North Edinburgh News – Page 1094 – The NEN

Winter vaccination programme plans announced

Following final advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are finalising plans for the roll out of Scotland’s winter vaccination programme, delivered at a local level by Health Boards across the country.

This year’s programme has an increased focus on protecting those at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. There will also be changes to call up dates to ensure maximum protection to these groups over the winter months.

Everyone over 50 and those with certain conditions will be offered a flu vaccination.

People aged 50-64 with no underlying health conditions, are now being called forward for appointments starting from 4 September.

The expansion of the flu programme to include secondary school pupils continues this winter, with all school age pupils, children aged 2-5 and children aged 6 months to under 2 years at risk being eligible.

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.

Clinical advice and evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection. JCVI has advised that protection is highest in the three months following vaccination, so vaccinating those at highest risk of COVID-19 later provides greater protection over the peak winter period and into the new year.

Invitations to people aged 65-74 years of age with no underlying conditions and those aged 12-64 years in a clinical risk group (excluding those with a weakened immune system) that leaves them at greater risk from COVID-19 will be the first to receive invitations, with appointments starting from 18 September.

Invitations for all other priority groups receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will follow as the programme progresses. This includes people in care homes and those aged 75 and over who will receive invitations for appointments starting from mid-October. Both of these groups were offered vaccination during the spring COVID-19 programme, so their immunity has received a recent boost.

People should wait for NHS Scotland to contact them with details of their appointment, or prompt to book. Depending on their selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.

Public Health Minister, Jenni Minto said: “We thank the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation for their latest independent expert clinical advice which recommends we focus on protecting those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.

“We have accepted this advice and will continue to plan and implement the vaccination programme this winter.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses, and I encourage all those eligible to take up their invitations when they are offered.”

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: “Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 this winter.

“This year’s programme focuses on protecting those who are at highest risk. One of the ways we’re doing this is by offering vaccination to people who are most vulnerable to illness later in the programme to ensure they have maximum protection in the peak of winter.

“Scotland’s vaccination programme has always offered vaccinations in the safest and most effective ways possible. We know that administration of both vaccines together is a safe, efficient way to deliver increased protection when it’s most needed. Last year, over 89% of flu and COVID-19 vaccines were administered at the same time.

“We hope to see most vaccinations completed by early December. Those eligible for a flu or flu and COVID-19 vaccination this winter should look out for their invitation by email, text or by post in a white NHS Scotland envelope and take up the offer to protect themselves.”

View the JCVI advice on a vaccination programme for this winter:

COVID-19: JCVI advises on eligible groups for 2023 autumn booster – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Flu: JCVI statement on influenza vaccines 2023-34

The winter programme will run until 31 March 2024.

InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University bolster relationship through honorary professorship award

NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University have further strengthened their strategic relationship through the award of an honorary professorship.

Elaine Gemmell, Head of Regulatory Affairs at InnoScot Health, has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor in the Edinburgh-based university’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences in recognition of her expertise.

The award reflects Elaine’s service and contribution to Heriot-Watt, and the close ties forged, particularly with the university’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) which helps Scotland’s SMEs translate medical device concepts into commercial products.

A five-year collaborative partnership was signed by InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University last year to help fast-track innovation in medical and healthcare technologies. As part of the MDMC Advisory Group, Elaine is pivotal to the development of this strategic relationship, supporting ongoing projects, training, and development.

Commenting on the award, Elaine said: “I am both surprised and delighted to be awarded the title of Honorary Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University.

“I enjoy a strong relationship with the university and share its ambition to accelerate medical device innovation across Scotland and beyond.

“I am privileged that my contribution has been recognised in this way and will continue to share my knowledge, experience, and expertise in medical device regulation to support healthcare innovators across Scotland.

“When we come together and pool our expertise, the impact is greater; so, I look forward to continuing my work with the University and building further networks and collaborations across the sector.”

Elaine joined InnoScot Health in 2002 and helped establish the organisation. With more than 20 years’ experience in medical device development, she is a certified ISO 13485 /ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and has experience of regulatory approval and CE marking for medical devices.

Elaine led InnoScot Health spinout company Clear Surgical, helping to launch two innovative devices – The Oplight™ and Cannulated Forceps – onto the market; and previously worked with Motorola Semiconductors for 20 years, gaining experience in manufacturing, design, and technical marketing.

Elaine now provides extensive regulatory expertise to NHS, academia, and industry. She sits on a range of advisory boards and provides training, presentations, and expert comment on a range of medical device related topics.

Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson, said: “This honour is a testament to Elaine’s valuable regulatory expertise, and commitment to sharing that knowledge to drive forward healthcare innovation in Scotland.

“Elaine’s knowledge and experience of medical device regulation is invaluable in the fast-moving world of innovation and is a vital driver of our commercialisation work at InnoScot Health.

“As one of our original staff members, Elaine has been continuously involved in shaping the organisation since 2002 and this award is incredibly well deserved. Congratulations Elaine!’

Strachan House invites local community to a magical afternoon of Happily Ever After

FRINGE COMES TO BLACKHALL CARE HOME

Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Blackhall will be hosting their first of many Edinburgh fringe events on Saturday 26^th August at 3pm and are inviting their local community to come along and support what is set to be a magical afternoon.

Following on from the success of a trial of a Fringe Care Festival event last year and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester Healthcare are now continuing their support by being the founding sponsors of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.

Strachan House will be opening their doors to Edinburgh festival performers Octovoce, an accapella group who will be taking everybody on a magical afternoon of well-known music.

As well as this, they are encouraging everyone to come along dressed as their favourite character and enjoy a themed buffet prepared by their wonderful chefs, whilst being immersed in a fairy tale sing along event that would be fit for any prince or princess.

Mandy Head of Activities said “Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative – no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester get to go first, with the 4 Edinburgh homes taking part!

“Shaping the event foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years…”

General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and guests are very excited about this event and the team are working behind the scenes to ensure it is a great success.

“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding!”

F_BAR_J010178-Strachan-House-Octavoce-Magical-Journey-of-Song-Poster-V._-1-1 Download

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Council will not appeal Short Term Lets judgement

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee agreed to review the Short Term Lets Policy and Conditions yesterday.

The committee also noted the outcome of the Judicial Review of the Council’s Short Term Lets (STL) Policy, and that the Council has decided not to appeal the judgement. To reflect the terms of the Court’s decision, the Council has updated its STL Licensing Policy.

Convener of Regulatory Committee, Neil Ross, said: “The Council was successful in defending large parts of the policy and the Court did not criticise any aspect of the Council’s consultation nor the evidence base which it used to reach its decision. Having reviewed the Court’s decision in detail, the Council has decided not to appeal the ruling.

“We have changed our policy to reflect the decisions reached by the court, which took effect from 13 July, and the date for applying for a licence is 1 October. Existing hosts and operators have until that date to submit an application for a licence.”

More details can be found on the Short Term Lets Licensing section on the Council website.

The council has no discretion as to which type of accommodation is covered by the requirement to obtain a licence.

Extinction Rebellion Edinburgh and Lothians to host ‘Heading for Extinction’ talk at Free Fringe

Extinction Rebellion (XR) are hosting their talk “Heading for Extinction and What to Do About It” this month as part of PBH’s Free Fringe Programme.

The talk was developed over five years by the climate justice campaign group and is regularly delivered both online and in-person around the UK. Two speakers from XR’s Edinburgh and Lothians local group, Dom and Alex Porter will deliver the talk in the Liquid Rooms on 15^th and 22^nd August.

Dom said: “The talk is in two parts: what science tells us is causing the Climate Emergency and what humanity needs to change to survive; then, XR’s take on what we need to do to bring about that change.”

As detailed on Extinction Rebellion’s website, the talk is aimed not just at those already supportive but also at those sceptical about the severity of the Climate Emergency or hesitant about joining the climate justice movement. Audience members will have the chance to learn how to get involved with Extinction Rebellion.

When asked why people should come to the talk, founding member of XR, Clare Farrell, said: “We are clearly already in deep shit, the planet is burning and unhinged leaders are doubling down on the cause.

“We have to pull together, to support each other, build successful resistance and commit to creating a caring, regenerative new society.

“Time is short, we have to work together. Come and get involved.”

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Fringe 2023: Food for Thought

9 places to eat & drink this Fringe to support the local community

This August, the Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts a variety of dynamic Fringe Festival spaces. These spaces support Edinburgh students, as well as local businesses, charities and sustainable commerce.

As a registered charity, income earned from the Associations’ Fringe venues and food & drink outlets go towards its student services, providing advice, representation and welfare support to its 49,000 student members.

These include services such as the Advice Place (professionally trained advisors giving free, confidential and independent advice for students across a broad range of issues), Student Opportunities (student societies, volunteering and peer learning), and Student Voice (empowering students to make a change and run campaigns).

The Association’s Fringe food partners (hosted in Students’ Association venues) also contribute to local business, while supporting charities and campaigns that help the community, such as free hot meals, tackling homelessness and promoting sustainable food.

The Students’ Association employs local staff to run its venues. In 2022, around 300 temporary staff were hired, 70% of which were Edinburgh University students. Over half of these then stayed on to work during term time.

“Our Association’s integral part in the festival means we can generate funds to support our students. We hope everyone who visits enjoys the city and has a great time visiting our venues!” – Sharan Atwal, Students’ Association President.

9 Places to Eat & Drink this Fringe to Support the Local Community:

Pleasance Courtyard
The Pleasance Courtyard will be packed with city favourite bars and food vendors such as Pizza Geeks, Harajuku Kitchen, Smash & Stack and Mimi’s Bakehouse. The bustling area is a great spot to enjoy the festival come rain or shine, sitting under a canopy of umbrellas and stretch tents in the traditional cobbled courtyards.
Mimi’s Bakehouse (Pleasance Courtyard)
This renowned bakehouse has many charity endeavours to accompany its delish cakes. It has a charity partnership with CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) where it sells rainbow cupcakes every year (all proceeds to charity), hosts families of children in respite care for afternoon tea at the Leith store (providing cake for children’s and family birthday parties), and has a “pay it forward” cake box (£5) where it delivers cakes straight to CHAS for each customer donation

Each Monday, Mimi’s Bakehouse donates leftover cake to a local food kitchen in Leith for those in need called Empty Kitchens Full Hearts. They also sponsor local football teams Leith Athletic and Hibs Ladies, regularly providing cake for events and during matches. This year, they have special “boob” cupcakes to raise awareness of breast cancer with proceeds donated to charity.

“As a family business, Mimi’s Bakehouse is always excited to launch charity partnerships which support the local community. By embracing new opportunities like these, we hope to make our family business an Edinburgh institution for generations to come by spreading joy through cake and making someone’s day,” Michelle Philips, Owner and Founder.
Pizza Geeks (Pleasance Courtyard)
On top of their geeky theme, Pizza Geeks are incredibly community driven. Their Pizza for the People initiative is a way to give back to the community by giving hot meals to those in need, as well as the heroes who help them. Since opening in 2016, they have made and donated 30,000 pizzas across Edinburgh. This Fringe, they’ll be returning with their delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, including the ever-popular Chorizard with a tomato base, mozzarella, chorizo, black Pudding, fresh chillies, and hot honey.

“Our PFTP initiative is a way to give back to the community. Every week, we make and donate pizzas to those in need all across Edinburgh. You can very easily get involved just by eating our pizzas!” Pizza Geeks
Harajuku Kitchen (Pleasance Courtyard)
The Harajuku Kitchen gives customers the option to donate £2 per purchase to Edinburgh charity Social Bite, which will buy a meal for a homeless person. Harajuku Kitchen also donates directly to the charity from the profit they make from the Fringe.
Mint (Potterrow Plaza)
Named one of Fringe 2022’s top places to be, the Potterrow Plaza will return outside the Pleasance Dome, this time with an extended space. It will host Mint, which offers its renowned Chicken and Halloumi Wrap and plenty of meat-eater and vegan options.
Teviot Row House
Teviot Row House is home to one of the city’s oldest bars, The Library Bar, which serves a varied menu both day and night (including its student-favourite cheesy nachos!). It will also host Gilded Balloon, one of Scotland’s leading festival companies.
Garden at Teviot
The Garden at Teviot is a hidden gem next to the busy Bristo Square. The garden offers colourful beach huts (each seating 6), two full-service bars, coffee from Edinburgh’s Throat Punch and delicious local produce from Ròst Eats. There is also a large, covered area to avoid Edinburgh’s likely showers!
Throat Punch (Garden at Teviot)
If you’re looking to stay green this Fringe, visit Throat Punch. This local coffee outlet doesn’t use any unnecessary plastics, opting instead for biodegradable wherever possible. It also only uses milk and oat milk that is delivered in glass and collected again for reuse by the manufacturer.
The Screaming Peacock (Charles Street Lane)
The Screaming Peacock offers a variety of sustainable food. Their Wild venison comes from their family hunting business, and their Pheasants are sourced through local estates in Fife, making their food 100% sustainable. They even source their salad toppings from friends down the road, working with a local Fife merchant. The burgers are wrapped in recyclable greaseproof paper and a compostable meal box. So, when it comes to ditching the rubbish, all you’ll need is a recycling bin.

To get the latest news from each venue, follow:

https://www.instagram.com/thegardenatteviot/

https://www.instagram.com/courtyardanddome/

More at http://eusa.link/OurFestivalVenues

Opening days of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships bring dramatic finals, world records and new World Champions

Shona Robison: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ‘celebrate inclusion‘

With more than 260 medals already awarded, the opening days of the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen thousands of cyclists take to the roads, ramps, tracks, and mountains across Glasgow and Scotland for this first-of-its-kind event.

Kicking off on Thursday, 3 August, the biggest cycling event ever has already witnessed some special moments, with events taking place across Scotland following a stellar opening ceremony that was headlined by KT Tunstall in Glasgow city centre on Wednesday, 2 August.

Around 400,000 fans and residents have thrown their support behind the athletes at events over the last four days, including an estimate of more than 300,000 fans across the entire route of the Men Elite Road Race on Sunday. Of that, 190,000 were estimated to have turned out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.

Avid spectators have also been present in venues across the country, watching the incredible action at the BMX Freestyle Park at Glasgow Green, the Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome with millions more watching from home thanks to action being broadcast live across the world.

Meanwhile in Perth & Kinross and Dundee & Angus more than 2,000 top amateur athletes took to the road for the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and also the Gran Fondo Time Trials. Among the competitors was UCI President David Lappartient, completing the 160km scenic and challenging course.

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has got off to a truly spectacular start with the action across the last four days coming thick and fast. After years of planning, it is fantastic to see fans getting out to support athletes from around the world as they vie for one of the UCI’s famous rainbow jerseys.

“While the first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another week of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Para-cycling Road in Dumfries and Galloway, Mountain Bike Cross-country at Glentress and the Individual Time Trials in Stirling before we sign off in Glasgow with Indoor Cycling, the Para-cycling Mixed Relay and the Women Elite road race bringing this incredible celebration of cycling to a close.”

New UCI World Champions Crowned

The action has come thick and fast at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as the Track and Para-cycling Track have been integrated into one event for the first time.

Japan’s Keiko Sugiura took the honour of being crowned the first UCI World Champion of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, winning gold in the Women’s C3 Individual Pursuit. Great Britain got their first UCI World title of the championships thanks to Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin, who were victorious in the women’s B 1km time trial.

The Great Britian team used the roar of the home crowd to their advantage to win a slew of gold medals and rainbow jerseys over the last four days,

including Scotsman Neil Fachie and his pilot Matthew Rotherham taking the win in the men’s B 1km time trial; para-cycling super power Jody Cundy winning his 14^th straight kilo UCI World title, while Jaco van Gass (men’s C3 1km time trial), and Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl (women’s B individual pursuit) also claimed more gold medals.

Saturday’s action was seen out in style as the team of Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris took home the gold in the women’s team pursuit for team GB ahead of the New Zealand team. There were amazing scenes in the velodrome as they took the win by over 4 seconds after a tightly contested first couple of kilometres, especially for home talent, Katie Archibald who makes a thrilling comeback after a tough year.

It was also a sweet return for USA Track cyclist Chloé Dygert who made her return to competition after a tragic crash three years ago by winning the Women’s Elite Individual Pursuit, her 11^th UCI World title across Junior and Elite categories on the track and road.

On Sunday, one of the most incredible races of the championships saw 5-time UCI World Champion Filippo Ganna narrowly pip Great Britain’s Dan Bigham in the men’s individual pursuit, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky added a rainbow jersey to her Tour de France green jersey win earlier this year.

A dominant performance by Great Britain’s Fran Brown in the women’s C1 individual pursuit is made even more impressive with the bonus of a world record, while debutant Archie Atkinson became men’s C4 scratch UCI World Champion at the age of 19: this is an athlete we’ll be looking out for in the future.

On the Road

On the road, the Juniors got the action underway as France’s Julie Bego took home the gold ahead of Team GB’s Cat Ferguson in the Women Junior road race and Denmark’s Albert Philipsen blew away competition, winning with over a minute margin.

This set the stage Sunday’s action that saw Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel power through more than 200km, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to claim his first road UCI World title during the Men Elite Road Race, beating Belgium’s Wout van Aert (silver) and Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia who outsprinted Denmark’s Mads Pedersen for bronze. Van der Poel win saw him become the first Dutch champion to win the Men Elite road race UCI World title since Joop Zoetemelk in 1985.

In the Mountains

Up at Fort William Austria’s Valentina Höll conquered Nevis Range to win her second consecutive gold medal in the Women Elite Mountain Bike Downhill, while Charlie Hatton became the fifth Men Elite British rider to win the UCI World title in the Mountain Bike Downhill.

In the Men Junior MTB Downhill, Germany’s Henri Kiefer overcame a stacked field secure first place, while New Zealand’s Erice van Leuven took the top spot in the women’s junior category, completing dominant display from the Kiwis, who also took silver and bronze medals.

The mountain bike action continued down in Glentress as Brazil’s Henrique Avancini won the men’s mountain bike cross-country marathon ahead of a stacked field. In the women’s race, Mona Mitterwallner solidified her lead midway through today’s race to take the win for Austria.

A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results are available here.

Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are still on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison attended the Gran Fondo amateur time trial as the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships continue across Scotland.

The Scottish Government hopes the world’s biggest ever cycling competition will motivate people to cycle for sport, recreation and active travel. The £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund, delivered in partnership with sportscotland, will create a network of new accessible facilities that will encourage people of all ages to ride bikes and enjoy cycling.

In the time trial, cyclists of varying ages and abilities take on a challenging course that starts in Dundee and takes in parts of Angus before returning to the city. It follows two Gran Fondo road races of different lengths in Perth and Kinross last week.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is helping us to showcase Scotland as an inclusive and welcoming nation.

“I hope that these Championships, through its many events such as the Gran Fondo, will inspire people from all walks of life to build a more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike.

“We understand the importance of sport and physical activity, particularly for women and girls in Scotland, and the positive impact on their physical, mental and social health across all stages in life – from early years, teenage years, through adulthood and into later life.”

Hanover Street assault: Do you know this man?

POLICE have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 20 May 2023. The incident happened on Hanover Street at around 4.15am.

The man is described as aged between 20-30 years old, medium build, black hair with a tattoo on his left hand. He was wearing a grey and white two-tone puffer jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information which could assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0804 of 20 May 2023.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

FRINGE COMES TO BLACKHALL CARE HOME

Your Voice Matters in Shaping Health and Social Care!

9 places to eat & drink this Fringe to support the local community