Health

Scientists in Dundee have made a major discovery that could lead to new cancer treatments with fewer side effects. They have found how some cancer drugs can target specific proteins that are essential for the survival of cancer cells. The role of protein kinases in cancer Protein kinases are enzymes that regulate the activity of other proteins by adding phosphate groups to them. They are involved in many cellular processes, such as growth, division, survival, and movement. However, when protein kinases are mutated or overexpressed, they can cause cancer by driving uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to cell death. There are more…

NHS Scotland faces staff shortage crisis The NHS in Scotland is facing a staff shortage crisis, as almost 7,000 roles for doctors, nurses, midwives and other health professionals are lying empty across the country. According to the latest figures from NHS Scotland, the vacancy rate for consultants has risen by 11.7 per cent in the past year, reaching 13.9 per cent in June 2023. This means that one in seven consultant posts are unfilled, with some specialties such as psychiatry, radiology and emergency medicine having even higher gaps. The situation is also alarming for other staff groups, such as nurses and midwives,…

The NHS is facing a severe crisis in its accident and emergency (A&E) departments, with record numbers of patients waiting for more than four hours to be seen. The situation has been worsened by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has put immense pressure on the health system. However, one Scottish health board may have found a way to improve the performance of its A&E services, by implementing a new model of care that focuses on patient flow and teamwork. The problem of A&E waiting times According to the latest figures from Public Health Scotland, only 81.8% of patients who attended…

The problem of unsafe homes Thousands of Scottish homes are too risky for ambulance crews to attend alone, according to a new report by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). The report reveals that there are more than 3,000 addresses across Scotland where paramedics need police or fire service backup before entering, due to the potential threat of violence, abuse, or hazardous substances. The report, which was obtained by The National through a Freedom of Information request, shows that the number of unsafe homes has increased by 12% since 2019, when there were 2,700 such addresses. The report also indicates that some areas…

GPs ‘running on empty’ amid unmanageable workload and lack of investment A new survey by the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has revealed the alarming state of general practice in Scotland, with doctors reporting unmanageable workload, lack of investment, and inability to meet patients’ needs as the worst aspects of their careers. The survey, which was conducted among 1,021 GPs, found that 89% of respondents rated their workload as unmanageable or unsustainable, while 86% said they were unable to meet the needs of their patients within the resources available. The lack of priority given to investment in GP services (84%)…

A new report has revealed that social media is fuelling a rise in the use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) among Scots, especially young men. What are IPEDs and why are they used? IPEDs are substances that are taken to improve one’s appearance, strength, or endurance. They include anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, fat burners, and stimulants. IPEDs are often injected, but can also be taken orally or applied as creams or gels. Some of the reasons why people use IPEDs are: To enhance their athletic performance or physique To cope with stress, anxiety, or depression To boost their…

One of the leading vape companies in the UK, Elfbar, has announced that it will stop selling its sweet-flavoured disposable e-cigarettes from December 1, 2023. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the health effects of vaping, especially among young people. The rise and fall of Elfbar Elfbar was founded in 2019 and quickly became a popular brand of disposable vapes, which are battery-powered devices that contain nicotine and flavourings in a liquid solution. Elfbar offers a variety of flavours, such as strawberry ice cream, blueberry cotton candy, and mango milkshake, which appeal to many consumers who want to quit…

NHS Lothian has been ordered to apologise to the family of a cancer patient who died after facing “unreasonable” delays in his treatment. The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) found that the health board failed to provide adequate care and communication to the patient, identified as Mr A, and his relatives. Patient diagnosed with lung cancer Mr A was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2023 and was referred to the regional thoracic surgery centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He was assessed as suitable for surgery, which was planned for March 2023. However, due to a lack of…

A bold new plan for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment has been proposed by a group of experts, who claim that it could save up to 20,000 lives a year in the UK by 2040. The plan, which was published in the journal Lancet Oncology, outlines 12 key actions that the Government should take to reduce the burden of cancer and improve survival rates. Investing in prevention and early detection The experts, who are part of the Less Cancer UK group, argue that prevention and early detection are the most effective and cost-effective ways to tackle cancer. They estimate that…

Scotland’s healthcare workers have staged a protest outside the Scottish Parliament, calling on the government to honour its promises of fair pay and recognition for their efforts during the pandemic. The protest, organised by the trade union Unison, was attended by hundreds of NHS staff, including nurses, paramedics, porters, cleaners, and administrative workers. Unfulfilled promises and low morale The protesters claimed that the government had failed to deliver on its pledge of a 4% pay rise for all NHS staff, which was announced in March 2021. According to Unison, many workers have not received the pay increase, or have received…