The Dreadnought was recently declared Edinburgh Pub of the Year by members of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch of CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale.
During the previous year, CAMRA members had been visiting pubs and scoring their beer – making an assessment of how well it had been kept and served, submitting their scores online.
In February, members met to consider a short-list of the highest scoring pubs. This had been compiled using an algorithm that takes account of the number of people scoring, the number of visits the scores related to, as well as the scores themselves. The pubs on the short list were those which consistently offered well kept beer. By secret ballot, members then voted for their Pub of the Year, in the 3 areas the Branch covers – Edinburgh, the Lothians outside Edinburgh, and the Borders.
The photograph (TOP) shows pub landlord, Toby Saltonstall, on 15 April, being presented with a framed commemorative certificate by Chris Miller, Branch Chair, at a gathering in the pub.
The presentation was greeted by much applause, from the crowd of regular patrons who had assembled to celebrate this special event.
The pub has been runner-up on a number of occasions, so this win was not entirely a surprise!
Edinburgh Castle became a shining tribute to Scotland’s female footballers on Saturday night, with striking images of players of all ages and stages projected onto the iconic landmark to mark ScottishPower signing up to support the women’s game for another three years.
From the Castle Esplanade, players, coaches and parents gathered at dusk as the historic fortress was illuminated with projected footage showcasing the journeys of young players developing into emerging professionals alongside existing stars and professional players, bringing to life what is increasingly possible through ScottishPower’s continued support.
The projection marks the extension of ScottishPower’s exclusive Principal Partnership with Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), first announced back in 2023 as the biggest single investment in Scottish women’s football.
The leading green energy company also confirmed it will continue to sponsor the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups at all three age groups, SWF’s National & Regional league cups and is again backing the fast-growing Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League and Cup.
Over the next three years, ScottishPower will continue to actively support both the SWF and the SWPL as they accelerate the growth of the women’s game, all the way from grassroots to elite up and down the country.
Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive, said: “At ScottishPower, we’re committed to equality of opportunity, and over the past three years our partnership with Scottish Women’s Football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League has shown just how powerful the right support can be for girls and women across Scotland.
“We’re proud to back the elite end of the game, but just as importantly, to help strengthen the entire pathway – from grassroots and youth football right through to the highest level.
“Together, we’ve focused on making a real, practical impact, from providing kit and boots to girls across the country to supporting development in areas like the Highlands and Islands that can too often be overlooked.
“Renewing our support for another three years is a clear statement of our intent. We’re in this for the long term, committed to building momentum and helping women’s football in Scotland reach its full potential.”
Aileen Campbell, CEO at Scottish Women’s Football, added:“ScottishPower’s continued commitment is a hugely important vote of confidence in the women’s and girls’ game across the country.
“This partnership has already helped us strengthen the foundations of football in communities, supporting participation, improving the player pathway, and creating more opportunities for girls to stay in the sport and progress, whatever their starting point.
“The continuation of support for our National and Regional cups, the Youth Challenge Cups and the Highlands and Islands League and Cup is especially significant, because it reaches players and volunteers at every level. We’re proud of what has been achieved so far, and we’re excited to keep building real momentum over the next three years.”
Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director of Scottish Women’s Premier League, said: “This renewal is a powerful statement about the future of women’s football in Scotland.
“The SWPL has been on a clear journey of growth in standards, visibility and ambition, and having a long-term principal partner like ScottishPower enables our clubs and players to keep driving progress both on and off the pitch.
“Crucially, it also strengthens the connection between the top of the game and the grassroots and youth pathway, ensuring young players across Scotland can see a clear and achievable future in football.
“We’re immensely grateful for ScottishPower’s continued belief in what women’s football can become and the positive impact it can have on communities nationwide.”
ScottishPower is at the heart of communities across the country, whether it’s through the thousands of green jobs being created, the renewable power it generates or the secure, stable electricity it supplies –keeping the lights on from power to plug.
This landmark football partnership aligns with parent company, Iberdrola, which has been promoting equality through sport since 2016, through competitions and federations in Spain and Brazil.
Outside the UK, it supports more than 100 competitions, 32 of them as Iberdrola leagues, reaching an estimated 600,000 female athletes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will address the Commons this afternoon as questions mount over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Oppostion leaders have all called for his resignation and there is growing disquiet among his own backbenchers over Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson – a man who had previously been forced to resign TWICE for dishonesty and whose links to disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were in the public domain.
Despite Mandelson’s controversial background, Starmer appointed the lobbyist to a senior diplomatic post only to dismiss him in September when more Epstein revelations came to light.
Starmer is now claiming he was unaware that Mandelson failed security vetting and that, had he known, he would not have appointed the disgraced peer. The vetting process actually took place after the announcement of Mandelson’s appointment.
Exactly what Starmer knew, and when, may just become a little clearer this afternoon. ‘Furious’ Starmer will doubtless come out fighting, and Cabinet colleagues have been circling the wagons to protect their leader, but whether Westminster will believe the Prime Minister’s version of events is another matter.
The Mandelson affair is another self-inflicted wound, and an unwelcome distraction for a government facing elections across the country in just three weeks time.
Secondary schools in Edinburgh can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity’s life-changing Feed A School initiative.
Mary’s Meals provides meals to more than 3 million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities across 16 countries. The promise of a nutritious meal at school attracts these children into the classroom, where they can gain an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. Yet millions of children still miss out on going to school due to hunger.
Through Feed A School, secondary schools can ensure every pupil at a school in Malawi or Zambia receives a nutritious meal every day for a full school year.
The initiative is a transformative way to give hundreds of vulnerable children hope for a better future. Providing healthy meals for a whole school has a huge impact not only on the children, but also on their families and the wider community.
Feeding an entire school for a year is more achievable than many realise – with Mary’s Meals, it costs just 10p a day to provide a child with a nutritious school meal. Whether schools choose to fundraise on their own, or join with others in the area, they will develop a real sense of connection to their chosen school and to the children they are helping, with updates from the feeding programme and a final report from the Malawian or Zambian school at the end of the year.
A school’s support can bring hope to more children like Sean, aged 12, from Mbayani Primary School in Malawi. Hunger is a daily struggle for Sean and his classmates, but with Mary’s Meals, they have a chance at a brighter future.
He says: “Mostly there is no money, and we don’t eat at home, but I know I will get porridge at school. I am happy at school and I want to be a scientist. Porridge will help me take the next steps.”
Schools that choose to fundraise won’t be doing it alone. Mary’s Meals will be there to support schools throughout their fundraising year – and each participating school will be joining others up and down the country who agree that in this world of plenty, no child should miss school because they are too hungry to learn.
Every year since 2017, pupils at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School in East Kilbride have organised a five day ‘porridge pledge’ to raise funds to feed all 288 children at Damu Primary School in Malawi for a full school year with Mary’s Meals.
During the pledge, the pupils eat only plain foods, like porridge, rice and toast – sacrificing their favourite foods so their friends at Damu can enjoy school meals for a whole year. In 2025, they surpassed their £5,515.20 target, raising an incredible total of more than £11,000.
Religion Moral Citizenship Education (RMCE) teacher, Jacqueline Nelson, says: “I can honestly say Feed A School with Mary’s Meals is one of the best things that we have ever done in our school.
“Through Feed A School, we live what we teach – we directly help our global brothers and sisters, those who we will never meet yet still love and it allows us to place the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the world first. It’s beautiful. It brings true joy.”
Claire Benjamin, Director of Supporter Engagement for Mary’s Meals UK, adds: “Choose to Feed A School and you will make a lasting difference to children, their families and their whole communities.
“We serve children in schools of many different sizes, which means Feed A School offers a wide range of fundraising targets to suit every school community. Schools can sign up to Feed A School in Malawi or Zambia today and turn a year of school meals into a lifetime of impact.”
Inclusive entrepreneur turns university course into funding windfall
A 10-week online marketing course from The Open University in Scotland has transformed the fortunes of an Edinburgh-based comedy entrepreneur, leading to equity-free funding and her first employee hire.
Katie Palmer, founder of Brass Tacks Comedy, signed up for the course after spotting it in Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert newsletter.
What began as a low-commitment way to boost her marketing skills has since unlocked entrepreneurial support and funding, helping to attract major clients and secure long-term income stretching into 2027.
Brass Tacks Comedy is built on a mission to support underrepresented voices in an industry traditionally centred around London. Katie works with comedians from diverse backgrounds, including those from economically disadvantaged communities and performers with a range of gender identities and sexual orientations.
Despite the famous Scottish sense of humour, Katie noticed that comedy was suffering from a lack of support in Scotland, with many talented acts overlooked or priced out by a London-centric industry.
Katie was awarded funding and entrepreneurial support through The Open University in Scotland after completing the Business management: marketing principles and practice microcredential course. She used the investment to build a professional website, develop marketing resources and create systems that have since attracted bigger clients and multi-date tours.
Katie Palmer, founder of Brass Tacks Comedy said: “I didn’t know any of this support existed. I signed up for a 10-week course because I thought it would be useful. It ended up opening so many doors to me and my business.
“Working with The Open University in Scotland’s Open Enterprise Network has been transformative. The ongoing support has made a huge difference to the business. The team is brilliant at spotting and sending on opportunities to access funding that I would never have known existed otherwise.
“It’s given me the confidence to think bigger and actually go for things. Having someone genuinely invested in your success, who takes the time to understand what you’re building and makes you feel like your business is worth backing is game changing. That validation has been just as valuable as the funding itself.
“Since receiving the funding, I’ve attracted more clients and bigger comedians who want to tour with me. The biggest tour I’ll have worked on is now booked for 2027, which means long-term income and the confidence to hire my first employee. I’ve also had the confidence to apply for follow on funding from other bodies.”
Katie was supported by The Open University in Scotland through its enterprise and startup support schemes, including its microfinance competition which provides equity-free funding to help students take early-stage business ideas forward.
Increasingly supporting entrepreneurs who are building businesses alongside work, caring responsibilities and life commitments, its flexible model enables students of all ages and backgrounds to study and apply learning in real time, while remaining rooted in their own communities.
Offering a strong package of support, students and recent graduates can access a wide programme of events, resources and competitions designed to help turn ideas into viable businesses.
This includes hands-on enterprise bootcamps, funding competitions such as the Open Enterprise Network Converge Microfinance Competition and a rich library of online learning covering entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, marketing and digital skills.
Supported by expert guidance and an active peer community, the Open Enterprise Network gives entrepreneurs the tools, confidence and connections to build and grow businesses wherever they are based across Scotland.
For example, The Open University has supported four Edinburgh-based start-ups thus far: Katie’s Brass Tacks Comedy, ultra-endurance races and events business, Primeval, creative social enterprise To Be Read and outdoor advertising agency, Rider Ads.
In Edinburgh, The Open University in Scotland is supporting 1815 students, 72% of whom are in employment and 19% don’t have traditional university entrance qualifications. Through its initiatives, the University is helping students move from idea to trading in a practical and sustainable way.
Jane Grant, Depute Director of External Engagement and Partnerships at The Open University in Scotland, said Katie’s experience reflected the university’s unique approach to entrepreneurship.
She said: “As Scotland’s national university for widening access and lifelong learning, we are proud to support entrepreneurial students across Scotland, including those in rural, coastal and community-based settings, who may face barriers to accessing traditional campus-based education.
Our model is designed to meet individuals where they are, allowing them to develop skills and ideas alongside their work and life commitments, and turn ambition into action, no matter where they are based.
“We are nurturing a range of businesses that prioritise inclusivity, community impact and the values of diversity, just like Katie’s. By supporting students with inclusive aims, we’re not just helping them build businesses, but enabling them to create ventures that reflect the communities they serve.
“These businesses are rooted in local values, bringing opportunities and support to areas that have often been overlooked by mainstream industries. In turn, they contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy across Scotland, where businesses are not only focused on profit but also on making a positive, lasting impact on their communities.
“This approach ensures that entrepreneurship is accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for business growth and development.”
Comedy fans looking for their next night out can explore upcoming shows and book tickets now by visiting www.brasstackscomedy.com/whats-on
Cottage cheese is making a comeback and Scotmid is at the forefront, offering two new products in stores nationwide now.
The humble dairy staple taking over social media feeds and shopping lists alike, has recently gained online traction amongst health-conscious consumers for being a high protein, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wealth of creations including whipped pancakes, flatbreads and even ice cream.
For one East Lothian dairy farm though, cottage cheese is nothing new. Yester Farm Dairies – a third-generation family business run by husband-and-wife team Simon and Jackie McCreery – has been perfecting recipes over the last decade.
The award-winning duo, who first began pasteurising their milk in 2003 to supply milk and cream locally before expanding by converting farm buildings into modern cheese and yoghurt making facilities in 2015, today offer one of the only on-farm dairy processors in Scotland.
The journey from cow to product is measured in metres, not miles, with milk from its herd of over 350 cows produced on-site and ready for shelves within just two days. This “field to fridge” approach helps maximise freshness, reduce food miles and ensure full traceability — helping the business stand out in Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition.
As a result, Yester Farm Dairies will now see its products stocked across Scotland, marking the biggest retail rollout in the family business’s history and reaching 120 Scotmid stores.
Simon McCreery, at Yester Farm Dairies, said:“We’re incredibly proud to have won a Scottish Favourites place and to now be launching into Scotmid stores across Scotland.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for us — and we’re excited to see more customers discovering our products.”
Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites initiative, delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, helps local producers grow by giving them access to retail shelves and new audiences.
Steve Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “Scottish Favourites is all about backing great local producers, and Yester Farm Dairies stood out for both quality and freshness.
“At a time when demand for high-protein foods is growing, it’s fantastic to be able to offer customers a locally produced option that’s made with care and reaches shelves quickly.
“Supporting businesses like Yester Farm is a key part of what we do — strengthening local supply chains while giving customers access to great Scottish produce.”
Customers can purchase Yester Farm’s cottage cheese and soft cheese in Scotmid stores across Scotland from 15th April , priced at £1.79 for 300g and £2.19 for 300g respectively.
Get ready for glitter, grit, and a gut-punch of truth. ACID’S REIGN, the explosive new drag climate musical from Relish Theatre in association with Pleasance, storms into the Edinburgh Fringe with a fierce blend of powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp wit, and unapologetic queer energy.
This is not just a musical – it’s a movement.
GLAMOUR. ACTIVISM. RECKONING.
2019: A radical drag supergroup rises, ready to take on climate change. Now: Funding dries up. Attention fades. The world moves on.
When commercial success comes calling, the group faces an impossible choice: stay radical- or stay visible.
A CAST OF DRAG SUPERSTARS
Led by the electrifying Victoria Scone (RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Alex Acid, ACID’S REIGN features a sensational line up including Scarlett Harlett (RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Dina Mite, Gigi Zahir as Ria Listic (fresh from supporting Chappell Roan), Sé Carr (Jamie Fuxx) as Micky Steele and Offie nominated Ash Weir as Olive Branch. Backed by a live band, the show delivers unforgettable performances packed with charisma, heart, and defiance.
BOLD, CAMP, AND UNMISSABLE
Provocative, hilarious, and deeply moving, ACID’S REIGN is a riotous celebration of activism, community, and the transformative power of performance.
ACID’S REIGN is bold, brilliant, and burning with urgency. This Edinburgh Fringe, don’t just watch the revolution, sing along with it.
Co-writer and Director Luke Howarthsaid: “I feel absurdly lucky to be bringing this biggest, brightest, brashest version of ACID’S REIGN to the Fringe this year.
“Our formidable cast have been joined by drag icon Victoria Scone, and the maddeningly talented Gabriel Chernick has written an entirely original score. I’m so excited for the audience to jump into the camp and chaotic world of our show.”
Producer Morag Davies of Relish Theatresaid: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing ACID’S REIGN to Edinburgh Fringe this year.
“We’ve spent a long time developing this show and seeing it come to fruition in bigger venues than ever before, with the most phenomenal cast, creative team and our incredible live band is a dream come true.
“Expect all new original songs, killer vocals and stunning production design. We can’t wait for audiences to come along and join the party!’
CAST ALBUM LAUNCH A special ACID’S REIGN Cast Album has been recorded and to celebrate the release there will be a one-night-only live event Pizza Express Live in Holborn, London on 22nd April from 7pm.
Featuring the cast and band performing songs fromACID’S REIGN, this special launch brings the show’s electrifying soundtrack to life on stage.
Expect powerhouse vocals, a live band, and performances from drag superstars Victoria Scone, Scarlett Harlett, Jamie Fuxx, and Gigi Zahir (fresh from supporting Chappell Roan) alongside Offie-Nominated Ash Weir.
CREDITS
Cast Alex Acid : Victoria Scone Dina Mite : Scarlett Harlett Ria Listic : Gigi Zahir Micky Steele: Sé Carr / Jamie Fuxx Olive Branch : Ash Weir
Creative Team Book & Lyrics : Luke Howarth and Evie Fehilly Composition & Musical Direction : Gabriel Chernick Original Idea : James McDermott and Rob Ellis Director : Luke Howarth Producer :Morag Davies for Relish Theatre Assistant Producer : Ella Dale Production Manager :Pete Rickards for eStage Choreographer: David Allwood Costume Designer :Harry Whitfield Set Design :Good Teeth Lighting Design :Catja Hamilton Sound Design: Dan Samson Casting Director: Nick Hockaday Artist Wellbeing Practitioner :Lou Platt (The Artist Wellbeing Company)
★★★★★ “A revelation… a celebration of the LGBTQ experience.” – Salterton Arts Review ★★★★★ “Playful, witty and a surefire hit.” – The Reviews Hub ★★★★ “Disarmingly poignant… vibrant and authentic.” – The Stage ★★★★ “A dazzling, thought-provoking triumph.” – The Live Review
Seagull Trust Cruises’ at Ratho is proud to announce the launch of a new series of Audio‑Described Canal Cruises, developed in partnership with RNIB Scotland to make Scotland’s waterways more accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted.
The charity’s initiative marks a significant step forward in inclusive leisure experiences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty, history and tranquillity of the Union Canal.
The Audio‑Described Cruises have been carefully designed, in conjunction with Netherlands firm “Great Guide Magic” to offer a rich, immersive journey. The audio GPS system holds over 50 tracks which is triggered automatically by GPS and provides vivid, real‑time narration that brings the canal environment to life describing wildlife, historic landmarks, boat movements and the unique sounds and sensations of travelling by water.
Stuart Rennie, Immediate Past Chair of Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho Branch, said the organisation is committed to removing barriers to participation. “Our mission has always been to offer free, therapeutic cruises for people who need them most.
“Working with RNIB Scotland allows us to extend that mission even further. These Audio‑Described Cruises open up the canal in a new way, ensuring that passengers are not restricted to their seats and are able to enjoy the open foredeck while still listening to the commentary on the wireless headsets.”
RNIB Scotland has supported the project with specialist guidance to ensure the narration meets the needs of blind and partially sighted passengers.
Jane Coates, Senior Social Action Community Manager, RNIB Scotland, welcomed the collaboration: “Accessible leisure opportunities are vital for wellbeing and social inclusion.
!We’re delighted to work with Seagull Trust Cruises to create an experience that is not only enjoyable but genuinely empowering.”
The cruises will run on selected dates throughout the season from the Ratho base, with advance booking recommended. As with all Seagull Trust Cruises outings, the Audio‑Described Cruises are completely free of charge, supported by volunteers and charitable donations.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to accessibility, community and the belief that Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage should be open to all.
SCOTLAND HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS IN UK
51 people per 100,000 died in accidents in Scotland, compared to an average of 34 across the whole UK in 2023/24
People in Scotland 62% more likely to die in an accident than people in England
Falls are the biggest cause of accidental death in Scotland
People are almost three times as likely to die of accidental poisoning in Scotland than in England
Fatal accidents in the UK have risen by a rate of 8% in one year and accidents now kill over 23,000 people annually – more than the capacity of the 02 Arena
Almost 900,000 people – the equivalent of the entire population of Devon – are admitted to hospital due to accidents every year
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) calls on the Government to implement a National Accidents Prevention Strategy to tackle this public health emergency
Scotland has the highest rate of accidental deaths in the UK, reveals a new report from safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
Accidents killed 51 per 100,000 people in Scotland in 2023/24, compared to a UK-wide average of 34. This makes Scotland the most dangerous UK nation for accidental deaths, ahead of Wales (44 deaths per 100,000 people), Northern Ireland (39) and England (32), and means people in Scotland are 62% more likely to die in an accident than people in England.
There were also stark differences within Scotland itself, with those in the more deprived 50% of the population almost 28% more likely to be admitted to hospital than those in the less deprived 50%.
Deaths from accidents are rising across the UK, and hospital admissions due to accidents are putting immense pressure on the NHS. RoSPA found that an estimated 23,000 people – more than the capacity of the 02 Arena – lose their lives to accidents every year, while almost 900,000 people were admitted to hospital, the equivalent of the population of Devon passing through the NHS.
There was an 8% increase in the rate of all accidental deaths across the UK in 2023/24, with falls being the biggest killer across all nations. However, deaths from accidental poisoning (including drugs and alcohol) are particularly high in Scotland, with 21 people per 100,000 dying of this cause in 2023 – compared to 11 in Wales, 9 in Northern Ireland and 8 in England – meaning people in Scotland are almost three timesas likely to be killed in an accidental poisoning than in England.
Hospital admissions also rose by a rate of 3% over one year in Great Britain, including a 17% rate of increase in admissions caused by animals and 6% by poisonings.
Accidents have a tragic impact, not just on individuals, families and communities, but society as a whole. Immediate treatment costs to the NHS run to £6 billion annually, not including follow-up rehabilitation and other costs, and accidents account for a minimum of 5.2 million bed days, reducing capacity and driving up waiting lists across the health service. Meanwhile, the UK economy loses another £6 billion a year in output due to lost working days.
In 2024, RoSPA urged the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to tackle accidents as a serious public health crisis. The charity also recently launched Towards a Safer Scotland, a manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election, which sets out key priorities for accident prevention across Scotland.
RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents now shows that, without dedicated action, the crisis in accidental deaths is getting even worse. These shocking figures only strengthen the case for a coordinated, cross-sector government response, in order to reduce the suffering caused by preventable deaths and injuries, lessen the burden on the NHS and economy, and make society safer for everyone.
Becky Hickman, CEO of RoSPA, said: “Accidents devastate lives in an instant. They are often sudden, violent, and shocking, leaving families and communities to cope with consequences that can last a lifetime. What makes this devastation even harder to bear is the knowledge that so many of these incidents are entirely preventable.
“Our Annual Review of Accidents shows we are still not doing enough to reduce avoidable harm, life-changing injuries and personal tragedies.
“From our roads to our workplaces, the homes we live in to where we spend our leisure time, people in Britain are at increasing and unacceptable risk of suffering a serious accident. And it is those who are already vulnerable – young children, the elderly, and people in deprived communities – who are in the greatest danger.
“By keeping a close eye on trends, learning from patterns of injury, and acting on the evidence, we can help ensure that individuals, communities, and the wider society are better protected from the consequences of accidental injury.”
RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents is endorsed by Chris Boardman CBE, Olympic Gold Medal-winning cyclist and Commissioner at Active Travel England: “Serious injuries and deaths on our roads are often treated as an unfortunate but inevitable part of everyday life. They are not. In most cases, they are predictable and preventable.
“If we want more people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle, our streets must look and feel safe. Active Travel England is working with councils across the country to design safety into our streets, creating high-quality, joined-up networks that give people, especially children, real access to affordable, green and healthy transport.”
Dr Sally-Anne Wilson, Vice President, Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), said: “Emergency Departments see first-hand the rising impact of accidental injuries, particularly among older people.
“The patients I worry about most are those who fall from standing height, often in their own homes, and arrive in the ED with serious injuries such as hip or rib fractures. These seemingly simple accidents can have devastating consequences.
“We know that older people are disproportionately affected by crowding in Emergency Departments, and that delays transferring them to inpatient wards are linked with longer hospital stays and increased mortality.
“Prevention must be a priority. Anything we can do to reduce the number and severity of avoidable injuries will make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes and help relieve pressure on a stretched emergency care system.
“RCEM strongly supports RoSPA’s focus on this vital area of public health.”
