Tag: healthcare

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Disturbing research finding repeat AI errors in a medical procedure cast doubt on UK Labour’s rush to replace clinicians and confirm Scottish Government’s caution

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Thanks to NHS for YES for alerting us to this. From a February 2026 peer-reviewed research paper on an AI tool for Nasogastric Tube Position, the above image and this disturbing conclusion: Administration of food or medication through a misplaced nasogastric tube (NGT) constitutes a “never event” (defined by the National Health Service as a serious incident that is wholly preventable) in health care systems given the high likelihood of patient harm. Efforts to ensure adequate NGT positioning typically focus on increased education. Artificial intelligence (AI)–driven decision-support tools could address such challenges in a more streamlined manner, yet external validation … Continue reading Disturbing research finding repeat AI errors in a medical procedure cast doubt on UK Labour’s rush to replace clinicians and confirm Scottish Government’s caution

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Will Scotland’s model for pharmacy offers lessons for predicted ‘Iran war’ shortages?

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In the Guardian today: Britain [sic] is “a few weeks away” from medicine shortages ranging from painkillers to cancer treatment if the Iran war continues, according to experts, while drug prices could also rise. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/28/uk-weeks-away-medicine-shortages-iran-war-impacts-experts-warn The above makes no mention of Scotland. Searching for reports of shortages in Scotland gets the same story of shortages in England plus, When I saw the Guardian piece I was reminded of this intriguing suggestion: One potential solution lies in affording community pharmacy greater latitude in altering prescriptions – a practice that could save immense amounts of NHS funds and ease the mounting pressure … Continue reading Will Scotland’s model for pharmacy offers lessons for predicted ‘Iran war’ shortages?

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Scotland’s GPs have ‘negotiated, investment-heavy multi-year package aimed at stabilisation’, while England’s GPs have strongly rejected what they see as ‘burdensome, under-resourced changes’

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Thanks, once again, to Dottie for alerting me to this: Today, from Doctors’ Association UK: The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) has given its strong support to general practitioners in England after they overwhelmingly rejected this year’s imposed contract changes. Almost 17,000 GPs and GP registrars took part in the BMA’s referendum, with 98.9% voting against the plans. They have called on the Government to return to negotiation with the BMA’s GP committee (BMA GPC) to jointly develop and agree a brand new contract.  https://dauk.org/government-urged-to-listen-after-gps-reject-contract-changes/ AI question – How does the current GP contract in Scotland compare with that for England … Continue reading Scotland’s GPs have ‘negotiated, investment-heavy multi-year package aimed at stabilisation’, while England’s GPs have strongly rejected what they see as ‘burdensome, under-resourced changes’

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As healthcare in England becomes a full-blown two-tier system with only 84% now in the NHS how health care in Scotland remains 96% within the NHS

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Headlining on BBC Breakfast this morning, this claim from Health Watch UK: NHS Scotland is not part of the study: In 2023, 9% of those we polled had accessed private healthcare in the last year. By 2025, this figure nearly doubled to 16%. The use of private dental care increased from 22% to 32% over the same period. The poll of 2,593 people in England, aged 18 and above, was run by Savanta between 31 October and 7 November 2025. We asked about the public’s use of NHS and private health care, and their confidence in accessing timely NHS care. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2026-03-16/two-tier-healthcare-increases-confidence-timely-access-remains-low … Continue reading As healthcare in England becomes a full-blown two-tier system with only 84% now in the NHS how health care in Scotland remains 96% within the NHS

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As the QEUH witch-hunt continues, two experts say 100% mould-free large hospitals ‘not realistic’ only months after two die and four almost die in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital

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In the Herald yesterday: Mould growth has been found in a cancer ward at a flagship hospital which was partially closed due to mould and dirty water ingress, the Health Secretary has confirmed. Neil Gray said he was made aware on Thursday morning that mould growth was found in one of the rooms on the bone marrow transplant ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. Is it possible for any large hospital to be 100% free of any mould growth, at all, in at least one of its hundreds of wards? Experts and industry sources consistently state … Continue reading As the QEUH witch-hunt continues, two experts say 100% mould-free large hospitals ‘not realistic’ only months after two die and four almost die in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital

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12 hour A&E waits – TWICE as common in NHS Wales than in NHS Scotland and not far short of that in NHS England

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Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON This was researched by stewartb. I’ve just framed it a bit. Here’s what stewartb sent me: Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Vice President for Scotland is quoted in a press statement (March 3) headed: ‘Scottish A&E 12-hour waits hit ‘grim milestone’ of 10,000 in worst month on record’. It is commenting on ED performance figures for January 2026. Commenting on ED waits, she states: “Just because the situation here is better than in other UK nations does not mean the status … Continue reading 12 hour A&E waits – TWICE as common in NHS Wales than in NHS Scotland and not far short of that in NHS England

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Why are more GPs opting to work outside the NHS? They’re not in Scotland where almost 100% work in the NHS

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Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON From BBC England this morning, the above and: In her consulting room, Dr Yvonne Girgis-Hanna is at work as a GP, but not for the NHS. She is one of an increasing number of family doctors opting to practise privately. “I could not work as a full‑time NHS GP,” she says. “The days I do in the NHS, the next day I’m totally wiped out… You might have 30 face‑to‑face contacts, then extra telephone calls and paperwork. You … Continue reading Why are more GPs opting to work outside the NHS? They’re not in Scotland where almost 100% work in the NHS

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Geriatrician called ‘Elder’ is clearly ‘having a laugh’ when the FACTS tell us NHS Scotland is barely privatised at all compared to NHS England

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Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON The above threat is not the result of the gathered opinion of thousands of Scottish ‘doctors’ but just the views of Geriatrician, Professor Andrew Elder of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, above. He clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about. NHS England is more than 100 times, 10 times per head, more privatised than NHS Scotland in England were delivered by private hospitals and clinics in the last 12 months – that’s almost 500 000 higher … Continue reading Geriatrician called ‘Elder’ is clearly ‘having a laugh’ when the FACTS tell us NHS Scotland is barely privatised at all compared to NHS England

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Six Scottish Government initiatives they don’t want you liking before an election

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Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON By stewartb I wonder how many of the following recent Scottish Government commitments/investments in General Practice have been conveyed to voters in Scotland by the mainstream media that supposedly serve our polity? Scottish Government press statement 29 November 2024: ‘Additional investment in general practice – Funding to help practices retain and recruit key staff’. ‘An additional £13.6 million will be invested in General Practice this financial year to support GPs to retain and recruit key staff, Health Secretary Neil … Continue reading Six Scottish Government initiatives they don’t want you liking before an election

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For 8 years now Scotland’s ‘universal and generous’ IVF system costs nothing in the longer term, reduces psychological distress and increases child-wellbeing

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Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON From IVF waiting times in Scotland Quarter ending 31 December 2025 published yesterday: During the quarter ending 31 December 2025, 313 patients were screened. The 90% standard was met, with all patients attending a screening appointment within 52 weeks of referral. The standard has never been missed since records began in 2018. How does IVF treatment in Scotland compare with that in England? Scotland has a nationally standardized policy, offering more generous and equitable access compared to England, … Continue reading For 8 years now Scotland’s ‘universal and generous’ IVF system costs nothing in the longer term, reduces psychological distress and increases child-wellbeing