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Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian locals in poor areas 'more likely to experience loneliness'
A region wide survey conducted in the wake of the Covid pandemic saw the county trail behind Edinburgh and East Lothian in physical and emotional health issues. West Lothian is the 'poor relation' of its neighbours across the former regional council area. A region wide survey conducted in the wake of the Covid pandemic saw the county trail behind Edinburgh and East Lothian in physical and emotional health issues. While investment and unemployment levels in the county shows it is in a relatively strong position, the Lothian Public Health Survey results for West Lothian found stark differences compared to its neighbours, members of the local Integration Joint Board heard. In a report to members of the Board, which includes non-voting health and social care professionals as well as voting members and local councillors Alison White, the chief officer, said: 'The initial analyses presented within this summary report confirm the existence of stark socio-economic inequalities in health outcomes in Lothian, with those living in areas of deprivation typically experiencing worse health than those in more affluent areas.' The Lothian Public Health Survey 2023 was conducted to improve understanding of the health, well-being and social circumstances of the Lothian population. Nearly 15,000 respondents across Lothian took part, allowing robust and representative analysis of the Lothian population and key groups within. Ms White's report highlighted the local poor experiences across a wide range of areas including mental health, experience of mobility issues and pain/discomfort. She added: 'Striking socio-economic inequalities are also observed in individuals' access to, and experience of factors known to affect health outcomes, such as perceptions of community safety, exposure to the private rental market and social supports." The survey highlighted key issues such as poor diet and nutrition as well as health and social inequalities. The Board heard the survey found West Lothian residents reported lower levels of perceived community safety compared to other areas in the Lothians. Fruit and vegetable consumption was lower in West Lothian than in the capital. The report detailed that deprivation in West Lothian is linked to poorer mental and physical health, higher smoking and vaping rates and lower physical activity levels. The study found residents in the county faced barriers to accessing services like screening and dental care were more pronounced in deprived parts of West Lothian, further west in the county. Residents in deprived areas of West Lothian are more likely to experience low mental well-being, loneliness, and low life satisfaction, members heard . Ms White told the meeting: 'The survey reports both an urgent need for short term mitigation and longer-term action targeting the building blocks of health.'
Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Health survey in West Lothian shows stark inequalities compared to neighbours
West Lothian is the 'poor relation' of its neighbours across the former regional council area. A region wide survey conducted in the wake of the Covid pandemic saw the county trail behind Edinburgh and East Lothian in physical and emotional health issues. While investment and unemployment levels in the county shows it is in a relatively strong position, the Lothian Public Health Survey results for West Lothian found stark differences compared to its neighbours, members of the local Integration Joint Board heard. In a report to members of the Board, which includes non-voting health and social care professionals as well as voting members and local councillors Alison White, the chief officer, said: 'The initial analyses presented within this summary report confirm the existence of stark socio-economic inequalities in health outcomes in Lothian, with those living in areas of deprivation typically experiencing worse health than those in more affluent areas.' The Lothian Public Health Survey 2023 was conducted to improve understanding of the health, well-being and social circumstances of the Lothian population. Nearly 15,000 respondents across Lothian took part, allowing robust and representative analysis of the Lothian population and key groups within. Ms White's report highlighted the local poor experiences across a wide range of areas including mental health, experience of mobility issues and pain/discomfort. She added: 'Striking socio-economic inequalities are also observed in individuals' access to, and experience of factors known to affect health outcomes, such as perceptions of community safety, exposure to the private rental market and social supports.' The survey highlighted key issues such as poor diet and nutrition as well as health and social inequalities. The Board heard the survey found West Lothian residents reported lower levels of perceived community safety compared to other areas in the Lothians. Fruit and vegetable consumption was lower in West Lothian than in the capital. The report detailed that deprivation in West Lothian is linked to: Poorer mental and physical health Higher smoking and vaping rates Lower physical activity levels The study found residents in the county faced barriers to accessing services like screening and dental care were more pronounced in deprived parts of West Lothian, further west in the county. Residents in deprived areas of West Lothian are more likely to experience low mental well-being, loneliness, and low life satisfaction, members heard. Ms White told the meeting: 'The survey reports both an urgent need for short term mitigation and longer-term action targeting the building blocks of health.' By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian locals in poor areas 'more likely to experience loneliness'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp West Lothian is the 'poor relation' of its neighbours across the former regional council area. A region wide survey conducted in the wake of the Covid pandemic saw the county trail behind Edinburgh and East Lothian in physical and emotional health issues. While investment and unemployment levels in the county shows it is in a relatively strong position, the Lothian Public Health Survey results for West Lothian found stark differences compared to its neighbours, members of the local Integration Joint Board heard. READ MORE: Flood risk sees West Lothian house plan blocked for second time In a report to members of the Board, which includes non-voting health and social care professionals as well as voting members and local councillors Alison White, the chief officer, said: 'The initial analyses presented within this summary report confirm the existence of stark socio-economic inequalities in health outcomes in Lothian, with those living in areas of deprivation typically experiencing worse health than those in more affluent areas.' The Lothian Public Health Survey 2023 was conducted to improve understanding of the health, well-being and social circumstances of the Lothian population. Nearly 15,000 respondents across Lothian took part, allowing robust and representative analysis of the Lothian population and key groups within. Ms White's report highlighted the local poor experiences across a wide range of areas including mental health, experience of mobility issues and pain/discomfort. She added: 'Striking socio-economic inequalities are also observed in individuals' access to, and experience of factors known to affect health outcomes, such as perceptions of community safety, exposure to the private rental market and social supports' The survey highlighted key issues such as poor diet and nutrition as well as health and social inequalities. The Board heard the survey found West Lothian residents reported lower levels of perceived community safety compared to other areas in the Lothians. Fruit and vegetable consumption was lower in West Lothian than in the capital. The report detailed that deprivation in West Lothian is linked to: Poorer mental and physical health Higher smoking and vaping rates Lower physical activity levels The study found residents in the county faced barriers to accessing services like screening and dental care were more pronounced in deprived parts of West Lothian, further west in the county . Residents in deprived areas of West Lothian are more likely to experience low mental well-being, loneliness, and low life satisfaction, members heard . Ms White told the meeting: 'The survey reports both an urgent need for short term mitigation and longer-term action targeting the building blocks of health.'
Daily Record
25-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Plea to pause changes at Falkirk housing with care complex as 2000 sign petition
Residents speak out as a Falkirk councillor asks for the changes to be put on hold to address concerns More than 2000 people have signed a petition objecting to plans to replace council care staff with an external provider in a Housing With Care complex in Falkirk. Now, Falkirk councillor Brian McCabe, who represents Denny & Dunipace, has called for the changes to be paused, saying the residents of Tygetshaugh Court and their families still have too many unanswered questions. The petition highlighted fears that residents would "lose the security of having staff to call on between 7 am and 10pm". The decision was taken by the Integration Joint Board (IJB), which oversees the work of Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), which brings together NHS and council-run care services. The HSCP insists that residents at Tygetshaugh Court will continue to receive their usual level of care following this change, and response support will continue to be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service. But many of those living in the supported accommodation have real concerns that the MECS service will have a longer response time than having staff on-site. They also fear that the change will mean an end to all social activities and the closure of the laundry service. Residents Anna and Robert Kilpatrick, who have lived in the complex for four years, say they are "fed up and stressed" at the prospect of the changes. Robert (84) has Parkinsons and COPD which means he needs oxygen just to walk from room to room in his flat. The couple have nothing but praise for the team who work at the complex and are worried that external providers will not provide the same level of care Robert currently gets. "I would say they give 200 per cent - they are all brilliant," said Robert. They are also concerned that the change to external provider will mean an end to all the social activities that staff help residents to attend. Robert and Anna say that the service agreement they signed when they took on their tenancy makes clear that social activities are a central part of Tygetshaugh. The agreement says: "The events and activities are an important part of life in HWC (housing with care) and help to ensure that service users are not isolated (except by choice). These events and activities ensure that service users enjoy the 'community lifestyle' offered by HWC." However, the HSCP now says that "the planning and facilitating of communal social activities is not within the formal remit of Housing with Care Staff". They say they are already working with residents to form a committee that will organise and fund social events. But while Robert and Anna's family has always been happy to help organise and fundraise for social events, they want to know who will help residents with mobility issues get from their houses to the lounge. Victoria Kirkwood says her mum, like many residents, moved to Tygetshaugh for "peace of mind". "It took my mum a full year to start socialising. That's how long it took for the staff to build up trust - but she loves it now," she said. Without the support of staff, she fears her mum and many other residents will be unable to attend events. She is also concerned at the prospect of the laundry closing, although the HSCP says that "residents who are assessed as requiring support to do their laundry will have this need met through their package of care. "Housing Services have confirmed that laundry needs of residents will continue to be met and work is ongoing to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place." The HSCP also insists that the overall level of care will not change for residents. A spokesperson said: "Falkirk already has successful links with care at home and social care providers, which deliver the majority of care within homes across the local area. "Our local care providers receive the same level of training as the Housing with Care Service, are registered with the Care Inspectorate, and are subject to our internal contract monitoring. "Urgent response support will be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS), which already provides this support when no housing with care staff are available." Councillor McCabe says he is backing the residents' calls for more information, although he stresses the decision was not made by Falkirk Council. "I do have extreme concerns that this is the thin end of the wedge for our Housing with Care complexes in Falkirk," he said. The IJB says the decision was made as part of this year's budget setting process and the £150,000 it will save will help to meet a budget gap of more than £20 million. Critics, however, say the change could lead to elderly residents ending up in hospital or care homes at a much higher cost. Anna says she can't understand why a place that has always been so happy has to change and she would like the chance to speak to the people who made the decision. "Come and talk to us - come and see what a lovely place this is!" she said. "Come and tell us what's happening!"
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Time for councillors to take back control
Conservative councillor Phil Doggart This week the voters in Craiglockhart and Fountain-bridge have the opportunity to elect a new councillor. But what will that councillor do once they walk into City Chambers for their first meeting in August? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Last week's council meeting was always going to be tetchy with the presentation of Kevin Dunion's report, but it exceeded expectations. My group leader, Cllr Iain Whyte, covered the 'who decided what and when' story of the Tour de France funding in his Friday column. Of course, no one knows who decided what and when, but there were some very nervous officers in City Chambers on Thursday, as councillors 'expressed their concerns'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We also had references to the Integration Joint Board. Every councillor will have received correspondence from organisations whose grants have been cut, threatening excellent services to the old, the ill, the lonely and others who depend on support during life's challenges. Former Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion Part of the problem here is how the unelected and seemingly unaccountable have responded to councillors. In November 2023, all five parties agreed to re-negotiate the relationship between the IJB and its funding partners, the council and NHS Lothian. What has happened to that negotiation? Not a lot - despite repeated requests for updates. It seems what councillors decided is not really that important, if you measure importance by officers doing what councillors decide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other issues raised included the lack of enforcement of rules agreed by councillors for BBQs in parks and why decisions affecting one ward have not been followed through. It isn't just Le Tour, it is everyday decisions that matter. Some of my colleagues may have mocked when I suggested we take back control, but it is a serious point. There are excellent councillors of all political colours who know what they were elected to do. They do their best, but all councillors must ensure decisions taken are implemented. I hope the excellent Mark Hooley joins our group after the by-election. But whoever wins, my wish is they will join the group of councillors determined to ensure we are the decision-makers. Conservative councillor for Liberton/Gilmerton ward
