As part of Occupational Therapy Week 2020, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched a campaign to inspire people from all backgrounds to become occupational therapists.
Although there are over 41,000 occupational therapists, across the UK there is still a significant shortage and the profession is included on the UK’s Shortage Occupations List.
RCOT also wants to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to qualify as occupational therapists and ensure that the profession reflects the diversity of the population it serves.
Through a social media campaign, #ChooseOT, RCOT is reaching out to school students and the people who support them to encourage more people to consider occupational therapy as a career.
RCOT Chief Executive, Julia Scott said:“I’m sure I speak for our members in saying that being an occupational therapist is the best job in the world. It brings immense benefits and opportunities, and training to be an occupational therapist leads to a nationally and internationally recognised qualification.
“No two days are ever the same. You can change people’s lives on a daily basis working in the NHS, social care, schools, prisons, the emergency services and in the private and voluntary sector. The list is almost endless.
“The profession needs people from all backgrounds. So if you are a problem solver, people person, good at sizing up situations or enjoy helping people – now is the time to #ChooseOT.”
Occupational Therapy Week 2020 takes place from 2-8 November,
NHS Lothian announced last week that visiting across sites will be suspended unless for essential visits only.The decision is designed to help protect patients and staff by limiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Fiona Ireland, Deputy Director of Nursing, NHS Lothian said: “Across Lothian, Scotland and the UK, we are seeing rising levels of COVID-19 within the community.
“We have taken the difficult decision to suspend visiting across our sites to help minimise the risk of transmission, to protect patients, our staff and the wider community, and to manage the increasing pressure on our acute and community sites.”
Where possible, ward staff have been contacting relatives, who had previously been identified as designated visitors, to advise them of the new arrangements and to provide more information.
Under the current guidance, some essential visits are still permitted; for example patients receiving end-of-life care, for patients with mental health issues including dementia, for inpatients in our children’s services and those accompanying partners during childbirth. Visiting arrangements for these groups should only take place following discussions with senior charge nurses or midwives.
Ms Ireland added: “I understand that not being able to visit family members while they are in hospital may be upsetting, but I would like to assure the public that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“With higher levels of COVID-19 cases within the community, there is an increased risk that visitors could inadvertently bring COVID-19 into our hospital sites, especially if they are not showing any symptoms.
“This decision will help manage the increasing risks of COVID-19 transmission and protect the safety of your loved ones, our staff and the wider community. I would urge our patients and families to help us by respecting this difficult decision.”
NHS Lothian understands that the public may have questions in relation to this decision, so have prepared some FAQs:
Why can’t I visit?
Cases of COVID-19 within the community have been rising. With more people potentially exposed to the virus, there is a real risk that visitors to our sites may be infectious, but not displaying any symptoms.
By suspending visiting, we hope to limit the spread of COVID-19 and in doing so help to protect those individuals, including your loved ones, who may be more at risk.
What is classified as an essential visit?
As per the Scottish Government guidance, essential visits include the following –
For patients receiving end of life care
For patients with mental health issues including dementia
For patients with learning disabilities
For patients with autism
For birthing partners
For children
Can I get personal items like clothes, nightclothes, toiletries to my loved one?
If you are in hospital, we understand how important it is to have personal items such as clothes and your own toiletries. If relatives need to bring personal items to their loved ones, they can still do this, but are expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.
If I want to give my loved one a phone or an iPad to communicate with me can I hand this in?
Yes, but like handing in clothes or toiletries you will be expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.
What if my child is in an adult ward, can I visit them?
If your child (up to the age of 18) happens to be in an adult ward, the nurse in charge will be able to advise when to visit and any constraints that may be placed around the visit. We would remind families, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home. Similarly if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) you should remain at home for the required isolation period, which is currently 14 days.
My partner is due to give birth, will I still be able to attend?
At present, birth partners are permitted to attend, however we ask that this is limited to just one person. The midwife in charge will be able to advise. We would remind birth partners, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home.
Similarly if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) you should remain at home for the required isolation period, which is currently 14 days
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has accused SNP Ministers of having second thoughts about the development of Sheriffhall junction.
Plans for the development of Sheriffhall junction stalled earlier this year when the SNP Government went back on their commitment to commence the development, following pressure from the Greens.
Last week, (Wednesday 28th October), the Lothian MSP met with Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson Graham Simpson and South Scotland MSP Michelle Ballentine at the junction to see first hand the urgent need for the junction to be developed.
The development is a key national infrastructure projects that is vital for commuters in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s and to meet future demand with the South East of Scotland having the fastest growing population in Scotland.
A Written Answer to Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, attached, states “should Transport Scotland be unsuccessful in removing all objections, then a public local inquiry may be required” and that “Delivery of the scheme itself can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory procedures and thereafter a timetable for its progress can be set”.
The junction is also a major safety hazard with 299 accidents involving injury or death at the junction over a 10 year period.
Investment in infrastructure should be a key approach to Scotland economic recovery from Covid-19 and it is disappointing the this development is being delayed.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs commented:“This development of Sheriffhall Junction needs to be brought forward as soon as possible.For too long we have been campaigning for this and it is now time for action.
“This is a key national investment for the South East of Scotland which will reduce congestion and create jobs.
“I have written to the Scottish Government to get an update on their review to improve active travel and public transport provision.”
South Scotland MSP, Michelle Ballantyne, commented:“Sheriffhall Junction is the gateway to Edinburgh for much of south-east Scotland and thousands of residents rely upon it every day.
“We cannot afford any further delay; upgrades to the roundabout are critical for development in the region and will attract jobs and investment to Midlothian and the Borders.
“I will continue to press the Scottish Government on this important issue. South East Scotland deserves a road network that is fit for purpose.”
Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, Graham Simpson, commented:“This project is badly needed and the SNP need to pull their fingers out and deliver it.
“It’s essential to Edinburgh and the wider region. Delays at Sheriffhall should be sorted – and fast.”
VIRGIN MONEY INVESTS IN NEW FLAGSHIP STORE IN SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL
New store first of its kind in Scotland
55 Clydesdale Bank branches will rebrand to Virgin Money Stores
Entire nationwide network of stores will operate under the new Virgin Money brand by spring 2021
Virgin Money has opened its state-of-the-art flagship Store in Edinburgh as part of its UK wide store rebrand programme.
The new flagship store located at 83 George Street, is the latest example of Virgin Money’s innovative approach to what a bank branch can offer. Once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, customers will be able to experience the full range of the new store’s features, including a space for entrepreneurs to co-work and create, a venue for events and much more as Virgin Money invests in UK high streets as part of its nation-wide rebrand.
The multi-million-pound rebranding of its national network of Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank and Virgin Money sites to the new Virgin Money branding will be completed by spring 2021, bringing all stores under a single brand.
Each rebranded store will offer full banking services to all 6.6 million customers in the Virgin Money Group, vastly increasing the network of available stores to existing Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank and Virgin Money customers. Over the coming months customers will also begin to see credit cards, banking apps and account statements change to Virgin Money as part of its wider rebrand activity.
Customers will continue to benefit from the same friendly and knowledgeable teams, providing excellent customer service and access to a wide range of Virgin Money products and services from current account to mortgages and credit cards. Customers will also have access to exclusive products and services from the wider Virgin Group of businesses.
Paul Titterton, Head of Personal Distribution at Virgin Money said: “These are exciting times for Virgin Money as we invest in our stores and move to a single brand for all customers.
“The new George Street store brings together the very best of digital banking with a unique offering on the high street. It’s a new chapter for our history, and our new approach to stores proves that a bank branch can be a buzzing creative space where businesses and people can come together.
“We can’t wait for the Covid restrictions to lift so customers can enjoy the full Virgin experience in our new Edinburgh store.”
As part of the programme 55 Clydesdale Bank branches will be rebranded to Virgin Money Stores across Scotland.
Virgin Money are in communication with its customers in advance of their own branch being rebranded to let them know about when they can expect the changes to be made.
First Minister to lay wreath at national service in Edinburgh
The National Service of Remembrance to commemorate the sacrifices of the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts will go ahead, but will be closed to the public due to ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
The service has been significantly scaled back, in line with events across the country, to protect public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, given that public gatherings are known to increase the spread of the virus.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will attend the service on Sunday 8 November at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to pay respects on behalf of the people of Scotland.
The First Minister will give a reading and lay a wreath alongside representatives of the Armed Forces and faith organisations.
Unfortunately, due to the restrictions to manage the pandemic, local remembrance events will not be able to proceed as they have in previous years.
Instead, those who want to honour the fallen are able to do so in the following ways:
joining the two-minute silence at 11.00 on Sunday 8 November from their doorstep as part of their community
by invite to a service at a place of worship with numbers strictly limited by organisers
giving to the Scottish Poppy Appeal to support the important work it does with the Armed Forces community across Scotland
Scottish Government buildings St Andrews House and Victoria Quay in Edinburgh will be floodlit red on Sunday 8 November in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for people in Scotland to join with others across the world to commemorate the enormous sacrifices of the two World Wars and other conflicts, but the pandemic has made that much more difficult this year.
“We understand it will be disappointing to many people that national services will not be open to the public, however, due to the risk of public gatherings spreading the virus and endangering lives, we would encourage those who want to pay their respects to do so safely in other ways.
“It is vitally important that all of us abide by the restrictions to help save lives and protect the NHS as we are remembering the incredible sacrifice that so many have made.”
Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It is deeply disappointing that remembrance events are being impacted in this way given their importance to so many people, but maintaining public safety is paramount.
“However, we can and must take time as a nation to observe the two-minute silence safely, and ensure we come together in spirit to pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Payment introduced to protect people when challenging benefit decisions
People challenging disability benefit decisions will be able to claim a new Short Term Assistance payment under Scotland’s new social security system.
Short Term Assistance will mean people continue to receive the amount of money they were getting before the decision was made to lower or stop their payment.
To ensure people are not put off seeking an appeal or re-determination, they will not have to repay Short Term Assistance if the re-determination or appeal upholds the decision to lower or stop their social security payment.
This is a first for benefit delivery in the UK and it will be introduced alongside Child Disability Payment, the Scottish Government’s replacement for Disability Living Allowance for Children.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “People’s lives are complex and making benefit decisions, which take into consideration a whole range of unique circumstances, is difficult.
“Social Security Scotland will gather as much information as we can, working with the applicant, the wider public sector and health and social care professionals to make the right decision first time. However, we know that we won’t always get it right and where we don’t, we want people to feel able to challenge us to look again.
“This is why we are introducing Short Term Assistance. We know that it can be difficult for people who rely on disability assistance when their payment has been reduced or stopped. The decision to ask for a re-determination or appeal can be daunting. This new payment will give people the confidence to ask us to look again and to go to appeal if they feel they need to, ensuring they get everything they may be entitled while working through this process.
“We hope to drastically reduce the need for people to go through the re-determination and appeal process under our new system by getting the decisions right first time. Where we don’t get it right though, we will give people who rely on this service the opportunity to right this wrong, without being penalised.”
Helping to meet the increasing demand for luxurious, five-star quality homes, David Wilson Homes is expanding its offering in the capital with two new developments.
The housebuilder – part of Barratt Developments – is set to launch an entirely new development at Cammo Meadows this winter and it has just unveiled its final phase of development at the popular DWH @ Heritage Grange site.
Cammo Meadows is an attractive suburb to the north-west of Edinburgh and David Wilson Homes will be building a range of award-winning one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom terraced and detached homes.
Located close to the Cammo Estate and Cramond Beach, the development offers an abundance of outdoor space, a network of cycle paths and walkways and consciously designed roads to ensure it’s the perfect location for families.
Each David Wilson property is being designed with modern life in mind and features flexible features, open-plan rooms and bright, airy and luxurious spaces.
Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “Cammo Meadows is a beautiful location and the perfect place for us to expand into and over even more buyers the opportunity to invest in a David Wilson home. We already received lots of positive interest from prospective buyers and when we launch this winter, we look forward to seeing them on site.”
Located on the south side of the capital, Heritage Grange is a growing community just 15-minutes from the city centre. The final phase of homes has just launched at DWH @ Heritage Grange and included the four-bedroom ‘Dalmally’.
From £421,995, this property has all the space and features a growing family could need. With a generously-sized open-plan kitchen with dining and living area, to a large separate lounge and four double bedrooms upstairs, it’s perfect for buyers looking to invest in a home which will last a lifetime.
Selected properties at DWH @ Heritage Grange are eligible for the housebuilder’s ‘Movemaker’ scheme. Taking the hassle out of buying and selling, Movemaker means that David Wilson Homes can help arrange the sale of an existing property and even pay the estate agent fees.
For more details on the range of homes available at Cammo Meadows or DWH @ Heritage Grange, visit the David Wilson Homes website.
Men who take part in Movember’s annual fundraising campaign are more likely to report better mental health and wellbeing than the general male population, new research shows.
A study released today shows that Movember supporters – known as Mo Bros – score more highly than the general male population across a range of mental wellbeing indicators, including having lower levels of negative mental wellbeing and higher levels of eudaimonic wellbeing (living a life with purpose).
The survey of 2,767 British men, commissioned by Movember compared Movember’s database of fundraisers with a nationally representative sample of the general male population online (sampled by YouGov).
It also found that Movember fundraisers are more likely to admit when they are struggling with their mental health and to seek help when they need it – which can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.
In the last year, almost half (45.8%) of Mo Bros said they had confided in a friend about their problems compared with 19.3% from the general male population (that had confided with a friend, colleague or family member)
Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, said:“We know many guys struggle with their mental health and when it comes to suicide, men are disproportionately impacted, accounting for three out of four people who take their own lives.
“There is evidence to show that having strong social connections can have a protective effect against poor mental health – that’s why we ask men to spend quality time with their friends and reach out and speak to someone if they are struggling.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see that our fundraising community have taken this message on board, especially during the uncertain times we’re living in.
“We want them to carry on spreading the word that spending time with your mates/friends, talking more often and talking openly with someone you trust is good for your mental health.”
The results also showed that Movember supporters tend to be more physically active, better understand the risk factors for prostate cancer and are more likely to carry out testicular self-examination checks than those who did not take part in the campaign.
Over a third (37.2%) of Mo Bros exercised at least 20 times in the last month (compared with 25.8% of the general male population who say they have been physically active for 30 minutes or more, more than 20 times).
Over a quarter (27%) of Mo Bros over the age of 45 have spoken to their doctor (or other healthcare professional) about their prostate cancer risk in the past year, compared with just 12% of 45s and over in the general male population).
Among the under 45s, eight out of 10 (81%) of Mo Bros have checked their testicles at least once in the last year, compared with 40% of the general male population sample.
“These results confirm that being part of the Movember community really is good for your health,” said Michelle Terry. “It’s not just the feel-good factor you get from helping others around you, making a few small changes can have a real impact on your own physical and mental health.
“It’s been a really tough year – heightened by the pressures of the pandemic – so we want as many men as possible to join our fight for men’s health. It’s time to have fun, do good and improve your health at the same time.”
Support Movember by signing up or donating at Movember.com/2020.
Finding a signature scent can seem a challenge with so many choices. And with Christmas getting closer, starting research a little earlier is advised for those unsure of what fragrance to gift to their loved ones.
New research from Fragrance Direct has analysed over 100 countries and 10,000 fragrances in a bid to reveal which are most desired around the world. We used Google search data from the last 12 months to find out which brands and editions are being searched for the most, and used our findings to analyse the base, heart, and top notes from the top 500 to showcase the scents we can’t get enough of.
When it comes to the UK, Estee Lauder’s Estee takes the top spot, with 110,000 searches. Marc Jacobs comes second, with over 40,500 searches.
Only The Brave from Diesel also cracks the top 10, proving to be a popular choice with British men.
An icon of Second World War aviation desperately needs donations to stay in the air after her starboard engine failed to re-start following a landing on Loch Ness.
The PBY Catalina flying boat ‘Miss Pick Up’ was flying across the picturesque Loch on Saturday while filming for a TV production and had just completed her last landing for this task when she got stuck on the water.
The beautifully-designed flying boat – the most successful flying boat of all time – developed for the US Navy, was lifted out of the water by crane but the damaged engine must be replaced – an expensive, time-consuming and awkward process, especially away from home base.
Now Plane Sailing, the Cambridge-based team of dedicated pilots and volunteers who operate the IWM Duxford-based plane, needs donations for the vital repairs. The plane is not operated for profit and Plane Sailing’s sole mission is to keep the aircraft flying and honour her legacy.
So far more than £15,000 has been raised by hundreds of people donating to the gofundme page, but more is needed.
Former RAF Harrier pilot Paul Warren Wilson is the leader of Plane Sailing’s Catalina operation and The Catalina Society. He said: “The logistics involved are massive.
“Once the damaged engine is replaced we need to put her back onto the water so she can be flown home, otherwise she will be at the mercy of the harsh Scottish winter on a Loch (which as we all know is home to a certain wee beastie!) rather than her usual cosy hanger in Duxford. The damage this could do to the aircraft – an important piece of aviation history – could be irreparable.
“We have been absolutely staggered and humbled by the generous donations from so many of Miss Pick Up’s supporters.
“Yesterday the future looked bleak. Today, with the Cat safely on dry land again, there is a light glimmering at the end of the tunnel.”
Miss Pick Up is one of the world’s only airworthy Catalina flying boats and is largely self-funding, appearing at up to 20 airshows a year – but because of COVID this has been reduced to just two in 2020.
All the funds raised will be used for boat hire, crane hire, transporting the spare engine and equipment from Duxford to Loch Ness, workshop facilities / accommodation and scaffolding.
The plane is on the west side of the Loch at Urquhart Bay and was lifted onto the quayside by crane, using the pair of lifting points on the wings which are designed for just this purpose – but for the first time ever, for Miss Pick Up.
Miss Pick Up has two engines and each normally lasts for about 1,200 hours flying before refurbishment. The Catalina team’s plan is to drive their spare engine to Scotland to complete the engine change.
After engine runs, the Cat will then go back on the Loch to be flown to Inverness Airport for refuelling, before she flies back home to Duxford. The whole process is expected to take at least a month.
Catalina quick facts:
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was produced for the US Navy but was also flown by the RAF and the air forces of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, and the Soviet Union.
Catalinas were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escort, search and rescue missions, and cargo transport.
The aircraft was involved in almost every major operation in the Second World War – notably combatting the dreaded German U-boats in the Atlantic, locatingthe German battleship Bismarck, and the sighting of the Japanese invasion force heading for Ceylon.
It was produced in San Diego, New Orleans, Quebec, and Vancouver during the war.
There are just 20 still flying throughout the world. Miss Pick Up is the only one located in Europe.
