Scotland's national public health body, responsible for improving health and well-being
The First Minister has unveiled a programme to cut Scotland’s 14 health boards to two, merge environmental bodies, and push for regional public service delivery. He says reforms will be guided by local delivery while maintaining safety and service standards.
A patient at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is being tested for Ebola. Public Health Scotland says there are no confirmed cases in Scotland, and UK authorities are coordinating with international partners as they monitor evolving outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda.
Analyses show waiting times for NHS treatment in Scotland have increased for some metrics while others are stable. Experts warn that meaningful progress will take time and a comprehensive workforce plan is needed as ministers return after summer recess.
No- and low-alcohol beer has surged in the UK, with no- and low-volume sales up dramatically and more than 64 million pints forecast for the summer. Yet regulators' 0.05% ABV threshold is seen as a barrier to further investment, while industry voices push for a 0.5% standard to unlock growth.
Police Scotland’s anti-corruption inquiry into PC Alan Greer has identified eight more victims, including five sex workers, all attacked off duty. A BBC Disclosure investigation has shown Greer used hundreds of sex workers across his career. Investigations continue to establish full extent of offending and provide support to victims.
Scotland’s GP walk-in centres have delivered few visits since the pilot began. Public Health Scotland reports low patient numbers across nine operating clinics in June, with Dundee and other sites recording only a handful of daily visits. Officials defend the scheme’s early stage while critics call it a misallocation of funds. A robust evaluation will determine whether the programme continues.
Deputy Chief Constable has urged more funding and a public health approach to tackling violence against women and girls, amid a string of high-profile cases and police contact investigations. The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner is examining prior police contact linked to Vikki Soloman’s death, while the regulator notes rising violence and online risk.
Racism against NHS staff is rising, according to multiple surveys. Radiographers report abuse and dismissive attitudes from patients, prompting calls for zero tolerance and stricter enforcement of standards. The NHS Race and Health Observatory and unions say racism undermines care; standards now allow refusing non-emergency care to abusive patients.
European wildfires are intensifying amid prolonged drought and hotter summers. Authorities are scaling up cross-border firefighting, while experts warn prevention and land management must adapt to a warming climate. The cost to homes, farms and insurers is rising, prompting talks on resilience and reform of forest policy.