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Spire Healthcare renews healthcare partnership with Scottish Rugby

Spire Healthcare is delighted to announce our continued partnership with Scottish Rugby.

The partnership began in 2008 and has been extended until 2025. As the official healthcare partner for the Scotland Men, Scotland Women, Scotland U20s, Edinburgh Rugby, FOSROC Super6 & FOSROC Academies, Spire Healthcare – through our Edinburgh Hospitals – will continue to provide the country’s top rugby players with outpatient consultations, imaging, and surgical treatments.

Spire Healthcare continues to undertake a multi-million pound investment programme at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals. The development across Spire Murrayfield and Shawfair Park Hospitals is creating additional theatre, outpatient and imaging capacity, which will help meet the increasing demand for healthcare services in Central Scotland.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer and Scotland Team Doctor James Robson MBE said, “We are delighted to continue working with Spire Healthcare. The level of care that our players receive from Spire is always fantastic and with the recent investment that has gone into the Hospitals, it ensures that our players are always receiving first-class treatment.

“Player welfare is a top priority at Scottish Rugby and I am looking forward to continuing to work with the team at Spire Healthcare.”

Acting Hospital Hub Director of Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, Alison Green, added: “Renewing this partnership with Scottish Rugby allows us to provide exceptionally high standards of care to Scotland’s elite rugby players.

“This is yet again a huge privilege for us and demonstrates the confidence shown in our facilities, the experience of our colleagues and reputation for delivering excellent healthcare.

“Through the recent upgrades at Spire Murrayfield and Shawfair Park Hospitals, our exceptional surgeons and wider healthcare teams are ready to help players manage their injuries and return to form as quickly as possible.”

Special Bookbug event at Drumbrae Library Hub this Saturday

We have a super Bookbug surprise happening this Saturday!

Author Emma-Louise Beeson will come read us her new book “Goldie Locks & the bears at No. 3” a wonderful revisit of the original fairy tale.

The story will be part of our regular Bookbug session, so come along to it this Saturday at 10.30, you can book either via Facebook Messenger or by giving us a call at 0131 529 5244.

See yous then!

MSP welcomes refreshed Baby Box to support Edinburgh families facing rising costs

41408 BABY BOXES ALREADY DELIVERED IN NHS LOTHIAN

Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 41408 of which have already been delivered across NHS Lothian – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday.

The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.

Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 41408 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lothian by the SNP in government since 2017.

“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.

“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family across the city but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.

“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.

“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.

“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”

Rishi Sunak: “I will earn your trust”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s statement on the steps of Downing Street

Good morning, I have just been to Buckingham Palace and accepted His Majesty The King’s invitation to form a government in his name.

It is only right to explain why I am standing here as your new Prime Minister.

Right now our country is facing a profound economic crisis. 

The aftermath of Covid still lingers. 

Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and supply chains the world over.

I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Liz Truss, she was not wrong to want to improve growth in this country, it is a noble aim. 

And I admired her restlessness to create change.

But some mistakes were made. 

Not borne of ill will or bad intentions. Quite the opposite, in fact. But mistakes nonetheless. 

And I have been elected as leader of my party, and your Prime Minister, in part, to fix them.

And that work begins immediately.

I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government’s agenda. 

This will mean difficult decisions to come.

But you saw me during Covid, doing everything I could, to protect people and businesses, with schemes like furlough.

There are always limits, more so now than ever, but I promise you this

I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today.

The government I lead will not leave the next generation, your children and grandchildren, with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves. 

I will unite our country, not with words, but with action. 

I will work day in and day out to deliver for you.

This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.

Trust is earned. And I will earn yours.

I will always be grateful to Boris Johnson for his incredible achievements as Prime Minister, and I treasure his warmth and generosity of spirit.

And I know he would agree that the mandate my party earned in 2019 is not the sole property of any one individual, it is a mandate that belongs to and unites all of us.

And the heart of that mandate is our manifesto.

I will deliver on its promise.

A stronger NHS.

Better schools.

Safer streets.

Control of our borders.

Protecting our environment.

Supporting our armed forces.

Levelling up and building an economy that embraces the opportunities of Brexit, where businesses invest, innovate, and create jobs.

I understand how difficult this moment is.

After the billions of pounds it cost us to combat Covid, after all the dislocation that caused in the midst of a terrible war that must be seen successfully to its conclusions I fully appreciate how hard things are.

And I understand too that I have work to do to restore trust after all that has happened.

All I can say is that I am not daunted. I know the high office I have accepted and I hope to live up to its demands.

But when the opportunity to serve comes along, you cannot question the moment, only your willingness.

So I stand here before you ready to lead our country into the future. 

To put your needs above politics.

To reach out and build a government that represents the very best traditions of my party.

Together we can achieve incredible things.

We will create a future worthy of the sacrifices so many have made and fill tomorrow, and everyday thereafter with hope.

Thank you.

Armed Services join forces to launch Scottish Poppy Appeal 

Service personnel past and present launched this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal at a ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday (MONDAY 24th OCT).

The sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community were honoured at the official opening of the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance, which also marked the start of the annual Appeal.

Senior members of all three Armed Services, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Ian Campbell, and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson joined forces for the launch, highlighting the importance of the remembrance period and outlining why wearing a poppy remains vital.

Lt Col Campbell, Commander of Edinburgh Garrison, said: “Throughout my career at this time of year I have paused to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by those who have gone before.

“I think of those fellow soldiers I have served with who have done their duty by their country in the heat and cold, wet and dry, 24 hours a day and seven days a week at peace, on operations and at war to protect the nation and defend our way of life.

“I have been reassured by the quite outstanding work conducted over the many years by Poppyscotland in support of those who have needed, and in many cases still do, help to overcome challenges that some face once they hang up their uniforms for the last time.”

Brigadier Muddiman, Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland added: “Sacrifice is something that should always be acknowledged and the Remembrance period is when we collectively as a nation remember those service personnel who gave their lives in order to ensure our way of life continues.

“It’s gratifying to see people wearing the poppy because it shows that people do care and that they are happy to outwardly display that. It reminds everyone that we have entered that period when we should be remembering those souls who did not return from battlefield and acknowledging that our country retains the freedom it has as a result of that sacrifice.”

Three million poppies are being distributed throughout Scotland as part of the country’s largest fundraising appeal, supporting Poppyscotland’s welfare and advice services. The charity’s army of thousands of volunteers are hitting the streets, as well as collecting in supermarkets and delivering poppies to shops, businesses and schools.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “This is a chance to recognise the extraordinary service our Armed Forces offer to the country, and how they risk everything to protect each one of us, despite never having met us.

“Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans and their families, their service and sacrifice means something to you and will never be forgotten. All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“This is needed more than ever, as we are seeing an increasing demand for our services due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

The service of remembrance was led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, before a wreath-laying ceremony which included The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided music, as well as piper Angus Adams from George Heriot’s School.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland added: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is essential that we continue to honour and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Today’s ceremony is an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to all who have served over the years.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the garden over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at

 www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Winter vaccines for remaining priority groups

Over-50s can book their winter vaccines from tomorrow (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu and easing pressure on the NHS this winter.

Those aged 50-64 can book an appointment on the NHS Inform website making it simple to arrange a time which suits them. Appointments can also be rescheduled online – with a national helpline available for those without internet access.

More than 870,000 people have already come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines, including healthcare staff, care home residents, over 65’s and those at high risk – with over 1.7 million vaccines being administered.

Over two million Scots are being offered both vaccines during the course of the programme and a nationwide marketing campaign – ‘Don’t let your protection fade’ – is raising awareness of the importance of topping up protection against the illnesses – so far, 93.9% of people have received both flu and COVID-19 jabs at the same appointment.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Uptake continues to be encouraging showing the people of Scotland are keen to protect not just themselves, but their loved ones and the NHS. People who are vaccinated are less likely to become seriously unwell from COVID-19 or flu.

“We are working hard to ensure Scotland maintains its reputation as a leading nation for vaccine uptake – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time so I would ask everyone eligible to take up the offer of their winter vaccines so we can all stay safe over the winter months.”

1,741,484 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

Rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointment | NHS inform

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Those without access to the internet can call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Anyone aged 12 years and over who has missed an appointment for their initial course of the COVID-19 vaccine can reschedule through the NHS Inform online.

Appointments for children under 12 must be booked/rescheduled by calling 0800 030 8013. 

Tackling the energy cost crisis

The First Minister has convened a second summit with energy companies and advice organisations.

Further actions to support consumers and businesses through the winter have been agreed at yesterday’s virtual summit between energy companies and advice organisations and Ministers.

The energy cost crisis summit discussed this week’s reversals to UK Government measures set out since the previous summit, and agreed longer-term certainty is urgently needed ahead of the anticipated energy price cap increase, currently due in April.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The curtailing of the Energy Price Guarantee by the Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this week has eradicated what meagre certainty people and businesses had over their bills and finances in the short to medium-term.

“Even the current cap of £2,500 until April – while better than a rise to £3,500 – is still a very significant increase for households who are already struggling to pay their bills and heat their homes. Without further mitigation the increase to £2,500 under the Energy Price Guarantee will see an additional 150,000 households in extreme fuel poverty.

“The deficiencies in the UK Government’s package mean we are still in an emergency situation. The economic outlook has been made far worse by other aspects of the mini-budget – most of which have now had to be reversed entirely.

“The Scottish Government is working hard within its limited powers and finite budget to support people, business, public services and the economy. Part of that work will involve ongoing engagement with energy companies and advice organisations throughout the winter to see how, individually and collectively, we can alleviate the huge challenges people are facing as well as signposting existing schemes and support that is available.

“It is clear however that more substantial reform of the energy market is needed to address the issue in the long term, and the power to do so lies with the UK Government.”

And therein lies the problem – Ed.

Scottish Energy Retail Summit: update on collaborative action – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Princes Street assault: CCTV released

Police have released images of two males they believe may hold information that will assist their ongoing enquiries into an assault that occurred on Princes Street at around midnight on Wednesday 22nd December 2021.

The first male is described as mixed race, early 20s, around 5’11” in height and of slim build with a dark moustache and goatee. He was wearing a dark woollen hat, a black puffer jacket and dark trousers.

The second male is described as white, early 20s, about 5’9” in height and of slim build with short light brown hair. He was wearing a navy jumper and grey trousers.

The males or anyone who recognises them or who has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1904 of 22nd December 2021, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.