North Edinburgh News – Page 778 – The NEN

Majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that the majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future, based on their experiences with COVID-19.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions about people’s motivations around vaccination as we move away from the pandemic.

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been high and the survey asked people if they would take up new offers of COVID-19 vaccination, or, if not, to understand their reasons why.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The survey also found that of those who will take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in future, their main reasons were to protect themselves (88%) and to protect others (82%).

One respondent said: “If I can do this to help myself and others, and know the vigorous testing the vaccines have gone through, then why wouldn’t I accept the vaccine?”

Some 12% said they would decline the offer and 17% were not sure. Where respondents did not want it, the most common reason given was concern over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine.

In addition, all respondents were asked if their decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has changed over time. The majority said that their decision has not changed (82%). Some 16% said they wanted it at first, but now they don’t, and just 2% said that they didn’t want it at first but now they do.

The survey asks if people are more or less likely to take up the offer of other vaccines, such as flu or childhood vaccines, based on their COVID-19 vaccine experiences, with 36% saying more likely, 56% saying it’s made no difference, and just 7% saying they are less likely.

Simon Watson, Medical Director at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Vaccination is an absolutely essential element of our response to COVID-19 including future variants. It is vital to protect individuals, their families and the wider population of Scotland.”

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The findings around vaccination motivations highlight the positive public attitudes towards vaccination, as well as potential areas for improvement, mainly around the need to develop clear and accessible information about vaccine side effects and the benefits of vaccination including their effectiveness against serious illness.”

The report recommends the Scottish Government should continue to consider how to ensure positive and accessible vaccination experiences for all.

It also notes the Government should consider exploring people’s concerns further and their experiences around side effects. Developing further clear and accessible messaging around side effects, and the benefits and effectiveness of vaccination against serious illness may help address this.

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Missing girl: Have you seen Angel?

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace Angel McDaid who has been reported missing from the Drylaw area.

The 13 year old was last seen on Princes Street around 1pm on Monday 22nd May 2023.

Angel is described as being a white female, around 4ft 10in, of medium build, with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a black jumper, black trousers, a thin black faux leather gilet, white trainers and grey tote bag.

Sergeant Alison Lawrie said: ‘Our enquiries are ongoing to trace Angel and I am appealing for anyone who has any information on her whereabouts to contact us. I would also appeal to Angel directly to get in touch with local officers’.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 3921 of 21 May 2023.

Tai Chi at Fresh Start

We will be running Tai Chi classes in the Hub space at Ferry Road Drive from Wednesday 7^th June from 1.30 – 2.30pm. This is a very relaxing form of light exercise, good for the mind and body!

We have spaces for 10 and people don’t have to come every week, if they prefer to drop in week to week as it suits them, they can.

Please share with your networks and ask people to sign up by emailing me if they are interested: Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Tai-Chi-flier Download

Abi

Fore! Strachan House residents get in the swing at Ratho Park

Residents, David Leseur and Jimmy Main at Strachan House had always wanted to want to walk the fairways again and show us they still have what it takes from the Tee Box. So staff at the home made their wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.

Both residents has lived at Strachan House for several years and are popular with staff and residents alike.

Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “We first realised that Jimmy and David had this one passion in common. After becoming friends in the same home we thought: Why make this a moment for one when we can have two special moments?

“So the staff took their project idea out into the local community. Immediately Robert Dobbie, Club Manager/Secretary of Ratho Park Golf Club, got in touch to offer the club’s support in helping us achieve these two gents dream.

“Robert said he would delighted to be a part of making their wish a reality, as he knew how much it meant to them being keen golfers. Ratho Golf Club have been amazing and pulled out all the stops to ensure David and Jimmy had an unforgettable experience.”

Their families all arrived a little early to the course to see the surprised smiles on their loved ones faces.

In response to this wonderful surprise, David was in shock as we pulled up onto the clubs grounds and said: “I was on the verge of tears.

“It is such an amazing feeling to experience the golf course again. To do it with a friend too meant we were in for a good old lad’s afternoon of fun and laughter. What an amazing time we both had.”

Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House and our Gone Fishing 23 project demonstrates this through our person centred delivery of care and wellbeing.

“It was so nice to see how happy David and Jimmy was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”

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 beds residents from respite care to long term stays.

EACC meets on Thursday

EDINBURGH ASSOCIATION of COMMUNITY COUNCILS

NEXT MEETING: Thursday 25 May 2023: 18.50 for 19.00 on Microsoft Teams.

Speakers:

Harald Tobermann; Chair, Edinburgh Bus Users Group:

Building the client relationship with Transport for Edinburgh.

Angela Benzies, HE Consultant, Edinburgh:

Community Council pathways for the support of local small business.

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Here is the Microsoft Teams link:

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 322 644 206 999
Passcode: TwTidj

Download Teams | Join on the web
Learn more |

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Update:

CEC Spatial Policy and Active Travel are promoting Clean Air Day on 15 June with a promotional “Clean Air Day Toolkit” which I attach with this email.

Tomorrow: Future-proof your home!

Happening this Wednesday evening, 7pm at Stockbridge Parish Church!

Find out how you can make your tenement flat or house more energy efficient, find funding to support you, and save money on your bills.

Edinburgh College Open Day

SATURDAY 27th MAY at SIGHTHILL CAMPUS from 10am – 1pm

Edinburgh College will welcome prospective students to its Sighthill Campus this May to showcase its facilities to those considering starting a course in August 2023.

The open day will allow prospective students to find out about the various courses they can apply for, as well as see first-hand what it’s like to study at Scotland’s capital College.

Sighthill Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 27 May for anyone considering applying for a full-time, part-time, or evening course. Those in attendance will also have the chance to find out more about the many National 5 and Higher courses on offer.

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to visit Sighthill Campus to find out more about course options, how to apply to study at the College, to get advice on additional support, and to learn more about funding options.

Learners at any stage of their professional or education journey will be able to find out about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the event, with staff available to answer any questions that come to mind along the way.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our Sighthill Campus to prospective students this May so that they can experience what life is like at Edinburgh College.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to find out more about the many fantastic courses we have on offer at our campuses across the capital, as well as discover the different ways that Edinburgh College can help you realise the future you want to achieve. If you’ve been thinking about studying with us, please do come along.”

For more information and to book a place at the May Open Day, visit: https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-may-2023

Come along to our Open Day at Sighthill Campus from 10am on Saturday 27 May, where we will be showcasing our full-time, part-time and evening courses starting this August.

Find out more: http://ow.ly/rvpb50OrToL

Police appeal following incident on City Bypass

POLICE are appealing for information following a crash on the Edinburgh city by-pass. The incident happened around 12.30 pm on Sunday, 21 May, 2023 on the A720 westbound between the Millerhill junction and Sheriffhall roundabout.

A blue Harley Davidson motorcycle was struck by a dark Blue BMW SUV, which failed to stop.

Police Constable Stewart Logan of the Road Policing Unit said: “The 51-year-old male motorcyclist and 33-year-old female pillion passenger were left badly shaken, but did not require medical treatment.

“They were knocked into the side of a passing caravan, resulting in them falling onto the roadway. The driver towing the caravan stopped and assisted. There will likely be some damage to the near side body panels of the SUV.

“We are looking for any witnesses or any motorists who have dash-cam footage, you may have captured something that can assist our enquiries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 1851 of 21 May, 2023.”

Help for Households? Chancellor to meet with food manufacturers

The Chancellor will meet with food manufacturers on Tuesday to discuss the cost of food and explore ways to ease pressure on households
He is also due to meet the Competition and Markets Authority about their investigations into the fuel and grocery markets
Government will look at reforms around unit pricing, to make it easier for consumers to compare the prices for similar products

The Chancellor will meet with food manufacturers today (Tuesday 23 May) to raise concerns about the high price of food in the UK and discuss measures the government can take with industry to ease the pressure on households.

Building on engagement between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the UK’s biggest supermarkets earlier this month, the Chancellor will ask food manufacturers to do what they can to support consumers.

As crucial players in the supply chain to supermarkets, this follow up meeting with food manufacturers will help ministers better understand the challenges firms are grappling with as inflated prices continue to plague the economy. The food and drink manufacturing sector is the largest in the UK, accounting for nearly 20% of total UK manufacturing and employing almost half a million people across the country.

On the same day, the Chancellor will meet with the independent Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) to discuss the scope of their investigations into road fuel and groceries markets, including the possible action they could take if they are dissatisfied with the level of competition in the sector which could be allowing higher prices to prevail.

The government wants it to be easier for consumers to compare the prices of products, and the CMA is currently reviewing the use of unit pricing both in-store and online in the groceries sector. The government will consider updating pricing rules, including by strengthening the Price Marking Order 2004 (Retained EU Law), after the CMA review has concluded.

While rising food prices in the UK are in line with the EU average and headline inflation fell by 0.3 per cent last month, food inflation grew to 19.2 per cent. Food inflation disproportionately affects low-income households, who spend more of their income on food and are less able to swap what they would usually buy for cheaper alternatives.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “High food prices are proving stubborn so we need to understand what’s driving that.

“That’s why I’m asking industry to work with us as we halve inflation, to help ease the pressure on household budgets.”

Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, Karen Betts said: “We are looking forward to discussing the multiple drivers of food price inflation with the Chancellor, which have caused the fastest acceleration of food prices in a generation.

“Despite manufacturers’ best efforts in recent months to absorb rising costs in their margins, these have been both persistent and broad-based – from ingredients to energy and labour – making price rises unavoidable.

“We believe food and drink price inflation is close to its peak, and food and drink manufacturers will continue to work hard to keep prices as low as possible, conscious of the pressure on hard-pressed households.

“Government can help too, for example by urgently reviewing upcoming packaging recycling regulations to make them more efficient, by working with us to address labour and skills shortages, and by keeping to a minimum the labelling changes required of companies as a result of the recent agreement with the EU on the movement of food and drink to Northern Ireland.”

The government says it has acted decisively to help struggling households with rising prices, pledging to halve inflation this year and taking action to bring down bills for families. This includes introducing the Energy Profits Levy on oil and gas companies to pay almost half of a typical household’s energy bills, freezing fuel duty and taking difficult decisions on government spending to make sure we do not fuel inflation further.

One of the most generous support packages in Europe has also been rolled out, worth £3,300 per household on average over this year and last. Benefits and state pensions have been increased by over 10 per cent, up to £1,350 in direct cash payments are being made to millions of vulnerable households and record uplifts in the National Living Wage mean someone who is currently out of work and takes a full-time job will be over £7,500 better off.

Extra support has been put in place to help the most vulnerable with high food prices, including the £2.5 billion Household Support Fund which provides local authorities with money to support their communities with the cost of essentials, the £200 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme which supports children on Free School Meals with a nutritious meal during the holidays and an expansion of Free School Meals to all 5-7 year-olds.

The Prime Minister and Farming Secretary brought together representatives from across the UK food supply chain last week, where they outlined a range of measures to help strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of the sector and put farmers at the heart of plans to grow the economy.

New pay offer for Scotland’s junior doctors: 14.5% over two years

Junior doctors across Scotland have been offered a 14.5% pay uplift over the two year period 2022-24, following negotiations with BMA Scotland.

This represents a £61.3 million investment in junior doctor pay – the largest in the last 20 years and the best offer in the UK.

If accepted, the new and final offer will be a pay raise of 6.5% in 2023/24, as well as an additional 3% towards an already agreed 4.5% uplift in 2022/23. This amounts to a cumulative increase of 14.5% over two years and matches the recent pay award accepted by nurses and other NHS workers in 2023.

This offer means a doctor at the beginning of their career would receive a total salary increase of £3,834 over two years. For those at the end of their training the rise would be £7,951 over the same period.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “After weeks of intense negotiations I’m delighted our government and BMA Scotland have come to an agreement on pay which they will now put to their members.

“Recognising the incredible work that junior doctors do, we have offered a fair and progressive rise which will mean a pay increase of 14.5% over two years – the best offer on the table in the UK.

“We have taken their concerns regarding pay, and the need to modernise pay bargaining more broadly, extremely seriously. It’s now up to junior doctors to reflect on this final offer, and I hope they will accept.”