Category: North Edinburgh News

Legionnaire’s outbreak update

The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that there are no further confirmed or suspected cases of the disease. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains at 47, a total of 91 cases overall.

At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, six are in intensive care – a reduction from seven yesterday – and 18 are on general wards.

A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 39 have been discharged from hospital – an increase from 38 on Monday – and two people have sadly died.

Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, with cooling towers in the Gorgie and Dalry areas coming in for particular attention.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of  people in intensive care. I would like to thank the hardworking staff at NHS Lothian who are continuing to provide the very best treatment to the remaining six individuals who are critically ill. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”

Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are encouraged to see that the numbers of patients with Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian remains unchanged. This is in line with our prediction that the numbers would reach a peak at the weekend and then begin to gradually decline. We will continue to monitor all of the services in NHS Lothian which are working extremely hard as part of this outbreak, but overall the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns continue to fall.”

Legionnaire's outbreak update

The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that there are no further confirmed or suspected cases of the disease. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains at 47, a total of 91 cases overall.

At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, six are in intensive care – a reduction from seven yesterday – and 18 are on general wards.

A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 39 have been discharged from hospital – an increase from 38 on Monday – and two people have sadly died.

Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, with cooling towers in the Gorgie and Dalry areas coming in for particular attention.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of  people in intensive care. I would like to thank the hardworking staff at NHS Lothian who are continuing to provide the very best treatment to the remaining six individuals who are critically ill. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”

Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are encouraged to see that the numbers of patients with Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian remains unchanged. This is in line with our prediction that the numbers would reach a peak at the weekend and then begin to gradually decline. We will continue to monitor all of the services in NHS Lothian which are working extremely hard as part of this outbreak, but overall the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns continue to fall.”

Drink driving – still too many dicing with death

The drink drive message is still failing to register with too many motorists, according to Lothian and Borders Police. Senior police officers have spoken out spoke out following the conclusion of the ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland) Summer Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, saying it is clear the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs continue to be ignored.

During the two-week campaign (June 4 -18) coordinated by ACPOS, police forces across Scotland carried out high profile and unmarked patrols to target those risking their lives and the lives of others on Scotland’s roads.

Over the last seven days, 118 people were reported for drink driving, an additional five were detected whilst unfit through drugs and 18 vehicles were seized for consideration of forfeiture by the court. This brought the two week campaign total to 229 motorists reported for drink driving, a slight reduction on last year’s campaign (238 in 2011).

In one incident on 11 June, officers attended at Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh where a woman was seen by members of the public slumped over the steering wheel of a car in the car park. She provided a roadside breath sample of over SIX times the legal limit and was arrested, She later refused to provide a sample at the station. She was cautioned and charged, held for court and forfeiture of her vehicle was requested. The accused had earlier purchased alcohol at the supermarket and had been drinking in the car for some time.

In another incident a lorry driver transporting a shipment of beer on the M9 near Stirling was stopped and provided a breath sample of more than three times the legal limit.

Young drivers (17 to 25 years old) continue to feature and this is a cause for concern. One 23 year old male who has only held his driving licence for two weeks was found driving whilst over the legal drink drive limit in Kirkcaldy.

A 25 year old female provisional licence holder who was reportedly travelling at speeds in excess of 100mph in Aberdeen failed to negotiate a roundabout crashing her vehicle.  She was taken to hospital where she later provided a positive breath test.  As well as drink driving she has also been charged with dangerous driving and driving licences offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Kate Thomson of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) lead for drink driving and anti social use of the roads. She said: “Of course it is pleasing to note there has been a reduction in numbers of motorists found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. But this is a very slight decrease year on year and I would caution against any form of complacency. It is of particular concern that so many young drivers think it is appropriate to drink and drive. Over the summer spell there are many events and occasions where people are tempted to enjoy an alcoholic refreshment. There is no problem with that as long as they do not then choose to get behind the wheel of their car.”

She continued: “Motorists have to take responsibility for their actions, the safety of their passengers and other road users. Although the campaign is over, police officers across Scotland will continue to be vigilant and you will be caught if you drink and drive. I would encourage the public who suspect anyone of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to contact the Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala planning day today

The Gala Committee is hosting a planning day at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church from 11am this morning. The event is for everyone looking to be involved, people looking to find out whats going on is invited.   We hope to see you all there.

The Gala will take place on Sunday 26 August from 12 – 4pm at West Pilton Park. For more info visit the group’s website at www.westpiltonand muirhousegala.co.uk or email wpmcgala@gmail.com

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala Committee

Olympic Reflections

 

The North Neighbourhood Olympic Torch Project came to a dramatic finale on the 30 May when participants took part in a Mini Olympians final event at Bangholm (writes Ricky Karoyan). Pupils were split into countries before taking part in various Olympic sports – from athletics to martial arts – and competing to win gold!  Pupils were awarded prizes based on effort and being a good player in keeping with the Olympic values.

The torch started it’s journey at Craigroyston Primary on Tuesday 21 February.  The torch was then delivered to St Davids and ended up at Lorne Primary on the 21 May.   As the torch travelled from school to school the pupils got to experience one of the Olympic sports, whilst also sharing the experience with a neighbouring school.  They even got to meet some Team GB Olympians, such as hockey player Graham Moodey) and athlete Lynsey Sharp, who visited schools in their Olympic Games kit!  This project involved P3’s from 11 schools from across North Edinburgh.

The activities experienced were hockey, basketball, judo, athletics, Paralympics events, handball, taekwondo, seated volleyball, fencing and boccia.

The pupils had a great time and learned lots of exciting new sports and skills with neighbouring schools.  Active Schools were really impressed with the effort that the classes put into their class presentations and their flag and mini torch making.

A special thanks to all the schools who supported this project and for their enthusiasm and energy.  Also a big thanks to Telford College who delivered our final festival, bringing lots of energy and excitement to the event. Lets hope our mini Olympians are future Olympic athletes in the making!

Ricky Karoyan

Active Schools Coordinator, Craigroyston Cluster

D Mains and Silverknowes Association AGM

Davidsons Mains and Silverknowes Association are holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19 June at 7.30pm in Holy Cross Church Hall on Quality Street.

The meeting offers an opportunity to meet and put questions to the area’s newly elected councillors – Lindsay Paterson (Conservative), Alistair Shields (Lib Dem) and Norman Work (SNP).

D Mains Gala tomorrow

Organisers of Davidsons Mains Childrens Gala are keeping their fingers crossed for no more rain with the eightieth annual Gala due to take place tomorrow from 11.30am.

Everything is in place – Gala King Lewis Crosbie and Queen Anna Wynn with their Court (pictured below) will be leading off the procession – so here’s hoping for some summer sunshine!

For full information on the gala programme see the website dmainsgala.org.uk

New Edinburgh Orchestra at St. Serf’s

New Edinburgh Orchestra will be performing a concert at St Serf’s Parish Church Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. Conducted by Tim Paxton, leader Joanna Duncan, the orchestra will perform:

David Horne’s Strands, Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor Op. 85 (solo cello Harriet Bruce) and Devorak’s Symphony No & in D Minor Op 70.

Tickets are available on the door or can be purchased online at wegottickets.com