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NHS Lothian nurses recognised in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

Four NHS Lothian nurses, along with a Lothian nursing team, have been announced as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2024.

The awards showcase the very best of nursing across Scotland, highlighting, and celebrating the unwavering commitment and remarkable professional care provided by nursing staff.

Elaine Wilson, Community Staff Nurse, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Nursing & Midwifery Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication in delivering high-quality vaccination services in Midlothian.

In her job, Elaine has innovatively addressed the challenges faced by vaccination teams, including declining vaccination rates, often thinking creatively. She has organised flexible clinics in unique locations, increasing vaccination rates.

She has also overcome barriers to reach underserved communities, like the travelling community. Additionally, she has also secured funding for child-friendly resources to improve the vaccination experience for children and their families.

Fiona Hunt, Team Lead for Organ Perfusion and Preservation, has been named as one of the finalists for the Clinical Leadership Award.

Fiona’s leadership has led to remarkable improvements in transplant outcomes, evidenced by increased liver transplant graft survival rates and reduced complications.

Fiona also contributes to the development of innovative transplantation protocols and technologies and plays a key role in education and research, directing masterclasses and actively participating in clinical studies.

Professor Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse Research and Development, has made the shortlist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing innovation and Research Award.

In partnership with colleagues, Juliet has been nominated for being instrumental in advancing clinical academic careers and research partnerships in various health care disciplines across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

One of Juliet’s projects focuses on nursing and midwifery candidates in the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards scheme.

The scheme aims to build research capacity across clinical teams by providing funding for NHS professionals to participate in research development opportunities.

Frances Aitken, Dementia Nurse Specialist, has been named as a finalist for the Mental Health Nursing Award.

Frances was nominated for her work to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital. Frances has led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme and run’s training for staff which has helped reduce the need for one-to-one nursing, sedation, emergency calls, and has improved pain management for patients.

NHS Lothian’s Strathaird team are shortlisted for the Learning Disability Nursing Award.

The team have been nominated for their exceptional dedication, courage, and compassion in their work for patients in a challenging behaviour unit.

The team managed to successfully transition a complex patient journey to a personalised, nurturing environment, improving both patient and staff safety.

The teams innovative approaches and commitment to positive interaction with patients has garnered impressive results, including increased patient trust and engagement.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to congratulate to all our staff that have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being a finalist is a huge achievement and it really highlights the high quality care and compassion our nurses are giving to patients day in, day out.

“I would like to wish them all good luck.”

Minimum Unit Pricing rise supported

Holyrood agrees continuation of policy and increase to 65p

The minimum price per unit of alcohol will increase by 15 pence after the Scottish Parliament approved plans to continue with the public health measure.

As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it had been due to end on 30 April, however today’s vote by MSPs ensures its continuation.

In addition, a price increase was required to counteract the effects of inflation, with a rise to 65p selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.

The increase will take effect on 30 September 2024.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I’m pleased that Parliament has agreed to continue MUP legislation and to raise the level it is set at.

“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.

“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one. However, as a letter to The Lancet by public health experts makes clear, it is likely that without MUP there would have been an even greater number of alcohol-specific deaths.

“As we have made clear, the policy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by reducing consumption at population level, with a particular focus on targeting people who drink at hazardous and harmful levels.

“We believe the proposals strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers. Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole but we will continue to monitor this.”

Trinity Crescent incident: Police urge nurse to come forward

NURSE WHO HELPED VICTIM MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are continuing their enquiries into a serious crash on Trinity Crescent and are appealing for a specific witness to come forward.

The incident, which happened around 5.50pm on Wednesday, 10 April, 2024, involved a white Citroen Relay van and a 59-year-old male pedestrian.

The man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where his condition has been described as critical. The driver of the van, a 40-year-old man, was arrested and released pending further enquiries.

Police are keen to speak with a potential witness, a female nurse who came to the injured man’s assistance and left prior to police arrival.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our enquiries into this collision are ongoing and we are thankful to those members of the public who have spoken with officers to date.

“We are looking to speak to a nurse who we understand assisted at the scene, as she may be able to assist our enquiries further.

“If this was you, or you believe you can help identify her, please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2772 of 10 April.

Disappearing Bank Branches: Another one bites the dust

Deirdre Brock comments on closure of Leith RBS branch

Deidre Brock MP has commented on the news that the Leith branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland is set to close on October 10.

The closure forms part of a new tranche of network closures from the NatWest group with branches on Nicolson Street and Bruntsfield Place also set for the axe. This will leave only three permanent RBS branches remaining in the city (St Andrew Square, Princes Street and St Johns Road), plus a mobile branch.

In its closure announcement the bank promised “no further review of our Royal Bank of Scotland branch network until at least 2026”.

The Edinburgh North and Leith MP has written to the bank requesting further information about the decision.

Ms Brock said: “I am shocked by the decision from RBS to close their branch in Leith. This is one of the most densely populated parts of Scotland and the closure will greatly disadvantage many small businesses and customers in our community who rely on counter services.

“There are plenty of people who still prefer face to face custom, and many more who still need it. Not everyone uses phone banking and more vulnerable people shouldn’t be expected to travel up to the city centre or head to Musselburgh every time they need to bank.

“It all started for RBS back in 1727, before they became the bank which was ‘too big to fail’ in 2008 and were bailed out from the public purse. Now it’s sad to see more and more branches disappearing from our High Streets. Like all banks, they should have a duty to meet the diverse needs of their customers, not just the dividends of shareholders.

“The promise that they won’t close any more before 2026 doesn’t exactly give confidence of a long term commitment to keep the remaining branch network running.

“Decisions like these taken in corporate boardrooms do untold damage to communities like Leith and if the banks won’t act, perhaps government should to protect the network. Otherwise we are hurtling headlong towards a cashless society and deepening the digital divide – we need to pause and take stock before it’s too late.

“I have written to RBS seeking more details on why they chose to close the Leith branch and what they are doing to protect both customers and staff affected.”

Luxury care home offering top-notch healthcare for residents

Frequent GP appointments and in-house healthcare on offer for residents at leading home

A LEADING Scottish care home has revealed its residents currently benefit from some of the best healthcare in the country within a care setting, thanks to world-class in-house facilities and frequent GP checkups.

With research from the British Medical Journal showing that frequent, primary healthcare decreases mortality and hospital visits; dementia care experts Cramond Residence has prioritised its resident’s care by ensuring all of them have access to GP visits twice a week.

The home boasts some of the most extensive care in Scotland, providing its residents with top-tier facilities through its wellness and physiotherapy suite, an in-house GP, a room dedicated to Allied Health Professionals, and a gym.

Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence said: “Usually, those who stay with us are dealing with complex health issues and we want to ensure that we provide them with the very best healthcare possible.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to provide this to our residents, by offering frequent GP checkups we can ensure we are on top of any medical concerns and that our resident’s families can have peace of mind knowing that any issues are frequently monitored and managed.

“We believe we have one of the best care programmes in Scotland. We have a fantastic in-house nursing team and state-of-the-art facilities and this is further solidified by the frequent GP visits which our residents benefit from every Tuesday and Friday.”

Specialising in a comprehensive range of dementia care services, the home accommodates residents in both its communal living spaces and a dedicated section for those with advanced dementia needs.

The residence ensures optimal care through continuous assessment and a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, all within a setting designed to promote independence and well-being.

Ross added: “Our team keep the GPs updated about on any medical challenges that our residents face, and then after a thorough check-up, the GP’s insights help us update our records and fine-tune care plans to meet each resident’s unique needs.

“Everything we do happens right here in the comfort of the residence, so there’s hardly any disruption to the everyday lives of our residents. Plus, having the same friendly faces of doctors for check-ups brings a comforting sense of consistency and trust for both our residents and their loved ones.”

Since its opening in October 2018, after an investment of £8m, the Cramond Residence has championed the concept of small group living, emphasising social connections.

The residence offers a selection of activities designed for individuals with dementia, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Equipped with modern facilities and supported by a dedicated team, the home is committed to providing care, support, and respite for its residents.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Running for RNLI: Edinburgh man takes on ten race challenge

Edinburgh–based Kevin White, who works as a Compliance Officer for Scotmid, is taking on a ten-race challenge to raise money for the RNLI, Scotmid’s charity partner for 2024.

The 38-year-old grew up in the coastal area of South Queensferry, so has always recognised the vital role the RNLI plays in saving lives at sea. Having worked at Scotmid for 23 years, supporting numerous good causes through group fundraising events, this will be his first individual fundraising challenge for a charity partner.

Kevin has already completed – and enjoyed – the Supernova Kelpies in March and is most looking forward to the Scottish Half Marathon in August.

Kevin White, Scotmid Compliance Officer, said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting such an important charity for communities around the UK.

“My father and grandfather were keen runners, but I only took up running during lockdown, so this challenge is a great opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I am loving the challenge but not sure if my legs will agree by the end of the year!”

Kirsty Connell, Membership & Community Manager (East) at Scotmid, said: “We are immensely proud of Kevin and his achievements in this challenge so far.

“Through our partnership with the RNLI, we hope to raise enough funds to purchase a new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat. It’s great to see our colleagues contributing through individual and team challenges. Good luck Kevin!”

Through the partnership, Scotmid is fundraising to purchase an Atlantic 85 lifeboat for the RNLI which will serve in the reserve fleet for when lifeboats across the UK are undergoing maintenance. The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment.

To support Kevin’s 10 race challenge, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/scotmidkevinwhite2024

The SI: Rebrand for MGA Academy

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television (The SI) is today unveiled as the new name of Scotland’s leading arts education institution, and only CMDT-accredited school in Scotland, formerly known as the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

The renaming comes from the institute’s new ownership from major Irish production studio, Silver Rock Studios. Leading with an official rebrand and relocation, its new commercial model aims to reflect the institute’s existing position as a leader in the global performing arts landscape, as well as its new global footprint.

The institute has transitioned to a larger campus in Livingston, with brand new state-of-the-art facilities and resources, which will be open to international students for the first time.

The new model incorporates world class training from some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside high-end sponsorships for industry-standard tech and equipment, which will solidify its offering of world-leading arts education for both local and global talent.

The school is now also able to guarantee students credits on their CV through Silver Rock Studios, and new partnerships with global companies will remove many of the financial barriers to high quality performing arts training for home-grown talent.

The restructure enables the academy to expand its foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses across the performing arts, and increase intake of both full-time and part-time students, with the capacity to triple the previous student enrolment.

The Scottish Institute will offer the highest quality of training from world-leading educators and faculty, reflecting its culture of nurturing inclusivity, equality and learning. As part of its new industry-leading facilities, the institute has opened the Howden Park Theatre, an innovative and fully equipped performance space with a 300-seater auditorium and rehearsal rooms to facilitate all student performances.

Having built a strong reputation as one of the foremost centres for performing arts education in the country, The Scottish Institute has secured funding from West Lothian Council, Creative Scotland, and Scottish Government Funding enabling it to expand and strengthen it’s offering to student.

The Scottish Institute will open the doors to its new campus with an official launch event on 25^th of April 2024, featuring a selection of student performances and an all-star guest list.

As a leading vocational performing arts school, the launch of the new campus and title marks a transformative time for The Scottish Institute, demonstrating its commitment to exceptional, high-quality teaching and its dedication to paving the path for students’ successful entry into the performing arts, film and television industries.

President and CEO of The Scottish Institute, Andy Egan says: “It is an honour to introduce The Scottish Institute and open our brand-new campus to our wonderful students, staff and visitors.

“The institute is built on the academy’s reputation and our roots in Edinburgh. This pivotal expansion further marks our commitment to fostering an environment where creativity, learning, and profession development take centre stage.

“We are delighted to open our new campus to international students this year, and introduce our faculty of experienced and talented professors to new students.

“As we invite our students to our new, state-of-the-art Livingston campus we aspire to nurture a hub that champions creativity, entrepreneurship, and learning to inspire the next generation of talent.”

MSPs join residents to demand a new Winchburgh Train Station

Foysol Choudhury MSP has joined Winchburgh residents outside the Scottish Parliament to deliver a petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie, calling on the Scottish Government to name a date for a new train station for Winchburgh.

Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.

As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built.

Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents for almost 2 years and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.

Yesterday the Labour Lothians list MSP joined the residents of Winchburgh outside the Scottish Parliament to call for action from the Scottish Government and deliver the petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie.

Following the rally outside Holyrood, Mr Choudhury said: “Winchburgh community have campaigned for many years for a much-needed train station and I have been raising this for almost 2 years at the Scottish Parliament.

“I was pleased to join the community today in delivering a petition for the Minister-it is time for the Scottish Government to take action, enough is enough.

“The Scottish Government needs to stop passing the buck and take responsibility for ensuring this much-needed and long-awaited station can finally be delivered.

“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town.

“Instead, the Scottish Government do not seem to be taking these collaborative efforts to solve this important issue of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh seriously.

“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.

“I am hopeful this petition and the clear strength of feeling from the community will lead to action from the Scottish Government – let’s get Winchburgh train station sorted!”

Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents and will work with all relevant stakeholders possible to secure the station for his constituents.

Foysol Choudhury MSP’s video on the matter here:

https://youtu.be/TeSkQ5ZuaSY?feature=shared

What’s On at North Edinburgh Community Festival next month?

SATURDAY 11th MAY 12 – 5.30pm at WEST PILTON PARK

What can you expect from the festival this year?

80 stalls from local organisations, charities and groups hosting interactive activities such as glitter tattoos, hair braiding, craft workshops, facepainting, games, help, advice, storytime.

Edinburgh festivals – Edinburgh Science festival with their cargo tricycles and science demonstrations.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – street performers.

Edinburgh Book Festival – free books and talks.

Colla Castellera – building human towers.

Edinburgh Equi Centre returns with their horses.

Obstacle course from North Edinburgh Childcare, and activities from Royal Air Force, Army and Scottish Fire Services.

Art and craft workshops with North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries of Scotland, video games and scavenger hunt with Tinderbox Collective.

We have Granton Giants Dodgeball, Super strikers and Blast Boxing.

And things to buy include, tie dye clothing, pocket money toys, wax melts, cupcakes, dog accessories etc.

As for food we have RRT handing out free burgers again but we also have cupcakes and cookies, Indian food, hotdogs plus several other stalls to purchase food from.

We have 2 Music Stages this year – the park stage filled with community music and performances and the North by North West stage inside the WPNC for up and coming young musicians.

The parade will kick start the festival, starting at North Edinburgh Childcare and heading along Ferry Road Drive, round the park and into the park. Everyone welcome to join in the parade – theme is Superheroes!

There is so much going on at the festival, with something for everyone. I hope that you will all come along and enjoy the day.

The festival is free to attend. Many of the activities/food/items will be free but there will also be some that require payment.

Please feel free to share this and spread the word.

#northedinfest

Edinburgh International Book Festival reveals first author events for 2024

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced its first author events for 2024, with a brand-new series called The Front List, taking place at the city’s iconic McEwan Hall throughout August, in a new partnership with Edinburgh Fringe producer, Underbelly.

The Front List will showcase an exciting programme of writers with nine events in the beloved Edinburgh venue, just a short walk from the wider Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

The Front List programme will open on 10 August with modern legends of stage and screen, Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson, sharing some hilarious tales about their classic comedy characters from Victor and Barry’s Kelvinside Compendium.

On 12 August James O’Brien will appear fresh from his popular LBC radio show to discuss the current state of the UK and his book How They Broke Britian, while cult favourite author of Heartstopper – now a smash-hit Netflix series – Alice Oseman takes the stage on 13 August.

On 14 August, every millennial’s parasocial best friend, Dolly Alderton, will discuss her work, including her achingly funny second novel Good Material, and on 17 August the iconic, Booker Prize-winning Salman Rushdie appears live from his home in New York to offer a searing insight into his unforgettable new memoir Knife.

YA favourite Sarah Crossan will appear at a special event for secondary school students as part of the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme on 21 August, while on 22 August prolific historical novelist Philippa Gregory explores her epic new take on feminist history in her enlightening new non-fiction title, Normal Women.

The programme will close with two exclusive pre-release events with authors talking about their new titles in public for the first time: Richard Osman – whose Thursday Murder Club series claimed a staggering 3 slots on The Sunday Times’ top 10 bestselling books of 2023 – discusses We Solve Murders, the first in his brand-new mystery series, on 24 August; and on 25 August the conversation-changing author and mental health activist Matt Haig, whose most recent book The Midnight Library has sold 9 million copies and counting, returns to the Festival to discuss his upcoming novel The Life Impossible.

Chairs for these events include Jackie Kay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Wren James, Mishal Husain, and Chitra Ramaswamy, with more to be confirmed.

Tickets for The Front List events will go on sale to the public at 10am on Thu 25 April, with tickets available to book at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on and https://underbelly.co.uk/.

Most events in this series will be streamed live and made available on-demand for digital audiences, and all events will be BSL interpreted and captioned.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Director, Jenny Niven said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be presenting such a stellar line-up in a venue that will enable us to welcome more people than ever before, in partnership with our friends at Underbelly.

“These are just the first of our 2024 events, with a further incredible 500-plus still to be announced.

“Our Front List line up gives a taste of what’s to come ranging from history to mystery, hope to romance, politics to comedy – and featuring some of the best interviewers in the business, including Mishal Husain and our very own Jackie Kay. This marks the first release of events as we open an exciting new chapter for the Book Festival – we can’t wait to welcome audiences this August.”

Underbelly Co-Director, Charlie Wood said: “This is such a great partnership to be part of, bringing together two of Edinburgh’s summer festivals in a crown jewel of the city, allowing a wider audience to see these amazing writers discuss their work in a venue with a fabulous and long history of speakers.

“We’re delighted that the Book Festival will be part of our wider and soon to be announced McEwan Hall programme.”

The 2024 Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 10 – 25 August, and takes place for the first time at the new Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.

The full public programme will be announced on Tuesday 4 June.

For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit:

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/