Dodgy data 2: NHS Lothian to ‘re-model’

Reporting practices surrounding emergency department waiting times are to be ‘re-modelled’ across NHS Lothian following an internal review. An investigation, launched following a whistleblower’s revelations about the under-reporting of waiting times at St John’s in Livingston, has found that ALL emergency care hospitals across the region have misrepresented waiting times. Continue reading Dodgy data 2: NHS Lothian to ‘re-model’

Back the fight against puppy smugglers and backstreet breeders, says animal welfare Minister

People planning to add a four-legged friend to the family this Christmas need to be wary of unscrupulous breeders and sellers, animal welfare Minister Lord Gardiner has warned today. Continue reading Back the fight against puppy smugglers and backstreet breeders, says animal welfare Minister

Don’t be a turkey victim this Christmas

Don’t be a turkey ‘victim’ this Christmas

For many families across the UK, turkey will be the centerpiece of their menu this Christmas. A veritable feast undoubtedly lies in store but the traditional festive food highlight should be treated with the utmost care to avoid harmful bacteria spreading and causing potential infection. Continue reading Don’t be a turkey victim this Christmas

Council’s care staff feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’

Under pressure: City care workers issue distress call

A UNISON survey of the city council’s Health and Social Care workers has concluded that they feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’. The report says many care staff are taking on more work than they can safely manage. Continue reading Council’s care staff feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’

Letters: Tears

Dear Editor

My tears are for all children, women and man who are suffering extreme poverty and starvation

My tears are for all animals, birds and wildlife

My tears are because of all the cruelty and the destruction of trees and natural habitat

But my tears are not tears of despair, they are tears of knowing how different things could be.

We have allowed a relatively few powerful financial organisations to control and exploit – with unbelievable callousness – people, animals and the natural environment for their private profit: these same people having created the biggest financial mess ever seen worldwide and are now passing it on to everyone.

This ‘system’ must be changed. Wealth created by the work of people must be used for the benefits of all people: we would then be able to deal with all these terrible problems.

A.Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Beach litter rises 6% around Scottish coasts in just a year, report reveals

With food and drinks litter accounting for up to 20% of all rubbish found on beaches, the UK’s leading marine charity has launched an appeal to the Scottish Government and others in UK calling for urgent action. The Marine Conservation Society says levies on disposables are needed NOW. Continue reading Beach litter rises 6% around Scottish coasts in just a year, report reveals

ASHA Christmas Bazaar this Sunday

Join us at our Christmas Bazaar in support of the Hope for Girls charity (Meider Jonno Asha). Come and buy unique yet affordable handmade items made by the Asha sponsored girls – perfect as Christmas presents! Feast on authentic home-made Bangladeshi curries. Glam up for the festive season with a henna or glitter tattoo, or some pretty nail art. Bring the kids – we’ve got activities for the young ‘uns too! 

Hope for Girls (Meider Jonno Asha) is a Scottish charity (SCO33691) which has been working to help the poor girls in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the last 20 years. The charity provides education, training, counselling and literacy skills. This valuable work is funded by events such as this Christmas bazaar, so please come along and support it. 

Everyone welcome ! Spread the word ! No Booking required ! 

Event hosted by  Friends of ASHA charity and supported by Granton Parish Church, Granton & District Community Council, ELREC, Granton Scouts, Eastern Pavilion, moiali.com, Shimmy N Shine Parties and many others. 

Check out our event on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/events/292312447932353

For more information on ASHA, check out their website: www.mjasha.org.uk/asha-story