NHS Lothian hits four hour A & E target

The most recent data for NHS Scotland reveals that 96.5% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours – beating the 95% target. Scottish hospitals have now had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years.

Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has welcomed the latest figures. He said: “Scotland has had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years – which is testament to the hard work of our NHS and social care workers.

“It is extremely encouraging that Emergency Departments in NHS Lothian are frequently meeting the four hour waiting times target, with the latest figures published showing that 96.5% of patients are being seen within four hours.

“We will always value the vital work done by our NHS staff – and we should always celebrate their success and continue to support their efforts.”

Summer Pass: everything you need for a sport-filled summer

With Edinburgh’s numerous festivals about to begin, festival goers and workers can keep up their energy levels and enjoy their fittest summer ever.  Edinburgh Leisure has launched its ‘Summer Pass’, with everything you need for a sport filled summer, with something for everyone to keep active and healthy throughout the heady days of the festivals.  Continue reading Summer Pass: everything you need for a sport-filled summer

Tackling exploitation: tougher action against traffickers

The police and courts will have greater powers to protect the public from perpetrators of human trafficking and exploitation from today. Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Orders (TEPOs) can now be used by the courts to impose restrictions on people who have been convicted of trafficking and exploitation offences.

Continue reading Tackling exploitation: tougher action against traffickers

Fire chief appeals for zero deliberate fires this summer

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fought hundreds of needless fires across the country last summer, latest figures reveal. Firefighters worked throughout the hot summer months of 2016 battling blazes at homes, vehicles, grassland, refuse and derelict buildings. The majority of those fires were deliberate and reckless – putting pressure on firefighters when genuine emergencies arose and placing lives at risk. Continue reading Fire chief appeals for zero deliberate fires this summer

Shining Lights: North Edinburgh celebrates it’s young people

Strangers to North Edinburgh might be forgiven for thinking that all our young folk spend their time tearing around the neighbourhood on stolen motor bikes, causing fear and havoc all over the place. The truth, of course, is very different – yes, we have some problems with antisocial behaviour, but we’re not alone there: what areas don’t? And we also have something that some other communities would love to have: North Edinburgh has an abundance of great kids doing great things – and an event at Urban Village last night provided a timely opportunity to celebrate their many achievements. Continue reading Shining Lights: North Edinburgh celebrates it’s young people

Stop the evictions!

CRISIS: campaigners demand an end to the eviction of families

Campaigners resisting the evictions of families due to the Benefits Cap are protesting at the full meeting of City of Edinburgh Council thios morning.  Deputations from North Edinburgh’s All About Me and Power to the People groups will demand the council take action on the crisis.  Last month the campaigners occupied both Council offices and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson’s constituency office to demand housing for homeless families. Continue reading Stop the evictions!