the system and ultimately get everyone the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
“Tackling the backlog of care is essential and will be a priority. But we want to go further than that and deliver an NHS that is innovative, sustainable and stronger than ever before.”
Waiting times: what’s happening?
During the pandemic, patients have been seen and treated based on their clinical urgency and we will continue to do so whilst we remobilise our NHS.
Patients are being classified in the following groups:
- Priority Level 1a Emergency – operation needed within 24 hours
- Priority Level 1b Urgent – operation needed within 72 hours
- Priority Level 2 Surgery – scheduled within 4 weeks
- Priority Level 3 Surgery – scheduled within 12 weeks
- Priority Level 4 Surgery – may be safely scheduled after 12 weeks
NHS Scotland is working hard to increase the services available as safely and as quickly as possible. Clinicians and Clinical Experts are continuously reviewing how they deliver services to provide additional appointments to support your care.
About your appointment
It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.
Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.
Keeping an eye on your condition
It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.
Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.
Self Help
If you require further advice on your condition, please contact the hospital team you are awaiting an appointment with.
If your condition or symptoms worsen while waiting, you should contact your GP Practice.
Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team can give you advice and provide over-the-counter medicine if needed.
Call NHS 24 on 111 for further advice on managing symptoms.
If you consider your condition or symptoms to be life-threatening, then you should call 999 immediately.
Other Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or that your mental health and well-being has been affected by the delay in your treatment, you can call:
- NHS 24 on 111, 24 hours a day, and select the Mental Health option from the telephone prompts
- Breathing space on 0800 83 85 87 is open weekdays Monday-Thursday, 6am to 2am, and weekends Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
- Living Life on 0800 328 9655 is open Monday-Friday 1pm to 9pm
Your rights and responsibilities
Under the Charter of Patients Rights and Responsibilities, you have certain rights and responsibilities when using the NHS in Scotland.
For waiting times, It’s important that these be respected if patients are to receive treatment in the shortest time possible.
Your rights and responsibilities apply to waiting times in the following ways:
- Availability
- Appointments
- Attendance
Find out more about how your rights and responsibilities apply to waiting times.