Napier University answers Health Secretary’s call for help

Edinburgh Napier is using its resources to boost the national drive to increase testing for COVID-19 by sending equipment from its School of Applied Sciences to support health authorities on both sides of the border.

The move follows a request for help from the Health Secretary.  Matt Hancock wrote to Principal Andrea Nolan on April 10 about the critical need for lab equipment to support the national effort to defeat coronavirus, and listed a number of priority items.

Professor Gary Hutchison, Dean of Applied Sciences, secured permission to return to the Sighthill campus with his family during the national lockdown to identify materials on the Government help list which have now been collected by a team from the army as a temporary loan.

The equipment loaned by the University includes four thermo cycler machines, used as part of the molecular biology process to determine if a patient test is positive or negative for the virus.

Following collection by the army, they will be sent to test centres across the UK to support the drive to increase testing.

In a separate development, Professor Hutchison has been in dialogue with NHS Scotland procurement and NHS National Services Scotland to make them aware of what equipment the University has.

As a first step, Personal Protective Equipment including body suits, masks, gloves and aprons is now being gathered for collection to support staff involved with the COVID-19 testing programme and other frontline activities.

Professor Hutchison said: “Assembling the correct equipment to meet testing needs in this time of national emergency is a huge logistical challenge.

“As Dean I am proud that our School is doing what it can to support the national scientific effort, our local scientists and frontline health professionals as best we can in this time of need.”

Staff at the University’s Merchiston campus have also been supporting health workers, by making scores of face masks on a laser cutter, and a training ventilator has been transferred from the University to the intensive care unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Coronavirus: “We must stay vigilant”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma gave the 17 April 2020 daily press briefing on the UK Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Good afternoon. I am joined today by the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance and Dr Yvonne Doyle who is the medical director of Public Health England.

Before I talk about some decisions taken today, and Sir Patrick provides an update on the latest data, I would like to set out the steps we are taking to defeat coronavirus.

Our step-by-step action plan is aiming to slow the spread of the virus so fewer people need hospital treatment at any one time, protecting the NHS’s ability to cope.

At each point we have been following scientific and medical advice and we have been deliberate in our actions – taking the right steps at the right time.

We are also taking unprecedented action to increase NHS capacity by dramatically expanding the numbers of beds, key staff and life-saving equipment on the front-line to give people the care they need when they need it most.

This is why we are instructing people to stay at home, so we can protect our NHS and save lives.

I can report that through the government’s ongoing monitoring and testing programme, as of today:

A total of 438,991 people in the UK have now been tested for coronavirus, that includes 21,328 tests carried out yesterday.

Of those, 108,692 people have tested positive.

That is an increase of 5,599 cases since yesterday.

18,978 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus in the UK.

And sadly, of those hospitalised with the virus, 14,576 have now died.

That is an increase of 847 fatalities since yesterday.

We must never forget that behind every statistic is a family member or a friend.

And all our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

These figures are a powerful reminder to us all of the importance of following the government’s guidance. And as the Foreign Secretary outlined yesterday, the current social distancing measures will remain in place for at least the next 3 weeks.

And there are 5 tests that must be satisfied before we will consider it safe to adjust any of the current measures.

First, we must protect the NHS’s ability to cope. We must be confident that we are able to provide sufficient critical care and specialist treatment right across the UK.

Second, we need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate from coronavirus, so we can be confident that we have moved beyond the peak.

Third, we need to have reliable data from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) showing that the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels across the board.

Fourth, we need to be confident that the range of operational challenges, including testing capacity and PPE, are in hand, with supply able to meet future demand.

Fifth, and most importantly, we need to be confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelm the NHS.

The worst thing we could do now, is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of the virus to hit the NHS and hit the British people.

So I want to thank each and every person across the UK who is following and supporting the government’s advice to stay at home, in order that we protect our NHS and, ultimately, save lives.

I know we are asking you to make sacrifices. And it is challenging. But we need to keep going. Working together, we will defeat this invisible enemy.

Now is not the time to let up. The risk still persists – not only for yourself, but for the people around you. So we must stay vigilant.

But of course, the point we hope to get to, one of the ways we can defeat this virus, is to find a vaccine.

Just as Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine in the eighteenth century, we need to apply the best of British scientific endeavour to the search for the coronavirus vaccine.

To that end I can announce today, that the government has set up a Vaccines Taskforce to co-ordinate the efforts of government, academia and industry towards a single goal:

To accelerate the development of a coronavirus vaccine.

This taskforce is up and running and aims to ensure that a vaccine is made available to the public, as quickly as possible.

The taskforce, reporting to me and the Health Secretary, is led by Sir Patrick and Professor Jonathan van Tam.

It comprises representatives from government, industry, academia and regulators.

Members include Government Life Sciences Champion Sir John Bell, as well as AstraZeneca, and the Wellcome Trust.

The taskforce will support progress across all stages of vaccine development, at pace.

It will back Britain’s most promising research, positioning the UK as a leader in clinical vaccine testing and manufacturing.

The taskforce will co-ordinate with regulators to facilitate trials which are both rapid and well supervised.

And it will work with industry in the UK and internationally, so we are in a position to manufacture vaccines at scale.

This will build on the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of a further £210 million for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the international fund to find a vaccine.

I can confirm that the government has green lighted a further 21 research projects to help fight coronavirus.

In total, these projects will receive £14 million from a £25 million government research investment and include backing the development of a vaccine at Imperial College London.

This follows support for 6 projects, announced last month, including vaccine development led by Professor Sarah Gilbert at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute. This is already carrying out preclinical trials and, with government support, will shortly move into a clinical trial phase.

And we are looking forward. So when we do make a breakthrough, we are ready to manufacture it by the millions.

One tool in this fight will be the UK’s first Vaccines Manufacturing Innovation Centre based in Harwell.

A project that will help build our capacity to develop and mass produce vaccines here in the UK.

The government will be accelerating the building of this facility.

The Bioindustry Association is also working closely with our taskforce and bringing together a whole range of businesses keen to use their expertise to mass produce vaccines, as soon as one is ready.

I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the scientists and researchers, working tirelessly, on these projects.

Yet even with all their efforts, we should be under no illusions.

Producing a vaccine is a colossal undertaking.

A complex process which will take many months.

There are no guarantees.

But the government is backing our scientists, betting big to maximise the chances of success.

I am proud of how, again and again, Britain has stepped up and answered the call to action.

An enormous challenge being tackled through a vast national effort.

Where problem-solvers, from science, business and government join forces to beat this invisible killer.

We cannot put a date on when we will get a vaccine.

But we live in a country with a rich history of pioneering science.

And with the government backing our scientists we have the best chance to do this as quickly as possible.

Childline provides vital support during pandemic

  • As Scottish Government extends lockdown, Childline reveals how the past three weeks have affected children
  • NSPCC launches ‘We’re still here for children’ – an emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK 

Childline has revealed it has seen almost 400 children in Scotland getting in touch due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), with about three quarters of the contacts in the latter three weeks.

The 390 counselling sessions have been held between the end of January, when the first cases of coronavirus were identified in the UK, and April 8. A large proportion of the sessions have taken place since the Scottish Government announced social distancing rules, schools’ shutdown and the lockdown in close succession.

Since the end of January, there have been 2,200 counselling sessions with children across the UK about the issue, with 1,700 contacts since measures were announced.

In more than half of the contacts, Children talked about concerns over their mental or emotional health.

Despite Childline having to close the night service for the first time and having a 30% drop in volunteer hours, due to counsellors having to self-isolate, it’s battling to still be there for children across the UK.

Kat McMahon, a volunteer counsellor at Glasgow’s Childline base, said: “At the moment, young people are contacting us with the same kinds of concerns as they usually do, such as family arguments, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts but everything seems amplified.

“On top of their existing anxieties about what it is happening in their lives, they are now struggling with the anxiety around the lockdown and Covid. Some have fears about their families catching the virus and many are struggling being away from school and their friends.

“For children living in homes where physical, emotional or sexual abuse is happening – there is now no escape for them. We hear from some young people who say they feel trapped because they cannot leave the house.”

Dave Black, a volunteer counsellor at Aberdeen’s Childline base, said: “At the moment, young people are not getting their usual support in the community, with the closure of many public services, and we are hearing how this is impacting on them and causing distress.

“This situation is challenging for anyone but if you are already struggling it can be extremely difficult. Children are saying they are missing school – for some, school is their safe place and where they get support and fed.

“Some of these young people don’t have anyone to talk to and Childline is absolutely critical for them to be able to share and get some support.”

The NSPCC, which runs Childline, is growing increasingly concerned about the number of children who will experience abuse or neglect due to the impact of Coronavirus.

During the past week Childline has delivered 363 counselling sessions across the UK where children have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect – up nearly a fifth from the week before. Counselling sessions about physical and emotional abuse increased by 36% and 31% respectively during this time.

One 15-year-old girl told Childline: “I am not happy at home. My parents are physically abusing me – it’s happening quite often now since schools closed and I’m really scared.

“They hit me and often it leaves me with bruises. I really want to get out of the house and be somewhere safe and happy. I’m scared that my parents will get angry and hurt me more if I tell someone.” 

In the past few weeks Childline has heard from children whose parents have lost their jobs and are under growing financial pressure, as well as from young carers struggling to look after their siblings whilst their parents fall sick with Coronavirus symptoms. Childline is also hearing from children who have had suicidal thoughts and talk about feeling trapped and isolated.

To continue to support children during this challenging period, and to adapt to the ever-changing situation, the NSPCC has launched its emergency appeal ‘We’re still here for children’.

The NSPCC is urging the public to visit its website and donate £10 to help fund vital services like Childline, so the charity can continue to answer calls and be here for the young people who desperately need someone to talk to, especially when home isn’t a safe place.

 To support the appeal, the NSPCC has launched a new TV ad which features a Childline counsellor talking after a shift about the vital importance of the service.

Peter Wanless, CEO of NSPCC, said: “At this uncertain time when children’s lives have changed so dramatically the NSPCC needs to be there as a reassuring voice for those worried about their children and for the most vulnerable in our society.

“Sadly, we know that for many children, home isn’t a safe place and they need our Childline counsellors more than ever. This is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and we are calling on the support of the public to help us ensure we can still be here for children.”

Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder of Childline, said: “The world is an unfamiliar and very frightening place for thousands of children across the UK at the moment.

“We know that school no longer provides the sanctuary it once did and many young people are having to face unprecedented challenges at home without the vital support networks that normally surround them. Childline is more crucial than ever as a safe way children can reach out for help. We really are, as one volunteer counsellor told me, the fourth emergency service.

“Now more than ever we must continue to be there for the young people who desperately need us, no matter what. We don’t know what other challenges lie ahead, but we want to be prepared to weather any storm so that we can be there for children. That is why we are urging the public to get behind our very important emergency appeal and donate £10 so that we can provide essential support.”

New food distribution network will ‘complement’ community efforts

A food distribution network to support Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens is set to be rolled out thanks to a partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council, third sector organisation EVOC and the wider community and voluntary sector.

The news comes fully four weeks after community projects in North Edinburgh first joined together to get food and essential supplies out to neighbourhood’s most vulnerable residents.

The latest plans will see over 3,000 emergency food parcels delivered across the first fortnight to people who are having difficulty accessing food as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. Further roll out will take place following this, based on demand.

The partnership, created from the Capital’s £1.65m share of the Scottish Government Food Fund, will see the Council identify those most in need for the food and essential items with EVOC responsible for the distribution.

The network will follow Scottish Government guidelines on eligibility which includes:

  • low income households
  • families with children eligible for free school meals
  • older people
  • those with long-term health conditions

The supplies will be stored at four school hubs acting as depots for the packing and distribution. Demand will be regularly reviewed to make sure the parcels are being targeted to those most in need. Hot meals will also be provided to those in greatest need, who for a variety of reasons, may be unable to prepare their own meals.

This funding is in addition to the ongoing support for the wider third sector through the Scotland-wide £350m charity support fund made available last month.

The partnership will also provide support for voluntary organisations who want assistance with applying for funds from the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund and an initial £50k will be available from the Council to provide targeted support to smaller scale community groups in their efforts to help vulnerable residents.

In addition, the partnership has signed a strategic agreement with Volunteer Edinburgh on matching volunteering capacity to citizen and service demand as it emerges. This puts us in a strong position to ensure that there is close collaboration and coordination to meet the needs of vulnerable groups in the city.

The city council, EVOC and Volunteer Edinburgh already work together as part of the city’s strategic Edinburgh Partnership.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This food distribution network is going to tackle the very real and emerging demand from those vulnerable people who find themselves without enough food because they’re self-isolating. 

“We’re committed to supporting them through these unprecedented challenges and we’ll do everything in our power to help them thanks to this £1.65m boost from the Scottish Government.

“We’ve already been delivering thousands of food parcels across the city to those in our care and families who are struggling to cope. These supplies are not a short-term fix – we will make sure they continue for as long as they are needed.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Everyone has seen the amazing response from communities coming together to reduce the risk of food poverty and EVOC with the wider community projects are ideally placed to be our partners for this new network.

“In addition to this citywide support system help with access to the Wellbeing Fund and targeted support will benefit community organisations working in local areas. Joining with third sector organisations is so important as they are working in the heart of our communities and are best-placed to provide that essential support to reach those families who need it most.

“This food network will supplement the many other measures we have taken to help families such as Free School Meal payments, our own emergency food parcels and crisis grants.”

Ella Simpson, Chief Executive of EVOC, said: “For the last four weeks the third and community sector have been absolutely outstanding in their response to the needs of their community.

“This partnership complements and reinforces that incredible work and brings together the capacity, skills, knowledge, experience and trust within our communities to respond to this international crisis.

“By working together, we will be able to coordinate the delivery of food to vulnerable people across Edinburgh. This support to our colleagues and volunteers who are preparing and delivering the food to people will ensure we can sustain this heroic effort for as long as it is needed.

“If you know someone who is in need please use the national helpline 0800 028 2816 and I can assure you support is there for you. If you are a local community organisation delivering food not already part of this amazing network, please contact EVOC on info@evoc.org.uk.”

News that the funding is to be made available at last will come as a huge relief to community organisations whose resources have been stretched to the limit as they have battled to get aid to vulnerable and isolated people during the coronavirus pandemic.

North Edinburgh’s COVID-19 Food Group has been urging local politicians to get funding through to the grassroots for weeks now. On Monday, they hope to hear what funds will be made available to support their efforts.

PPE on it’s way to care homes across Scotland

Additional supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are to be delivered directly to care homes across Scotland to help meet the increased demand caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

NHS National Services Scotland will prioritise the delivery of stock directly to care homes where the virus is known to be present.

Stock will also continue to be provided to local hubs which supply PPE to other social care workers.

Each location will receive a week’s supply of equipment, including aprons, fluid resistant surgical masks and gloves.

The situation will be reviewed next week based on information supplied by care homes on their own supply of PPE stock.

The National Services Scotland Social Care triage service will continue to provide an emergency service in the case of unexpected short term demand.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The dedication of those who work in the care sector is hugely appreciated and ensuring those staff are protected is a priority for me.

“They are doing a remarkable job in very difficult circumstances, and we will support them as they do that.

“We have dedicated teams working on the procurement and distribution of PPE to our health and social care workers.

“I believe that providing additional supplies straight to care homes will ensure all care homes in Scotland have enough PPE to allow them to continue to safely provide care and support to their residents. It should also allow time for care homes to work on sourcing their own stock.

“We are also working closely with COSLA to ensure the existing service provided by the local hubs is working as efficiently as possible.”

Scottish Care Chief Executive Donald Macaskill said: “Scottish Care warmly welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary that direct distribution of PPE to care services will be introduced.

“This will significantly support the protection of staff, residents and clients and the staff who care for and support them.

“I am grateful for the immediacy of response from Scottish Government and the recognition of the need to take these measures with urgency. All of us are working with determination in challenging circumstances to meet the threat of coronavirus.”

On Thursday, Social care providers and unions warned that a critical lack of protective equipment and testing has allowed coronavirus to “sweep through” social care.   

In a joint statement – signed by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, UNISON, Unite, GMB and TUC – ministers are told that care workers and residents are still being exposed to unnecessary risk.

The care providers and union leaders warn that staff are being forced to risk their lives with care services struggling to get the equipment they need:  

“Social care is facing a crisis without precedent. Problems with supplies of protective equipment and a lack of testing is causing much anxiety amongst employers, staff, and the families of the people they care for. Many care home residents and care workers have already died.

“People who rely on social care are often more vulnerable to catching and dying from Covid-19. Yet a month into this crisis, many care workers are still working without suitable PPE, despite their heightened risk of exposure to the virus and to spreading it.

“A critical lack of PPE and testing of social care staff and service users is putting them at unnecessary risk of exposure – and means we are almost certainly underestimating how far the virus has spread.

The care providers and union leaders say that without urgent action the virus will continue to devastate the sector:  

“When patients with Covid-19 are rapidly discharged from hospitals to care homes to free up NHS beds, it risks spreading the virus to care homes and putting staff and residents in danger.

“We are pleased that the government has at last published its strategy for social care. But it needs to go further and action will be more important than words.

“Amidst growing evidence that Covid-19 is sweeping through social care with devastating results, we call on the Government to step up the fight against Covid-19 by:

  • Publishing a national procurement and distribution strategy for PPE that includes the social care sector, so that care homes and social care providers aren’t left to source their own PPE amidst global shortages and inflated prices.

  • Setting a clear deadline for when all care workers, clients, personal assistants and residents who need it will have access to testing.

  • Stopping the rapid discharging of Covid-19 patients to care homes unless there are key checks about safety

  • Fully involving the social care workforce and its unions and employers in responding to the crisis.

The care providers and union leaders say ministers must “learn the lessons” from the crisis and provide better funding for social care in the future:   

“Carers, local government, providers, regulators and civil servants are working tirelessly to respond to the crisis. But social care has been the poorer cousin of the NHS for too long. This pandemic is showing just how essential this largely female workforce is.

“Social care workers look after us all. Our parents, our grandparents, our partners, siblings and adult disabled children. Their work has long been undervalued, with services underfunded, staff often on the minimum wage or zero hours contracts and 122,000 vacancies in the sector.

“When this dreadful pandemic eases the Government must learn vital lessons about the failings of a social care system based on low pay and insecure work and put in place proper funding and a long-term plan for social care as soon as possible.”

Three charged following local thefts

Three men were arrested following a call to Strathalmond Green after people were observed acting suspiciously at a garage there. Stolen property from another break-in to a garage in Queensferry Road was recovered in their possession.

The men, aged 20, 20 and 21, have been charged in connection with a total of six acquisitive crime offences and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Two stolen bicycles with a value of a £1,000 have been recovered and returned to their owners as a result of this inquiry.

Thousands of businesses benefit from support grants

More than £215 million has been awarded to over 18,000 Scottish business ratepayers in just two weeks, the Scottish Government has announced.

The money has been allocated under two new schemes to help firms combat the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Latest Scottish Government figures show that 59,385 applications were made to 32 local authorities for the business grants by April 14 this year. There have been 18,528 grants awarded so far worth £215,445,000.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We are doing everything we can to support business at this very difficult time and will continue to listen to and engage with the sector. Our total support for Scottish business now exceeds the £2.2 billion passed on from the UK Government.

“The fact we have managed to pay out this large amount to so many businesses across Scotland is a substantial achievement and demonstrates the capability of our partners in local government. I am grateful for their continued efforts in helping to deliver these vital grants.

“In addition to our generous backing for businesses we are also committed to helping sectors of the economy that are not being supported in other parts of the UK such as aviation, seafood fishing, fish processing and farming and charities.

“This scheme complements other support available and many businesses applying will also be eligible for the furlough scheme and rates relief. I would encourage only businesses who need support to apply, enabling us to direct as much help as possible to those who need it most.

“We promised to pass every penny received from the UK Government on to businesses in Scotland and we are. Our priority remains to protect lives but we are doing all we can to protect livelihoods too.”

Business Gateway has been working closely with local authorities to support the delivery of grants throughout Scotland.

Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA’s spokesperson for Environment and Economy, said: “I want to thank council staff and colleagues from Business Gateway for their incredible efforts to implement the grant schemes so quickly.

“Small to medium-sized enterprises have been severely impacted so delivery of support grants as quickly and effectively as possible is a top priority.

“This support will be fundamental in helping businesses put plans in place to recover and grow beyond this crisis, protecting jobs and supporting economic recovery in communities across the country.”

The funding has been allocated between two funds:

· The Small Business Support Grant scheme allows small businesses to apply for grants up to £10,000.

· The Retail, Hospitality and Licenced Premises Support Grant allows firms to apply for up to £25,000.

Compared with a week earlier, grant applications grew by around 10,000, awards by around 11,000 and the value of payouts by around £127 million. On April 6, the totals stood at 49,214 applications received, 7,650 paid out, worth £88,625,000.

Business Gateway delivers advice and support to Scottish businesses on behalf of COSLA.

Online Blues Extravaganza … nice!

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival / Edinburgh Festival Carnival will NOT go ahead in July due to Covid-19 Pandemic – but there’s an online extravaganza to look forward to next week.

First, and most importantly, all of us at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.

We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our audiences, musicians and staff, and we have of course been monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely over the last few weeks by following government, NHS and Public Health Scotland advice, and are continually reviewing our position as an organisation.

With this in mind we will not be presenting the 43rd edition of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival in July. We will also not present the 9th Edinburgh Festival Carnival.

Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Councillor Jason Rust said: “The last few weeks have reinforced to me how special live music is, from intimate gigs to great sonic adventures. The sense of community that live music creates is special too as audiences unite with musicians to share a moment.

“I believe music can continue to unite us and bring joy in these worrying times, and we are working on how we can still share that with you in the coming weeks via our online platforms. Our staff are unearthing interesting footage and content to share and working with closely with Scottish musicians to bring you new digital content which is an artistic response to the times.

“As soon as we are able and it is determined safe to do, we will be back presenting live concerts.

“In closing, we’d like to thank our funders, partners, participants and audiences for their loyalty, support and understanding”.

HOWEVER – SOME GOOD NEWS …

For the first time ever, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival presents a 12 hour online Scottish blues extravaganza featuring established stars like Maggie Bell and Tim Elliott as well as new names like John McKenzie and Liz Jones.

We’re asking to support musicians if you can – since the pandemic started, their livelihoods have been put on hold due to the suspension of live events. We will be highlighting ways you can support them – please give generously if you can.

IT ALL STARTS ON WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL AND THE FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Good Friday’s a great Friday for Sheelagh

It certainly was a ‘Good Friday’ for Sheelagh Robertson of Tranent when she won £10,000 on Cash Register on Forth 1.

Sheelagh, a retired NHS cook, was one of the ten lucky people who won a share of £100,000 after texting into the special Easter competition. 

Sheelagh said: “I can’t believe I actually won and like many people this money will come in handy at this time.  My son, David, is a self-employed joiner so he is currently out of work so I plan to give him half the money to help him get through this uncertain time.

 “I will spend the other £5,000 on my garden as I recently got a conservatory fitted and that will mean the garden can be ready for any sunny weather ahead.” 

Presenter, Grant Thomson, said: “This was a very special Cash Register and it was brilliant to be able to give 10 different people a share of £100,000. This is a difficult time for everyone and we are delighted that we have been able to help Sheelagh and her family make Good Friday into a great Friday.” 

Keep up with all the latest competitions, gossip, music and news on Forth 1 online, on DAB radio, via our app, on your Smart Speaker, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat: 

Vets still carrying out vital work

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulator for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK, has released a new framework for veterinary practices, helping them to decide what treatments it is appropriate to carry out safely amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK’s veterinary practices are one of the groups of businesses that the UK Government has confirmed can stay open during the pandemic, stating that ‘it is important for business to carry on’.

The new guidance from the RCVS provides a pathway for determining how veterinary services may be provided to the nation’s animals, while prioritising public health and complying with the government’s social distancing advice for both the public and employers.

The guidance, which has been provided to the profession in the form of a flowchart available at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus, allows veterinary professionals to determine which particular treatments and procedures they can carry out under social distancing guidelines, leaving it to their judgement what they actually offer, depending on their facilities, level of staffing and local disease pressures.

Some of its key points are:

  • Veterinary work that is vital for the maintenance of the UK’s food supplies and food trade – such as ensuring food hygiene standards and supporting the livestock industry – should still be carried out, while observing biosecurity measures;
  • Veterinary practices should still take steps to provide emergency and critical care for seriously injured or ill animals;
  • Where feasible and appropriate, veterinary practices can provide consultations for animal owners and their pets remotely;
  • If cases can be supported while still maintaining social distancing, or if the planned treatment could have animal health and welfare or public health implications if not carried out within the next two months, then these may be carried out. However, the RCVS has recommended to veterinary practices that, alongside social distancing, they put in place further measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, including consideration of personal protective equipment and the movement of people from, to and around the practice. The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the representative body for UK veterinary surgeons, has published advice for animal owners on these treatments, including vaccinations, at: www.bva.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-for-animal-owners/

The RCVS has also updated its advice for animal owners on interacting with veterinary practices.

This includes advice not to turn up to practices unannounced, and always to contact the practice in advance so that veterinary staff can assess whether attendance in person is needed or if the consultation can be carried out remotely.

There is additional advice for animal owners who are self-isolating that is in-line with the Government’s ‘stay at home’ guidance for those with possible COVID-19 infections.

https://youtu.be/0_5UWkC4xUY

Dr Niall Connell, President of the RCVS, commented: “During these difficult times we understand that, for many, their beloved pets are a comfort and a solace and that they want to make sure they remain fit and healthy. We know that what might happen if their animal falls ill is a concern for many.

“I would like to reassure the country’s animal owners that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are still absolutely committed to ensuring animal health and welfare. However, the number one priority for veterinary practices at the moment is public health, including that of their clients and their own teams.

“As a result, there will be certain limitations on available veterinary services. Practices will not be operating on a ‘business as usual’ basis because they will be trying to keep the amount of face-to-face contact to a minimum.

“We ask that members of the public trust, as we do, the professional judgement of veterinary practices as to what treatments are necessary and what can be safely and appropriately carried out.

“As ever, veterinary professionals are rising to the challenge by working together to find innovative ways of offering veterinary services remotely and, where attendance at a veterinary practice is absolutely necessary, reducing the risk of virus transmission through social distancing measures.

“The vast majority of animal owners have been patient and understanding of the situation, and the efforts their practices are going to, and I would like to thank them for that.”

The Frequently Asked Questions and guidance for animal owners from the RCVS can be found at https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus.

The flowchart for the veterinary professions to help them navigate how veterinary services can be provided is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus

Any further questions should be directed to the RCVS Standards and Advice Team on advice@rcvs.org.uk