Month: July 2021

Test and Protect to prioritise high risk cases as Covid numbers climb

Scotland’s Test and Protect contact tracing staff are to prioritise phone calls to high risk cases to ensure the system delivers maximum benefit as Coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers increase.

SMS text messages will now be used more extensively for low risk index cases, with direct telephone calls continuing to be used for the most high risk cases.

All individuals are being encouraged to complete the digital contact tracing form, allowing contact tracers to consider where a case is high risk and should receive a phone call. This approach will allow capacity to be focused on the cases most likely to lead to further transmission of the virus.

Additional measures to maximise overall capacity across health boards are being implemented, including supporting ongoing recruitment processes in local contact tracing teams to ensure they can continue to meet agreed staffing deployment requirements, alongside additional surge workforce capacity being brought online in the National Contact Tracing Centre over the coming days.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:  “At a time when we are facing a record high number of positive cases, our Test and Protect system has continued to operate well and, meeting our proxy measure,  the World Health Organisation criteria of closing 80% of close contacts within 72 hours.

“But the third wave of cases means that the Test and Protect system is now contacting record numbers of people each day.

“The shift in approach we are taking will mean more text messages going out and people getting online to report contacts and find information.

“This is a sensible and practical approach which will allow us to focus our contacting tracing efforts on the most high risk cases and prevent further spread of the virus.

“Contact tracers will continue to phone many of those who have tested positive but there will be a focus on more complex, high risk cases. We continue to look holistically at the system to ensure its resilience, including supporting ongoing local recruitment and flexing additional workforce capacity within the National Contact Tracing Centre.

“It’s really important that people who are contacted by Test and Protect continue to self-isolate for 10 days.

“Our Test and Protect staff are doing fantastic work under significant pressure and we should all be thankful for their efforts throughout this pandemic.

“I would encourage anyone who has a smartphone to download the Protect Scotland App – if you test positive, you will receive a code that can be entered into the app, providing isolation notifications to people you have been in contact with.”

Daily case numbers reached a record 4,234 in Scotland this week, although the success of the vaccination roll-out has limited the number of people getting seriously ill and being admitted to hospital.

Are you celebrating National Thank You Day?

  • National Thank You Day, backed by Lorraine Kelly, Dame Katherine Grainger and Tom Kitchin, will give thanks to those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic
  • Tartan Tea Parties, BBQs and picnics are set to take place across Scotland to celebrate local heroes
  • UK Government Communities Secretary thanks community heroes and encourages all to fill the airwaves with tributes to everyone who played their part

The UK Government is celebrating Thank You Day to shine a light on Scotland’s unsung heroes who have served local communities during the pandemic.

With backing from a host of Scottish celebrities including TV’s Lorraine Kelly, olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger and Scotland’s youngest Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchin, the day is set to give thanks to those who have gone the extra mile to help their neighbours.

The campaign for Thank You Day was started by a small group of people from across the UK including Debbie Matthew, a stroke survivor from Perthshire, and May Parsons, the nurse who administered the UK’s first Covid jab.

Thanks to their efforts, people around the country will be gathering to show their gratitude by hosting Covid safe Tartan Tea Parties, BBQs, picnics, and certificate ceremonies in honour of those who have selflessly given their time to help those in need.

UK Government Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is also calling on people to fill the UK’s airwaves with their thanks and tributes on local radio and social media.

Unsung heroes include people such as:

  • Faith leaders who embraced technology to ensure communities could celebrate religious festivals online and opened up places of worship as vaccination centres
  • The many volunteers who delivered food parcels and those who were always there at the other end of the phone or on the doorstep to smile, listen and talk so people did not feel alone
  • Volunteers and charities who worked to get rough sleepers off the streets and provided lifesaving support for those fleeing domestic abuse
  • Council staff, social workers and refuse collectors who kept vital services going during the most challenging times.

The Prime Minister will be joining the festivities with a ‘BB-Thank-Q’, hosting community leaders, NHS workers and representatives from the Royal Voluntary Service.

UK Government Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: This past year has been challenging for us all. But in the darkest of times, when people were most in need, the actions of our friends and neighbours to support our communities have shone the brightest.

“Across all faiths, ages, backgrounds and languages, our communities have shown off the best of this country.

“You are all our community heroes and on behalf of the UK Government I want to say thank you.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The past year has been incredibly challenging for all of us, but the kindness, generosity and community spirit shown across Scotland has been truly heartening.

“From every one of our key workers who kept services going in the most difficult of circumstances, to our voluntary groups who worked tirelessly to help those in need, the people that delivered food parcels to their neighbours, there are so many in Scotland that went above and beyond to support their communities.

“The UK Government is proud to be supporting Thank You Day to pay tribute to all those who deserve our sincere gratitude.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is holding a Tartan Tea party to mark the day with staff and families from the Scottish parliament.

She said: “It has been heartening to hear stories of people across Scotland who have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide support to friends, families and neighbours throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important we pause to recognise their efforts.

“Thank You Day gives us the opportunity to express in person our gratitude to those who go out of their way to offer their time and help – and I am hugely grateful to all those who have done so already and continue to do so.

“By heeding the various rules and public health advice and enabling others to do the same, you are protecting the vulnerable and helping suppress the virus.”

Appeal for information after two men seriously injured in Granton

Around 1.10am on Saturday, 3 July, 2021 officer were called to Granton Square, Edinburgh following a report of a disturbance.

Two men, aged 19 and 21, were found with serious injuries and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to be treated.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, said: “These men received serious injuries and therefore it is imperative that we establish exactly how they came about them.

“We are currently carrying out enquiries into the matter, however would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.

“Passing taxis or private hire vehicles that were in the area may also have dash-cam footage that could be vital in our enquiry. We would urge you to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 0261 of Saturday, 3 July, 2021. Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence.

Elite athletes step up to combat climate change

A SPORTS marketing agency which prides itself on its ethical approach will be giving its athletes an added incentive – the opportunity to help combat climate change.

The Athlete Media Group represents 18 sports men and women at the top of their game, who compete in everything from boxing to rowing to triathlon – World Cup winners, Team GB Olympic Gold medallists, world champions, world record holders and more.

And as part of its commitment to recognising and supporting a range of good causes, AMG has now partnered with JUST ONE Tree (sic), which works towards repairing the world’s damaged ecosystems.

The agency has put in place a sliding scale of financial rewards which will see them make a donation to JUST ONE Tree throughout 2021 and 2022 every time one of their athletes wins a competition or makes it to the podium.

All the money will then be used by JUST ONE Tree to plant trees around the globe along with mangrove and kelp in the oceans, which reflects the environments that AMG’s athletes perform in.

Sophie Coldwell, Team GB triathlete who works with AMG, believes this is an important initiative – so much so that she and some of her fellow athletes will be matching the agency’s pledge personally.

 “I am proud to use my athlete platform and performances to help combat climate change in such a fun and creative way,” she said. “I love that I can do my bit for the planet through my passion for triathlon and can’t wait to get racing again.”                                                                                    

JUST ONE Tree is a non-profit initiative committed to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and reversing biodiversity loss through global reforestation and its CEO and Founder, Amanda Bronkhorst, praised AMG for its commitment.

“Athlete Media Group has pledged to embrace sustainability at every level and I’m delighted they’ve chosen JUST ONE Tree as their partner on that journey,” she said.

“Working with land- and water-based athletes really helps emphasise all the ways planting trees can help regenerate our planet and create a greener future for us all.”

Mark Middlemas, CEO and Founder of AMG, said this partnership typified the ethos at the agency. “This is what AMG is all about – doing good, pushing boundaries and having fun,” he said.

“It’s about athletes doing what they do best – competing, scoring and winning – and out of that we can help in some small way to help create a positive future for our planet.”

BME workers bearing the brunt of coronavirus cuts

Black and minority ethnic (BME) workers are three times more likely than white workers to have lost working hours during the pandemic, according to a new TUC poll published on Friday.

The survey – carried out for the TUC by Britain Thinks – found that around 1 in 11 (9%) BME workers had their normal 35-48 hours a week cut back during the Covid-19 pandemic. Only 1 in 33 (3%) white workers said their working hours were reduced.

Nearly 1 in 8 (13%) BME workers told the TUC that their hours were cut without them requesting it in the last 12 months, compared to 1 in 11 (9%) of white workers. And 1 in 4 (25%) BME workers said they were now working between 1-24 hours a week, compared to 1 in 5 (20%) white workers.

The poll also found that:

  • Second jobs: BME workers were nearly twice as likely to say they’d had to take on more than one job in the last 12 months than white workers. Around 1 in 14 (7%) BME workers had more than one job during the past year, compared to just 1 in 25 (4%) white workers.
  • Pressure to go into work: 1 in 5 (20%) BME respondents told the TUC they were worried that if they did not go into their workplace this would impact negatively on their status at work, for example in terms of their job security or their chances of getting a pay rise. Around 1 in 7 (14%) white respondents shared this concern.

Previous TUC analysis revealed that the unemployment rate for BME workers has risen three times as fast as the unemployment rate for white workers during the pandemic.

The BME unemployment rate shot up from 6.3% to 8.9% between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 41%. Over the same period the unemployment rate for white workers rose from 3.6% to 4.1%, an increase of 14%.

Around 1 in 11 (8.9%) BME workers are now unemployed, compared to 1 in 25 (4.1%) of white workers.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on the structural discrimination that has been hidden in our jobs market for too long.

“BME workers have shouldered the burden of the pandemic. They’ve faced the double whammy of being more likely to be working in industries that have been hit hardest by unemployment. And it’s now clear they’ve also have been more likely than white workers to lose hours – and therefore pay. Too many BME workers are having to take on second jobs now just to make ends meet.

“We know that BME workers are more likely to be in low-paid, insecure work with less employment rights. Through the pandemic, many have paid for this discrimination by losing hours, jobs and wages. Tragically, many more have paid with their lives.

“Enough is enough. Everyone deserves a decent job, with decent pay and with decent terms and conditions. Ministers must address this inequality once and for all and challenge the structural discrimination that holds BME workers back at every level of the labour market.”

Chair of the TUC anti-racism task force and NASUWT General Secretary Patrick Roach said: “This latest evidence comes on top of other data showing that Black workers are bearing the brunt of precarious employment, zero-hours contracts and employers using ‘fire and rehire’ to drive down wages.

“With rates of unemployment rising fastest amongst Black workers, we need to see urgent action from the Government to tackle these inequalities and secure a recovery that works for everyone.

“It will also be important that employers consider and are held to account for how their decisions are impacting on Black and White workers.”

The TUC is calling on government to:

  • Introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting and make employers publish action plans to ensure fair wages for BME workers in the workplace.
  • Ban zero-hours contracts and strengthen the rights of insecure workers – which will have a disproportionate impact on BME workers.
  • Publish all the equality impact assessments related to its response to Covid-19 and be transparent about how it considers BME communities in policy decisions.

Scotmid among UK’s retail co-ops providing over £100,000 of support to the India Covid crisis

Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid, has joined nine other retail co-ops across the UK to provide much needed emergency supplies to co-ops and communities in India during the Covid crisis.

The announcement comes on International Day of Co-ops (Saturday 3 July 2021).

Over £100,000 was donated via the Self Employed Woman’s Association (SEWA), the Co-operative Federation in India which works with 106 women’s co-ops, enabling them to provide a sustainable livelihood for female workers.

The support from the retail societies allowed SEWA to provide essential basic supplies through their female networks, including masks and paracetamol, critical supplies including oxygen, and supporting Indian co-ops to restart their businesses after lockdown.

Established in 1972 SEWA currently has 1.8 million members, across 18 states in the country.

Mirai Chatterjee, Chairperson, SEWA Cooperative Federation said: “We would like to thank you for the solidarity of the co-operative spirit in action. We are very happy to be your partners in the rebuild.

“The situation in India is thankfully slowly improving and we are seeing a reduction in cases in the urban areas, although we are less sure about the rural areas as the data is sparse.

“Our country is now slowly coming out of the health emergency, but we are now staring in the face of a huge livelihood and humanitarian crisis. Workers and families have been busy with the health emergency but now they are extremely anxious about how they can restore their livelihoods and that’s where your contribution and your support to us has been critical.”

During the crisis period, 4,000 household health kits were prepared by the Indian co-operatives that form part of SEWA. These included masks made by an artisan co-operative and soap and immune boosters produced by a health co-operative distributed across eight states across India.

Crucially they also provided lifesaving information about the symptoms and spread of Covid to families in rural and low income urban areas – to dispel myths and provide accurate health information.

The support from the UK retail societies will support seven Indian co-operatives to restart their businesses, buying raw materials and re-establish market links. SEWA also used this substantial donation as a bargaining tool to leverage support from corporate donors, securing additional funds for women farmers and a catering co-operative in this way.

The emergency response was co-ordinated by Co-operatives UK and the Co-operative College, who worked together as part of the International Working Group to collect and co-ordinate the donations from The Co-op Group, Midcounties Co-op, Central England Co-op, Scotmid, Lincolnshire Co-op, Southern Co-op, East of England Co-op, Channel Islands Co-op, Chelmsford Star Co-op, Heart of England Co-op and Co-op News.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK said: “This is true co-operation in action, with some of the largest co-ops in the UK collaborating to provide financial support and solidarity to co-ops on the other side of the world.

“Our global co-operative movement is based on values and principles that are as strong today as they ever were. It’s fitting that we are sharing news of the impact of this donation on International Day of Co-operatives, which has a theme of Rebuild Better Together, which is exactly what this support will help to do.

“The response from the co-operative community was really quite phenomenal and it meant that we were able to get funds directly through this female network of co-operators to provide support on the ground, where it was needed, at speed with minimal red tape or admin fees,” she added.

John Brodie, CEO of Scotmid, said: “This worthwhile initiative, which came through the co-operative national buying group, demonstrates the strength of co-operation.

“We’re pleased to see this donation is having an impact on the ground in India, helping co-ops to restart their businesses after the lockdowns.

“Working with SEWA as our overseas partner, we can ensure we are truly collaborating with co-ops in India. It’s not just handouts, its sustainable support through solidarity and self responsibility.”

Sarah Alldred from the Co-operative College said: “One of the aims of the International Working Group is to be able to respond quickly to international crises. It is made up of representatives from co-ops across the UK who want to keep links to the global movement alive and well.

“And it’s not just emergency response, we’re proactively working towards the UN sustainable development goals too, to help create a better world through co-operation.”

On advising the ICA President of the UK’s response to the India crisis Ariel Guarco, President, International Co-operative Alliance said: “The whole world is suffering the scourge of the pandemic. However, your effort to cooperate with those who are most affected at this time is extremely valuable and necessary.

“This expresses the co-operative values and principles in action and shows us that the only way to get out together from the health, social and economic crisis that we are going through on a global scale is through solidarity, mutual aid and co-operation.” 

Watch a video from SEWA explaining the impact of the support in India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-0DYEydtjw

Just William: a very special boy

Invisible illness promoter William Cuthill is honoured with a national award for his work as Teapot Trust Ambassador

Perth boy William Cuthill, aged 13, who has raised over £5,000 for the Teapot Trust SCIO, has been named ‘Inspirational Young Person 12 – 14 Years’ in the renowned GSK WellChild Awards 2021.

Yesterday, William attended a star-studded private party at London’s Kew Gardens, organised by WellChild and met the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.

Teapot Trust SCIO founder and trustee Dr Laura N Young nominated William Cuthill for the award because she has been amazed by the dedication William has had to the charity, when he’s juggled schoolwork, his health-condition and time in hospital for medication and appointments. 

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Dr Laura N Young MBE with 13-year-old William Cuthill outside the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh

William, who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is one of many children who might look fine on the outside, but internally their body is having a struggle to function normally without constant medication. 

This condition causes William to have very painful joints, like rheumatoid arthritis in adults with low mobility and energy.  He must see many consultants, two of whom also nominated him for his award, since they see how, despite the number of times he is in pain and to and from hospital, he is always positive and looking for ways to promote the art therapy offered by Teapot Trust SCIO.

Founder of the charity, which supplies art therapy to children with long-term health conditions Dr Laura N Young MBE, said, “The efforts and lengths to which William has gone for us are exceptional for any young person and would be worthy of honouring.

“However, he has done this work whilst struggling with his own health condition with days not feeling great, such as low energy and pain.

“William soldiers on, thinking of everyone else but himself. He is a very special boy who would be astounded to properly understand how much his help has been appreciated.

“He is one of those few people who gives without question. The knowledge of the appreciation of his efforts will no doubt spur him on, but will, we hope, also make others aware not only of what he endures but also what he contributes despite this.”

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William Cuthill artwork

So far, William has raised more than £5,000 for the charity, which considering the dire consequences of Covid-19 on the charity sector, has been quite amazing. The charity would like to thank members of the community who have sponsored William and purchased his artwork.

Over the last three years, Teapot Trust had the privilege of William appearing at events; he has added to a lovely atmosphere by piping guests in; then, impressing potential donors by speaking, talking about how he used his art therapy time and the value it has been to him. 

Most children of his age would shun such an environment and the mere idea of ‘public speaking’. Unbeknown to William it is an immeasurable task to get people on side and aid their understanding of what it is like for a child to live with a health condition. 

Teapot Trust commended him for being able to do this and for his honesty at how his life is impacted; not many people can do this, let alone a young person. His ability to connect and empathise with other children with chronic conditions is remarkable.

As a Junior Ambassador he has also attended time-consuming Board Meetings, not simply as an observer for 10 minutes, but sitting through the whole session and contributing valuable points from a service user’s point of view. 

His mother has taken time to help him read and understand papers which would normally be well outside the norm for a child of his age.

William also gifted his school Science Project to Teapot Trust.

William’s work cleverly refers to ‘a child’ with JIA, rather than to himself, to protect himself amongst his peers.  The life-sized model knee he created showcases a Baker Cyst alongside his inspiring text, raising the profile of an invisible disease and the challenges children are faced with on this journey. 

William has talked about this model which has given the Teapot Trust staff and a wider audience beyond this, a much greater understanding of what can go wrong in a joint.  He has also bravely revealed how isolating and lonely it can feel to suffer in silence.

William was picked from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Young Person in the WellChild Awards which celebrate the resilience of children living with serious illnesses or complex conditions.

Links:

William on the Teapot Trust website:  https://www.teapot-trust.org/Appeal/not-just-william

Williams’s essay:  https://famouspublicity.com/why-teapot-trust/

WellChild awards:  WellChild Awards 2021 – WellChild

New video content about William Cuthill:  https://youtu.be/DHSgZjLmt9E

Rhythm of Life: Celebrities back COVID-19 vaccination programme

  • The star-studded film is released today ahead of the NHS’s 73rd birthday celebrating the success of the vaccination programme to support the easing of restrictions
  • Everyone aged 18 and over is eligible to get a vaccine and people are urged to get their second doses
  • Watch the film

Celebrities including Jim Broadbent and David Walliams have joined forces to encourage everyone to get their coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in a new uplifting film released today.  

Set to the toe-tapping tune The Rhythm of Life, written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, from the 1966 classic musical, Sweet Charity, and donated by the Cy Coleman estate, the heart-warming film will celebrate the success of the vaccination programme in supporting the easing of restrictions as outlined in the roadmap.

Conceived and directed by Josie Rourke, the former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, the short film, written by Rourke and James Graham, is being released ahead of the NHS’s 73rd birthday.

It first sees Jim Broadbent enter an empty theatre before a star-studded cast of David Walliams, Asa Butterfield, Colin Salmon, Derek Jacobi, Don Warrington, Nicola Roberts, Russel Tovey, Sandra Marvin and West End dancers – dressed in iconic NHS blue – take to the stage to passionately perform the song

In-between the dancing, Asa Butterfield calls on viewers to “get that vaccine”, Don Warrington advocates “I’ve had mine!” and Jim Broadbent delivers the final “just get that vaccine” concluding plea to encourage people to play their part in getting us back to the ‘rhythm of life’. 

The film was produced by Charles Finch and Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes at Standalone Pictures.

Comedian, writer and actor David Walliams said: “The NHS has done an absolutely fantastic job rolling out COVID-19 vaccines at such speed and, as we do in the film, I want to implore everyone to get their vaccine when called, so we can get back to the all-singing, all-dancing, rhythm of life that we love.“

Actor Jim Broadbent said: “The film gave us the chance to show our appreciation and celebration for the vaccine roll-out in the best way we know how. 

“Thank you to the millions who have already received their vaccinations and please ‘just get your vaccine’ to the rest. Vaccines are helping us get back to everything we love and every industry – including the arts – couldn’t be more grateful to each and every person for getting their vaccine.”

The film follows the launch of a national campaign urging people to get their vaccine and join the millions of people who have already received their jabs, as ‘every vaccination gives us hope’.  

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines save lives so it is fantastic to see some of our most beloved stars in entertainment back the vital vaccination roll-out, which is helping this country fight this pandemic.

“The evidence is clear: the vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones, so if you get the call do not delay in booking your appointment as we do everything we can to get back to normal life.”

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms and even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus to others.

In June, the Prime Minister announced that second doses for all over 40s will be accelerated by reducing the dosing interval from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.

The move follows advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern. 

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “I’m extremely humbled every day when I see how many people are booking and receiving their jabs, joining the millions of adults who have already received theirs, as the country continues to play its part in helping us defeat this virus. 

“Vaccines have prevented an estimated 7.2 million infections and 27,000 deaths in England alone, and each vaccine delivered is another step forward in helping us get out of this pandemic as we fight it together, side by side.”

Latest modelling analysis from Public Health England (PHE) and Cambridge University’s MRC Biostatistics Unit suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination programme has so far prevented an estimated 7.2 million infections and 27,000 deaths in England alone.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Vaccines are saving lives, protecting the NHS and will ensure we get bums back on seats safely. Every adult in the country can now get their jab.

“Thank you to all these stars for getting the message out. Let’s get them back on stage by finishing the job with the vaccine roll-out.”

ONS polling also shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated and ONS data published on 2 July shows that more than 9 in 10 (96%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Vaccines are available free of charge and from thousands of vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies.

‘Devastating’: Care workers launch campaign to save Edinburgh’s council care homes

UNISON, the trade union for social care, has launched a campaign with care staff to save care council run care homes in Edinburgh. 

The campaign follows proposals put forward by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to close Clovenstone, Ferrylee, Ford’s Road and Jewel House Care Homes. Furthermore, Drumbrae will also close as a care home and switch to hospital-based complex clinical care.

The proposals mean large scale disruption for care residents and 270 care home posts will be deleted and a further 160 care home jobs put at risk.  

Care staff are in the process of writing to Edinburgh City Council leader councillor Adam McVey as part of UNISON’s on-going campaign to step in and save these council run care homes.

UNISON are also running an online petition to show councillors the depth of feelings of residents, staff, and those in the wider community. Over 100 people signed the petition in one day. Further campaign action and demonstrations are planned.

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Tom Connolly UNISON City of Edinburgh branch secretary said: “Closing four care homes, and changing the role of another, without proper and meaningful consultation is wrong. 

“It is devastating for care home’s residents. Its also insensitive to staff who have put the health and wellbeing of care residents before themselves and their families throughout this pandemic.  Caring for our vulnerable elderly is a vital job, care homes are essential and care staff deserve support from all of us.”

Greig Kelbie, regional organiser said: “We need the support of the Scottish Government to start planning and financing the next generation of modern fit-for-purpose care homes and Edinburgh councillors should stand up for council run care homes.

“Making these decisions without a fully costed plan on how community care and care at home would be an adequate replacement is a dangerous precedent to set.

Scotland’s care system already relies too heavily on for-profit care homes. Edinburgh can buck that trend by supporting council-run care homes that focus on providing quality care not making of money.  I urge everyone to back UNISON’s campaign to Save Our Care Homes, and sign, and leave a message, on our online petition.”

Care home staff at Fords Road

David Harrold, UNISON’S Service Conditions Convenor, met with staff from Ford’s Road Care Home yesterday and said afterwards: “Staff are united in their opposition to closures, they see no sense or long-term value in the proposals put forward by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to close Clovenstone, Ferrylee, Ford’s Road and Jewel House Care Homes when it is clear there is no alternative services that can take on the responsibilities and workloads in their absence”.

The meeting at Ford’s Road Care Home was well attended with staff expressing their frustration at their employer’s attitude.

One attendee asked how he can receive the £500 government bonus last month, then be told the following that his future employment is in doubt! Another asked why councillors who have praised them throughout the pandemic and lockdown should now be so silent.

Despite this frustration their dedication to those in their care remains. UNISON ask that the public acknowledge this, by sending a clear message to both the Council and IJB that care home staff deserve better and that Edinburgh needs a viable care home system not just for today’s residents for the future generations.

UNISON’s online Edinburgh City Save our Care homes petition here:

Edinburgh City – Save Our Care Homes | Megaphone UK Edinburgh City – Save Our Care Homes | Megaphone UK

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Comments on why people have signed the online petition include:

  • “Our elderly should be looked after not thrown aside where are they going to put the residents” – Tracey M.
  • “My mother receives care in an Edinburgh council care home. The place and staff as fantastic. I know the confusion that is caused by moving long term residents.” – Stewart D.
  • “Need council run care homes not everyone can afford private care” – Sharon S.