Artist Bill Drummond gifts painting to Western General Hospital

Staff, patients and visitors at the Western General Hospital welcomed conceptual artist, Bill Drummond, to officially commence the loan of his ‘The Boy Friends’ Painting’ for the next year. As part of the event, guests also heard the artist speak about the inspiration for and background to the work.

Bill created The Boy Friends’ Painting to support local Portobello poet and author, Michael Pedersen’s memoir, Boy Friends, about losing a friend before their time. In 2018, Michael lost his cherished friend, Scott Hutchison, to suicide.

Scott was the genius singer song writer of Frightened Rabbit, whose back catalogue has influenced music makers for years and touched the lives of music lovers all over the world.

Michael asked Bill to do a painting for the launch of the book and he created a large 190 x 130cm canvas with the text “The Boy Friends’ Painting”. He has invited others to paint some of the painting and then, on the back of the canvas, add the name of the person they have lost too soon. By doing so, they become immortalised as part of Bill Drummond’s art for evermore.

Dr Catherine Quinn, Consultant, Medicine of the Elderly and POPS at the Western General, became aware of the painting while attending the Boy Friends book launch in The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh.

She said: “When Bill invited people to offer to take the painting for a year to use it wherever they thought it may improve the wellbeing of others, a few other hospital consultants and I thought this would be such an amazing piece to have at the Western General.

“Bill was really keen on the idea of it being displayed where patients, staff and visitors could view it and hopefully gain some benefit from interacting with it, so has gifted it to us for a year.

“We are delighted that he made a special visit to Edinburgh this week to explain the background to the painting and invite others to be part of this journey celebrating the lives of the friends we loved and lost. During its time with us, the canvas is likely to change significantly, but that’s part of the aim.”

The team at the Western General is working with NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts team to support the display and sharing of the work.

Susan Grant, Tonic Arts Manager, said: “This is such a generous gesture by artist Bill Drummond. Loans and events like this really help to reinforce how important art and creativity are in healthcare settings.

“Art can help take you out of yourself, sometimes providing relief and distraction from what is happening to you; sometimes providing a therapeutic process. What may seem like the simple act of contributing the name of a loved one to a piece of art can help honour a memory and can help in some small way towards healing. That’s the beauty of art, it can support so many people in such a variety of ways.”

Bill Drummond said: “I’m very pleased, it sounds pretentious, but I’m honoured to have the painting at the Western General with the NHS being under so much pressure.”

Bill Drummond has had a prodigious and eclectic art career that, since 1976, has taken on a multitude of forms including writing and performing music (he’s a founding member of the KLF), managing bands (Echo and the Bunnymen), running record labels, forming art foundations, writing, publishing, lecturing, and painting. He has supported countless other artists in their creative journeys.

Michael Pederson wrote the very moving Boy Friends book as a means of confronting the bewildering process of grief. What starts as a love letter to his best friend, becomes a celebration of friendship and an exploration of the gap that is left when someone you love leaves this world before their time.

The painting will be displayed in the Anne Ferguson café area of the Western General Hospital.

The King’s Birthday Honours

First Minister congratulates Scotland’s Honour recipients

First Minister Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list, in the first round following his Coronation.

In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life and in keeping with the Coronation theme of “The Big Help Out”, this year’s awards celebrate recipients that have contributed to their community and undertaken voluntary services.

Jackie Baillie, the Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, has been awarded a Damehood for political and public service, while those being awarded a CBE include, Thomas Evans, Professor of Molecular Microbiology, University of Glasgow, for services to healthcare during Covid-19 and Peter Lawson, Chair of Scottish Opera, for services to the arts.

Among those receiving an OBE is Fiona McKenzie, the founder of Centrestage, Kilmarnock, for services to the community in East Ayrshire. Gordon Reid, wheelchair tennis player, receives an OBE for services to tennis. The Head of Events and Exhibitions at the Scottish Parliament, Roy Devon, is recognised for services following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Those receiving MBEs include Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and author, for services to people with Dementia and their carers. Annie McSween DL, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society, Isle of Lewis), for services to the Scots Gàidhlig language, and Dr Inderjit Singh, for voluntary and charitable services, also receive MBEs. The founder of Finding Your Feet, Corinne Hutton, receives an MBE for her work raising awareness of sepsis and amputees.

Archibald Jenkins, for services to charity and to the community in Peebles, and Anne McCreadie, for services to the community in Merkinch, Inverness, are among those honoured with a BEM.

Malcolm Graham, Deputy Chief Constable, and Kenneth MacDonald, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, will receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Matt Acton, Area Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Julie Shields, Head of Service for the East Region, Scottish Ambulance Service will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The First Minister said: “Those recognised have made outstanding contributions to communities across Scotland and beyond. Their service and dedication makes our country a better place for everyone and I am pleased to see this has been recognised.

“I also want to congratulate those personnel who have been awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Scotland’s emergency services keep us safe every day of the year and serve our communities with distinction. Their hard work and dedication is deeply appreciated.” 

Scottish Secretary congratulates Scottish honours recipients

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “My warmest congratulations go to all the Scottish recipients of the King’s birthday honours.

“Scots are well represented in His Majesty’s first honours list, which showcases the best of Scottish talent – including sport, the arts, community and education.

“Footballing legend John Greig’s CBE is a fitting tribute to his lifetime contribution to Scottish sport, and his charitable work raising funds for veterans and supporting facilities for people with dementia.

“Broadcaster and national treasure Ken Bruce receives an MBE in recognition of his many decades of UK broadcasting. Bill Gray has been a stalwart of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland for many years, and played a key role in the organisation’s recovery from covid. And Councillor James Stockan receives an OBE for his unstinting work to improve the lives of island communities as the leader of Orkney Council.

“I also pay tribute to the many Scots who have been recognised for their selfless and unstinting charity and voluntary work. The length and breadth of Scotland, the commitment of so many unsung heroes keeps local communities not just alive but thriving. I am very pleased that so many of those committed citizens have been recognised today.”

The Scottish recipients include:

  • Jackie Ballie MSP, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. For political and public service.
  • John Greig (former Rangers and Scotland player), CBE: For services to football and the community in Scotland.
  • Ken Bruce (broadcaster), MBE: For services to radio, to autism awareness and charity.
  • Gordon Reid (professional wheelchair tennis player), OBE. For services to tennis. Gordon is a Paralympic gold, silver, and bronze medallist
  • Sally Magnusson (broadcaster and author), OBE: For services to people with dementia.
  • Councillor James Stockan (Leader of Orkney Islands Council), OBE: For services to local government.
  • Paul Little (Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College), OBE. For services to education.
  • Bill Gray (former chair of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland), OBE. For services to agriculture, charity and the community in Scotland. Bill has served the RHASS for a number of years as director and chair. He helped the organisation – and the Royal Highland Show – recover after covid. Bill is also active in developing farming education and skills.
  • Jen Hardy (cancer campaigner), OBE. For services to cancer support. Jen, herself living with cancer, has become an inspirational campaigner for cancer treatment and support services. She successfully lobbied for the life-extending drug Pertuzumab (Perjeta) to be made available on the NHS in Scotland. She also founded the charity Cancer Card.
  • Jim Stewart (former chair of Hamilton Sound talking newspaper), OBE: For services to visually impaired people. Jim set up the Hamilton Sound talking newspaper in 1983, distributing audio recordings of the local paper to local visually impaired people. He ran the service for 39 years, only standing down as chair in 2022.
  • Jill Lauder, (hairdresser), OBE: For services to the community. Jill owns Lady J’s Unisex Hair Salon in Grangemouth and provides a free service for cancer patients. Jill set up the Feel Good Project, which, on the first Monday of every month, offers beauty treatments, support, advice, information and friendship to women who are experiencing hair loss due to treatment for cancer.

The King’s Birthday Honours 2023.

Animation launched to prevent drownings this summer

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has launched a brand-new animation which focuses on the Water Safety Code as part of its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign which runs 17-24 June. 

Since 1891 the national charity has been sharing their expertise in water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding to educate everyone to enjoy water safely. Drowning Prevention Week is now in its 10th year and continues to help educate school aged children on how they can enjoy water safely and prevent any future drownings. 

The charity conducted research with parents in the UK which showed that only around one in six UK adults were familiar with the Water Safety Code and its aims, and one in four parents haven’t or don’t remember ever discussing water safety with their child(ren).  

In 2022, we tragically saw 37 people aged 19 and under die from accidental drowning in the UK, and RLSS UK hopes that their new animation will provide parents with a starting point to have conversations with their children around water safety. 

The animation walks through the water safety code which is the fundamental spine of all water safety education. It is designed to provide simple and easy to remember information that acts as both a proactive measure to help educate people to make early, critical decisions, and also to help people understand what they should do in an emergency. 

The code focuses on four simple points:

STOP AND THINK: take time to assess your surrounds. Look for the dangers and always research local signs and advice. 

STAY TOGETHER: when around water always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue. 

IN AN EMERGENCY…

CALL 999: ask for the Fire and Rescue Service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast. Don’t enter the water to rescue. 

FLOAT: fall in or become tired – stay calm, float on your back and call for help. Throw something that floats to somebody that has fallen in. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said, “We hope that our new animation provides families with a resource to start those conversations around how everyone, including children, can stay safe in and around water.

“We want families to be able to enjoy the water but do this in a safe way by recognising any potential dangers, and also knowing what to do if they or someone else finds themselves in difficulty. 

“The animation will also form part of our education resources that we have once again made available to primary and secondary schools in the UK and Ireland. Last year over 341,000 school children were educated in water safety using our free downloadable school resources and this year we hope to educate even more children.”

The charity provides educational resources for schools to allow them to integrate them easily into their curriculum to provide opportunities for all children to have the vital skills and knowledge around how to enjoy water safely. 

RLSS UK are also working with their Patron Lord Storey as in June last year he put in a Water Safety Education (Curriculum) Bill, which went through its second reading in the House of Lords in April of this year. If approved, the Bill will mean that more water safety education will be a compulsory part of the curriculum, something RLSS UK has been lobbying towards for many years. 

Lee continued, “Although swimming and water safety are included on the PE curriculum for England there are inequalities in reality that means many children do not have access to the water safety education that is so vital. 

“Pre-COVID, almost 1 in 4 children were not hitting the statutory ‘can self-rescue’ standard. Worryingly there is huge disparity between high and low affluence households, as well as between different ethnic backgrounds, with those from the lowest affluence and those from ethnic minorities most likely to fail to reach the statutory standards.

“The work that RLSS UK does, in providing resources such as the animation and other school resources, as well as lobbying government to include water safety education on the curriculum, shows that we are committed to ensuring that there is equality when teaching water safety education to children in the UK and Ireland.” 

For further details on water safety and to view RLSS UK’s latest animation, visit www.rlss.org.uk/DPW.

Local sight loss group to meet at a new time and place in Edinburgh

LEADING RESEARCHER TO GIVE TALK AT MACULAR SOCIETY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

The Edinburgh Macular Society Support Group has moved venue to St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Comely Bank, EH4 1AG, where it meets on the last Friday of each month (excluding August and December) between 10.30am-12.30pm.

The monthly group is run by the leading UK sight loss charity the Macular Society, in partnership with local people.

The group is one of 400 of its kind in the UK. It offers vital information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease – the leading cause of sight loss for which there is no cure. The meetings are also social occasions where members can chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

At its meeting on Friday 30 June, renowned ophthalmologist Professor Baljeen Dhillion, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh will attend to discuss the latest research developments including an ongoing local project to maximise the use of data collected from retinal scans.

Iona McLean, Macular Society regional manager for Scotland south east, said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome professor Baljean Dhillion to our upcoming group meeting, which will offer a great insight into the world of macular research.

“Our group members will no doubt find it incredibly beneficial to hear from one of the people making a difference to the lives of so many others with a macular condition.

“The group is open to anyone with a visual impairment, their friends, family or carers so pop along and see how being a part of our community can make a difference to you.”

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement.

There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

The Edinburgh Macular Society Support Group is one of six groups which meet across the city. The charity runs support groups in Morningside, Portobello, Stockbridge, South Queensferry and the Edinburgh Working Age and Young People.

For more information on the group, or other groups in your area please contact Iona McLean on 07517 543 998, or email Iona.McLean@macularsociety.org

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org

A local sight loss group which supports people living with a visual impairment is to meet at a new time and place in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Macular Society Support Group has moved venue to St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Comely Bank, EH4 1AG, where it meets on the last Friday of each month (excluding August and December) between 10.30am-12.30pm.

The monthly group is run by the leading UK sight loss charity the Macular Society, in partnership with local people.

The group is one of 400 of its kind in the UK. It offers vital information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease – the leading cause of sight loss for which there is no cure. The meetings are also social occasions where members can chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

At its meeting on Friday 30 June, renowned ophthalmologist professor Baljeen Dhillion, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh will attend to discuss the latest research developments including an ongoing local project to maximise the use of data collected from retinal scans.

Iona McLean, Macular Society regional manager for Scotland south east, said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome professor Baljean Dhillion to our upcoming group meeting, which will offer a great insight into the world of macular research. Our group members will no doubt find it incredibly beneficial to hear from one of the people making a difference to the lives of so many others with a macular condition.

“The group is open to anyone with a visual impairment, their friends, family or carers so pop along and see how being a part of our community can make a difference to you.”

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement.

There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

The Edinburgh Macular Society Support Group is one of six groups which meet across the city. The charity runs support groups in Morningside, Portobello, Stockbridge, South Queensferry and the Edinburgh Working Age and Young People.

For more information on the group, or other groups in your area please contact Iona McLean on 07517 543 998, or email Iona.McLean@macularsociety.org

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org

Councillor organises Drylaw walkabout

Inverleith SNP councillor Vicky Nicholson has organised a walk round in Drylaw with council officers from the parks team and police on Thursday 29 June at 1pm, meeting at White Church.

Cllr Nicholson said: “This is in response to a few requests by local people and hopefully any questions people have about maintenance of green spaces, areas where people store motorbikes and also other Drylaw issues can be asked and, if not answered during the walk round, followed up by officers and police”.

New ten year cancer strategy launched

A new 10-year Cancer Strategy aims to significantly cut the number of people diagnosed with later stage cancer and to reduce the health inequalities associated with the disease.

Currently around 42% of cancers are diagnosed at the later stages but through continued investment in the Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) Programme the ambition is to reduce the number diagnosed at stages III and IV in year 10 of the plan to 24%. That would mean around 5,000 fewer people diagnosed with later stage disease in the year 2033.

The strategy is underpinned by a three-year Cancer Action Plan that contains 136 actions. Both documents focus on improving all areas of cancer services, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care, with a particular focus on the currently less-survivable cancers.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson, launched the plan at the Cancer Centre at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, where he met staff delivering the Single Point of Contact service, which helps ensure patients have dedicated person-centred support throughout their treatment.

Mr Matheson said: “Our absolute focus is to improve cancer survival and make sure everyone gets excellent and accessible care. The pandemic had a significant impact on all aspects of health and social care, and cancer services were no exception. This Cancer Strategy will make sure we are properly delivering these vital services and clearly directing future investments.

“The strategy takes a strong public health approach, which means more cancers will be prevented. Those who require diagnostics and treatment will have prompt access to quality services. As well as being able to cure more people, we also recognise the importance of treatment to extend good quality life and the provision of excellent palliative care.

“The Scottish Cancer Network will be at the heart of our strategic ambitions, setting out agreed best clinical practice and assuring people with cancer of common standards of care, no matter where they live.

“We will continue to work closely alongside the NHS, third sector, and industry to deliver quality cancer services for the people of Scotland. The new Scottish Cancer Strategic Board will provide oversight of the strategy and action plan.”

Chair of the Scottish Cancer Coalition and Public Affairs Manager for Cancer Research UK in Scotland Dr Sorcha Hume said: “The Scottish Cancer Coalition works with the Scottish Government to ensure that the voice of cancer charities and patients is heard. We therefore welcome the publication of the new Cancer Strategy for Scotland 2023-2033.

“Our NHS is under more pressure than ever, and it is our sincere hope that this strategy is the first step towards better cancer services for the people of Scotland. It is vital however that implementation is swift, and that the strategy is adequately funded.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to realise our shared ambition of improving cancer outcomes for everyone in Scotland.”

Lorraine Dallas, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce Scotland and Director of Information, Prevention and Support at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “The new Cancer Strategy for Scotland is a big step in the right direction for people diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers.

“Those include cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, liver, brain and oesophagus (the less survivable cancers) which have an average five-year survival of just 16% from diagnosis. Lung cancer remains Scotland’s single biggest cause of cancer death and a continued focus and action to address this should be an urgent priority.

“We’re encouraged to see a clear commitment to taking action on those cancer types that have the poorest survival. We now need significant investment in research and action to improve cancer diagnostic and treatment services.

“Early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to cancer survival. We know that less survivable cancers are far more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease and this has a significant impact on treatment options.

“We will work closely with the Government, patients and clinicians to ensure that we now see action to give people who are diagnosed with these cancers a better chance of survival.”

Cancer strategy – https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781805255444

Cancer action plan – https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781805255451

Make A Difference: Young people encouraged to apply to be a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament

Are you 25 or under and passionate about issues such as climate change, equality, poverty and your community?  Or do you know someone who is?  If so, then you might be interested in the forthcoming elections for the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). 

The SYP represents Scotland’s young people and democratically elected members listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people, making sure their voices are heard by decision-makers.  It is a highly rewarding role that requires passion, determination and, perhaps most importantly, commitment.

All young people aged between 14 and 25 can stand for election and anyone aged between 12 to 25 is eligible to vote.

This year’s elections will be held in November and applications are open until 31 July.

Before then, interested young people can find out more and begin the application process on the SYP website which is open until 31 July.

Information sessions will be held and there is support available from the SYP and from Edinburgh’s Youth Work Team.

Beau Johnston, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Edinburgh Central, said: “I felt so well supported and was pushed out of my comfort zone constantly – but in the best possible way.

“My confidence has improved, and I have learnt many new skills. I feel grateful to have met so many inspirational people throughout this process, and to have worked with them on issues that I am so passionate about.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for young people to join the Scottish Youth Parliament and make their voices heard.

“The Parliament has a proud history of delivering youth led campaigns that deliver meaningful change and have led to many improvements to the lives of young people not just here in Edinburgh but across Scotland. I would encourage anyone interested to apply and see if you can really make a difference.”