Unite members in Waste and Cleansing in Edinburgh will begin industrial action today over the ‘insulting’ pay offer for local government workers.
Last Friday, COSLA increased the offer from 2% to 3.5%. All three unions of the Scottish Joint Council -Unite, Unison and GMB – immediately rejected the offer.
The NHS have been offered—and look set to reject—5%, so once again local government is treated as the poor relation of the public sector. Local government workers in England have been offered a rise of £1,925.
Edinburgh is the first council to take action, with others following on the 24th.
Pickets and support
The strike takes place from 5am today to 5am on Tuesday 30 August with daily pickets at seven waste depots across the city.
UNITE will be demonstrating at the City Chambers on Thursday 18 August at 9am as part of the industrial action.
Following this, the trade union will join the RMT rally on Waverley Bridge at 10am to foster solidarity among workers and hear from Mick Lynch and Mark Thomas.
THE CITY COUNCIL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
What to do with your waste and recycling
Communal services
Collections are suspended for all communal waste and recycling bins. Please do not add to full bins. Check nearby bins instead, and when these are all full, store your waste at home, or in your back green or garden if possible. Do not leave bags next to bins unless this is unavoidable, as it can become a hazard.
Keep separating your waste and rinse pots, tubs and trays, and rinse and squash your plastic bottles and aluminium cans, so that these don’t smell while you store them. Flatten cardboard too.
Keep food waste in a sealed container, as cool as possible.
Glass bank services will continue as these are managed by an external contactor.
Kerbside services
Non recyclable waste collections (grey bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your grey bin out. Please keep your waste safe, secure and away from pavements and roads. Consider using a garage, garden or driveway and ensure strong bin bags are properly secured.
Mixed recycling collections (green bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your green bin out. Please keep your recycling clean and flattened, and stored safely.
Food waste collections
Suspended. Please do not put your food bin out. Please ensure your kerbside food waste bin is closed and secured to prevent animal access.
Glass collections (blue box)
Suspended. Please do not put your blue box out. Please rinse bottles and jars and store these at home. Please do not use on street or local bring site recycling points to dispose of your glass. We do not have the staff resources to empty these or clean up fly-tipped material.
Garden waste collections (brown bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your brown bin out. We understand the disappointment this will cause and at the moment, we cannot advise when the service will be running normally again.
We are working on how best to replace the collections affected, and will provide further information on this later.
Report a missed bin
Since normal scheduled collections are suspended, we cannot take reports of missed bins. Please do not present your bin for collection until advised to do so.
Collections of bulky waste items
Suspended. Existing bookings will be honoured where staffing allows. If you have booked a special uplift and we can’t collect it, we will let you know.
Household waste recycling centres
Closed. It will not be possible to book an appointment, and all existing bookings will be contacted by email to cancel.
Request and replacing bins and boxes
Repair and replacement of bins and boxes are suspended. Uplifts of any unwanted waste containers is also suspended.
Litter/ dogs bins and street cleansing
Please also note there will be no street cleansing activities including street sweeping and litter bin emptying. Please either use a bin that’s not full or take it home and double bag it to reduce smells.
Waste reporting and enquires
We have removed all online reporting for waste and cleansing as we are unable to carry out these services during the industrial action.
If you need to report an emergency issue where waste is causing injury or hazard, please phone and listen to the new options carefully. Phone 0131 608 1100, from Monday -Thursday 1000-1600 and Friday 1000-1500. After these hours, phone 0131 200 2000.
You can also email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk with the specific location and details of the issue.
Please be mindful that staff working will be very busy and are all doing their best to deal with a lot of issues at this time.
Minister praises impact of specially-trained advisers
A team dedicated to providing support to people applying for benefits has marked its 10,000th appointment in its first year of operation.
Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery service was launched to offer support to people in their homes, at a convenient place within communities, by videocall or by phone.
Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said the milestone reached showed how Scotland was “doing things differently” in its approach to supporting people applying for benefits.
He hailed the success of the Local Delivery service as a source of pride during a visit to Parkhead Pantry in the East End of Glasgow.
Local Delivery representatives host a community stall at the Pantry – one of many ways they provide support for people who visit the venue.
BenMacpherson said: “During its first year of operation, Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery service has already made a very positive impact by helping thousands of people to access support they are entitled to.
“The Local Delivery service is a great example of how Social Security Scotland is doing things differently in how we deliver devolved benefits – by pro-actively offering people face-to-face support in communities across Scotland.
“Our specially-trained client support advisers can be proud of what they have achieved so far, in establishing a service that has already made an important difference and will help thousands of more people in the years ahead.”
The Local Delivery service, launched in November last year, provides face-to-face support from staff in all 32 Scottish Local Authority areas.
People can book in-person meetings with an adviser at home, in their local community or on either video or phone calls. They can answer queries and help clients with form filling.
During the visit Mr Macpherson met Aileen McGuire, the chief executive of Parkhead Housing Association which hosts the pantry at its Parkhead Schoolhouse building.
Ms McGuire said: “Having direct access to this Social Security Scotland has made such a positive difference to our tenants and residents in Parkhead, we are seeing the real benefits of partnership and collaborative working.
“There’s always an advantage to having face-to-face contact. A lot of our tenants feel more comfortable having direct contact, having somebody in person to explain things really does helps.”
The Council has published advice and guidance to help residents manage the impact of planned strike action in the city.
The industrial action by members of the GMB and Unite unions, scheduled to last from tomorrow, 18th –30 August, is expected to cause significant disruption to the city’s waste and cleansing services.
Residents are being asked to check the dedicated pages on the Council’s website and social media channels for advice on how to manage their waste safely and responsibly during the strike.
Regular updates on suspended services and on when collections will restart following the strike will be posted as and when they become available.
It is anticipated that all bin collections and street cleaning will be affected. The city’s three recycling centres will be closed and bulky uplift and flytipping services will also be paused as a result of the action.
Commercial waste services for businesses are not collected by the Council and will continue as normal, as will street cleansing on the High Street and Mound Precinct, which are managed by the Fringe Society.
Council leader Cammy Day said:“It’s now looking increasingly likely that industrial action will go ahead here in Edinburgh and in other cities across the country. Together with my fellow council leaders, I’ll continue to press the Scottish Government to resolve this as quickly as possible.
“I firmly believe that all council colleagues deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do and have every right to take this action and have their voices heard. As the lowest funded council in Scotland, it’s time for the Scottish Government to properly fund our Capital city and its services.
“I fully appreciate the impact this action will have on our city and we’re asking residents to be patient and work with us to help manage the inevitable impacts by planning ahead and following our advice.
“We’ve published tips on what to do with their waste and recycling and how they can help us to keep the city as clean as possible during and after the strike.
“We’re also reaching out to our tenants and housing associations, businesses, festivals and other partners asking them to share our messaging and provide whatever support they can during this busy and important time for our Capital city.
“We’re developing a detailed recovery plan so clean ups can begin and services can resume as quickly as possible after the strike.
“Please continue to check our website and social media channels for updates.”
NOTE: The pictures above were taken earlier this week – i.e. BEFORE the strike starts
Over recent weeks, a number of high value frauds have been carried out in the Edinburgh area, whereby elderly victims have been “cold called” by individuals (fraudsters) purporting to be from various banks.
The victims are told that there are issues with their investments and that they are on a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) “red flag” list, where security concerns have been raised against their funds.
The victims are then instructed by the fraudster to set up new bank accounts in their own name (“safe accounts”), amalgamate their funds and then transfer all funds onto these new accounts
. There are occasions when the fraudster will make attempts to download software onto the victims electronic devices and then control their future financial activities. The funds are thereafter transferred into cryptocurrency.
The public should remember these 4 key points:
Banks do not cold call customers with such instructions.
The public should fully safeguard their savings from criminals.
Do not act on instructions provided by unknown callers.
Do not give any personal information to callers which would enable them to access your finances.
If in any doubt about the legitimacy of callers, make direct contact with your bank branch, your bank customer services or your investment company.
When considering your impact on the environment, people often think about pollution, emissions, and energy, but not water. Water saving isn’t always top of the agenda in environmental discussions, yet water is one of our most precious resources and it’s increasingly at risk.
Join our water-saving campaign and check where you could be wasting water. If every household made even slight changes to their daily habits, it would seriously reduce our water footprint. Simple steps such as washing up in a bowl, switching off running taps, and using eco settings on the washing machine all help.
Discover ways you can reduce your carbon footprint at home and in the garden
With more hot weather forecast this week, NHS 24 are offering advice on how to stay safe in the sun as part of their summer health campaign ‘Hello Summer.’
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: ‘We’ve had a few really hot and sunny days in Scotland this summer, which is brilliant for everyone to spend a lot of time outdoors.
‘Unfortunately, the hot weather isn’t good news for everyone, and it’s really important we follow some simple rules to ensure we avoid becoming unwell.
‘When it comes to being safe in the sun, prevention is definitely better than cure. It is best to avoid being in the sun between 12 noon and 3pm if possible. If you need to be outdoors, we advise that everyone, uses a high factor sun protection cream. The best quality lotions block both UVA and UVB rays. Also wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing that covers your body.
‘If you’re unfortunate to become sunburnt, there’s simple steps to take to lessen the discomfort. The most obvious piece of advice is to avoid being in the sun at all until the redness subsides and don’t burst any blisters. Cool showers or applying cool towels to your body can provide some relief, using moisturiser which contains aloe vera after your shower, or taking painkillers can help with any painful or tight skin. However please check that pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is safe for you to take.
‘Another weather-related condition which I wish to draw attention to is heat exhaustion or heat stroke.’
Signs or symptoms of heat stroke can include headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (in the arms, legs and stomach), sick or vomiting, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, pale, sweaty or clammy skin, a high temperature of 38C or above.
Dr Laura Ryan continued: ‘If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.
‘If there is no improvement in the person’s condition, but they are conscious, alert and responding normally call your local GP during opening hours for further advice. If your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. If you feel their condition is in any way life-threatening, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
‘I really encourage everyone to visit NHS inform as it has some great advice on how to stay safe in the sun. By being prepared and following these simple tips, I hope more people will be happy and healthy this summer.’
People seeking to take the next step in their education journey are encouraged to attend Edinburgh College’s course clearing event being held at its Granton Campus this Friday (12 August).
The event, which runs from 11am until 3pm, provides prospective students of all ages with the opportunity to speak to lecturers about their options following the release of exam results this week and to secure a place on a course for session 2022/23.
Those who would like to change their original choice of course, or have not yet made an application for College but would like to study this year, are also invited to get advice about study options for the new academic session.
Edinburgh College delivers a wide range of courses across the following areas: Creative Industries; Engineering and Built Environment; Health Wellbeing and Social Sciences; and Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in variety of study modes including full-time, part-time, day and block release, with a return to campuses the focus for the College in 2022/23.
Student Services staff will also be on hand to provide advice on funding options and access to learning support.
As well as the in-person clearing event, the Edinburgh College course clearing line will also be open for applicants and prospective students to call on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (9, 10 and 11 August) from 9am until 4pm.
The clearing line gives a further opportunity to discuss applications and courses ahead of the new term. The course clearing line is 0131 297 8500.
Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “The new academic session is fast approaching and clearing day is an important time for applicants and prospective students to firm up their plans for the year ahead.
“I would encourage anyone who is unsure about their existing application or is thinking of starting a new course in 2022/23 to come along and speak to our teams at Granton Campus, or to call our clearing line.
“Our College offers a vast and diverse range of courses, all delivered by expert teaching staff, which are geared towards equipping students with the skills they need to forge a successful career in their chosen field.”
Near record pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers in an exam year
TODAY thousands of young people across Scotland have received the results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards.
These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.
All learners will have their results certificate delivered to their home address by first class post on Tuesday 9 August. Those who have signed-up for and activated their MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email this morning.
If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.
On Results Day, SQA’s helpline opened at 8 am to answer learners’ questions about their certificates. Young people can also call Skills Development Scotland to speak to dedicated careers advisors about the options that are available to them.
Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased to near record levels for any exam year since current qualifications were introduced.
The overall percentage of A grades is also higher than 2019, when exams were last held, and the number of skills-based qualifications, awards and certificates has increased to a near record 64,240.
Almost 138,000 learners are receiving Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results today – the highest number since 2017.
These show:
the National 5 pass rate was 80.8% (250,730 passes) – up from 78.2% in 2019
the Higher pass rate was 78.9% (148,540 passes) – up from 74.8% in 2019
the Advanced Higher pass rate was 81.3% (22,940 passes) – up from 79.4% in 2019
Today’s results also show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level:
for National 5, the gap was 14.6 percentage points – down from 17.1 percentage points in 2019
for Higher, the gap was 15.0 percentage points – down from 16.9 percentage points in 2019
for Advanced Higher, the gap was 13.2 percentage points – down from 13.6 percentage points in 2019
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is one of the strongest ever sets of results for any exam year, which is particularly impressive given the significant challenges learners have faced as a result of the pandemic.
“Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased compared with 2019, with A passes also up, and skills-based qualifications are close to the highest ever figure.
“It is important to note, though, that although 2022 saw a return to exams, it was not a return to normality. The approach to exams reflected the disruption to teaching and learning that young people faced and a wide-ranging package of support and modifications was put in place.
“I am confident that the approach, which was informed by views from across the education system, as well as learners, has delivered a credible, consistent and fair set of results for our young people. Indeed, universities have assured learners that they support the 2022 approach to assessment, and industry leaders have spoken publicly about how much they value this year’s qualifications.
“Today’s results illustrate the wide range of qualifications that learners are choosing, and I welcome the increase in skills-based awards. These qualifications equip young people with the skills they need to enter apprenticeships or go into the workplace, where they will support Scotland’s economic recovery after COVID-19.
“There are many different pathways to success and I want to celebrate the full breadth of learners’ achievements and to pay tribute to our young people for working so hard and showing such resilience.
“I’d also like to thank our incredible teachers and education staff, and, of course parents and carers, who have supported learners during another very challenging year.
“While the results show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level, we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted learners from more disadvantaged backgrounds. We are determined to accelerate the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.
“Some learners may not be receiving the results they were hoping for today. This year there is a free, direct appeals service for those whose National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher awarded grade is less than the estimate submitted by their school or college. There is also plenty of help available on next steps, including from the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline.”
This year, Scotland has returned to formal national exams, supported by a package of measures (course modifications and revision support, as well as wider support from across the education system).
These measures were designed to address the ongoing disruption to learning and teaching that young people experienced, while maintaining standards.
In addition, SQA has adopted a more generous approach to grading to help ensure fairness for learners. This is in recognition of the fact that those preparing for and sitting exams have done so in very different circumstances from those who sat exams in 2019, having experienced disruption to their learning over two academic years.
Learners can be confident that the qualifications they receive are credible and fair, and that they reflect the knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired through their hard work in very challenging circumstances. Colleges, universities and employers, can also be confident that standards and integrity have been maintained in 2022.
Young people can also appeal their grade for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses directly through SQA for free. Learners can appeal if their final result is lower than the grade their school, college or training provider expected. While the final decision is the candidate’s, SQA would encourage anyone considering submitting an appeal to discuss their decision with their teacher, lecturer or other member of staff first.
Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer and must be submitted to SQA by Friday 19 August.
All other appeals must be submitted by Friday 2 September.
Full details on eligibility and how to register an appeal and a copy of SQA’s Appeals 2022 – what you need to know (495 KB) booklet has been delivered to the homes of all learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA, said: ‘I want to thank candidates across Scotland for their hard work and dedication in preparing for and sitting their exams and assessments. Learners can have confidence in their grades and be proud of what they have accomplished.
‘I also want to thank all the teaching and support staff who have gone to exceptional lengths to support learners and help them achieve their results. It is thanks to them that candidates are able to reach their full potential.
‘I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you.’
SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8 am to 6 pm, then Wednesday 10 August to Tuesday 16 August (excluding weekends) from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.
Skills Development Scotland can be contacted on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesday 9 August and Wednesday 10 August. It will be open 9 am to 5 pm from Thursday 11 August to Wednesday 17 August, excluding weekends.
Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has congratulated young people on their achievements during the pandemic.
IN a video message, he’s said ‘well done’ to those who are pleased with their results. But he’s also reminded young people who might be feeling disappointed, that setbacks happen to us all.
Commissioner Bruce says: “I want to say a big congratulations to all of you. It’s been a difficult few years and you’ve worked really, really hard. It’s important that we recognise all of your achievements.
“If you’ve got the results you hope for, that is brilliant. For those who don’t get the results you hoped for, don’t panic. There really is no wrong path, and we’ve all had setbacks in our academic careers.
“Take the opportunity to think about what you want to do next to develop that amazing potential that you have.”
Paul Johnson, NSPCC Childline Team Manager, Scotland, said: “At Childline we know that results day and the period running up to it can be a really stressful time for young people.
“This year we saw the return of exams for the first time in three years after the pandemic and young people have told our Childline counsellors that they have been feeling anxious and stressed about revision and sitting them.
“Some young people have also told us they felt underprepared for exams after studying from home for long periods of time in the last few years.
“Now, as they find out their results from the exams, it is vital that they feel supported and listened to.
“Young people often tell us they are worried they will get lower grades than they need to get into their preferred course or University, and they feel anxious and unsettled because it’s out of their control.
“Often they have high expectations for themselves, or their family can put them under pressure to perform well.
“Some young people think their whole future depends on these results and this is their last chance to get into the further education course of their choice, or an apprenticeship that they have applied for.
“In such circumstances, it’s possible the young person could appeal their results or resit their exams the following year. They could also look at alternative courses or universities through clearing, and there’s the option of taking a gap year. Speaking to a teacher could be very helpful in assisting a young person to decide on which is the best option to take.
“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it.
“It can be very upsetting for a young person not to get the grades they had hoped for or expected, and it can affect their confidence. But it’s important for them to know that many others are going through the same thing and there are a range of options to explore.
“There are also lots of trusted adults they can turn to for help and support whether that’s a teacher, careers advisor, parent, carer or Childline.
“Every year our specially trained counsellors carry out counselling sessions with hundreds of children across the UK who are worried about their exams and results. They listen to the young person’s concerns, offer advice about dealing with anxiety and help explore the different options available for those who don’t get their desired results.
“The conversation is confidential, and no worry is ever too small.”
Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.
A girl aged 16 from Scotland, said: “We have final assessments starting next week and we’ve only been given a couple of weeks to learn the content and I’m struggling with it all to be honest.
“I was predicted straight As but at this rate my grades will be nowhere near that. I’m so anxious I feel sick constantly. I’ve never really struggled with exams before – I found national 5’s really easy but when I went up to higher and there was lockdowns and stuff I started really struggling.” (Girl, aged 16, Scotland)
A girl aged 17 from Scotland, said: “I feel really stressed and worried and don’t know what to do. I had my first ever exam today and I feel like it went horrible.
“In my prelims, I got all As but today’s exam felt way harder and don’t know if I will be able to appeal. I feel I’m going to be stressing over this the whole summer until my exam results come back and still I have 3 other exams to go.”(Girl, aged 17, Scotland)
Advice
For young peoplewho may not achieved the results they wanted:
Ask a teacher, careers advisor or any adult you trust what they think and discuss your options and how you are feeling.
Remind yourself of what you did well in whether that be specific pieces of coursework, or other parts of your life.
Don’t compare yourself to your friends.
If you do not feel your grade reflects your ability speak to your school about making an appeal.
Look at other courses or training programmes and apprenticeships that you can do.
If you haven’t got a place at your chosen university, try not to worry as there is a chance you could get a place at another university through the clearing process.
Take a gap year and do something different like volunteering.
Look at different courses that you can do with the grades you have achieved.
For parents and carers:
Your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.
Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.
Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options
If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
NHS 24 are offering advice on how to treat bites and stings as part of their summer health campaign ‘Hello Summer.‘
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: ‘We’ve had great weather this summer which means we’ve been able to enjoy the outdoors without having to remember an umbrella! But that does mean we’re more at risk of a being bitten or stung by an insect so it’s handy to know how to treat them.
‘Insect bites and stings are common and usually only cause minor irritation such as minor pain, itching or swelling. These normally resolve themselves, and your local pharmacist will be happy to provide advice on antihistamines or creams which can help with the symptoms.
‘Rarely, some stings can trigger a serious allergic reaction. If you feel it is an emergency, then dial 999.’
In the UK, insects that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and, although not strictly insects, spiders, mites, and ticks, which are arachnids. Insects that sting include bees, wasps, and hornets.
Dr Laura Ryan continued: ‘As Lyme disease is on the rise in Scotland, we also wish to draw particular attention to tick bites. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. It is usually mild but can be serious if not treated.
‘It is important to be vigilant for ticks when you have been out walking in areas such as woods or fields. If you find you have a tick bite remove it safely by using a tick removal tool, such as a tick twister or tick card. If these aren’t available, you can use a pair of fine-toothed tweezers. Afterwards, wash your skin with soap and apply antiseptic cream around the bite.
‘There is no need to consult your GP if you have been bitten and have no symptoms. However, if a rash or any flu-like symptoms appear it is important to take pictures of the site and contact your GP for an appointment straight away.
‘I really encourage the public to visit NHS inform for advice on what to if you are bitten or stung by an insect. I hope by providing this info a lot more people will have a happy and healthy summer.”
NHS inform’s guide on bites and stings can be found here :
As part of their summer health campaign, ‘Hello Summer,’ NHS 24 are offering advice about what to do if a child hurts themselves while playing outside during the holidays.
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: ‘We’re halfway through the summer holidays, and as the weather has been so good it has been a great opportunity for young people to play outside and get some exercise.
“While it is brilliant that they are getting a chance to get some fresh air and stretch their legs, this can also mean there is an increased risk of a wee accident.
‘If that happens it is important that you check that there is no serious damage. Ensure that the child is conscious, alert and responding normally. If not, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
‘Fortunately, most of the time injuries are small and can be soothed by a cuddle to help with the shock and a dose of child-appropriate painkiller such as Calpol if there is any pain. Your local pharmacist will be happy to provide advice on child medications and treating simple injuries yourself.
‘If your child continues to be in pain, you can check our health information website NHS inform – there’s lots of information and advice there for you. If you think you need more help, call NHS 24 on 111 and our team can assess what is the most appropriate care for your child.
‘If you need to take them to a minor injuries unit for example, we work in partnership with your local health board to arrange the next steps. This could be a call back from their team or an appointment to visit, which should also lessen any waiting time.
‘By following this advice, we hope that many more people will have a happy and stress-free break this summer.’
Banks do not cold call customers with such instructions.
