Tag: Scottish Government

Frailty services ‘delivering results’

Specialist teams improving care and easing hospital pressures

All NHS Boards now have frailty services in emergency departments to help older and vulnerable patients as soon as they arrive – improving care and reducing pressure on A&E departments.

On a visit to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Acute Frailty Unit, Health Secretary Neil Gray saw the impact the service is having on patient care, including:

  • the average hospital stay for those admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit was 3.4 days – compared to a typical 17.5 day average hospital stay for older frail patients.
  • no increase in re-admissions
  • two thirds of frailty patients admitted have been discharged directly home.

Frailty services provide specialist, multidisciplinary assessment and care for older patients where required. They are designed to accelerate early discharge, reduce delays, and shorten hospital stays — helping patients recover more quickly and return home sooner.

This expansion of frailty services across the country is backed by a share of the £200 million investment from the 2025-26 Budget, aimed at reducing waiting times, improving hospital flow, and minimising delayed discharges.

After his visit, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The success of the frailty service here in Dumfries and Galloway is something we are replicating across Scotland.

“By shifting the balance of care from acute hospitals to community-based services, we can ensure that people experiencing frailty are supported earlier – whether through GP referral or direct access via the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“This is about making sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“The work being done here is making a real difference, particularly for older patients, with average length of stay reduced by 14 days and no increase in re-admissions.

“Improving patient flow is a key priority, and services like this show how targeted, well-coordinated care can lead to better outcomes.”

Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway Nicole Hamlet said: “This work is making a real and measurable difference.

By reducing unnecessary time in hospital, we’re helping people get home or to a homely setting safely and sooner. It also frees up vital capacity in the hospital, which helps us deliver better care across the board.

“I’m very proud of what the team has achieved.

“The project builds on previous frailty work in Dumfries and Galloway and continues to evolve with input from those delivering the care. The team is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s management team and project leads.”

NHS Board hears of service results and progress towards key target

Social Security Scotland: Stay aware of winter heating payment scams

We’re urging people to be aware of scam text messages as most winter heating payments will be paid to people automatically. We’ll never ask for personal or financial details by text or email or ask people to reply by text or email.

Our winter heating payments helped over half a million families warm their homes last year.

Winter Heating Payment, Child Winter Heating Payment and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment are automatic payments for almost everyone who is eligible and most people do not need to apply for these benefits.

Scam text messages are from criminals often pretending to be Social Security Scotland or another Government department. They tell people they are missing out on financial help and ask them to click a link to update their details or to apply for benefits.

We will never ask for personal or financial details by text or email or ask people to reply by text or email.

Information about our benefits is available on official channels, such as its website and social media accounts. People can also phone our helpline if they have questions.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As we approach the winter months, Social Security Scotland will be giving valuable payments to thousands of people automatically to help them stay warm during colder weather.

“It is important that people remain alert to scam text messages and e-mails. Social Security Scotland will never ask people for personal or financial details by text or e-mail.

“If anyone is unsure if they are eligible or are worried they will not receive a payment they are eligible for, please get in touch with Social Security Scotland directly.”

Tips to identify scam messages:

  • be suspicious of messages asking you to send money or share personal information such as passwords or bank details
  • scammers try to create panic by setting a time limit or saying something frightening
  • stop and think before giving out information
  • don’t follow links in suspicious emails or download files
  • check phone numbers and email addresses on the official websites
  • use ‘contact us’ sections to access information and services

If you think you have been the victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.

Report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101.

Social Security Scotland offers free assistance to people making applications for benefits. More details can be found here: mygov.scot/benefits-support

Scottish Veterans Fund opens

£500,000 to help former Armed Forces personnel

A veterans support fund is open for applications to help improve the lives of former service personnel and their families.

The Scottish Veterans Fund is awarded to projects improving the lives of veterans and their families including with financial support, mental and physical health challenges and employment.

Next year the fund will, for the first time, be split into two funding streams. One will welcome bids for projects for up to three years which focus on supporting veterans and their families, and the other will prioritise small-scale, one year projects, particularly those which bring together veterans and serving communities.

Since the Scottish Government created the Fund in 2008 over 220 individual projects have been supported, receiving more than £2.8 million. This year 14 organisations across Scotland have shared £460,000 in funding.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “Scottish veterans have provided a valuable service to their country and returning to civilian life can be challenging for many, impacting families in ways that can be difficult to navigate alone.

“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families since its launch in 2008. Next year’s fund will continue to provide much-needed targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community, prioritising projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner and bring together both veterans and serving communities.

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton, who chairs the independent panel that assesses bids for the Fund, said: “For those veterans and families who face challenges, effective support can make a profound difference, and I welcome the continuation of the Scottish Veterans Fund in providing that assistance.

“I hope to see many of the commendable projects delivering that expert help come forward for funding.”

Scottish Veterans Fund – Main Funding Stream

Scottish Veterans Fund – Small Funding Streams

The Scottish Veterans Fund is due to close on 5 December 2025.

Preparing for wildfires

Learning lessons and building resilience

Representatives of organisations involved in tackling the wildfires which took place across Scotland this year came together yesterday to reflect on how to prevent future incidents.

The event is a result of Scotland enduring the largest wildfires in living memory, with 13 wildfire alerts in Scotland this year alone and Dava in the Highlands enduring the worst damage.

It was co-chaired by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown in the Cairngorms National Park and attendees included the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), NatureScot, Scottish Land and Estates, land managers and environmental organisations.

Mr Fairlie said: “It took an astonishing effort across so many sites to tackle the wildfires we saw this year, and we are grateful to all those who helped.

“This is a chance for us to look at what worked, and what lessons we need to learn from what happened.”

Ms Brown said: “Since the wildfires, we’ve engaged closely with SFRS, local communities and Scottish public sector bodies on building resilience to wildfires.

“We continue to support the full implementation of the SFRS wildfire strategy, which will see the continued roll-out this year of new equipment, vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment.”

SFRS Director of Prevention, Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson said: “This year Scotland has faced an unprecedented scale of wildfire risk, and our crews have attended more than 200 wildfires across the country.

“Wildfires can employ a significant amount of our resources, they also have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, threatening the welfare of nearby communities.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners, landowners and communities in both our response and importantly to help prevent wildfires, and we welcome the opportunity to participate in this summit.”

Head of Land Management at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Colin McClean, said: “The Park Authority welcomes this event, which provides an opportunity for critical conversations to take place on wildfire mitigation and management.

“Alongside ministers and stakeholders, we look forward to discussing solutions for building on the work we are already doing here in the National Park.

“Through our Integrated Wildfire Management Plan, the Climate Adaptation Fund and the new fire byelaw (recently approved by Scottish Ministers and coming into effect in 2026), we are putting in place clear, practical measures to reduce the risk of wildfire. Coming together at events like this will help strengthen that work and ensure we are as prepared and resilient as possible.”

A roundtable discussion with MSPs will be held following Parliamentary recess to share the findings from wildfire engagements to date and to give parliamentarians the opportunity to make contributions before any next steps.

Scottish Household Survey childcare results published

Results published last week from the Scottish Household Survey 2024 show that 83% of households with a two to five year old child (not yet at school) used at least one form of childcare, similar to previous years.

The most common forms of childcare used were local authority nurseries and private nurseries, used by 40% and 32% of households respectively.

Around 5% of households used childminders, a decrease from 10% in 2018.

The survey asks respondents about their satisfaction with any funded early learning and childcare they receive, and 91% of households receiving this provision said they were either very or fairly satisfied with the quality of it.

63% of households with a child aged two to five years stated that all childcare used was either free or funded by the local authority or Scottish Government.

When households with at least one child aged 0 to 11 years were asked about the affordability of childcare, 10% said that they found it difficult and a further 6% said they found it very difficult to afford.

The full statistical publication Scottish Household Survey 2024 Childcare – gov.scot is available with further information on the use of childcare within Scotland, including information on types of childcare used, use of funded early learning and childcare, satisfaction with funded provision, and affordability of childcare.

Residential rehabilitation funding

Extra support to increase access

An innovative funding programme to help make sure residential rehabilitation placements are available where they are most needed has been extended by the Scottish Government.

The £2 million Additional Placement Fund allows Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) in areas where demand is high, to more easily access money if their existing funding has run out.

Speaking at Phoenix Futures residential service in Glasgow, during Challenge Poverty Week, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “We know that drug deaths are more likely in the most deprived areas, so it is encouraging that Phoenix Futures is committed to ensuring equality of access to treatment.

“The Scottish Government is also focused on tackling the causes of poverty and deprivation.

“Improving access to residential rehab is a key part of the National Mission to reduce drug deaths and improve lives.

“Public Health Scotland recently confirmed that 984 people started a publicly funded residential rehab placement and that we are on track to reach our target of 1,000 people being publicly funded to go to residential rehab by 2026.

“But we want to go further. We have provided a record £115 million direct to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships – but have also listened to what residential rehabilitation providers and those with lived experience have told us about improving access.

“This fund ensures that extra – and longer – placements are more readily available. The fund has already helped dozens of people and extending it will provide even more support.”

Phoenix Futures chief executive Karen Biggs said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to improving access to residential rehabilitation through the extension of the Additional Placement Fund.

“At Phoenix Futures, we see every day the life-changing impact that residential treatment has on people, families, and communities across Scotland. This extension will help increase equity of access for those who might otherwise struggle to receive the support they need.

“We are pleased to see the Scottish Government’s recognition of the importance of residential treatment and its efforts to ensure that those in greatest need are not left behind. We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and colleagues across the sector to build a sustainable and equitable system that ensures consistent access to residential treatment for everyone who needs it.”

Phoenix Futures Deputy Director of Operations – Scotland Jeanne Rutherford said: “Access to residential treatment can change and often save lives. It gives people the time, space, and support they need to recover, rebuild and start to hope again.

“We’re really pleased to see the Scottish Government extend the Additional Placement Fund. This will help break down barriers such as geography and funding, creating greater equity of access for people across the country.

“Residential treatment is a lifeline for many of the people we support, especially those facing the greatest challenges. The Government’s continued commitment helps ensure that lifeline remains available to everyone who needs it.”

Protecting the social care workforce

Removing barriers for migrant workers in Scotland’s care sector

Migrant social care workers impacted by the UK Government’s changes to immigration policy are to be offered targeted support in Scotland.

In the year ending June 2025, the number of Health and Care Worker visas issued to migrant workers in Caring Personal Service Occupations fell by 88%, following restrictions introduced by the UK Government to the visa route.

The subsequent decision by the UK Home Office in July to close the Social Care Visa Route altogether will have a further impact on the social care sector.

According to a Scottish Care survey, more than a quarter of the social care workforce in Scotland is made up by international workers – with many sector leaders citing concerns with workforce shortages and recruitment.

The Scottish Government is continuing to call on the Home Office to reverse its decision to close the route and is investing £500,000 to fund a tailored offer to help ‘displaced’ international social care workers who have found themselves without sponsored employment elsewhere in the UK at no fault of their own.

The funding will be used to help support international social care workers meet the costs associated with moving to and working in Scotland’s social care sector.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The UK Government’s hostile and restrictive migration policies are damaging Scotland’s health and social care sector.

“In Scotland we need a migration system that works for our NHS, our social care sector, our businesses and third sector. Until we have the full powers over migration that will come with independence, we will do all we can within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament to mitigate the UK Government’s harmful approach to migration.

“I am therefore pleased to confirm today that the Scottish Government will create a bespoke offering to help social care workers who have been displaced to come to Scotland and contribute to our care sector.

“We will provide £500,000 to mitigate the devastating impact of the UK Government’s closure of the care worker visa route and provide targeted support to help displaced social care workers.

“This will support international social care workers already in the UK who have lost their social care jobs as a result of their employer losing their visa sponsor licence, to come to Scotland and contribute their valuable skills to our social care sector.

“It is our intention for this work to begin immediately so that social care workers can settle into new jobs before Christmas.”

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.

First Minister to visit Malawi and Zambia on landmark anniversary

TWENTY YEARS SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S PARTNER COUNTRIES

First Minister John Swinney will visit Zambia and Malawi to see the impact of the Scottish Government’s international development and climate justice work on the lives of people in partner countries over the past two decades.

This will be the first time a First Minister has visited Malawi since the historic Co-operation Agreement between the governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005, and the first ever visit to Zambia.

While in the countries, the First Minister is due to announce new international development funding for health and investment partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education, advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said: “The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges, can have transformative impact on communities.

“Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the Global South and North work together. 

“Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing globally and learning from our partners – for example providing joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage, and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and disability education. 

“Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.

“At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid programmes overseas, internationalism, and international solidarity, has never been more important.   

“Scotland will continue to stand with the international community and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”

CEO of the Malawi Scotland Partnership Linda Dembo said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership through Scottish Government international development support.

“This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration.

“At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.”

The First Minister will travel to Zambia tomorrow (Tuesday 14 October) and return from Malawi on Monday 20 October.

Greater safety for non-surgical procedures

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers Bill published

A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.

If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.

It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.

The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.

Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway. 

Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.

“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.

“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website.