Category: North Edinburgh News

NHS Lothian hospitals under rising pressure as Covid cases surge again

NHS Lothian has warned that increasing cases of COVID-19 are placing mounting pressure on hospital and community services. Health chiefs said community prevalence of the virus is causing serious capacity issues across the whole system.

An estimated one in 20 people currently have the virus in Scotland with two thirds of the cases identified in the 20-59 age group. This is having an impact on workforce, with one fifth of nursing staff not at work as a result of COVID-19 absence.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian urged people not to forget all that has been learned about keeping the virus under control.

She said: “COVID-19 has not gone away and cases are continuing to rise across Lothian. Our hospital system is under extreme pressure and we need people across Lothian to do their bit to prevent the system becoming overwhelmed.

“We would urge people to take sensible precautions when they are indoors or in crowded spaces and remind them that regular hand hygiene is vital and face coverings should be considered, especially in crowded places.”

Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian said: “The number of hospital inpatients who have tested positive has increased by 50% since a week ago. This presents many logistical issues as they need to be cared for within COVID-19 specific areas.

“On top of that, and in line with community transmission levels, there are increased numbers of staff testing positive with COVID-19, who must then self-isolate to protect patients.

“All of this means services are stretched right across the system, including community and social care services, resulting in high numbers of patients who are medically fit to leave hospital but who cannot be discharged because they need care in place to support them at home.”

Relatives of patients are also being urged to help where they can by providing transport home for patients who are medically fit to be discharged, rather than have their relative wait for hospital transport.

This speeds up the discharge process and in turn frees up more hospital beds sooner, allowing faster admission for patients from our Emergency Departments where admission queues can form when the hospitals are full.

Relatives are also being asked if they can consider offering support to their loved ones who have been clinically assessed as “medically fit for discharge” but might still need extra help around their home.

Dr Gillies added: “We know that it is better for people to be looked after in a homely setting once they are medically fit to leave hospital. Unfortunately, the pressure on community and social care services means many patients are waiting too long for social care support and as a result spending longer in hospital than they need to.

“When appropriate, we therefore ask families to consider if they can step in and help support their loved one once they are fit for discharge. Again, this helps with the flow of patients through our hospitals and ensures that beds are available for the most urgent of cases.”

Dr Gillies reminded people in Lothian to make sure they get the “Right Care in the Right Place” by considering going to their local pharmacy or GP or by calling 111 to get an appointment with an expert in the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), rather than automatically going to the Emergency Department.

She said: “If you think you need to visit A&E, but it’s not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night.

“NHS 24 will direct you to the right care in the right place. They will direct you to an expert in our Minor Injuries Unit, GP or pharmacy and help reduce the length of time spent waiting in busy hospital departments.

“It is important too to remember that there is self-care information on NHS Inform.

“If it is an emergency always call 999 or go to your local A&E.”

Mardi Gras returns to Grassmarket

Mardi Gras Programme Announcement

On Saturday 16 July, after a two-year absence, the Grassmarket will yet again become home to the biggest party in the capital with multiple stages, non-stop entertainment and a host of bands.

This year’s packed programmes includes After Hours, Brass Gumbo, Hamish McGregor, Awkward Family Portraits, Dope Sick Fly, Cow Cow Boogie and Al Hughes.

This free event runs from 1 – 4pm and the Grassmarket Market will also be in operation on the day.

Letters: Mary’s Meals appeal

Dear Editor,  

Today, more than 64 million primary school-age children miss out on an education around the world because of poverty. 

Leaving a gift in your will, no matter how small, is an incredibly generous way you can help us bring hope to those desperately hungry children who often need to work or beg for food in order to survive. 

With the promise of a daily meal in a place of education, Mary’s Meals is attracting hungry children into the classroom giving them the energy to learn how to read and write. 

For children like 13-year-old Ballah from Liberia – who used to skip school – Mary’s Meals fills his empty stomach and is allowing him to gain a precious education so he can follow his dreams of becoming a doctor.  

“Food is important,” he says. “Most days, I don’t eat breakfast and I feel so hungry I can barely study. After eating Mary’s Meals, I feel active. 

“When I qualify as a doctor, I’d like to stay in Liberia and teach others how to do the same.” 

With a gift in your will, you can help us keep our promise to more than 2.2 million children in some of the world’s poorest communities who rely on our nutritious meals and will be giving children like Ballah the chance of a brighter future. 

If you would like more information about leaving a gift in your will, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/will 

Lori Cobley,

Partnership Manager at Mary’s Meals 

Small Business, Big Dreams: Amazon to host interactive livestream to help budding owners grow their businesses

 Livestream discussion will take place on Thursday 30th June 2022 on Amazon UK’s Instagram channel, featuring founder of The Break, Patricia Bright; Foolish founder Olivia Attwood; and Montana Brown, founder of Swim Society – all spilling their secrets on what it takes to grow a business today.

These well-known faces will be joined by entrepreneurs from some of Amazon’s successful small business selling partners, including Human Food and Absolute Collagen.

The livestream panel discussion is all part of Amazon’s support of small businesses ahead of its upcoming Prime Day celebrations, with shoppers also in with a chance to Win Big by Supporting Small.

Amazon announces the launch of Small Business, Big Dreams: an interactive, virtual livestream aimed at helping up-and-coming entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

The livestreamed discussion will explore the future of young entrepreneurship and how to successfully market a business in the ever-changing social media age of 2022.

To tune in for free, head to Amazon UK’s Instagram channel, at 7pm on Thursday 30th June 2022 to take part and submit questions for the panel. 

Last year, Prime Day saw customers spend over $1.9bn globally on more than 70 million small business products during the promotional period, but with a constantly evolving economy, the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners require the right tools and guidance to help them adapt and succeed online.

Amazon’s Small Business, Big Dreams livestream will give future entrepreneurs inspiration and advice on turning a brilliant start-up idea into a successful business, as well as exploring the impact an engaged online following can have on a brand. 

Celebrity business owners, including Patricia Bright, Olivia Attwood, and Montana Brown, will offer their expertise on a range of useful topics for budding business owners, including the power of influence and the impact it can have on start-ups; going viral and its potential effect upon a business; and how to take a business to the next level once the sales start to come in.

Those who tune in will be able to send through questions in advance for the panel which will be moderated by host, Patricia Bright, to discuss and answer. 

Alongside the celebrities, small business owners Ky Wright of Human Food, Class of 2022 Forbes 30 under 30’s Darcy Laceby of Absolute Collagen, and Olivia Ferdi of TRIP Drinks will join the livestream panel.

As experienced Amazon small business selling partners, they will share their personal advice on why combining social media with selling on a store like Amazon can be a great way to take a business to the next level, and how events such as Prime Day offer huge opportunities to their respective brands. 

The full line-up is:

  • Patricia Bright, founder of The Break, as panel host
  • Olivia Attwood, founder of Foolish
  • Montana Brown, founder of Swim Society
  • Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen
  • Ky Wright, founder of Human Food
  • Olivia Ferdi, co-founder director of TRIP Drinks
  • Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation

John Boumphrey, Country Manager, Amazon UK said:“We’re so lucky to have such a talented pool of next generation UK entrepreneurs. We know it can sometimes be tricky to navigate the complexities of launching a business in this digital age, so it’s brilliant to see such a great line-up of innovators and experts coming together to give their insights.

“Over 50% of products sold on Amazon in the UK are from small and medium sized businesses, and key events such as our upcoming Prime Day can have a huge impact on start-ups. Our small business selling partners included in the line-up will be sure to impart their expert advice for those who have a dream of setting up their own successful business.”

Patricia Bright, founder of The Break, an empowering online platform for women, said: “I know from experience that starting your own business is never easy, but I’ve been lucky to grow my brand largely in part to social media and I owe everything to my loyal supporters – many who have been with me since day one.

“I’m excited to lead the panel on behalf of Amazon and to join an important conversation around supporting the future of young entrepreneurs in whatever way I can.”

Olivia Attwood, founder of contemporary luxury brand, Foolish, said: “I’ve put my heart and soul into growing the brand identity of Foolish on social media, as that’s where my audience lives.

“I can’t wait to join the panel to discuss how to navigate social media as a brand and hopefully help others thrive as a result!”

Montana Brown, founder of swimwear brand, Swim Society, said: “It’s really important that we support small businesses as much as possible, especially in today’s climate.

“I hope that people send in as many questions as they can during the livestream so we can help them on their business journey.”

This year Amazon has made it easier than ever to support small businesses on Prime Day:

  • Win Big by Supporting Small: From Tuesday 21st June until Monday 11th July, for every £1 spent on eligible small business products, customers will receive a chance to win great prizes. Hundreds of thousands of customers globally will have a chance to win Amazon gift cards. To learn more, visit amazon.co.uk/primedaysweepstakes.
  • Look for the Small Business Badge: Prime members can discover and shop products from small business brands in Amazon’s store with the new Small Business Badge. This new badge makes it easier for members to identify products from small business brands and artisans. To learn more and shop curated collections, visit amazon.co.uk/supportsmall. 

Cost of living crisis: Holyrood’s Finance Committee launches inquiry

How will the rising cost of living affect the Scottish Budget in 2023-24? Will the Scottish Government’s proposals for reforming the public service deliver the efficiencies expected?

These and other key questions are the focus of the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s inquiry that begins today.

The committee is seeking views from organisations and the public to inform its pre-budget scrutiny work, prior to the Scottish Government publishing its 2023/24 budget later this year. 

Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “The next Scottish Budget will be challenging as the current cost-of-living crisis impacts on Scotland.

The Committee is therefore keen to hear from organisations and individuals how the Scottish Government’s Budget in 2023-24 should respond to this crisis.  

“We also want to hear views on how the government’s proposed reform of the public service will support its future spending plans.” 

Mr Gibson concluded: “Using the government’s resource spending review announced in May, we will focus our pre-budget scrutiny on the proposals for reforming the public service, the impact of the cost of living crisis on the Scottish Budget, and how spending priorities might affect the delivery of national outcomes.”

Cleaning up Craigmillar

CRAIGMILLAR WEEK OF ACTION LAUNCHED

Climate-conscious residents will be exercising their green fingers next week as they carry out a large-scale community clean-up of their local area.

During the ‘Craigmillar Week of Action’, people living in Craigmillar Town Centre, Greendykes and Niddrie House will spend the week working with their Housing Associations and the Council to carry out litter picks and remove bulky waste and illegally dumped items from common stairs, gardens and communal spaces.

With several skip loads expected to be collected in the following locations, other interested residents are also invited to turn up to lend a hand. Bags, pickers, and gloves will be provided.

  • Monday 27 June 9.30am – 2pm at Niddrie House Square
  • Tuesday 28 June 9.30am – 2pm at Harewood Road/Crescent and the Hays Community Business Centre
  • Wednesday 29 June 9.30am – 2pm at Capella Gardens in Greendykes
  • Thursday 30 June 9.30am – 2pm at Omans Pub on Peffer Place
  • Friday 1 July 9.30am-1pm at Castle Rock Edinvar for a thank you celebration

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Well done to everyone taking part. It’s great to see community spirit in action and people taking pride in their local area. This week of action involves a huge effort from our tenants, who are taking a stand against the actions of a thoughtless few.

“Across the city, Council officers work hard to keep common areas and green spaces clean. But we all need to take responsibility. There is no excuse for these tenants’ homes to be blighted by people fly-tipping and littering and I’m grateful to those clubbing together to make a real difference.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal, local area commander for Edinburgh North East, said: “In Edinburgh we want to build on the excellent partnership working that exists at all levels as we strive to deliver the very best policing service to our local communities.

“As such, we relish opportunities like this to work with partners to aid community wellbeing and help clean up the local area.”

Ciara Toland, Head of Neighbourhoods at Places for People Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many community groups, local organisations, businesses, and of course residents, coming together to help keep Craigmillar clean and tidy.

“A huge thanks to everyone for getting involved and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with residents and colleagues throughout the week.”

Coordinated by Places for People and Edinburgh Council’s Housing Operations team, the initiative is being supported by colleagues from Waste & Cleansing, Street Enforcement, and Parks & Greenspace, as well as the Wheatley Group, Dunedin Canmore Housing, Manor Estates and Lowther Homes.

Commercial partners Kier Group, NWH Group, Morrison Construction, Ross Quality Surveyors and Skanska have also given up their valuable time and resources to help with waste collection, weeding, litter picking and providing equipment and materials to help ensure a week of success. 

Morrisons employs tree advisors to help UK farmers meet planting targets

– New tree experts will provide guidance on which trees to plant and where to plant them to improve sustainability, soil health and farm productivity –

– Move will also help farmers unlock government funding and grants and to make income from their tree schemes –

Morrisons has employed a team of ‘Tree Advisors’ who will give specialist advice to UK farmers on the best species of trees to plant, where to plant them and how to manage their woodland – to have the best environmental effect without impacting upon their farm business. 

The Tree Advisors will work with Morrisons network of 3,000 farmers to plant the right tree species in the right place for the right reasons, to gain government and grant funding to cover their costs, and to bring in additional income from their woodland projects.

The initiative, in partnership with Natural England and the Forestry Commission, forms part of Morrisons plan to become directly supplied by net zero British farms by 2030 and net zero for emissions by 2040. Farmers at Morrisons 50 net zero blueprint farms will be the first to be offered access to the scheme, which will be rolled out more widely in the coming months. 

UK agriculture currently accounts for 10 per cent of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. Trees and woodlands are a key part of farming sustainably as they can store carbon, limit soil erosion, prevent flooding, control erosion on watercourses and help provide habitats for wildlife.

New government targets have outlined that approximately 7,000 hectares of woodlands should be planted by 2024. 

Winter storms across the UK have contributed to the felling of millions of trees. It is anticipated that Storm Arwen in November 2021 led to the loss of 8 million trees over 4,000 hectares.

In 2019, the Government launched the Woodland Carbon Guarantee to boost tree-planting rates and create new woodland in return for payment. The scheme offered £50 million to land managers who planted trees to sequester carbon and who could sell ‘woodland carbon units’ back to the government.Government support has also been offered by the England Woodland Creation Offer, along with grants from the Countryside Stewardship and the Woodland Trust.

This funding has been welcomed by farmers, who whilst understanding the need for tree-planting, have also raised concerns about the investment needed to fund saplings and that planting could encroach on land set aside for food production.

Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons, said: “As British farming’s biggest customer, we have a responsibility to help our farmers overcome the challenges of working more sustainably.

“Many farmers, while recognising the value of trees in their landscape, are worried that tree planting initiatives will mean that valuable land is taken from food production – even when funded by the government.

“We want to take this worry away and help farmers identify what trees work for them on their farm, in the right places and for the right reasons.”

Morrisons Tree Advisors will offer expert advice to farmers on a case-by-case basis and will work with farmers to create individual woodland planting and management plans.

They will identify which trees are best in which place, how tree planting can complement farming business activity and what environmental benefit they will bring. They will also advise how to unlock government and grant funding to finance the planting of trees, as well as how to secure income from their projects.

Changeworks activities to encourage food waste recycling in Edinburgh

Changeworks is delivering a series of food waste engagement activities in Edinburgh on behalf of the city council.  The aim of these activities is to engage Edinburgh residents in food waste recycling and increase food waste recycling participation across Edinburgh. 

The project includes a city wide social media campaign and two locality projects in Carrick Knowe and Balgreen.

Staff and volunteers from Changeworks, will engage with residents in these areas by providing advice, guidance and practical tools to support food waste recycling.  The team will also measure kerbside food waste recycling participation rates to measure success.    

If you would like find out more about this project please email us.

An Art Strategy for Pennywell Living

Regeneration specialist Urban Union and the city council have appointed North Edinburgh Arts to deliver an engaging Art Strategy as part of its work at the Pennywell Living development in Edinburgh.

The strategy has community engagement at its core and will deliver three distinct outcomes: inspiring hoarding panels, a Creative Community Chest and new Pennywell Heritage/Art Trail.

Lead Artist Ross Macrae will kick start the strategy alongside a series of invited guests, who will create 10 engaging panels incorporating wayfinding and local icons to the existing hoarding around the Pennywell development.

A key strand of the strategy is community engagement and local young people will have the opportunity to attend masterclass sessions with Ross and the guest artists where they will demonstrate skills and techniques in spray painting and other mediums. The workshops and artwork creation have been running since April and are expected to continue into August.

With £3,000 available through the Creative Community Chest for micro projects across the North Edinburgh Arts membership area, local charities and constituted groups will also be able to apply for one of 10 grants of up to £300 which will be used to deliver creative content for the local community. The Creative Community Chest will be managed by the One City Trust and open over the summer.

The final element will be the introduction of a heritage/art trail for Pennywell. Appointed through an open call, the selected artist will create and deliver six permanent artworks in and around the Pennywell area.

With the aim of enhancing local pride, the artworks will become meeting points, way finders, conversation starters and points of connection. Local residents are invited to get involved in the process which will commence in September 2022 and over the following 12 months will include 24 engagement activities for all ages, culminating in the installation of the art in August 2023.

Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union, said: “We have been an active member of the local community for the last eight years and we are pleased that our public art strategy for Pennywell is now in place. The regeneration that has already taken place in the area will only be further complemented and enhanced by these plans which will bring wider benefits.

“The key to making these three distinct programmes a success will be the involvement of the local community. The art which will be created needs to reflect the rich social heritage of the area and the character of the communities who live and work in and around the Pennywell area.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the local community as our Phase 3 works progress and to seeing their ideas come to life through the unique opportunity that our Arts Strategy will provide.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, housing, homelessness and fair work convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “There is going to be so much to enjoy in North Edinburgh this summer. This programme is a real celebration of local people and all of the regeneration which has taken place.

“We’ve supported significant investment in Pennywell and Muirhouse, with new green spaces and a civic heart, brilliant sport and culture on the doorstep and plans for new community hub – plus of course hundreds of much needed, quality, affordable and social homes. It’s one of our 20 minute neighbourhood projects and you really can see the area flourishing.

“What’s been so special throughout this redevelopment is that residents have been really involved, with projects empowering people to reconnect with their area and initiatives to welcome new neighbours in. North Edinburgh Arts has been central to this and will now help us to bring permanent artworks to the area, which local people will also shape. We can’t wait to see the entries.”

Kate Wimpress, director, North Edinburgh Arts, commented: “North Edinburgh Arts has worked with Urban Union over the last eight years bringing creativity and community to each stage of the development. This has ranged from one off craft workshops, and arts activities for young people, to the development of temporary play spaces, and the permanent, much loved, Butterfly Garden on Pennywell Road.

“With support from Urban Union and the City of Edinburgh Council this current set of projects allow us to tap into local interests, expertise and enthusiasm once again and we look forward to sharing the results and the pride of our place with local residents, neighbours and visitors alike.”

Urban Union is developing 134 new homes and apartments as part of Phase 3 works at Pennywell Living and has been working in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council since 2014 to regenerate Pennywell, creating a vibrant residential area.