Health boards are to share £2 million to deliver annual health checks for all people with learning disabilities.
The new service will help to address health inequalities and ensure that people in this group are able to have any health issues identified and treated as quickly as possible.
Health checks will be delivered in the local community.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Unfortunately we know that people with learning disabilities can experience poorer health than the rest of the population.
“Evidence suggests that people in this group are twice as likely to die from preventable illness. This is clearly unacceptable and I hope these annual checks will help to address this and begin to reduce this health inequality.
“Health issues like respiratory disorders, diabetes and thyroid problems can become serious if picked up too late. But if they are detected and treated early there’s a much better chance of a positive outcome and a good quality of life. That is where these annual health checks will be so valuable.”
Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, said: “This is a really significant moment in the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.
“The rollout of the annual health checks across Scotland has the potential to be a game-changer in improving the health outcomes for this community who deserve equal access to good health. It is no exaggeration to say that a well-implemented annual health check could save lives.”
Community Learning Disability Nurse, Sharon Bandeen, who has an adult son with Down’s Syndrome, said: “The new health checks are a welcome additional layer of good health practice for people with learning disabilities in Scotland.
“It is so important that everyone living with a learning disability has equal access to the health checks, no matter where they live in Scotland.”
Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 designated as variant of concern by UKHSA
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has elevated the classification of the COVID-19 variants Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5 to variants of concern (VOCs) on the basis of observed growth.
As of 17 May, 115 cases of BA.4 and 80 cases of BA.5 have been confirmed in England and the latest UKHSA variant technical briefing was published yesterday.
Whilst Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are in the early stages of growth in the UK, analysis of the available data suggests that they are likely to have a growth advantage over the currently-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant.
There can be several reasons for growth advantage, but in the case of BA.4 and BA.5, laboratory data suggests a degree of immune escape which is likely to contribute.
Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, “said: The reclassification of these variants as variants of concern reflects emerging evidence on the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 internationally and in the UK.
“Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible.
“UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting.”
UK Covid Alert Level has moved from level 4 to level 3
“Based on advice from UKHSA, we the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England Medical Director have recommended to ministers that COVID Alert Level should move from level 4 to level 3.
“The current BA.2 driven Omicron wave is subsiding. Direct COVID-19 healthcare pressures continue to decrease in all nations and ONS community positivity estimates continue to decrease.
“We would like to thank healthcare staff for their remarkable efforts during a challenging time. Whilst it is reasonable to expect the number of cases to increase due to BA.4, BA.5 or BA2.12.1, it is unlikely in the immediate future to lead to significant direct COVID pressures. This will continue to be kept under review.”
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride
Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton
NHS England National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis
FIRST MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has tested positive for Covid
In a social media post last night, the first minister wrote: “Unfortunately I’ve tested positive for Covid this evening after experiencing mild symptoms.
“In line with Scottish government guidance, I’ll work from home over next few days, and hopefully be back out and about later next week.”
The First Minister attended a number of engagements in Washington DC this week and held a meeting with Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill in Bute House yesterday.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed Michelle O’Neill MLA to Bute House today (Friday 20 May).
The meeting, which was arranged at the request of Michelle O’Neill, provided an opportunity to discuss shared areas of interest including the current cost of living crisis, the importance of the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated with the EU and the prospects for the formation of a new Northern Ireland Executive.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today’s meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss some of the shared challenges Scotland and Northern Ireland face and I thank Michelle for reaching out and enabling us to discuss these extremely important issues in person.
“It was a particularly timely conversation which provided an update on the ongoing developments around establishing the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive following elections earlier this month.
“We also discussed the Northern Ireland protocol – most notably the extremely concerning announcement by the UK Government that they intend to legislate to enable unilateral action to dis-apply parts of the protocol – and the incredibly damaging effects this would have in communities right across the UK.
“In a cost of living crisis and teetering on the edge of recession, pitching us into a trade dispute with the EU could be what tips us over.
“Intergovernmental relations are essential when it comes to tackling shared challenges and it is clear that much more needs to be done by the UK Government to ensure a rapid and effective response to the devastating cost of living crisis facing households across these islands. No one should ever have to make a choice between heating and eating.
“Today’s meeting was a further example of the close relationship between Scotland and Northern Ireland. In that spirit, I have written today to the leaders of the DUP and Alliance parties with an offer to meet to discuss these important matters.”
The First Minister today wrote to the other main political parties in Northern Ireland to make them aware of the meeting and offer a similar engagement, should they wish it.
To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years of service, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has developed the Platinum Jubilee Medallion in celebration of Her Majesty’s historic reign.
RLSS UK is a national charity, formed in 1891, and the leading provider of lifesaving and lifeguarding training, and water safety education in the UK.
Just last year, Her Majesty The Queen shared her own memories of achieving her lifesaving qualification as a young girl, during a video call with the Royal Life Saving Society. The Queen became the first young person in the Commonwealth to achieve the Society’s Junior Respiration Award, providing an example to young people and helping establish lifesaving and resuscitation qualifications across the Commonwealth.
During the interview, Her Majesty said: “I didn’t realise I was the first one – I just did it, and had to work very hard for it!
“It was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit. It was very grand, I thought.”
Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK said: “We have created this brand new medallion as a modern-take of the award Her Majesty The Queen completed in 1941. The lifesaving award not only celebrates the jubilee but also provides basic rescue skills to those who complete it.
“Our Lifesaving Instructors around the UK and Ireland will deliver the training before assessing each person to see if they can secure this unique award. The award is open to all ages and we would love to see lots of people taking part to develop their skills and knowledge around lifesaving and water safely.”
There are various skills required as part of the assessment to be awarded with the medallion, including accompanied rescues, tows, fitness swim, lifesaving swimming strokes, CPR, and the use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Robert added: “We are excited to launch this medallion, not only to honour Her Majesty The Queen but to offer 1891 people the chance to be awarded with this limited edition medallion and celebrate our fantastic community of lifesavers in the UK and Ireland.”
We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of homeless veterans seeking help since the pandemic. With the rising cost of living crisis, we know the situation is going to get worse.
Too often former members of the Armed Forces miss out on housing support because they aren’t identified as a veteran. As leading voices in the veterans housing sector, we’ve joined the No Homeless Veterans [www.nohomelessveterans.org.uk] campaign to urge local authorities to do more.
It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have, this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed towards support that’s available.
Many, particularly in Scotland, already do, but all local authorities across the UK should be identifying veterans quickly. There is no need for them to be sofa surfing, bouncing from hostel to hostel, or sleeping on the streets. Our heroes deserve better and it’s inexcusable to leave them out in the cold.
Yours sincerely
Richard Gammage, CEO, Stoll
Andrew Lord MBE, CEO, Alabaré
Bernard Stonestreet, Executive Secretary/Founder, East Sussex Veterans Hub
Tim Stockings, CEO, Haig Housing
Sheena MacKay, Case Manager, Help for Heroes
Steve Bentham-Bates, CEO, Help 4 Homeless Veterans
Moira Bayne, CEO, Housing Options Scotland
Colonel (Ret’d) Tony Gauvain, Chair/CEO, PTSD Resolution
Emrys Rogers, Head of Housing & Assurance, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
Mark Shields, Head of Community Support, Royal Air Forces Association
Brigadier (Ret’d) Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Veterans Residences
A new Skills Academy to prepare young people for the variety of careers in the construction industry is being launched by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Skanska and Mitie have recently been awarded a 10 year Statutory Inspections, Repairs and Maintenance contract for operational buildings with the Council and have committed to creating a collaborative Skills Academy.
The development and shaping of the model is being supported by partners Edinburgh College, Developing the Young Workforce, Historic Environment Scotland, Skanska and Mitie and is being led by the Council.
The Academy is being set up to address skills shortages in the construction industry both within traditional construction trades but also within professional and back office roles. It also aims to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workforce by starting to work closely with pupils from as early as primary school to provide insights into construction.
To celebrate the launch of the Academy a special ‘Skills Demonstration’ – hosted by Edinburgh College – took place this week in the City Chambers quadrangle on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 May.
Around 100 pupils from four secondary schools, Gracemount, Balerno, Craigmount and Forrester, attended over the two days, taking part in five key construction skills – painting and decorating, joinery, slating, stone masonry and thermal imaging.
Paul Lawrence, Executive Director Place at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “No one can underestimate the impact the pandemic has had on young people in the past two years when it comes to equipping them with the skills for when they leave school.
“It’s important as a Council that we do everything we can to support them and setting up the Skills Academy is a really exciting project. There are a variety of roles within construction outwith the traditional trade apprenticeships that people may not be aware of. We want to encourage more of our young people to explore these fantastic opportunities and provide them with the skills and experience to secure employment.
“The Skills Academy is a great example of the partnership approach we use to drive forward many projects across the city.
I’m delighted that so many organisations have teamed up with us and this couldn’t be achieved without the support and input from DYW, Edinburgh College, Skanska and Mitie and Historic Environment Scotland.
“The unique buildings within Edinburgh need to be protected and maintained for future generations to enjoy and the Academy aims to address the decline in traditional skills and jobs available within the industry.”
Senior General Manager Stephen Monaghan, from Skanska, said: “Succession, competence and technical ability are all core factors that underpin our business at Skanska.
“We are delighted to be involved in this skills demonstration workshop offering our future tradespeople the early opportunity to gain an insight into what is involved in these particular trades. We think it’s really important to give people the opportunity to enhance their future skills.”
Jennifer Melvin, Community Benefits Co-ordinator at Mitie, said: “Myself and Mitie are thrilled to be part of this Traditional Skills Demonstrations in collaboration with DYW’s ‘Build Your Future’.
“Young people are expected to know what they want to do with their lives through their school choices and after leaving school without any experience of industry. Build your future is aiming to change this by providing insight that will support them to make informed decisions, which is certainly a step in the right direction.
It is anticipated the Skills Academy will be fully operational by 2024 – by which time Edinburgh will hopefully have a fully functioning Administration! – Ed.)
Chancellor confirms that the UK stands ready to guarantee up to $50 million for further financing to Ukraine to continue electricity provision during latest G7 meeting in Germany.
Rishi Sunak also discussed how global partners can continue to work together to soften the war’s impact on the global economy
He will also urge G7 counterparts to maintain momentum behind and deliver the historic agreement on global tax reform – ensuring companies pay their fair share of tax in the countries in which they operate.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the UK stands ready to guarantee up to $50 million for further financing to Ukraine, to help ensure the continued provision of electricity to its citizens.
The Chancellor attended meetings with G7 partners yesterday and will continue to do so today, alongside the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.
They discussed efforts to support Ukraine and the ways in which the war is adding to pressures on the global economy, including impacts on the cost of living in the UK.
Yesterday Rishi Sunak announced the UK’s commitment to guarantee $50million, of further financing to Ukraine from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, which is headquartered in London.
This comes on top of the $950m in loan guarantees that the UK has already committed to significantly scale up World Bank lending to the Government of Ukraine to help meet urgent fiscal needs.
This guarantee will be used by the EBRD to provide further financing to the Ukrainian electricity grid operator, Ukrenergo to support continued provision of electricity to the brave Ukrainian people, subject to approval by Parliament.
This funding forms part of the significant economic, humanitarian and military support the UK has committed to Ukraine, totalling well over $3 billion.
The Chancellor also discussed the shared challenges facing the global economy, including the rising cost of living globally, and the acute challenges faced by developing economies including heightened food insecurity.
He pushed his partners in the G7 to ensure that the sanctions announced so far are being urgently implemented and strongly enforced to exert maximum cost on Putin and his regime.
Ahead of the meetings, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “I remain steadfast with my G7 partners in standing with Ukraine. I am pleased to confirm up to $50million in UK guarantees for EBRD critical support in Ukraine. This will help Ukraine continue to provide electricity to its citizens as they fight for their freedom.
“It’s clear that Putin’s barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine has not only had a devastating humanitarian impact on Ukraine; it is also causing significant disruption to the global economy, the impacts of which are being felt across the G7, including here at home in the UK.”
“I am determined to work with my G7 partners to confront these shared challenges.”
Today, the Chancellor will also call for progress on the implementation of the international tax agreement that was struck last year during the UK’s presidency of the G7.
This historic global tax reform will ensure companies pay their fair share of tax in the countries in which they operate. In Bonn, the Chancellor will encourage his partners to maintain momentum and collaborate to deliver on the agreement as swiftly as possible.
Pupils, parents and carers are being asked to give their views on school uniform to help shape new national guidance.
A key aim of the guidance will be to reduce costs for families, while ensuring pupils can go to school feeling comfortable and ready to learn.
A consultation to inform the national guidance is launched today, with a wide range of views being sought, including from schools, families, education authorities and suppliers.
There will also be engagement with young people to seek their views.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “School uniform can promote a sense of identity, belonging and connectedness to school. However, the cost can be a significant burden for families, although there is no legal requirement to wear uniform.
“We have increased the school clothing grant to help families who need it most. Now we intend to go further by bringing forward national guidance aimed at reducing uniform costs. This could mean increasing the use of generic items of uniform.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest to have their say on how this guidance should look. It is essential that the views of children and young people are heard as part of this consultation.”
Local authorities and individual schools decide on school uniform policy at local level. The national guidance, which will be underpinned by a range of principles, will inform those policies.
There is no legal requirement to wear school uniform in Scotland. The new guidance is not intended to change this or to mandate the wearing of school uniform at national level.
Artist impressions show the stark future of UK national parks based on current walking habits
Images show the impact of footpath erosion and littering on iconic locations like the Lake District and Snowdonia
Research names the Peak District as the national park most in need of protection
New images have been released which show the stark future of the UK’s national parks if current walking behaviours continue, with footpath erosion and mass littering having a massive impact on our favourite natural spaces.
Rohan, the outdoor and travel clothing company, has been inspiring people to adventure into the great British countryside since 1972, so as part of its 50th anniversary, the company is launching a range of initiatives, such as research into the nation’s walking habits, to help raise awareness of and protect the areas that the public know and love.
For National Walking Month (May), Rohan used a variety of data sources, such as visitor numbers and environmental offences, to identify the national parks most in need of protection, and then looked ahead 50 years to see what they could look like if no action is taken.
The Great Ridge, Peak District
The Peak District, the UK’s oldest national park, tops the list, with the latest data showing a staggering 178% increase in visitors between 2016-19.
The Great Ridge, which leads up to Mam Tor, is one of its most popular routes, and artists have visualised how heavy footfall could widen and damage the footpath.
Cat Bells, The Lake District
The Lake District takes second place, with over two million annual visitors and by far the most online interest of all the parks.
The park’s website was viewed almost 100 million times in 2021 and there are nearly 130 million hashtags mentioning the Lake District on Instagram and TikTok.
Snowdonia
The impact of the post-lockdown tourism boom in Snowdonia has been well-documented, but visitor numbers were already on the increase before the pandemic, with a 60% rise between 2016-19.
There were nearly two million Google searches for the park last year, which is second only to the Lake District.
Loch Lomond
The most under-pressure Scottish national park is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, which is home to popular Munros such as Ben Lomond, and the internationally renowned West Highland Way.
In 2021, there were over 30 million visits to its official website, which was the second-highest of any UK national park.
Joanne Backshall, Programme Manager at Fix the Fells, explains what footpath erosion is, how people can help to minimise it and what could happen to the UK’s favourite routes in the next 50 years if they aren’t protected:
“Footpath erosion is where trampling has killed vegetation and exposed bare soil and loose stone, which gets washed away to create unsightly gullies and scars in the landscape.
“It’s caused by a combination of people and rainwater, and the severity is largely determined by the number of walkers and how many stray from the designated path.
“If no action is taken to look after paths and repair damage, then erosion will spread – more vegetation will be trampled and die, more soil and stone will be exposed and washed away, and ultimately more of our stunning mountain tops, ridges and main routes will become gullied and ugly.
Giles Polito, Marketing Director at Rohan, said: “We’re incredibly fortunate in the UK to have such stunning national parks on our doorstep and it’s fantastic that so many people are getting out to enjoy them.
“Since our launch in 1972, we’ve always encouraged the nation to head outside and explore these spaces, but it’s also important that we do everything we can to protect them, particularly those with high footfall, so that future generations can appreciate them as much as we do.
“We all have a joint responsibility to look after the British countryside and listening to and supporting charities like Fix the Fells is a great way to play your part.”
For more research about the future of the UK’s national parks, visit:
A dedicated fund to repay mesh removal costs will open for applications on 6 June.The Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme will enable women who have paid for surgery to claim their money back.
To be eligible, arrangements for treatment must be made by 3 June.
After this date, patients wishing treatment funded by the NHS will be seen through the Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Any woman who expresses a preference to be treated outside of Scotland will be able to request a referral to one of the NHS England specialist centres.
Progress in making arrangements for future mesh removal surgery to take place in independent hospitals, where women wish, continues. An agreement is in place for Spire Health Care in Bristol to accept referrals and positive discussions continue with Dr Veronikis, in Missouri, United States.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The opening of the scheme is a significant milestone enabling women to claim back the money they felt they had to use to get their treatment. The cut-off date will give sufficient time for anyone who is currently in the process of finalising arrangements to do so before it opens.
“Women who require mesh removal surgery are now also able to ask to be referred to a specialist NHS centre in England or to an independent provider. These options are being offered in conjunction with the service already provided in NHS Scotland and all options will be provided free of charge to the patient.
“I encourage anyone who wishes referral to one of these services to make their wishes known to their clinical team, if they have not already done so.”
The scheme will be administered by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS).
Further information on the scheme and how to apply will be available on the mesh pages of NHS NSS website.
