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Public Health Scotland

Minister for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf before the start of First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Humza Yousaf would consider raising the price of alcohol under MUP

Edinburgh during recent snowy weather (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Edinburgh during recent snowy weather (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

NHS Scotland: A&E waiting times and Covid-19 surged during cold snap

Scotland's outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chairs her final Cabinet meeting at Bute House. She has described the minimum unit pricing scheme as one of her proudest achievements while in office. Picture: Andy Buchanan - Pool/Getty Images
Scotland's outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chairs her final Cabinet meeting at Bute House. She has described the minimum unit pricing scheme as one of her proudest achievements while in office. Picture: Andy Buchanan - Pool/Getty Images

Sturgeon hails minimum unit pricing as one of her proudest achievements

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol has been linked to a 13% drop in deaths from alcohol consumption, according to a study. Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol has been linked to a 13% drop in deaths from alcohol consumption, according to a study. Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

MUP led to 150 fewer alcohol deaths a year, researchers claim

According to the latest Public Health Scotland data, just 65.3 per cent of the 97,659 patient attendances at Scottish emergency departments in January were seen within the Scottish Government’s target of four hours.
According to the latest Public Health Scotland data, just 65.3 per cent of the 97,659 patient attendances at Scottish emergency departments in January were seen within the Scottish Government’s target of four hours.

Estimated 64 patients die each month due to 'dangerously long waiting times'

Alcohol for sale in an Edinburgh supermarket as Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for drinks.
Alcohol for sale in an Edinburgh supermarket as Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for drinks.

How successful has minimum unit pricing been in Scotland?

Official statistics testify to the fact Scotland has a problem with alcohol.
Official statistics testify to the fact Scotland has a problem with alcohol.

Figures lay bare Scotland's problematic relationship with alcohol

Renee MacRae, 36, and three-year-old Andrew
Renee MacRae, 36, and three-year-old Andrew

Renee and Andrew MacRae murderer William MacDowell dies in prison

The Scottish Government is considering restricting the marketing of alcohol. Picture: John Devlin
The Scottish Government is considering restricting the marketing of alcohol. Picture: John Devlin

Alcohol advertising ban: How far will the Scottish Government go and why?

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, photographed at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, photographed at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Scotland's drinking problem: “All Scots know a life lost or blighted by alcohol”

New research suggests that industry performance post-MUP was characterised by lower volumes of sales but higher prices.
New research suggests that industry performance post-MUP was characterised by lower volumes of sales but higher prices.

MUP report 'gives the lie' to 'exaggerated' Scottish whisky claims

The latest strep A surveillance data from Public Health Scotland shows that the recent increases in cases of GAS may be declining
The latest strep A surveillance data from Public Health Scotland shows that the recent increases in cases of GAS may be declining

Strep A: Scots urged to be 'patient' with pharmacists when buying antibiotics

Two more people in Scotland have died with Strep A infection since last week, according to the latest data.
Two more people in Scotland have died with Strep A infection since last week, according to the latest data.

Two more Strep A deaths in Scotland - Public Health Scotland confirms

There were 109 suspected drug deaths in November 2022, higher than in the same month in 2020 and 2021, when the number was 93 and 89, respectively.
There were 109 suspected drug deaths in November 2022, higher than in the same month in 2020 and 2021, when the number was 93 and 89, respectively.

Scottish drug deaths increase amid synthetic opioid warning

A new report suggests Scots are much more likely to suffer stroke than residents of the rest of the UK.
A new report suggests Scots are much more likely to suffer stroke than residents of the rest of the UK.

Scots a third more likely to suffer stroke than rest of UK

Photo of a drug consumption room. Picture: John Devlin.
Photo of a drug consumption room. Picture: John Devlin.

Sharp rise in drug deaths across October and November

A&E waiting times have improved.
A&E waiting times have improved.

A&E waiting times improve sharply in Scotland, as patient numbers fall

The study suggests some youngsters are having difficulty with communication after lockdown.
The study suggests some youngsters are having difficulty with communication after lockdown.

Covid lockdowns blamed for rise in communications difficulties in chidlren

A third child aged under 10 in Scotland has died with Strep A infection, Public Health Scotland has said.
A third child aged under 10 in Scotland has died with Strep A infection, Public Health Scotland has said.

Third child aged under 10 dies in Scotland with Strep A

Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. Picture: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. Picture: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Brown warns NHS 'won't cope' unless inequalities closed

Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA
Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA

Fewer than six in ten people seen in four hours at A&E departments

The number of hospital beds occupied by people who were ready to be discharged has reached a record high for the third month in a row.
The number of hospital beds occupied by people who were ready to be discharged has reached a record high for the third month in a row.

Number of hospital beds occupied due to delayed discharge at record level

Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP is ‘shrouding its operations in secrecy’, says reader (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire)
Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP is ‘shrouding its operations in secrecy’, says reader (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire)

Scotland on Sunday readers' letters

Alcohol Focus Scotland has defended the minimum unit pricing policy. Picture: John Devlin
Alcohol Focus Scotland has defended the minimum unit pricing policy. Picture: John Devlin

'Skyrocketing sales of Buckfast are not due to minimum pricing', says charity

Scotland's A&E departments experienced a record week for waiting times in the lead-up to Christmas. Picture: Lisa Ferguson
Scotland's A&E departments experienced a record week for waiting times in the lead-up to Christmas. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Almost 2,000 patients spend half a day or more in A&E before Christmas

People who make New Year's resolutions often quit within a few weeks (Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
People who make New Year's resolutions often quit within a few weeks (Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Why we should probably all resolve to stop making New Year’s resolutions

Picture: Jean-Sebastien Evrard/Getty Images
Picture: Jean-Sebastien Evrard/Getty Images

Double the number of babies from poor areas require care compared to wealthy

Dozens die while waiting for appointment to treat chronic pain in Scotland

Covid cases are on the increase in Scotland.
Covid cases are on the increase in Scotland.

How long are you infectious with Covid? Current guidance around Christmas

Vaccination is a life-saving medical miracle (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty images)
Vaccination is a life-saving medical miracle (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty images)

Scotland may be resistant to 'anti-vaxxers' but we cannot be complacent

Nearly a quarter of primary one children were found to be at risk of obesity or being overweight, figures show.
Nearly a quarter of primary one children were found to be at risk of obesity or being overweight, figures show.

Almost a quarter of primary one children at risk of obesity or being overweight

The Scottish Government has issued a ‘supply alert notice’ for the antibiotics used to treat strep A, after a surge in cases and the deaths of at least fifteen children throughout the UK.
The Scottish Government has issued a ‘supply alert notice’ for the antibiotics used to treat strep A, after a surge in cases and the deaths of at least fifteen children throughout the UK.

Scottish Government warns antibiotics used to treat strep A are in short supply

Public Health Scotland has shown just 74.7 per cent of patients started cancer treatment within the official 62-day standard across July and September
Public Health Scotland has shown just 74.7 per cent of patients started cancer treatment within the official 62-day standard across July and September

'Full-blown disaster' as cancer treatment wait times fall to worst-ever figures

The Scottish Health Secretary has reassured parents that there is “no shortage of supply” of the antibiotics needed to treat Strep A.
The Scottish Health Secretary has reassured parents that there is “no shortage of supply” of the antibiotics needed to treat Strep A.

Yousaf stresses ‘no shortage of supply’ of antibiotics for Strep A infections

School children during class at a primary school, as preventative antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the UK schools minister has confirmed. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
School children during class at a primary school, as preventative antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the UK schools minister has confirmed. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Strep A infections continue to rise in Scotland, following deaths in rest of UK

A nurse helps an elderly patient. Picture: Getty Images
A nurse helps an elderly patient. Picture: Getty Images

Nursing vacancies “at heart” of looming NHS Scotland winter crisis

More than three quarters of a million Scots are waiting for an outpatient appointment, key tests, or hospital treatment – with new figures showing a “staggering” 776,341 people on NHS waiting lists.
More than three quarters of a million Scots are waiting for an outpatient appointment, key tests, or hospital treatment – with new figures showing a “staggering” 776,341 people on NHS waiting lists.

Number on NHS waiting lists in Scotland increases to 776,341, new figures show

Health secretary Humza Yousaf on a visit to Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Picture: Michael Gillen
Health secretary Humza Yousaf on a visit to Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Picture: Michael Gillen

What does 'health board escalation' mean for NHS Forth Valley?

Minimum unit pricing has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the three years since it was implemented, a PHS report has claimed. Picture: PA
Minimum unit pricing has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the three years since it was implemented, a PHS report has claimed. Picture: PA

Has minimum alcohol pricing saved lives?

Minimum unit pricing has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the three years since it was implemented, according to a report.
Minimum unit pricing has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the three years since it was implemented, according to a report.

Minimum pricing ‘effective’ in reducing alcohol consumption, study finds

Far from being a failure, the 50p minimum unit price for alcohol is a winner and should be upped, says doctor (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Far from being a failure, the 50p minimum unit price for alcohol is a winner and should be upped, says doctor (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: Minimum Unit Pricing is saving Scottish lives

There were 159 new Covid-19 admissions to hospital in the week ending November 13
There were 159 new Covid-19 admissions to hospital in the week ending November 13

Number of people in hospital with Covid down 8.4%

Scotland could look for ways to make alcohol seem less fashionable among the young generation (Picture: Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images)
Scotland could look for ways to make alcohol seem less fashionable among the young generation (Picture: Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images)

Ministers need to find new ways to tackle Scotland’s drink problem

A mother stroking the back and comforting a little girl at home
A mother stroking the back and comforting a little girl at home

One in four children rejected by Scottish mental health services

Waiting times in Scotland’s A&E departments have improved slightly on last week, figures show.
Waiting times in Scotland’s A&E departments have improved slightly on last week, figures show.

Slight improvement recorded for A&E waiting times

Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA
Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA

Scottish Government misses inpatient waiting times target

Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA
Health secretary Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA

Number of people waiting more than eight hours at A&E soars to record levels

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf

New Covid wave expected in Scotland this winter, warns Humza Yousaf

One in 20 people who took part in one of the largest studies in Scotland researching the long-term effects of Covid-19 said they have still not recovered from having the virus at their most recent follow-up.
One in 20 people who took part in one of the largest studies in Scotland researching the long-term effects of Covid-19 said they have still not recovered from having the virus at their most recent follow-up.

One in 20 long-Covid patients not recovered after 18 months, study shows

Covid-19 cases in Scottish hospitals increased 12% in a single week
Covid-19 cases in Scottish hospitals increased 12% in a single week

Covid Scotland: number of hospital cases rises 12% in a week

Almost 5,000 patients spent half a day or more in accident and emergency in August. Picture: NationalWorld
Almost 5,000 patients spent half a day or more in accident and emergency in August. Picture: NationalWorld

Almost 5,000 patients spent half a day or more in A&E in Scotland in August

The review will aim to find out what any contributing factors may be.
The review will aim to find out what any contributing factors may be.

Scottish Government orders review as neonatal deaths higher than expected

Cancer waiting time performance has hit a record low in Scotland. Picture: SWNS
Cancer waiting time performance has hit a record low in Scotland. Picture: SWNS

'Unacceptable' new record low for cancer treatment waiting time performance

Manira Ahmad of Public Health Scotland
Manira Ahmad of Public Health Scotland

Ad Feature In full: The Scotsman's Data Capital September edition

Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock

Data Capital: Developing a good picture of health

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf speaks to the media following a visit to the MTC (major trauma centre), at the Royal Infirmary Of Edinburgh, to mark the first year of the Scottish Trauma Network. Picture date: Monday August 29, 2022.
Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf speaks to the media following a visit to the MTC (major trauma centre), at the Royal Infirmary Of Edinburgh, to mark the first year of the Scottish Trauma Network. Picture date: Monday August 29, 2022.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf under fire as NHS waiting list continues to grow

The Scotsman Top Stories

Humza Yousaf speaks after being elected as new SNP party leader
Humza Yousaf speaks after being elected as new SNP party leader

Humza Yousaf faces ‘full in-tray’ as half of Scots think country on wrong path

Humza Yousaf pictured after being elected as the new SNP party leader (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Humza Yousaf pictured after being elected as the new SNP party leader (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Why unionists should not celebrate Yousaf's election as SNP leader

A man drops flowers to a makeshift memorial where baloons and Teddy bears are left on the outside the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tennessee, March 27. -(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
A man drops flowers to a makeshift memorial where baloons and Teddy bears are left on the outside the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tennessee, March 27. -(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Three children and three adults killed in Nashville elementary school shooting