Day: July 12, 2020

Millions needed to get stroke research back on track

UK’s leading stroke charity warns research faces long-term threat due to coronavirus pandemic

Over three quarters (74%) of stroke research projects in Scotland funded by the Stroke Association have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, the UK’s leading stroke charity anticipates a shortfall of £1.5 million in its funding programme this year, to resume current research and support vital new projects.

The charity warns of a catastrophic knock on effect for stroke research which could delay access to important new life-changing treatments that allow people to rebuild their lives after stroke. This comes amidst reports of a link between stroke and coronavirus which places greater urgency on research.

There are around 15,000 strokes every year in Scotland and it is a leading cause of adult disability.  Despite this, research remains underfunded in comparison to strokes devastating effects and other conditions, such as cancer.

This has been the case for many years. In 2016, the charity revealed that just £48 is spent on stroke research per patient, compared to £241 on cancer research.

This has now been compounded by the devastation that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the charity’s fundraising capabilities and researchers’ abilities to continue their work. 

Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in Scotland. Last year, the charity invested over £2 million into stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation which is now under threat.   Over 35% of the charity’s research funding is dedicated to research in Scotland.

Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It changes lives in an instant.

“Our research has been at the centre of major breakthroughs that have saved lives and sparked innovation in stroke care and treatment. Our work lay the foundations for one of the most successful public health awareness campaigns in England, the Act FAST campaign, which helps people to recognise the signs and symptoms of stroke.

“We also funded early research into the new emergency stroke treatment, thrombectomy, the manual removal of stroke-causing blood clots. This has seen many patients spared the most devastating effects of stroke.

“But a lack of funding for research is now a ticking-time bomb. If we don’t act now the coronavirus pandemic could set back stroke research for years to come. The research community will struggle to get projects back up and running, but it’s vital for every stroke survivor and their loved ones that we do.”

Findings from the charity’s survey also reveal the broader impacts that the pandemic has had on stroke researchers:

  • One in five researchers (22%) will need more funding.
  • Two-thirds (66%) of researchers have said they need to make changes to their studies for their projects to continue. This could have added cost implications and change what the researchers had initially set out to achieve.
  • One in five (18%) research projects had team members redeployed to front line work NHS working, for example as neurologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Many of the charity’s researchers are working hard to resume their projects during these uncertain times.

Professor Joanna Wardlaw at the University of Edinburgh, is looking into the impacts of stroke on thinking and memory. This research project is funded in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation.

 She said: “Stroke continues to strike with devastating effects. But all of a sudden, due to coronavirus, we were forced to stop inviting new stroke patients to take part in our study.

“However, we responded quickly to change our plans and we’re now also recording information about coronavirus exposure and illness in stroke patients recruited into our study. This is incredibly important at this time and will help us to understand more about many aspects of the effect of the virus on stroke patients.

“We’ve been talking to stroke survivors across Scotland and the UK who are feeling the emotional impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. We’ve seen a big increase in anxiety and low mood and it’s harder than ever to access support at this time. It’s only with funding by charities that we can carry out research to improve treatment for people affected by stroke.”

Dr Ahmed adds: “Stroke continues to strike every five minutes and as risk of stroke increases with age, it remains one of the greatest health challenges in our society.

“People can rebuild their lives after stroke but there is still much we don’t know. Research is crucial to find out why people are struggling, and new ways to overcome the challenges that millions of people affected by stroke face every day.

“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic will be felt by stroke survivors and researchers for years to come. If you can, please help raise vital funds so that we can find new ways to help prevent and treat stroke and help more stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

The Stroke Association fund critical research, provide specialist support and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. To find out more visit stroke.org.uk/research or to donate please go to: stroke.org.uk/donate-research   

Coronavirus: last stats for Scotland

As at 5th July, 4,173  deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of 17 deaths from the previous week, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.

From 29th June to 5th July, 40 fewer deaths from all causes were registered compared with the average number for this time of year. This is the second week in a row the total number of deaths registered has been lower than the average.

New analysis of deaths registered up to 14th June shows that deaths among people from the South Asian ethnic group were almost twice as likely to involve COVID-19 than deaths in the White ethnic group, after accounting for age group, sex, area deprivation and urban/rural classification.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “For the first time, we have produced additional analysis on deaths involving COVID-19 by ethnic group and the findings show that over the course of the pandemic to date, COVID-19 was a more common cause of death for people in the South Asian ethnic group, compared to people in the White ethnic group.

“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.

“Understanding the impact of how the virus differs by ethnic group is vitally important; however, due to the low number of completed records for deaths involving COVID-19 in other minority ethnic groups, it is not possible to produce statistics for these groups.

NRS will continue to play our part and work alongside Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide robust information to help us understand the progression and impact of the virus.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

The report Analysis of deaths involving (COVID-19) in Scotland, by ethnic group is available on this website.

Dogstar Theatre Online: Factor 9

Factor 9 by Hamish MacDonald

from the testimonies of Bruce Norval and Robert Mackie

Online release date: Wednesday July 15, 2020

The UK Government’s Infected Blood Inquiry began public hearings in April 2019, five years after Dogstar opened Factor 9, Hamish MacDonald’s play about the scandal, as part of the Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture in Sweden. 

The Inquiry continues and Factor 9 remains as relevant now as when it opened.  Indeed, some of those at the heart of the 35-year campaign for justice cite Factor 9 as a significant influencer towards the granting of the public inquiry. 

Dogstar Theatre Online will release our production with Vimeo on Demand on Wednesday July 15, adding to our current online offer The Tailor of Inverness and Brian Ross and Hopscotch Films’ outstanding documentary Circling A Fox.

The infected blood scandal is now recognised as the greatest healthcare disaster in the history of the NHS.  Factor 9 has been seen by health ministers and other leading politicians in both the Scottish and Westminster governments, and by all leading members of the inquiry, including its chairman, Sir Brian Langstaff.

There is an uncounted legion of victims across the world.  Official figures in the UK cite around 5,000 people who were infected with HIV and Hepatitis through the administration of contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 80s. 

Half of this number are now dead as a result and new deaths occur every month.  There are no figures for the infection of spouses, children, and other relatives.

The multi-media performance tells the true story of two Scottish haemophiliacs, Bruce Norval from Inverness and Rab Mackie from the Scottish Borders, and how their lives were devastated from an early age by NHS-prescribed blood clotting products.

With tremendous performances by Matthew Zajac (Bruce) and Stewart Porter (Rab), Factor 9confronts how society can react towards its most vulnerable in the moment of a pandemic – and what can happen in the name of medical research.

In the enclosed world of the abandoned ward, a decades-long struggle with government and health authorities for recognition and truth unfolds, taking an uncompromising journey from the 1940s Nazi military-industrial complex to the 1960s Arkansas prison system via the 1980s AIDS crisis to the haemophilia clinics of Scotland, asking, how could this happen?

Director Ben Harrison said “When Hamish and Matthew approached me with the subject, I saw a great opportunity to uncover theatrically a great scandal.

“We hoped to achieve a similar balance between the visually compelling and the emotionally powerful that Matthew and I achieved with The Tailor of Inverness. The betrayal of the principle of care that lies at the heart of the story will I am sure both touch and anger audiences.” 

Composer/sound designer Pippa Murphy, set and costumes Emily James, lighting Paul Claydon

The 2014 production was supported by Creative Scotland and produced in association with leading Swedish theatre company Profilteatern and Umea 2014 European Capital of Culture.

www.vimeo.com/ondemand/factor9

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk  www.taintedblood.info

Running time: 84 minutes

The production contains strong language. Age suitability 14+

Customer Service Ambassadors prepare for Ocean Terminal reopening

Ocean Terminal shopping centre will re-open tomorrow (Monday 13 July) with measures in place to welcome back shoppers both warmly and safely.

Home to leading brands, including Superdry, French Connection, Waterstones and M&S Simply Food, the entire centre situated in the heart of Leith has undergone a deep clean before re-opening, with signage and directional walkways set up to help shoppers maintain social distancing throughout its spacious malls.  

Hand sanitiser stations and a continuous cleaning operation have been established.

Customer service ‘ambassadors’ will also be available to help guide shoppers and offer reassurance.

In a phased re-opening to allow the 420,000 sq ft centre to get back to normal in a calm and well-managed way, the vast majority of stores including some food outlets will be open on 13 July, with leisure and restaurants following when safely able to do so.

Hairdressers Charlie Miller, opening on 15 July, will be operating a 12-hour day to accommodate all clients and will have a variety of measures in place within the salon to ensure the safety of both client and stylist.

The Royal Yacht Britannia will re-open on Monday 27th July with an online booking system. Hygiene measures will be of a royal standard, allowing the whole family to create treasured memories together exploring the five decks of the ship.

Inline with government guidelines the centre’s leisure facilities, the Farmer’s Market and Car Boot Sale will all open again in the next few weeks.

As additional businesses reopen, customers will be kept up to date via the centre’s social channels and website.

Michelle MacLeod said: “We have had amazing support from our stores and the local community over the lockdown and it is our intention that we re-open in a calm but thorough, well-thought out way to keep our shoppers and our colleagues safe.

“We have the advantage of having a great deal of space at Ocean Terminal, and if customers are anxious, we will have staff trained to help.

“We have been liaising closely with all our stores, cafes, restaurants and attractions and we’re confident that all our customers will receive a warm and safe welcome back. It is certainly good to feel that some normality is returning, and we have worked hard to ensure the re-opening is done in the right way to protect our community.”

Ocean Terminal was recently acquired by ICG Real Estate and its Scottish partner Ambassador Group, who have pledged to invest £10m in upgrades and developments at the centre. 

 Taking a community focused approach to meeting the needs of the expanding residential and commercial areas across Leith, new plans include the introduction of residential, office and amenity space.

For further information visit:

https://www.loc8nearme.co.uk/scotland/edinburgh/oasis/190185/

Bike hire offer to encourage cycling take-up

Users of Edinburgh’s bike hire scheme can benefit from a four-month pass for the price of less than one, as part of an offer launching tomorrow (Monday 13 July).

People have been able to try out the bikes for free since 29 June under an initiative giving riders their first 30 minutes of use at no cost, encouraging the public to give cycling a go. Since then more than 2000 free passes have been redeemed.

The second phase of the deal aims to promote long-term use of the bikes by providing a limited number of four-month passes for just £10. The ‘Back to Work pass’ replaces the existing 30 minutes free offer to support people to consider alternatives to private car use while managing demand for public transport as they return to work.

This has been made possible by funding from Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme.

Since the beginning of lockdown there has been a significant increase in cycling, with numbers up by 16% across the city’s bike counters, while the bike hire scheme experienced its most successful day yet.

To help people cycle and walk safely while observing physical distancing as lockdown restrictions are eased, we’re in the process of introducing temporary changes across the city, from road closures to temporary cycle lanes.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (above) said: “We’re delighted to be able extend our offer to help more people benefit from our hire bikes for longer.

“As we begin to return to some sense of normality, and as residents go back to work, more people will need to travel, and this will provide an affordable alternative to private cars while reducing pressure on public transport.

“There’s been a real surge in cycling over recent months, and we want to see this continue, benefiting the environment and the public’s health. That’s why we’re delivering improvements across the city that will make cycling and walking even easier and safer as lockdown is lifted.”

George Lowder, Transport for Edinburgh Chief Executive, said: “Transport for Edinburgh are delighted that Transport Scotland have provided funding, to allow access to the Edinburgh Cycle Scheme, to provide experience of a car free alternative commute, as we begin to return to work.

Alex Macdonald, General Manager of Edinburgh Cycle Hire, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people trying the scheme for the first time thanks to the promotion.

“Cycle hire schemes offer users the chance to try cycling without investing in a bike or e-bike of their own, and are therefore a crucial gateway to convert people into regular cyclists.

“It is my hope that our new users continue to discover the benefits of city cycling and incorporate the scheme into their daily routines. Our recent usage figures show that more people have taken to cycling during the pandemic and to meet this demand we have invested operationally across the scheme to the benefit of new and existing users”.

In June, both Edinburgh and Glasgow launched free cycle share initiatives, made possible with funding from Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, managed by charity Paths for All (see below).

Similarly to an annual pass, the £10 ‘Back to Work pass’ lets users hire a pedal bike for up to an hour at time, with per-minute charges after an hour, and removes the unlock fee on e-bikes. This will be available as the ‘Back to Work Pass’ option on the Just Eat Cycle app from 7am on Monday, 13 June.

The cycle share initiative came into effect last month through Scottish Government funding as part of Phase 2, when more COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, easing pressure on public transport and helping those who don’t own a bike or have anywhere to store one.

More than 1,300 cycles located at nearly 200 bike stations were made available for free hire in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the first 30-minutes of every journey.

Bikes can play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s green recovery by providing an alternative to private car journeys, helping manage demand on public transport, as well as benefiting health and the environment.

  • In Edinburgh, the first 30 minutes of bike hire on pedal bikes will be free for the next 14 days. The usual per-minute charge is 10p. Access fees for e-bikes will also be free, although usage will incur the usual per-minute charge. Edinburgh also plans to release a new four-month discounted pass from July 13 to encourage long-term uptake of cycling.

The collaboration is being led by the charity CoMoUK which promotes the use of shared transport, and is funded by Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme managed by the charity Paths for All.

The scheme is in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Transport for Edinburgh, and bike share operators nextbike in Glasgow and Serco in Edinburgh.

In Edinburgh, over 500 ‘Just Eat’ bikes are available for hire, with 107 stations across the capital.

Both cities have created more cycle lane space in response to the coronavirus pandemic through Scottish Government funding, and bike share operators are undertaking enhanced cleaning regimes, regularly cleaning handlebars and keypads.

The free trips will be available to anyone, for any type of journey, and can be used for exercise, shopping and commuting to work. Bikes can be hired on a ‘pay as you go’ basis or by subscription, with registration via app or website.

As more lockdown restrictions are eased, analysis shows that up to 55 per cent of employees could be travelling to their normal workplace, a rise from 30 per cent in full lockdown. That could result in an increase in the number of passengers on public transport by around by a third from current levels of 225,000 per day.

Transport Scotland continues to ask people to stay local where possible and to walk, wheel or cycle in order to manage demand on the public transport network and to protect our environment.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “I’m pleased we can offer free access to bikes in Glasgow and Edinburgh through our support of the Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme.

“We’ve seen increased rates of cycling and increased use of our public hire bicycle schemes across the lockdown period and this offer will help maintain this shift in travel behaviour at a critical time in our COVID-19 response.

“By offering free 30-minute trips, in conjunction with temporary infrastructure in Glasgow and Edinburgh, we can greatly incentivise more sustainable everyday journeys in Phases 2 and 3 of the Scottish Government route map.

“For people in our two biggest cities, this initiative will benefit our health, our environment and will help to manage demand on our public transport network.”

Lorna Finlayson, Scotland director of CoMoUK, said: “Investment in cycling capacity and infrastructure is vitally important, however we want to make sure that everyone, from all walks of life, can benefit.

“As bike share is accessible, affordable and flexible it can play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s green recovery by providing an alternative to private car journeys and helping to ease pressure on public transport.”

Councillor Anna Richardson, Glasgow City Council convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “This free hire initiative will help to encourage people who perhaps haven’t considered cycling before to give it a try.

“Having 30 minutes of free travel every time will let people see for themselves that it’s a convenient, healthy and environmentally positive way to travel around our city centre and neighbourhoods.

“We’ve recently seen the popularity of cycling swell, and as lockdown restrictions are relaxed we’re keen to maintain this mode of travel as an attractive, safe, long-term transport choice for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, City of Edinburgh Council transport and environment convener, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer free trips on our hire bikes.

“More and more people are making healthy, sustainable choices about how they travel around our capital city and this substantial offer will make it even easier and more attractive for more people enjoy cycling, including by e-bikes.

“Use of the cycle hire scheme has leapt in Edinburgh over recent months, along with cycling in general, which is very good news for the city and our residents.

“We’re implementing significant changes across the city to help people walk and cycle safely while observing physical distancing. Our additional offer of a discounted four-month bike hire membership will help many more people take advantage of these improvements as we emerge from lockdown.”

Ian Findlay CBE, chief officer at Paths for All, said: “Having Scotland’s two largest cities running an initiative like this at the sametime is hugely significant and sends a very clear message about the importance of a green recovery.

“It’s also the largest public bike hire scheme that our Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme has ever supported so we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this project and realise the many benefits of active travel.”

Transport Scotland continues to ask people to stay local where possible and to walk, wheel or cycle in order to manage demand on the public transport network and to protect our environment.

Police launch motorcycle safety campaign

Police Scotland has launched its annual campaign to ensure the safety of motorcyclists using Scotland’s roads with a weekend of action across the country.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and while they make up just one per cent of the traffic on our roads they account for around 13 per cent of fatalities.

Police Scotland is committed to improving road safety through targeted campaign activity to raise awareness of the risks to vulnerable road users.

During the summer months, increased focus is given to motorcycle safety as larger numbers of motorcyclists take their bikes out to take advantage of the good weather.

As such, Road Policing Officers are urging motorists to be extra vigilant for motorcycles during their journeys and ensure they give sufficient room when following or overtaking bikers.

Similarly, drivers are reminded to continually check for motorcycles when moving off, or emerging from junctions.

Riders also have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety by travelling at an appropriate speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions, wearing high-visibility clothing and always wearing a helmet and other appropriate attire.

In previous years, officers would hold engagement events at various locations for motorcycle riders. However, due to the current physical distancing guidelines, such large-scale events are not possible at this time.

Anyone wishing to obtain information on how they can stay safe on Scotland’s roads should access the road safety information and guidance available on the Police Scotland or Road Safety Scotland websites.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1281597838808555520

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division, said: “As we have seen in the past few weeks, Scotland has experienced some glorious weather, and similar dry and sunny spells are expected throughout the rest of the summer.

“This means that increased traffic on our roads is likely, including a larger number of motorcyclists.

“With that in mind, it is essential that all drivers are mindful of other road users and pay particular attention for motorbikes. Likewise, they must ensure their behaviour behind the wheel does not put riders, or anyone else, at risk.

“Motorcyclists must also play their part in keeping themselves safe and I would urge motorcyclists to always ride responsibly, ensuring they wear all the necessary safety clothing and travel at safe speeds, appropriate to the conditions they face.

“Road Policing Officers will continue to monitor the road network across the country and any offences we observe will be dealt with appropriately, be it educating drivers and riders or taking enforcement action.

“Please help us in our efforts to reduce road casualties and fatalities by taking all relevant safety precautions when driving or riding. If you would like advice and guidance on how to stay safe on Scotland’s roads then please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk or Road Safety Scotland at https://roadsafety.scot “

Designated person hospital visiting

People in hospital who do not have coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to have a designated visitor from tomorrow, Monday 13 July.

Until now, hospital visits during the pandemic have only been permitted in limited essential circumstances. These include where a patient is reaching end-of-life, where a patient needs a birthing partner to be present or where people with mental health issues would be caused distress if they didn’t receive the benefit of a visit.

In the first phase of this three part plan, hospital visitors will need to adhere to strict public health guidance to ensure patient, staff and visitor safety, and to protect progress made in suppressing the spread of COVID-19.

All hospital visitors must:

  • arrange a time to visit in advance with ward staff
  • not visit any other patient in the hospital
  • adhere to strict hand hygiene and face covering guidance
  • maintain strict physical distancing in communal areas of hospital
  • not visit anyone in hospital if they have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19

Specific visiting arrangements may vary between health boards depending on the type of care patients are receiving, and the space available in different care settings to maintain physical distancing.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Restricting access to people in hospital has been necessary to keep patients and staff as safe as possible and it has helped us protect the capacity and resilience of NHS Scotland.

“I want to thank everyone who has followed this guidance as I know how hard it has been for patients, families and carers not to have seen their loved ones in hospital. The continued progress we are making in suppressing the virus has allowed us to safely, and in a series of phases, resume hospital visiting in line with clinical expert advice.

“There is a need to balance the risk of physical and psychological harm that the absence of visitors can cause, with the gradual reduction of COVID-19. We have worked with Health Protection Scotland to plan how we safely restore a person-centered approach to visiting in Scotland’s hospitals.

“The safety of patients, staff and visitors will continue to be our priority. I want to reassure you that we are taking these precautions so that we can safely offer the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

Updated guidance for hospital visitors can be read online.

Essential hospital visiting is permitted for patients with COVID-19. Essential visits includes circumstances such as, but not limited to, visits at end-of-life, birthing partners, to accompany children, and to visit people with mental health issues such as dementia, learning disabilities or autism where not having a visit would cause distress.

Updates on public health advice for COVID-19 can be found on NHS Inform, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.  If patients have any concerns they should contact 999 for emergencies or 111 for any urgent requests.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should now contact the NHS to arrange to be tested – either online at NHS Inform, or by calling 0800 028 2816.