Day: July 5, 2021

New doctors take their oath after a final year like no other

Becoming a doctor takes years of dedication, studying and on-the-wards training. But for this year’s cohort of 293 newly qualified doctors, currently enjoying their virtual graduation events, their final years as students were massively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 56 of the students were based at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Dr Diva Abdullah enjoyed a virtual graduation on Friday with her classmates from the University of Glasgow. It followed a separate ceremony where the newly qualified doctors recently took the Hippocratic oath from a lecture theatre. The 24-year-old from Brunei has been in Scotland for 3 years and working at hospitals across the country as part of her training.

“When the pandemic hit we were still 4th year students and all of a sudden we had to cancel our placements and there was a lot of uncertainty for everyone. We were out of the hospital for four-and-a-half months and into online learning.”

When the students were allowed back in clinical settings, they worked hard to catch up on the more practical elements of their studies.

Diva was posted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department, just as the second wave of COVID took hold.

She added: “We saw a lot of COVID patients coming in. I was in the department one day and there were about eight acute patients there presenting with shortness of breath, and that was quite a lot. However, I felt incredibly supported by the team and we worked hard to help people.”

One of the hardest things for Diva arriving in Glasgow was trying to understand the accent. “I was in a GP’s practice and I volunteered to take notes and I had no idea what was going on – but it quickly got better,” she added.

Diva is now moving to Aberdeen to do her foundation year as a newly qualified doctor. Eventually, she hopes to specialise in paediatrics, working in a children’s hospital. “I just want to help people, I like being able to make a difference to someone’s life,” she said.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hospital Sub Dean at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Miss Jane Madeley, said: They were part way through their penultimate year of training when COVID-19 impacted training.

“In comparison to last year’s graduates, who had completed enough of the course by March 2020 to be able to move forward and graduate, this year’s final year students were midway thought the clinical stage of training which consists of different placements in the hospital and GP setting where they learn the principles of medicine and surgery as well as other specialties.

“They were initially withdrawn from the hospitals in March 2020 and teaching moved on-line, whilst planning for them to be able to return was undertaken.

“This must have been a very difficult period, with the stress of uncertainty, isolation from peers that the lock-down enforced, and some returning overseas, with others remaining in Glasgow but unable to see family and friends.”

Jane thanked the staff at GRI for their support for the student and added: “We are extremely proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success in the future.

“We are sure a group able to flourish during this testing period will achieve amazing things moving forwards and we look forward to welcoming them as colleagues.”

Diva has enjoyed being a part of the NHS throughout a year like no other. She concluded: “Teamwork is what makes the NHS work, it feels like a small family where everyone is looking out for each other and their patients. That’s what is so important.”

The Great Deluge: cleaning up the Capital

Edinburgh’s flooding response as half of July’s rain falls in one hour

The City of Edinburgh Council’s roads and flood prevention teams worked throughout last night to respond to surface water and flooding as a result of Sunday’s extreme weather.

Officers, supported by additional resources, are working closely with Scottish Water, who are responsible for sewers, to check for blockages and clear surface water, with up to 37mm of rain – around half of the total average rainfall for the month of July – falling in less than an hour on Sunday.

As the clean-up continues, and with a yellow warning of rain in place for Monday, drivers are being encouraged to take extra care and avoid flooded areas, particularly to reduce further damage to homes and businesses from backwash from cars.

The flood prevention team has been monitoring river flows throughout the night, closing lower flood gates at Baird Drive and Stockbridge Colonies as a precautionary measure, as well as clearing some localised culvert trash screens.

With a flood alert issued by SEPA still in place, officers will continue to check river flows and weather forecasts and respond accordingly.

The city’s gullies are cleaned following a rolling programme and over the last fortnight the most sensitive gullies have been cleared, as part of more than 10,500 gullies cleaned since March. Intense rainfall of the kind experienced on Sunday is extremely rare and exceeds the capacity of roads drainage and sewerage systems, though it is becoming more frequent as weather patterns change.

The Council’s Transport leaders have praised teams for their efforts to tackle the impact of the dramatic downpours.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: Our roads and flood prevention teams have worked extremely hard, throughout Sunday and overnight, to minimise the impact of this intense, sudden downpour.

“This was in close partnership with Scottish Water, who are responsible for the city’s sewer system, and I’d like to thank all those involved for their swift response. No city’s drainage systems are designed to cope with the sort of short, sharp volume of water experienced yesterday.

“As it’s not possible to predict this kind of extreme weather, which is regrettably is becoming more frequent as climate change effects intensify, localised flooding was unfortunately inevitable.

“However, our sympathies are with anyone who has experienced damage to their property as a result of flooding, and officers, along with partners, are working flat out to make sure the aftermath is cleared as quickly as possible.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Flash flooding like we experienced yesterday is extremely challenging, but we’ve been doing everything we can to minimise its negative effects across the city, along with Scottish Water.

“We’re now beginning the clean-up, but there’s still significant surface water in some parts of the city, so I would encourage everyone to take extra care if travelling today.”

Information from the Scottish Flood Forum on coping with the aftermath of a flood is available on their website.

Find advice on severe weather on the Council’s website.

Rugby star and graduate – Jamie gets the best of both worlds

Scottish rugby 7s star Jamie Farndale has been awarded a first class honours degree after a nine-year academic journey which he has combined with a career in elite international sport.

The 27-year-old got the best of both worlds thanks to Edinburgh Napier’s Dual Career approach which allows talented athletes to balance their studies with a hectic sporting schedule.

Now he has graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management after also competing in under-20 World Cups, playing for Edinburgh Rugby, captaining Scotland 7s and finishing top try scorer at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Jamie, who is also Director of Rugby Players Scotland, a company established to represent professional players, said: “The university I was supposed to go to told me I had to choose between university or rugby, but at Edinburgh Napier lecturers have gone massively out of their way to accommodate me.

“Training or competing abroad almost always clashed with lectures, tutorials and exams, and I had to work hard to catch up, and even had to re-sit entire modules due to missing exams.

“What made a difficult task possible was the eagerness to help which I experienced. Lectures were recorded so I could catch up in the evenings, some academics met with me to provide one-on-one tutoring, and others set me different exam assessments to cover times when I was abroad.”

Former Edinburgh Academy pupil Jamie, who was a Scottish Schools Cup winner at U15 and U18 level, has gained a reputation as a potent attacking threat from the wing, despite suffering an early career leg break.  He is also an accomplished piper.

During his part-time studies at Edinburgh Napier, in 2017, he scored the winning try for the national 7s team with the clock in the red to enable them to complete an amazing comeback from 21-0 down and become the first Scotland side to beat a team from New Zealand.

In the following year’s 7s World Cup in San Francisco, he again scored a try after the full-time hooter to seal a 31-26 comeback win over Kenya before running over 100 metres to score the try in extra time that saw Scotland beat France.

Jamie said: “Having been able to study towards a degree while playing at the highest level instead of having to wait to complete my studies first has given me such a head start and allowed me the best chance in my rugby career. I am forever grateful to everyone at Edinburgh Napier.

“I hope I still have three or four years left of professional rugby but I will use the time I put into studying to try to get involved in some work-based projects, perhaps in sustainability. Long term, I may look to continue my studies with an MBA or maybe some professional qualifications such as a CA.”

Dr Stephen Robertson, lecturer in Edinburgh Napier’s Business School, worked closely with Jamie during his time at the University and supervised his dissertation.

He said: “Jamie was often on the other side of the world, and working with him over the years taught me what is possible with remote learning. As a second year he used lecture recordings originally created to support dyslexic students to stay up to date with his class and actually finished with the highest scores.

“What Jamie has achieved in his studies is outstanding. What he’s achieved on the field is incredible. That he’s managed to do both at the same time says a lot about his focus, attention to detail and work ethic.”

Pictures: SNS/Scottish Rugby

Supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs

A national service dedicated to supporting young people with very complex social, emotional and behavioural needs has received £280,000 of Scottish Government funding.

The Interventions for Vulnerable Youth (IVY) project provides psychological and social work support to 12 to 18-year-olds who present a serious risk of harm to themselves or others.

The service, hosted by child and youth care charity Kibble, has supported more than 270 children and young people since it was established in 2013.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “It is vital that children and young people with such complex needs get the support they need.

“I am pleased that we have committed to funding IVY in 2021-22 so the service can continue to provide expert help.”

Kibble and IVY clinical director Dan Johnson said: “The pandemic has made it harder for services to reach those children and young people who need it most.

“With funding from the Scottish Government, IVY can continue to help young people and families access the right kind of support at the right time.”

Recycl-Age Art Exhibition 9-11 July

granton:hub is pleased to announce that our community is now included in the ‘Coastal Knowledge’ project funded by the RSE Young Academy Scotland and led by Dr Niki Vermeulen (University of Edinburgh) celebrating Scotland’s (prolonged) year of coast and waters.

As a coastal community, Granton plays a part in developing diverse forms of knowledge about the coast and experiences that people have living and working on the coast.

The Recycl-Age Art exhibition was selected as part of this Coastal Knowledge project and is included in the 2021 Edinburgh Science festival, offering artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work.

Recycl-Age Art 2021 includes painters, printmakers, collage artists, ceramicists, illustrators, photographers, textile artists, jewellers, composers, poets and makers. Many artworks incorporate recycled elements, indeed several are made of 100% recycled and repurposed materials. Some artists reflect on what recycling means to them, figuratively or conceptually.

granton_programme_finalversionDownload

With contributions from: Marta Adamowicz –  Elise Ashby – Anna Baran – Emily Brooks Millar – Sandra Brown – Megan Chapman – Erin Colquhoun – Michael Dawson – Gina Fierlafijn Reddie – Penny Forbes – Komachi Goto – David Gray – Lorna Johnson – Jessica Kirkpatrick – Victor Nobis – Valerie O’Regan – Abigail Osborne – Ludovica Perosin – Ian Reddie – Judith Shaylor – Jacqueline Thow – Mark Urban – Rosemary Walker – Bev Wright.

For further information please contact artingranton@grantonhub.org

Committee considers plans for additional payment for Scotland’s unpaid carers

Plans for an additional payment for some unpaid carers are being considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill will double the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) to be paid in December. It will also give the Scottish Government power to increase the allowance in the future.

According to the Scottish Government, this change will help ease some of the economic harm which has affected the estimated 83,000 carers who currently receive the allowance.

Now the Committee wants to hear from carers support groups and others about whether this change will have the impact it is hoped.

Committee Convener, Neil Gray MSP said: “The devastation caused by Covid has been felt throughout our towns and communities. It has been hard for people in so many ways, and it is important that those most affected are recognised and offered the support they need. 

“This Bill wants to address some of the extra burden unpaid carers have taken on by increasing the level of the Carer’s Support Allowance. But what impact would this have on those facing unimaginable hardship as a result of Covid? 

“We want to hear from those working closely with carers about what this will mean in practice and whether the additional payment is the most appropriate way to support unpaid carers. We also want to learn whether people think the Scottish Government should have more flexibility to change this payment in the future.” 

Carer’s Support Allowance is targeted at those who have an intensive caring role and lower financial resistance. Although there are estimated to be around 690,000 unpaid carers, only an estimated 83,000 carers are eligible for the allowance.

Paid twice a year, the current payment is £231.40. The Bill would double the December 2021 payment. 

To submit your views:

  https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ssc/carers-allowance-supplement by 12 August.

Shaheeda Sinckler launches new track as part of Royal Bank of Scotland campaign

Life After Lockdown: New music encourages young adults to get their lives back on track

·       Shaheeda Sinckler commissioned to pen a new track for Royal Bank of Scotland’s ‘Every Dream Needs Plan’ campaign 

·       Campaign will encourage under-35s to set up a financial plan to achieve future dreams

·       New track explores the milestones lost to lockdown but fosters optimism about post-pandemic life

Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) winner, Shaheeda Sinckler has released an exclusive new track in collaboration with Royal Bank of Scotland.

Labelled “Put Your Hands Up”, the 3-minute song, recorded at Glasgow’s Power Control Studio last month, was written and performed by rapper and DJ Shaheeda, aka Nova Scotia the Truth, over a beat by Sam Brodie, as part of Royal Bank’s ‘Every Dream Needs a Plan’ campaign.

The campaign is encouraging under 35s in Scotland to set up a financial plan to support their future dreams, following the impact of Covid-19 on their livelihoods and personal lives.

Research from the bank reveals that more than half (56%) of 18–34-year-olds in Scotland put a ‘life moment’ such as a wedding, graduation or first home purchase on hold during the last 12 months. A further fifth (22%) of all 18-34-year-olds also reported feeling anxious about money troubles in a post-Covid world.

Inspired by Shaheeda’s personal experience of the pandemic, lyrically and in her authentic style, the new track shines a light on some of the financial challenges felt by many but urges listeners to recognise the importance of setting a plan to help.

The young artist was forced to postpone live gigs, go on furlough, accept her SAY award in isolation and delay returning to live in Glasgow, instead opting to remain staying with her parents because of the pandemic.

The video is available to stream now via Shaheeda’s YouTube channel here.

Video credits are as follows: Creative director and videographer, Tj Sedisa; Fashion stylist, Jack Shanks; Make up artist MV Brown and Hair stylist, Emma Diamond

The 25-year-old artist, who grew up in Scotland’s creative scene, is known for her experiments with solo and collaborative works, creating tracks with a distinctive, independent sound.

Her repertoire boasts features on NME, BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, Clash Magazine, Mixmag, The Guardian, BBC Radio Scotland, Red Bull Music, The Basement x Nike BSMNT AIR MAX 90 campaign and Time Out London amongst others.

As lockdown lifts and Scots begin to press play on their lives once more, Royal Bank has committed to improving the nation’s financial capabilities by offering every person a free Financial Health Check, to reduce money anxieties and help them achieve their goals.

Shaheeda Sinckler, said: “The past twelve months have given us all time to reflect. Put Your Hands Up was a chance for me to share something relatable and grounded in my own experiences and offer a positive look to the future now we’re hopefully coming out the other side.

“I managed to get on top of my finances during the lockdown, but I know not everyone will be feeling the same and that’s why it’s so important we talk more about money and equip ourselves with the tools to plan for the future.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “As the economic recovery from the pandemic continues to build momentum, it’s clear that younger generations are keen to get back out into the world and continue working towards achieving their aspirations, which may now be bigger or more ambitious than before.

“It’s testament to the resilience and positivity of young people in Scotland that they have not been deterred from pursuing their goals.

“We want to play our part by providing them with the tools they need to manage their money, plan for the future and make their dreams a reality.”

Royal Bank is making financial management easier by providing the following:

·       Financial Health Check – A free 20-minute conversation with a senior advisor who provides guidance to make banking simpler, and tips for everyday spending or achieving future goals.

This could include setting savings targets, advice on tracking monthly spending and creating budgets. Customers can choose to chat in a branch or over the phone. personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html

·       Royal Bank of Scotland Mobile App – Customers using Royal Bank of Scotland’s award-winning app will now be able to easily see where their money is going with the new ‘spending’ tab which will show them how much they’re spending each month, helping them stay in control of their money.

Young Scot Youth Loneliness Panel calls for action in new report

The Youth Loneliness Panel has worked in collaboration with Young Scot, funded by the Co-op Foundation, as part of a two-year project focused on raising awareness of and tackling Youth Loneliness.

The Panel focused on developing a set of recommendations and actions of what needs to happen to ensure youth loneliness is being addressed in Scotland at a strategic level, ensuring consistency and sustainability locally and nationally.

They developed a survey to gather insights and experiences from young people on what the main issues are around loneliness and what needs to be implemented to support any young people who are experiencing loneliness.

This report details the findings of the survey and the recommendations made by the Youth Loneliness Panel based on these results:

YS_Loneliness_Report_2021_BDownload

NHS Lothian given £27 million in extra COVID funding

NHS Lothian has been given £27 million in extra COVID-19 funding from the Scottish Government as part of a £380 million package allocated to health boards across Scotland.

This comes on top of the £1.7 billion already provided to health boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships last year.

The additional funding includes ongoing support for the vaccination programme, the Test and Protect system, and personal protective equipment for health and care workers.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald MSP said: “NHS Lothian has been under incredible pressure during the pandemic, not only will this additional funding support the health board with its efforts to treat patients but it will also play a role in supporting our NHS in its remobilisation programme as we come out of the pandemic.

“It is essential that our health services can be on a sure footing as we re-emerge from the pandemic and other services that have been disrupted can restart smoothly.

“This is a demonstration again that the only party in Scotland that can protect Scotland’s NHS is the SNP.”

 Covid Funding (£m)
NHS Ayrshire and Arran                   13.7
NHS Borders                     3.4
NHS Dumfries and Galloway                     4.9
NHS Fife                   11.6
NHS Forth Valley                   10.1
NHS Grampian                   16.2
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde                   45.8
NHS Highland                     9.8
NHS Lanarkshire                   25.9
NHS Lothian                   27.0
NHS Orkney                     0.7
NHS Shetland                     0.7
NHS Tayside                   13.7
NHS Western Isles                     0.9
National Waiting Times Centre                     3.9
Scottish Ambulance Service                   17.4
The State Hospital                     0.3
NHS 24                     2.7
NHS Education for Scotland                     1.8
NHS National Services Scotland                156.3
Healthcare Improvement Scotland                     0.4
Public Health Scotland                   12.6
Total                379.6

Police warn drivers about drink driving ahead of week of activity

Police are warning drivers who are enjoying a drink during the summer months not to get behind the wheel: even one drink can be one too many.

Officers will target drink drivers as part of a week of activity, starting today – Monday 5 July.

Police Scotland regularly carry out intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those who choose to put others at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Police Scotland, Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “With many families opting for a staycation this summer, traffic levels are expected to be higher than in previous years.

“If you’re heading out to socialise over the summer months and intend drinking alcohol, please plan ahead and consider how you will get home safely, whether it’s walking, catching the bus, train or arranging a taxi.

“Do not take the risk of getting behind the wheel if you have consumed drugs or alcohol. I would ask friends, family and members of the public who suspect someone of driving under the influence of drink or drugs to have the courage to contact the Police and our officers will take action.”