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A Holyrood Committee is seeking views on substantial amendments the Scottish Government is proposing to make to the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee backed the Bill at Stage 1 (by a majority) but made clear they would seek to carry out detailed further scrutiny of the proposals at Stage 2. This followed the conclusion of a consensus agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Government on shared legal accountability for governance of the proposed National Care Service, which the Scottish Government had indicated would require the Bill to be substantially amended.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, has now provided the Committee with draft Scottish Government amendments to the Bill and the Committee is keen to find out views on these proposed amendments, ahead of formal Stage 2 proceedings.
One of the key proposed changes to the Bill which the Committee is seeking views on is the creation of a National Care Service Board which would be responsible for national oversight and improvement of social care and social work services.
The Committee is also seeking views on a newly proposed ‘National Care Service strategy’ and substantial reform of integration authorities via amendment of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.
In a letter to the Committee, the Minister outlines four areas where she says, ‘further work is needed to confirm which legislative approach would best deliver the intended changes.’ These include direct funding, the inclusion of children’s services, the inclusion of justice social work and Anne’s Law, and the Committee is asking for views on each of these areas.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “When a majority of our Committee backed the general principles of this Bill, we made clear we would need to carry out detailed further scrutiny at Stage 2.
“Now the Government has provided a package of proposed draft amendments, we are determined to make sure stakeholder organisations and the public are given an opportunity to comment on these proposed changes.
“Since this Bill was first introduced as a ‘framework Bill’, many of the original proposals have changed. These amendments represent some quite fundamental changes, including the introduction of a National Care Service Board and far-reaching reforms to integration authorities through amendment of the 2014 Public Bodies Act.
“That’s why it’s essential our Committee takes the time to scrutinise these proposals effectively. After we have considered the views received, we intend to take further oral evidence before formal Stage 2 proceedings.
“The evidence we gather will be vital to aid our Committee’s scrutiny of these proposals, and to inform individual Members as they prepare their own Stage 2 amendments to the Bill. We look forward to hearing your views.”
The call for views is open until Friday 30 August 2024.
The two-day event includes great savings from popular brands such as Elemis, ghd, Ninja, and Samsung, and Amazon’s lowest prices of the year so far on select products from Barbie, L’Oréal, Shark, and more
Prime members can enjoy fast, free delivery and access to exclusive deals across all categories, with new deals dropping throughout the event
Visit www.amazon.co.uk/primeday to shop early deals and make the most of Prime Day savings now
Amazon has announced that customers can expect big savings this summer, as the countdown to the 10th Prime Day begins. From 00:00 on 16th July until 23:59 on 17th July, Prime members will get exclusive access to hundreds of thousands of deals on a wide selection of popular brands across all categories including electronics, homeware, fashion and beauty.
The shopping event will offer Prime members deals from top brands like Bose, Fitbit, Oral-B and Sony, as well as great savings from small businesses across the UK. New deals will drop throughout the event, with fast, free delivery available to all Prime members.
“The countdown to the 10th Prime Day in the UK starts now, and we have a huge selection of deals to come,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon.
“We work really hard to deliver great products at the best prices for customers during Prime Day and throughout the year, from the biggest brands to the 100,000 small British businesses that sell on Amazon. With even faster deliveries and so many shopping, saving and entertainment benefits available, there has never been a better time to be a Prime member. Roll on Prime Day!”
Early Deals, Shop Now
Prime members don’t have to wait until Prime Day to save as early access to deals and exclusive savings starts now. Last year Prime members worldwide saved over $2.5 billion during Prime Day, and this year customers can browse personalised recommendations including “Deals you might like”, “Deals for you”, and “Deals related to items you saved,” and discover even more selection with curated collections such as Everyday Essentials, Top Brands, and Trending Deals.
Early discounts include:
Get Ready for Prime Day
Customers can join Prime or start a free trial at amazon.co.uk/primeday to take part in Prime Day, and enjoy member benefits throughout the year. Some of the ways that members can prepare and make the most out of Prime Day include:
Discover Prime Day Deals Worldwide
Prime Day will kick off on 16th July in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the UK. Prime members in India can shop on Prime Day later this summer.
TODAY (1st July), Sally Gray, TV presenter, media trainer, business leader and charity worker, was awarded an honorary degree by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Sally, a QMU graduate who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the UK media and runs a highly successful media training business, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa in recognition of her significant contribution to culture and the creative arts.
Sally celebrated her success with Dame Prue Leith CBE, Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, and hundreds of new graduates and their families at the first of the QMU’s graduation ceremonies to be held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall this year.
Sally studied communications and media studies at Queen Margaret College in the 1980s, and it was her dissertation work about children’s television that led her into the BBC’s Blue Peter offices.
She landed her first ‘proper’ job as a BBC secretary, which brought her into contact with many highly experienced broadcasters, such as David Dimbleby, who was on the first programme she worked on, and she played a part in bringing the TV politics programme ‘Question Time’ to Scotland for the first time.
Sally’s presenting career kicked off on a BBC Scotland children’s education programme ‘Go45,’ which she co-hosted with Grant Stott.
This programme was a fresh take on educational broadcasting and attracted an average audience of up to five million people per episode. Her TV credits range from fronting lifestyle shows such as ITV’s ‘Moving Day’ and ‘Our House’, BBC’s ‘Real Rooms’ and the ‘Really Useful Show’ to ‘live’ roving reporting on GMTV.
She has also hosted fun CBBC entertainment shows, as well as presenting ‘Record Breakers’, ‘50/50’ and numerous other children’s programmes.
Nowadays, she focuses her energy on nurturing talent, with a particular interest in helping young people build their confidence and find opportunities in the media. She worked with the London Academy of Film and TV as their Head of Production, training young people up as TV presenters and mentoring new talent.
She then set up her own media training company, Presenters Inc, where she has helped people with a story – including Olympic champions, Strictly Come Dancing professionals and human rights lawyers – to find their voice and engage with audiences.
In 2003, Sally received an MBE for services to young people through her work as an ambassador for the Millennium Volunteers. This was a youth volunteering award scheme, now re-badged in Scotland as the Saltire Awards.
Similarly, through her role as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, she has supported young people facing disadvantage and adversity to create a better future.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “Sally has created an incredibly successful, exciting and varied media career.
“She has travelled the world in search of the kookiest inventions, chased after wild alligators, flown a fighter plane, gone head-to-head with Hollywood heavyweights, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pierce Brosnan, and sung a duet with actor and comedian Sir Norman Wisdom.
“But, Sally has not only entertained us – she has used her wealth of expertise to give voice to others, helping many fulfil their potential. In that, she personifies Queen Margaret University’s values of making the world a better place and allowing individuals to thrive.”
Sir Paul concluded: “Sally Gray is a true inspiration to our creative industry students and the whole of the QMU community, and we are delighted to recognise her impressive achievements with an honorary degree.”
Act of Remembrance to commemorate the 454 men of The Royal Scots who were killed at Contalmaison on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 108 years ago today.
Earlier this morning, Monday 1 July 2024, an Act of Remembrance took place in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to commemorate the 454 men of The Royal Scots who were killed at Contalmaison in Northern France, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme 1916, 108 years ago today.
At the exact same time today, a service was held at the memorial cairn in Contalmaison, France, by a party from McCrae’s Battalion Trust, accompanied by The Royal Scots Association’s Standard Party and a piper.
Colonel George McCrae raised the 16th Battalion of The Royal Scots (16 RS), which became known as McCrae’s Battalion, in Edinburgh in November 1914. Many rallied to the call, enlisting to fight for King and Country, including players and supporters of Heart of Midlothian FC (the first players to sign up from all UK football clubs) as well as a number from Hibernian FC and many other Scottish football clubs.
The 15th Edinburgh Battalion of The Royal Scots, also raised in Edinburgh, by the Lord Provost, fought gallantly alongside McCrae’s Battalion at Contalmaison.
Elaine Hutton, granddaughter of Private Herbert Nisbet, who was brought up in Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh and served in 16 RS on 01 July 1916 at Contalmaison, and survived the War, attended the service.
Elaine Hutton said: “It was so important to be at the Scottish National War Memorial to remember my grandfather Herbert who served as a private soldier in McCrae’s Battalion on the First Day of The Somme 108 years ago today, along with my great uncle Cecil, who was killed on that day. We admire their courage and extreme loyalty.”
Private Herbert Nisbet’s brother Cecil, who had enlisted into 16 RS on 28th November 1914, was killed at Contalmaison on 01 July. Herbert’s four brothers all served in The Royal Scots; three of them were killed in WW1.
At the end of the Remembrance Service wreaths were laid by representatives of The Royal Scots, Heart of Midlothian FC, Hibernian FC and McCrae’s Battalion Trust.
Scottish National War Memorial Chief Executive Susan Flintoff said: “So many families in Scotland were touched in some way by the Great War and it is very fitting that The Royal Scots were remembering those in their famous Regiment who gave their lives fighting for freedom on the Western Front on the 1st of July 1916”.
Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association commented: “We must never forget those young men of The Royal Scots who died on The First Day of the Somme and in the months that followed”.
Road policing officers are appealing for information after a crash involving two vehicles on the A68 in the Scottish Borders.
The incident happened near to Camptown south of Jedburgh around 4.20pm yesterday (Sunday, 30 June) and involved a red Ford Transit van and a black Volkswagen Sharan car.
The 14-year-old male front seat passenger from the Volkswagen was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.
The 47-year-old female driver of the car and two back seat passengers – an 11-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl – were all taken to Borders General Hospital.
The 47-year-old male driver of the van was also taken to Borders General Hospital. He has been arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
The road was closed to allow for an investigation and reopened around 8.30pm.
Sergeant Lee Walkingshaw said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to two unidentified people who stopped to give assistance at the scene but left prior to police arriving.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 2271 of 30 June.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service staff member has become the first paramedic in Scotland to receive The Doctor of Professional Studies academic award.
Dr Chris Aitchison, 51, West Clinical Training Officer based at West EPDD Hamilton and from Peebles, successfully achieved his Clinical Doctorate, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland.
It is titled Describing the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Who Present to the Scottish Ambulance Service with Non-Traumatic Back Pain. A Retrospective Observational Study.
His thesis focussed on the pre-hospital identification, treatment and immediate outcomes of patients presenting to the Scottish Ambulance Service with non-traumatic back pain across one year between 2017-2018.
Speaking on why he chose this particular topic for his thesis, Chris said: “There was a subjective perception that back pain was a condition that was thought to be low acuity or unlikely to be life-threatening.
“This suggested that it was an unlikely reason to call 999, yet many friends and colleagues in SAS told me that they often responded to people with back pain.
“I determined there were no pre-hospital ambulance studies that had described the people who called us for help. To inform any future intervention or care pathways for SAS, it appeared logical a basic understanding of this population was therefore required which led to my study.”
Chris looked at the population, their demographics, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and clinically how poorly they were.
He added: “I also looked at how ambulance clinicians assessed people, their diagnoses and how the patients were managed. I also managed to capture some of the GP urgent call data in this analysis.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Doctor of Professional Studies academic award as I tried to design my thesis so it can help future ambulance researchers with their work, using mine like a guide. Back pain was used in this case but there is a gold mine of many other conditions that need to be explored in ambulance care. I hope my small contribution helps.”
Scottish Ambulance Service CEO Michael Dickson said: “I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Aitchison.
“This shows amazing dedication for such an important area of work and to be first Paramedic in Scotland to receive this award is an amazing achievement.
“Research such as this is vital as pre-hospital care is such an important part of the patient’s journey, we hope it encourages others to build on this work in the future.”
Summer is here!
Please check your emails for trip timings as well as further information.
Lets make this a summer to remember!
SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)1 to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.
Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.
On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment2. The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.
The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.
The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.
The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.
The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.
This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.
Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.
“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.
Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.
“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”
For more information about Kidney Care UK’s patient support services go to https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/
As Edinburgh gears up for its famous festivals, festival goers and workers can stay energized and enjoy the healthiest summer yet with Edinburgh Leisure’s new ‘Summer Pass’.
Available from TODAY – Monday, 1 July 2024 – the ‘Summer Pass’ provides unlimited access to 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools (including five historic Victorian pools), over 750 fitness classes per week, and a world-class climbing centre.
The pass also includes access to saunas, steam rooms, and Turkish Baths—all for just £69. The pass is valid for six weeks from the date of purchase, with the last available purchase date being August 31, 2024.
Young adults aged 18-24 can enjoy a reduced-price pass for £49, making it an affordable option for students returning home or young festival workers staying in the city. Additionally, a School Fitness Pass is available for six weeks at Queensferry, Wester Hailes, Balerno, and Trinity venues, costing £49 for adults and £29 for those under 25.
These venues are also included in the general Summer Pass, offering an alternative option for customers.
Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership.
Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Edinburgh in summer is always buzzing with energy, thanks to the various festivals. We invite festival goers, workers, and visitors to keep their energy levels high by staying fit and active.
“Our range of classes and facilities ensures there’s something for everyone, from fun Zumba sessions to high-intensity X-press gym classes. And if you need to relax, our pools and Turkish Baths are perfect for unwinding.”
The pass is available to buy online or in venue.
