public health – Page 7 – The NEN

The Exceptional Gift: Father-of-two thanks friend following life-saving kidney transplant

Miracle match pair share their story to highlight extraordinary impact of living kidney donation

A man with chronic kidney disease underwent a life-saving transplant with a kidney donated by his friend, after tests showed the pair were a 100 per cent match.

Sixteen months on, Calum Mitchell, 45, from Dunfermline, and his donor Ian Cameron, 41, from Edinburgh, are sharing their story as part of a campaign to highlight the benefits of living kidney donation.

Living kidney donation plays a vital role in increasing donation and transplantation rates in Scotland, with a kidney from a living donor generally offering the best outcomes for patients in need of a transplant. Since 1960 there have been 1905 kidney transplants from living donors in Scotland, with 95 taking place in 2023.

Calum, who underwent his first transplant aged 21, spoke of how Ian’s gift has given him his life back after the function of his first donated kidney from a deceased donor began to decline. Following his second transplant, bloods show that his kidney function is better now than it was aged 16.

Calum’s first transplant lasted 22 years, nine months and six days. By 2022, he describes himself as being ‘deep into overtime’ with his donated kidney.

Calum said: “My first transplant went ahead in January 2000 and the difference it made to my life is very hard to describe. Within a year I was back to doing all the sports I loved and it was amazing being freed from dialysis, thanks to my donor and their family.

“Fifteen years post-surgery they told me my kidney function was gradually declining and by October 2021 a second transplant was raised. I knew this was ahead of me and never felt like the situation was out of control. I also felt hugely grateful my transplant had given me so many good years.”

Calum was listed for transplant and at that stage set up a WhatsApp group so his wife Kirsty could be supported by those close to her. This group included Ian’s wife Becky, which prompted Ian to email Calum in December 2021, broaching the subject of the donation.

Research conducted to support the living donation campaign shows almost half of those surveyed said they’d be likely to consider donating to a friend (48 per cent), but for Ian, the decision was made long before Calum’s first kidney transplant failed.

Ian said: “We were quite close and I had a good handle on the extent of Calum’s condition. I was always interested in how he was doing and years previously Calum mentioned he might need a new kidney.

“At that point, I spoke to my wife and we agreed we’d get tested as possible donors. So it was a kind of done deal at that point, in my head at least.

“I knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t be enthusiastic about the prospect. I’m a guy that likes to move quickly so I pushed him as I was resolute in my decision to donate. I think Calum thought I wouldn’t be a match so after a bit of back and forth, he eventually agreed to the initial tests.”

The testing started positively and went from strength to strength. Calum is a rare B negative blood type, as is Ian. At that point they had a serious discussion about Ian moving to the next stage of testing and whether Calum would accept the kidney. On Ian’s 40th birthday in April, the tests went ahead and everything was a match, with the pair being told they could be twins.

Calum said: “I’d left the ball in Ian’s court as I was grateful but that gratitude was tied up with concern and nervousness. I didn’t want to put any pressure on him, but when we got the test results it was hard to refuse as it definitely felt like it was meant to be.”

Calum went back on dialysis in June 2022 and the surgery was scheduled for September at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Ian said: “I was pumped going in for surgery, so excited. I’d never had surgery in my life. We drove into hospital together and it felt like a very unique experience.

“Post surgery I was sore but I felt great, and ravenously hungry about an hour later. I was up and about in a couple of hours and in for two days with the soreness getting better reasonably quickly.

“The highest point of joy for me was when I was out of surgery and Calum was in theatre having the transplant. The surgeon came to see me, my wife and Calum’s wife Kirsty and told us the kidney had started working straight away. I burst into tears and I’m not a crier. It was so joyful for the three of us, such a high point and a real special time.”

Calum added: “Coming round from surgery, I knew I was immediately better, my extremities were warm, my head was clear, I had no central line in my neck which made me realise it had gone well. Compared to the last transplant, the recovery was so much quicker. I was home four days after surgery and taking the boys to football three weeks later.

“It’s like being given your life back. At the end I began to feel the decline and then felt really ill starting dialysis and the next minute I was fully alive. Life got back to normal so quickly and that is the difference. You go from one extreme to normality and normality is very, very special. I can’t really put into words what Ian has done. It’s a gift like no other.”

Ian added: “We very much feel like this was providential. When we started out on this journey we had no idea if we’d get past the first stage, but our identical results showed it was meant to be.

“Kidney donation changes lives, life expectancy and there’s a knock on effect beyond the recipient. There is no personal gain other than seeing that person doing better. That’s what makes the purity of that gift is so unique.

“To anyone considering donating, I would say it’s one of the most profound ways of changing someone’s life and I’ve personally found the entire experience hugely rewarding.”

Jen Lumsdaine, Lead Nurse for Living Donation Scotland and Living Donor Transplant Co-ordinator for NHS Lothian, said: “For those with kidney failure who are facing treatment choices, we know that talking about living donation with family and friends can be challenging. The more we can raise awareness of living kidney donation the easier it is to talk about it.

We also know that living kidney donation transforms lives – and we thank the donors and their support networks for this exceptional gift.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Living kidney donation plays a vital role in saving and improving lives. Calum and Ian’s story demonstrates how living donation can transform the life of someone living with kidney failure.

“A person can lead a completely normal life with one kidney, and anyone who is interested in volunteering can find out more about donating from livingdonation.scot.”

For more information visit livingdonation.scot.

Living kidney donation – Key facts and statistics

1905 people in Scotland have helped others by donating a kidney since the first pioneering surgery took place in Edinburgh over 60 years ago.
There were 95 living kidney donor transplants in 2023.
Living donation can not only lead to better outcomes for patients, but one donor can trigger a ‘chain’ of transplants for up to three people. This is co-ordinated through the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme (UKLKSS), which is managed by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Over 400 people in Scotland are currently waiting for a kidney transplant.
Approximately 600 people in Scotland start kidney replacement treatment per year, with the majority starting dialysis.
Last year 247 people in Scotland received a kidney transplant. 57 of these people received their new kidney before it was necessary to start dialysis.
Since 2006, over 100 people in Scotland have altruistically donated a kidney.
A kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure, however kidney transplants from living donor are very successful, with over 80% of transplants still functioning at 10 years.
Living donor transplantation offers the best short-and-long term outcome for recipients. It is also by far the most cost-effective treatment and a significantly more environmentally sustainable option than dialysis.

Latest Winter COVID-19 Infection Study Data released

UKHSA and ONS have published the latest data from the Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Study, known as the Winter CIS

Winter COVID-19 Infection Study shows a continued decline in COVID-19 in England and Scotland.

The latest data from the Winter COVID-19 Infection Study, an epidemiological study run in partnership by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows a clear decline in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England and Scotland in the 2 weeks up to 10 January.

Analysis by UKHSA suggests that prevalence in the community is 2.3%, or around one in every 43 people. This represents a decrease in prevalence from 3.1% (one in every 32 people) in the previous report.

Positivity data from the ONS indicates that of the approximately 26,000 participants who reported LFD test results in the last reporting period, 1.9% tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 2.7% in the last report.

The most recent data shows a clear decline in prevalence in Scotland and most of the regions in England. This decline was also observed for the age groups between 18 to 74.

Professor Steven Riley, Director General for Data and Surveillance at UKHSA said: “This week’s data confirms the early signs of a decline in COVID-19 across the country that we saw in last week’s report.

“While this is welcome, it is important to recognise that this does not mean that the risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 has gone away.

“In previous years, we have sometimes seen a decline in early January followed by an increase over the next few weeks, so it remains important that we continue to do what we can to reduce transmission.

“Those people who are most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can still receive a seasonal vaccination until the end of this month, and we urge anyone eligible who has not already done so to come forward. You can get a vaccine through your GP, by booking with a local NHS vaccination service, or you can find a COVID-19 vaccination walk-in site.

“If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, you should try to limit your contact with other people as much as possible, especially those who are older or more vulnerable.”

Boyack highlights ‘deeply distressing’ drop in Edinburgh GP surgeries as patient lists boom

Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack highlighted deeply distressing figures about the fall in GP surgeries in Edinburgh.

The latest figures by Public Health Scotland show that from 2010-2022, the number of Edinburgh’s GP surgeries dropped from 75 to 72. However, over the same period Edinburgh’s population skyrocketed from an estimated 480,000 to 548,000.

Edinburgh recorded the third highest population growth in Scotland, according to the most recent statistics.

This all comes as it was revealed the city of Edinburgh’s average practice list size has jumped from 7,074 in 2012, to 8413 – the 5th highest in Scotland.

In May 2023, the BMA warned that there was a sustainability crisis in Scottish general practice, in part due to the closing of surgeries.

A fall in GP surgeries will leave more and more communities without the adequate facilities to cope with their population increase.

This follows on from the Scottish Government’s decision to freeze capital projects for health boards, as well as freezing the ability to hire new staff.

The Scottish Government also requires health boards to require savings of 6.8%.

These moves will only increase pressures on NHS Lothian to provide adequate healthcare services with diminishing resources.

Commenting on the findings, Sarah Boyack said: “These figures are deeply distressing but will come as no surprise to patients in Edinburgh.

“The Scottish Government’s underfunding has left Edinburgh’s GPs unable to keep up with the city’s population growth.

“If the Scottish Government goes ahead with its budget plans, this will only exacerbate the problem.

“GP surgery staff do amazing work, but they need the funding to fulfil their potential.

“Allowing GP surgeries to close merely aggravates the sustainability crisis we are facing in general practice.

“If we are to tackle this issue, we need investment and strategy from the Scottish Government, not freezes and delays.”

Edinburgh smokers urged to make quitting their goal in 2024

EDINBURGH’s smokers are being urged to set the goal of leaving tobacco behind in 2024.

Charity ASH Scotland is campaigning to improve the physical and mental health of people who smoke by encouraging them to use free expert stop smoking support provided by the NHS.

Quitting is one of the biggest proactive steps people in Edinburgh who smoke can take to quickly improve health and mental wellbeing, reduce the risk of longer term illness and also save money.

If a person who smokes decides to make a New Year’s resolution and starts to quit, not only will they find their health will improve by the end of January, in one month an average smoker could also save in the region of £250.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is highly addictive and, although it can take a number of attempts to quit, some people find giving up cigarettes or tobacco easier than they had thought.

“Don’t be discouraged if you’ve tried before, you’ll have learned something valuable about what did and didn’t work for you it is the best thing you can do for your health, finances and for those around you.

“You don’t have to quit on your own in the New Year. We’re encouraging people in Edinburgh to seek person-centred support from local stop smoking services or the national stop-smoking service Quit Your Way Scotland.

“Getting support will give you the confidence to move forward with your quit journey and the tools you need to make the best possible start to 2024.”

Contact Quit Your Way Scotland by visiting www.QuitYourWay.Scot or by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484.

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.

Smokers encouraged to quit this new year for their health

The NHS is launching a brand new smokefree campaign to encourage all 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January

Former England goalkeeper and ex-smoker David James urges parents to quit for their kids’ sake in poignant video campaign discussing own struggles to kick the habit
Research shows teens more than three times as likely to smoke if their parents, caregivers or friends do
Comes as NHS Smokefree campaign encourages 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January to improve health and reduce likelihood of young people starting
Major new survey shows three quarters of people in England back government’s historic plans to create the first smokefree generation – regardless of age or region
First 259,000 vapes to be provided to authorities nationwide to support smokers to quit under world-first Swap to Stop scheme

In a hard-hitting campaign film released today, former England goalkeeper and ex-smoker David James joins a number of other ex-smokers to discuss the influence their parents’ smoking had on them taking up the habit themselves, and how being around children was their motivation to quit.

Watch the film here.

It comes as the NHS launches a brand new smokefree campaign to encourage all 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January – not only for their health, but also to help ensure young people are not being influenced to start smoking.

Research lays bare the stark reality – teens are more than three times as likely to smoke if their parents, caregivers, or friends do. In a new, poignant film released today, the former England goalkeeper discusses how his family members and friends smoked around him when he was a youngster, which led to him taking up the habit. In the film, he describes how smoking impacted his performance on the football world stage.

The UK is now in the lead to be the first country in the world to create a smokefree generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco, and is set to introduce a new law to stop children who turned 14 in 2023 – or are younger – from ever legally being sold tobacco in England.

Three quarters (76%) of people in England support the principle of creating a smokefree generation a YouGov survey – commissioned by campaign group Action on Smoking and Health –has found with only 9% opposing. Support for creating a smokefree generation is similar regardless of age or region.

Former England goalkeeper, David James, said: “I smoked for about 15 years and at the time, it was normal. My mum smoked, my friends smoked, it was around me. It didn’t take long for me to be hooked.

“Looking back, it had a huge impact on my health and performance at the time, I wish I never started.

“My health, my children and my fans were huge motivators for me to quit – I didn’t want younger people to see me smoking and think it was okay.”

David James is joined by a number of other ex-smokers in the film to discuss the influence their parents’ smoking had on them taking up the habit themselves.

Watch the film here.

They are accompanied by Nick Hopkinson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, who was involved with the UK Millennium Cohort Study research, and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, who talks through the wider impact of generational smoking.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: “Smoking causes a range of diseases that affect people throughout their lives.

“Stopping people becoming addicted to smoking, and helping those who have been addicted to quit are two of the most important measures we can take to improve health.

“Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked, it’s never too late to stop.”

The government continues to go further and faster to support people to quit smoking. Under the world-first Swap to Stop scheme, the government has so far received requests from local authorities nationwide for an unprecedented 259,000 vapes.

Vaping is rightly used by adults as a tool to quit smoking, but the health advice is clear: if you don’t smoke, don’t vape – and children should never vape.

As part of the scheme, almost 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be provided with a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit. This is part of a series of new measures to help the government meet its ambition of making England smokefree.

Public Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: “Smoking is the biggest preventable killer in the UK and places a huge burden on our NHS.

“Cigarettes are responsible for 64,000 deaths a year in England alone – no other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users.

“That’s why we need to act now to prevent our children from ever lighting one. Our historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill will protect the next generation from the harms of smoking and risk of addiction.”

Watch the film here.

Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease.

Smoking costs the economy and wider society £17 billion a year. This includes an annual £14 billion loss to productivity, through smoking related lost earnings, unemployment, and early death, as well as costs to the NHS and social care of £3 billion. This is equivalent to the annual salaries of over half a million nurses, 390,000 GPs, 400,000 police officers, or 400 million GP appointments.

Reducing the prevalence of smoking will reduce those costs, lower pressure on the NHS, and help the economy become more productive.

Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, Nick Hopkinson, said: “We know that most people who smoke start as teenagers, and taking up smoking at a young age is linked to a greater risk of health problems later in life.

“Our research shows that the influence of family and friends is a significant driving force in young people taking up cigarettes in the first place, making them more than three times as likely to start smoking if their parents, caregivers or friends do.

“We must do what we can now to ensure our children are the first smokefree generation.”

Research suggests that people who start smoking under the age of 18 have higher levels of nicotine dependency and are less likely to quit smoking later in life.

Imperial College London’s analysis of UK Millennium Cohort Study data also found that 1 in 10 (10.6%) teenagers were regular smokers at the age of 17 – this equates to approximately 160,000 young people in the UK being regular smokers by the age of 17.

Currently, 4 in 5 smokers start before the age of 20 and smoking from a younger age is linked to being more likely to smoke in later years. This has a significant lasting impact, as someone who quits before turning 30 could add 10 years to their life.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said: “Over three quarters of the public support the Prime Minister’s ambition to create a smokefree generation.

“Legislation to end cigarette sales to anyone born on or after the 1 January 2009 will be crucial to delivering that ambition. But as role models for their children, parents who smoke can play their part too.

“Stopping smoking will not only improve their health and put money in their pocket, but also significantly increase the chances their children will grow up to be part of the smokefree generation.”

TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “Smoking is highly addictive, particularly for our children. We know that most smokers start in their youth and many want to quit – but the addictive nature of cigarettes means they cannot.

“But there’s help available for those looking to stop smoking. The NHS has a range of free support, including local stop smoking services.

Better Health offers a range of free quitting support, including a local stop smoking services look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.

For free support to quit this January, search ‘Smokefree’.

Visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking to find out more on what support is available.

NOTE: I’m sure Scots are encouraged to quit smoking too! – ED.

Edinburgh MSPs unite to demand funding for new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion Hospital

A cross-party group of Edinburgh MSPs have come together to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Michael Matheson, highlighting the urgent need to fund a new Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

MSPs representing Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alba, and the Scottish National Party have all co-signed the letter, in the run up to the capital spending allocation.

This letter reflects the strength of feeling of residents, right across Edinburgh towards the need for a new Eye Hospital in the city.

MSPs request Michael Matheson set out a clear timetable for the construction of a new Edinburgh Eye Hospital, after the current Eye Pavilion was declared not fit for purpose in 2014.

The MSPs have also called on Michael Matheson to consult with patients, visual impairment charities and elected representatives to achieve the best outcomes possible for Edinburgh and Lothian Residents.

The joint-letter follows a meeting of Edinburgh MSPs, Sight Scotland, Visibility Scotland and RNIB, at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 30^th November, to discuss the situation in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

During the meeting, MSPs heard moving testimonies from patients and staff about the dire state of current facilities and why a new hospital is so vital going forward.

All parties involved emphasised that continuing to rely on the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is not sustainable and will lead to deteriorating outcomes for patients and staff.

The MSPs who signed the joint letter are Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Foysol Choudhury, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Ash Regan.

The MSPs in attendance at the breakfast briefing were Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Miles Briggs, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber. Alison Johnstone and Jeremy Balfour sent staff members, as they had previous engagements.

Commenting on the letter, Sarah Boyack said: “I am glad that MSPs across Edinburgh were able to come together to campaign for such a vital project.

“None of our constituents deserve to be relying on facilities that have been designated not fit for purpose, for over a decade.

“Michael Matheson needs to take note of the strength of feeling for this project – delivering the new Eye Pavilion is a priority for Edinburgh Residents

“As Edinburgh MSPs, we will continue to work together to ensure the best outcome for our constituents, and the city.”

Lothian-Joint-Letter-regarding-Edinburgh-Eye-Pavilion Download

People eligible for winter vaccines urged to top up protection ahead of festive period

NHS Lothian is urging those who have not yet had their flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines to top up their protection ahead of the festive period, with maximum protection taking around 10 days following vaccination.

Last winter in Scotland, hospital admissions for flu and COVID-19 peaked on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day respectively.

Those who are most at risk from flu and COVID-19 are being invited for vaccination this winter. That includes people who are older, are pregnant, have an underlying health condition, provide vital face-to-face care for someone or who work in certain roles.

People can check which vaccinations they are eligible for, book online or rearrange an appointment by visiting NHS Inform or calling 0800 030 8013.

You can also drop-in to a clinic of your choice across Lothian, including Waverley Mall, The Gyle and Ocean Terminal, open 9am to 7pm seven days a week. More clinic details are available at NHS Lothian, including arrangements for school children and clinics for pre-schoolers.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “As people socialise with family and friends over the festive period, the chances of catching viruses increase. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu and COVID-19.

“We expect another challenging winter for the NHS, and getting vaccinated can also help to alleviate pressures on the system and keep our staff well.

“The flu virus is always changing and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so it’s important that those eligible keep their protection levels topped up by getting their vaccines now.

“To help make it as easy as possible for you to get your vaccine(s), you can drop-in to a number of clinics or book an appointment if preferable.”

Plans progressed to create a smokefree generation

Public consultation on historic proposals draws to a close, with roughly 25,000 responses from teachers, parents, healthcare professionals and public

UK in lead to be first country in the world to create a smokefree generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco
Government taking long-term decisions to protect children and an entire generation from the harms of smoking as they grow older

Plans to introduce the most significant public health intervention in a generation and phase out smoking are progressing at pace, as the Westminster government’s consultation closes today.

Amassing roughly 25,000 responses – including from healthcare professionals, public health experts, academics, teachers, parents and teenagers – officials will analyse results and ministers will set out next steps in the coming weeks, including details on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill recently announced in the King’s Speech.

The majority of the public are behind the plans, and the government is determined to take vital action quickly to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco addiction.

The government’s response to the consultation will be published ahead of the Bill’s introduction to Parliament in the new year.

Public Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: “As a former teenage smoker, these historic plans might just have prevented me from ever lighting a cigarette.

“Smoking is the biggest preventable killer in the UK, and that’s why we need to push ahead at pace with our plans to protect today’s children, and create the first smokefree generation while cracking down on youth vaping.

“We are taking the long-term health decisions needed to safeguard the next generation from the harms of smoking and risk of addiction.”

Government plans include introducing a new law to stop children who turned 14 this year or are younger from ever legally being sold tobacco in England. There is also a worrying rise in vaping among children and the government will therefore also introduce measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children, while ensuring they remain available as a quit tool for smokers.

This will prevent thousands of children from starting smoking in the coming years and potentially having their lives cut short as a result.

The UK is now proudly set to be the first country in the world to introduce such a landmark law on smoking.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “With the overwhelming support of the public the UK has picked up the baton to become the first country in the world to create a smokefree generation.

“In the twentieth century the UK, home to the tobacco industry, had the highest smoking rates in the world, in the twenty first we are now on track to lead the way out of the tobacco epidemic.

“This will herald the start of a new era in tobacco control, where the end of the smoking is finally in sight.”

Smoking is the UK’s biggest preventable killer, causing around 1 in 4 cancer deaths and 64,000 deaths in England alone, costing the economy and wider society £17 billion each year. No other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users and the plans will save tens of thousands of lives and save the NHS billions of pounds.

People take up cigarettes when they are young.

Four in five smokers have started by the time they are 20 and although the vast majority try to quit, many due to the addictive nature of cigarettes.

Cathy Hunt, 58, is a mum of four from County Durham. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and had half a lung removed in 2015 just two days before her 50th birthday. She underwent surgery again in 2022 when the cancer returned, and in June this year had a kidney removed due to cancer.

Cathy said: “I am absolutely over the moon about the government’s plan to raise the age of sale for tobacco one year every year until we see the end of smoking, and all my family and friends are too.

“Smoking isn’t a lifestyle choice but a lethal addiction which traps hundreds of new victims in its claws every day, victims who struggle to escape. I only managed to stop once I found out I had lung cancer but wish now I could turn the clock back to the time I started smoking as a child aged 11.

“That’s also why I’m so pleased the government is providing more funding for anti-smoking campaigns, stop smoking services and enforcement to help stop the start and start the stop for those already addicted to smoking like I was.”

Gower Tan, Cancer Research UK ambassador and campaigns officer, said: “I started smoking aged 13, and this deadly addiction took me over 25 years to quit.

“Having watched my dad – a lifelong smoker – die of lung cancer, I understand the devastating harms of tobacco and I support vital legislation on the age of sale. Knowing my children and future generations will not suffer the tragic consequences caused by smoking is a legacy we could all be proud of.”

To tackle youth vaping, the government’s plans include a range of measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children, including restricting vapes flavours, regulating point of sale displays in stores that sell vapes, and regulating vape packaging.

Stakeholder reaction:

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK, responsible for around 150 cancers a day. Raising the age of sale for tobacco products is one of the biggest opportunities we have had to help prevent cancer in over a decade.

“This consultation is a vital step on the road to the first ever smokefree generation. If the government takes decisive action in all UK nations, the UK can phase smoking out for good and protect the next generation from a potential lifetime of addiction and disease.”

John Herriman, chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “It comes as no surprise that responses have been submitted in the thousands to this consultation that poses the biggest positive change to public health in our lifetime.

“Most people have been affected by smoking either directly or indirectly, and smoking related illnesses put a huge strain on the NHS. In time, this will free up much needed resources and will help safeguard future generations to come.”

“Effective policing of the age of sale of tobacco will be critical to the effectiveness of the government’s aim of eliminating smoking for future generations and Trading Standards teams working in local communities across the UK will play a central role in making this happen.

“We look forward to working with DHSC to ensure that we have the tools and resources needed to support businesses and educate consumers as the country phases out tobacco products for good.”

Henry Gregg, director of external affairs for Asthma + Lung UK: “Creating a smoke-free generation is one of the most impactful things we could do to improve the health of future generations.

“We know that many people with a lung condition and their families strongly support these proposals, to prevent others from going through what they have experienced. We urge the government to ensure these measures are implemented in full to save thousands of lives.

“Smoking remains the biggest cause of lung disease deaths in the UK, with tobacco costing the NHS £2.5 billion every year and £1.2 billion in social care costs.

“More than 8 out of 10 smokers take up smoking before the age of 20 and become addicted, so proposals to gradually increase the smoking age to stop younger people from ever taking up smoking is an opportunity for the government to lead the way on measures that will protect future generations from developing lung conditions caused by this deadly addiction”.

Alcohol marketing consultation

Further discussions to be held on reducing alcohol harm

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.

The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government’s recent consultation analysis on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.

The report shows the majority of individuals and most organisations with links to the alcohol industry thought the proposals as set out would not achieve the intended outcomes of reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol harm, and/or were disproportionate to the scale of the problem. However, there were high levels of agreement with the proposals among public health, third sector, local authorities and academic organisations.

Following targeted stakeholder engagement, the public will be asked for their views on a narrower range of proposals which take into account the views expressed and international public health evidence, including a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) that restricting alcohol marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways of tackling alcohol harm.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “My sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol.

“We’re determined to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people, while minimising any impacts on Scotland’s world class drinks industry or tourism sector.

“International evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more, while young people and their families have told us that they want us to take action.

“While almost all responses to the consultation acknowledged that children and young people should not be exposed to alcohol advertising and promotions, it is clear there are a range of views on how this might be achieved. Since the consultation was launched, the First Minister and other Ministers have engaged with a wide range of businesses and stakeholders.

“So we will continue to engage with all interested parties on specific, narrower, proposals that meet our aims. I’m confident this collaborative approach will ensure that we develop policies understanding the full range of opportunities and impacts.”

Consultation on Restricting Alcohol Advertising and Promotion: Analysis of responses

Chickenpox vaccination to become part of routine childhood schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full JCVI advice.