Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

NHS Lothian launches new text message service 

Online portal offers convenience to patients whilst minimising wasted appointments

NHS Lothian have launched a new text message service and online portal, making it quicker and easier for patients to update their details.

The two services are being rolled out across a range of specialties starting with Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Gynaecology, Colorectal General Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and Rheumatology.

Patients who have been waiting for outpatient appointments will receive a text message from NHS Lothian asking them to log in to an online portal using a unique PIN and their date of birth.

Once logged in, the patient can quickly and easily provide an update on whether they still need an appointment. Gathering this information is critically important for outpatient services, as it ensures that appointments are only issued to those who still require them.

Anne Lavery, Head of Access for Scheduled Care, NHS Lothian explained, “When patients are waiting for appointments, their circumstances can change. Some people may see an improvement in their condition, others will have received treatment elsewhere and indeed some may have moved away.

“The new text message service and online portal allow patients to quickly, easily and securely confirm whether they still require an appointment, reducing the number of wasted appointments issued to those who no longer require them.”

The new text message system is being introduced following a successful trial period. From the trial, useful learning was received which has supported the further expanded roll out.

Anne added, “From banking to online shopping, people are used to receiving and responding to text messages. The new text message system offers our patients convenience, while also helping to minimise the number of wasted appointments.”

The new text message service will be complimented by more traditional communications methods, helping to ensure that no patient is excluded. Clear processes are also in place to ensure that appropriate follow-up action can be taken should a patient not respond to a text they receive.

Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer, Acute Services said: “NHS Lothian is committed to reducing waiting times for patients and significant work is underway as part of national efforts to remobilise, recover and redesign services following the pandemic.

“As part of this work, we are also actively exploring how we can improve the experience for patients who are waiting for an appointment, recognising that for many this can be a frustrating and worrying time.

“The introduction of the text message service is something our patients said would be helpful for them and I am delighted that we are beginning to roll this out. By reducing the number of appointments issued to those who no longer need them, we can in turn help to reduce waiting times for others.”

Almost a third of adults in Edinburgh struggled with literacy at school, says global technology company Texthelp 

  • Literacy challenges are affecting everyday lives with almost a quarter of adults from Edinburgh (23%) saying that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts  
  • Over two thirds of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Harrass’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Harass’)  

Global assistive technology company, Texthelp, has unveiled new research highlighting the scale and impact that literacy challenges are having on the UK population including Edinburgh. 

Almost a third (32%)[1] of adults from Edinburgh have admitted to having reading, writing, grammar, comprehension and spelling difficulties.  

Having literacy difficulties can feed into people’s everyday life. Almost a quarter (23%) of adults from Edinburgh said that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts. Over a fifth (21%) also admit to finding it difficult trying to understand paperwork and contracts, such as rental agreements and phone contracts.  

When it comes to spelling, the data showed that UK adults struggle to identify the correct spelling of certain common words. Ironically 31 % of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Mispelt’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Misspelt), with over two thirds (67 %) thinking ‘Harrass’ was the correct spelling (correct spelling ‘’Harass’).  

Launched during International Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2022), the new study by Censuswide, commissioned by Texthelp, surveyed over 2,000 UK adults across the countrywhich included 95 participants from Edinburgh.  

Martin McKay, Founder and CEO at Texthelp said: “By carrying out this research, we have found out more about how adults in the UK including Edinburgh feel about literacy challenges.

“We have learned how these barriers impact people every day. We are continuing to provide new products in education and will ensure words won’t hold people back. We are helping in both education and in the workplace. We are committed to helping everyone understand and be understood by providing a suite of literacy and numeracy tools to more people across the globe.”

British TV actor and ‘Derry Girls’ star, Dylan Llewellyn has dyslexia and says that some everyday tasks can be difficult for him. 

Dylan said, “Being severely dyslexic meant I found school challenging and was often behind with my classwork. I struggled at mainstream school but as soon as I went to a specialist school it did help me grow in confidence and develop learning techniques.

“Acting with dyslexia has thrown up some challenges, for example, if I have to learn a script quickly then this can be difficult to do. Reading and writing is a part of everyone’s lives, so it’s important that there is support for everybody, not just pupils with dyslexia who attend a specialist school.” 

The report forms part of a broader campaign titled “Words Can’t Hold Us Back”, which has been launched to raise awareness of the scale of literacy challenges in the UK, while highlighting the solutions available for Brits to overcome these barriers.

To find out more about Texthelp please visit https://text.help/literacy 

Report: Ukraine six months on

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to nearly one third of Ukrainians being displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 7.6 million Ukrainians had been displaced across Europe.

🔎 The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) has taken a closer look at Scotland’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, six months after it was introduced.

You can read it here: https://spice-spotlight.scot/…/displaced-ukrainians-in…/

Views sought on reform on exam qualifications and assessment

A consultation has been launched on how qualifications and assessment should be reformed to ensure learners’ achievements are fairly recognised.

Young people, parents, carers, teachers, education staff and all learners are among those being encouraged to give their views.

The consultation invites opinions on:

  • the balance between exams and other forms of assessment
  • how a wider range of learners’ achievements can be recognised
  • potential uses of technology in assessment and qualifications
  • how to ensure that qualifications enable all learners, regardless of their circumstances, to demonstrate their strengths and achievements

The consultation, which will close on 16 December, is part of an independent review of qualifications and assessment announced by Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in October 2021.

The review is being led by Louise Hayward, Emerita Professor of Educational Assessment and Innovation at Glasgow University, who will provide independent advice for Ministers to consider in March next year.

Professor Hayward said: “This Review of Qualifications and Assessment offers Scotland an opportunity to look to the future.

“We want to ensure that the ways in which we gather evidence about all learners’ achievements, awards and qualifications help every learner to transition positively into the next phase of life, be that in college, employment, university or voluntary work.

“By supporting every learner to become a confident, committed life-long learner, we will help Scotland to grow socially, culturally and economically.”

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The aim of reforming qualifications and assessment is to ensure that all senior phase learners have the best possible opportunity to demonstrate the breadth, depth and relevance of their learning.

“This consultation and the other work being done by Professor Hayward to gather a wide range of opinions is crucially important and I would encourage anyone who has an interest, particularly young people, parents, carers and education staff, to give their views.

“The review, and our other planned education reforms, have the clear purpose of doing all we can to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people in Scotland’s education system.”

The consultation on qualifications  and assessment will run until 16 December.

Winter vaccines for remaining priority groups

Over-50s can book their winter vaccines from tomorrow (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu and easing pressure on the NHS this winter.

Those aged 50-64 can book an appointment on the NHS Inform website making it simple to arrange a time which suits them. Appointments can also be rescheduled online – with a national helpline available for those without internet access.

More than 870,000 people have already come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines, including healthcare staff, care home residents, over 65’s and those at high risk – with over 1.7 million vaccines being administered.

Over two million Scots are being offered both vaccines during the course of the programme and a nationwide marketing campaign – ‘Don’t let your protection fade’ – is raising awareness of the importance of topping up protection against the illnesses – so far, 93.9% of people have received both flu and COVID-19 jabs at the same appointment.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Uptake continues to be encouraging showing the people of Scotland are keen to protect not just themselves, but their loved ones and the NHS. People who are vaccinated are less likely to become seriously unwell from COVID-19 or flu.

“We are working hard to ensure Scotland maintains its reputation as a leading nation for vaccine uptake – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time so I would ask everyone eligible to take up the offer of their winter vaccines so we can all stay safe over the winter months.”

1,741,484 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

Rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointment | NHS inform

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Those without access to the internet can call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Anyone aged 12 years and over who has missed an appointment for their initial course of the COVID-19 vaccine can reschedule through the NHS Inform online.

Appointments for children under 12 must be booked/rescheduled by calling 0800 030 8013. 

Monday: Edinburgh Leisure Coaching Recruitment Day

MONDAY 24th OCTOBER 9am – 5pm at MEGGETLAND

Coaching Recruitment Day Reminder!

We are hosting a coaching recruitment open day at Meggetland Sports Complex this Monday 24th October between 9am – 5pm and are looking for enthusiastic people to join our swimming and gymnastics teams.

See our website https://edinburghleisure.co.uk/careers/open-days

Two million prevented from seeing their grandchildren, survey reveals

Lawyer Vanessa Lloyd Platt said ‘the system is failing grandparents up and down the country’

MORE than two million people are being prevented from seeing their grandchildren, a new survey reveals.

It found a million have been completely locked out of their lives and 250,000 nans and grandads have never been allowed to see their children’s offspring.

And at least 150,000 have been warned by police to stop attempting to contact their grandkids.

Family lawyer Vanessa Lloyd Platt, whose firm Lloyd Platt & Co commissioned the survey by Savanta which spoke to 1,000 grandparents, said: “The survey bore out our concerns about the rights of grandchildren to have grandparents in their life.

“The system is failing grandparents up and down the country. It is a scandal.”

The survey also revealed the youngest grandparent in the UK is 32-years-old.

Savanta also found it is either the grandparents’ son’s wife or partner stopping access, with 40% responding with that reason.

And a personal disagreement was the main cause, 32%, behind being locked out.

Campaigners are now demanding a law change and say it could have avoided such tragic deaths as Arthur Labingo-Hughes and Star Hobson who were killed by their parents.

They want an amendment to the Children’s Act 1989 to enshrine in law the child’s right to have a relationship with their grandparents.

One of them, Jasvinder Sanghera, told GB News: “Grandparents are significant in the lives of children, including those at risk. It is clear grandparents raised alarm bells in both cases and I have to ask the question: would it have made a difference if grandparents were given significant status in The Children Act?

“Arthur and Star were let down by the system. And these survey results prove our worst fears.

“Desperate grandparents up and down the country and being refused access to their grandchildren.

“I have an 86-year-old law-abiding grandmother come to me who has been reported to the police for sending presents to their grandchildren. She was interviewed in a police station and told to accept a caution for her behaviour.

“People are getting police knocking at their door after being reported for harassment just for sending a birthday card.

“It is ruining lives and something needs to be done to help these good people.”

Arthur died aged six during the pandemic in 2020 at the hands of his evil father and his girlfriend.

His grandparents had reported fears of abuse to social services but were told by authorities there was no safeguarding issues.

Star was killed aged one by her mother’s girlfriend in the same year.

Suspected abuse was repeatedly reported to social services by her grandparents but cases were closed.

Campaigners calling for the law change say if adults are given “significant people” rights then they have more power to act as a guardian for their grandchildren.

They also blasted the Ministry of Justice over lack of action after then Minister Lucy Frazer QC said in 2018 she would consider a change in the law to establish a “presumption” that grandparents can see their grandchildren after parents split up.