Day: April 18, 2024

Napier nursing researcher to lead study aiming to improve HIV/AIDS care in Ghana

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei’s trial has been backed by a £1.5m grant

A study led by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) will look at how health care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana can be improved – after securing a major grant of around £1.5m.

The trial of community-based, person-centred care will see healthcare professionals trained to offer a more holistic way of managing the condition.

The study, titled ExtraCECI (Extra community-based enhanced care intervention) aims to recruit around 650 patients. A smaller feasibility study of CECI suggested that participants felt the approach had the potential to improve their quality of life.

ExtraCECI is now set to get underway in May, after being backed by £1,468,810 in funding from the Medical Research Council.

Led by Dr Mary Abboah-Offei from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, it will also involve academics and researchers from Kings College London, the University of York, and the University of Ghana.

If successful, the research could provide evidence to help make ExtraCECI a part of routine HIV/AIDS care in Ghana.

Dr Abboah-Offei, who is from Ghana, began her journey in healthcare research by working as a nurse in emergency care there.

This grant – one of the largest of its kind for an ENU researcher – represents a significant achievement for an early career academic with a background in nursing.

ExtraCECI will see medics from randomly selected HIV clinics trained to give a holistic assessment of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing, of their patients. This will then allow them to work together to plan and deliver their care.

Information will then be collected at regular intervals to see if the person-centred approach to care brings about any improvement in health outcomes.

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to begin this study. Having previously worked in healthcare in my home country, this feels like a way of giving back.

“Our previous research found that people living with HIV/AIDS there were experiencing distressing symptoms and concerns, even while taking their medication. This person-centred intervention approach aims to improve that.

“We found that patients were thrilled to have the opportunity to have a say in their treatment – while healthcare professionals found it eye-opening.

“I hope this wider trial can lead to a better quality of life for people living with these conditions.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Securing such a significant level of backing for this programme of work is a major achievement for Mary.

“Given her background in nursing, she will be well aware how ExtraCECI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s lives in Ghana.

“Mary’s colleagues at Edinburgh Napier University will support her and the multidisciplinary team to deliver successful outcomes.”

Scottish Ensemble announce Concerts for a Summer’s Night

Scottish Ensemble have built a devoted following for their Concerts by Candlelight in the Midwinter, and they now present a series of concerts revelling in the long days and abundance of natural light around the Summer Solstice.

Light-filled venues will resonate to the sounds of vibrant, uplifting music, performed with Scottish Ensemble’s characteristic zest and warmth.

From the 17th to the 21st of June, Concerts for a Summer’s Night will celebrate that magical juncture when daylight outlasts the night, filling the air with the promise of endless possibilities. Performances will take place in Rossie Byre in Perthshire, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Audiences can expect a treat as the ensemble blend classical and contemporary works for string orchestra into a joyful sonic summer cocktail.

From familiar works by Elgar and Mendelssohn to the innovative sounds of Tunde Jegede and Sigur Rós, the programme promises to transport listeners through centuries and musical styles, focusing on themes of joy and connection.

The much-awaited second instalment of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s two-part commission will also feature. Following the warmly received debut of RAIN I during Scottish Ensemble’s Concerts by Candlelight performances last December, this new piece promises to captivate and inspire.

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Following on from last year’s second and warmly received Concerts for a Summer’s Night, I am looking forward to the third edition!

“We hope these events will become – like Concerts by Candlelight in December – a regular and anticipated feature of our season.

“At this time of year, natural light is almost a constant, tempting us to spend more time outside and reconnect with the natural world as well as with each other.

“There is a unique kind of energy around the time of the summer solstice, and I hope that hearing live music in these light-filled venues will be a vibrant and memorable experience.”

Tickets range from £9 – £22.50 and are free for under 16s.

Tickets are available from:

 https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2023-24/concerts-for-a-summers-night-2/

Listings information

Monday 17 June

Rossie Byre, Perthshire, 8pm

Tuesday 18 June

Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 8pm

Wednesday 19 June

Aberdeen Art Gallery, 8pm

Thursday 20 June

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, 8pm

Friday 21 June

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, 8pm

Concerts for a Summer’s Night programme

Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute

Tunde Jegede Dancing in the Spirit

Peter Sculthorpe Movement I from Jabiru Dreaming

Caroline Shaw Valencia

Sigur Rós arr. Guy Button Fljótavík

Felix Mendelssohn arr. Lynne Latham Movement I from Violin Concerto in E minor

Edward Elgar Movement II from Serenade for Strings

Ana Sokolović Innamorati from Commedia dell’arte III

Leoš Janáček arr. Jarmil Burghauser On an Overgrown Path

Jessie Montgomery Smoke from Break Away

Sufjan Stevens arr. Michael Atkinson Year of the Ox from Run Rabbit Run

David Fennessy RAIN II (World Premiere)

Sex offender jailed for nine years

Bernard Callaghan has been jailed for nine years for a series of sexual offences which took place in the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian areas.

The 53-year-old targeted three women over a 15-year period from 2007 to 2022.

Callaghan was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 4 March, 2024, and returned for sentencing today, Wednesday, 17 April.

Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit said: “Bernard Callaghan is a very dangerous individual who is now being held accountable for his despicable behaviour towards the three victims.

“Their experiences will undoubtedly have left a lasting impact however I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some degree of closure and helps them to move on with their lives.

“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously and we will work with victims to thoroughly investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We would encourage anyone who has, or is experiencing this type of crime, to have the confidence to come forward and make a report to Police Scotland on 101.

“There is no time limit on reporting and no matter when the abuse occurred you will be listened to, you will be supported and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Starcatchers take award-winning Little Top show to France

Starcatchers, Scotland’s arts and early years organisation based in Wester Hailes, have travelled to France this week to present their acclaimed co-production with SUPERFAN, “Little Top” at Les p’tites tommettes festival in Creil, France. 

The show launches the Scottish showcase for the British Council’s UK-France, ‘Together We Imagine’, Spotlight on Culture, which is building artistic collaborations and celebrating the cultural links between the UK and France throughout this year.

Set in a specially designed ‘little top’ circus tent the show is designed to create a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus.

Rhona Matheson, CEO of Starcatchers, is delighted to bring Little Top to France: “Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air, and anything is possible.

“We are excited to present our award-winning show, a co-production with SUPERFAN, at Festival Premières Rencontres.”

The festival appearance strengthens Starcatchers’ partnership with French arts company Compagnie ACTA, following their recent Erasmus+ collaboration exploring topics around artistic awakening in early childhood.

The two organisations have already collaborated to share research findings and exchange best practices in arts for early years. Starcatchers and Compagnie ACTA presented research at PREMIERES RENCONTRES festival 2024’s European Forum in March. The Early Childhood Principles were developed by Starcatchers, Compagnie ACTA, 2turvenhoog and LaSala Teatre.

Rhona Matheson continues: “We are very grateful to the British Council’s UK-France Spotlight Fund for this invaluable opportunity to strengthen our international connections.

“It’s a huge privilege to showcase Scottish work on this platform as we deepen our understanding of what artistic experiences can mean for very young audiences.”

Starcatchers is one of six Scottish-based awardees to receive over £100,000 in funding from the Spotlight on Culture Fund programme, funded with partners including Creative Scotland and the National Lottery.

Their festival presentation is part of a wider celebration of UK-France cultural partnerships happening throughout 2024, coinciding with major events like the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland added: “What a wonderful opportunity for very young children to experience the magic of physical theatre for the first time. An excellent example of how through cultural exchange, artists can come together to share groundbreaking research and performance.

“We’re proud to help bring this innovative work to France, a fabulous start to the UK-France Cultural spotlight activity for this year.

“All the projects are now helping to maintain vital links between Scotland and France, and creatives across both countries are coming together to connect, collaborate and form lasting relationships.”

Groathill accident: Can you help?

Road Policing officers are appealing for information after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash on South Groathill Avenue at Queensferry Road South.

The incident, which happened around 7.10am on Wednesday, 17 April, 2024, involved a red and white DAF truck and a pedestrian.

Emergency services attended and a 58-year-old woman, the pedestrian, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Her condition has been described as critical but stable.

The road was closed for around two hours to allow for investigations to take place.

Sergeant Louise Birrell said: “Our enquiries into this collision are ongoing and we would like to ask anyone that was in the area at the time who has not already spoken to us to please get in touch.

“We would also be keen to see any dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area around the time of the crash. In particular, there was a blue BMW X2 which was stationary at the time and may have information which could assist.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0487 of 17 April.

Diabetic patient denied health technology she tested due to health funding cuts

An Edinburgh based diabetic patient has been told she will be not given the new closed loop diabetic pump technology, despite the fact that she has been testing the system, for the NHS since last year.

Megan Ormond, who has had diabetes for all her teenage and adult life, contacted Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack to raise her situation.

Ms Ormond was taking part in a study of the closed loop system and was told partaking in this study would likely secure her the technology faster.

However, at her last meeting, she was told, due to budget cuts, the closed loop system would not be made available to her after the study.

While using this closed loop system, her HBA1C which is used by doctors to test a patient’s glucose levels over the last 3 months, has been the lowest it has been for her entire time with diabetes.

The Scottish Government’s Diabetic Improvement Plan cites rolling out the closed loop system, as quickly as possible as a key target.

However, due to budget cuts and required savings, NHS Lothian is unable to carry out their rollout of the system at their expected rate.

NHS England began rolling out the closed loop system on the 1st April 2024.

Commenting on Megan’s case, Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack, said: “Megan’s case shows the absolutely shocking state the SNP Government has allowed NHS Lothian to fall into.

“Life changing technology and treatment are being denied to patients due to a lack of funding. That is unacceptable anywhere in Scotland, never mind our nation’s capital.

“The Scottish Government must act to ensure Megan and other diabetics are able to access this ground-breaking treatment as they were promised.

“There is real opportunity to improve the quality of life for diabetes patients in Edinburgh, but that opportunity isn’t just being denied to my constituents its being snatched away.”

Megan said: “When I got told that there is potential no funding for me to remain on the system, I felt let down and upset.

“It’s like dangling a sweet in front of a child and then taking it away.

“I was informed a few months back that it was highly likely that I would remain on the system but that’s clearly not the case.

“Part of my job of being a nurse is advocating for the most vulnerable in society but who is advocating for us type 1 diabetics?”

Information on a closed loop system can be found here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/diabetes-technology/closed-loop-systems

New disability benefit for pensioners

Five areas first to get Pension Age Disability Payment

Pensioners in five Scottish local authorities will be the first in the country eligible for a new disability benefit, subject to parliamentary approval of regulations.

From 21 October, Pension Age Disability Payment – the replacement for Attendance Allowance – will be piloted in Argyll & Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.

The benefit will become available in 13 more local authority areas on 24 March next year before becoming available across Scotland by 22 April.  

Pension Age Disability Benefit is for people of pension age who have a disability or long-term health condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe. 

It is not means-tested and is worth between £290 and £434 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it.

Currently over 150,000 people in Scotland get Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

They do not need to take any action as their awards will be automatically moved  from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. This will happen in phases, with the first expected to be transferred in early 2025.

Pension Age Disability Payment was designed with the people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “In the midst of the cost of living crisis it is more important than ever that older people get the support they’re entitled to.

“We developed Pension Age Disability Payment by listening to the people who would be applying for it and those who support them. We made changes including making it easier for an eligible person to nominate a third party representative, something people told us was important for many older people.

“The pilot phase will allow us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before the benefit is rolled out across Scotland.

“If you think you might be eligible for support right now, I encourage you to apply for Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Anyone getting that benefit will automatically have their award transferred to Pension Age Disability Payment next year so there is no reason to wait.”

Discover Sailing with Royal Forth Yacht Club

SUNDAY 5th MAY 12 – 4pm

We are busy preparing our fleet of boats & volunteers to welcome you to our annual @RYAScotland @RYA#DiscoverSailing day at #GrantonHarbour on the #Edinburghshoreline.

On Sun 5th May, 12 – 4pm, we will offer short sailing trips to all.

Read on for details:

http://royalforth.org/article/discover-sailing-sunday-5th-may-at-rfyc-12-4pm

NHS Lothian nurses recognised in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

Four NHS Lothian nurses, along with a Lothian nursing team, have been announced as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2024.

The awards showcase the very best of nursing across Scotland, highlighting, and celebrating the unwavering commitment and remarkable professional care provided by nursing staff.

Elaine Wilson, Community Staff Nurse, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Nursing & Midwifery Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication in delivering high-quality vaccination services in Midlothian.

In her job, Elaine has innovatively addressed the challenges faced by vaccination teams, including declining vaccination rates, often thinking creatively. She has organised flexible clinics in unique locations, increasing vaccination rates.

She has also overcome barriers to reach underserved communities, like the travelling community. Additionally, she has also secured funding for child-friendly resources to improve the vaccination experience for children and their families.

Fiona Hunt, Team Lead for Organ Perfusion and Preservation, has been named as one of the finalists for the Clinical Leadership Award.

Fiona’s leadership has led to remarkable improvements in transplant outcomes, evidenced by increased liver transplant graft survival rates and reduced complications.

Fiona also contributes to the development of innovative transplantation protocols and technologies and plays a key role in education and research, directing masterclasses and actively participating in clinical studies.

Professor Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse Research and Development, has made the shortlist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing innovation and Research Award.

In partnership with colleagues, Juliet has been nominated for being instrumental in advancing clinical academic careers and research partnerships in various health care disciplines across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

One of Juliet’s projects focuses on nursing and midwifery candidates in the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards scheme.

The scheme aims to build research capacity across clinical teams by providing funding for NHS professionals to participate in research development opportunities.

Frances Aitken, Dementia Nurse Specialist, has been named as a finalist for the Mental Health Nursing Award.

Frances was nominated for her work to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital. Frances has led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme and run’s training for staff which has helped reduce the need for one-to-one nursing, sedation, emergency calls, and has improved pain management for patients.

NHS Lothian’s Strathaird team are shortlisted for the Learning Disability Nursing Award.

The team have been nominated for their exceptional dedication, courage, and compassion in their work for patients in a challenging behaviour unit.

The team managed to successfully transition a complex patient journey to a personalised, nurturing environment, improving both patient and staff safety.

The teams innovative approaches and commitment to positive interaction with patients has garnered impressive results, including increased patient trust and engagement.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to congratulate to all our staff that have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being a finalist is a huge achievement and it really highlights the high quality care and compassion our nurses are giving to patients day in, day out.

“I would like to wish them all good luck.”

Minimum Unit Pricing rise supported

Holyrood agrees continuation of policy and increase to 65p

The minimum price per unit of alcohol will increase by 15 pence after the Scottish Parliament approved plans to continue with the public health measure.

As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it had been due to end on 30 April, however today’s vote by MSPs ensures its continuation.

In addition, a price increase was required to counteract the effects of inflation, with a rise to 65p selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.

The increase will take effect on 30 September 2024.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I’m pleased that Parliament has agreed to continue MUP legislation and to raise the level it is set at.

“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.

“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one. However, as a letter to The Lancet by public health experts makes clear, it is likely that without MUP there would have been an even greater number of alcohol-specific deaths.

“As we have made clear, the policy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by reducing consumption at population level, with a particular focus on targeting people who drink at hazardous and harmful levels. 

“We believe the proposals strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers. Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole but we will continue to monitor this.”