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Talking about a healthier Scotland

‘We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.’ – Health Secretary Shona Robison

The conversation on the long term future of health and social care services in Scotland began at an event held in Dundee yesterday.

Representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS, care sector, charities, patient groups and the third sector came together this morning in a café conversation-style event hosted by national third sector health and social care organisation, the ALLIANCE.

It is the first in a series of events and discussions which will be held around the country between August 2015 and April 2016.

Opening the event, Health Secretary Shona Robison called on people from across the country to get involved. She also announced the launch of the Creating a Healthier Scotland website, giving people the opportunity to follow the conversation and contribute to the debate as it progresses.

Ms Robison said: “Earlier this year I announced my intention to hold a national conversation about the future of our health and social care services. I want to seek agreement on how to make more progress in improving the health of the population, and on how our NHS and social care systems should develop by 2030 to continue supporting everyone to live well.

“We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.

“The NHS is a treasured institution and holds a special place in this country’s heart. Nearly every single person has used or had some experience of the NHS in their lifetime and so it is absolutely right that we involve as many people as we can in the discussion about where the NHS will go in the next ten to fifteen years and beyond.

“There will be many opportunities for people to get involved, and tell us what matters over the coming months.

“We have made some real progress in recent years – cutting waiting times, vastly reducing superbug infections in our hospitals and bringing together health and social care through legislation for the first time ever to deliver fully joined up services for people in Scotland.

“We have also taken steps to address immediate challenges – like investing £100 million to tackle delayed discharge, recruiting record levels of staff, investing more than £12billion in a financial year for the first time ever and setting out a new plan for emergency care.

“Our vision for 2020 – that people should live longer healthier lives at home or in homely settings remains the right course to set. But our approach to health and social care between now and 2030 cannot simply remain the same as we face increasing challenges and pressures and we must start discussing and planning for that now.

“Most importantly, I want to ensure that as far as possible the outcome of the national conversation is turned into a practical reality. This isn’t about producing just another vision – we want to take these views and put them into practice as quickly as we can.

“Today marks the beginning of this conversation and I’m pleased to be here in Dundee to listen to a wide range of stakeholders, professionals and patients of the NHS.”

Ian Welsh, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) said: “The ALLIANCE welcomes the national conversation on the future of health and social care in Scotland. This provides us with an opportunity to engage with people across the country who use support and services in defining priorities for improving Scotland’s health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with our members to generate a substantial contribution to this process and support creative discussions about what keeps people well.”

The national debate will focus around three broad questions:

What support do we need in Scotland to live healthier lives?
What areas of health and social care matter most to you?
Thinking about the future of health and social care services, where should our focus be?

Find out more on the Creating Healthier Scotland website: http://healthier.scot/

Contribute to the debate via post and email, or by joining the discussion on the blog, Twitter, orFacebook page.

Kent generations remember Edinburgh firefighter

Proud great-grandchildren donate watch to Museum of Fire

The Museum of Fire in Lauriston Place recently received a very special gift from Robert (18) and eleven year old Cameron Hall (pictured) in remembrance of their great-grandfather David Hall. Three generations of the Hall family travelled up from Kent to visit the Museum, once the fire station where David worked.

David served as a firefighter with the then South Eastern Fire Brigade until sadly he died in an accident at work in 1967. Both grandsons were accompanied by their parents and grandparents last week when they presented a watch to the Museum in memory of the firefighter.

Alistair MacDonald, Museum of Fire, said: ““We were all very pleased to welcome the Hall family from Kent to the Museum of Fire in Edinburgh.

“It was a privilege to show Robert and Cameron around the museum along with their grandmother Sue and explain a bit about the kind of work their great-grandfather would have done whilst serving as a firefighter. Sadly David Hall passed way in 1967 following an accident at the Service’s headquarters on Lauriston Place.

“It was a real honour for our staff to be able to meet the family and take some time to remember David.”

Sue Hall, said: “My father-in-law David Hall served with South Eastern Fire Brigade until 1967 when he was tragically killed following an accident in Edinburgh. He actually worked in the building that now houses the Museum of Fire. My grandsons Cameron and Robert, David’s great-grandsons, have always been so interested in their great-grandfather the firefighter.

“They have been so excited to come and see where David would have worked, visit the museum that’s now there and present a watch in memory of him. It’s been lovely for all our family to come and see but especially for my husband, David’s son, to see this part of his father’s past.”

Created through the display of fire engines, equipment and uniforms, the history of the first municipal fire brigade in Europe and fire fighting in Edinburgh between 1824 and the 1940s can be seen at the Museum of Fire in Lauriston Place.

Visits can be booked by emailing sfrs.newbridgesdaadmin@firescotland.gov.uk

Police Scotland launch annual Festival safety campaign

Love it or loathe it, you just can’t ignore it … yes, it’s Festival time in Edinburgh, and Police Scotland have launched their annual safety campaign

LAUNCH OF FESTIVAL POLICING OPERATION

We have today launched our annual campaign to keep people safe during the Festival.

In the coming weeks, hundreds of thousands of visitors are set to join the Capital’s local residents to enjoy a month of artistic performances and events, culminating in the fireworks display at the end of August.

To ensure the Festival is a secure and welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike, police will have a high-visibility presence throughout the city centre to offer a range of useful advice aimed at preventing the public being targeted by criminals.

All of this information will be available on the Police Scotland website or by following Edinburgh Division’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festival is a fantastic spectacle and results in worldwide attention for the city. We will be doing everything we can to prevent crime happening in the first place and I would appeal to the public to help us in that effort.

“By taking a number of simple steps, visitors and locals can ensure their experience of the Festival is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Remember to always keep an eye on your valuables when you’re out enjoying the sights and events within Edinburgh and never leave any belongings unattended. If you are enjoying the nightlife then please make sure you drink responsibly and have a plan to get home.

“This year, for the first time, we have helpful advice for tourists and visitors on-line that they can access before they arrive in the city, so that they can equip themselves with all the information they need to safeguard themselves against opportunistic criminals.

“I would ask that anyone planning on visiting Edinburgh in the coming weeks to visit our tourist and visitors advice page on the Police Scotland website.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Our environmental wardens will be working closely with Police Scotland in the city centre over the Festival period to help keep people safe and offer reassurance through a high visibility presence. I would encourage people to do their bit too, by acting responsibly and taking time to look at the latest safety advice.

“Edinburgh is a safe city and we want to maintain this, ensuring that visitors enjoying the Festival have the best possible experience of the city.”

Crisis? What crisis? Fifty thousand families receive emergency help as austerity bites

150,000 households aided by Scottish Welfare Fund

More than 150,000 vulnerable households, including around 50,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The Scottish Welfare Fund consists of Crisis Grants – which provide a safety net to low income households in a disaster or emergency – and Community Care Grants, which help people to live independently.

Since the scheme began in April 2013, £65 million has been spent, with 105,000 households receiving Crisis Grants and 72,000 households receiving Community Care Grants.

The latest statistics, which break down grants between April 2014 to March 2015, show:

• Over the year 69,000 households received Crisis Grants averaging around £70, they were mostly for food and energy costs and were claimed because of an emergency. They included:
o Almost £3.9 million of grants were given out for food – up from £2.4 million in 2013/14;
o £23,000 was spent on nappies, an increase from £17,200 in 2013/14;
o Nearly £1.3 million was spent on energy costs, up from £826,000 the previous year.

• 43,000 households received Community Care Grants averaging around £600. These awards were most likely to be claimed by people looking for help to stay in or set up their own home, or families facing exceptional pressures. They included:
o Nearly £7.2 million in grants awarded for the refit of carpets, up from £5.5 million in 2013/14;
o Almost £8.2 million spent on cookers, washing machines and fridges, compared to £6.9 million in 2013/14;
o Around £630,000 was spent on clothing and shoes, an increase of £90,000 from the previous year.

Over a third of the grants were made to vulnerable households such as people with mental health problems, lone parents, disabled people, or those suffering from a chronic illness.

Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: “These grants are a vital lifeline for people in crisis with more than 150,000 households benefitting from a share of the £65 million Scottish Welfare Fund.

“It is helping people in desperate situations buy everyday items like food, shoes and beds, and keeping them afloat during worrying times.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with councils to publicise this scheme and reach those who are struggling to be able to afford items that many of us take for granted.

“While the UK Government presses ahead with its austerity agenda and continues to widen the gap in inequalities, the Scottish Government will continue to try to militate against the worst of the impacts of the UK cuts, including investing £296 million in mitigation schemes, extending our free childcare and encouraging employers to pay the Living Wage.

“As part of our drive to tackle inequalities we are also asking people for ideas on how we can create a fairer, healthier, happier Scotland where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.”

Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA’s Community and Well-Being spokesperson, said: “There is a growing number of people using the fund to buy the most basic of items like food, beds and cookers.

“Councils and the advice sector make sure those in need know where to get this vital help. Given the planned social security cuts, the fund will come under considerable pressure as more people require help over the next few years.

“Councils are committed to providing the best support to those in need that we can, both direct financial help, as well as advice and referrals.”

Gold medallist joins judging panel for Summer of Sport

Commonwealth Judo Gold Medallist Sarah Clark will judge the Scottish applications for this year’s Miller Homes Summer of Sport competition.

Now in its fourth year, Summer of Sport is giving local sports clubs across Miller Homes developments a chance of receiving a cash boost by taking part in the competition, which could see them win £500 or, for the first time, pick up a top prize of £1,000.

To take part, entrants have to say in no more than 200 words why their sports club is worthy of winning, how the money will benefit the club and what it will be spent on.

Neil Gaffney, Sales and Marketing Director at Miller Homes Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Scottish Judo Champion Sarah Clark on board with us to judge the entries for Summer of Sport. Sarah’s judo career has been inspirational and was topped off when she picked up the Gold medal in Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games last year. Her insights and enthusiasm will be a welcome addition to the judging process.

“Over the last few years we’ve been delighted with the success of our Summer of Sport competition and particularly the impact receiving the prize money has had on the winning clubs.

“We have been really impressed with the diversity and standard of entries from those clubs who’ve taken part previously. As a result we will be extending our support this year for those in our communities who are providing opportunities for sport, education and development by awarding an overall prize of £1,000 to one of our six regional winners.

“We strongly encourage anyone with an affiliation to a sports team or club to have a go, and wish all entrants the very best of luck.”

Commonwealth Gold medallist Sarah Clark said: “Coming from a small local club, as many of the entrants to the competition will be, I know first hand how important it is to have the right equipment and access to regular training. The Summer of Sport competition is an excellent way of supporting local clubs and I’m looking forward to receiving entries for this year’s competition. I am sure it will be a tough challenge to select a winner.”

Competition judges will assess the entries on a variety of factors, including how the money will be used and how it will directly support the development and fitness of its members.

Details of the initiative have been distributed at a local level among sports clubs and associations; however community leaders and club managers can also pick up an entry form at any one of Miller Homes’ marketing suites across the country.

To find your nearest Miller Homes development, please visit the Miller Homes website. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 31 August. Terms and conditions apply.

Miller Homes operates in the following six regional areas: Scotland, North West of England, North East of England, Yorkshire, The Midlands, and Southern.

Growing up: award for young people’s volunteering project

Investors in Young People award for ProjectScotland

ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has been awarded the Investors in Young People accreditation, a new award created by Investors in People Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government.

The accolade recognises employers for their recruitment and retention of young people in the work place. With a quarter of ProjectScotland staff (above) under 25 the award further cements ProjectScotland’s ethos and commitment to developing young people.

Congratulating the charity on their award, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on achieving the new Investors in Young People accreditation. ProjectScotland recognise the benefits of recruiting and developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

“Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting youth employment in Scotland and the new Investors in Young People framework and accolade offers help and recognition which will encourage more employers to do that.”

Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “We are very proud of our Investors in Young People award. As a charity we offer 16 – 30 year olds a three month volunteering opportunity, allowing them to learn new skills and gain valuable experience while giving back to society as we believe that young people have the talent to transform their lives and the communities around them. That’s why here at ProjectScotland young people are a big part of our work force and we aim for this to not only continue but grow.

“This award acknowledges that we are investing in young people and it’s great to see the Scottish Government and Investors in People recognising our achievements.”

People management specialists, Investors in People selected a sample of employees from ProjectScotland to discuss various aspects of their role, the organisation and training as well as reviewing how the charity attracts, recruits and retains young people.

Ewan Hunter, Investor in People Specialist said: “ProjectScotland has a great ethos and are very well connected to the whole ‘Young People’ agenda. They have a clear understanding of the importance of employing and developing young people and the enormous benefits to both the employer and the young person.

“I would like to commend them and congratulate them on their award and achievements. We look forward to working with ProjectScotland as they continue the excellent work they do in this vital part of Scotland’s economy.”

Letters: Capitalism or Socialism?

Dear Editor

It would seem that in some quarters there is glee with the situation the Labour Party and Labour movement is in, overlooking the fact it is a setback for most people in their struggle to make society work in their interests.

For many decades the focus of the labour movement was the transforming of the capitalist system into a socialist society: not an easy job to do, but great strides were made after the war from 1945 with the introduction of universal services such as the NHS, nationalisation of the rail system, the electricity and gas suppliers and the coal mines – may other welfare services were also initiated.

A frequent criticism if the labour movement is that it did not go far enough to curb the power of the rich, so for today’s ‘flag carriers’ the following article, written many, many years ago is worthwhile reading and worth pondering on:

Socialism v Capitalism

How long will we continue to tinker and patch at an inherently rotten system; every attempt to remedy it’s defects will shed light on the real way forward.

When socialism becomes better understood, when it’s aims are seen not only to be beneficial but possible of accomplishment it will attract men and women to take the path of reconstruction and regeneration of society.

Cooperative management would become a well-defined system and lead to an organisation of society which would take over the present system of fierce competition and selfish class interest to secure the welfare of all, to realise in time the best of humanity.

Men shall be brothers yet, and a’ that.

Tony Delahoy

Talk about extra time!

World Record-breaking footballers cross the finish line

The Craig Gowans Memorial Fund World Record Breaking Football Match came to a dramatic close last night. The final whistle blew at 10pm – bringing to an end no less than 105 hours of football!

Friends and family of the late football Craig Gowans took on the longest ever 11-a-side football match between the 4 – 8 July, with the final goal score reaching an astounding 774 – 707.

After four days of football played at Spartans’ Ainslie Park stadium, the online and offline fundraising total for The Sick Kids Friends Foundation, sits at more than £80,000 and Guinness World Records are expected to approve the record itself in the coming days.

Eoghan Molloy, a member of the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund organising committee, said: “The whole experience has been an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. There were a lot of mixed emotions as the final whistle blew – from relief and tiredness to joy, happiness and everything in between. It was amazing to hear that final whistle and to finish what we set to achieve.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of the supporters and volunteers who came down to support us across the four days. Playing throughout the night was by far the most difficult part of the challenge, but when the sun came up and the crowd returned this completely lifted our spirits. Being able to finish the match is all down to these supporters.”

Roslyn Neely, chief executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “All of the participants of the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund have done a tremendous job in completely this outstanding challenge and we feel extremely privileged to be the beneficiary of their efforts.

“The team has smashed its fundraising target in great style and I’d like to congratulate all of them on this wonderful achievement. Not only have they etched Craig’s name into the history books, the money raised will help The Sick Kids Friends Foundation transform the experience of the children and young people who will visit Edinburgh’s new children’s hospital when it opens its doors in 2017.”

A bridge too far?

Locals vow to fight Earthy demolition at Canonmills

Campaigners in Canonmills have vowed to fight the demolishing of a much-loved local resource to make way for a new four-storey development. The campaigners plan to step up their action with a weekend of awareness raising on the bridge.

Led by local resident Jan Anderson and architectural/urban designer and lecturer Ross McEwan, the current campaign has seen a phenomenal response from the community who feel that they have been left in the dark over plans for the 18th century bridge in Inverleith Conservation Area.

And being left in the dark is exactly what will happen if the demolition goes ahead – as a four storey new build is due to be put in it’s place, overshadowing the area, blocking the views of the waters and wildlife and destroying the iconic skyline for residents and tourists to the area alike.

The traditional single-storey building at 1 – 6 Canonmills Bridge has found a place in the hearts of locals and visitors to the area, serving as an attractive and popular hub for social life around a busy junction. An online petition has attracted almost 2500 signatures in just two weeks and the momentum is set to continue with a weekend of partying and petitioning on the bridge to raise awareness this Saturday and Sunday.

If the demolition of the one-storey building is approved the space will be used to erect a mixed use development of two restaurants, six flats and three townhouses. The approval of that building was granted in 2009, but the applicants did not get the necessary permissions and approval needed to demolish a building in a conservation area – and the new development cannot go ahead unless the current building is demolished.

Jan Anderson said: “We want to ensure that this time everyone is aware of the plans for the area as to date it certainly hasn’t been made clear to the wider public what is happening with this beautiful historic, conservation area. We need people to know that it’s not too late and we can still stop the demolition by writing to the planning sub-committee, the local councillors and spreading the word.”

The demolition is due to appear on city council’s Planning sub-committee agenda on either 27 July or 12 August and the locals are gearing up to spend the coming weeks ensuring that Edinburgh council realises that this particular proposal is seen as a ‘bridge too far’.

News from Trinity Community Council

Trinity CC’s 8 June meeting was well attended. The main points:

RBS branch closure: 'strong protest' from Trinity CC — RBS branch closure: ‘strong protest’ from Trinity CC

Traffic and Transport

TCC and neighbouring CCs have been concerned about the lack of a review of Waterfront developments on traffic and transport in our part of the city. The most recent (in 2008 at a cost of £250k) North Edinburgh Transport Action Plan (NETAP) had assumed that the tram would come to Newhaven. Much has changed since then. Cllr Hind’s office had indicated that ‘the new Local Development Plan will have an action to review the NETAP‘ but no timescale nor detail was given.

Speaking at our meeting, Cllr Hinds recognised the importance of proper infrastructure planning but indicated that even a short stand-alone review could cost around £100,000. Finding this money would be difficult. She would ensure that officials put a timescale in writing on how NETAP would be covered in the LDP and offered to arrange a follow-up meeting with officials. She also accepted that a lighter touch traffic and transport study could be set up involving various CCs in North Edinburgh.

Community engagement was essential if a less cumbersome, more holistic planning process is to be developed which can better handle changing circumstances and be more readily communicated to those affected.

Responding to questions, Cllr Hinds agreed the importance of clarifying developers’ intentions at Granton and also the level of industrial development at Leith Docks since both would have direct implications for traffic and transport. Access arrangements to Leith Docks could have a significant impact on the volume of heavy traffic along the Waterfront.

The importance of controlling emissions had been underlined by the introduction of low emission zones in London with a knock-on effect on Edinburgh as vehicles have been redeployed north.

Cllr Hinds acknowledged that infrastructure planning must include wider amenities like schools and green space while smarter design at no extra cost could better integrate cycle path planning within mainstream road/pavement planning.

Extension of 20mph speed limits

Worries about whether the Police would be able to enforce the 20mph limit were expressed but Cllr Hinds assured the meeting that the Police would enforce it as they did other speed limits. Some concern was also expressed that despite the number of schools, Craighall Road remained at 30mph. Moreover a potential increased volume of traffic from cruise liners disembarking at Granton/Newhaven could become significant.

New handrail in Laverockbank Road

You may have noticed this new addition to our streetscape. This will make it possible to get up and down the hill safely in even the most inclement weather.

Crime

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on 2 people in Laverockbank Road by 4 attackers. This happened at about 1am on Sunday 31 May with both victims sustaining serious facial injuries.

Closure of RBS Goldenacre

We have protested strongly about RBS’ plans to close its Goldenacre branch from 13 August 2015 following a 25% drop in customer use over the last 3 years. We have pointed to the distance to the suggested alternatives as well as the growth planned for our side of the city.

Despite letters asserting a policy of “actively engaging, helping and supporting our customers and the local community” no bank representative was available for our meeting. Indeed as recently as March, the British Banking Association published a protocol that banks would “work with local communities to establish the impact of the branch closure prior to its closure”. This has been notable by absence.

We were assured that CEC Councillors are pressing the issue as is Malcolm Chisholm MSP. We hope to arrange a meeting with RBS shortly.

New Street Lighting

Quite a few complaints about the new LED street lighting which, while cheaper to run and environmentally sounder, is creating some unfortunate dark patches. Alternative settings are now being used to widen and increase light distribution and in certain places, additional lamps have been installed. Cllr Hinds accepted that installation without a prior explanation letter had been a mistake. Anyone who remained concerned about the quality of the lighting should contact her or one of the Forth councillors.

Public Consultations

Two surveys which you may be interested in completing –
– Tram Inquiry
– Police Scotland counter service.

127 Trinity Road

This has been resubmitted but again received a high volume of objections. We therefore expect the application to receive a full Committee consideration with a distinct possibility of becoming a Hearing. That permits TCC and other interested parties to speak.

Our beautiful green spaces

Lots of praise for Victoria Park’s improved basketball and tennis courts. Starbank Park goes from strength to strength including a Midsummer Madness event on 21 June (see attached poster).

Next meeting will be on

Monday 14 September at 7 pm in Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road.

Come and give us your thoughts!

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