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STV News
5 hours ago
- Health
- STV News
'Chris Hoy effect' sees patients wait over a year for urology appointments
Waiting times of more than a year to get a urology appointment have been partly due to 'the Chris Hoy effect', members of NHS Forth Valley's board have heard. Members were told that more than 70 people have been waiting more than 52 weeks to see a specialist in the Forth Valley area, but the board was reassured that work is now under way to tackle the backlog. The board's regular performance report showed concerns over waiting times for cancer treatment but urology was highlighted as a concern. Garry Fraser, director of acute services at NHS Forth Valley, told members that nationally there had been a huge upsurge in the numbers of men looking for testing for prostate cancer, after Olympic hero Chris Hoy shared his diagnosis. He said: 'They are calling it the 'Chris Hoy effect''. 'It's a good thing, in a sense, in that people are coming to get checked but it has caused a spike across the whole country in the number of referrals to urology.' The report added that there have also been 'staffing challenges' in the urology speciality, due to sickness absence, but members were told there is 'a plan in place' to ensure that the backlog is dealt with and waiting times come down. Mr Fraser said it is likely that the levels will reduce again in the coming months. The performance report also shows that Forth Valley has continued to struggle with improve on meeting its targets for treatment in the emergency department and across Forth Valley Royal Hospital as a whole. But Mr Fraser said that a recent decision to work closely with Falkirk's Health and Social Care Partnership to move patients who have been delayed in their discharge from hospital is beginning to show signs of success. He reported that 35 patients have now been moved into the community which is freeing up hospital beds in the over-stretched hospital in Larbert. 'This piece of work has really helped to free up areas and get our flow going,' he said. Another new addition is a 'frailty unit' which identifies frail patients at the front door and getting them treatment quickly in order to discharge them without delay. Mr Fraser said that the most recent figures will show that the work means that the hospital has fewer 12-hour waits for patients in July. Work will continue to look at staffing levels in the Emergency Department, to make sure that staffing matches the volume of patients, particularly during back shift hours. He admitted that while overall performance was showing an improvement 'it is still quite variable' and they will continue to monitor the situation. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Outcome of inspections at 8 Glasgow homeless hotels revealed
In May, the Glasgow Times reported how the council revealed it had begun an environmental health inspection programme on the hotels and B&Bs and a number of issues were highlighted. The Glasgow Times requested copies of the reports, which uncovered a catalogue of health and safety concerns. Eight hotels were inspected over five months, which were follow-ups to previous visits when concerns were identified and action requested. The issues found within the initial inspections for each hotel show some hotels in a worse state than others but each had problems Last year the Glasgow Times started the End the Homeless Hotel Shame campaign, highlighting the experiences of people who had lived in the hotels. READ NEXT: End the Homeless Hotel Shame In the last year, from April 2024 to March 2025, the council paid more than £45 million to private hotels and B&B owners in the city. Following the inspections, Pat Togher, Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership, said owners welcomed and embraced the recommendations. He said: 'They have reacted quickly to address any issues highlighted to them following the inspections.' Inspections undertaken focused on: Management of Legionella; Asbestos Management Plans; Health & Safety; Management of Hazardous substances; Inspection Checklists; Cleanliness; Pest control; Management of Falls from Height; Window Restrictors etc. Rennie Mackintosh Hotel in Union Street was inspected on April 5, 2024, a revisit after one in February 2024. (Image: Robert Perry) The report found: 'Pest activity noted by a contractor, further highlighted by Police Scotland who indicated that mouse or rat droppings had been observed. 'Most recent pest control reports highlighted a number of areas where pests could gain access and that these require to be filled in.' READ NEXT: We fact check the claim no-one uses Glasgow's new cycle lanes. A number of bedrooms were visited during the inspection and found to be in a generally satisfactory condition. However, the following issues were identified whilst inspecting this small sample: 'Mould on the wall within the en-suite; tap at the wash hand basin loose and moving around. 'Bedroom door damaged; mould within the shower area. 'Scorch mark on bedding, bedding dirty, flooring within en-suite damaged. • 'Some bathroom floor tiles damaged, drawers damaged.' It was also noted: 'Needles and syringes had been found by staff, and a blood-stained mattress was seen. And it was reported: 'Staff can be exposed to episodes of violent and aggressive behaviour from clients.' READ NEXT:Women in Glasgow jail get food spending cut by 25 per cent Smith's Hotel Sauchiehall Street, Kelvingrove was inspected on December 12, 2024 and March 7, 2025. A previous inspection had taken place on November 11, 2024. During the inspection it was noted there had been 'a significant number of recorded visits to the hotel by a Pest Control Contractor' following complaints from residents about pest activity or bed bugs. The hotel was told: 'Consequently, you require to take additional proactive measures to address the issue whereby pests are gaining access to the Hotel. 'I would suggest that the Pest Control Contractor carries out a comprehensive survey to identify potential access points and to take appropriate action to have these areas adequately sealed.' Ten bedrooms were inspected, with the following issues identified within a number of rooms: 'No restrictors on any windows within the rooms to prevent a person from falling a distance out of the window. 'An electric bike was located. 'A number of rooms were affected by the storage of large quantities of food (including open food) and also the storage of suitcases, clothing, and electric items. 'A number of the shower heads within some of the rooms were extremely dirty and require immediate cleaning and disinfection. 'In addition to this, there was damaged and dirty sealant around the base of shower cubicles, which require to be repaired and/or cleaned/disinfected.' 'Bed bugs were found within bed linen', and 'this room required to be vacated and treated as a matter of urgency.' READ NEXT:Report warns Glasgow's Barlinnie prison breaches this UN rule Queens Park Hotel Balvicar Drive, in the Southside, was inspected in June 2023, a revisit after a May 12, 2023 visit. It had found damaged floor tiles. In some rooms, 'bedding was dirty (blood stains were evident on some bedding)'. A bed frame and a chair were damaged. Rooms were dirty (e.g., window sills, walls, floors, below mattresses, behind beds). The inspector reported: 'During discussions with one of the cleaners, it was identified that he could come across 20-25 needles per week when cleaning rooms and in one room recently came across 10 needles.' Cleaners were not aware of procedures for dealing with sharps. During the inspection, blood was observed on a bed sheet and blood splattering on a room wall. It stated 'This type of contamination is considered as hazardous.' Alexander Thomson Hotel Argyle Street, with 161 rooms, is one of the biggest used by the council for homeless people, with up to 200 people accommodated there. (Image: Newsquest) The Hotel was generally satisfactory but it was stated pest controllers had found evidence of cockroaches in a room. Three rooms were inspected and were satisfactory. Bedding is stripped every four days and the condition was satisfactory. Window restrictors were observed within the rooms inspected and confirmed to be working satisfactorily Pest control visited after a complaint about bed bugs. No evidence was found but there was evidence of cockroaches in one room. (Image: Newsquest) Chez Nous, in Hillhead Street, in the west end, was inspected on March 11 2025 Issues highlighted in previous inspection in February 2024 included a legionella risk. The report stated: 'A Legionella Risk Assessment was carried out within the premises on 13 June 2023, with a recommended Review Date of 13 June 2025. 'A recent annual Legionella Inspection was carried out by H2O Legionella Control Services on 3 January 2024, which identified a number of non-compliances (i.e., hot/cold water temperatures not recorded on a regular basis, inconsistent shower cleaning records, no flushing records, recommend training for staff to improve monitoring and record keeping, etc.) with legionella control measures.' Window safety was highlighted. During the inspection it was noted that 'a number of windows were not opening correctly and therefore, there was little or no fresh air coming into the room'. Copland Hotel, Copland Road, Ibrox was inspected on June 6, 2023 A previous inspection found a pest control contractor has indicated 'rat activity' within the rear garden area. It was noted on the follow up there was 'no current pest activity'. The inspectors also found damaged flooring and trip hazards, which have since been repaired. There were signs that residents were smoking in rooms and the ground flood female toilet was in a dirty condition. There was a 'damaged cooker' and 'dirty bedding' need more regular cleaning. Concerns were also highlighted about residents' behaviour. The report revealed around 12 needles had recently been removed from a sink overflow and staff were exposed to violent behaviour. St Enoch Hotel Howard Street, city centre was visited on April 4, 2025, a revisit from February 25, 2025. (Image: Newsquest) Damaged flooring and trip hazards were reported. Rooms were 'generally satisfactory' but inspectors observed cracked class, scorch marks, water damage on a ceiling in one room and no shower in an en-suite. Two rooms had no showers and there was water penetration, with a bucket on the floor catching water. Needles were found almost daily, including one incident which caused injury to a housekeeper. Tartan Lodge in Alexandra Parade, was inspected on 17 October 2024 after an initial visit on September 13 A basement room had no ventilation with a window unable to be opened. There were dirty showers in two rooms, and water damage was reported.
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow councillor brands pupil vape use stats 'terrifying'
During Thursday's full council meeting, Councillor Jill Pidgeon asked what steps were being taken by the local authority to mitigate the increase in vape use in schools. Councillor Pidgeon was advised that vaping among young people in Glasgow's schools had become a growing concern, with data showing 'a significant rise in usage' and this was linked to an increase in disposable vape use. At the beginning of June, the UK government banned the sale of disposable vapes which applies to all single-use or disposable vapes regardless of whether they contain nicotine. It means that businesses can no longer sell either online or in-store. Speaking about the issue, Councillor Christina Cannon, convenor for education and early years, said: 'Between 2018 and 2022, the percentage of 15-year-olds reporting vape use in the past 30 days jumped from 7% to 25%. 'This increase is closely linked to the rise of disposable vapes and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Alarmingly, the use of disposable vapes among 11 to 17-year-olds in Great Britain has surged from 7.8% in 2020 to 69% in 2023. 'Nicotine use at a young age can negatively affect brain development impacting learning, mood, concentration and self control. It also increases the risk of long-term addiction. 'In response, Glasgow's education services are working closely with the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and NHS health improvement to deliver targeted education across all of our schools. 'We recognise that schools can't tackle this issue alone and we remain committed to working with key partners to develop a coordinated and effective response.' READ MORE: Glaswegians urged to help tackle illegal vape sales Councillor Pidgeon described the latest figures as 'terrifying'. She said: 'Would the convenor agree that there should be a focus on the Scottish Parliament to look into this in a similar way that the UK government has done with their tobacco and vape bills as a priority.' Councillor Cannon advised that she was committed to working with all partners and both governments to try and tackle the issue. She added: 'This is something that young people have raised with me directly in my visits to schools. Our young people are really keen on taking a lead on how we best communicate with them on how to quit vaping. 'I am more than committed to working with various partners, both governments and the young people to help them take this leadership in their schools as well.' Questions were then asked as to what steps were being taken to protect young people in schools who were not vaping but being subjected to vaping. Councillor Jill Brown said: 'We have examples of where young people are vaping in bathrooms which often don't have a huge amount of ventilation in them, then other children and young people who don't vape are having to go into those environments.' Councillor Cannon responded: 'I think the support has to go towards the young people who are vaping. I am aware of the toilet issue as well and our head teachers are very well aware of that. 'It's about finding the balanced approach of not punishing a whole school for a small number of pupils undertaking vaping particularly indoors and within the school building as well. 'I am happy to work with you to see what individual approach we can tailor to each school.'
Glasgow Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
'Our homelessness services are under significant pressure'
We are aware that the number of people living in temporary homeless accommodation is at a record high, from reports provided by Glasgow's Health and Social Care Partnership. Currently, staff at the Health and Social Care Partnership are focusing on supporting people who are living in an emergency situation. At the moment, the demand for housing in Glasgow is much greater than the housing supply. There can be a delay of several years before people who are homeless can access a permanent house or flat. Homeless charities highlight that the cuts by the UK Department for Work and Pensions towards Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit will lead to a further increase in homelessness. Decisions by the UK Government in the year ahead are likely to exacerbate our already stretched council services. The Scottish Government is mitigating the UK Government's Bedroom Tax. We know that this funding would be better spent tackling the housing crisis and the UK Government should scrap this tax. There is a Housing Transfer Incentive Scheme in Glasgow which can help release large housing association homes by encouraging people in 'under-occupied' properties with three rooms or more, to downsize. Tenants can access appropriately sized homes to meet their needs through specific housing support services. We can welcome the Scottish Parliament's Housing Inquiry by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee which has published a series of recommendations to support further collaboration by the Scottish Government with housing providers to deliver a national overarching Housing Emergency Action Plan by the end of this session. We need the Scottish Government to provide clarity on whether its additional funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget will ensure that it meets its target of providing 110,000 affordable homes by 2030. It is vital that housing is a priority and that the Scottish Government considers the importance of increasing the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget. There has been significant partnership working undertaken to respond to the housing crisis. We can welcome the number of housing associations providing lets to tenants who are homeless across Glasgow. The Scottish Government can explore the opportunities available by increasing social investment in housing. The capacity of housing associations could be developed to increase the number of homes, especially for families, in our local communities. There is a need to ensure clarity for housing providers on the intended statutory requirement for homes to meet net-zero standards. Uncertainty is deterring housing development and this needs to be addressed to help tackle the housing crisis. We can support the appointment of Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Housing to ensure that there is increased focus on tackling the housing crisis and providing energy-efficient homes for the future. It is vital that the new Cabinet Secretary can use all the powers at her disposal to address the housing crisis we face.
Glasgow Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Health board failed when it shut special homeless GP service
The Independent National Whistleblower Officer upheld a number of complaints over the closure of the specialist GP service. The practice at Hunter Street closed in March 2023 after a review of services and a move to a 'single inter-disciplinary team'. READ NEXT:Migrants are NOT given houses ahead of local people says council deputy leader At the point of closure, the practice had 167 registered patients and dealt with a larger number of patients on a temporary basis, with annual patient contacts at approximately 600. The complaints, by a whistleblower, claimed the Health and Social Care Partnership 'failed to follow a meaningful process of engagement and consultation with staff'. It was also claimed there was no 'meaningful stakeholder consultation prior to the decision to reduce specialist GP service provision for people experiencing homelessness'. Both were upheld by the Whistleblower Office. The HSCP also failed to carry out a full risk assessment and equalities impact before it took the decision to reduce the service. And it failed to' take action to address the long-term risks associated with closing the service. The INWO issued a number of recommendations to the HSCP to put in place. The HSCP must ensure the principles in their Participation and Engagement Strategy are being met in practice. READ NEXT: MP tells how he served children food at homeless shelter in Glasgow It is also told to be aware of their responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 and the need to complete timely equalities impact assessments. At a meeting of the Integration Joint Board, which governs the HSCP today chief Officer Pat Togher said they accepted the recommendations A spokesperson for the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, said: 'We note the findings of this report and as a continuous learning and improving organisation will take time to consider the recommendations. "In terms of our current homelessness provision, we have in place well-established governance arrangements and continue to develop services for those impacted by homelessness despite increased demand and a challenging financial climate."
