Katie Fowlie, an art specialist, and educator from the East Neuk, has been commissioned to deliver Remembering Together Fife, a project that strives to sensitively mark the Covid-19 pandemic.
She has named the project PROCESS, and her role is to co-create something collaboratively with communities across Fife to respond to a difficult period in our lives. A series of free, bookable, and drop-in workshops are being delivered across Fife. Participants will explore the language (Floriography) associated with plants to express emotions in a non-verbal way and will create art using plant-based materials.
By gathering materials from the landscape, participants are learning immersive, process-based activities which encourage relaxation, improve mood, and encourage people out of isolation.
The workshops come about after 18 months of engagement with communities across Fife listening to individuals’ unique experiences from this challenging time. Ideas were collected to mark this experience in a way which would resonate with people across the Kingdom.
Katie explains: “Many ideas were offered during the initial engagement phase, and areas of overlap started to emerge. Most participants noted a decline in their mental health, their self-confidence, and feelings of isolation.
“There was an overwhelming desire to create something with a positive legacy, something which invests in people, and which is supportive in terms of their wellbeing.
“People shared how important the daily permitted hour outdoors became to their wellbeing. But also, how this habit was so quickly abandoned as life started to return to normal. They were keen to create something collectively which celebrated Fife’s varied landscapes while encouraging healthy habits such as slowing down and reinstating regular time spent outdoors. All in a way which enabled reflection and a chance to process how our lives changed.”
This period of co-creation will culminate in the creation of a bespoke publication called PROCESS. This will be a collection of images, reflections, words, and fragments that offers ‘how-to’ details to undertake further exploration. This publication will be gifted to appropriate organisations across Fife, as well as being free to access online.
Katie is continuing to host a series of free community workshops during the coming months as public drop-in events, alongside those offered to community groups and key workers. For updates, please follow ‘Remembering Together Fife’ on Facebook and Instagram.
‘Drop-in’ events are being hosted by: Kellie Castle, May 18th & 25th (11am – 3pm), The Larick Centre, May 20th & 27th and June 3rd (1pm – 2.30pm).
Bookable workshops [PROCESS: The Art of Foraging] started in Kennoway on 16th April, and then take place in Buckhaven on 19th April, Leven on 25th April and Methil on 4th May.
Katie will be collaborating with Jayson Byles from East Neuk Seaweed to offer cooking demonstrations and create botanical inks from foraged finds. These workshops are supported by Lateral Lab with additional funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
New research from Ambassador Cruise Line finds that over half (60%) of Brits take tea bags with them on holiday
For more than a third (41%), a good cup of tea is what holidaymakers miss most while away, beaten only by their ‘own bed’ (54%)
On National Tea Day on 21 April, Master Tea Blender for Tetley Tea, Sebastian Michaelis, reveals why we have an unmatched love affair with the nation’s favourite brew – and his thoughts on the perfect recipe for a great cup of tea
OUR love affair with tea goes beyond borders, it seems – new research from Ambassador Cruise Line has found tea to be an absolutely essential packing item for British holidaymakers, with over half (60%) admitting to having packed tea bags alongside their swimming costumes and sun cream when preparing for a holiday.
The survey of 2,000 respondents commissioned ahead of National Tea Day on 21 April by the UK’s leading premium-value, no-fly cruise line in partnership with its onboard tea supplier, Tetley, reveals the unshakable bond between Brits and their beloved brew.
As a nation that drinks 100 million cups of tea a day*, the fact we struggle to part with our favourite blends while away is understandable. It seems there is no substitute for a quality cuppa, even when abroad; our love of tea even trumps family bonds it seems!
The research found that, two in five (41%) of Brits miss English Breakfast tea most whilst on holiday, topped only by missing their ‘own bed’ (54%). Just 21% put ‘missing family’ on the home-sickness trigger list.
Despite the many variations of tea available today, Brits remain unwavering in their loyalty to a classic cup of English Breakfast tea, with over half (56%) stating that it is their preferred choice , followed by Earl Grey and Green tea (both at 8%).
The survey found that one in 10 (10%) drink more than five cups a day, with the average being two (23%) to three (18%) cups a day. For more than a third (36%), it is the first thing to be done in the morning, with 21% postponing breakfast until they have enjoyed their first cuppa. Just 5% seem to enjoy a tea after their evening meal or before bed.
So, how do we as a nation make our tea? Just 8% of us use a teapot these days, with the vast majority of Brits putting the tea bag directly into a mug (84%). 82% opt for water before milk, with only 14% championing milk first .
Most commonly, more than half (59%) brew their tea for less than two minutes; one in ten (10%) leave the bag in for five minutes; and 3% brew for over eight minutes.
The survey showed that people love a good cup or tea not only for its taste: it’s also about the familiarity and friendliness a good cuppa provides.
More than half of those surveyed (63%) say tea is the first thing they would offer when welcoming tradespeople to their home. Similarly, tea is the ‘go-to’ pick-me-up for friends or family that are feeling stressed (49%) or sad (43%), with females (50%) more inclined than males (36%) to offer comfort with a cuppa.
Commenting on the findings, Seb Michaelis, a Master Blender from Tetley, Ambassador Cruise Line’s onboard tea partner, says: “It’s no surprise that tea is right up there on the ‘must-have’ packing list – tea lovers know their teas and love their brands.
“Tea is a natural, comforting beverage, a social glue that delivers a perfect ‘me moment’ when needed. However, just as a holidaymaker seeks out new experiences, I would urge tea lovers to explore the wider world of tea also.
“Tea has come a long way since it first reached our shores, with different varieties and strengths available. From everyday black teas to flavoursome speciality teas, fruit and herbal infusions and decaf, there’s a tea to suit every mood and moment, from the first waking hour to the final wind-down time in the evening.”
Gordon Nardini, Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson, adds: “Away from the business of our day-to-day lives, a holiday is a great chance to take time for a proper cuppa, brewed to perfection.
“Food and beverage plays an important part of the overall guest experience at Ambassador and we pay as much attention to the tea we serve as we do the outstanding cuisine our guests enjoy while onboard.
“With 2.7 million cups of tea expertly served onboard Ambassador’s two ships, Ambience and Ambition, last year, it looks like our guests’ own tea bags will stay firmly in their suitcases for many years to come!”
Making the Perfect Cup of Tea according to Tetley’s Master Blender, Seb Michaelis:
“I’m always asked how to make the perfect cup of tea! We in the tea buying and blending team are quite particular with how we make our tea, so much so that we’ve developed a formula for it!
“But in all honesty the right way to make tea is the way you like it and enjoy it best. However you like it, my top tip for getting the richest brew at home is to use freshly drawn water from the tap and to pour it as soon as it’s boiled; don’t let it cool down.”
Central Scotland saw the biggest annual increase of any UK region
Despite recent increases, drivers are seeing some respite. The latest data shows how prices have fallen by £30 (-4%,), on average, over the last 3 months.
Glasgow and Motherwell are the most expensive areas in Scotland. Average prices are now £971 and £879, respectively, following annual increases. In Glasgow, prices increased by £341 (54%), on average, and by £303 (53%), on average, in Motherwell.
Prices across the rest of the UK have all continued to see annual increases. And further research shows how 3 in 4 (75%) drivers who renewed in the past 3 months saw their renewal price increase by £94, on average.
Motor expert Louise Thomas at Confused.com helps drivers to understand why their car insurance prices are so high, and how they can save money by shopping around.
Car insurance prices in Scotland are up by £254 (48%) in just 12 months. That means the average price is now around £775.
And it’s drivers in Central Scotland who could be seeing the biggest increases overall. That’s as prices are now £871, on average, following £298 (52%) rise. Not only is this the most expensive region in Scotland, but it’s also seen the biggest annual increase in comparison to other UK regions.
That’s according to the latest car insurance price index from Confused.com, powered by WTW.
Based on more than 6 million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for new policies in the UK. However, prices in the country stalled somewhat by £30 (-4%) in the past 3 months, offering a brief respite to drivers. But despite this slight U-turn, prices do remain expensive for drivers as financial pressures continue to mount up.
And how much a driver pays continues to vary from region to region. The East and North East regions saw an annual increase of £220 (46%), making prices now £701, on average. Prices in the Highlands and Islands are now £674, on average, following a £201 (43%) annual increase. And drivers in the Scottish Borders are benefiting from the cheapest prices, despite a £206 (46%) increase in 12 months. Average prices are now £634.
Region
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Central Scotland
£871
£298
52%
-£26
-3%
East & North East
£701
£220
46%
-£34
-5%
Highlands & Islands
£674
£201
43%
-£38
-5%
Scottish Borders
£634
£206
48%
-£23
-3%
When looking closer at areas within each region, Glasgow came out on top as the most expensive area for drivers overall. Following a £341 (54%) annual increase, prices are now £971, on average. Motherwell also topped the list as one of the most expensive areas in Scotland, with average prices now £879. That’s as prices increased by £303 (53%) in comparison to 12 months ago.
Here’s a full breakdown of the latest car insurance prices across Scotland:
Central Scotland –
Postcode area
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Edinburgh
£769
£250
48%
-£37
-5%
Glasgow
£971
£341
54%
-£27
-3%
Kilmarnock
£765
£262
52%
-£6
-1%
Motherwell
£879
£303
53%
-£23
-3%
East and North East:
Postcode area
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Aberdeen
£699
£218
45%
-£29
-4%
Dundee
£732
£235
47%
-£34
-4%
Kirkcaldy
£683
£211
45%
-£41
-6%
Highlands and Islands:
Postcode area
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Falkirk
£689
£210
44%
-£42
-6%
Hebrides
£504
£98
24%
-£73
-13%
Inverness
£620
£181
41%
-£28
-4%
Kirkwall
£606
£188
45%
£13
2%
Paisley
£751
£228
44%
-£49
-6%
Perth
£644
£197
44%
-£30
-4%
Shetland
£674
£164
32%
-£81
-11%
Borders:
Postcode area
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Dumfries
£635
£210
49%
-£25
-4%
Galashiels
£632
£199
46%
-£21
-3%
The latest pricing follows similar trends across the UK. According to the latest data, the average price in the UK is now £941, following an increase of £284 (53%) in comparison to this time last year. But the data also shows a drop in pricing over the past 3 months of £54 (-5%). So although this can be a small sigh of relief for drivers, it’s likely many are still having to pay high prices.
And it seems that most drivers are recognising the impact on the steep increases over the past year. Further research by Confused.com(1) found that more than 2 in 5 (43%) UK drivers claim they are paying more for their insurance now than ever before. And only 1 in 7 (15%) claim they are happy with the amount they pay for their car insurance.
Despite their loyalty, renewing customers are also seeing their prices increase significantly. But some were able to save money by shopping around. According to the research, of those who received their renewal between January and March this year, 3 in 4 (75%) received a more expensive price compared to the previous year. According to the research, these drivers saw their renewal price increase by £94, on average. After receiving their price, almost half (45%) went on to shop around and switch insurers, saving £90 compared to last year’s price, on average.
This shows that even while premiums are still high, drivers could save money by switching to another insurer, rather than sticking with their renewal.
But some drivers will of course see more expensive car insurance prices than others. And in some cases, drivers are actually paying significantly more now than they were at a younger age. This is because car insurance prices spiked last year as the insurance industry recovered from the turbulence of COVID-19. For example, a 22-year-old driver is now paying £667 more than they possibly were 5 years ago.
Today, a 22-year-old can expect to pay £1,930 for their car insurance. But in comparison, 5 years ago, a 17-year-old was paying £1,263, on average. This is true for all age groups. In some cases, they are now paying hundreds of pounds more than they would have at their age 5 years ago, even though they may have gained more driving experience and built a no claims bonus.
Difference in prices over 5 years
Age now (Q1 2024)
Premium now (Q1 2024)
Age 5 years ago (Q1 2019)
Premium 5 years ago (Q1 2019)
Difference
22
£1,930
17
£1,263
+£667
35
£1,126
30
£751
+£375
45
£892
40
£615
+£277
55
£666
50
£489
+£235
65
£545
60
£421
+£204
How much a driver is paying for their insurance very much depends on where they live, or how old they are. For example, men are now paying £1,001 for their car insurance, on average. While this is a £60 (-6%) drop in the average price compared to 3 months ago, this is still £299 (43%) more expensive than premiums for male drivers 12 months ago. In comparison, female drivers are paying £841 for their insurance – a £258 (44%) increase year-on-year. This has, however, dropped by £43 (-5%) in the past 3 months.
Some age groups are also paying out more for their insurance, with younger drivers typically bearing the brunt of expensive premiums. For example, 18-year-olds are now paying £3,145 for their car insurance, which is an increase of a staggering £1,300 (70%) in the past 12 months. For drivers of this age, prices only dropped by £17 (-1%) in the past 3 months, which is significantly lower than the average decrease in the UK.
While prices dropped for most, the price for 17-year-olds is the only age group to have increased this last quarter. Motorists of this age are now paying £2,919, on average, for their car insurance. This is £1,307 (81%) more expensive year-on-year, and £42 (+1%) higher than 3 months ago. This is the most expensive price recorded for this age group.
Meanwhile prices for 28-year-olds fell the most over the past 3 months, with premiums now 9% (-£139) cheaper, on average. This brings the average premium for drivers of this age to £1,353. However, this is still £403 (42%) more expensive year-on-year.
Even with prices seemingly starting to drop, drivers are still paying over the odds for their premiums. But why are prices still so high? Inflation has played a key role in the rise of car insurance costs, due to the impact on the cost of repairs and claims. Since the end of the pandemic, the number of cars on the road has increased to a normal, if not inflated level.
This means the risk of accidents and claims is a lot higher than before. And the amount insurers are having to pay for these claims has increased too, as parts and labour costs are all impacted by inflation.
Similarly, cars are holding their value for longer, or are generally equipped with more technology or expensive equipment. This means the cost to replace a car is more than before too. So while inflation remains high, insurers are paying more to cover the cost of claims. This is reflected in the prices they’re offering drivers for their car insurance.
There are some tips drivers can try to keep costs down when it comes to renewal:
Use a price comparison site – When it comes to keeping costs down, the best thing you can do is compare prices. That way you can ensure you’re getting the best deal to suit your needs and not paying more than you need to. And it’s likely that you can make a saving.
Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, pay for your insurance in one go rather than monthly. That’s because insurance companies often charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance. But you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
Be accurate with mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance. There are several ways to improve your car security including:
Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock
Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park, or at home in a garage or driveway, if possible.
Louise Thomas, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance comments: “For the first time in a while car insurance prices have stalled slightly for most drivers, and this may come as a relief. However, prices are still incredibly high and so people can expect to see their price increase compared to the previous year.
“The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to accept your renewal, especially as we know from our research that shopping around can find you a cheaper price.
“And on top of this, there are additional ways you can save as well. Choosing a higher voluntary excess can bring down your overall premium – but remember to only choose a price you can afford should you need to make a claim.
“And if you can, paying annually will save you money too, as monthly payments can incur an interest charge. If these aren’t viable options, things like increasing your security or reviewing your mileage to be more accurate could make a difference when quoting.
“Ultimately, shopping around is the only way to know you’re paying the cheapest price available to you. With prices so high, it’s a very competitive market. So if you look around, there’s likely to be an insurer out there willing to offer a cheaper price.
“We’re so certain that we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20(2). In this scenario, you not only get the best price, but you also get more cash. So there’s nothing to lose and lots to be gained.”
We would love to learn some songs from non-English speaking families to celebrate Bookbug Week this year!
Would you like to share any with us?
If so, send us a message or speak to us at the library desk. We will ask you to teach us your song or rhyme and then we will use it in a special session in #BookbugWeek2024!
An innovative digital project to help people who fall or are at high risk of falling has secured funding for its second phase.
No Need To Fall is being co-designed with people who have lived experience of falls and those who provide support and care and the wider workforce.
The project is being led in NHS Lanarkshire by Dr Ana Talbot In collaboration with North and South Lanarkshire Councils HSCPs, the University of Strathclyde, Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre and six local and national voluntary sector charities, with project management provided by Sophie Bagnall at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub.
Phase 2 of the project will see daily care and support needs being addressed and prepare appropriate responses in the event of a fall.
The team will use the roll out of a new digital alarm receiving platform to early adopters in Scotland in early 2024 to explore the opportunities around digital tools to helps responders in the event of a person having a fall.
Research from Phase 1 of this project found people who draw on support and care feel falls are an inevitable part of ageing, but also blame themselves when they occur.
They often avoid using technology that could help due to negative associations with ageing and may have lower levels of digital literacy.
The project seeks to address a number of these findings and provide digital solutions that are empowering, support relational aspects and prevent falls.
Project lead Dr Ana Talbot, Consultant in Older Adult Medicine, NHS Lanarkshire, and West of Scotland Innovation Hub Clinical Fellow, said: “Moving into Phase 2 of this project allows us to more fully explore how we can address the needs of people who draw on support and care and those that provide it utilising the opportunities around digital tools.
“Addressing digital literacy and giving people the confidence to use this technology, which is now commonplace, is a very important part of how we approach support and care.
“I am delighted that we as a team are working with our partners to improve outcomes for people who have some of the highest risk of falls.”
On Thursday, the Scottish Government announced the 2030 climate change target is “out of reach”. So, what went wrong (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s JAMES ALLAN)?
In 2022, we undertook research commissioned by ClimateXChange for the Joint Budget Review between the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament on matters related to climate change.
Our remit focused on how budgetary and policy decisions are made rather than individual policies themselves. This required us to piece together through many interviews how civil servants were developing policy in practice, how decisions were being made and challenged internally and what information was flowing to Ministers and Parliament.
The culmination was a number of recommendations, one of which was for a “Net Zero Assessment” of policies as they are being developed. The basic principle is simple – if your policy is likely to have significant positive or negative impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, you need to roughly estimate the emissions that policy is likely to create. In most cases, this isn’t hugely difficult and some parts of government were already applying fairly rigorous assessments. But for many areas, these were patchily applied at best or seemingly sidestepped at worst.
In the areas where civil servants seemed less likely to routinely produce emissions estimates, it became apparent that these were often not being asked for by those approving projects. Approval without challenge beyond the financial cost led into a cultural view that some processes were optional.
It was encouraging to see that the climate change action policy package announced alongside the 2030 target statement reinforced earlier commitments to introduce a Net Zero Assessment.
Dropping targets can be disappointing but the Scottish Government now has the opportunity to take stock and refocus efforts where immediate progress is critical. Setting targets is not enough to meet them. Nor is it enough to have genuine ambition to reduce emissions – which we regularly encountered in our interviews. Both of these cannot create change that outweighs a system of processes and practice that gravitate towards the status quo.
But this also means that it is not simply enough to add a process like a Net Zero Assessment and assume that policymaking in practice will suddenly start following expected processes. A Net Zero Assessment must be sufficiently embedded within practices so that incentives and norms within Government act as a support rather than a counterweight. This isn’t easy – governments are having to grapple with this challenge globally.
But first and foremost, this means ensuring that a challenge function is in place and that challenge function has sufficient clout. The results of net zero assessments must be asked for, they must have taken place early enough in a project before too much momentum has built up, and there must be a degree of centralisation in this challenge function so that lagging policy areas are identified and supported.
This is the “how” of policy, rather than the “what” of policy. Is it the only step the Scottish Government will need to take to hit 2045 targets?
No – not by a long shot. Many difficult decisions lie ahead. But you cannot make and deliver on effective decisions without good evidence and robust processes. Significant and immediate focus now on the “how” of policy must be seen as a non-negotiable requirement if the Government wishes to make substantial further progress on its 2045 climate targets.
The introduction of a Net Zero Assessment will be a big step forward for the Scottish Government and will demonstrate global leadership on climate change processes. But don’t forget that the challenge function is just as important as the process itself.
I want to end this article with the concluding remarks from our report to the Joint Budget Review, which refers to the methodology within a Net Zero Assessment as an “individual level carbon assessment”.
These parting comments seem as relevant now as they were when published in December 2022:
‘A key emissions reduction target looms in 2030. While eight years away, many of the decisions the Government makes today are deciding its level of emissions in 2030. Missing this target substantially raises the risk of missing Scotland’s 2045 net zero target and results in challenging economic headwinds in the 2030s.
‘Our recommendations therefore cannot be left for years down the road, when the outcome of Scotland’s progress, determined by decisions taken now, becomes inevitable.
‘It is critical that the Scottish Government creates an environment of continuous improvement in policymaking processes. This environment can develop the processes that will ultimately help deliver the required outcomes in the short, medium and long-term.
‘Therefore, we conclude this report with a clear message that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated.
‘In 2008, a project to explore a methodology for a high-level carbon assessment was undertaken. This resulted in the Carbon Assessment published annually alongside the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget.
‘It was widely recognised at the time that this was a limited tool, and that the critical next step in achieving carbon reductions was the development of individual-level carbon assessments, running in a parallel project.
‘It appears, from what we have seen, that this project was never taken forward. Fourteen years have now passed. This work cannot wait any longer to be seriously implemented.
‘Some of these recommendations will be challenging to implement – Government-wide change is never simple. But nor are these recommendations untested on an international stage.
‘The Scottish Government will need ambition, it will need the courage to embrace change, and it will need to treat a declared global climate emergency as just that – an emergency.‘
The Bill contains six main parts, addressing areas such as rent control, eviction procedures, tenant rights, and homelessness prevention.
It seeks to introduce measures to enhance tenant protections, prevent homelessness, and promote sustainable housing solutions.
Before the Bill was introduced to Parliament, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee established a Tenants Panel and a Landlords Panel, representing renters and landlords from across Scotland, to advise the Committee on the key issues within Scotland’s private rented sector.
These panels will now provide feedback on the Bill alongside the responses to the joint public consultation to inform both Committees’ scrutiny of the proposals.
Commenting on the launch of the Committee consultation, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said:“The new Housing Bill offers an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that will positively impact the lives of tenants, homeowners, and communities across Scotland.
“Even before the Bill was published, we had already been gathering views from our Tenant and Landlord Panels to learn about what both need from new legislation.
“Now we want to hear from other stakeholders with an interest in Scotland’s housing policies, to ensure that the Bill is responsive to and reflective of the significant challenges facing the sector.”
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, which holds the remit on scrutiny of the homelessness and domestic violence aspects of the Bill said:
“Everyone should have a warm and safe place to live and tackling rising levels of homelessness across Scotland should be a priority for us all.
“The proposals in this Bill seek to shift the focus away from crisis intervention and towards homelessness prevention.
“It’s important that we hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including tenants, landlords, advocacy groups, local authorities, and members of the public, to understand if the proposals go far enough to prevent so many people reaching crisis point.”
The Committees want to hear your views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Key areas for feedback include:
Rent control mechanisms and affordability measures.
Tenant rights to pet ownership and property modifications.
Proactive homelessness prevention strategies by local authorities.
Enhancements to eviction procedures and tenant protections.
To participate in the consultation and contribute to shaping Scotland’s housing future, individuals and organisations are invited to submit their views through the official Scottish Parliament consultation portal.
Two units which provide vital care and treatment to some of the most unwell patients in Scotland have been transformed by NHS Lothian as part of a multi-million pound investment.
A new Cancer Assessment Unit (CAU) and an oncology ward for systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) are now open and delivering care to patients at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC).
The ECC, based in the Western General Hospital, supports an average of 7,000 inpatient admissions, 25,000 day-cases and 100,000 outpatient attendances each year from across the Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife and Dumfries and Galloway.
The demand for treatment and services has significantly outgrown facilities and available space in recent times, but the new refurbishments have enabled significant modernisation to improve the care and overall experience for patients.
Chris Stirling, Site Director for the Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great step forward to upgrade our existing infrastructure.
“We know how important and reassuring a welcoming environment is at a worrying time, and we’re delighted that our current patients have access to better facilities.
“This is an important step in our ambition toward a new centre for the future of the southeast of Scotland to enable us to meet the rising demand of a growing population.”
The upgrades are part of a £24 million package of enabling works within oncology services, funded by the Scottish Government, which are due to be completed in 2024.
This is in advance of a longer-term plan for the full reprovision of the Edinburgh Cancer Centre which has been proposed by NHS Lothian in response to the population growth in the region and constraints of the existing ECC.
The refurbished SACT ward, which is where treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are administered to patients, has seen an extensive programme of work – including new flooring, ceilings, paintwork, lighting, bed head services, fire safety upgrades and a new reception area.
There is now a dedicated space for patients to be assessed and prepped for their therapy, and comfortable chairs for patients to begin their treatment while awaiting a bed.
Four-bedded bays have been reconfigured into two-bedded bays, giving patients greater privacy. Where eight patients previously shared a bathroom, there is now an ensuite facility for every two beds.
The new CAU provides a fresh, purpose-built environment for patients to attend for assessment or diagnostic tests prior to potential admission to an inpatient hospital bed.
The CAU also has a dedicated family room with a double sofa bed and its own ensuite facility for relatives who may need to stay close to their loved one overnight.
Mrs McLean, 61 from Edinburgh, said: “Following a sudden and unexpected reaction to my treatment, I was taken to the new Cancer Assessment Unit. I was so grateful to be welcomed immediately by the medical team there.
“At such a worrying time for me, the nurses and doctor were not only reassuring, friendly and kind, but their professional clinical care was exceptional. Their thoughtfulness extended to my family sitting in the waiting area close to my treatment bay who were soon invited to join me.
“I really appreciated being in such a modern, comfortable facility and my experience of the CAU could not have been better or more positive. I can’t thank the medical staff enough for their excellent care of me in the new unit.”
Aldi is set to boost its donation to Teenage Cancer Trust thanks to two Scottish employees running the London Marathon in aid of the charity today.
Kathy Hill, a Store Assistant from Aldi’s Dunfermline store, and Kevin Regan, a Store Manager in Livingston, are gearing up to pound the pavements in support of the worthy cause on 21st April.
With almost four years of service at Aldi Scotland, Kathy, 58, is dedicated to making a difference in her local community, which extends to her decision to participate. She began her rigorous training regimen in January, supported by her colleagues, family, and local running club, after applying on a whim with her children.
Kevin, 57, has been working at Aldi for more than 24 years. Despite the challenges posed by the Scottish weather, the keen runner has been enjoying the preparations and has already raised £2,200 individually for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Aldi’s commitment to Teenage Cancer Trust has been steadfast since 2017. Only last week, the supermarket announced it was extending its fundraising target to £15 million by 2027, after surpassing the initial target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule.
The funds raised by Aldi have contributed to providing essential resources for young cancer patients, including specialist nurses, support coordinators, and multidisciplinary team coordinators.
Kathy said: “I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from colleagues and customers at Aldi, especially as my training has been quite intensive.
“Their encouragement has been a driving force behind my marathon journey, and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to give back to such a worthy cause. “
Reflecting on his preparations, Kevin shared:“Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity and the fact that Aldi has just reached the £10 million fundraising mark for Teenage Cancer Trust is amazing.
“I feel honoured to play a part in that. The community, the store, and the staff have all really supported me. A day doesn’t go by without someone wishing me well.”
Graham Nicolson, Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“We are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and the impactful work we’ve accomplished together.
“Surpassing our initial fundraising target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our colleagues and customers. Kathy and Kevin’s commitment to fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust through running the London Marathon represents Aldi’s commitment to supporting important charities.
“Their efforts, along with the ongoing support from our Scottish communities, reinforce our shared values of community engagement and corporate responsibility. We are confident that their participation will not only raise vital funds but also inspire others to join us in our mission to provide essential resources and support to young cancer patients across the UK, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.”
Kathy and Kevin’s fundraising links can be found below:
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To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.
We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.
Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.
To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.
We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives.
But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.
Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.
