NHS Highland

03/09/2026

What is Chronic Pain?

Pain is common – talking about it isn’t. Let’s change that.

Chronic pain (also known as persistent or long-term pain) affects around 38% of people in Scotland, yet many people still find it difficult to talk about.

It’s a recognised health condition that continues beyond normal healing time and can affect every aspect of daily life – from work and relationships to sleep, mood and confidence.

Understanding pain is an important step towards managing it. The more we learn about what is happening in our bodies, the more empowered we can feel to take positive steps forward.

Find out more about chronic pain and the support available: 🔗 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/chronic-pain

03/09/2026

A new four-month trial will enable people to access help and support with their NHS heading aid.

The drop-in clinics will also be held between 12pm-2pm on:

Wednesday 21 October
Wednesday 18 November
Wednesday 16 December

03/09/2026

Today, we say thank you to the UK's merchant naval seafarers.

95% of the UK's trade is transported by sea, highlighting the vital role of the maritime sector and those who keep it moving.

Some merchant naval seafarers also support UK military operations, whether as part of the or on UK military operations ranging from the Second World War and the Korean War to the Falkland Islands conflict and operations in Iraq.

Merchant naval seafarers, who have deployed in support of UK military operations, count amongst our veterans community. They can access the pledge for conditions, illnesses or injuries that were most likely sustained whilst deployed.

So, on , we proudly .

02/09/2026

ICYMI

Parents and Guardians of children and young people attending primary or secondary school

Flu is a common infectious respiratory virus that can be serious even if you are healthy. The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu and help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others. Flu vaccinations are commencing in schools soon, Flu vaccination consent packs have been delivered to schools for issue to pupils this week.

Please check your child’s school bag for your consent pack.

In the consent pack will be;

A covering letter, a Flu information leaflet and a consent form and a return addressed envelope (marked ‘IMMUNISATION’) – a signed copy of this form should be returned to the school in the envelope provided. Please return this to schools by the 4th of September, it is essential that consent forms are returned by this date to allow processing to ensure the flu vaccinations can commence on time.

Please note; Parents/Guardians of secondary school pupils should be aware that children who have not returned a consent form may be assessed on the day vaccines are delivered, best efforts to establish if the parent/guardian consents to the vaccine. However, children can self consent to the vaccine even if they are under 16 years of age, following assessment by the vaccinator.

For further information on flu vaccination - https://www.nhsinform.scot/childflu

31/08/2026

The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership are using International Overdose Awareness Day to encourage people to download a free app aimed at preventing overdose across the north of Scotland.

The partnership’s Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) app contains information on how to recognise an overdose, and what to do in an overdose situation.

Today (Wednesday 31 August 2026) marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.

Eve MacLeod, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) Co-ordinator, said: “International Overdose Day helps to remember those who have sadly died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. It is also an opportunity to remind us that overdose is preventable.

“It is important for everyone to be overdose aware; we can all make a contribution and help prevent drug deaths. Recognising an overdose can be difficult, and the HOPE app contains support and guidance on how to recognise if someone is having and overdose and what to do in such a situation."

Read more, including links to download the HOPE at on Android and Apple, at: https://ow.ly/4H4z50ZHfNq

30/08/2026

🚗 Fitness to Drive Roadshows

Confidence behind the wheel comes from keeping your skills up to date.

If you're a mature driver, or have a family member who is, why not stop by the Fitness to Drive Roadshow and chat with the Road Safety Scotland team? They'll be on hand with friendly advice, practical tips and information about Mature Driver Reviews.

A quick check of your driving skills can help you stay safe, confident and independent for longer.

Roadshow locations

📍 Simpsons Garden Centre, Inverness
📅 Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September
🕙 10am to 4pm

📍 Howdens Garden Centre, Inverness
📅 Friday 4 September
🕙 10am to 4pm

📍 Kingussie Golf Club
📅 Sunday 6 September
🕙 10am to 4pm

29/08/2026

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation to understand public awareness, perceptions and experiences of social prescribing through an online survey and conversation.

The feedback will help shape the National Social Prescribing Framework, ensuring future services and support are shaped by the people who use them

Social prescribing connects people with local community support, such as activities, groups, welfare advice, volunteering opportunities, physical activity and cultural programmes. It helps people access the non-medical support they need to improve their wellbeing alongside health and social care services.

Whether you have used this type of support before or not, your views will help shape the future direction of social prescribing in Scotland.

Join the conversation - https://comhairle.scot/conversations

The engagement is open until Thursday 24 September

Social prescribing recognises that health and wellbeing are influenced by more than medical care. The Scottish Government wants to hear your views of getting help with issues such as loneliness or money worries. Your feedback will inform improvements to social prescribing across Scotland.

28/08/2026

Parents and Guardians of children and young people attending primary or secondary school

Flu is a common infectious respiratory virus that can be serious even if you are healthy. The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu and help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others. Flu vaccinations are commencing in schools soon, Flu vaccination consent packs have been delivered to schools for issue to pupils this week.

Please check your child’s school bag for your consent pack.

In the consent pack will be;

A covering letter, a Flu information leaflet and a consent form and a return addressed envelope (marked ‘IMMUNISATION’) – a signed copy of this form should be returned to the school in the envelope provided. Please return this to schools by the 4th of September, it is essential that consent forms are returned by this date to allow processing to ensure the flu vaccinations can commence on time.

Please note; Parents/Guardians of secondary school pupils should be aware that children who have not returned a consent form may be assessed on the day vaccines are delivered, best efforts to establish if the parent/guardian consents to the vaccine. However, children can self consent to the vaccine even if they are under 16 years of age, following assessment by the vaccinator.

For further information on flu vaccination - https://www.nhsinform.scot/childflu

Also available are videos about what to expect during your flu vaccine -

For Primary school pupils
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_98iEGu0Mg

For Secondary school pupils
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQEsskB6oLc

27/08/2026

🏔️ Live and Work in the Scottish Highlands

Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Band 8A) 📍 New Craigs Hospital, Inverness 💷 £65,125 - £70,303 📅 Closing Date: 13 September 2026 ✅ Permanent | Hybrid Working ✅ Relocation Support Available ✅ Newly Qualified & Final-Year Trainees Welcome

Looking for a psychology role where you can make a real difference while enjoying an exceptional quality of life?

NHS Highland is recruiting two Clinical/Counselling Psychologists to join our welcoming Adult Mental Health Psychology team based in Inverness.

You'll become part of a supportive and highly skilled team of psychologists, CBT therapists, CAAPs, assistant psychologists and trainees, delivering evidence-based interventions across Community Mental Health Teams throughout the Highlands.

🌟 What we offer: ✔ Hybrid working with a blend of remote and on-site practice ✔ Extensive supervision, CPD and specialist development opportunities ✔ Training and experience in trauma-informed care ✔ Opportunities in teaching, research and trainee supervision ✔ A genuinely supportive and collaborative psychology department ✔ Relocation expenses available

Our clinicians work across a broad range of therapeutic approaches including: 🧠 CBT 🧠 EMDR 🧠 ACT 🧠 Compassion Focused Therapy 🧠 Schema Therapy 🧠 Cognitive Processing Therapy
And when the working day is done?

Imagine mountains, beaches, lochs, forests and world-class outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. Inverness combines vibrant city living with easy access to some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes.

If you're passionate about adult mental health and looking for a career that's professionally rewarding and personally enriching, we'd love to hear from you.



For more info - check the comments

27/08/2026

Still time to apply for this exciting opportunity within our Psychology Department

An exciting opportunity for the post of Head of Learning Disability (LD) Psychology covering the Highland Council area

Covering community and inpatient work with responsibility for the strategic development and provision of expert, comprehensive, specialist services for people with Learning Disability and their families / carers

High level specialist skills and experience in line management, leadership, governance, service development and audit, clinical supervision, consultation, highly complex risk assessment and interventions, Multi Disciplinary Team working and staff training are central to the role

Informal enquiries and visits are welcome. Please contact Dr Ruth Sumpter, Interim Associate Director of Psychology - [email protected]

For more information please see comments