Day: July 26, 2023

Stay safe when working from home!

In recent times working life has become much more flexible and hybrid working is offered as standard in many businesses across the country, so it’s vital that business owners fully equip their employees with the knowledge of how to upkeep good electrical practices when at home and on the move.

As an increasing number of homeworking homeowners seek to invest in renovating their home office space, NICEIC has stressed the importance of the safety of any electrical equipment being used in the work-from-home environment.  

The standard office environment poses little obvious threat of danger if maintained correctly, but poor electrical management can result in damage to the property or physical injury.

Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Technical Director has compiled a list of top things to consider when working from home:

  1. Make sure you don’t overload sockets – it can be tempting to have all your chargers working within reaching distance, but this can create a fire hazard
  2. If more sockets are required, or if you are adapting any of the electrics in your home always use a certified electrical business, such as those certified by NICEIC.  They can ensure that the job is carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards
  3. Ensure you unplug any chargers or leads that are not in use and double-check before you log off for the evening that you’ve turned everything off.
  4. Despite us moving towards a more digital world, you may still rely on a lot of paper for your day-to-day operations. If this is the case, make sure they’re kept well away from any electricals or any potential sources of heat
  5. Regularly check any cables for signs of damage or scorching
  6. Only ever purchase electrical goods from reputable retailers

For many, home working setups can be somewhat haphazard, especially when it comes to electrical safety.

Recent research conducted by Electrical Safety First found that two-thirds of those working from home are using extension leads, and 38% of them admitted that homeworking means that they have more plugged into them than they normally would[1].

Not only should you avoid overloading extension leads, but you must also not daisy chain them. This is the process whereby several extension leads are connected to reach further or cater for more appliances / electrical equipment. This is highly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Advising those to stay safe when working from home, Paul Collins, said: “It is crucial that safe electrical practice is maintained in people’s home working space. Many people are unaware of the importance of the surface on which charging appliances are kept. Electrical items such as phones and tablets should only be charged on non-flammable, hard surfaces, so leaving charging computers on top of a bed for example is a potential recipe for disaster.

“Electrical Safety First found that 28% of UK adults have bought and used a cheap, unbranded charger and this rises to 45% of 18-24-year-olds[2]. Workers, whether at home or in the office need to make sure they are using legitimate chargers to ensure they are certified as safe. Counterfeit chargers not only can damage your device but can also result in electrical fire or overheating.”

If the home office set up requires any type of electrical work or new installation, it’s important to assess your workspace and determine if you need any further sockets. If you do, it is advisable to speak to your nearest NICEIC certified business.

Not only can they make the alterations safely and in line with the required standards and regulations, thanks to their certification they can also sign the work off and notify building control (where applicable) on your behalf, saving you time and money.

To find your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit NICEIC.com. 

Edinburgh organisations urged to take part in Scotland Loves Local Week

Events showcasing great work in communities – and need to back local businesses – to take place from August 28th

Businesses and organisations across Edinburgh are being urged to take part in the first Scotland Loves Local Week.

The seven days of events – taking place from Monday, August 28th – will showcase great local people and enterprises, highlighting the critical need for residents to show them their support.

People in the region are being urged to take part by organising a celebration event, inviting a local politician to see all that they do and shining a spotlight on their work on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.

The week is being championed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local.

Ideas for how people can take part and assets to promote local events are available to download at www.lovelocal.scot.

STV weatherman Sean Batty (below) is a campaign ambassador and is encouraging people to take part. He said: “This is your chance to shout about how great your area is.

“The team at STP will be working with people across the country to highlight some of the incredible work ongoing to create communities fit for the future.

“There are some great things happening and we are keen to showcase them.”

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies.

It is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.

Council condemns dangerous vandalism in Corstorphine

ANGER AND CONFUSION OVER MANSE ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

Council officers have responded to an incident at the weekend involving vandalism and graffiti to a controversial trial bus gate on Manse Road, which left a pylon in a precarious and dangerous position.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “There’s no excuse for dangerous criminal behaviour like this. We are lucky a member of the public reported it to us early on Sunday morning so that our crews could quickly attend and make the column safe, and I’d like to thank them for this.

“The trial road safety measures in Corstorphine aim to address the fact the majority of local residents (67%) feel there is an issue with vehicles in area. Ultimately, however, improving safety in the street does have some impact on vehicle use – primarily for traffic cutting through the area on the way to somewhere else.

“Given that context, this type of reckless criminal behaviour is shameful, and I know that local people both for and against the scheme are concerned about what’s happened. The damage to council property and the graffiti is completely unacceptable and all it achieves is disruption, expense and a damaging effect on the reputation of a great local community.

“We’ll be reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to Police this week, and I’d urge anyone who knows who may be responsible for this senseless criminal act to reach out to Police too.

“Given the risk the damage posed to the people in the adjacent retirement housing, I hope those responsible are promptly brought to justice.”

The design for Corstorphine Connections was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee in August 2021.

As part of the development of the designs for the project the Council carried out a significant amount of engagement with the local community, many of whom highlighted concerns about the volume and speed of traffic in the area.

Independent market research carried out showed that 67% of people living in the area thought vehicle traffic was a problem, and those with disabilities were more likely to be concerned about the situation.  

By limiting through traffic and providing spaces to sit, relax and interact, Corstorphine Connections aims to create a much safer and more welcoming environment for people living there.

Cllr Arthur added: “I know already that many parents have enjoyed being able to walk and cycle more easily with their children in the area since the Council started implementing the scheme, particularly during the recent warmer weather.   

“The Council retained access for all residents travelling by car too, alongside these changes, so that those who choose to drive can still do so. It is now much harder, however, for delivery drivers etc to cut through the residential area on the way to somewhere else.  

“There are plenty safe and sensible ways to share your views on this trial which we are keen to listen to. I have now attended the local Community Council twice to listen to residents, and I’ve made sure a Council Officer attended every time it met over the past year to answer questions and collect feedback.

“I have also said I will return whenever they want. Additionally, I have done the school run with a local parent, met with a second resident and have a further meeting with a local resident in the pipeline.”

Letters: Childline Support

Dear Editor,

Eating disorders and body image issues were the sixth most common concern brought up by children and young people in Scotland contacting Childline last year (April 2022 – March 2023), with 273 counselling sessions carried out on the issue.

Childline, the counselling service run by the NSPCC, has also revealed that 40 per cent of counselling sessions with children across the UK about these issues took place in the summer months (June to September).

There are number of factors that make the summer holiday a particularly tricky time for young people struggling with their body image or relationship with food.

For some, the prospect of wearing clothing which shows more of their body can make them feel under pressure to look a certain way, lose weight or change their appearance. 

This pressure can be reinforced by content they are exposed to online that makes them feel negatively about the way they way look.

At Childline, there is always someone to talk to. Our counsellors are there to listen and offer support and advice every day of the year on 0800 11111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Kind regards,

Lauren Burke

Childline Team Manager, Glasgow

Record medical trainee recruitment levels in Scotland

New starts will begin training this August

More medical training posts have been accepted at this stage of the recruitment year than ever before – exceeding last year’s record by 100 posts.

NHS Education for Scotland data as of 25 July 2023 shows that 1,061 posts have been filled so far this year from 1,137 advertised.

This includes 100% fill rates at entry level in General Practice, Psychiatry, Anaesthetics, Radiology and Emergency Medicine.

These trainee doctors will take up post in August 2023. Another recruitment round will be held before the end of the year for those taking up post in February 2024.

Minister for Public Health Jenni Minto said: “I am delighted to see that Scotland continues to be recognised as a highly desirable place both to live and pursue a career in medicine.

“This is testament to our world-class medical education and training system as well as those working hard to prepare the next generation of doctors who will look after us in the future. 

“These results show that NHS Scotland continues to grow accordingly to meet the needs of its patients and I look forward to welcoming these new doctors into the health service.”

NHS Education for Scotland Medical Director Dr Emma Watson said: “As of today, 93% of posts advertised for August 2023 start dates in Scotland are filled.

“Many programmes have filled at 100% and in programmes which have not filled, we are working to understand why. There has also been a significant expansion of training posts across Scotland, particularly in General Practice which has a current fill rate of 100%.”

Millions of children get access to life-saving defibrillators

Every state school in England now has a defibrillator with 20,376 devices delivered to 17,862 schools

The government has confirmed that all state-funded schools in England now have a life-saving defibrillator, drastically increasing the chances of surviving cardiac arrest for all state school pupils in England.

Following the government’s £19 million rollout, over 20,000 defibrillators have successfully been delivered to almost 18,000 schools since January.

In June, the Department for Education oversaw the successful completion of deliveries of defibrillators to secondary schools. Now, all eligible primary, special and alternative provision schools who did not already have a defibrillator have received deliveries, boosting their numbers in communities across the country.

Today’s milestone marks another step in the government’s commitment to delivering stronger, safer communities across the country.

In July 2022, the government committed to delivering these devices before the end of the 2022 to 2023 academic year to ensure that all state funded schools in England had access to a defibrillator, following the campaigning from Mark King of the Oliver King Foundation to ensure all schools have a defibrillator.

Mark tragically lost his son, Oliver, after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest at school during a swimming lesson when he was 12-years-old.

Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said: “Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest.

“Thanks to the tireless campaigning of Mark King, Jamie Carragher and Nicola Carragher we are proud to say that every state-funded school in England now has access to a defibrillator.

“Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should tragedy strikes.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, said: ““Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest.

“Thanks to the tireless campaigning of Mark King and Jamie Carragher we are proud to say that every state-funded school in England now has one of these potentially life-saving machines.

“So however rare these events are, teachers, parents and pupils across the country can now be reassured they will have access to a defibrillator on school grounds, should the worst happen.”

Oliver King Foundation founder, Mark King: “We as a family and foundation will continue to strive for change so no other family has to suffer as we are.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to Nadhim Zahawi, Lord Stuart Polak, Jamie Carragher and the DfE for helping us aim for legislation. Oliver’s memory will live on and lives will be saved.”

Large schools have been provided with 2 or more defibrillators so that they can be strategically placed in areas of the schools where a cardiac arrest is more likely, such as sports halls.

A defibrillator is a machine that is placed externally on the body and is used to give an electric shock when a person is in cardiac arrest i.e. when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. Prompt defibrillation can help save a person’s life.

The government is also supporting schools in making defibrillators available to the community, with 1,200 external heated defibrillator cabinets being provided to primary and special schools by the end of 2023 in areas of deprivation, where provision is generally lower.

The rollout will build on existing requirements for schools to teach first aid as part of the curriculum, with secondary school pupils being taught life-saving methods such as CPR and the purpose of defibrillators. This rollout will help protect schools and their local communities against cardiac arrest, delivering wider access to these devices.

Watermans offer FREE ticket giveaway for Forth on the Fringe

A law firm, sponsoring a comedy event? Yep, you have read that correctly. Watermans, a Scottish-based law firm, are proud to announce their sponsorship of Forth 1’s “Forth on the Fringe” event for 2023 and are supporting with a free ticket giveaway!

The acclaimed show, taking place on the 4th and 5th of August, will be hosted at the world-renowned Edinburgh Playhouse, and will see an array of comedy and musical acts take to the stage across three showtimes, with two evening shows and a matinee performance confirmed.

This is the first time in five years that sponsorship for the event has been up for grabs – and the Scottish law firm jumped at the chance to support the infamous entertainment show.

Why, you ask? Well, Watermans aren’t your regular legal firm. A full-service solicitor and estate agent, the company prides itself on breaking the “stuffy, traditional” solicitor mould. And what better way to do that than by sponsoring an iconic Scottish comedy show?

With acts including Jason Byrne, Jon Culshaw and Patrick Monahan, this year’s event simply isn’t one to be missed.

And what’s more, Watermans have 6x tickets to give away (one pair for each show) so lucky winners can experience all the fun of the theatre – for free!

On 24th July, the law firm will be posting videos of their winning tickets hidden in places across Edinburgh. To enter, contestants simply interact with their social channels and try to guess the locations around the city – winners will be announced 31st July.

Speaking about their involvement in this year’s Fringe Festival, Watermans  Managing Director Scott Whyte, said: “Watermans are delighted to be partnering with Forth 1 and their Forth on the Fringe event. This has long been one of the must-see attractions during the Festival and we look forward to being part of this showcase event.

‘It is a great privilege for us to be involved in the world-renowned Fringe festival this year and I am sure we are in for an exciting month ahead as Edinburgh welcomes performers and visitors from all over the world.”

With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, the modern law firm is dedicated to offering straightforward legal advice – without the jargon. So, how many solicitor-related jokes can you think of?

Tickets for the Forth on the Fringe event are priced from £27.40, plus a booking fee. More information about the show and participants, along with ticket availability, can be found here.

Improving Scotland’s maternity and neonatal care

New intensive care model for the highest risk pre-term babies

Three specialist intensive care neonatal units for babies born at highest risk will be based in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Care for babies born at less than 27 weeks,  lighter than 800 grams or who need complex life support, will be provided by Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at Aberdeen Maternity Unit, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The new model of neonatal intensive care was recommended by The Best Start Report and is based on evidence that care for babies at highest risk is safest in units which can treat a high volume of patients.

Neonatal units in Ninewells in Dundee, Princess Royal Maternity in Glasgow, Wishaw General, Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock will continue as local neonatal units to provide neonatal care for their populations.  

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “These three Neonatal Intensive Care Units will offer the most specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies.

“Local neonatal units will continue to offer care to babies who need it, including a level of neonatal intensive care, and no neonatal units are closing as part of these plans. This decision has been made in line with advice from expert clinicians.

“I would like to thank all of those who have worked with us to look at how we can best deliver the changes recommended by the Best Start Report and will offer increased care for those who need it most, before they are able to return to one of our other excellent local neonatal units across the country.”

Lesley Jackson, Clinical Lead for the Scottish Neonatal Network and a Consultant Neonatologist in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: ““I very much welcome this change to the provision of neonatal intensive care, which will enable clinical teams to deliver the best outcomes for the smallest and sickest babies born in Scotland.

“The neonatal community is committed to working collaboratively to deliver the new model of neonatal care for our patients and families.”

Caroline Lee-Davey, Bliss Chief Executive said: ““At Bliss, we believe the proposed changes have the potential to improve the quality of neonatal services in Scotland, as well as improve the care provided to babies and their families.

“Reconfiguring services will help to make sure that the smallest and sickest babies requiring highly specialist intensive care every year will receive the best and safest care at a unit fully equipped for their needs.

“It is crucial for parents to be by their baby’s side in hospital, playing a hands-on role as partners in care with the medical team. When babies have to be transferred further from home to receive the best care, appropriate support must be provided to enable their parents to be at their cot side as much as possible, including through the Young Patients Family Fund, which enables families to claim financial assistance to support them during their baby’s neonatal stay.”

EE boosts capital’s mobile capacity ahead of influx of festival visitors

New mobile ‘mini-masts’ have been installed by EE on street furniture like lamp-posts and phone boxes in Edinburgh to help boost mobile coverage in the busiest areas of the city.

The Scottish capital is the UK’s second most popular tourist destination after London, and the mobile mast installations come as the city prepares for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

During August, it’s estimated that the population of the city doubles, as more than 500,000 people visit for the festivals.

The mini antennas, known as small cells, are now delivering enhanced 4G capacity in high demand areas of the city. Small cells take advantage of existing street assets, such as BT’s iconic red telephone boxes, to help enhance street-level mobile coverage in busy areas where it’s impractical to build larger masts, such as city-centres and transport hubs.

In Edinburgh, EE has worked with partners including Edinburgh Council and Nokia to deploy small cells to boost capacity in busy locations including the Royal Mile, University of Edinburgh, Princes Street, Chambers Street and the National Museum, and the West End.

Responding to the news, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Visitors to the festival are increasingly using their smartphones for electronic ticketing, searching programme listings, booking tickets on the go, and navigating to the various venues.

“Many of these are things visitors will be able to do from the new official EdFringe app. People are also keen to share their experiences with friends and family and social media throughout the festival.

“All of this depends on having good access to mobile networks. It’s vital therefore that the city’s mobile networks can cope with this significant increase in demand during the summer. We welcome any steps like these new mini mobile masts to help boost network capacity in these busy locations.”

As well as being located on phone boxes, lamp-posts and CCTV columns, EE can also install small cells on BT’s innovative new digital Street Hubs.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “Edinburgh is a prime example of a city that can benefit from these small cell masts.

“The city is said to be built on seven hills and has plenty of old buildings, all of which pose a challenge to mobile coverage. It also sees huge peaks in mobile traffic in confined areas during major events. Small cells help customers continue to benefit from our fastest 4G speeds, even at the busiest times and in the most congested of locations.

“Our new digital Street Hubs also have the potential to help increase the number of small cells in the city. We’ll continue to discuss our plans with the council and we hope that Edinburgh will join other cities, such as Glasgow and Birmingham, where our new Street Hubs are already providing communities with the digital facilities needed for the future.”

14 mini masts are already live in Edinburgh, with four more sites to go live by the end of July. EE plans to deploy more small cell sites throughout the city in areas where it forecasts network congestion.