The MS Society are here to support anyone who lives with or is affected by Multiple Sclerosis. And our Scotland Wellbeing Hub  is a one-stop-shop providing virtual information and support to help people manage their physical and mental well-being.  

Below is a calendar of our upcoming online events for next month along with other online information/tools which your patients or colleagues may find of interest. There is also an updated calendar for this month (There’s been a few changes and additions so please do check these out) and picture versions where the links don’t work but they are post-able.  Further details are available on the MS Society webpage.

The Wellbeing Hub provides many great services and events to those living with and affected by MS in Scotland, which include a free, confidential counselling service. Our trained counsellors are on hand to listen and help deal with their concerns and anxieties. 

We also offer free virtual physiotherapy sessions with a trained and certified neuro-physiotherapist. They can provide a tailored programme of web support to help you maintain your mobility, strength, balance and function. 

Group A streptococcus (GAS), also known as strep A is a
common bacteria which causes infections such as tonsillitis
and scarlet fever. These symptoms are usually mild and rarely
become serious.

Strep A can however cause a rare, and more serious infection
known as invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This happens when
GAS bacteria get into parts of the body where it is not normally
found, like the lungs or bloodstream.

For more information visit nhsinform.scot/strepA

We are aware there are rising concerns in the community about Group A streptococcus (Strep A) and Scarlet Fever.

The below links were posted on Public Health Scotland’s Twitter feed: 

Public Health Scotland website: 

https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/news/2022/december/group-a-strep-in-scotland/

You can also find out more information about Scarlet Fever on NHS Inform here: 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/…/infections…/scarlet-fever/

The cost of living is increasing rapidly and prices are rising at rates not seen since the 1970s, this includes energy bills, food, fuel and more.

There is lots of information online about what financial support people are entitled to and how to apply at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost.

East Lothian Council have also produced a guide to what’s available in our Cost of Living leaflet. This is a great guide to the financial help available for any household struggling with the cost of living increases. There’s no harm in checking.

CAB Haddington have a dedicated advisor helping us with this campaign, who can take people through a benefits check, and direct them to the income or other support that is available.

CAB Haddington can be contacted through benefits@haddingtoncab.org.uk and 01620 824471.

Everyone can check that they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to. We particularly want to make sure that under-claimed benefits are claimed. These include:

• Pension Credit (part of Universal Credit)
• Council Tax Reduction
• Child benefits (including Best Start Grants, Free School Meals, etc)

East Lothian Council knows that more people are entitled to these benefits than are currently claiming them. They want to change this, so if you think you or someone you know might be eligible – don’t delay in getting in touch.

The Cost of Living leaflet provides a useful overview of financial support available. Further tailored information will be available at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost.

We wish to announce that Dr Barker has left the Cromwell Harbour Medical Practice; we wish her all the very best.

Cromwell Harbour Medical Practice Team