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 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.
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
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 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.”
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.
“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/
The Government must use the coronavirus pandemic as a catalyst to fix the ‘broken’ children and young people’s mental health system so it works for each individual child.
This is the message from Barnardo’s, which says the lessons learned during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis must not be forgotten when it is, eventually, a distant memory.
It comes as young people who are supported by the UK’s leading children’s charity say they have had mixed experiences about the ways services have adapted during the pandemic.
This has included by embracing alternative therapies and the use of digital technology such as video calls to provide ongoing support to children.
Using technology has worked well for some children because they have more control over when and where they get support.
But others have found it difficult due to digital poverty, where they do not have a smartphone or internet access, which has put them at a considerable disadvantage.
Some have found it difficult to fully interact with professionals online, when they have been used to in-person, one-to-one support.
Barnardo’s says the Government has some good mental health policies, like the 0 to 25 promise in the NHS 10 year plan which will end the ‘cliff edge’ at 18, but it argues progress hasn’t been anywhere near fast enough and says young people simply cannot afford to wait.
It says the Government needs to learn lessons from the pandemic and must ensure that all the different ways a child can access support at the moment – whether that’s one-to-one support in person, through apps and video calls, alternative therapies, or a combination of all of these – are still available once the Covid-19 crisis is over.
Support needs to be tailored to the needs of the individual, rather than being a one-size fits all approach.
And it needs to ensure there is long term, sustainable funding for children’s mental health to rebuild the system from the ground up with children and young people at the heart.
One of the young people supported by Barnardo’s, and who has worked with the charity to ensure the views of her peers are heard, is Tia, from Plymouth.
Tia said: “It’s vital that the Government listens to young people about our experiences of mental health services during the pandemic and involves us when looking at how they should operate in the post-Covid world.
“There cannot be a one size fits all solution. What is right for one child will not be right for another. While some have embraced alternative therapies and getting support online, others have struggled to access services.
“It’s important for us to have a say in helping shape services so they work for each individual.”
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:“Even before the pandemic the system was failing too many children and young people with mental health needs. Instead of going back to a broken system, we need a radically new approach.
“We need to identify and support children earlier, before they reach crisis point. We need to end the ‘cliff edge’ at 18, where help often drops off. And we need to make sure every child and young person can access the type of help that works for them – whether that’s digital, support in the community, alternative therapies, or traditional cognitive behaviour therapy.
“This generation is facing a unique set of challenges, and improving their mental health and wellbeing is a vital step towards the positive future they deserve.”
Mental health is at the heart of Barnardo’s work across all of its more than a thousand services across the UK.
It also supports more than 40,000 children, young people, parents and carers through its commissioned UK-wide mental health services – including 28,700 children through its school-based programmes aimed at improving emotional health and wellbeing.
This mental health work is partly funded thanks to the generosity of the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised over £4million for Barnardo’s so far.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK
Halloween is approaching fast and the shops are filling up with spooky costumes, decorations, pumpkins and sugary treats. It can be difficult to avoid overindulging on sweets and chocolate at Halloween, but there are some healthy swaps you can make.
Before you head out to buy bags of sugary and fatty Halloween treats, why not consider celebrating Halloween in a healthier way.
Here’s some ideas to help you enjoy a healthier Halloween:
• Whizz up some ‘vampire blood’ smoothies by blending strawberries, raspberries and blueberries that are packed full of antioxidants to keep your heart and arteries healthy.
• Pumpkin is high in fibre, vitamins and minerals and low in calories. When hollowing out your pumpkin lantern, save the flesh to make tasty pumpkin soup and call it ‘witches’ brew’. You can find many more healthy pumpkin recipes here
• Swap some of the sweets for ‘bat droppings’ of dried fruit and unsalted nuts and give your little monsters a boost of vitamins, minerals and fibre, as well as plenty of energy to run around in their scary costumes.
• Buy Halloween-themed toys, puzzles, magazines or stationery to give the kids, instead of sweets and chocolate.
Delight for mental health charity Penumbra and partners as Milestone Edinburgh is recognised in prestigious awards
Penumbra Milestone in Edinburgh has been awarded a prestigious health award in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards. Milestone won the award for most innovative mental health service with judges describing the team as “going the extra mile with excellent outcomes”.
Penumbra Milestone is an alcohol-free 10-bed step-down residential facility which provides short-term care for people with ARBD (Alcohol Related Brain Damage) who no longer require medical intervention, but who are not ready to go directly home.
The service is a partnership between mental health charity Penumbra, NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Health&Social Care Partnership, Midlothian H&SCP, West Lothian H&SCP, East Lothian H&SCP, and Waverley Care.
Through the provision of intensive, multidisciplinary support Penumbra Milestone improves outcomes for people with ARBD and reduces the number of days they spend in an acute hospital settings despite no longer requiring acute medical care.
ARBD is the term that is used to describe a range of symptoms which occur following a prolonged period of heavy drinking, such as: difficulty remembering, difficulty concentrating, feeling confused, irritated, or having difficulty making choices and decisions. With the right care, support and treatment people with ARBD can make a significant recovery.
Penumbra Milestone Service Manager Lesley Forbes said:“We’re delighted to win this award for Milestone. The team and I are all feeling very proud that our work has been recognised in this way.
“Awards like this are a chance to raise awareness of ARBD and it also shines a light on the innovative work we undertake with the inspirational people who access our service here at Milestone.
“The wellbeing outcomes for people accessing Milestone who are at risk of slipping through the net are quite astounding. But we know that the more we recognise and understand ARBD and with the right support, people can and do make a significant recovery.”
East Lothian IJB Chair Councillor Fiona O’Donnell said:“Penumbra’s Milestone Project richly deserves the Innovative Interventions Award. I know that it has made a real and positive difference in the lives of the people who use its services.
“Congratulations to our partners at Milestone – your work and approach is outstanding and makes a lasting contribution to the recovery of people with ARDB.’’
Fiona Hume, Assistant Programme Manager, NHS Lothian said:“I am delighted that the ARBD Unit at Penumbra Milestone has been recognised for their innovative approach to supporting the mental health and well being of people with ARBD.
“The team’s hard work. skill and dedication to working with this vulnerable group of patients is truly inspiring and even more so in the challenging times of Covid. This service and all the staff involved are a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and delivering a person centred care service.”
UK’s leading health and fitness group invites locals to shape the new state of the art club
The public will have the chance to view and shape the details of an exciting new health and fitness club at Shawfair Park, Midlothian.
Undertaken by the UK’s leading health, fitness and racquets group David Lloyd Leisure, the plans for the site between Edinburgh and Dalkeith propose to bring a comprehensive range of premium family-focused health and leisure facilities to the area.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted with Midlothian Council in September, highlighting the intent of the developer to lodge a planning application this year.
The proposed facilities at Shawfair include a health and fitness club with three badminton-court sports hall, a large state of the art gym with several group-exercise studios for various uses such as group cycling, HIIT training and mind and body exercise. Both a permanent and a seasonal tennis court are also envisioned in the proposals, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, terrace and luxury indoor spa with spa garden.
The plans also include a Clubroom with a wide appeal for families, couples and individual users. The proposed scheme also features an adults only business hub for flexible working, and a soft play and activity space for children. The plans include nearly 250 dedicated car parking spaces with EV charging points as well as covered cycle spaces and various landscaping features.
David Lloyd Leisure is now organising a digital community consultation to provide residents with further information on the emerging proposals.
Through this consultation process, the team is seeking input and ideas on the proposed scheme from the public, which will assist in informing the planning application.
With the temporary suspension of public events for major planning applications by the Scottish Government due to COVID-19, the consultation has moved online with a dedicated website highlighting the development proposals.
The website can be accessed at https://davidlloydclubs-shawfair.scot/ which will go live at 9am on Thursday 29th October, and a digital consultation event will take place that same day from 4pm to 8pm.
Consultants will be available to answer any questions through a live and dedicated two-way chat system during these times. Visitors can type questions to members of the team and converse about the project in real-time. Feedback can also be submitted via the website.
Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications.
The deadline for submitting feedback will be Thursday November 19th.
Commenting on the proposed consultation event, Brendan Mitchell, Group Acquisitions Manager, David Lloyd Clubs said:“We are delighted to be providing the local community with the opportunity to shape our proposals for this exciting new health, leisure and fitness club in Midlothian.
“Clearly these are difficult times, and we’re pleased to offer an exciting vision to help people maintain physical and mental fitness. More than ever this seems a pressing need in communities across the country.
“During our consultation event, all residents will have the opportunity to enquire further about the proposals and give their feedback, which will be thoroughly considered ahead of submitting the planning application.
“We would urge all those that can to participate in this consultation process and have their views heard.”
Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property, owners of Shawfair Park commented:“As a long-term investor in Shawfair and Midlothian we are very pleased to be working with David Lloyd Leisure in bringing these proposals forward.
“David Lloyd Leisure’s family-focused offering will be a fantastic addition to Shawfair Park and a valuable amenity to local residents and businesses who will be able to play tennis, swim and lead a healthy life-style with-in easy reach of their front doors.
“We look forward to engaging with the community to help shape the next phase of Shawfair Park”
A groundbreaking clinical trial for motor neurone disease (MND) begins this week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.
The pioneering trial MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs, rather than a single treatment at a time, and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of MND.
The trial, based at the QEUH, will welcome participants from across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region which cares for the largest number of people living with MND.
Motor neurone disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, is a progressive condition that causes muscle to waste away. It occurs when nerve cells called motor neurons, which send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the body’s muscles, stop working properly.
More than 1,500 people are diagnosed with MND in the UK each year. There is no cure and half of people die within two years of diagnosis.
MND-SMART is a pioneering clinical trial in its reach and design and is recruiting hundreds of people living with MND across the UK to take part in tests of potential treatments. Unlike typical clinical trials which test a single treatment at a time, MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of, MND.
Dr George Gorrie, Consultant Neurologist and Lead for Motor Neurone Disease Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The MND-SMART trial launching in Glasgow is some good news at a time when there isn’t much around.
“Ensuring the safety of people taking part in MND-SMART is the research team’s highest priority and we will follow all government requirements relating to COVID-19 and research.
“The pandemic and ensuring practices are COVID-19 compliant will impact how quickly people can be recruited to the trial but we are delighted to be able to start seeing participants.”
Those who have already registered online interest in the trial and who live in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area will be contacted by the Glasgow trial team over the coming months to discuss taking part.
The trial was first announced in January and centres are due to open across the UK. Glasgow is the third such centre after Edinburgh and Dundee.
The trial has been developed by people with MND and clinical trial experts from across the UK. The study is led by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh.
Funding for the trial has been provided by the Euan MacDonald Centre, substantial private donations, MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
For further information about the trial please visit www.MND-SMART.org
