Category: Uncategorized

People with lived experience have their say on stroke research

The Stroke Association, the UK’s leading stroke charity, is announcing the top 10 priorities for stroke research, uncovered by a study involving stroke survivors, carers and health and social care professionals in stroke.

The charity’s new report – the first UK-wide project to map research priorities across the entire stroke care and treatment pathway – reveals where research can address the issues holding Stroke Association survivors back from rebuilding their lives after a devastating stroke.    

John Watson, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. 

“Every stroke is unique because the brain is so complex and stroke can happen in any part of it. This means there are as many different impacts of stroke as there are stroke survivors, posing a huge challenge for research. 

“According to the most recent figures from the UK Medical Research Council, only £30m of public and charity health research spending goes on stroke. This equates to less than £25 per stroke survivor per year compared to £161 per person living with cancer. 

“Despite major breakthroughs over the last 10 years, we now know where there are significant blind spots in treatment and care. These are holding people back from rebuilding their lives. With the number of people having strokes set to rise – it’s estimated that the number of stroke survivors in Scotland could rise to almost 175,000 by 2035, [3].  We must act now and invest in the research that will make the biggest difference to the lives of people affected by stroke.”  

Keen endurance athlete, Andrew (Andy) aged 48 from Perthshire had a stroke in 2019 – he knows only too well the burden of stroke and gaps in stroke research that matter to people affected by stroke.

Andy said: “Stroke research is important to me.  There are many effects of stroke including fatigue and the psychological consequences of stroke that we should know more about. 

“We need to involve people with lived experience of stroke in decisions around stroke priorities to inform researchers and funders about what really matters to us. We know what our difficulties are, and I believe further understanding of those difficulties is a good step towards finding treatments and solutions to enable people to live the best possible life they can.”

Over 1,400 people affected by stroke and professionals in stroke took part in the project, which was carried out in partnership with the James Lind Alliance (JLA), as well as individuals and organisations representing stroke patients, carers and professionals in stroke. 

The Stroke Association is sharing the findings as part of its new report “Shaping Stroke Research to Rebuild Lives: The Stroke Priority Setting Partnership results for investment.” 

The report sets the agenda for stroke research and identifies the areas that most urgently need investment.  There are two lists of 10 priority areas: the first in stroke prevention and acute care, and the second in rehabilitation and long-term care, ranked in order of importance.  

The top priorities in each list are: 

  • Interventions to stop stroke. Stroke strikes every 5 minutes in the UK, but we know that most (80-90%) strokes are preventable [4]. We need increased investment in research so people can avoid the devastating effects of stroke in the first place. 
  • Understanding of, and treatment for mental and emotional problems. Three quarters of stroke survivors experience a change in their mental health [5], we need research so that people can overcome significant effects such as anxiety and depression after stroke.  

Dr Rubina Ahmed, Director of Research and Policy at the Stroke Association, said: “Charities like ours need to look for new ways to help stroke survivors with emotional, mental and communication problems. 

“Establishing what research will make the biggest difference to stroke survivors and those caring for them is just the first step. Stroke research is severely underfunded.  Just £1 in every £100 of public and charity spend in health research is on stroke and this just isn’t enough to solve the big and complex issues caused by stroke. 

“The stroke funding crisis has been worsened by the coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic, which has had a devastating impact on our income, halving the charity’s research budget.  Stroke research is at risk, which means recoveries of people like Andy are at risk too. Your support can fund the research that will lead to breakthroughs in treatment and care. If you can, please donate so that we can make sure more stroke survivors can rebuild their lives after stroke.  

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in this project: stroke survivors, their carers, professionals in stroke, the James Lind Alliance, the Steering Group members and our partners. By having your say for stroke, you have helped to shape stroke research to rebuild lives.” 

Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in the UK. By establishing these priorities our charity can support the research that can make the biggest difference to the lives of people affected by stroke.  

Find out how stroke research helps rebuild lives at stroke.org.uk/rebuildinglives or to donate, please visit: stroke.org.uk/saveresearch 

To read the full list of priorities and the report visit: www.stroke.org.uk/psp  

Dream showhome opened by local rugby stars

Cala Homes launch its latest showhome at The Avenue, Ravelrig Heights, Pictured players from the local Currie Chieftains rugby club, Captain Fergus Scott and Oren Corrigan (P3) and Cala Corrigan (P2)

AN EXPANSIVE new CALA Homes (East) showhome has been officially opened by local rugby stars of the future and present.

The Waverley at Ravelrig Heights in Balerno is a five-bedroom home spanning more than 3726 square feet, including detached self-contained accommodation above garage and large garden.

The showhome, CALA’s largest in the region, is now available for pre-booked viewings after being opened by junior and senior players from Currie Chieftains, based in nearby Malleny Park in Balerno and which the homebuilder has been main sponsor for the last 10 years. 

The impressive home is part of The Avenue, a collection of just eight electric gated homes located on an open crescent to the private edge of its successful Ravelrig Heights development.

Fergus Scott, Club captain with the Chieftains attended the opening – and was joined by brother and sister Oren and Cala Corrigan from its thriving junior setup.

He said: “This home is incredible inside and out. It’s a real privilege to be given the role of officially opening a flagship showhome.

“CALA has supported the club for the last decade – a time in which we’ve been able to expand and improve our setup immeasurably, adding junior and women’s teams and attracting players from Balerno, Currie and the wider area.”

Cala Homes launch its latest showhome at The Avenue, Ravelrig Heights, Pictured players from the local Currie Chieftains rugby club, Captain Fergus Scott and Oren Corrigan (P3) and Cala Corrigan (P2)

Craig Lynes, Managing Director with CALA Homes (East) also attended the launch. He said: “This showhome is a credit to the teams behind it and is the perfect showcase for our brand.

“Inviting the Chieftains down as our VIP guests to open such a special home was an obvious decision for us – owing to the positive impact it has throughout the surrounding community.”

With interiors designed by Eileen Kesson of Envision Design, the focal point of the home is a dramatic split staircase and galleried landing. The showhome is presented with two contrasting downstairs lounges, a vast kitchen and family room – with separate utility room – and a formal dining room downstairs.

Upstairs five spacious double bedrooms (including three en-suite) provide copious storage options. The main bedroom also includes a large dressing area.

Homes on The Avenue at Ravelrig Heights feature an exceptional specification as standard, including underfloor heating, electric gated entrances, and large secluded gardens reaching up to a third of an acre in size.

The location also offers easy access to the city, airport, excellent schooling and surrounding countryside, outside pursuits and walks.

Currie Chieftains was conceived by six rugby enthusiasts who met in a pub in 1970, building its reputation on a 25-year climb from the Edinburgh District League, Division 2 to reach the top-flight Scottish Premiership in the mid-1990s.

To find out more information or express interest in ‘The Avenue’ at Ravelrig Heights, please contact 0131 516 5774 or visit https://www.cala.co.uk/theavenue

Veteran Dad shares words of wisdom ahead of Father’s Day

Residents at a care home have been sharing their favourite memories and most important piece of advice in advance of Father’s Day.

89-year-old Matthew Dunnigan, who resides at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh, has shared the advice he would like to pass to future generations of fathers is to treasure all of the time you have with your children and show them as much warmth, care and love as possible.

Matthew also shared one of the biggest perks of fatherhood is being able to socialise with his two children as they got older, adding: “When they were young, I was always Dad but when they grew up, I became a friend too, and that was very special”

Cramond Residence, where Matthew is currently a resident, will be putting on a dedicated Father’s Day spread, with tea, cakes and sandwiches, to help residents celebrate the special day in style, despite restrictions.

Lifesaving charity warns there could be a steep increase in accidental drownings this summer

 

A rise in drowning figures has prompted the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)  to encourage parents to teach their children how to stay safe and enjoy water safely this summer, as part of its national Drowning Prevention Week campaign, 19-26 June  2021. 

Throughout 2020 and 2021, millions of children have missed out on vital swimming, lifesaving  skills and water safety education during the pandemic due to pool closures, leaving a dramatic  gap in school swimming and water safety education.  

Young people from low incomes and ethnic minority communities have been the hardest hit.  A staggering 95 per cent of black adults and 80 per cent of black children do not swim, and  this gap has widened still further as a result of Covid-19. 

Accidental drowning takes an average of 402 UK and Irish citizens each year, and the Royal  Life Saving Society UK fears that with lockdown restrictions lifting and staycations on the up, families will flock to inland water locations and beaches this summer, without the right  knowledge and skills, putting themselves and others at risk.  

Fourteen-year-old Teya Davies tragically died after slipping into Sniggy Pond in Widnes, trying  to help her friend who had fallen into the water before her. Teya’s story is not a ‘one off’- it’s  one of many, so RLSS UK has teamed up with Teya’s friends and family to create a powerful  video highlighting the importance of water safety, in Teya’s honour.  

Teya’s friend, Liv Eren said: “We sadly lost our friend, Teya, at the age of 14. When looking  back on Teya’s story, we now know how preventable her death could have been if only she  knew how to swim, or to keep herself safe in the water.

“We are pleased to do our bit to prevent  others from going through the heartache of losing a friend like we have.” 

RLSS UK’s Charity Director Lee Heard, said: “We are surrounded by opportunities to be in or  near water. Whatever their age and activity level, everyone should be having fun, creating  memories and feeling at ease around the water.

“The inequality in access to swimming and  water safety education, and subsequent lack of potential interaction with the water is a big concern.  

“RLSS UK believes that through free, accessible education and training, everyone can enjoy  water safely, have fun in the water and develop an essential life skill. We urge as many parents  and carers as possible to get involved with the campaign, use our free online resources, and  give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.” 

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “We want every primary school pupil to learn to swim and to  have water safety lessons, not just because it can improve their physical health but also  because it is an important life skill.  

“The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s work in raising awareness about the importance of water  safety is very welcome, adding to the work we continue to do with schools to promote water  safety and swimming.  

“We must do all we can to eliminate the tragedy of children drowning.”

Police seek information following Ferry Road Hit and Run

Cyclist in serious condition

Police are appealing for information following a hit and run in Edinburgh.

Around 5pm yesterday (Sunday, 13 June) a man was cycling on Ferry Road when he was struck by a motorbike travelling in the same direction. The 52-year-old cyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

The motorcyclist did not stop at the time and officers are treating the incident as a hit and run.

The motorbike is possibly red in colour and the motorcyclist was wearing protective clothing.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick said: “I would urge the motorcyclist involved to come forward. I am also appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident. If any motorists have dash cams, please check your footage as it could assist our enquiries. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from in and around the area for any further information on the motorcyclist.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2739 of 13 June, 2021

MSP’s delight as Edinburgh receives £846,000 for childrens’ summer activities

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has expressed his delight as the City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive £846,000 from the Scottish Government to encourage children to play and socialise as part of the recovery from the pandemic.

Councils across Scotland will receive a share of £15m to support summer activities that are already in place in certain areas.

The support will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

£5m will also be distributed among prominent Scottish children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and Who Cares Scotland.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “I am absolutely delighted at this investment in Edinburgh’s children and young people, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as they have not been able to meet up with friends or play the sports they love.

“Coming out of the pandemic young people have told us that their mental health will be a priority and the SNP Scottish Government has listened to them and is investing in summer activities.

“This will have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people, which will be extremely important when coming out of lockdown and into recovery.”

Testing unit opens at North Local Office as Covid cases rise

Two more mobile testing units are open for people without symptoms in parts of Edinburgh where #Covid19 cases are increasing:

North West Locality Office, 8 West Pilton Gardens: 10am-6pm until Sunday 13 June

and

@ South East Locality office, 40 Captain’s Road 10am-6pm until Thursday.

#stopthespread

Over 40 million Britons receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

  • 27 million people have received both doses – the strongest possible protection
  • public urged to come forward for vaccines to help protect against the threat of new variants

Over 40 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, the latest figures show today, as the UK’s vaccination programme continues at pace.

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 67,287,864 vaccines between 8 December and 5 June, including 40,124,229 people with first doses 76.2% and 27,160,635 people with both doses 51.6% ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose.

A recent study by Public Health England (PHE) shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant first identified in India. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is similar after 2 doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant dominant in the UK, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.

The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England has extended the offer of a vaccine to everyone over the age of 30.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “It is an astonishing achievement to deliver over 40 million first doses in just 6 months. In all 4 corners of the UK, people are stepping up when their time comes to protect themselves and the people around them.

“It seems with every day we pass another major milestone on the road back to recovery. Over three-quarters of adults have received a first dose and over half of adults have now been vaccinated with the life-saving second dose.

“I pay tribute to the tireless work of the NHS and armed forces in building this momentum – but our work is not yet done. I encourage everyone who is eligible to join the millions who have the fullest possible protection from this virus by getting their jab when the time comes.”

Last week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine was authorised for use in the UK. It is expected doses will become available later this year. The single-dose vaccine was shown to be 67% effective overall in preventing COVID-19 infection and 85% effective in preventing severe disease or hospitalisation.

To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.

The move follows updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern.

The government and its scientific experts are monitoring the evolving situation and rates of variants closely, and will not hesitate to take additional action as necessary.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “Our vaccination programme, the biggest and most successful in NHS history, has now delivered over 40 million first doses into arms – a fantastic achievement.

“I am incredibly proud of everyone involved who have worked tirelessly to help us reach milestone after milestone. It is time to redouble our efforts on the second dose, to ensure everyone has maximum protection.

“The offer is open to everyone over the age of 30, so when you get the call, get the jab. It could save your life and protect your loved ones.”

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms. Vaccinated people are even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “It’s fantastic for the vaccine programme to have achieved 3 such important and significant milestones in just one week, and proves we are heading in the right direction.

“The UK government is supplying vaccines for people in all parts of the United Kingdom and today’s news that 40 million people have now had their first dose underlines the scheme’s success. It’s heartening to see that so many are doing the right thing and getting their jab when eligible.”

Data from PHE’s real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 13,200 lives and preventing 39,700 hospitalisations in England.

PHE analysis also shows that individuals who receive a single dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have approximately 80% lower risk of death against the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) coronavirus variant originating in Kent and a second dose of the vaccine can provide 85 to 90% protection against symptomatic disease. Protection against death from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rises from approximately 80% after one dose to 97% after 2 doses against the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant.

Data published by YouGov shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated.

ONS data published on 6 May found that more than 9 in 10 (93%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.

Health Ministers plant memorial trees to remember lives lost around the world

  • Health ministers and local nurse plant trees following end to UK-hosted G7 talks
  • Lasting memorial in Oxford Botanic Garden for lives lost globally during the pandemic
  • This year marks the 400th anniversary of the garden’s foundation and its contribution to scientific discovery in Oxford

Health ministers from across the world have come together in a tree-planting ceremony to remember those who have tragically lost their lives to COVID-19, marking the conclusion of the G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Oxford yesterday (Friday 4 June).

The Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, alongside other health leaders and a local chief nurse, planted 10 Japanese cherry (Sakura) blossom trees – one for each representative of the G7, as well as the World Health Organization and global healthcare staff – at the Oxford Botanic Garden yesterday, complementing the garden’s already extensive collection of plants.

In Japan, the trees themselves are said to act as a metaphor for the finite nature of life.

Following the crucial UK-hosted G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting this week – which brought together health leaders from the world’s major democracies to agree life-saving action in critical areas of global health, including preventing future pandemics – the memorial acts as a timely reminder for friends and family members of loved ones they have lost.

As one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world, the Oxford Botanic Garden began as a physic garden – where healing herbs and plants are grown – in which medical students from Oxford University were taught how to identify medicinal plants in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “As I work with my G7 colleagues to better prepare us all for future health threats, we must never forget the sorrow and heartbreak felt across the UK and around the world as a result of COVID-19.

“Oxford has played a central role in showing us the road out of the pandemic and their Botanic Garden now has a fitting tribute for people to be able to reflect and remember those that have been lost.”

This year, the Botanic Garden celebrates the 400th anniversary of its foundation and its contribution to scientific discovery in Oxford. The garden and its arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay have been an oasis for people to enjoy during what has been a challenging 18 months.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, administered the first Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to a patient outside of clinical trials, on 4 January (above).

Yesterday she planted a memorial tree on behalf of health and care staff around the world.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a great honour to be asked to plant a tree to remember all the dedicated nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals who have cared for people with COVID-19 – including those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

“We must never forget the contribution which every member of health and care staff has made during this time of unprecedented challenges for the NHS and globally.”

The 2021 G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting has been held in person at Oxford University – a global centre of clinical, scientific and academic excellence – which has been at the heart of the global fight against COVID-19, with world-leading clinical trials and its not-for-profit partnership with AstraZeneca on COVID-19 vaccines already saving thousands of lives across the globe.

The meeting took place over 2 days and provided a valuable opportunity to discuss global health security, antimicrobial resistance, clinical trials and digital health, as well as live issues. Engagement also took place virtually with the G7 Presidency’s guest countries: Republic of India, Republic of Korea, Australia and Republic of South Africa.

The Health Ministers’ Meeting precedes and informs health discussions at the Leaders’ Summit, hosted by the Prime Minister on 11 to 13 June.

Professor Louise Richardson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Oxford University is honoured to have hosted the Health Ministers and is very grateful for this gesture of commemoration for those who have lost their lives.

“Planting beautiful trees in our ancient Botanic Garden is a powerful affirmation of the health-giving properties of nature itself and will be a source of reflection for generations to come.”