Public Health Scotland

As we approach the festive period, we'd like to thank all our followers and those we've worked with over the year to reduce health inequalities in Scotland. Our social accounts will be a little quieter during this time until the new year. In the meantime, view our blog for tips to stay well during winter ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eiaPnuqJ For helpful information and advice on health issues, visit ⬇️ http://nhsinform.scot We wish you a happy and peaceful end to the year.

The final Community Food and Health Scotland e-bulletin of the year has been published and is available to view online! Learn about our work to engage with community food stakeholders, ultra processed foods and relevant upcoming events. View it here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eHD6EqiX

The latest figures of viral respiratory diseases in Scotland show cases of flu continue to increase sharply, nearly doubling from the previous week. Attendances to GP practices for flu-like illness and flu-related hospital admissions also increased sharply. Dr Kim Marsh, our Interim Viral Pathogens Lead, tells us that good hand and respiratory hygiene can help prevent respiratory infections spreading further. View report ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dKcMcJMC

📩 Every month we publish a newsletter, highlighting the latest news, blogs and publications from the Public Health Scotland website. Check out the December edition and sign up to receive future newsletters below 🔽 https://lnkd.in/dJzBTHKz

Community Wealth Building in Scotland - gaining the best value for local economies and health. Dr Fiona Scott, Public Health Registrar at NHS Tayside, joined us for a year to work on the health impact assessment of community wealth building. Here, she reflects on how its five pillars - 1. Supporting fair work practices. 2. Wider ownership of businesses and assets. 3. Using financial powers and investments to support local places. 4. Progressive procurement. 5. Using public land and property for public benefit. - can contribute to health and wealth in local communities. Enjoy her blog. https://ow.ly/AHUj50UrXv4

We’re consulting on our internally-focused Equality Outcomes for 2025-2029. The work we do – and how we do it- aims to reduce inequalities in public health. Please use our short survey to share your views on how we should work to build a Scotland where everyone thrives. https://ow.ly/sBR150UqFqr

Together, the HPV vaccination and cervical screening are powerful interventions that aim to eliminate HPV and cervical cancer in Scotland. Last month, Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS spoke at the International Papillomavirus Society’s global conference in Edinburgh. It’s clear that Scotland has a lot to be proud of in our fight to eliminate cervical cancer. However, there is still a much work to be done in addressing the significant inequalities in uptakes of both the HPV vaccine and cervical screening. Watch this short video to hear Claire reflecting on the event ⬇️ You can find out more about the HPV virus and how Scotland is committed to its eradication by reading Dr Claire Cameron’s blog: ➡️ https://ow.ly/oLfs50Uqwsh

The latest figures of viral respiratory diseases show a sharp increase in cases of flu in Scotland, whilst cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain at extraordinary levels. The data shows that in the first week of December, there were over 350 flu-related emergency hospital admissions. Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness. If you’re eligible for a flu, or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the lungs and is the leading cause of emergency admissions to hospital in infants. Currently, rates of RSV are highest in those children under 1 year of age. To help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the RSV vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife. If you are over 28 weeks pregnant and haven’t yet had your RSV vaccine, please speak to your midwife. Dr Kimberly Marsh, our interim viral pathogens lead at PHS, tells us more in this video. Find out more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dZQkNmM2

🌟 We have a new exciting opportunity for an Consultant in Public Health (Medicine)/ Head of Enteric Pathogens to join our Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate🌟 📍 Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow - flexible hybrid model 🎆 Full time and part time applications are welcomed 🎇 Salary: Band 8d (£99,534-103,795) or Consultant Grade (£107,144 - £142,396) ✈️ Relocation package available ⏳  Job closing date: 10/01/2025 For more information, please download the brochure below.

Taking a user-centred approach to waiting times. Scott Heald, Director of Data and Digital Innovation and Head of Profession for Statistics at Public Health Scotland, discusses the importance of keeping people at the centre of data improvement. We asked patients to help us develop a new website where they can find information about waiting times for health and care services. This new site has launched, carrying information, from all health boards, about waiting times for planned first appointments. https://ow.ly/9jO050UopyX