A dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward has been established at East Lothian Community Hospital helping to support individuals across Lothian to get ‘back on their feet’ following orthopaedic surgery at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.
The development of the in-patient orthopaedic rehabilitation provision in East Lothian is part of NHS Lothian’s Orthopaedic Recovery Plan to reduce waiting times for elective surgical cases.
The pandemic significantly impacted waiting lists across NHS Scotland due to postponements and cancellations. By ring-fencing dedicated orthopaedic recovery beds at East Lothian Community Hospital, NHS Lothian can increase the number of elective arthroplasty surgeries (hips and knees) that can be performed at the Royal Infirmary, knowing there is ample post-surgery and rehabilitation care available for patients.
Reducing waiting times helps to prevent patients’ conditions deteriorating and health and social care needs escalating whilst awaiting surgery. As a result, this delivers better outcomes for individuals, as well as preventing further growth of pressure on community resources, including care at home services.
It also enables East Lothian patients to benefit from post operative in-patient rehabilitation closer to home, making access and visiting, easier, and supporting local planning and provision for discharge.
Aris Tyrothoulakis, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Site Director, said: “We are delighted that East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) has been able to extend their provision and create this dedicated rehabilitation ward to support Lothian residents following orthopaedic surgery.
“With the Haddington-based hospital featuring an extensive rehabilitation service, it was the obvious venue of choice for this service provision, and it is very much hoped this initiative will pave the way for the hospital to become a ‘centre for excellence’ in orthopaedic rehabilitation.”
Patients who have spent time within the dedicated ward have only praise for the staff and quality of care: “It’s so lovely, it doesn’t feel like a hospital. I’m already well on my way to recovery. The staff are always on hand, to back you up and give you confidence. It’s a very special place, and everyone in it is special.”
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer for ELHSCP, added: “We were incredibly grateful to NHS Lothian for the opportunity to establish this dedicated service and support the people of East Lothian and beyond to receive post-surgery rehabilitation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks, admiration and appreciation to the incredible teams within the East Lothian Community Hospital, the Rehabilitation Service, and our colleagues at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for the extensive planning and organisation that has gone into the set-up of this dedicated ward.
“It has been an amazing team effort, delivered in a very short timescale, and I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved to date. I’m sure this will pave the way for further success to come.”
Views sought on new qualifications body and inspectorate
People are being asked to share their views to create a new national qualifications body and new approaches to inspection, as part of reforms to Scotland’s education and skills system.
Legislation will be introduced to Parliament in 2024 to implement the Scottish Government’s commitment to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation. Views are now being sought on how this new body will involve pupils and students and the teaching professions in its decision making, as well as being accountable and transparent.
The public consultation on reform of the education and skills sector is also seeking views on changes in relation to inspection, which currently sits with Education Scotland – to maximise the positive impacts of inspection and ensure high levels of confidence in the system among teachers, other professionals, parents and carers and the public.
It was announced during a wide ranging statement on Education and Skills reform where Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth also announced the publication of the third report from the First Minister’s International Council of Education Advisers, which sets out the need for investment in education professionals to address the changing needs of young people. The Education Secretary also gave an update on planning for the proposed Centre for Teaching Excellence.
Ms Gilruth said: “The case for reform is clear and we need to deliver tangible action, setting out the steps which are right for our education system now.
“This consultation is an important opportunity for young people, parents and carers and, crucially, teachers to make their voices heard and is an important step in designing our national education and skills landscape in its totality.
“The new qualifications body and approaches to inspection are the foundations of delivering meaningful reform, meaning better outcomes for young people and adult learners, ensuring that the views and needs of pupils, teachers and others who rely on this service are at the heart of what they do, and how they deliver support.
“I am determined to continue to build the consensus for change. We need the system to work better for children and young people as well as the profession, ensuring it continues to support everyone to positively contribute to our country.”
Get ready to embark on a magical journey like no other as Craigies Farm presents “Santa Adventure,” an enchanting Christmas event that promises to transport you to a world of twinkling lights, festive wonder, and heartwarming moments.Building on the resounding success of previous years, Christmas at Craigies is back, bigger and better than ever before.
Experience the Magic of Craigies as we invite you to step through the magic door and embark on a captivating journey to the North Pole, where you will play a crucial role in saving Christmas. Craigie’s Farm have teamed up with NL Productions to transform their polytunnels into a dazzling display of colourful lights, creating an immersive lighting experience that will leave you spellbound.
A Quest to Save Christmas – Santa Claus has encountered a problem of epic proportions – he’s lost the magical word that powers the start of his sleigh. Now, it’s up to you to join this magical quest and help Santa recover the missing word. The fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance.
As you journey through the North Pole, you’ll encounter beloved characters, including Mrs. Claus, Santa’s industrious elves, and a host of other surprises, making your adventure all the more memorable.
Craigies’ Santa Adventure is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Families will enjoy one-on-one time with Santa, ensuring an intimate and high-quality experience. Upon successfully helping Santa and saving Christmas, you’ll be rewarded with a special gift to take home as a token of gratitude for your invaluable assistance.
John Sinclair, Managing Director of Craigies commented, “At Craigies Farm, we have always prided ourselves on delivering a quality Christmas experience where the focus is on spending time with family and having fun together.
“We are building on the success of previous years and partnering with NL Productions to create an immersive lighting experience within our polytunnels.
“The experience will once again feature amazing performers who will guide families on a great adventure to the North Pole, playing a crucial role in saving Christmas. There is guaranteed fun for both adults and children, ensuring everyone can create unforgettable festive memories together.”
Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience, commenting: “It is fantastic to once again be partnering with Craigies Farm.
“Halloween at Craigies has been a great success, and it is very exciting to now be converting the polytunnels into a beautiful winter wonderland. Craigies has a reputation for a quality family experience at Christmas, and we can’t wait to add another level of immersion this year.
“We can’t wait to see families enjoying their adventure to the North Pole!”
Dates and Times
Dates: 25th November – 23rd December
25th – 26th November
2nd – 3rd December
9th – 10th December
16th – 17th December
23rd December
Times: 9am – 5pm each day
Join us at Craigies for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website https://craigies.co.uk/
Join us this Thursday 9 Novemberfor the launch of:asweetseaby Liza Sylvestre and Johnby Thomas Abercromby.
asweetsea explores what it means to communicate. As an artist who is deaf, and whose child and partner are both hearing, Liza Sylvestre seeks to locate where her disability lives within their family structure.
Sylvestre has collaborated with her 6 year-old child to reimagine her fond memories of the 1985 TV show ‘Sweet Sea’. The works shown at Collective as part of asweetsea were originally commissioned for Liza Sylvestre | asweetsea, John Hansard Gallery (2022).
John explores the intricate ties between family, grief and the multifaceted layers of social class.
The exhibition is centred around a film installation that juxtaposes childhood paintings made by Abercromby’s late father with opulent gallery interiors, painterly images of urban landscapes, and behind-the-scenes moments of the film’s all-working-class cast and crew.
Refreshments will be served from our Play Shelter outdoors, so please dress for the weather.
All-time greats including John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and Mark Selby, as well as World Champion Luca Brecel and defending champion Gary Wilson, will be among the field when snooker’s BetVictor Scottish Open takes place in Edinburgh next month.
The third event in this season’s BetVictor Home Nations Series will run from December 11 to 17 at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as 80 players battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.
Tickets from just £15 are on sale now but must be booked fast – for details visit www.wst.tv/tickets
The top 16 seeds will be in action on the opening day on Monday December 11th and the match schedule is:
10am session
Gary Wilson v Elliot Slessor
Mark Selby v Sean O’Sullivan
Ding Junhui v David Grace
Jimmy Robertson v Amaan Iqbal
Not before 1pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Liam Graham
Mark Williams v Sam Craigie
Barry Hawkins v Pang Junxu
Ali Carter v Zehuang Long
Not before 2pm
Luca Brecel v Iulian Boiko
Shaun Murphy v Liu Hongyu
Hossein Vafaei v Daniel Wells
Jack Borwick v Ishpreet Singh Chadha
Not before 7pm
Judd Trump v Sydney Wilson
Kyren Wilson v Mostafa Dorgham
Robert Milkins v Mark Davis
Anthony McGill v Oliver Lines
Not before 8pm
John Higgins v Oliver Brown
Mark Allen v Jamie Jones
Jack Lisowski v Mohamed Ibrahim
Alfie Burden v Matthew Selt
Get tickets booked fast! For the full draw and match schedule visit www.wst.tv
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing the return of its hugely popular Santa Paws experience in its Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies, designed for dog lovers where cherished pets can meet Santa Claus.
This paw-sitively special festive experience gives pup parents the chance to head along to Dobbies’ Edinburgh stores and see Santa. Dogs in attendance will get to meet Mr Claus and take a photo, before receiving a special pet-friendly toy to take home and open on Christmas Day. There’s also the chance to have a professional photo taken at the Melville store.
Santa Paws will be taking place from Saturday 2 until Saturday 23 December on selected days and is priced at £6.99 per dog.
Sarah Murray, who leads Dobbies’ festive events plans, said: “We absolutely love making amazing experiences, and Santa Paws really shows how dedicated we are to that. It’s an occasion to celebrate the joy our pets bring into our lives, and a chance for dog owners and families to create cherished Christmas memories together at our Edinburgh stores.
“We look forward to sharing the magic of Christmas as families come along to Santa Paws.”
Customers are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out more about timings and bookings, visit dobbies.com/events. There’s the opportunity to make a donation to Teenage Cancer Trust during the booking process.
A Holyrood Committee has launched a new call for views on legislation which would give Scottish Ministers new powers to assess and remediate buildings in Scotland with unsafe cladding, following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.
The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, which is leading scrutiny of the plans, has now launched a public consultation on the Scottish Government’s Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.
The legislation seeks to give Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate buildings with unsafe cladding, including where consent of the owners cannot be provided.
Under proposals in the Bill, the Scottish Government would also create and maintain a Cladding Assurance Register to give residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.
The Bill would also give Ministers the power to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme, to support engagement by developers and encourage them to pay for or carry out remediation work.
Such a scheme would likely include agreement to pay for remediation costs by developers, with potential sanctions for developers that are eligible but do not join or fail to comply with the terms of membership.
As the Scottish Government has not carried out public consultation on the Bill, the Committee’s call for views will be critical in providing stakeholders including owners and residents of properties in buildings with potentially unsafe cladding, developers, insurers, surveyors, and fire safety experts an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
The call for views is open now and will run until Friday 8th December 2023.
Committee Convener, Ariane Burgess MSP, said: “Cladding was a major contributing factor to the fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower in June 2017, one of the UK’s worst modern disasters.
“We’ve launched our call for views on the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, as it provides the first opportunity for public input on the proposals.
“It’s vital that we hear from the owners and residents of property in buildings with potentially unsafe cladding, to hear if this Bill addresses their concerns, as well as from industry professionals and developers about their views.
“The Committee understands the urgency in addressing the issue of unsafe cladding, and this Bill represents a critical step towards achieving safer conditions for all those affected.”
The Forces Employment Charity is calling on the public to show their support for Remembrance Day this year, by taking part in its national poppy pebble painting initiative.
The Poppy Pebbles project is a simple but powerful initiative that encourages schools, veterans, and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.
Anyone choosing to take part in the initiative is encouraged to carry out research into identifying and even visiting local war graves, via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the service person buried there.
Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says:“The Poppy Pebbles project has grown exponentially over the last few years.
“We originally started the project as a way of encouraging vulnerable veterans to take part in a mindful activity during lockdown. Since then, the initiative has really captured people’s imaginations.
“Poppy Pebble Painting is now being taken up all over the country by people from all walks of life – we even have a few famous faces getting involved. It is a wonderful way to commemorate Remembrance and we hope to see more people than ever signing up to take part in this free event.”
For more information, including a free Poppy Pebbles resource pack, visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk and search for Poppy Pebbles 2023.
To donate to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, visit:
TUC announces special Congress to fight Conservative attack on the right to strike
My Lords and members of the House of Commons
It is mindful of the legacy of service and devotion to this country set by My beloved Mother, The late Queen, that I deliver this, the first King’s Speech in over 70 years.
The impact of Covid and the war in Ukraine have created significant long-term challenges for the United Kingdom. That is why my Government’s priority is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better.
My Ministers’ focus is on increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come.
My Government will continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment.
My Ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to target by taking responsible decisions on spending and borrowing. These decisions will help household finances, reduce public sector debt, and safeguard the financial security of the country.
Legislation will be introduced to strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security and reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes. This Bill will support the future licensing of new oil and gas fields, helping the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households.
Alongside this, my Ministers will seek to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and reform grid connections, building on the United Kingdom’s track-record of decarbonising faster than other G7 economies.
My Government will invest in Network North to deliver faster and more reliable journeys between, and within, the cities and towns of the North and Midlands, prioritising improving the journeys that people make most often.
My Ministers will strengthen education for the long term. Steps will be taken to ensure young people have the knowledge and skills to succeed, through the introduction of the Advanced British Standard that will bring technical and academic routes into a single qualification. Proposals will be implemented to reduce the number of young people studying poor quality university degrees and increase the number undertaking high quality apprenticeships.
My Ministers will take steps to make the economy more competitive, taking advantage of freedoms afforded by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. A bill will be brought forward to promote trade and investment with economies in the fastest growing region in the world. My Ministers will continue to negotiate trade agreements with dynamic economies, delivering jobs and growth in the United Kingdom.
My Ministers will introduce new legal frameworks to support the safe commercial development of emerging industries, such as self-driving vehicles, introduce new competition rules for digital markets, and encourage innovation in technologies such as machine learning. Legislation will be brought forward to support the creative industries and protect public interest journalism. Proposals will be published to reform welfare and support more people into work.
My Government will promote the integrity of the Union and strengthen the social fabric of the United Kingdom.
Working with NHS England, my Government will deliver its plans to cut waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce of the National Health Service. This will include delivering on the NHS workforce plan, the first long-term plan to train the doctors and nurses the country needs, and minimum service levels to prevent strikes from undermining patient safety.
Record levels of investment are expanding and transforming mental health services to ensure more people can access the support they need. My Government will introduce legislation to create a smokefree generation by restricting the sale of tobacco so that children currently aged fourteen or younger can never be sold cigarettes, and restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children.
My Ministers will bring forward a bill to reform the housing market by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold and tackling the exploitation of millions of homeowners through punitive service charges. Renters will benefit from stronger security of tenure and better value, while landlords will benefit from reforms to provide certainty that they can regain their properties when needed.
My Government will deliver a long-term plan to regenerate towns and put local people in control of their future. Legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans. A bill will be introduced to deal with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London.
My Government is committed to tackling antisemitism and ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten. A bill will progress the construction of a national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.
My Government will act to keep communities safe from crime, anti-social behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration.
A bill will be brought forward to ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and increase the confidence of victims. My Ministers will introduce legislation to empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digital-enabled crime and child sexual abuse, including grooming.
At a time when threats to national security are changing rapidly due to new technology, my Ministers will give the security and intelligence services the powers they need and will strengthen independent judicial oversight. Legislation will be introduced to protect public premises from terrorism in light of the Manchester Arena attack.
My Government will deliver on the Illegal Migration Act passed earlier this year and on international agreements, to stop dangerous and illegal Channel crossings and ensure it is the government, not criminal gangs, who decides who comes to this country.
My Government will continue to champion security around the world, to invest in our gallant Armed Forces and to support veterans to whom so much is owed. My Ministers will work closely with international partners to support Ukraine, strengthen NATO and address the most pressing security challenges. This includes the consequences of the barbaric acts of terrorism against the people of Israel, facilitating humanitarian support into Gaza and supporting the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East.
My Government will continue to lead action on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, support developing countries with their energy transition, and hold other countries to their environmental commitments.
The United Kingdom will continue to lead international discussions to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is developed safely.
My Government will host the Global Investment Summit, the European Political Community, and the Energy Conference, leading global conversations on the United Kingdom’s most pressing challenges.
I look forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs. Kim Keon Hee for a State Visit later this month.
My Government will, in all respects, seek to make long-term decisions in the interests of future generations. My Ministers will address inflation and the drivers of low growth over demands for greater spending or borrowing. My Ministers will put the security of communities and the nation ahead of the rights of those who endanger it. By taking these long-term decisions, my Government will change this country and build a better future.
Members of the House of Commons.
Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.
My Lords and Member of the House of Commons.
Other measures will be laid before you.
I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.
“Once in a generation” special Congress to take place on Saturday 9 December at Congress House
TUC announces special Congress to fight Conservative attack on the right to strike
The TUC has announced it will hold a special Congress to discuss the next stage of campaigning against the Conservatives’ anti-strike laws.
The event will take place at Congress House on Saturday 9 December 2023, from 10am-1pm.
The TUC says more details on the special Congress will follow in the coming weeks, including on media accreditation.
It is rare for the TUC to seek to convene the whole trade union movement at a special Congress outside of the TUC’s usual flagship annual event in September.
A special Congress last took place over 40 years ago in 1982, to fight Margaret Thatcher’s anti-union legislation.
The TUC points to exceptional circumstances given the “unprecedented attack on the right to strike”.
New regulations
The announcement comes after the government laid regulations for minimum service levels in rail, the ambulance service and border security.
Ministers have said these new rules will be rushed into force by the end of the year. Ministers are also consulting on rules affecting workers in hospital settings, schools, universities and fire services.
This is despite warnings from unions and employer groups that the plans are unworkable.
The laws will mean that when workers lawfully vote to strike, they could be forced to attend work – and sacked if they don’t comply.
TUC research found a massive 1 in 5 workers in Britain – or 5.5 million workers – are at risk of losing their right to strike as a result of the Strikes (Minimum service levels) Act.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “After 13 long years of Conservative government, nothing works in this country anymore.
“But instead of getting on with fixing the mess they have created, the Conservatives are hellbent on making things worse.
“These new laws represent an unprecedented attack on the right to strike. They are unworkable, undemocratic and almost certainly in breach of international law.
“This is the last thing our crumbling public services or our dedicated frontline workers need – these draconian laws will poison industrial relations and drag out disputes.
“The UK already has some of the most restrictive trade union laws in Europe. Now the Tories want to make it even harder for people to win fair pay and conditions.
“That’s why we are calling this once in a generation special Congress.
“Unions will keep fighting this spiteful legislation. We won’t stop until it is repealed.”
