MSPs have debated the need for more defibrillator machines in communities across Scotland. Yesterday’s debate was secured by a motion from SNP MSP Stuart McMillan commending Show Some Heart, the Jayden Orr campaign. Continue reading Briggs praises defibrillator campaigns in Holyrood debate
Children with congenital heart defects are amongst those set to benefit from new technology designed to improve diagnoses and treatment planning thanks to investment announced by Economy Secretary Keith Brown.
Scottish Enterprise has awarded Edinburgh based Canon Medical’s European Research and Development Centre £1.9m towards developing its new £6.6m life sciences software. The technology will give medical staff a single ‘cockpit’ view, quickly pinpointing and collating key patient information from a variety of medical sources to better inform treatment decisions.
Initially the software will be used by medical staff treating congenital heart defects in children with the potential for it to be developed to support treatment for a wider range of medical conditions in future, including cardiovascular, stroke and oncology patients. The funding will also create 10 new jobs and protect 16 existing posts on the project.
Economy Secretary Mr Brown said: “Developments in life science technologies are hugely welcome in terms of both improving patient care and treatment and growing our economy, as well as further establishing Scotland as a centre of excellence in this important sector.
“Our aspiration is for Scotland to continue to lead innovations in life sciences and our Programme for Government saw business Research & Development grants boosted by 70%.
“Scottish Enterprise has worked with Canon Medical over the last 13 years to help achieve its growth ambitions and I look forward to seeing this collaboration continue to flourish and the company expanding its global business here in Scotland.”
Ken Sutherland, President of Canon Medical Research Europe, said: “Scotland is a fantastic location for us to innovate as we have access to top talent, universities and research collaborators, together with the strong support of the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. We’re actively recruiting staff now to work on this project and hope to continue harnessing the excellent international graduate talent from Scottish universities.
“This project comes at a pivotal moment for us, allowing us to evolve into a healthcare data and AI research and development business. This £6.6m project also underlines the confidence our Japanese parent company has in further investing in our Scottish activity.”
Rhona Allison, Interim Managing Director at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Business innovation is critical to the success of our economy. Innovation is a key driver of growth and companies that innovate are more productive, do more international trade and employ more people.
“Giving our backing to this Research & Development project means we can help Canon Medical maximise its investment, cement its activity in Scotland and further increase Scotland’s reputation as a global hub for life sciences and medical technology excellence. I wish Canon Medical every success with this project and look forward to continuing to work with Ken and his team to grow the company further in Scotland.”
A new amendment has been tabled to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill, which would remove any time qualification for people who are terminally ill. Continue reading Social Security Bill: no time qualification for the terminally ill
Shoppers on Scotland’s high streets and retail parks will learn about the symptoms of cervical cancer in a nationwide campaign this summer. The £100,000 ‘Be Cervix Savvy’ campaign will tour Scotland from mid-June, with volunteers from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust raising awareness of the signs of the disease. Continue reading Cervical Cancer campaign to hit the road this summer
The country’s most senior clinician is encouraging patients to get more involved in their treatment and care options. Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Catherine Calderwood is calling for a move away from the “doctor knows best” culture in her annual Practising Realistic Medicine report, which sets out steps to help patients get more involved in their medical consultations. Continue reading Chief Medical Officer calls for move away from “doctor knows best”
There’s an old expression that ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’ Well, think again! Environmental charity Changeworks is hosting a free lunch on Sunday 6 May 2018 made from food that would otherwise have gone to waste. Continue reading Feeding 1000 bellies, not bins, across Leith!
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Shona Robison visited Muirhouse yesterday to officially open the new Pennywell All Care Centre. Ms Robison met staff and guests during a tour of the facility before cutting a ribbon to declare the ‘one stop shop’ open. Continue reading Health Secretary formally opens Pennywell All Care Centre
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) has today published maps showing that pregnant women and new mums in a quarter of the UK still cannot access lifesaving specialist perinatal mental health services which meet national guidelines. Continue reading Maternal mental health: significant gap in service provision
YOUNG people at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children have been treated to a visit from Police Scotland’s newest four-legged recruits. German Shepherds, Otto and Karma, were named by children in the hospital thanks to the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). Continue reading Four-legged recruits visit Children’s Hospital
Have you ever been involved with The Junction? If you have, we want to hear from you! This year, The Junction celebrates 13 years of supporting the young people of Leith and we’re planning to produce a booklet that tells our story. One section of this booklet will be dedicated to positive stories from people who have had a part in our journey, whether that’s as a client, volunteer or any other form of involvement. Continue reading Ye ken The Junction?
