Tag: Health and wellbeing

Remember: Essential visits only at NHS Lothian sites

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.”

To stay up to date with the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) advice, visit NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

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

Movember is good for your health

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.

Kidney recipients mark 60th anniversary of life-saving surgery

1,500 people in Scotland have donated since first surgery in Edinburgh in 1960

People saved by living kidney transplantation have given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.

The pioneering surgery, which involved twin brothers from Leith, was performed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on 30 October 1960 by Sir Michael Woodruff and his team.

Since then, over 1,500 people in Scotland have helped others by donating a kidney.

Patricia Hourd, 63, from Perthshire who received a kidney from mum Sally Mearns 18 years ago, today led the tributes, thanking her mother and the nurses, doctors and surgeons for transforming her life and giving her years of good health. 

Sally, who donated aged 71 and is now 90, put herself forward for testing as a potential donor after Patricia was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2002 and had to start dialysis, after her kidneys started to fail.

THe women are pictured above.

In September 2002, Patricia Hourd’s life was transformed thanks to her mother, Sally Mearns, who donated a kidney to her.

Teacher Patricia, 63, was in her early 20s when she discovered she had inherited polycystic kidney disease from her father. It wasn’t until she was in her 40s that her kidneys started showing signs of declining function.

She said: “My dad had suffered from kidney problems in the 1960s, and when they discovered polycystic kidney disease was genetic both my sister and I were offered tests in our 20s. Despite having no symptoms, I was diagnosed and told that I may experience kidney problems later in life. By the time I reached my 40s, my kidney function had dropped dramatically, and I had to go on dialysis in January 2002.

“Even though she was 71, my mother was already formulating a plan that if she was well enough she would donate a kidney to me. Initially doctors were reluctant to consider a donor of this age, but as a former P.E. teacher, my mother was in incredible shape and determined to go ahead with the transplant.

“Dialysis is so tough, I was forced to start teaching part time. Initially, I didn’t hold out much hope for the transplant going ahead due to my mother’s age, and I felt like there was no point in thinking about it too much. Instead I concentrated on getting through the dialysis.”

Before the transplant could take place, Patricia needed a nephrectomy as one of her diseased kidneys had swollen dramatically to many times its own size and weight. This operation gave back space in the abdomen and the transplant could go ahead.

Talking about the transplant, Patricia said: “Having the transplant has completely transformed my life, as soon as I woke up from the operation I began to get my strength and energy back, allowing me to return to work full time.

“My mother was home before I was, and as we lived within one mile of each other, so it was lovely to be so close by. Fortunately my kidney function has remained stable, and we’ve both been in good health since.

“My mother had given birth to me once, and this felt like she was doing that for a second time. We already had a close relationship, but this priceless gift bonded us even more. You can never be sufficiently thankful for something like this.”

A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant, and those on the waiting list are encouraged to consider living donation as an option for this reason.

A healthy person can live a completely normal life with one working kidney, and people can donate to a loved one in need or can donate altruistically to a stranger on the waiting list who is a match.

Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a significant milestone in the history of transplantation.  Living kidney donation has come a long way from that first surgery in October 1960, with 100 such operations currently performed in Scotland each year with a very high success rate.

“The programme will remain an important part of increasing donation and transplantation rates when opt out legislation is introduced next March. 

“The generosity of donors, coupled with the care and dedication of those in the NHS who facilitate each stage of the process, has resulted in many lives being saved and transformed and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved.”

Mr Gabriel Oniscu, consultant transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Director of the Edinburgh Transplant Centre said: “There have been many significant advancements in the 60 years since that first pioneering surgery which have completely changed the outcomes for patients living with kidney failure.  Keyhole surgery for the donor operation and the kidney sharing schemes have certainly revolutionised living donation. 

“The difference living donation makes to someone living with end stage kidney failure cannot be underestimated.  The most rewarding part of my role is without a doubt seeing a donor and recipient recovering following surgery.  Being able to facilitate that transformation is an immense privilege.”

To find out more about living donation, visit livingdonationscotland.org

Rugby has vital role to play boosting global health, study finds

Playing rugby union can significantly improve health and wellbeing, despite the risks associated with the game, a study suggests.

Possible benefits include a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and depression, according to the paper in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Improved muscle function, bone health and balance are other potential health gains listed in the study, which coincides with the final weekend of the Six Nations Championship.

Enhanced cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function are further possible health dividends highlighted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Players of touch, tag and wheelchair rugby appear to benefit most. Evidence of positive health outcomes among those playing contact forms of rugby union such as 15-a-side and sevens is less clear.

The study concludes that further research is needed on the physical impact of contact rugby, given the high incidence of injury and concussion compared with other sports, especially at professional level.

Researchers also highlight the positive impact that rugby union – especially in wheelchair rugby and amateur settings – has on mental health and wellbeing. Further study is needed to quantify the mental health benefits of contact rugby, they said.

The team reviewed nearly 200 rugby-related studies from six continents to build a comprehensive picture of the sport’s relationship with health, and to identify gaps in research.

This review is long overdue, the team says. Despite global participation in rugby union, there has been no overarching review of the relationship between rugby union and health and well-being. Scientific analysis has, until now, focused mainly on the relationship between rugby union participation and injury.

The study, funded by the Rugby Football Union, and in collaboration with the Scottish Rugby Union, seeks to provide a more balanced perspective on the benefits and risks.

With eight million players in 120 countries, rugby union plays a vital role in helping the global population meet the World Health Organisation’s physical activity goals, the study states.

Researchers say the review can make players, and those thinking of taking up the game, more aware of potential health gains as well as the hazards.

It will also enable parents and teachers to make informed decisions about schools rugby and help policymakers better understand how they might promote rugby union as a health enhancing activity.

Lead author Dr Steffan Griffin, of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: “There is strong evidence to suggest that all forms of rugby union provide moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that can be linked to a wide range of health and well-being benefits.”

The study (doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102085) can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/3kBXvSL.

Huge differences between effectiveness of best and worst face masks revealed by Which? tests

Which? is urging manufacturers and retailers to up their game on face coverings after the consumer champion’s lab tests revealed alarming differences in the effectiveness of widely-available reusable masks.

Which? found that the best performing face coverings were able to block more than 99 per cent of potentially harmful bacterial particles from penetrating the mask material – similar to the standard of surgical masks.

But the worst only managed to filter out a paltry 7 per cent – allowing up to 93 per cent to escape.

With face coverings now an essential purchase and considered important for minimising the spread of coronavirus, Which?’s latest research looked at a range of popular brands and styles of face coverings and masks, including those sold by pharmacy chains, supermarkets, high street stores and online retailers.

Scientists tested for how well they filter bacteria, how breathable they are, and how they fare after multiple washes.

Three out of the 15 face coverings Which? tested performed so poorly that they were deemed a ‘Don’t Buy’. At the bottom of the table and earning the lowest scores overall were a face covering from Termini8 sold at Lloyds Pharmacy (£2), one from Asda (£3) and one from Etiquette (£3), which is sold at Superdrug.

All were lightweight and breathable as they were made with only one layer, but this affected their ability to filter potentially harmful particles, earning each mask only one star out of five in this category.

Which? awarded two of the products tested Best Buy status. The NEQI reusable face mask (£15 for 3), which is available from retailers including Boots and Ocado as well as Bags of Ethics Great British Designer face coverings (£15 for 3), available at Asos and John Lewis, were both considered comfortably breathable, earning the full five stars in this category without compromising on filtration (four stars out of five).

The lab tests revealed that masks with multiple layers are much more effective than single layer masks at filtering particles. However, Which? found that there was a clear trade off between breathability and how effective the mask was at filtering potentially harmful particles. In fact, the fabric masks that scored five out of five for filtration were also those that scored the lowest for breathability.

These included the Firebox reusable mask (£15), which is made with double-layered polyester and uses a double filter, Maskie Loop UV Sanitized reusable Face Mask (£6), which is made of three layers, and the Smart Mask (£14), which is also made of three layers and markets itself as the number one rated face mask in the UK, which all got one star for breathability. The AB Mask (£10), which is available at Boots, also received full marks for filtration but got two stars for breathability.

If a face covering isn’t breathable, it can get damp more quickly with condensation from trapped breath and might encourage people to adjust or remove their mask, especially if they wear glasses.

The Asos (£12) and AB Mask were the only two that avoided glasses steaming up and were rated highest for glasses-wearers’ comfort, with both scoring five stars in this category.

The Which? tests also revealed that almost all of the face coverings got better at filtering particles after being washed. Face coverings were re-tested after five hot wash cycles, and most improved, due to the fibres compressing.

While reusable fabric face coverings are not designed to block ultra-fine particles such as Covid-19 like a higher-grade medical respirator mask would, they are intended to help block larger droplets and aerosols breathed out by the wearer, who may be infected but asymptomatic.

The prevailing scientific thinking is that this should help protect the wider community by minimising exhalation of virus particles in enclosed public spaces.

Which? is urging manufacturers to use these findings as a basis for improving their products, while retailers should seek to ensure they are selling products that will effectively filter out potentially harmful particles. In the meantime, the consumer champion is encouraging consumers to research the best available options for themselves and their loved ones before making a purchase.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “With face coverings now such an important part of daily life, they not only need to be durable and comfortable, but also provide effective filtration from harmful particles in order to keep us and others safe.

“Our results prove that there is a huge difference in quality between reusable masks sold in stores around the country and online. We would urge manufacturers to use our findings to up their game and improve their products – until then it is worth taking time to research the best option for yourself and your loved ones.”

New report from the Carnegie UK Trust on Good Work and COVID-19

I hope this email finds you safe and well in these difficult times.

I am pleased to share new research from the Carnegie UK Trust, looking at how we can achieve ‘good work’ for all in the UK coronavirus economy.

The coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted jobs and livelihoods, but it has also seen labour market interventions that were previously unimaginable and given rise to calls to build back a better labour market. For our research we interviewed labour market experts including academics, business and trade union representatives and leading think tanks, and undertook analysis of the impacts of the crisis on different groups of workers.

Our report Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy draws together these insights and presents a package of over 30 proposals for how good work can be achieved and sustained, to ensure work improves wellbeing for many more people.

You can read the full report here

You can read the report’s key messages and recommendations here

We would be delighted to hear your views on the ideas put forward in the report. You can get in touch with us on Twitter @CarnegieUKTrust, using the hashtag #GoodWork #COVID19 or you can let us know your thoughts by emailing Gail Irvine, Senior Policy and Development Officer, on gail.irvine@carnegieuk.org.

Best wishes

Sarah

Sarah Davidson

Chief Executive

Carnegie UK Trust

Twitter: @CarnegieUKTrust

www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

NHS Scotland unveils Winter Plan

An NHS Winter Preparedness Plan outlining steps to ensure a resilient and safe health care system has been published.

With coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continuing to rise, £1.1 billion has already been allocated to NHS Health Boards and Integration Authorities to meet the costs of responding to the pandemic.

An additional £37 million has been announced today to support services cope with the virus, vaccinations and Test and Protect and the delivery of normal winter illnesses and weather. As a result of these continued pressures, NHS Scotland will remain in a state of emergency over winter.

To complement the NHS Winter Preparedness Plan, a comprehensive Adult Social Care Winter plan will be published in early November. This will focus on delivering maximum protection for people who use social care support in residential and community settings and in their own homes, and for those who provide that care, including unpaid carers.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Every effort must be made to prepare the NHS for the pressures it will face in the coming months, including normal winter illnesses, the impact of any severe weather, a significant resurgence of COVID-19 and a potential no-deal Brexit.

“Due to the continued dedication of health and social care staff, and support from the public, NHS Scotland has not been overwhelmed at any point during the pandemic. Our over-riding priority is to ensure the this continues to be the case, not only to save lives and treat COVID-19 patients but to make sure we can continue to deliver healthcare to those who need it.    

“I am absolutely determined that we will do everything in our power to be ready for these challenges. We have learnt a lot from the first wave of the pandemic and we are better prepared. We must also recognise that we cannot respond successfully to any of these challenges, if we do not work to support the health, wellbeing and resilience of our staff, of whom we have asked so much already.

“Our Winter Preparedness Plan sets out the range of actions we are taking to support our incredible health and care services and our staff, and outlines how we will work with them to manage this next phase.”

Actions outlined in the plan include: 

  • doubling the number of people protected by the flu vaccine to nearly 2.5 million and preparing to deliver a safe, effective vaccine against COVID-19 as soon as available
  • increasing testing capacity from around 27,000 to at least 65,000 tests per day by winter, drawing upon both Scottish and UK-wide lab capacities. Three new Regional Testing Hubs will be fully operational by early December, providing an additional 22,000 daily tests
  • continuing to ensure Health Boards have access to sufficient contact tracers to respond to local surges, with additional national resilience from the National Contact Tracing Centre
  • the ability to repurpose approximately 3,000 acute beds nationwide for COVID-19 patients; including doubling ICU capacity within one week, trebling it in two weeks and quadrupling to over 700 should circumstances demand, subject to staffing and supplies
  • investing £20 million to support the redesign of urgent care and ensuring a consistent national framework to unplanned care
  • continuing to provide care and treatment for both urgent and routine health needs, including treatment for cancer and other life threatening conditions, and where we can, restarting a number of diagnostic and screening services, and elective procedures
  • investing over £78 million to restore as much elective activity as circumstances allow, supporting over 70,000 outpatient appointments, over 13,800 elective procedures and over 98,000 diagnostic tests
  • supporting the NHS Golden Jubilee hospital to treat a further 13,000 patients before the end of March 2021
  • maintaining the NHS Louisa Jordan as a crucial national facility for either COVID-19 or non-COVID patients, building on the 4,000 outpatients who have been seen there since July
  • supporting key workers in health and social care by ensuring staff ‘hubs’ and rest areas are maintained and establishing a Mental Health Network, backed initially by £5 million of funding
  • maintaining the COVID-19 Community Pathway with local Community Assessment Centres in every Board area
  • maintaining the Out of Hours Service in all Board areas for patients who need to be seen urgently and cannot wait for their GP practice to open

Read the NHS Winter Preparedness Plan.

New Playground unveiled at St. Columba’s to support grieving children

St Columba’s Hospice Care was delighted to unveil its new children’s playground, which will help to support children whose family members are receiving care.

The Hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people from the age of 16 with terminal conditions across Edinburgh and the Lothians was due to open the play space in June, but had to push this back following delays caused by COVID-19.

As well as allowing children to express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions through play, the playground will allow parents, carers and family members who are patients at the Hospice to watch their children safely enjoy the space which was opened this month.

The installation of the playground space was made possible by donations made by SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket.

Donna Hastings, Family Support Team Worker said: “We hope that any children visiting the Hospice will be able to use the play areas. It will allow them to play and express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions through play.

“Play is simply having fun – a spontaneous activity and normally part of their everyday lives. Having a play space at the Hospice will help promote that continuity of normal family life. We are grateful to the Trustees of SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation who agreed to fund the project and enabled it to go ahead.”

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee, said: “St Columba’s is a charity close to the hearts of many people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“We are absolutely delighted to see the vision that was presented to us come to life and know that this will have a long lasting legacy. The playground is warm, welcoming and embodies the positive family environment that makes St Columba’s so widely admired.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives.  Since launching over £32 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Local charities are encouraged to visit www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.

Police launch Operation Crackle

Nine disperal zones in place for bonfire season

Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Operation Crackle will see local officers throughout the Capital out on patrol during evenings and weekends to deter antisocial and criminal activity involving fireworks and keep communities safe from disorder and damage.

Halloween and Bonfire Night weekends are typically some of the busiest times for police, not only in Edinburgh, but across the city, and as always a partnership approach is being taken by the division.

Working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and City of Edinburgh Council, officers have been engaging with young people through school inputs and social media to highlight the risks associated with fireworks and the consequences of getting involved in any forms of crime using these items.

In addition, police have conducted joint patrols with council environmental wardens and SFRS personnel to carry out environmental audits and identify any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.

When found, these items have been removed.

While working to ensure the safety of the public within the city, Operation Crackle also looks to preserve the safety of all emergency service workers deployed during the coming weekends.

A zero tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour is being taken and everyone is urged to act responsibly if handling fireworks.

Supporting Operation Crackle, Police Scotland’s national initiative, Operation Moonbeam is again in place to support local divisions with a range of additional and specialist resources.

These additional officers can be used if public disorder and violence takes place requiring a more robust response.

Dispersal zones will be in operation across Edinburgh again this year in an attempt to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period.

This is the third year dispersal zones have operated across the city. The zones will run between 2pm and midnight on Wednesday 4th November to Saturday 7th November.

The areas covered by the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

The dispersal zones enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse. Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.

Police are asking parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people in their care and remind them to behave in a manner that does not put themselves, or others, at risk of harm.

Unlike previous years, organised Bonfire Night events have all been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Police patrols will take place across the city to identify illegal bonfires, as well as deal with any breaches of current Scottish Government coronavirus restriction legislation.

Chief Inspector David Happs, who is leading on Operation Crackle, said: “We know that the vast majority of those who purchase fireworks do so in order to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. However, a small minority use the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to get involved in disorder and commit acts of violence and damage.

“Let me make it clear, that such behaviour is not acceptable and if you are involved in criminality involving fireworks, you can expect to be arrested. If not on the night, then as we carry out follow-up inquiries.

“I know many people will be really disappointed that they are unable to attend organised events this year, but I would urge everyone to be mindful of existing guidelines and legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. Please do not do anything that puts you in breach of the current restrictions.

“For the past three years, we have been able to call upon additional specialist national resources to assist local officers. Once again, these officers are available if they are needed and I’m grateful to have them as an operational consideration.

“We want everyone to have a great Halloween and Bonfire Night, but please enjoy these events responsibly and help us keep you, and everyone else, safe throughout.”

Kenny Rogers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “This Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many of us.

“We know that many organised public displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and that some may consider private use of fireworks in their gardens.

“We would urge caution over the private use of fireworks and remind people that these items can pose grave dangers.

“If you are planning on using fireworks in a private setting, please familiarise yourself with our Fireworks Code before purchasing. It is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

“I would like to stress that this is our busiest night of the year and that we must maintain a capacity to respond to emergencies.

“Last year we saw a large spike in deliberate fire-setting and this can divert firefighters away from genuine emergencies, where lives may be at risk.

“We do take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and will work with police to identify those responsible, but we also realise it’s a very small minority of people involved.

“Ultimately, I would urge those who are marking Bonfire Night to help us by reading all safety advice before using fireworks and by helping protect Scotland’s emergency services.”

“For more information visit our fireworks safety page at ww.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership said: “Protecting our communities from harm is a priority for us all in the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership and we will continue to work with our partners to prevent anti-social behaviour in the lead up to Bonfire Night to ensure that Edinburgh remains a safe place for its residents.

“It’s important that we all look after each other. Fly tipping during the Bonfire and Fireworks season can be a major cause of fire and we ask that if anyone sees fly tipping or notices an area where there is a build-up of refuse or combustible material to please let the council know.”

The Expert’s Guide to Immune Health this Winter

As the temperature drops and the days become darker, it can be easy to eat more, do less and go into ‘hibernation’ mode. But being proactive about our health is key to feeling great and supporting your immune system.

The UK’s leading nutritional advisors share their expert advice, on why now, more than ever it is important to invest in yourself, as well sharing their top tips to keeping healthy, naturally:

Ben Brown, Director of the Nutritional Medicine Institute:

Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Immune Function

“With winter we typically see an increase in viral infections from colds and flu. Vitamin D deficiency increases dramatically in winter, affecting over 40% of people in the United Kingdom and can increase susceptibility to infection. Take vitamin D through winter if your blood levels are low, or you have a risk factor such as darker skin, older age, or overweight.

Tip: Most micronutrients help support a healthy immune system so a good multivitamin and mineral is a simple, safe and cost-effective bit of health insurance.

Angela Dowden, Nutritionist:

Go to your local high street health stores for personalised advice

There’s always an uptick in respiratory infections in winter – one theory is that colder air rushing into the nasal passage weakens the local immune response there. So being as healthy as you can be going into the cooler months is going to up your chances of getting through with your health unscathed.

Tip: Keeping wearing that COVID mask as it keeps you from inhaling aerosolized germs. Make sure you cover your bases with a healthy wholesome diet including fruits, veg, whole grains, nuts, protein and some diary or plant-based equivalents. Properly trained staff in a local high street health food stores can give one-on-one advice it’s hard to get any other way.

Find your local health food store here: https://healthydoesit.org/fi

Suzie Sawyer, Clinical Nutritionist:

Gut health is key to good immune health

“There is a lot of emerging research particularly relating to vitamin D and C. However, what is really heartening is that there is an acknowledgement that nutrition and specific nutrients may be able to play a key role in treatment strategies for COVID.

Tip: Whilst vitamin D and C are two key nutrients needed to support immune health, others are also important including zinc, selenium and vitamin b6; always best taken in a balanced formulation rather than as individual nutrients.

Additionally, supporting gut health is key to good immune function, therefore, I would take a probiotic which includes some of our bacteroid and lactobacillus, and increase intake of fermented foods, especially natural yoghurt.

Jamie Christie, Nutritional Biochemist:

Positive thinking leads to positive action

“Immune health often comes to mind when the colder season approaches for two reasons; there is an increased pooling of people with children back to school and seasonal increases in coughs and colds. The truth is, immune health is important all year round, as people all over the world have discovered.”

Tip: Remember that immune health is not governed by one or two simple switches rather a combination of factors which might include stress, diet, exercise, genetic predispositions, exposure to allergens, infections or environmental irritants for example.

Positive thinking leads to positive action. We are living in hard and unusual times. Keep buying good food, getting out in fresh air and supplementing with vitamin D, as has been recommended by government (10 micrograms a day).

Jayney Goddard, President of The Complementary Medical Association: 

Go plant-based, exercise and practise good sleep hygiene

“I always tell my patients “The choices you make today, predict your health tomorrow – choose well.” 

 Tip: I support the people; I look after them by teaching them how to harness the power of optimal nutrition by eating plant-based whole food diet. I also help them to take appropriate amounts of exercise, practise good sleep hygiene and manage their reactivity and stress response, with approaches including “The Relaxation Response”; pioneered by Dr Herbert Benso.

For more expert advice or to learn more about how you can support your health and wellbeing this Autumn, visit: https://healthydoesit.org/