Day: July 29, 2020

Cancer clinical trials back on track

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, patients across Lothian and the south-east of Scotland have continued to receive cancer treatment through a range of clinical trials.

Recently, with pandemic restrictions easing, more patients have resumed participation in cancer trials. And today (29 July) teams in the South East Scottish Cancer Research Network (SESCRN) are pleased to announce that any remaining trials that have been on hold in the region are all now able to reopen and would like to reassure patients that all trial options will be available to them.

The SESCRN teams – based in the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital – are also recruiting patients to take part in a series of new clinical trials.

Stefan Symeonides, a Consultant Oncologist and Clinical Lead for SESCRN, said: “COVID-19 presented us with significant challenges – and still does – but our teams have worked hard to minimise disruption caused by the pandemic.

“We’ve had to adapt how trials are delivered to patients, implementing a range of infection prevention and control measures required as a result of COVID-19, including social distancing. This enabled all patients already started on clinical trials for cancer treatment to remain on those trials.”

However, COVID-19 has restricted access to clinical trials for other patients who would have started treatment during the peak of the COVID-19 challenges.

“We share the concern and frustration experienced by these patients, which is why we are pleased that the recent easing of pandemic restrictions has allowed us to open trials back up again and widen patient access to other trials,” said Stefan Symeonides. “We are now able to reopen all remaining studies and we are excited to have started recruiting patients to new clinical trials.”

Dot Boyle, Network Manager with SESCRN, said: “Colleagues across the Network have made monumental efforts to continue clinical trials.

“For example, we were able to keep some trials running, where there were no safety concerns for patients and, since June, a range of other trials have resumed. We are currently engaged in over 100 clinical trials, half of which are open, with the other half now due to open imminently.

“In addition, every day, our teams work in collaboration with a range of partners to help facilitate more and more new trials, the first of which have opened, covering a range of different areas, including cancer of the bladder, breast and kidney.”

Professor Charlie Gourley, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology, Western General Hospital, said: “Clinical trials offer cancer patients new opportunities, either in addition to standard treatments, or after standard therapies have failed.

“They provide patients with hope and are a vital part of our armoury. The South East Scotland Cancer Research Network is rapidly reinstating these studies in order to offer our patients the best possible treatment options.”

Government urged to learn lessons from gaps in worker and business support

Darren Jones, Chair of Westminster’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee, has written to Secretary of State Alok Sharma outlining a number of key issues for the UK Government to address in its approach to support for business and workers as the country emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown.

The correspondence to the Secretary of State recognises the efforts of many workers and businesses who rose to the challenges brought about during the pandemic.

The letter also highlights a number of issues, including gaps in support for workers, the tapering of support for workers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), and the treatment of workers during the pandemic and health & safety issues.

The letter tackles a number of areas concerning the Government’s support for businesses, recommending the Government review the success of the various loan schemes and the behavior of banks, and also highlighting problems arising from unpaid business rent and the calls for targeted support for sectors that are likely to continue to be hit by restrictions which threaten their future revenue and viability.

Darren Jones, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee said: “The Business Department and the Treasury deserve significant credit for their efforts in addressing the unprecedented challenges faced by business and workers following the impact of Covid-19.

“Given the evolving situation around Covid-19, it’s inevitable that issues would emerge concerning the effectiveness of the Government’s support package and its impact on workers and businesses.

“However, it is also the case that the alarm over gaps in the Government’s support, such as for women, and those affecting freelancers and agency workers, were being raised repeatedly by those affected and yet these warnings continued to go unheeded.

“Rishi Sunak echoed a previous Chancellor in suggesting that the coronavirus has seen us all in it together. However, it’s clear that the reality of the economic lockdown is that its impact has not been shared out evenly and that it is falling very heavily on some parts of our economy.

“For example, we heard from sectors, including retail, the creative industries and manufacturing, who expressed concern over increasing redundancies in the wake of the furlough scheme changes coming in this weekend.

“It’s clear that some sectors of our economy will continue to face very challenging conditions. The shutdown of the aviation and aerospace sector will, for example, have a longer-term impact on these industries compared to others. In some parts of hospitality and in other sectors too, difficult trading conditions and continuing restrictions threaten future revenue and their viability.

“It’s important the Government quickly learns the lessons of recent months so that they can act in future with more policy sophistication and transparency and be able to step up and deliver the most effective support possible to workers and businesses.

“If we face the prospect of a second-wave and the likelihood of increased local lock-downs, it’s essential the Government looks again at its approach to sector support and to the additional measures which will be necessary to secure our economic recovery, help businesses prosper and enable workers to protect their livelihoods”.

The letter to the Secretary of State notes the examples highlighted by Which? of price-gouging, profiteering, and the inability of consumers to obtain refunds which they were legally entitled to when their holidays and flights were cancelled.

The correspondence also notes the comments from Lord Tyrie, former Chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority, stating that the pandemic had revealed that the CMA needed new powers to deal with profiteering.

The Committee calls for the Government to undertake a review of the powers and responsibilities of the CMA, and other consumer regulation enforcers, to address bad business practices and the effective enforcement of consumer law and the action needed to tackle market abuses, such as profiteering, that took place during the pandemic.

The letter to the Secretary of State highlights issues around the impact of late payments and the problems that many small businesses were experiencing throughout the UK’s supply chains because of cash flow problems.

Following evidence from SMEs, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) on these issues, the Committee recommends the SBC be given additional powers to proactively investigate late payments, that the Prompt Payment Code be made compulsory, and that late payers should be excluded from government contracts.

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection at Which?, said: “Our research has highlighted terrible practices during the coronavirus pandemic, including airlines that have refused to refund passengers and sellers that have unjustifiably bumped up prices on essential goods.

“In too many situations consumers have been left with nowhere to turn, which is why regulators need to be given stronger and more targeted powers so they can take effective enforcement to tackle the types of bad practice we’ve seen during the crisis.”

Stagecoach offers public transport ‘one stop shop’

  • Societal changes seen during pandemic lead to options for more flexible public transport
  • Range of products on offer to help businesses easily find the right transport solution
  • Dedicated education buses, simple corporate ticketing packages, demand responsive services, business shuttles and event travel support all available
  • Provides a more sustainable alternative to single use car trips
  • Building on success of tailored solutions introduced during Covid-19 pandemic
  • Additional options to run alongside regular bus, coach and tram services
  • Dedicated website can be found at www.stagecoachsolutions.com

Stagecoach is helping businesses, the education sector and event organisers to bounce back from Covid-19 with a range of tailored solutions through a ‘one stop shop’ approach to help employers, pupils and customers.

As the UK comes out of lockdown, public transport continues to play a vital role in the country’s recovery ahead. As well as helping to restart the economy, it is vital in bringing normality back to many areas of people’s daily lives.

Covid-19 has brought about many societal changes such as home working, more targeted travel and more flexible working. A recent survey carried out by transport and research consultancy SYSTRA suggests that 55% of UK employees would like to change the times that they work, including their start/finish times or working their hours across fewer days.

As a result, Stagecoach has created a new product (Stagecoach Solutions) through which it has developed a range of sustainable options as an alternative to its traditional bus services to help organisations and their people continue their more flexible public transport commute. This includes tailored shuttle buses, education bus services, on demand services and simple corporate travel to support the growing desire of companies to put sustainability at the heart of their business. These options will be offered in addition to its regular scheduled bus, coach and tram services.

As the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, Stagecoach has 40 years of experience of operating public transport services, and has helped to keep people on the move throughout the pandemic. Stagecoach has recently worked with the NHS and other organisations to introduce tailored services to support employee travel, including “Stagecoach Connect”; offering three new demand responsive bus services for the NHS in the East Midlands.

When larger gatherings are permitted as part of the lockdown easing, Stagecoach will also be able to offer travel support for major events and festivals.

It has extensive experience of managing event travel and has been at the heart of every large sporting event for the last decade. This includes global events such as the London Olympics, the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Solheim Cup in Scotland, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow, the Ryder Cup and many major music festivals and other events.

A dedicated new website, www.stagecoachsolutions.com, will clearly demonstrate the full range of options available with the facility to speak to somebody about their specific needs or complete an easy web form. The relevant local team will then identify which travel solution can fit the organisation’s needs.

Neil Micklethwaite, Business Development Director for Stagecoach, said: “We have seen many changes in society during lockdown, with more home working, more targeted travel and potentially more flexible working ahead.

“We want to give companies and educational establishments a range of different ways of helping their employees, pupils and students return safely and with confidence to their work and learning place, without having to rely upon the car.

“Covid-19 has demonstrated the positive impact that tailored solutions can have, such as the launch of our Stagecoach Connect service for the NHS. The extra products we are offering will provide a range of options that enable employees, pupils and students to return to work and school safely and to help companies and educational establishments put sustainability at the heart of their business.

“As Britain’s original and most successful transport start-up, we’re well known for championing new ideas and our new range of transport solutions can support the public and private sector in getting back on its feet, and helping communities across the country recover.”

The options are designed to provide a more sustainable solution to unnecessary single use polluting car trips and the dedicated website provides:

  • Corporate tickets; offering businesses tailored tickets for employees who regularly use the bus to travel to work
  • Customised demand responsive services; on demand services available at a time and place that suits businesses and their employees
  • Education bus services; dedicated bus services for better control of social distancing for schools, colleges and universities
  • Business shuttle services; helping employees get to work safely with a dedicated eco-friendly service
  • Rail replacement services; ground transport solutions to help minimise rail disruption
  • Travel support for major events and festivals when larger gatherings are permitted under lockdown easing plans

For more information, visit www.stagecoachsolutions.com

Extra funding to support low income families

Crisis Grants up by 24%

Funding of  £37.6 million was allocated to support people and families on low incomes in times of need in the 12 months to 31 March 2020 – an increase of 7% on the previous year.

Scottish Welfare Fund payments included £12.9 million in Crisis Grants – up 24% –  and £24.7 million on Community Care Grants.

The fund received 296,870 applications for help, with the most common reason families gave being their benefits or other income had been spent – up 27% on the previous year.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is further evidence that the UK Government’s benefits cuts are hitting the poorest in Scotland the hardest, with more and more people struggling just to make ends meet and being pushed to rely on food banks, or suffer from the stress of debt and rent arrears.

“That’s without taking into  consideration the significant financial impact that coronavirus (COVID-19)is having on some of those earning the least in our society.

“We took early action in March to more than double the Scottish Welfare Fund to £80.5 million this year in response to the expected impact of coronavirus, and we have made an additional £110 million available to support people struggling to access food during the pandemic. 

“That funding will help local authority partners continue to support people at this time and we would encourage anyone in need of support to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund.”

Scottish Welfare Fund annual statistics 2019/20 

Coastal walker Karen restarts epic journey

Long-distance walker Karen Penny to re-start her 20,000 mile coastal challenge

Research UK champion Karen Penny is set to re-start her amazing 20,000 mile coastal walk around the UK and Ireland on 10 August 2020.

Karen, 54, had been travelling continuously for 13 months on foot from her home in the Gower, South Wales before the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to return home in March. She had walked 6,405 miles and reached the UK’s northern-most point, in the Shetland Islands, where she placed an Alzheimer’s Research UK flag to mark the point at which she had to break off her incredible journey.

Inspired to support the UK’s leading dementia charity after both of her in-laws were affected by different forms of dementia, Karen has not rested on her laurels while under lockdown back home.

Karen says: “I have tried to use my time away from walking as productively as possible. As well as helping out with deliveries to vulnerable or shielding people in my community, I have put together a calendar with some of the beautiful images that I took on the 13 months of my journey so far, which I will shortly be putting on sale for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“I’ve also been keeping myself fit by taking lots of walks around the beautiful Gower coastline, as well as enjoying spending some quality time with my husband and elderly cat Bilbo, who I thought I might never see again!

“Although it’s been nice to catch up with things at home, I’m nevertheless itching to get started again. On my walk I met so many wonderful people who were as keen as I am to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. Sadly, one in two people know someone who has been affected by dementia, so everywhere I went I met people with their own stories to share.”

Since setting off on 14 January 2019, Karen had already walked the entire coast of the island of Ireland and the whole of the Welsh coastal path, and more than 20 Scottish Islands.

She has raised almost £62,000 towards vital dementia research for Alzheimer’s Research UK, money that is even more crucial in these challenging times for all charities.

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are delighted that Karen is now able to safely re-start her impressive journey.

“There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. Sadly, people with dementia have also been some of the hardest hit by COVID-19, underlining the urgent need for life-changing treatments for dementia.

“Research has the power to make breakthroughs possible and Alzheimer’s Research UK is at the forefront of these efforts. We rely on public donations to fund our crucial research and it’s thanks to the commitment of people like Karen that we are able to increase the profile of dementia research and continue our important work.”

To sponsor Karen, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson  

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Highway Code consultation: Make pedestrians the priority, says Living Streets

The Prime Minister has announced a consultation into the Highway Code. The consultation applies across England, Scotland and Wales and comes as the UK Government unveiled its ‘most ambitious plans yet to boost cycling and walking’.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, says the changes are needed to encourage people to walk and cycle more.

A key feature of the proposals is the idea of a ‘hierarchy of responsibility’, with road users who cause the greatest harm having a greater responsibility to reduce the threat they pose to others.

There are also proposed changes at zebra crossings and junctions to give pedestrians priority and additional narrative on the dangers of speeding. At the heart of the proposed changes is the belief that “the purpose of the Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system.”

Jenni Wiggle, Interim CEO, Living Streets, said: “The Highway Code currently treats all road users – from children walking to lorry drivers – as if they are equally responsible for their own or other people’s safety. However, people walking cause the least road danger but are often left paying the price.

“Pedestrians account for a quarter of road deaths, with the latest figures showing increases amongst vulnerable groups: children and older people. Road users who have potential to cause the greatest harm, such as the drivers of large motor vehicles, should also take the greatest share of responsibility to reduce the danger they pose.  

“The renewed focus on unsafe speeding is welcome and incredibly timely. Lockdown saw a minority of people viewing quieter roads as an invitation to drive recklessly. Not only does speed kill but it creates an environment where only the brave dare use our streets to walk or cycle.

“Whether we choose to drive or cycle, we are all pedestrians. These proposed revisions will benefit all of us.”

Living Streets is part of the Walking and Cycling Alliance which has been calling for improved infrastructure for walking and cycling, along with changes to the Highway code.

For more information, visit livingstreets.org.uk/no1

Living Streets supports the plan to encourage more walking and cycling which was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

Walking and cycling

Living Streets Jenni Wiggle commented: “This announcement is fantastic news for walking and cycling. Investing in safe, convenient and attractive conditions for walking and cycling brings a range of benefits that will help deliver the Government’s priorities around obesity and climate change.

“Walking is the most accessible form of exercise and can help people maintain a healthy weight. Yet our streets don’t support walking. Placing walking and cycling at the heart of our transport system will allow us to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and is essential for transport decarbonisation. 

“Low traffic neighbourhoods, better crossings, 20mph limits, School Streets and segregated cycle lanes can all help reshape our streets into ones that promote healthier travel choices. Measures to reduce traffic in neighbourhoods and provide local authorities with new powers to enforce new schemes will further boost their effectiveness.”

Families to be alerted to additional financial support

A first for social security in Scotland

The Scottish Government is to actively inform families that they may be eligible for Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant.

Information obtained from DWP and HMRC will allow Social Security Scotland to identify people who are on certain benefits or tax credits and have children of the right age. Social Security Scotland will then write to an estimated 22,000 families before the end of August inviting them to apply.

The letters are aimed at increasing take up of all financial support families are entitled to as part of the Scottish Government’s benefit take-up strategy and the wider co-ordinated approach to helping families who are under even more financial pressure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This important new proactive approach to maximising benefit uptake is a first for social security in Scotland.

Families already receiving qualifying UK benefits and tax credits will receive these invites. Those who currently don’t receive such support but think that they may be eligible are still encouraged to find out if they too are entitled to access Scottish benefits.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Social security is a human right and an investment in the people of Scotland. Encouraging individuals to claim the financial assistance they are entitled to is a duty of government and a social responsibility. We are committed to making sure that people get all of the money that they are entitled to – to help maximise incomes and tackle poverty.

“The economic impacts of the pandemic are pushing thousands of people further into hardship so it’s important families are informed about the support available to them.

“This unique direct marketing of benefits complements the Scottish Government’s wider efforts to help parents during this challenging time. We must do all that we can to eradicate child poverty and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”

We will walk 500 miles!

A team of 25 tenants from Port of Leith Housing Association’s sheltered housing developments are collectively walking 500 miles to raise money for their social activity fund.

Due to the impact of the pandemic, the tenants have not been able to hold their usual summer fayres or coffee mornings to raise funds, so they are trying something a little different this month.

Any donations received will help provide meaningful activities for our sheltered tenants including exercise classes, lunch clubs, outings and more. You may have already heard about our inventive warden call bingo!

The North Coast 500 virtual trek

Photo of a road in the Scottish Highlands.

The virtual trek around the North Coast 500 (NC500) route began on Monday 20 July, with some walkers tackling the challenge outdoors while others are count their steps indoors along the corridors.

A PoLHA spokesperson said: “We will map their journey and share progress and pictures as we travel along the majestic coastline of the stunning highlands of Scotland. Did you know 500 miles equates to one million and fifty six thousand steps? What an amazing achievement this will be for our tenants!

“We would be very grateful if you could support our walkers with this challenge by making a donation. They have a target of £1 for every mile walked – can you help them reach £500?”

Donate

Good luck to PoLHA’s walkers – and mind those midgies!

Next Step for employment support in Edinburgh

Since lockdown began in March, the pressures on the job market has been no more acutely felt than in Edinburgh which has been one of the hardest hit cities in Western Europe. 

As we emerge from lockdown, some have returned to work, but there is still talk of recession being announced soon. However, there is already a support system in place for residents experiencing redundancy and unemployment because of Covid 19.   

At the start of lockdown, The City of Edinburgh Council asked employment service Next Step Edinburgh to respond and they are currently supporting hundreds of people who have lost work.

Next Step Edinburgh has been providing employment support for people in and out of work since April 2019, but since March they have adapted their service as registrations from people affected by COVID 19 job losses has increased.  

Will was supported by Next Step Edinburgh to gain employment as a walking supervisor for a building project. He explains what kind of support he received from Next Step before and during lockdown:  

“I was referred to Community Renewal’s Next Step Edinburgh service by my job centre adviser. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had a rather negative experience with a provider prior to this.

“I worked with them to focus my CV and from the first moment was treated with respect by people who genuinely wanted to help. They also assisted me with job interview preparation and a screening job interview which meant I was very prepared for the real interview and subsequently was offered the logistics supervisor role I am currently doing. 

“Unfortunately, the job was stopped after little more than a week due to Covid 19 and was stalled for a few months. Every week during that period I would receive a call from my adviser Ross to check all was ok and if there was anything he could assist with. This was very important to me.

“Thankfully I am now back at work, but I would like to personally thank them for their work and the genuine respect they treated me with throughout.” 

Capital City Partnership has been working with key organisations to coordinate a response to the crisis. Their Deputy Chief Executive, Kate Kelman adds: “We know that people and businesses are finding it really hard just now and the impact on jobs and the economy is likely to be far-reaching.

“Along with our Joined up for Jobs network of provision, Next Steps has literally ‘stepped up’ to support individuals who are facing redundancy and job insecurity. Their high-quality help and guidance will ensure that Edinburgh residents can progress quickly into fair, sustainable work.” 

Lesley Morrison who is a Service Manager for Community Renewal – the charity who deliver the Next Step Edinburgh service – comments on the how they are supporting people right now: “We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach – everyone is different, and we listen to what each client’s needs and together we come up with a plan.

“Some people just need a job right away and we can link them with employers we have relationships with. For everyone else, we work with them, so they are ready for when the job market recovers; whether that be refreshing a stale CV, helping with applications or directing them to vocational training if they are considering a career change.

“Whatever is needed, we are here – and if we can’t support all their needs, we will link with specialist organisations who can help them whilst we continue to support their employment needs.” 

The City of Edinburgh Council continues to fund Next Step Edinburgh to support people to secure and progress into employment.

Additional funding was made available through City Region Deal has also allowed the development of a jobs website –  www.c19jobs.org – which directly assists those who have faced redundancy or job insecurity due to the current crisis. 

Councillor Cammy Day, Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:  “As the economic impact of the pandemic on Edinburgh unfolds, we’re doing all that we can to help people facing financial hardship.

“We know that this crisis is far from over and we stand ready to help our most at-risk residents. The Next Step Edinburgh employment programme is in place to support anybody facing redundancy or job insecurity in Edinburgh. I’m pleased we’re able to fund this service in order to support people back into careers as quickly as possible. 

“The project is part of a package of measures we’re working on right now to prevent long-term unemployment in the coming months and years, including an expanded Edinburgh Guarantee.

“Hailed by the Scottish Government as a really good example of the type of work cities can do to successfully tackle unemployment, our Edinburgh Guarantee has been supporting disadvantaged young people for years. 

“We’re looking to expand this offer even more in light of Covid-19. We want to use it to help people of all ages who might face additional barriers to employment and we’re calling on employers to sign up and support us.” 

Lesley warns that the journey ahead won’t be straightforward, but stresses that nobody has to face it alone – there is support available: “Next Step Edinburgh’s advisers will do everything they can to support you. 

“We are working with employers recruiting right now but we understand those jobs may not be right for some. For those people we will collaborate so they will be front of the queue when the job market recovers.” 

Anyone looking for support can find the contact details on Next Step Edinburgh’s website – www.nexstepedinburgh.org  

Right Care, Right Place

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland offers expert help in the community.

People will be able to get healthcare advice and support to treat minor illnesses and common conditions in their local community following the launch of a new service.

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will allow community pharmacies to give people expert help for treating conditions such as sore throats, earache and cold sores, along with common clinical conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections. Pharmacy teams will offer advice, treatment or referral to other healthcare teams if required.

This new service will help people access the right care in the right place, without having to go to their GP practice or local Accident and Emergency Department for non-urgent treatment.

Everyone who is registered with a GP practice in Scotland, or who lives in Scotland, is encouraged to use their local pharmacy when they have a minor illness or common condition. Accident and Emergency Departments remain open for emergency care, with public health measures in place to protect staff and patients.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “During the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic people followed public heath guidance closely and used their local pharmacy for medical advice and help.

“The launch of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will make sure that people across Scotland can continue to do this. It gives access to the right care in the right place, getting medical support that is closer to home and often with no waiting time or appointments needed.

“While the NHS is there for all of us, we don’t all need to go to accident and emergency. For many of us, it is not the right place for the care we need. NHS Pharmacy First Scotland provides a local service, giving local access to healthcare help for many illnesses.

“In an emergency you should always call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department. By continuing to do what we have been doing throughout this pandemic and accessing the right care in the right place, we continue to help our emergency teams and ensure accident and emergency provides the fastest and often lifesaving care for people when they really need it.”

Chair of Community Pharmacy Scotland Martin Green said: “NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is an exciting service development for everyone.

“It recognises the role that the community pharmacy network can play in helping patients and the wider NHS team by ensuring people get the right care in the right place. Pharmacists, supported by their pharmacy teams, will be able to offer consultations for anyone with minor illnesses and provide the appropriate advice and support.

“We look forward to community pharmacy demonstrating its value with the Scottish public through this service and developing it further in years to come in line with the needs of the public and the NHS.”

Postgraduate Pharmacy Dean at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Anne Watson said: “NES are delighted to be underpinning this important service development by providing educational support for the community pharmacy teams – using online resources, national webinars and facilitating peer discussion forums with experts within the Boards.

“In addition, we have provided a quick reference guide sent to all community pharmacies and education and training to support common clinical conditions will continue to be a focus as the service expands.”

More information on NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will be available online and on NHS Inform later today – 29 July 2020.