Day: December 5, 2020

Study reveals worrying Christmas road safety issues

New research by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has discovered that many motorists will rush to make last minute car travel plans for the Christmas period this year, while others will make fewer stops when driving long journeys.

The charity’s survey of 1,000 drivers in the UK investigated the impact COVID-19 will have on people’s travel plans over this year’s festive season, with some worrying safety issues emerging.

Among the most alarming findings are that almost seven-in-ten drivers (69%) are still waiting to make firm travel plans until they have clearer guidelines from the Government on travel restrictions that may affect them, giving them less time to prepare for potentially long journeys and make critical vehicle safety checks.

At the same time, four-in-ten (40%) long-distance drivers who travel more than 150 miles over Christmas and who would routinely stop during their journey at services or other types of outlet, such as cafes or pubs for lunch and refreshments, have decided that they will not do so this year due to concerns over the Coronavirus and social distancing.

The decision not to break long journeys is most prevalent among men, with more than half (56%) of male drivers surveyed saying they will not stop this year when they would have normally done so, compared to around a quarter (27%) of women.

Regionally, it is drivers from Scotland and London who are most likely to forego stops for breaks during long journeys during Christmas this year, with 67% and 64% respectively saying they will not break their journeys due to Coronavirus safety concerns.

With more than a quarter (27%) of all drivers still intending to travel more than 100 miles over the Christmas period this year, a lack of planning and not stopping for breaks could have serious road safety implications.

Neil Greig, Policy and Research Director at the charity, said: “Our research shows that unsurprisingly COVID-19 will have a significant impact on travel plans over Christmas this year.

“While it’s understandable that ongoing uncertainty and safety concerns over exposing relatives to the virus has caused many people to postpone their planning, it is important that critical safety steps, such as making vehicle maintenance checks and stopping regularly during long journeys are not overlooked.”

Neil added: “Taking a break on a long car journey is essential for the driver, and passengers, to recharge their batteries. Spending too long behind-the-wheel in one stint can lead to drowsiness and a loss of concentration with potentially catastrophic consequences for all road users. Our advice is to take at least a 15-minute break every two hours.

“The festive season is a busy period for many of us, and this year it will likely be even more challenging as Coronavirus continues to impact our everyday lives. But road safety and – taking sensible precautions – is everyone’s responsibility when driving, no matter what other pressures are at play.

“So, we urge everyone to make sure they leave time for important safety measures as they make their travel plans this Christmas.”

76% of Scots intend to donate to a local charity this Christmas

·      85% believe that supporting a local charity is more important than in previous years

·      Community charities top the list of popular causes, while health and animal and wildlife initiatives are also front of mind for residents

76% of Scottish residents intend to donate to a charity close to home this Christmas because of the current climate, a new study has found. 

Data released from Ecclesiastical Insurance’s 12 days of giving campaign shows 10,361 people in the country have so far nominated a local cause to receive a £1,000 donation. 

And an overwhelming number 85% believe it’s more important than ever to support the work of local charities, as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. 

12 days of giving from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical will see 120 different charities receive an early Christmas gift of a £1,000 donation. 

Members of the public are being asked to nominate a charity close to their hearts to receive a festive financial boost with nearly 140,000 people suggesting 3,927 good causes already, in the last two weeks alone. 

247 Scotland based charities have been nominated so far and are in with a chance to win £1,000. 

Community charities are the most popular causes as voted by residents so far. Health organisations and animal and wildlife initiatives are also high priorities. 

Ten lucky charity winners will be announced each weekday from 7 to 22 December. 

It’s quick and easy to nominate a charity online.

Nominations are open until to 21 December and you can vote for your favourite charity at www.movementforgood.com/12days 

Winners will be drawn at random – and while it’s not a popularity contest, the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. Ecclesiastical is encouraging everyone to use their social media channels to ask people to vote for their favourite cause to give them the best possible chance of winning. 

Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “It’s incredibly humbling to see that Scottish residents are more likely than ever before to make a donation to a local cause this Christmas, despite the difficult year that most of us have faced personally.

“As a commercial company with a charitable purpose, giving back is at the heart of our business. Our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign will help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference. We’re encouraging everyone to nominate a cause close to their hearts this Christmas to be in for a chance to win a festive financial boost.”

Ecclesiastical recently launched its latest Impact Report to celebrate some of the many good causes it has helped. 

Health and Social Care staff reflect on impact of pandemic

Survey reveals pride in service and achievements, despite challenges

Health and Social Care staff feel a strong sense of pride in their work, a new survey has found.

The survey found that despite concerns about challenges in both their work and personal lives, staff expressed satisfaction with their lives and the majority of health and care staff continue to say they would recommend their place of work to others.

The Everyone Matters Pulse Survey, which was carried out in September  saw responses from across all of Scotland’s 22 Health Boards and 30 Health and Social Care Partnerships, with more than 83,000 staff members taking part.

The survey heard about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on staff and their loved ones, with one in four stating they were supporting a vulnerable relative while, prior to the schools going back, one in four had school aged children at home. One in six had a family member who had been furloughed.

The survey also heard accounts of a range of measures for wellbeing support put in place around the country and staff’s appreciation of this. Initiatives included comfort zones and wellbeing packs, e-cycles so staff could travel to work without using public transport and online huddles and blogs.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman said: “We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to our health and social care workers, which is why we announced a £500 ‘thank you’ payment for NHS and care staff.

“The challenges that have been faced in our emergency response have been substantial and Health and Social Care staff have continued to remain our biggest most valuable asset in delivering excellent care and quality services.  As such, now more than ever, it has been vital that we hear from staff about their experiences of work during this period. 

“I have been deeply affected by the stories of some of those who have experienced change and hardship in their role and personal life. Like many of us this year, NHS and care staff have had personal worries and difficulties, but they have  continued to go above and beyond in the face of these challenges to ensure that fellow colleagues and the people that they care for feel supported, safe and recognised, throughout the pandemic period. 

“The commitment and pride felt across the service is truly remarkable.  I expect senior leaders and managers across health and social care to reflect seriously on this report, and show appreciation and value for the efforts made by staff and their achievements.”

Read the report along with staff stories received as part of the survey.

The 2020 Everyone Matters Pulse Survey commenced on 1 September and closed on 23 September 2020.  All 22 NHS Boards and 30 Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) took part and a total of 83,656 respondents participated in the survey, accounting for 43% of the Health and Social Care Partnership workforce.

The Everyone Matters Pulse Survey was carried out by Webropol Ltd, an independent company commissioned by the Scottish Government. 

Drumbrae Library Hub to reopen on 14 December

Hello wonderful, beautiful, spectacular library fans!

I know you’ve all been absolutely champing at the bit for the news and I’m sorry to have left you all hanging so long but the stories you’ve heard are absolutely true …

… Drumbrae Library Hub will be re-opening on December 14th! Woooooooo!

Now, before you all get too excited I should let you know that we will be running the same service as the other libraries that are already open which means that you will need to book an appointment to get access in order to browse & borrow, use the PC’s and get your National Entitlement Card.

You can make these bookings through the Library website (or just use this link: https://tinyurl.com/y6nlh8m7).

We will also be running on reduced hours for the moment and I have attached the opening hours in the form of a wee jpeg there (below).

From all of us at Drumbrae Library Hub I would like to thank you for your patience and I cannot properly express how excited we are to welcome you all back (in an orderly and covid safe manner)!

DRUMBRAE LIBRARY HUB

PDSA passes 500,000 remote appointment milestone

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has carried out a remarkable 500,000 phone appointments since the start of lockdown, as demand for the charity’s services has surged due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the charity – which provides free and low cost vet care to the pets of owners who are suffering from financial hardship – introduced a new phone appointment system back in March during the first lockdown.

Since then, the scheme has meant over half a million remote appointments have been provided to poorly pets and their owners, ensuring they could still receive the vital veterinary advice they needed, despite lockdown restrictions. 

PDSA Vet, Paul Manktelow, said: “Sadly, even during a pandemic, our pets can still become sick or get injured and need urgent veterinary treatment.

“When the first lockdown started looming, it was clear that we needed to drastically adapt the way we worked across our 48 Pet Hospitals around the UK to help keep everyone safe and help stop the spread of Covid-19, while still providing support to desperate pet owners seeking our help.

“Providing remote consults has allowed pets to access the essential veterinary care they need, while freeing up the space and time needed in our pet hospitals to treat the sickest pets and emergencies in a socially distant manner..

“Thanks to kind support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we were able to quickly develop new ways of working, allowing many of our dedicated vets and nurses to work from home providing vital pet advice remotely.

“Leading into the first lockdown we started offering our first remote consultations. Within weeks we were delivering around 2,000 phone appointments daily, which has now risen to over 2,300 a day.”

Remote consultations have enabled PDSA staff to help all but the most serious cases over the phone, offering advice, and posting out or delivering essential medications. This ensured the charity could keep their vet teams, owners and pets safe while continuing to provide life-saving emergency treatments at its Pet Hospitals.

Hazel Johnstone, Longterm Partnerships Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “Pets have been a lifeline for so many people during the lockdowns this year – providing companionship and helping improve mental wellbeing for owners during incredibly difficult times. 

“So for those who face financial hardship causing increased worry when a pet falls ill during the pandemic, it’s vital they’re able to continue to access veterinary care. By supporting the development of these remote consults for PDSA, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have ensured that hundreds of thousands of pet owners always have somewhere to turn, even during the darkest of times.”

But PDSA is now facing a double threat – the pandemic has resulted in PDSA’s income decreasing by £3m a month in 2020 due to all fundraising events being cancelled and its charity shops temporarily closing their doors.

This is coupled with an expected increase in unprecedented demand for its services as many more pet owners fall on hard times.

PDSA Vet Paul Manktelow continued: “Delivering half a million remote appointments in eight months just shows what vital assistance PDSA provides for a huge number of pet owners. For many, we are their only emergency service – a safety net when times are tough, but we rely entirely on generous public support to keep our charitable veterinary services running.

“As we enter what is likely to be a challenging winter, we know many people are facing extremely difficult times through no fault of their own, and their pets are a lifeline, providing unconditional love and comfort during these worrying times. We greatly appreciate every donation, to help us to continue to be there for much-loved pets in need.”

To find out more about PDSA, its Pet Care Crisis Emergency Appeal and how you can help, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/whywematter

Forth Ports add ‘sparkle’ to Cash for Kids campaign with 2k boost

Staff at Forth Ports have provided a vital cash boost to this year’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign in Edinburgh.

The company was scheduled to become a co-sponsor at this year’s Cash for Kids Sparkle ball, but the cancellation of the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, failed to stop team members from digging deep for young people in need of support.

The company has handed over a cheque for £2,000 to Charity Manager Victoria Hendry as a ‘pre-pledge’. Meanwhile, staff at Forth Ports bases in Leith, Rosyth and Grangemouth have already raised more than £400 through their own Just Giving page and are promising to raise even more and help as many children as possible throughout December. 

Cathy Ilett, Learning and Development Manager at Forth Ports, said: “We’re delighted that Forth Ports has the opportunity to continue to contribute to Cash for Kids and support children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limited illness and those who have additional needs. 

“We know that our pre-pledge will go directly into having a positive impact in their  lives and our community. We take pride in our role within the community and our people fully embrace the opportunity to participate in fundraising throughout the year, but especially at Christmas.”

In addition to fundraising, staff members from Forth Ports have volunteered to assist with the herculean effort of collecting and sorting the thousands of gifts that have started arriving at Mission Christmas HQ in Edinburgh’s Gyle Shopping Centre. 

Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids, said: “Last year, through a combination of gift drop-offs and cash donations, more than £1.1 million worth of toys were handed out in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, helping a staggering 25,386 children.

“COVID-19 really hampered our fundraising drives throughout 2020 and we were worried Mission Christmas might not be able to go ahead. Thankfully, its all systems go, with a raft of additional safety measures in place.

“We wouldn’t be able to do any of this if it wasn’t for the support of volunteers and businesses like Forth Ports. In addition to offering an amazing initial donation, they’re helping us with the huge operational task of ensuring no child in  the region wakes up on Christmas Day without a gift. We’re eternally grateful to them.” 

TUC: Don’t repeat mistakes of Test and Trace by outsourcing Covid-19 vaccine programme

The TUC has warned the UK government against repeating the mistakes of Test and Trace by outsourcing the Covid-19 vaccine programme.

The union body says ministers must learn the lessons from the failures of Test and Trace and PPE provision by ensuring the design and delivery of the vaccination programme is led by public health professionals not private contractors.

The TUC has today published a five-step plan the government should take to ensure effective distribution and take-up of the vaccine:

1. Empower local public health teams to take the lead: Local directors of public health must be given a central role in co-ordinating the vaccination programme and not be “marginalised” like under Test and Trace, says the TUC.

Local public health teams have consistently proven more effective at outreach than the centralised Test and Trace system – with contact rates of over 90% compared to 60% for services run by Serco. But they have been forced to make do with small and piecemeal amounts of money in comparison to the billions handed to Serco.

With the vaccine likely to require significant outreach work at community level, local public health teams must be given the funding they need to run large-scale vaccination programmes.

2. Improve supply chains: The NHS’s fragmented and privatised supply chains massively slowed down the supply of PPE to frontline staff during the first wave of the crisis.

To avoid similar delays with the supply of the vaccine ministers should look at using public fleets as appropriate.

3. Trained healthcare staff should administer the vaccine: The effectiveness of Test and Trace has been hugely undermined by private companies drafting in non-healthcare staff with minimal training, says the TUC.

The union body says any expansion in staff able to administer vaccines should be overseen and organised by NHS organisations or local authorities.

Training non-health workers to give vaccines should be only a last resort, with options such as bringing health workers back from retirement considered first.

4. Persuade and support people to get the vaccine: Compliance with the vaccination programme should be achieved through persuasion not compulsion, says the TUC.

Getting vaccinated must not be made a condition of employment or access to public services.  

And staff should be given paid time-off to get vaccinated.

5. Build public trust: A high level of engagement and compliance will be essential for the vaccination programme to be successful.

Trust and confidence in the vaccination system is most likely to be maximised by a system designed and led by public health professionals.

Public health experts should lead on communications around vaccination roll out and the impact. This will help avoid the politicisation of announcements and ensure that public expectations are realistic. And there should be transparency and a public discussion about who is prioritised for the vaccine.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We all have a shared interest in getting the vaccine programme right. It’s our only shot at getting life back to normal.But that means learning the lessons from the failures of Test and Trace and PPE provision.


“The best way to deliver an effective rollout – and build public trust in the vaccine – is for local public health teams to run it. They know their communities best and are best placed to reach them.


“Outsourcing Test and Trace to private contractors has caused huge problems. We cannot afford the same mistake to be made with the delivery of the vaccine.”

On the need to provide persuasion and support, Frances O’Grady added: “The Test and Trace programme has not supported people to do the right thing. People are still not being given the level of sick pay they need to self-isolate and are then hit with large fines for not complying.

“We need a sea-change of approach when it comes to the vaccine.

“People need to be persuaded, not forced into taking it. Allowing workers paid-time off to get vaccinated will help make things easier.”

A Christmas Memory Tree at Inverleith St. Serf’s Church

Memory Tree:- December 14th -27th December

A Christmas Tree will be placed in the church garden offering individuals an opportunity to hang a wooden heart in memory of their loved one. The hearts can be hung upon the tree at any time during the above dates.

Collection of Wooden hearts:

These will be available for collection from the Church Centre on Friday 11th December, 1-30-3.30pm & on Saturday 12th December, 10am-12 noon.

Please take the heart home to write your message using a permanent marker. You may find it helpful to take a photo of the heart on the tree. This allows you to share the photo with members of your family.

Hanging & Removing the Wooden Hearts:

Please use hand sanitiser before and after hanging the wooden heart. This helps us to ensure good hand hygiene procedures.

The tree will be dismantled on 28th December and all wooden hearts will be disposed of, unless collected prior to this date.

Virtual Service: Wed. 16th December, 7pm

A recorded service will be uploaded to Inverleith St. Serf’s FB page. You are invited to join us in this collective worship opportunity as we give thanks and remember our loved ones.

Citizens Assembly to hold final meeting today

The Citizens Assembly will meet for Weekend 8 today – Saturday 5 December. Convener Kate Wimpress has written a blog where she provides an overview of the weekend (see below). 

We will be livestreaming the plenary sessions on our website, 

www.citizensassembly.scot 

and materials for the Assembly that members will use, are also available to view online.

Convener Kate Wimpress (above) said: “I am very much looking forward to the last meeting of the Citizens’ Assembly.

“Members will be meeting online on Saturday, 5th December, to discuss support for the final recommendations to advance their vision for Scotland. This is the culmination of the remarkable journey we have taken, together, as Scotland’s first  Assembly. As usual, we will be livestreaming the plenary sessions on our website: www.citizensassembly.scot

“Members will be reading out their recommendations, and it will be a privilege to hear the recommendations, formed through careful deliberation, shared in their own voice. They will also be voting on the levels of support for each recommendations agreed during weekend 7. 

“The recommendations are varied and speak to a number of broad themes: 

How decisions are taken 

  • Recommendations about improving citizen participation, the provision of information, and accountability in our political institutions.

Constitutional issues 

  • Some recommendations explicitly call for further powers, for example, around taxation and negotiating  trade agreements. Others call for changes in areas that are currently reserved, including aspects of employment law, incomes and regulation of utilities to support environmental objectives. 

Building a sustainable country  

  • A range of recommendations about environmental sustainability.

Tax and economy  

  • Recommendations on changes to, and improving the understanding of, the tax system

Income and poverty

  • Recommendations covering a range of action to address poverty including to improve information on poverty and relating to income and employment.

Helping people to realise their potential 

  • A broad range of recommendations, including around education and training for young people, and action around health and wellbeing, the NHS, and wider health services 

“There is a great deal of detail within each of the  themes and members will be finalising their recommendations during Weekend 8.

“The final report will incorporate the Assembly vision and the recommendations, alongside a description of how the process worked, and reflections from Members on their journey. It is to be published early next month, presented to the Scottish Government and Parliament, and debated in the Scottish Parliament.  

“We are making plans for communicating the final reports and our subscribers will be kept up to date with all the latest developments.

“In the meantime, we will continue to promote the Assembly across our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social media channels.”

The Right Care in the Right Place

A&E always there for those who need it

The way people access A&E services is changing to keep patients and NHS Scotland safe this winter – making sure everyone gets the right care in the right place.

Local A&E departments remain open for those who have a life-threatening emergency. 

However, to ensure patients have the fastest access to the treatment they need, anyone with a non-life threatening condition who would usually go to A&E should now call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night, to be directed to the right NHS service. 

If A&E is the most appropriate place to provide the right care, patients will either be directly referred to A&E by NHS 24 or a telephone or video consultation with a senior clinical decision maker. 

The remote consultation approach is designed to avoid unnecessary waits in crowded waiting areas and offer care much closer to home whenever possible. If senior clinical decision makers determine the patient needs to go to A&E, they may be offered an appointment to attend, and the team will know to expect them so they can be seen directly at that time.

NHS 24 on 111 is also there for those who need urgent medical attention but can’t wait for their GP practice or dentist to re-open.  

Those with life-threatening conditions including suspected heart attacks or strokes, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or severe injury should continue to go straight to A&E or call 999.

This new way of delivering urgent care –  which is being supported by a £20 million funding package – has been designed to help people get the right care in the right place this winter, at time when there is increased pressure on NHS services.

From December, the public are asked to:

  • use the NHS inform website to access advice on common symptoms, guidance for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed
  • contact their local GP practice during the day for an appointment or over-the-phone advice
  • call 111 day or night when they think they need A&E but it is not life-threatening
  • call 111 and select the Mental Health Hub to access mental health advice and guidance or call the Breathing Space telephone helpline on 0800 83 85 87
  • call 111 or use NHS inform out of hours when they are too ill to wait for their GP practice to open, or for worsening symptoms of COVID-19
  • use NHSinform.scot to access the location of their local minor injuries unit for non-life threatening but painful injuries such as a deep cut, a broken or sprained ankle or a painful burn injury

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:

“The NHS is always there for you. However, for many of us, A&E is not the right place for the care we need. That is why we are making it easier to get the right care in the right place. From December, if you think you need to go to A&E for care that is not life-threatening, the NHS 24 telephone service on 111 will be available day and night to direct you to the care you need.

“Your GP Practice is also always there for you and can be contacted for urgent but non-life threatening conditions. However, in an emergency, you should continue to call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

“By doing so, we will continue to help our doctors and nurses through this pandemic, and ensure A&E provides the fastest and most appropriate care for people when they really need it. Help us keep you and our NHS safe by making the right call at the right time to access the right care in the right place for you and your family.”

More information on the Redesign of Urgent Care Programme is available online.