Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Western General team introduces reusable surgical hats to reduce waste

A team at the Western General Hospital is significantly reducing operating room waste and saving money after introducing reusable surgical hats.

Generally, staff working in surgical theatres use hats as part of infection control measures and at the Western General alone they get through over 30,000 disposable hats a year.

The Breast Theatres team, eager to make their practices more sustainable, applied to NHS Lothian Charity to secure grant funding for washable hats.

Erica Revie, Consultant Surgeon in the Breast Theatres who led the project, said: “We had seen that there was a Climate Challenge Grant available from NHS Lothian Charity so we put together a proposal to try out reusable hats.

“We contacted NHS Fife, which is already using reusable hats, to discuss the practicalities of implementation, and contacted their supplier about our needs in order to undertake a trial. The Infection Prevention and Control Team and Laundry Service were also consulted to ensure we could still ensure the highest standard of cleanliness.”

Beyond cutting waste, the hats are also embroidered with individuals’ names and roles which has improved communication during emergencies when new staff enter the operating room.

Theatre Sister Lorraine Murray, who was also integral to the trial, was called to support a cardiac arrest not long after the introduction of the hats. A staff member who did not know her was able to ask her for specific help by name and instantly understand her role within the team.

“It’s an easy change to make with dual benefits – environmental savings and improved communication,” said Erica. “We encourage other departments and hospitals to embrace it.”

By switching to reusables, the Breast Theatre operating rooms have significantly reduced discarded hats. Once rolled out to the rest of the Western General, it will save the hospital over £6,000 as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

Although it would not be logistically possible to provide hats with names for all theatre staff across the health board, NHS Lothian are looking to roll out generic versions and an initial set of samples are on their way for feedback.

Dr Jane Hopton, Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great example of another team in Lothian wanting to make a difference in their area.

“They applied for the Climate Challenge Grant and used that funding to drastically reduce the waste caused by disposable surgical hats. Well done to Erica, Lorraine and everyone else involved in making this happen.

“Providing reusable surgical hats across all theatres in NHS Lothian is an important next step in reducing waste and our environmental impact.”

Jane Greenacre, Head of Programmes at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “The Charity is delighted to be able to support staff across NHS Lothian to take forward innovative projects like this.

“The aim of our Climate Challenge Grants is to enable staff to explore initiatives that help them embed green practices into day-to-day activities and reduce the impact of healthcare on the environment.”

Local charities benefit from share of £520,900 national boost from Barratt Developments

  • The housebuilder donated £188,000 to good causes across the Lothians and Fife in 2023, including those which help vulnerable children and mental and physical health support services

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £520,000 in donations across Scotland. 

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes.

This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month. 

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities throughout the Lothians and Fife – coming at a vital time when many families, individuals and organisations have been affected by rising costs.

In total, £188,000 has been donated to good causes in the Lothians and Fife.  

Support was given to multiple charities, with a £157,940 donation given to St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides specialist palliative care to people living with life-limiting illnesses. 

Granton-based charity Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, also received a funding boost of £10,000.  

Other organisations which received funding from the housebuilder in 2023 included Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project, a Fife-based charity that provides support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse; Simpson Babies Special Care which helps to provide essential care for premature and sick newborn babies; Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse; and mental health charity Health in Mind.   

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes. 

“Our teams have raised a fantastic amount which has been donated to a variety of causes this year – touching the lives of countless individuals and families in need.

“The funds raised will be used to support a wide range of initiatives, including providing food and shelter to the homeless, offering opportunities to underprivileged and vulnerable young people, and providing vital healthcare and wellbeing support for those who are struggling. 

“There is so much important work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we look to continue supporting a diverse mix of causes in 2024. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activities this year.” 

The full list of 2023’s beneficiaries includes:  

·        CFINE  

·        Aberlour Childrens Trust  

·        AberNecessities  

·        BECS Because Everyone Counts 

·        Rainbow Rogues  

·        Mikeysline 

·        Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed  

·        Station House Media Unit  

·        The Seed Box 

·        Look Good Feel Better  

·        Tayside Dynamos  

·        865 Portlethen Air Cadets  

·        North Sound Cash For Kids  

·        WhizzKids London Marathon  

·        Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation  

·        Dundee Bairns  

·        Friends of ANCHOR 

·        St Columba’s Hospice  

·        Smart Works Scotland  

·        Stepping Stones  

·        SiMBA 

·        Guide Dogs for the Blind  

·        Move On 

·        Health in Mind  

·        Simpson Babies Special Care  

·        Sleep Scotland  

·        Cyrenians  

·        Edinburgh Women’s Aid  

·        Lasswade Community Rugby Trust  

·        The Lighthouse Club East Scotland  

·        Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project   

·        Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts  

·        Launch Foods 

·        Smart Works Glasgow 

·        Hope for Autism 

·        HomeStart Glasgow North & North Lanarkshire 

·        St Andrews Hospice 

·        Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Care 

·        Tiny Changes 

·        Tullochan 

·        Kindness Homeless Street Team 

·        SupERKids 

·        Hawick Acorn Project Initiative 

·        Borders Additional Needs Group 

·        Teviot Wheels 

·        Harris Trust 

·        Hawick Scout Group 

·        St Teresa’s Hospice 

·        Scottish Air Ambulance  

·        Cancer Research UK   

·        The Margaret Kerr Unit  

·        The Borders Green Team 

·        Queens House Kelso Ltd 

·        Selkirk Food Bank 

Mounted fox hunts testing the new ban, according to charity

Four incidents reported to Police Scotland in first season under strengthened law

As fox hunts across Scotland prepare for the biggest day in the hunting calendar – Boxing Day – a leading animal welfare charity warns that the boundaries of the new ban are being tested by hunts since it came into force earlier this year. 

Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, Robbie Marsland said: “It’s early days but there are signs that a number of hunts are testing the new ban.

“The good news is that Police Scotland and the Scottish Government are taking this seriously. I think we are all agreed that any early attempts to get round the new law should be nipped in the bud.”

The charity says since the first season under the new Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 got underway it has reported four incidents to Police Scotland which are currently being investigated. 

The new legislation which passed through Parliament in January this year brought into force a number of measures which significantly curtail mounted hunting activity, including reducing the number of dogs which can be used to hunt a wild mammal to just two, instead of a full pack, and reducing the number of dogs which can be used below ground to just one. 

The Act also includes a pre-emptive ban on trail hunting. Trail hunting is a sport which was created after hunting was banned in England and Wales following the passing of the Hunting Act in 2004. Its inclusion in the Act means trail hunting can not be established north of the border. 

The weirdest festive objects pet patients have eaten at Christmas

Seven of the weirdest festive objects PDSA pet patients have eaten at Christmas

Christmas is often dubbed ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but sadly some pets will need to see a vet this year due to a festive emergency.

This Christmas period, PDSA Vets alongside PDSA Pet Insurance are warning pet owners of certain dangers to be wary of this time of year.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains: “Festive foods, gifts under the Christmas tree, decorations, and even the most ordinary household objects can tempt curious cats and dogs, putting them in harm’s way.

“Over the festive period, we all eat things we shouldn’t, and that’s no exception for many pets. Our veterinary teams will likely see many poorly pets in need of emergency treatment after they’ve wolfed down something they shouldn’t have over the festive season.

“In December alone last year, our veterinary teams treated over 53,000 pets, conducted over 61,000 consultations, and performed over 2,300 operations. Some of which will have been related to ingestion of a festive hazard.

“This Christmas, we’re urging owners to watch out for prying paws as we revisit seven of the oddest Christmas-themed objects our pet patients have eaten.”

7 of the oddest Christmas-themed objects PDSA pet patients have eaten

1. Fairy lights

Fiary lights

Now, you wouldn’t think fairy lights could look appetising, would you? Think again! Cheeky Charlie underwent emergency surgery at Southampton PDSA when his family discovered he had eaten fairy lights. Thankfully, the glass hadn’t cut his mouth or throat, and he hadn’t bitten through the wire when the lights were on, which could have electrocuted him! Thankfully, vets performed life-saving surgery to remove the lights, and Charlie was able to go home with his family.

2. Tinsel

Dexter's X-ray showing the tinsel in his stomach

Renowned for eating sofas, carpets, and tinsel in his younger days, when Dexter’s family noticed tinsel was missing from the mantelpiece, they were sure their dog was the culprit. However, Dexter showed no signs of illness until later that night, when he was sick. The following morning, Dexter was taken to PDSA, and x-rays confirmed tinsel in his stomach. Vets performed emergency surgery, and to his owners’ relief, Dexter could go home in time for Christmas.

3. Golf balls

Golf balls

If you’re planning to surprise a friend or family member with golf-inspired gifts this Christmas, be careful around inquisitive pets. When Azar the Doberman suddenly lost weight, his owner took him to her local PDSA Vet. To her surprise, they discovered he had swallowed not one but three golf balls! Sadly, two of the balls had lodged themselves in his small intestine, and he was at risk of suffering stomach injuries. It was touch and go, but thankfully Azar survived the operation.

4. Star-shaped Christmas decoration

Star

When a five-month-old puppy called Charlie was gagging and struggling to breathe, his worried owner knew something wasn’t right. Charlie visited his local PDSA Pet Hospital, where vets performed x-rays and, to their surprise, found a star shining back at them! Vets had to act quickly to remove the star-shaped decoration with forceps to stop the puppy from choking.

5. Nintendo DS game

Nintendo DS game

It was almost game over for Rocco when PDSA Vets discovered the curious canine had swallowed a Nintendo DS game. He started vomiting and refused to eat, so his owners took him to PDSA Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital for an emergency appointment. Vets found a rectangular-shaped object in his gut on x-rays and performed emergency surgery to remove it immediately. They were stunned to retrieve a video game cartridge from his small intestine, but thankfully, Rocco survived and was able to go home to rest and recover the following day.

6. Christmas tree decoration

Christmas tree decoration

Leah’s owner was distraught when her beloved cat began vomiting and losing weight. Her owner took her to Middlesbrough PDSA to get to the bottom of the issue, only to find Leah had eaten a tiny Christmas tree-shaped decoration! X-rays showed a perfectly formed Christmas tree in the cat’s abdomen. Vets performed emergency surgery to remove it, and thankfully Leah was able to go home with her loving owner.

7. Spoon

Spoon

Don’t forget, pets can be drawn to the most ordinary household objects too. Rottweiler Max bit off more than he could chew when he was fed strawberries and cream from a spoon and ate the spoon too! Worried, Max’s owners took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital. An x-ray showed the spoon lodged firmly in Max’s stomach, so he was rushed into surgery to remove it. Thanks to PDSA Vets, Max survived.

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

The charity’s insurance arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.

To find out more visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-insurance-pdsa

​

Funding support for Windrush community

Charities, grassroots organisations and other community groups have been awarded a share of over £150,000 from the Home Office’s Community Engagement Fund

Charities, grassroots organisations and other community groups have been awarded a share of over £150,000 from the Home Office’s Community Engagement Fund, to go towards raising awareness of the Windrush Status and Windrush Compensation Schemes. 

The fund is providing financial support to 16 diverse groups and organisations, who applied for grants of between £5,000 and £10,000, to assist their engagement with individuals and communities about the Windrush Schemes. 

This will bolster efforts to reach as many people as possible who may be eligible to apply for documentation to confirm their status or for compensation. As of the end of September 2023, the Windrush Scheme has provided documentation confirming status or citizenship to over 16,700 individuals. Over £73 million had been paid in compensation, across 2,009 claims, by the end of October 2023. 

The Community Engagement funding will support activities and events to provide people with information about eligibility criteria, guidance on the application process, and to address any misunderstandings about what the schemes cover. 

The successful bidders have demonstrated how they will reach communities and individuals within and beyond the Caribbean community, including those with roots in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana and India. This follows feedback from Wendy Williams’ progress update that said more needed to be done to identify and reach out to wider affected groups. 

The experience of organisations helped through the fund will help the Home Office understand more about why some people might not have yet come forward to apply for documentation and compensation. This will help with future efforts to encourage eligible people to apply for both schemes.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP said: The money we are providing will make sure groups, with roots and well-established networks in their communities, can help the Government reach as many people as possible to encourage them to come forward. 

“We know this is the most effective way to get the message out and assure people that they will get the guidance and support necessary to get the documentation they need and to apply for compensation they so rightly deserve, having contributed so much to the UK.” 

Activities and projects that the fund supports may include, but are not limited to, hosting small-scale engagement groups, 1-to-1 sessions and creating and sharing materials such as leaflets and posters. Groups will use diverse communications channels such as social media and local radio, and will secure support from corporate partners, advocates and prominent figures. 

The fund follows the success of the Windrush Community Fund, a similar fund of £500,000 which was launched in December 2020 to support community groups in carrying out promotional activity for both schemes. The fund was a key element of the Home Office’s work to support and engage with communities. 

The Windrush Community Fund reached over 850,000 individuals through a range of activities and events hosted by community groups. Since 2018, the department has also held over 200 engagement events, in person and virtually.

This is the third iteration of Community Engagement Fund which is offered by the Home Office and provides funding to grassroots and community groups to engage communities and raise awareness of priority Home Office policies.

Successful organisations have been awarded grants of between £5,000 – £10,000 and will need to use the funding by the end of the 2023-24 financial year. They will receive up to 25% of the awarded amount as an initial payment for set up costs, with the remaining payments being made in arrears in accordance with their delivery plans. 

All organisations successful in applying for funding have been made aware and grant agreements have been signed. Early conversations with those organisations to embed their funded projects are now taking place and names and locations of successful organisations will be published in the new year.

Foysol Choudhury: Alarm Bells ringing for the Culture Sector

Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has raised alarm bells about the latest funding arrangements for Scotland’s culture sector. 

There are no year-on-year, real-terms cuts to the culture budget in this year’s budget, with the overall culture budget increasing from £180.8m to £196.6m. However, total culture funding is still less than what it was in 2022-23 – equivalent to a £13.2m cut in real terms. 

Foysol Choudhury, Scottish Labour’s Culture Spokesperson, said:  “Scotland’s vibrant cultural sector has huge potential and a pivotal role to play in the future of the Scottish economy. 

“Sadly, the SNP are sleeping at the wheel and have given up on trying to build a positive future for Scotland’s arts and culture sector. 

“Whilst the increased support in this year’s budget is welcome, it comes after years of neglect and total culture funding is still facing a cut in real terms from 2022-23’s funding. 

“The arts and culture sector has been crying out for increased funding for so long, yet the offer now presented it simply insufficient. 

“The SNP has been treating culture as disposable when they need it to be-I will be working hard for my constituents to hold the SNP to their promises to double culture funding within 5 years.” 

The Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee had previously raised concerns that the culture sector in Scotland is suffering from a “perfect storm” of crises. A storm, Mr Choudhury says, which hasn’t yet been weathered: “The new funding arrangements for culture do not go far enough for our struggling cultural sector. 

“Trust from the sector has worn thin and these inadequate funding arrangements, which will likely still lead to struggles in the sector, may be the final straw.  

“The SNP Government must urgently recognise the value and contribution of Scotland’s culture sector and help to save it before it is too late, instead of wasting tax-payer’s money on an Independence Minister.” 

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank: Christmas reflections

This year, we provided 1,369 packs of brand new uniform as well as reaching an additional 1,000 children and young people by establishing school and community partnerships across the city.

As we take a break for Christmas we want to thank everyone who supports our work:

⭐️ Our fabulous team of volunteers, they work so hard

⭐️ Clare and Siobhan, our operations team – they make it all happen

⭐️The Trustees, the service would not run without the work you do quietly in the background.

⭐️ Our supporters for their donations of uniform, funds and kind words that really keep us going

⭐️ The local businesses that host our drop off points

⭐️ The professionals out in the community working with families and ESUB to make sure children have what they need

⭐️ Our funding partners who help us pay the bills

Thank you for giving children a chance to walk into school with their heads held high, ready to learn and play.

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

It almost Christmas and for many of us, the festivities are well underway. As Mariah, Elton, and Wham! fill our ears with our favourite festive tunes, there are also certain smells that just give us that warm festive feeling. A recent nationwide survey has revealed exactly what those scents are.

The study found that the majority of us (88%) associate different smells with the festive season. Unsurprisingly, for two thirds (66%) of us it is mince pies, nearly three quarters (72%) say it’s festive candles, 63% state it’s cinnamon sticks and 57% admit that the smell of pine needles is what they need for a room to smell festive. These smells have been proven to make Brits feel festive (35%), nostalgic (26%) and cozy (19%).

However, the study also revealed that it’s not just the aroma of sweet treats and warm spices making us feel Christmas nostalgia.

The survey found many associated the smell of Lynx Africa, proudly the no.1 men’s fragrance brand in the world, with Christmas too. This particularly rang true in major cities like Leeds, Newcastle and Nottingham with almost 20% of people saying they associated the iconic scent with Christmas. I mean, what’s the holiday season without a Lynx giftset or two.

A spokesperson from Lynx, said: “Lynx is a Christmas staple and something we see flying off of the shelves around this time of the year, so it’s no surprise to hear that for many people our fragrances are synonymous with festive scents.

“We actually sell more Lynx gift sets than Christmas trees, here in the UK. With around 23 million being sold each year.”

Lynx product range and giftsets are available to purchase at most leading retailers nationwide including Asda, Boots, Superdrug, Sainsburys, Tesco, Sephora UK and online, making it the perfect choice for those last-minute shoppers.