NHS 24 is celebrating the incredible efforts of its Call Handlers and Operators supporting the 111 service, particularly during recent months.
Call Handler and Operators are often the first people you talk to when dialling 111. It’s a skilled job, requiring dedication and care.
To recognise this valuable contribution, NHS 24 will be marking today -Friday October 2nd – as Call Handler and Call Operator Day with tributes being made to staff across Scotland.
These staff are supported by a range of clinical colleagues who understand first-hand the role and how important it is in supporting people who call 111.
Gail MacGregor, Head of Clinical Services at NHS 24’s Cardonald base, said: “Our colleagues provide an essential role as the gateway to our telephone services. As the initial point of contact, they set the first impression and provide support during some of the most difficult times of our caller’s lives.”
The 111 service provides non-emergency medical advice when GPs are not available, and has seen a huge increase in call volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic with calls doubling from 30,000 to 60,000 per week during lockdown.
NHS 24’s Chief Executive, Angiolina Foster, said it’s particularly important to recognise the efforts of staff following record numbers of calls: “Our Call Handlers and Call Operators are the lifeblood of NHS 24, and I have enormous respect for the job they do and the professionalism and care they bring to it.
“I really hope our staff enjoy their richly deserved day in the limelight.”
If you are too unwell to wait until your GP reopens, you can call NHS 24 via the 111 free-to-call number.
You may also find the information you need to manage your symptoms via www.nhsinform.scot, Scotland’s trusted health information site.
** Unlimited monthly winter-golf for just £22.50 per month **
For die hard golf fans or even those new to the game who want to keep in the swing of it during the winter, Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership could be just the deal.
It pays to play, with the membership costing just £22.50 per month, compared up to £27.50 that you would pay as a pay-as-you-go customer. So buying a winter golf membership and playing more than once, will mean a saving worth having.
Ken Harvey, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Golf at Edinburgh Leisure has experienced a resurgence after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted at the beginning of June and it’s been great to see regulars back on our fairways and also new players taking up the game or players returning to the game after dusting off their clubs.
“With minimal use of winter greens and no mats, it’s the ideal opportunity to keep your golf on par until the summer returns. The beauty of Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership is that you won’t have to rely on playing just one course.
“Our membership gives you the flexibility and variety to experience up to six different courses in unique locations across the city. So wrap up warm, fill your thermos, grab your clubs and improve your game and your mental health with a round of golf! In fact, playing just once a month, will see your membership pay for itself.”
The winter pass is valid from 1 October 2020 – 31 March 2021 and allows access to Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses*.
Edinburgh Leisure’s 18-hole courses include Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, and Silverknowes. For a quicker challenge, Edinburgh Leisure also have two popular 9-hole courses – Portobello and the Wee Braids.
From December to February, the Wee Braids closes and some of its holes are incorporated into the main Braid Hills course.
Payable monthly by direct debit until March 2021, different membership options are available including access to all the courses, seven days-a-week, and a five-day membership with access to all courses, Monday to Friday.
The membership also gives 20% off other Edinburgh Leisure activities including the gym, swimming, racquet sports and climbing, at the various Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city – so it pays to play.
Edinburgh Leisure has introduced rules and measures to ensure golfers can play in an environment that is safe for both customers and staff.
Some things have changed but customers will still be guaranteed the warm Edinburgh Leisure welcome:
It is now necessary for all tee times to be booked and paid for in advance. Customers can no longer turn up to play.
Each player must be played for separately. The booking system lets the golfer and any guests to pay separately for their round.
Edinburgh Leisure members and cardholders can book a tee time from 9 pm, 8 days in advance. Non-members can still book a tee-time but will need to create an account with Edinburgh Leisure before they can book. They will then be able to book from 9 pm, 7 days in advance.
Under the current guidelines, only four-balls social golf can be played.
No changing rooms will be available so golfers are advised to change into their shoes and any outdoor wear whilst at their car and then proceed straight to the starters’ office/area.
The National Audit Office (NAO) recently reported that HM Treasury and the public bodies responsible for overseeing the cash system need to work together more effectively to achieve the government’s goal of safeguarding access to cash. A coordinated effort is needed to prevent vulnerable people who rely on cash for transactions from being excluded.
Ten years ago, cash was used in six out of 10 transactions but by 2019 it was used in less than three in 10 transactions. The outbreak of COVID-19 may have accelerated this trend, as data suggests that market demand for notes and coins declined by 71% between early March and mid-April during the lockdown, although demand has since been recovering.
The decline in the use of cash in transactions is putting pressure on the cash system. Commercial operators who distribute cash rely on high demand to maintain the attractiveness of their business models, and cover large fixed costs, such as bank branches and ATMs. In March 2020 the government announced that it would be bringing forward legislation to protect access to cash and address the sustainability of the cash infrastructure.
According to the NAO, the pressures on the cash system could mean that people who rely on cash find it more difficult to use cash in transactions. Published research shows that older people and those on a low income are more likely to make cash transactions.
In the two years to December 2019, there was a 17% reduction in free-to-use ATMs. LINK3, with support from the Payment Systems Regulator, have protected ATMs in specified areas where provision is limited.
However, while there remains a higher number of free-to-use ATMs in more deprived areas, in the two years to January 2020 the proportion of free-to-use ATMs has declined faster in those areas than in less deprived areas.
The NAO cannot currently see a clear link between the government’s aim to safeguard the consumer’s ability to use cash, and the responsibilities of the five public bodies in the cash system.
No single body has responsibility for reporting on the performance of the system in meeting the government’s aim. In May 2019, HM Treasury established the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group (JACS) to coordinate work to support nationwide access to cash. Although the group has improved joint working towards government’s aims, JACS does not oversee the cash system and has no decision-making power.
Changes in cash use are having an impact on the production of coins. Coin production shrank by 65% in the last decade to 383 million UK coins a year in 2019-20, from around 1.1 billion in 2010-11.
When the Royal Mint (the Mint) replaced the old £1 coin in 2017, the public returned large volumes of all coin denominations. As a result, the Royal Mint’s stocks exceeded targets in all denominations.
At the time of the NAO’s fieldwork, the Mint had no plans to produce new 2p or £2 coins for at least ten years. To drive efficiencies, the Mint has reduced headcount by 22% on coin-making work within its currency division and scrapped two of its six plating lines.
Despite fewer people using cash for transactions, the demand for notes has continued to increase.
In 2020, the number of notes in circulation reached a record high of 4.4 billion, with a value of £76.5 billion. In 2018, the Bank of England (the Bank) estimated that only 20%–24% of the value of notes in circulation were being used or held for cash transactions, with UK households holding a further 5% as savings.
Little is known about the remainder, worth approximately £50 billion, but possible explanations include holdings overseas for transactions or savings and possibly holdings in the UK of unreported domestic savings, or for use in the shadow economy. The Bank and other government bodies have little reliable information to quantify how much is likely to be held where.
At March 2020 the Bank’s contingency holding of notes significantly exceeded its minimum guidance levels, which was partly affected by the launch of the new £20 note. Its contingency stock levels were above minimum levels for all denominations, with a total value of £39 billion, against its minimum contingency guidance level of £20.5 billion.
The Bank considered these stock levels to be appropriate in light of the transition of the £20 note to polymer. However, it is not clear from the documentation shown to the NAO what process the Bank operated to determine adequate stock levels, and how the cost implications of building stock levels were taken into account.
Recent anti-counterfeiting work by both the Bank and the Mint is delivering improvements. Indications so far are that £5 and £10 polymer notes, with new security technology, have reduced the incidence of counterfeiting compared to equivalent paper notes. In addition, since the Mint introduced new advanced security technology, surveys have found very low counterfeiting rates for the new £1 coin and other denominations.
The NAO recommends that HM Treasury should set out more clearly the specific outcomes it wants the cash system to deliver for consumers and small businesses, and how this should be balanced against costs.
To drive efficiency, the Mint and the Bank should maximise opportunities to learn from each other’s experiences of cash production and align production capacity closely to future needs.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said:“As society progresses towards the wide use of digital payments, the use of cash in transactions is dwindling. It may become harder for people to access cash when they need it and those without the means to pay digitally will struggle if cash is not accepted.
“HM Treasury now works more closely with the public bodies in the cash system to achieve the government’s goal of safeguarding access to cash. However, the approach is fragmented, and it is not clear that the action being taken will keep up with the pace of change.”
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“Edinburgh and the Lothians have been moving away from cash over the last decade, but there are many people who still rely on using cash.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of contactless payments which is not convenient for everyone.
“The UK and Scottish Government must work together to ensure that people who prefer using cash to manage their money have easy access to it.”
People eligible for the free flu vaccine are being urged to take up the offer to protect themselves and others and help the NHS avoid additional pressure over the winter period.
This year the vaccine is being offered to more people than ever to address the additional risk posed by coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to vaccinate more people safely, where you go to get your vaccine may be different from previous years and may not be at a GP surgery.
New walk-in or drive-through centres have been set up in many areas within local facilities, such as town halls and community hubs, along with outreach programmes for the sole purpose of delivering the free flu jab. They will provide a safe alternative to GP surgeries for many adults who are eligible and have received, or will receive, a letter in the coming weeks, to book a vaccination appointment.
GP practices will continue to play an important role – particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community.
As in previous years, local health teams will be deployed to primary schools to offer the vaccination to all primary school aged children.
For those living in and working in care homes, along with those receiving care at home and the elderly, local NHS Boards are making arrangements for vaccinations to take place in the home.
Vaccination for the different groups will be staggered with those most at risk being prioritised. So far, invitations have been sent to two of those groups, parents of those aged 2-5 years and those aged 65 and over, inviting them to make an appointment.
From October, further letters will be sent to priority groups including:
All primary school children
Anyone with an eligible health condition
Pregnant women
Healthcare workers
Unpaid and young carers
Those living in the same home as people previously shielding from coronavirus
Social care workers who provide direct personal care
From December, those aged 55 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible will also be offered the flu vaccine.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman (above) said: “This year, more than ever, it is important that you receive your flu vaccine if you are eligible.
“The way the flu vaccine is administered will be a little different for many people, given COVID-19 restrictions, and it may not be at a GP practice for some.
“Some people may be worried about the risks of going out to get their vaccination, but getting your flu vaccine is one of the most important reasons for leaving your home and strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place to protect you. The vaccine is safe and it’s the best way to help protect you from flu this winter. It only takes a few minutes to be vaccinated, and it helps to provide protection from flu for around a year.
“Flu is serious and with COVID-19 still circulating in the community there is increased risk to life if you are ill with both viruses simultaneously, therefore we all need to play our part to keep ourselves as healthy as possible over the winter months. Flu vaccination is a big part of that.”
Everyone who is eligible for a free flu jab will be contacted in writing in the coming weeks with details of how to make an appointment. These letters will not all be sent out at the same time and instead will be staggered to ensure those most at clinical risk are prioritised.
People will receive a letter asking them to book an appointment at a venue which may be at their local pharmacy, attending a local walk through centre, by visiting a GP practice or nearby mobile unit or with a district nurse.
More information on eligibility and how to make an appointment in your area is available at nhsinform.scot/flu – or call 0800 22 44 88 where an NHS24 call handler will be able to direct you.
The flu vaccination programme will run from early October through to February next year.
Traffic Scotland has reported that the M8, Scotland’s busiest motorway, currently remains closed in both directions at Harthill (J4A westbound, J5 eastbound) after a serious accident in the early hours of this morning.
There are long delays – motorists are advised to use an alternate route at this time and should allow extra time for their journey.
