Day: June 25, 2023

Inaugural National Drowning Report launched at Westminster

A new report from the Water Safety All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) authored by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), was launched this week (21 June) at Westminster.

The launch event, sponsored by TWF (The Wetsuit Factory), was attended by over 20 MPs, including: The Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle; Lord Addington; Baroness Bottomley; and Rob Butler MP for Aylesbury who gave an account from a member of his constituency Stephanie Williams about her daughter who tragically lost her life last month. 

MPs had a chance to meet with representatives from organisations such as RLSS UK, RNLI, Speedo, Water Babies, RoSPA, the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD), the Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA), and key organisations from the aquatics industry who contributed to the report.

Former professional swimmer, and Speedo Ambassador, Michael Gunning was also present and spoke about his experiences within the industry. Water Safety APPG chair Giles Watling opened the launch event to his colleagues at Westminster. 

Giles Watling commented: “In my years as a yachtsman and keen swimmer, I have come to learn the dangers that water can pose. To this end, suitable education on the threats, and how to mitigate the risks, is vital. 

“I am grateful as the Chair of the APPG for Water Safety to have been able to work with RLSS UK and find out more about the work that they are doing in this area to address this. The findings of this report into what is currently being done – and what remains to be done – to save lives and prevent deaths by drowning, is welcome reading. 

“We need to be clear: in the UK, there is clear intent to be on and enjoy the water. 226 people accidentally drowned in 2022, and only through better education about how to stay safe will we bring the number of fatalities down. Everyone should be able to enjoy the water whilst remaining informed on how to avoid tragic incidents, and I am pleased to see that RLSS UK is working to achieve just that.”

The report has provided a real picture of accidental drownings in the UK and uses data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) as well as other data sources to provide the UK Government with evidence backed data on why the approach to drowning prevention needs to be improved. 

The report is also available for members of the public on the RLSS UK website and headline stats include: 

  • 151 accidental fatalities occurred in England, the highest of all the UK nations.
  • Scotland and Wales had the highest accidental fatality rate, more than double that of England.
  • 83% of accidental fatalities were male.
  • There was a 46% increase in the number of accidental fatalities amongst children, compared to the 5-year average.
  • 19 people lost their life across four consecutive days in July as UK temperatures reached record highs.
  • 60% of accidental fatalities occurred inland.
  • In summer 2022, there were 40% more accidental fatalities inland than on the coast.
  • 26% accidental fatalities were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, presented the report findings at the event and highlighted the importance of educating everyone on water safety.  He said: “This report presents the current picture of UK drowning as analysed from 2022, and also identifies trends in relation to data over a five-year period.

“Progress is being made across the UK, however, the report clearly shows that we need enhanced Government involvement to collectively progress to deliver the current targets set by the NWSF, Water Safety Wales (WSW) and Water Safety Scotland (WSS).

“We are grateful to the great number of MPs who attended the event yesterday and we look forward to working with the UK Government to deliver the reports recommendations which include innovative solutions to better deliver school swimming; mandating that every child should have a class-based water safety lesson at each key stage; and investing in initiatives to address the increase in child drowning fatalities. 

“Together with other members of the NWSF, we will continue with our work and commitment to prevent future drownings.” 

To view the report visit www.rlss.org.uk/national-drowning-report-uk.

Lee Cooper, Managing Director at TWF (The Wetsuit Factory) who sponsored the event, said: “At TWF we believe it is crucial for Water Safety Education to reach the classrooms. 

“Increasing Water Safety Education will ensure children from all backgrounds are aware of the dangers for themselves and others.  They should be able to confidently self-rescue allowing them to be safe in, around and on all types of water. 

“TWF are in full support of RLSS UK and Water Safety APPG on their mission to get this into our school curriculum.”

The report was launched in the week of RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week, where the charity aims to educate children and their families on water safety to ensure they are able to enjoy water safely ahead of the summer holidays. 

Drowning Prevention Week provides free resources to families to provide education for all.

Visit www.rlss.org.uk/DPW for further information.

Edinburgh Care Home partners with leading Association to improve lives

NAPA to support Cramond care home’s 130 unique activities for residents

A NEW partnership with the UK’s leading activity and engagement association will see fun-loving pensioners at an Edinburgh care home introduced to a selection of unique and fulfilling opportunities.

The partnership between Cramond Residenceand the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) – a charity which supports care services to prioritise wellbeing and promote activity, arts and engagement – will expand the home’s existing monthly activities and provide access to additional resources.

Cramond Residence introduced a bustling monthly rota to enrich the lives of every resident which is led by an expert team of lifestyle coordinators.

The national association focuses on person-centred engagement, while also attempting to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of the older generation – an ethos that Cramond prides itself on. 

Fettes College students visiting Cramond Residence, arts and crafts class

Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director at NAPA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Cramond Residence as a member of NAPA.

“The home’s commitment to providing exceptional care and meaningful engagement for their residents aligns perfectly with our mission.

“Together, we will continue to elevate the standard of person-centered activities and enhance the quality of life for the individuals Cramond supports. We look forward to a fruitful partnership ahead.”

Coupled with the home’s recent collaboration is the launch of its newly-established monthly magazine that will provide residents with updates on events taking place at the home.

The magazine will provide an overview of upcoming activities as well as bios from the home’s lifestyle team and simple seated exercises that residents can perform in their rooms to keep physically fit, along with quizzes and puzzles to keep minds sharp.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at Cramond Residence said: “As a home that takes pride in its quality care, it’s highly important for us to make sure residents feel at home.

“From archery to memory sessions to talent shows to book clubs to building sustainable relationships with our local community through school and nursery visits, our offerings are expansive.

“The lifestyle team have been working tirelessly over the past few months to redevelop the services we provide and we’re delighted to reveal our enhanced offering. May was a testament to these efforts where we offered 130 individual scheduled activities alongside individual one-to-one sessions by request.

“Residents are always very enthusiastic to take part in activities and by partnering with NAPA, we can continue tailoring the rota to specific interests and ensure wellbeing and having fun is a priority.”

Launched in 2018, Cramond Residence offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as specialist services such as respite and dementia care. The care home currently has 74 residents spread across nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a games room and also a sensory experience that offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Police seek witnesses as two pedestrians injured in road accident

Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and two pedestrians in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 24 June 2023).

Around 1.30 pm, an 88-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman were struck by a black Subaru whilst crossing West Mains Road at Mayfield Road.

The couple were taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where they remain for treatment. Medical staff describe their condition as stable.

The 80-year-old female driver of the Subaru was not injured following the incident.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick, Roads Policing Unit, Livingston, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information, including dash-cam footage.

“If you have not yet come forward to police, then please call officers via 101 quoting reference number 2103 of Saturday, 24 June 2023.”

National Youth Choir of Scotland proves it is among the best in the world 

National Youth Choir of Scotland

European Tour

25th – 30th July, 13th August 2023

Tickets are on sale now for National Youth Choir of Scotland’s (NYCOS) tour of Europe in late July. Widely acclaimed as one of the best choirs in the world, regardless of age, they are set to bring magical performances of Maurice Duruflé’s ethereal Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s ever popular Rejoice in the Lamb and American composer Stacy Garrop’s exploration of three types of love in Sonnets of Desire, Longing, and Whimsy.

Between 25 and 30 July, the choir famed for its high-energy performances under the artistic direction of Christopher Bell performs this collection of rich choral work at St. Lawrence’s Parish Church in York as part of the Ryedale Festival; Église St. Eustache in Paris (yes, they are taking Duruflé to the French!), France; St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium; and St. Nicholaas Basilica in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The choir then returns to Scotland’s capital to finish the tour in Edinburgh this August. Christopher Bell will be conducting all concerts with Michael Bawtree on organ.

For many singers being a part of NYCOS is a life-changing experience and this tour is set to be special for many members as they head into their last year as part of the ensemble. It is also one of the most experienced groups that NYCOS has toured, with the leavers now in their mid-twenties with up to 10 years of singing together under their belts.

In a cosmopolitan trip round the continent to capitals both ancient and modern, a particular highlight is set to be its concert in Paris, where Scotland’s young singers perform in the Église St. Eustache. Gregorian chant and the deep emotion of Duruflé’s writing combine in his Requiem to fill this beautiful 17th-century church with mesmerising and shimmering sound.

The choir’s summer culminates in a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival on Sunday 13 August in a favourite venue for them, the Usher Hall. NYCOS will be joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, alongside former members of the choir – Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 Catriona Morison and member of Academia Teatro all Scala in Milan in 2019-20 Paul Grant – as soloists.

In a special open access session at 4pm preceding the concert, Christopher Bell – renowned for his expertise in music education – will give audiences a rare glimpse into NYCOS’ musicianship technique.

Masters of the Kodály method of music teaching devised by Hungarian musicologist Zoltán Kodály in the mid-20th century, Bell and 200 young singers will explore and explain the method which has been central to NYCOS’ work for 25 years in a typically sparky presentation, before performing their last concert of the tour.

Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of National Youth Choir of Scotland said: “The National Youth Choir of Scotland combines the best of singing with the energy, enthusiasm and passion of youth.

“Audiences, world renowned conductors and orchestras have been delighted to hear the quality of sound and experience the commitment of Scotland’s young people. Please join us for what promises to be five outstanding performances this summer.’’

Tickets for the European tour, including performances in York and Edinburgh, are on sale now https://www.nycos.co.uk/events/nycos-summer-europe-tour-2023/.

LISTINGS

Programme:

Duruflé Requiem

Britten Rejoice in the Lamb

Garrop Sonnets of Desire, Longing and Whimsy (except EIF)

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Ryedale Festival

3pm

St. Lawrence’s Parish Church, York 

Tickets

Thursday 27 July 2023

8pm Église St. Eustache

Paris, France

Tickets

Friday 28 July 2023

4pm

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Mechelen, Belgium

Tickets

Saturday 29 July 2023

8:15pm

St. Nicholaas Basilica

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tickets

Sunday 13 August 2023

Edinburgh International Festival (with Royal Scottish National Orchestra)

5pm (with 4pm Kodály method demonstration)

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets

Celebrating Co-operation: Scottish Brands Scotmid and Capital Credit Union

Co-op Fortnight is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of cooperatives, their impact on local communities, and their potential for fostering economic and social development.

It is the perfect time to celebrate the connection and shared values between two co-operatives that both proudly hail from Edinburgh,  Scotmid and Capital Credit Union. Scotmid, an independent cooperative serving Scottish communities for over 160 years, focuses on sustainable practices and local sourcing.

Capital Credit Union, established in 1989, prioritises fair and affordable financial services, empowering individuals and communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

For over 20 years, Scotmid has been a proud member of Capital Credit Union. This longstanding partnership highlights the deep-rooted connection between these two Scottish organisations and the shared values that have fostered their successful cooperation.

Trudi Fisher is Scotmid’s Community Team Administrator – making a connection between the two organisations Trudi epitomises the positive outcomes resulting from their collaboration.

Trudi is a member of Capital Credit Union and uses their payroll saving scheme to build her own savings. She joined Capital Credit Union earlier this year to set aside funds for special occasions like Christmas and in case of emergency car repairs.

By saving directly from her salary, Trudi feels she is effortlessly contributing to her savings goals. She also appreciates that her savings are supporting another member organisation, reinforcing the cooperative values of mutual support and solidarity.

Trudi shares her experience: “I use the monthly payroll savings scheme from Capital Credit Union. It was really easy to set up. I downloaded their app, went through the instructions, and they did all the rest.

“Their Customer Service is great, and they get back to you straight away if you have any queries.”

Through this partnership, Scotmid colleagues gain access to a wide range of financial products and financial education resources. It strengthens their financial well-being, enables them to achieve personal financial goals, and builds a more secure future.

Abigail Ramage, Business Development Executive at Capital Credit Union, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “The collaboration between Scotmid and Capital Credit Union is a testament to the power of cooperative values and shared goals.

“We are proud to have Scotmid as a longstanding member of our credit union, and, together, we have been able to make a significant impact in empowering individuals and building strong, resilient communities.”

£72 million health hub welcomes Cabinet Secretary

New £72 million Glasgow health and social care hub welcomes Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson MSP has taken part in the ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony for a new £72 million health and care hub in Glasgow.
 
Mr Matheson joined Professor John Brown CBE, Chair of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, at the new North East Hub site on Friday (23rd June).
 
Delivered through a partnership between, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, Glasgow City Council and Hub West Scotland, and built by BAM Construction, the new health and care centre will be a true community asset and has been designed to offer a range of services, providing Community, Clinical, Office and Training accommodation for both NHSGGC and Glasgow City HSCP.

Mr Matheson said: “I am pleased to be able to visit this Hub as an example of the state-of-the-art facilities we are continuing to invest in, with £578 million committed for health infrastructure and assets in 2023/24.
 
“Facilities like this are key to supporting people to access the care they need close to home and to our commitment to building an NHS fit for the future with world class amenities, including the network of National Treatment Centres.
 
“This Hub will also contribute to our mission to be as environmentally sustainable as possible to meet our responsibilities in countering the climate crisis.”
 
The hub, which is set to open in 2024, will improve access to services and better integrate health and social work services and the voluntary and charity sectors.

The facility will host three GP practices, as well as specialist services to support children, adult community care groups, older people, mental health, addictions, criminal justice homelessness services and health improvement activity – all delivered by a range of public and third sector organisations.
 
The North East Hub will be Scotland’s first working net zero carbon health and social care facility and the site will also offer community space, including a café and Parkhead Library.


 
Professor Brown said: “We are delighted to have been joined by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care for the official Topping Out ceremony at the North East Hub.
 
“This is a hugely exciting project for the North East of Glasgow and is not only the largest primary care development in NHSGGC, but it is also Scotland’s first net zero carbon health and social care facility, making it a beacon for sustainability while improving public services for those living in the local area.
 
“By bringing services together in one place, alongside so many community projects, people will be able to access the support they need more efficiently, helping to improve population health and tackle the causes of inequality in healthcare.”
 
Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Health, Care and Caring and Older People, said: “Today marks the next step into the delivery of what will be a fantastic community asset for the north-east of Glasgow, bringing together key services in one location. 
 
“The end result is an ambitious new centre, a hub that will bring services and facilities together to build an incredible asset for the area. Our ambition is to ensure that everyone in Glasgow can lead healthier and more fulfilled lives and the new hub and the services it will provide will help us to achieve that.
 
“This is a great example of co-locating services and partnership working, and will offer a one-stop-shop for a range of services from the city council, Glasgow Life and Health and Social Care Partnership.”

A recent report on design and build of the new hub has revealed the project’s carbon impact rating will come in well under the benchmark target set out in the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard.
 
The findings come following a Zero Waste Scotland Embodied Carbon and Circular Assessment which calculates the embodied carbon emissions in the built environment based on a number of key indicators along the project’s build – from resource extraction through to transport, processing and construction.
 
The report found the North East Hub was particularly strong in areas in relation to waste management, with a concerted focus on recycling at all stages of the project. The project was also praised for building in future flexibility to its design.
 
Iain Marley, Hub West Scotland’s Chief Executive said “We are delighted to see the excellent progress being made on site on this, our tenth project and most ambitious health project so far under the highly valued partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow City Council.
 
“Our thanks also go to the professional team across our supply chain and to BAM Construction for all their commitment to quality and value for money.

“The building will be completed on schedule in summer 2024 and the project is already bringing significant value and benefits to local communities: so far over £11M of social value has been delivered through our education; employment; wellbeing; volunteering and SME development programmes and this will be added to over the future months.”

Hello Scotland! Six-strong rowing team is over halfway around Great Britain

Team Ithaca, the all-female crew rowing around Great Britain is now over halfway around. They’re currently making strong progress past the Isle of Mull and have less than 1,000 miles to go. 

Team Ithaca includes six extraordinary women taking part in the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000 mile row around Britain’s coastline. They’ve been rowing for the last 21 days and if they finish within 50, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the first female team of six to have ever completed the feat.

Skipper Emma Wolstenholme (above) said: “We’re now in Scotland and the famous Corryvreckan marked the halfway point. We have been in constant rain and side winds creating side-on waves day and night, so although it’s awesome to be halfway, we are all very wet and hoping for some Scottish sunshine.”

The team have said that highs have included beautiful sunsets and sunrises, seeing dolphins, minke whales, puffins and shooting stars. Lows have included sleep deprivation, seasickness and rowing in torrential rain. 

One of the rowers, Sandra Gates, said: “It feels great to be over halfway round. The highs for me are rowing with dolphins, being under the milky way and seeing shooting stars and sea sickness finally going!

“The whole experience is huge for me. I can’t wait to see Scotland from a different angle and appreciate our beautiful coastline while ticking the miles off and heading home. I’m not sure I will ever get used to the graveyard shift and I’m pretty sure I will never want to hear a mobile alarm for some time. I miss my family and dogs so much but I’m loving the experience.”

While rowing, they’re making an enormous contribution to an ocean pollution map of UK waters as they collect data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity.

So far they have collected 25 samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity. 

Dr Kat Bruce, Founder Director of biodiversity company Naturemetrics, who completed the GB Row Challenge last year, said: “Animals are constantly shedding tiny traces into the environment – including dead skin cells, mucous, saliva, urine and faeces.

“These tiny traces contain the DNA of the animal, which means we can record hundreds of species without necessarily ever seeing them.

“The rowers are making this incredible journey around the coast and they’ll be awed by the beauty and diversity of this island we live on. When I rowed last year, we had many encounters with wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabird colonies. 

“But most of the biodiversity is under the water and the rowers will have no idea what different species their data will capture! The eDNA from a single litre of water can reveal hundreds of species, from invertebrates to blue whales. It’s this vital data that is helping to build a picture of our nation’s precious biodiversity so that we can better protect it.”

The rowers are also collecting data on microplastics, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Experts have worked together to design and build a microplastics sampling system, developed to both survive the harsh environment at sea and work around the limited physical space and power available on the boats.

The rowers have collected 14 samples of microplastics so far, building on the data collected during last year’s race, which will allow scientists to see any changes happening year on year.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We’re so grateful to this amazing team of women who are rowing continuously, two hours on and two hours off in sun, strong winds and heavy rain. 

“Their efforts are helping to produce an annual map of ocean pollution and biodiversity, which will give a clearer picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of these pollutants on our seas.”

Their boat Challenger is also taking continuous recordings of underwater sound using an RS Aqua noise recorder integrated into the rudder as well as collecting data on salinity and temperature. 

Quirky ice creams tickle tastebuds at Royal Highland Show

ICE CREAM lovers attending the Royal Highland Show can get their hands on samples of some weird and wonderful ice cream flavours including Pink Panther; Kaffir Honey & Cereal; and Dragon fruit and Watermelon sorbet.

Following an intense development process working with consultant chefs, Mackie’s of Scotland is bringing 77 giant tubs filled with 26 new and exciting flavours to the Edinburgh event on 22 June to 25 June, range from fruity mash-ups to reimaginings of popular sweet treats.

The Scottish ice cream firm hopes to gauge public response – and will put the most popular flavours into its 19.2 parlour in Aberdeen. The feedback may even steer its next flavour launch to hit supermarket freezer aisles.

Mackie’s, which has a stand within the Scotland’s larder tent, hopes visitors will be adventurous with their scoop choices, with the weather set to remain warm and mostly sunny.

Angus Hayhow, Head of Marketing at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “We have been attending the Royal Highland Show for a decades now, so it’s great to be back once again.

“The team are constantly working on ways to diversify our products and bring innovation, and what better place to showcase them out than at Scotland’s biggest annual agricultural show. The visitors are always an enthusiastic audience at our stall!

“This year’s flavours are made to cater to a variety of tastes with some more traditional mango, strawberry and chocolate-based flavours to some more unusual creations, with a host of dairy and gluten free options as well.”

“We hope that this year’s flavours follow in the footsteps of our other playful ice cream launches and create a buzz to match the atmosphere of the weekend.”

Mackie’s, which is a family run business, has been producing ice cream since 1986, all of which is carefully crafted using milk and dairy from its Aberdeenshire farm.

The list of flavours available at the show include; Dragonfruit & Watermelon Sorbet, Kefir, Honey & Cereals, Quark Cherry Cheesecake, Orange & Mascarpone, Jaffa Cake, Blackcurrant & Liquorice, Lotus Biscoff, chocolate rum truffle, After Eight and Mackie’s twist.

The Royal Highland Show sees over 1000 yearly trade exhibitors to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, displaying the best of farming, livestock, machinery and technical innovation across Scotland.

For more information on Mackie’s of Scotland, visit https://www.mackies.co.uk/

Care home residents become silver surfers 

Residents at an Edinburgh care home are developing their digital dexterity thanks to the generous donation of 15 new Amazon Fire 7 tablets from a national construction firm.

Design & Build Contractor, McAleer & Rushe gifted the devices to residents at Mathieson House Care Home on Ferry Road, which is owned and operated by Renaissance Care.

The home sits close to Leith, where McAleer & Rushe will be based on a major long-term project delivering much needed new homes at the Dockside. The firm has also pledged to build tall planters and a seating area in the care home’s manicured garden, allowing residents to enjoy the warm summer days in comfortable surroundings.

Elizabeth Griffiths, aged 91, resident at Mathieson House said: “This was a lovely gift for everyone to receive.

“Tablet meant something very different when I was younger, so these types of things are all a bit new to us at the home, but the staff have been great at showing us how they work.”

Mathieson House is part of Renaissance Care group which currently owns and operates 16 homes across Scotland, including Letham Park, which sits on the same site in Ferry Road.

Across the group there is a strong focus on enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Each home has a dedicated activities team, which delivers a variety of events that bring fun, laughter and wellbeing benefits to residents.

This includes the group’s digital exercise programme, danceSing, which encourages residents to take part in fun physical exercises suited to their capabilities.

Sandra Duggan, McAleer & Rushe Project Manager based on the Dockside project added: “We began construction on the Dockside project at Ocean Drive not long ago in March and as we advance works on site, it is equally important for us to reach out into the community to establish relationships which can provide a lasting impact.

“I’m excited to get to know the team at Mathieson House who take great care to provide a nurturing and comfortable home to their residents and look forward to returning to help elevate their garden space.

“We hope the donation of these tablets will help the residents embrace technology to stay connected with their loved ones and provide access to the digital world at their fingertips.”

Mathieson House Care Home is a warm and welcoming, purpose-built care home situated in the Trinity area of Edinburgh. The care home has 20 rooms and offers supported living to residents within a stylish boutique hotel style environment.

For further information visit: https://www.renaissance-care.co.uk/mathieson-house-care-home  

Increasing access to diabetes technology

£350,000 funding to speed up delivery

Life-changing technology that reduces the risk of complications for people with type 1 diabetes will become more widely available thanks to additional funding.

The Scottish Government has invested a further £350,000 to accelerate the distribution of Closed Loop Systems.  The technology is considered the most significant development in type 1 diabetes treatment in recent years and can transform lives, particularly for children and young people.

Closed Loop Systems help people improve their glycaemic control and in turn reduce the likelihood of complications, which at their most serious can include blindness, renal failure, and amputations; as well as unplanned admissions to hospital.

The investment will see a dedicated team created by the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery at NHS Golden Jubilee to support NHS health boards to rollout the technology faster and more efficiently across Scotland.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “There’s no reason why someone living with type 1 diabetes shouldn’t live a long and healthy life, but some people find managing their condition difficult.

Diabetes technologies make the process easier and can enhance people’s quality of life. That’s why we’re aiming to provide access to Closed Loop Systems at the earliest opportunity and are working with NHS boards to improve access.”

National Diabetes Lead Professor Brian Kennon said: Closed Loop systems are truly transformative technologies and help reduce the day-to-day burden of trying to optimise type 1 diabetes control.

“Creation of a dedicated team to help support the adoption of Closed Loop Systems and standardise our approach to access across Scotland will help ensure that our healthcare system is well placed to realise the massive advantages that these innovative technologies offer.”