Month: January 2023

NHS 24 Call Handler and Operator Day

Spotlight on the unseen staff of the NHS – NHS 24 Call Handler and Operator Day 2023 

To highlight the hard work and dedication of Call Handlers and Operators, NHS 24 has held its third annual event to recognise the unique role our staff have in supporting patients seeking urgent care.

Call Handler and Operator Day was created by NHS 24 to recognise the role’s contribution to Scotland’s health care system. An essential part of the 111 service, NHS 24’s Call Handlers and Operators provide valuable information for those needing help when their GP or dental practice is closed. 

NHS 24 currently employs over 740 Call Handlers and Operators in contact centres all over Scotland, with more staff due to be recruited in the coming months. Staff are supported by a range of clinical colleagues who understand first-hand how crucial the job is in supporting those who need medical advice. 

Pauline Howie, Director for Service Delivery for NHS 24 said: “NHS 24’s Call Handlers and Operators are a highly trained and dedicated team that are the backbone of our organisation. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for everyone who performs this specialised function. 

“The 111 service has been particularly busy over the last few months, but our colleagues have risen to this challenge and have worked extremely hard to meet the needs of our patients.” 

Almost 100,000 calls were made to NHS 24’s 111 service over the Christmas and New Year period. These are the highest figures in almost a decade.  

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Call Handlers play a vital role for many who seek help and advice about their health – helping to ensure people get the right care.

“They have worked through a sustained period which has been challenging and difficult at times. Their compassion, dedication and skills have helped many a person in their hour of need.” 

Michelle is a call handler based in NHS 24’s South Queensferry contact centre. She encourages anyone who is interested in the role to find out more: “I really like my job at NHS 24. I enjoy speaking to people, so working in the call centre environment suits me. The contact centre always has a good atmosphere and there’s lots of support from colleagues. 

“The best part about being is call handler is helping people and knowing you are making a difference. It’s great to feel that you’ve helped someone when you come off a call.”

  • Call Handler and Operator Day takes place on Friday 27 January 2023.  
  • NHS 24 has recently launched a recruitment microsite site which provides key information for all applicants hoping to join the organisation. Visit https://careers.nhs24.scot/ to find out more. 

Vets respond to the BBC’s shocking Panorama investigation: Dogs, Dealers and Organised Crime

British Veterinary Association renews calls for greater enforcement of irresponsible dog breeding; a clamp down on unregulated canine fertility clinics; and a ban on imported dogs with cropped ears

New, hard-hitting BBC Panorama and Disclosure investigations have revealed the links between organised crime and the breeding of dogs with extreme features. In light of these investigations, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for urgent action on better enforcement and regulation of dog breeding and selling.

The two documentaries, broadcast on Monday 23 January, show how the growing popularity of breeds like American and French bulldogs has led criminal gangs to resort to cruel and dangerous breeding practices.

The investigation also uncovers the impact of extreme breeding on the health and welfare of dogs, including links to the recent spike in unregulated canine fertility clinics and the trend for cropping dogs’ ears for fashion.

Responding to the investigation, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “It is horrific to see unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs to meet the demands of fashion without any consideration for the health or welfare of the animals. 

“Sadly, this BBC investigation doesn’t come as a surprise to vets and animal welfare organisations. BVA has long raised concerns about irresponsible breeding and its links to unregulated canine fertility clinics and illegal ear cropping.

“This investigation is a wake-up call to government to take urgent action to protect the welfare of these animals by introducing regulation for fertility clinics as well as banning the importation of dogs with cropped ears through the Kept Animals Bill. Such a ban would close the legal loophole that allows this trend to continue despite the procedure being illegal in the UK.

“The public also has an important role to play in stemming the tide of irresponsible breeding. Responsible pet ownership begins even before you get a puppy, so we’d encourage anyone looking to buy a dog to pick health over looks or the latest fashion and always speak to your vet for advice.

“Use the free Puppy Contact to help guide you on the questions you should be asking a breeder, to ensure you’re getting a healthy, happy puppy from a responsible source. We encourage people to report concerns around dogs with cropped ears and unregulated fertility clinics to their local government authority.”

BVA is calling on vets and members of the public to download its template letter and send it to their local MP, urging them to call on the Government to deliver its promised commitment to animal health and welfare by ensuring the continuation of the crucial and long-awaited Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill through Parliament. Download the template letter: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/kept-animals-bill/

The Puppy Contract is available to view at: http://puppycontract.org.uk/ 

Free Stuff! Big Swap Event

Come along Saturday 4th February 2023 at St Martins Church (232 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2JG) to find some great clothes, toys, books, DVDs, kitchen utensils, and other stuff for FREE!

Grab your free ticket asap: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/big-swap-shop-event…

All welcome!! At the event, you will find clothes and other useful items in need of a new home. Everything will be available at NO COST.

You will find a great selection:

• Women’s, Men’s & Children’s clothes

• Toys

• Books, CDs & DVDs

• Kitchen utensils

..and more!

Bring your own bags and help us reduce waste.

**** Please note that we will not accept donations on the day. If you wish to donate items pop in at ELREC Office (14 Forth Street EH13LH) on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd February from 10 am to 5pm. ****

If you have any queries please contact: cfc@elrec.org.uk or anna@grantongoesgrenner.org.uk

Please, confirm your presence here: https://fb.me/e/2AM1WtnIz and share it with your family and friends.

This event is brought to you by Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (ELREC), Granton Goes Greener and NKS – Networking Key Services and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.

Come along Saturday 4th February at St Martins Church (232 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2JG) to find some great clothes, toys, books, DVDs, kitchen utensils, and other stuff for FREE! 1pm to 4.30pm

♻️

Grab your free ticket here: https://swapshopfebruary.eventbrite.co.uk#circulareconomy#reuse

Drylaw Telford CC meets tonight

Drylaw Telford Community Council meets tonight (Wednesday 25th January) in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre at 7pm. All welcome.

AGENDA

  1. Welcome & Apologies
  2. Declarations of Interest
  3. Minutes of Last Meeting
  4. Chair Report
  5. Secretary Report
  6. Police Report
  7. Treasurer Report
  8. Councillors Report
  9. Update on DNC
  10. Open Space Consultation
  11. Any other business?

Date of next meeting 22nd February 2023

One week left to file for fewer than 3.4 million Self Assessment customers

Millions of customers still to file their Self Assessment tax return with one week left until the deadline

With one week to go until the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging fewer than 3.4 million customers to get their Self Assessment tax return done.

More than 12 million customers are expected to file a tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed by 31 January deadline. To date, almost 8.7 million customers have already filed their tax return.

Last year, more than 10.2 million customers filed their tax returns for the 2020 to 2021 tax year by the deadline on 31 January 2022.

Anyone who is yet to start their Self Assessment, or needs help completing it, can visit GOV.UK to access a wide range of resources including guidance, webinars and YouTube videos. Customers are encouraged to check online for help before calling HMRC during what is the busiest time of the year.

Myrtle Lloyd, Director General for Customer Services, said: “Time is running out for millions of people who still need to file their Self Assessment and pay any tax owed.

“There’s no need for customers to call us, they can save time and search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK for a wealth of information and resources to help them complete their tax return.”

Customers can pay their tax bill in around 60 seconds via the free and secure HMRC app. The app can also provide useful information for those yet to complete their tax return including their National Insurance number, Unique Taxpayer Reference and any PAYE information.

Customers who are unable to pay what they owe in full, may be able to set up a payment plan, allowing them to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments. Self Assessment customers can use self-serve Time to Pay on GOV.UK if they:

  • have filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year
  • owe less than £30,000
  • can pay in full within 12 months

For customers who pay their current estimated tax bill via Payment on Account, the first instalment for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is due on 31 January.

A full range of payment options is listed on GOV.UK.

Anyone who files their tax return or pays any tax owed after 31 January may face a penalty.

HMRC will treat those with genuine excuses leniently, as it focuses on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders. The penalties for late tax returns are:

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
  • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
  • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

Find out more about Self Assessment.

‘Leave no one behind’: New reseach shows significant health divide across Edinburgh and the Lothians

The Health Foundation’s review shows over 15% of children in West Lothian are living in relative poverty compared to 11.3% in Edinburgh

The state of health and health inequalities in Scotland

A comprehensive independent review of health and health inequalities in Scotland led by the Health Foundation shows that the health of Scots living in the most deprived 20% of local areas are being left behind the rest of society. 

Data shows that in West Lothian 15.5% of children are living in relative poverty compared to 11.3% in Edinburgh and 12.6% and 13.5% in East Lothian and Midlothian respectively.  The national average is 15.1%.

Furthermore, in East and Midlothian the least deprived 20% of men can expect to live between six and seven years longer than the 20% living in the most deprived areas. In Edinburgh the difference in life expectancy between the richest and the poorest is almost 12 years and in West Lothian the poorest 20% will live nine years less than those in the least deprived areas. 

The review found that trends in the socioeconomic factors that influence health provide little indication that health inequalities will improve in future, underlined by increasing rates of extreme poverty.*

The review consolidates research undertaken for the independent charity the Health Foundation by the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at University of Glasgow, the Fraser of Allander Institute at University of Strathclyde, Nesta in Scotland, and the Diffley Partnership.

The findings bring together evidence of trends in health inequalities and wider determinants of health over the past two decades since devolution and outline the consequences of worsening health in the most deprived areas. 

Overall, stalled improvements in health mean that nationally, since 2013, expectations of how long people are expected to live have reduced by 4.4 years, from 90.4  to 86 years.

The findings show that across a range of measures, there is a wide gap between the health of people living in the most and least deprived areas with people living in the most deprived areas increasingly left behind the rest. The report raises a number of areas of concern which need immediate action, in particular, improving the health of children in their early years and the health of young to middle aged men.

Young to middle aged men are the most likely to suffer from deaths related to drugs**, alcohol or suicide, with the exponential rise in drug deaths concentrated among men in their mid-30s to early-60s. This group engages less with health services and is the most likely not to attend hospital appointments.  Being younger, single, white and male is most strongly associated with experiencing severe multiple disadvantages, which are linked to greater risk of poor health.

Commenting on the findings, David Finch, Assistant Director of the Health Foundation, said: “Life expectancy varies greatly across Scotland. In the most deprived areas, men are dying over 13 years earlier than their peers in the least deprived areas– and women almost a decade earlier.

“A healthy community derives from a range of factors: stable jobs, good pay, quality housing and education. Poor health is almost inevitable when some or all of these factors are absent. Scotland’s wide and sustained health inequalities are being driven by the accumulation of severe multiple disadvantages, a lack of improvement in living standards and public service fragility due to the ongoing impact of austerity.

“Understanding the causes are not enough; a radical shift in approach is needed. The Scottish government, local authorities, businesses and the third sector must come together and collaborate closely with communities. Without action, Scotland’s most deprived communities are likely to continue suffering from poor quality of life and die younger.”

Chair of the Health Foundation’s  Expert Advisory Group, Chris Creegan added: “This review is the most comprehensive study of health inequalities in Scotland since devolution, and while the findings are complex, what they clearly illustrate is that inequality in health is stubbornly high in Scotland.

“The public is receptive to longer term preventative interventions aimed at tackling the fundamental causes of health inequalities, rather than short term measures. They will support a bold, collective response.

“We need actors across economic, financial, social and health systems in Scotland to take note of these findings and use them to build on the strong policy intent we already have to reverse these trends and improve health outcomes for the future. But there is no need for a new strategy; over the last decade, several policy plans and strategies have focused on tackling health inequalities, most recently, 2018’s Public Health Priorities for Scotland. We have the policies, we now need action.”

The full report can be read here. 

Campaigners raise alarm over Scotland’s high stroke numbers

Responding to the latest annual Scottish Stroke Figures, the Stroke Association has expressed concern that people in Scotland are much more likely to have a stroke than those in the rest of the UK.

The latest data from Public Health Scotland suggests that the incidence rate for stroke (adjusted for age and sex) has decreased by just 2.4% since 2012/13.

John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke rates in Scotland are a third higher than for the UK as a whole. We need to see much faster progress if we are to reduce the devastating personal cost of stroke and bring Scotland more in line with its neighbours.

“Worryingly, this report shows that stroke incidence amongst men has actually increased slightly. And those in the most deprived areas are almost twice as likely to be discharged from hospital with a stroke, a gap that has widened in the last year.

“However, there is good news in the report too. Stroke mortality rates continue to decline, indicating that the standard of care and treatment provided by Scotland’s stroke community is helping deliver better outcomes for stroke patients. But even here, there is still much to do.

“We need to see concerted action to address Scotland’s unacceptably high stroke numbers. The Stroke Association is urging greater awareness of and action on atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat that greatly increases stroke risk.

“Tens of thousands of people in Scotland are unaware that they have this condition so we urge everyone to check their pulse at home. If it doesn’t feel regular, then go and speak to your GP practice and they can advise on the range of treatments that can dramatically reduce stroke risk.”

2023-01-24-stroke-reportDownload

Hunting with Dogs Bill passed

Tighter laws to protect Scotland’s wildlife

New legislation to prevent the chasing and killing of wild mammals for sport has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Government’s Hunting with Dogs Bill will close loopholes in existing laws that have allowed the practice of illegal hunting to continue. A new two dog limit for all use of dogs in the course of hunting will be introduced, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting.

The Bill also establishes a new licencing scheme to allow the use of more than two dogs in certain limited circumstances. This is to provide farmers and land managers access to appropriate and humane control measures, where necessary.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “This Bill represents a significant step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife from the cruel and senseless practice of illegal hunting,

“I am pleased that the Parliament has agreed on a new law which will close the door on the illegal chasing and killing of mammals once and for all.

“I’d like to thank everyone who responded to our public consultations and interested groups for their valuable input throughout this process.

“I believe that this new legislation has struck the right balance between ensuring Scotland pursues the highest possible animal welfare standards, while recognising the need for farmers, land managers and environmental organisations to undertake legitimate wildlife management.”

The vote was passed by 90 for and 30 against, with no abstentions. 

The new legislation was introduced last year, two decades after a failed attempt by the Scottish Parliament to ban hunting with the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act, back in 2002.

The new Bill will bring into force a number of measures which significantly curtail mounted hunting activity, including reducing the number of dogs which can be used to hunt a wild mammal to just two, instead of a full pack, and reducing the number of dogs which can be used below ground to just one.

The Bill also includes a preemptive ban on trail hunting. Trail hunting is a sport which was created after hunting was banned in England and Wales following the passing of the Hunting Act in 2004. Its inclusion in the Bill means trail hunting can not be established north of the border.

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, has welcomed the new legislation. Director Robbie Marsland said: “As of today, Scotland has the most robust law anywhere in the UK to prevent the cruelty of chasing and killing wild mammals for sport – and this is something to celebrate.

“Despite a persistent campaign from those resolute to keep hunting alive in the Scottish countryside, the Scottish Government has been determined to end the sport of hunting, a sentiment which has today been supported by the Parliament.

“The passing of the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill now provides an opportunity to right the wrongs of the last two decades and close the loopholes which allowed hunters to continue with hunting as though the law didn’t exist.

“The inclusion of a ban on trail hunting is a significant victory for Scotland, meaning hunts will not be able to use this so-called sport as a smokescreen for traditional hunting.”

The new Bill also includes a licensing system which will allow for a full pack of hounds to be used in certain circumstances. The detail of the scheme has yet to be developed but animal welfare campaigners have concerns this has the potential to be exploited.

Robbie Marsland added: “After twenty years of flawed legislation it is critical that this Bill is not simply a way of creating new loopholes for hunters to exploit, and the League is yet to be convinced the licensing scheme won’t do this.

“Despite the best of intentions to ban hunting, the determination and deep rooted defiance among those who wish to chase and kill foxes should not be underestimated. The League will work closely with Nature Scot and other stakeholders to ensure the licensing system is robust, effective and fit for purpose.”

Commenting from Holyrood, Scottish Countryside Alliance Director Jake Swindells said: “Whilst it is frustrating that so much time and resource has been wasted on this Bill, the licensing scheme is, at least, an explicit acceptance by the Scottish Government that the use of packs of dogs in wildlife management is effective and necessary.”

The Hunting with Dogs Bill is expected to receive royal assent in the next few weeks and come into force in the autumn. 

UK Government to introduce new passport fees on 2nd February

The government will introduce new passport fees for all applications on 2nd February 2023, the first time in 5 years that the cost of applying for a passport has increased.

The proposals, which are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, will include the following:

  • the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children
  • postal applications will increase from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children
  • priority service fees are being aligned so all customers will pay the same
  • the fee for a standard online application when applying from overseas for a UK passport will rise from £86.00 to £94.00 for adults and £56 to £61.00 for children
  • overseas standard paper applications will increase from £95.50 to £104.50 for adults and £65.50 to £71.50 for children

The new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. The increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services.

The new fees include those newly applying or renewing their passport.

Since January last year, over 95% of standard applications have been processed within 10 weeks and customers are advised that they should apply in good time before travelling. Apply online for a UK passport.

Passport fees are reviewed in line with His Majesty’s Treasury guidance Managing public money.

New Year, Fresh Start: Five hacks to declutter your home this January

Simple, influencer-approved tips that won’t break the bank

New year, clean slate? While most of us will be focused on our own personal development in the new year, January is also the perfect time to invest in your home and give it some extra TLC.

But breathing life into your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Using empty space, donating unused clothes to charity or even a fresh lick of paint are just some ideas, but knowing where to start can be tricky.

Amy McElhaney, known to her 17K Instagram followers as Amy’s Home Life, lives in Barratt Homes’ St Clement Wells development on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

A crafty home economics teacher by day, the 27-year-old blogger moved into her three-bed Wemyss home with her husband Scott, 29, in 2019 and has since spent the last four years making their house a home.

Below are her simple, budget-friendly tips to help declutter your home, create more space and give it that New Year clean feel:

  1. Learn to love labels

My favourite things to have in the kitchen are personalised storage containers, with labels. This means I have less packaging and more space for food. It also means I can easily find ingredients when cooking and baking.

I love using my Cricut machine at home, but labellers like the Brother P-touch Cube are great too and can connect to your phone. For cheaper solutions, good old-fashioned stickers or paper and a pen work a treat.

  1. Hidden gems

We purchased storage boxes that are the same colour as our kitchen cupboards, which sit above our kitchen cabinets. It allows me to put the equipment I use less regularly and my recipe books in a safe place, but not cluttering up the house.

Supermarkets like ASDA have some cheap storage solutions that can be easily be picked up on your weekly shop. If you’re a regular shopper at Tesco, vouchers from Clubcard points can also be used towards covering the value.

  1. Rack it up

I cook from scratch most days, so my collection of herbs and spices is rather large. To save shelf space, we bought a spice rack which is a screwed onto a cupboard door. It is perfect as it saves space and makes finding jars easy.

Ikea have some basic spice racks under £5, or you can pick up in-cupboard racks for just over a tenner in stores like B&Q.

  1. Utilise hidden space

Being smart with space is always essential and buying an Ottoman bed really helped us with this. We have plastic box underneath for all bedding, towels, summer/winter clothes and then things like board games. It’s organised whilst also being hidden!

Wilko, The Range and Dunelm all have options that can be used for under beds, starting at under £10.

  1. On your marks, get set, clean!

To keep the house tidy after a good clear out and declutter, I set daily 30-minute timers to do my cleaning. I set the timer, put on an upbeat playlist and tackle jobs to save me doing it at the weekend. I find this essential when we both work full time and allows our weekends for fun stuff only!

Spotify has loads of pre-made playlists that are specific to cleaning and can also act as a timer for completing tasks.

For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/