A staff member at Leith Jobcentre has tested positive for Covid, raising yet more questions about the DWP drive to force claimants and workers back into the jobcentres, say Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty (ECAP) campaigners.
On 29 June the Jobcentre worker learnt that they were a close contact of someone who was Covid positive. They were rightly sent home to isolate.
However, the DWP went ahead with a Jobs Fair in the Jobcentre the next day, 30 June, on the first floor where this staff member had worked. And when it was learnt on 30 June that the staff member had indeed tested positive, the DWP still kept the Jobcentre open to the public for the rest of the week.
ECAP have raised the issue with MP Deidre Brock, MSP Ben Macpherson and local councillors.
The Jobcentre workers union the PCS have voted for possible industrial action in a Britain-wide consultative ballot on their concerns over covid safety in Jobcentres, following Covid outbreatks closing jobcentres in Glasgow and Wigan.
The latest data released yesterday by the Scottish Government for May 2021 show that attendances at Emergency Departments have risen significantly.
In May 2021 there were 112,563 attendances to major Emergency Departments across Scotland. This is a 12% increase compared to April 2021, a 24% increase when compared to March 2021, and a 45% increase compared to May 2020.
Following this increase, four-hour performance deteriorated, 86% of attendances to major Emergency Departments in Scotland were seen within four hours. 15,706 patients were delayed by four-hours or more in an Emergency Department, this is the highest figure since January 2020, and it is the highest figure ever recorded for the month of May. This means one in seven patients were delayed by four hours or more before being seen.
In May 2021, 393 patients spent 12 hours or more in an Emergency Department, this is double the figure for April 2021. This is the highest number of 12-hour delays for the month of May ever recorded, and it is more than double the previous highest May figure of 189 12-hour delays that was recorded in 2019.
Data also show that 1,680 patients spent eight hours or more in a major Emergency Department, this is an increase of nearly 50% compared to April 2021 and it is the highest figure ever recorded for the month of May.
Dr John Thomson, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said:“The data is deeply concerning and very much reflects what is happening on the ground. Departments are busier than ever, especially for the summer period with some record-breaking figures for the month of May, and it is becoming increasingly challenging.
“These figures come at a time when reports suggest Scotland has the highest covid infection rate in Europe. We are battling community admissions, elective care patients seeking treatment, as well as increasing covid patients attending our departments, all within the context of reduced bed-stock.
“Departments are filled with patients, some who may have covid, waiting to be seen. While long-stays alone can put patient safety at risk. This risk is increased as some patients could contract the disease in a busy Emergency Department.
“The College’s recent Emergency Medicine workforce census in Scotland revealed an Emergency Medicine workforce that was not adequately staffed to deliver the highest quality patient care in Emergency Departments in Scotland.
“We have shortages across the board, but particularly among consultants and senior decision-making clinicians. These shortages are currently exacerbated by the soaring covid infection rate, meaning there are a large number of absent NHS staff due to covid in Scotland.
“We are doing all we can to maintain flow and maximise patient safety, but the pressures are increasingly intense and are faced by the existing but short-staffed workforce that are facing continued burnout and exhaustion.
“The data show the growing demand for urgent and emergency care, Emergency Departments are where people turn to for treatment when there is nowhere else to go, so they must be adequately staffed with trained Emergency Medicine staff, properly funded, and equipped with enough capacity and resources to cope with severe demand.”
“We urgently need the Scottish Government to support the urgent and emergency care system to cope with these pressures.”
Two NHS Grampian hospitals have announced this week that they are at capacity as Covid cases rise.
Scotland was expected to move to level zero on 19 July, with remaining legal restrictions lifted on 9 August, but First Minister Nicola Sturgeon conceded yesterday that th planned dates are not “set in stone”.
She will be holding a media briefing at lunchtime today:
The vaccination bus run by NHS Lothian and the Scottish Ambulance Service will operate this weekend to reach as many over 18s as possible.
The mobile unit is visiting shopping centres in West Lothian and Edinburgh as the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme nears completion of first doses for all adults in Scotland.
Meanwhile, every mainland health board continues to offer daily drop-in clinics where people can attend for their first dose or – if eight weeks have passed – their second dose.
Anyone who would prefer a scheduled appointment can continue to self-register with NHS Inform if for any reason they have not yet had their first inoculation.
Visiting the vaccination bus in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman said: “The vaccination programme has been a huge success and it is great to see so many people taking advantage of the mobile units.
“I want to thank NHS Lothian and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their help in adding this option to the programme and, of course, every single person involved in the roll-out in Scotland.
“Our route out of this pandemic is getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, that is why we are urging people to get jagged in July. We are currently working our way through the remaining people in the 18-29 year old group and would welcome them at the vaccination bus if they want to pop in while they are out shopping or walking.
“If the mobile unit isn’t near you, remember you can attend one of the drop-in clinics being run in all mainland health boards. You can also rearrange the location of your appointment online if, for example, it is more convenient for you to be vaccinated closer to your work than home.
“All of the evidence says that the vaccines are working as we continue to battle the faster-transmitting Delta variant which is now dominant so I urge everyone to take advantage of the vaccination programme which is open to every adult in Scotland.”
NHS Lothian Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care Pat Wynne said: “The mobile unit is rolling out across Lothian to help us reach into communities and take the lifesaving vaccine to them.
“It is a great boost to our vaccination programme and will complement the drop-in clinics that are already running at our mass vaccination sites and in local, smaller clinics.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccination because we know how crucially important it is. I would encourage anyone who is near these locations this week, and is yet to be vaccinated, not to miss the bus and come forward.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Clinical Governance Manager Keith Colver, said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service, in partnership with local Health Board colleagues and local authorities, has provided mobile vaccination clinics in the heart of communities across Scotland and since launching the service in Perthshire, feedback from the public who have attended one of our drop in clinics has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Over the next two weeks we would encourage anyone aged over 18 who has yet to receive their first vaccination, or had their first vaccination over eight weeks ago, to take the time to drop into a mobile clinic.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government in developing the mobile vaccination service and rolling it out to other areas of Scotland, helping to vaccinate as many people as possible against Covid-19.”
Vaccination bus locations this weekend:
Friday 9 July and Saturday 10 July – Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston
Sunday 11 July – Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre, Edinburgh
Remember you can also get a jag without an appointment at Craigroyston Community High School from 8:30 – 4pm until Sunday.
Scotland is still expected to move to level zero on 19 July, with remaining legal restrictions lifted on 9 August, but First Minister Nicola Sturgeon conceded yesterday that case numbers are worryingly high and that the planned dates are not “set in stone”.
The First Minister will be holding a media briefing at lunchtime today:
Premium berry brand, AVA Berries has teamed up with McQueens Dairies Milk Delivery Company to deliver thousands of punnets of Scottish AVA strawberries to households across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Fife tomorrow (Thursday 8 July) ahead of the Wimbledon finals weekend.
Strawberries and Wimbledon are a match made in heaven and the two brands have joined forces to surprise almost 2,000 McQueens Dairies customers with punnets of freshly picked Scottish AVA strawberries, which they will receive with their usual milk delivery.
On the partnership, Jill Witheyman, Head of Marketing at AVA Berries, commented:“We teamed up with McQueens Dairies last year when Wimbledon was cancelled, and their customers went crazy for our strawberries.
“So, with the tournament going ahead this year, we decided we’d work together again to surprise thousands of their customers with strawberries so they can enjoy a punnet while watching the women’s and men’s finals this weekend.”
AVA Berries offer the best flavour, sweetness and quality and are grown by an exclusive group of growers based across the north-east coast of Scotland, Perthshire and Fife, where there is the ideal micro-climate for producing the perfect strawberry due to its warm days, cool nights, and just the right amount of daylight hours.
The Scottish AVA strawberry season usually begins in May and lasts until early October, with sales peaking in June and July.
Calum McQueen, Commercial Director at McQueens Dairies added: “It is fantastic that Wimbledon is on again this year, and we wanted to surprise our customers with some delicious AVA strawberries as a treat to enjoy during the finals weekend.
“Nothing says summer more than tennis and strawberries, and we hope this partnership with AVA Berries will spread a little summer cheer.”
Buccleuch Property hope to deliver an exciting new employment development on land east of Salters Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian known as Salter’s Park.
Including business, industrial and storage/industrial uses the development will redevelop the current site and generate considerable employment opportunities.
The developer intends to submit a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Midlothian Council, informing that it plans to submit a planning application for the development following a minimum 12-week consultation period.
The Scottish Government has suspended in-person public consultation events due to COVID-19.
Full details about the proposals will be made available to the public at 9am on Thursday 15 July on the dedicated project website: www.salterspark.com
An online consultation will take place between 3pm and 7pm on Thursday 15th July. Consultants will be available during those hours to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system.
Feedback can also be submitted via the website, and information will be made available in paper format if requested.
Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications.
If you are unable to access the exhibition boards on the day of the event, please contact Orbit Communications on 0131 202 3259 or at hello@salterspark.com
A spokesperson at Buccleuch Property, said:“We’re delighted to be giving the public the chance to have a say on our development proposals in Salter’s Park.
“This exciting development will deliver economic benefits to the community by providing new employment uses to the area.
“We are consulting extensively to ensure that that the public have an opportunity to input their views and shape our proposals. We encourage the community to attend and ask any questions they may have.”
The great Scottish summer is upon us, and that means one thing – midges! With a bumper hatch expected this year, experts have revealed a delicious way to evade the ferocious Highland Midge using a simple combination of ingredients.
Developed by Scotch Beef PGI, Scotland’s leading midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell and chef Paul Green of The Torridon Hotel, the marinade is made from a tasty combination of midge-proof herbs and spices, including rosemary, thyme, bay leaves and garlic. When added to beef and barbecued, the game-changing recipe releases aromas that form a natural midge deterrent, meaning you won’t be eaten alive while eating outdoors.
As well as devising a marinade, chef Paul has also developed an accompanying dip to be served alongside for maximum midge busting, using ingredients like lemon balm, basil and garlic.
The hack comes as holiday season kicks off, with the landscapes, lochs and hills of the Scottish Highlands making it one of the most popular UK destinations for both staycationers … and midges!
Lesley Cameron, director of marketing and communications at Quality Meat Scotland, the industry body that promotes Scotch Beef PGI, said: “There’s no better way to enjoy the Scottish outdoors than with a barbecue surrounded by family and friends cooking top quality Scottish ingredients – that is until you’re suddenly swarmed by unwelcome guests in the form of midges.
“With the news that this year’s season is set to be particularly ferocious, we’ve consulted the experts to devise our midge-busting marinade as a brief respite from being eaten alive. As well as being a delicious addition to Scotch Beef PGI, it’s proven midge-proof properties are guaranteed to make it a winner at any summer get-together.”
As well as stocking up on the marinade ingredients, those planning an outdoor activity are advised to check Scotland’s Midge Forecast, which was developed by Dr Blackwell using data from biting midge traps around the country.
Dr Blackwell said: “This year there’s due to be a bigger hatch than ever of Scotland’s famous Highland Midge – but that doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors all season. Using a combination of natural deterrents like rosemary, thyme, garlic and bay leaves can help save summer by making midges less of a nuisance.
“Each year the season is becoming even longer, so having an arsenal of ingredients to call upon will be key to outwitting the midge. As well as the ingredients used for the Scotch Beef marinade, other herbs like mint, dill, lavender, geranium leaves and lemon balm are also effective, pairing well with beef as well as meats like Scotch Lamb.”
The marinade was devised and put to the test with the help of chef Paul Green of The Torridon Hotel on Scotland’s west coast; an area with some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Paul Green, head chef at The Torridon said:“I was very excited to be asked to help create a midge deterring marinade for Scotch Beef – midges are definitely an unwelcome guest to any Scottish summer feast.
“I’m always inspired by the robust and resilient produce that can grow in the Scottish Highlands, and what better way to fight nature than with nature, creating the best midge deterring recipe using some of the finest natural ingredients that can be grown in Scotland, like rosemary and thyme.”
Scotch Beef PGI is sourced from selected Scottish farms, adopting best practice which includes animal welfare and production methods, as well as supporting Scotland’s rural communities. For more information, visit www.makeitscotch.com and @makeitscotch on Instagram.
Midge-proof marinade recipe (serves two)
Ingredients
5g rosemary
5g thyme
2 bay leaf, torn
2 cloves garlic, crushed
60ml olive oil
15ml Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
A few drops Tabasco
A few black peppercorns
Good squeeze of lemon juice (and zest if you have a zester)
3-400g Sirloin or Ribeye Scotch Beef steak, cut up into pieces
Sea salt
Method
Begin by mixing the herbs, garlic, mustard, pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco and oil together in a bowl
Add the chopped pieces of beef, coating well. You can also add vegetables to this marinade e.g., peppers, aubergine or even baby gem lettuce.
Cover and leave to marinade for at least one hour, but you could also leave overnight in the fridge.
Season with sea salt and cook on the BBQ.
Midge proof dip
Ingredients 1 shallot 2-3 garlic cloves 1 green chilli 50g flat leaf parsley 20g basil 15g lemon balm 200-250ml extra virgin olive oil Salt to taste
Method
Finely chop the shallot, garlic, chilli, parsley, basil, and lemon balm – or you could use a pestle and mortar to grind all the ingredients up.
Drizzle in the olive oil and season with sea salt – you can add more oil to your own preference.
David follows in the footsteps of his inspirational grandfather
A YOUNG student has followed in the footsteps of his education trailblazer grandfather to graduate from Edinburgh Napier University.
David Hughes drew inspiration from the academic exploits of Dr David Dick – the first Vice Principal of Napier College who returned to the institution after it was granted University status to complete a PhD at the age of 84.
Growing up, the younger David was driven to succeed in his own right by his grandfather’s achievements, anecdotes and enthusiastic interest in his education.
Now, less than six months after his grandfather passed away, it’s 22-year-old David’s turn in the spotlight as he has been awarded a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences as part of the Class of 2021.
Ex-Royal High School pupil David said: “My grandfather’s knowledge and scholarship, alongside his genuine interest in my studies, were an inspiration during my journey to becoming an undergraduate student and continued throughout my time at University.
“I was excited and encouraged by his anecdotes, as well as his academic achievements in his retired life.”
Wartime telegram boy David Dick became a hydroelectric engineer then lecturer, and following his Vice Principal stint at Napier College from 1964, he was Principal at Edinburgh’s Stevenson College from 1970 – 1988.
He spent his retirement years engaged in the constant pursuit of learning, securing a BA (Hons) at the Open University, a Masters of Literature at the University of Dundee, and his doctorate in philosophy at Edinburgh Napier in 2013, which saw him reportedly crowned Scotland’s oldest PhD graduate.
He was awarded an OBE in 1982 for services to both education and the fire service, of which he chaired the examination board in Scotland for 17 years.
David said: “My grandfather and I spoke on numerous occasions about the difficulties of my dissertation topic, titled ‘Analysis of Scottish Nationalism in 2021 and how it is perceived amongst generational cohorts in Scotland’, and he always asked how I was getting on as the research was coming together.
“His passing in January at the age of 91 was extremely difficult. However, the perseverance he showed in his work spurred me on to complete my own studies in the belief that my grandfather would have been proud of my work and achievements.
“I have dedicated my dissertation in his memory.”
David now hopes to follow his childhood dream of achieving an aircrew role in the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy.
Dr John Burnett, lecturer in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Applied Sciences, said: “David’s enthusiasm, diligence, intelligence and determination to succeed are qualities clearly evident in his grandfather’s incredibly rich and impressive life story.
“The first class mark he achieved for his dissertation is a testament to the hard work, resourcefulness and considerable academic skill in the planning, design and execution of what is a complex and challenging topic – even without the trials and tribulations of the ongoing pandemic.
“I’m sure David’s late grandfather would’ve been incredibly proud of his achievements – and rightly so!”
Call for Edinburgh residents to celebrate favourite Scottish sights in fundraising challenge
The charity Sight Scotland is inviting Edinburgh residents to tackle a fundraising activity inspired by their favourite Scottish sight this summer to support people with vision loss.
With the pandemic making staycations a preferred option for many Scots this year, it’s the perfect opportunity for Edinburgh residents to celebrate what they love most about Scotland with their own unique ‘Sight for Sight’ challenge.
From a physical activity set at a much-loved Scottish spot to a themed creative challenge at home, every ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraiser can help make a difference to the lives of people with vision loss.
Kerry Lindsay, Sight Scotland Head of Fundraising, said: “Every hour in Scotland, someone starts to lose their sight. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the challenges many blind and partially sighted people face in the community, with many experiencing additional challenges such as difficulties with social distancing and increased social isolation.
“With our fantastic fundraisers’ support, our new Family Wellbeing Service can be there for people with sight loss now and into the future as the number of people affected by sight loss in Scotland increases.
“You can be as creative as you like with your Sight Scotland ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraiser. From golfing challenges at your favourite Scottish course and Munro treks, to Highland cow-themed cake bakes – we can’t wait to celebrate all things Scottish with you this summer!”
Life-long Lego fan, Stewart Lamb Cromar, of Edinburgh, took on a unique ‘Sight for Sight’ challenge for Sight Scotland this spring by creating a mini Lego build of the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library in just 100 bricks. He’s now encouraging others to take part in ‘Sight for Sight’ and support people impacted by sight loss.
Stewart, who has sight loss himself, said: “Sight Scotland do an incredible job empowering people with sight loss and blindness, but they also raise awareness of what can be a hidden disability.
“My Sight for Sight fundraiser was a fantastic opportunity to make a positive out of my own sight loss, having fun along the way and connecting with some fantastic new people!”
Call 0131 446 3089 or visit Sightscotland.org.uk to get started with your ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraising challenge.
Social Enterprise Salon launches unique training programme
An innovative Edinburgh hair and beauty salon is offering school leavers the chance to get a head start in the business.
Kerry Anderson, founder of social enterprise Brave, Strong, Beautiful is launching a new, unique 12-week training programme for young people interested in the hair and beauty industry.
The first course begins this month (July) with students receiving two days’ training each week with Kerry and her team – the only programme of its kind to offer school leavers the opportunity to learn in a working salon environment, rather than taking the college route.
In addition to giving the trainees an invaluable insight into the industry, the course offers additional support in customer service, confidence-building and employability skills.
“It’s been very difficult for young people looking to enter the hair and beauty business to get any kind of hands-on work experience during the pandemic,” says founder of Brave, Strong, Beautiful, Kerry Anderson.
“But we’re delighted to now be able to offer the sort of practical experience that will not only help them decide if the industry is for them, but also equip them for their first role in the business.”
Over the next year Kerry, a passionate advocate for investing in young people’s future and making a tangible difference, will provide places for 32 youngsters to train in her award-winning enterprise.
She set up Brave, Strong, Beautiful as a community interest company in 2019 with a social mission to help young people with training opportunities, employment and mental health support.
The enterprise, which won the Scottish Edge Award Community Interest Company, currently has two Edinburgh salons – in Lothian Road and Restalrig Road – where the not-for-profit business offers a range of hair and beauty services from colour, cut and blow drys to tanning, waxing and eye treatments, as well as encouraging and supporting young people to forge a positive future.
“It’s a very rewarding business to be in, and we’re all looking forward to welcoming a new generation of potential practitioners and introducing them to a really inspiring career, in a really exciting industry,” said Kerry.
Seated volleyball, 400m wheelchair and walking challenge, and pitch n putt: Capital’s very own version of the Olympics
With just 20 days until Tokyo 2020 finally gets underway, elderly care home residents across Scotland have launched their own Olympics with a special Tokyo-inspired opening ceremony event, following on from weeks of training.
The Renaissance Care Olympics will see 15 care homes across the country compete across five sports which have been designed to suit the abilities of the care home athletes to encourage physical and mental wellness.
Edinburgh-based Letham Park Care Home and Mathieson House Care Home kicked off their opening ceremonies within the individual homes.
The residents, dressed in their own team shirts, were given a taste of Tokyo with Japanese taster plates, chop stick trials, music and discussions on the Japanese culture. Mathieson House also recreated the famous Olympic flame, using colourful tissue paper and streamers.
The athletes have been in training over the month of June, getting ready to compete in each of the sports throughout July before a closing ceremony to celebrate their achievements at the end of the month.
For the gold medal, the residents will be competing to see who can walk or wheelchair the most 400m stints throughout July, how many hits of a balloon they can get to keep it off the ground for seated volleyball, and how many punches they can land on the boxing pads.
They will also compete in Pitch n Putt, with nine holes set up around the homes, and a one off shot putt event where the resident who can throw the bean bag furthest will take the medal.
Ann Marie Byrne, Activity Co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Mathieson House Care Home, said: “Encouraging physical activity for our residents is extremely important and we really wanted to create something fun that would get everyone involved.
“The residents across each of the homes have been enjoying the training and we have already seen a great lift in spirits as they get in touch with their competitive side.
“During lockdown, we have been as creative as possible to come up with new ideas to ensure that the residents always have new experiences and the Olympics felt like the perfect way to bring everyone together.
“The relatives have been routing for their loved ones and we have been sharing their progress along the way, so it has been a lovely way to keep everyone connected.”
