The NHS Lothian Bereavement Service has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).
The service works to improve the experience and support available for patients, families and staff after a bereavement by being a single point of contact for any bereavement related issues.
They are here to compliment the support routinely given by hospital staff, which can be anything from what happens next, enquiries about the policy, providing training or looking to see what emotional support is available.
This accreditation is a testament to our organisation’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, human rights-based bereavement care and support. It highlights the team’s dedication to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.
The recognition comes in light of the exceptional person-centred care, education, and support that the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service consistently delivers. Effective, equitable, and compassionate bereavement care has always been at the heart of their service provision, and the Charter Mark is a well-deserved acknowledgment of these efforts.
One of the key initiatives that contributed to this achievement was the team’s focus on better support for NHS Lothian staff who have experienced bereavement.
This comprehensive project included conducting a staff survey, collaborating closely with Line Managers, and developing valuable resources and training programs. These efforts will help to ensure that staff members receive the support they need when they return to work and beyond after experiencing the loss of a loved one.
The Charter accreditation holds significant meaning for the team, reflecting their dedication and hard work. Looking ahead, the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service is now focused on the next steps: supporting other teams, wards, and departments within NHS Lothian to work towards achieving the Charter Mark.
This initiative aims to empower the wider workforce to practice excellent bereavement care across Lothian, further enhancing the organisation’s commitment to compassionate care.
Congratulations to NHS Lothian Bereavement Service on this outstanding achievement. Their dedication to providing high-quality bereavement care and support is truly inspiring and sets a benchmark for others to follow.
COVID-19 Day of Reflection today will be marked with local events in communities up and down the country
Members of the public invited to take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection in ways that are meaningful for them
Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic.
They will also be an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers during what was an unprecedented time.
Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:
A procession along the National Covid Memorial Wall, followed by a ceremony and a minute’s silence, and flowers being cast from London’s Lambeth Bridge
NHS Charities Together will be holding an event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which commemorates the thousands of people who tragically lost their lives since the pandemic began, and pay tribute to the critical role played by the NHS, its workforce and NHS charities in supporting patients and communities during the pandemic.
Manchester Cathedral will host a special prayer service, honouring and reflecting upon the experiences felt by the Black, Caribbean and African community who faced unique challenges during the pandemic.
Local authorities are recognising the day across the country. In Liverpool St George’s Hall will become the city’s focal point for the Day’s activities and in Sheffield the City Council is partnering with a community-led, NHS-funded programme, Compassionate Sheffield, for commemoration, speeches and a showing of the Stories from the Pandemic documentary.
In Scotland, Covid19 Families Scotland will be hosting an event outdoors at Glasgow Green which includes a piper, choir and minute’s silence.
In Treorchy, South Wales, the COVID-19 bereaved will gather and remember their loved ones and place named flags in a yellow heart made of local stones, which was created in 2021 on Bwlch Mountain. The yellow heart became a memorial to all those that died from COVID-19 in Wales and has been brought back to its former glory by the COVID-19 bereaved group this year.
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Memory Stones of Love, who are a group set up by bereaved families during the pandemic, will be marking the day by holding a remembrance concert with music, poems and readings, as well as displaying their stones with inscriptions of those we lost during the pandemic.
Members of the public can find more information to help them to mark the day if they wish, including an interactive map that displays all the events taking place up and down the country, at gov.uk/day-of-reflection.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives.
“This COVID-19 Day of Reflection will allow people the space and time to reflect and I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.”
Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan of Cotes said: “It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives.
“Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.”
The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations made by the Commission and a full response will be published in due course.
COVID-19 DAY OF REFLECTION:
Message of thanks from NHSGGC Chair
TODAY, Sunday 9th March at 12 noon, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) will join organisations across Scotland in a minute’s silence to remember those we lost and honour the commitment and sacrifice of all our health and social care staff throughout the COVID pandemic.
The silence is part of a national Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic and, ahead of that event, NHSGGC’s Chair, Dr Lesley Thomson KC, reflects on what was an incredibly difficult time and shares a message of thanks and tribute to staff, patients and members of the public:
“On Sunday 9th March, the nation will come together to reflect on the pandemic – to pause and think back to a set of challenges few, if any, of us had ever experienced before.
“The fear and uncertainty, the pressure on our all services through increased demand and through the requirement for strict measures to keep us all safe.
“The loss of friends and loved ones. The sheer sadness that swept the entire country. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost someone close to them.
“Health and social care staff, ambulance crews, police, fire services, shop workers, other essential staff. Those who were furloughed and others who endured so much uncertainty about what the future would bring. Every one of us will remember just how tough those days were.
“But, across NHSGGC, we should also remember how everyone stepped up – how we rose to meet the tasks we faced.
“We supported each other, looked out for our colleagues and friends, and we cared for those who were struggling. Within weeks we had adopted new ways of working and we had embraced new technology – all in the pursuit of the best possible care for our patients.
“To those people, those thousands of staff who did so much for our patients, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for the long hours, for the time away from your families, for the courage it took to put on that PPE and head out for your shift.
“We would also like to pay tribute to our patients, and the public. For your forbearance and flexibility, your patience throughout difficult times. For the way you gathered every week in support of our staff. Your appreciation will never be forgotten.
“As time passed, the vaccine came and case numbers fell. Across the country, life began to adapt to a new semblance of normal.
“But the reality is we’re still dealing with the legacy of those difficult times. As is the case right across the country, NHSGGC’s services still face considerable challenges.
“Every day, every one of our staff is doing all they can to address those challenges and to make sure our patients get access to the best care we can provide.
“We would like to thank them all once more for that new commitment – whether they worked through the pandemic or have joined the NHSGGC family more recently.
“We would also like to thank our patients and members of the public for your ongoing support.
“But please be assured – we are turning a corner.
“The challenges of COVID forced us to adopt new ways of working. The use of digital technology and AI, the commitment to help more people more quickly through day surgeries and virtual care – all of these changes have brought with them a new set of opportunities to provide the care our patients need.
“However, while they bed in, we must ask something more from you – that you continue to work with us and to embrace new ways of accessing care.
“It may be a willingness to try a virtual appointment or a phone consultation, or maybe thinking twice before going to A&E and instead calling 111.
“COVID-19 has started us on a path from which there is no going back, and we need to embark on that journey side by side.
“Our commitment to your care will never waver – that is the constant you can always rely on. But just like you did back in 2020, as we all lived through those dark days, we ask you to trust us once more as we take this journey together – to a new NHS, shaped by the pandemic but designed for the next century of healthcare.
“So on Sunday 9th March we invite you to join the nation in a moment’s reflection, to mark the loss and the sacrifice, to remember with pride the commitment, professionalism and teamwork – and to move forward together to a new future.”
NHS LOTHIAN:
On this National Day of Reflection, we take a moment to remember & honor those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re offering another chance to see our staff’s reflections on working through one of the most extraordinary chapters in recent history:
NHS LOTHIAN has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry Interim Report into the delayed opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department for Clinical Neurosciences.
The planned opening of the new building at Little France was halted in July 2019 when final safety checks revealed that the ventilation system within the Critical Care area did not comply with national standards.
Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said: “Patient safety was always our driving force in commissioning a first-class hospital building so we know that the discovery of a ventilation problem just days before it was due to open caused shock and significant concern for our patients, their families and our staff.
“We once again reiterate our sincere and unreserved apology to them all for the resulting delay to the transfer of patient services to the new facility. I am particularly sorry that patients and their families were let down at a time when they were already worried and vulnerable.”
Lord Brodie, Chairman of the Inquiry, acknowledged the huge operation that was put in place within hours to reschedule thousands of patients who were due to attend the new hospital and prevent families and patients from turning up to the wrong building in an emergency.
A total of 2255 appointments required to be rescheduled immediately – 1586 in paediatrics and 669 in DCN were affected.
The report found there had been no wrongdoing or attempts to conceal information.
Lord Brodie also noted the positive organisational culture in NHS Lothian and said there were a variety of channels through which concerns could have been raised, as well as whistleblowing policies.
But that it was a “lack of clarity” around technical building standards led to the issue around ventilation and the delay.
Mr Crombie added: “Lord Brodie has identified our failure to provide a clear design brief at the outset as critical to events as well as weaknesses in governance and understanding between contractual partners.
“We are sorry for these failures and also deeply regret that opportunities were missed by all parties over the course of the project to detect and rectify errors in the design of the ventilation regime.
“The report acknowledges the changes that have been put in place in NHS Lothian and the new guidance introduced since 2019 to ensure that lessons are learned and similar events can be prevented in the future.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the relatives of patients affected by the delay who took part in the Inquiry for their important contributions.”
Edinburgh’s third sector is facing a funding crisis that could result in the loss of essential health and social care services. Sixty-four third sector organisations, which provide vital support to the city’s most vulnerable residents, are at risk following proposed funding cuts by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).
The potential closure of these organisations would not only impact service users but could also lead to the loss of 200 jobs, many through compulsory redundancies.
Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, is actively engaging with Edinburgh City Council to advocate for greater clarity and support for these organisations. “I have been asking the council to consider taking over the funding of the 64 organisations,” he said.
In response, Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, has indicated a positive step forward: “Our Finance Convenor proposed an additional £2 million of transition funding for Edinburgh’s third sector service providers.
“The work that these organisations do helps local people, many of whom desperately need this assistance and support.
“I’m pleased that by raising this in Committee, we allowed all attending councillors to indicate support for finding more money to help Edinburgh’s charitable and volunteering groups, some of which are facing existential cuts following a decision by the EIJB.”
Community Pressure and Temporary Relief
Public outcry in response to the proposed cuts in November 2024 led to their rejection, with the EIJB pledging to collaborate with affected organisations to seek alternative solutions.
In December 2024, the EIJB extended the existing grants—originally set to expire on 31 March 2025—by three months. However, this extension provides only temporary relief, with no long-term security for the organisations involved.
While some may secure alternative funding, others could be forced to close, leaving significant gaps in service provision.
Council Report Highlights Risks
A report submitted to Edinburgh City Council and Officers following an initial assessment of the situation highlighted serious concerns.
The report concluded that the closure of the EIJB grants programme poses a substantial risk to the financial viability of many third sector organisations, many of which are key partners in delivering council services.
The potential closure of these organisations could undermine the council’s ability to deliver existing projects, programmes, and priorities, further exacerbating social inequalities across Edinburgh.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
MSP Choudhury remains committed to advocating for a sustainable funding solution that protects essential services and jobs: “I will continue to push for sustainable funding solutions that protect the essential services our communities rely on,” Mr Choudhury affirmed.
With the future of Edinburgh’s third sector organisations hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the council and EIJB to ensure long-term solutions are found to protect these vital services.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind from 10am to 5pm Friday 24 January. An Amber warning is in place from 6am to 10am.
COUNCIL SERVICES:
We will publish all the latest information about Council buildings and services on this page.
Schools, nurseries and early years
All Council schools, nurseries and early years settings will be closed on Friday 24 January. Schools will communicate directly with parents.
Bin collections
Bin collections – residents should not put their wheelie bins and boxes out for collection tomorrow. Friday collections will run over the weekend instead.
Residents should put their bins out for collection on Saturday when it is safe to do so for collection from Sunday.
Street cleansing will not operate.
Recycling centres – any bookings for recycling centres will be rescheduled
Special uplift services – residents who have booked a collection for tomorrow should not put the items out for collection. Appointments will be rebooked.
Housing and homelessness
Anyone who needs to present as homeless should contact us by phone on 0131 529 7036.
Only emergency council house repairs will take place. Non-emergency council house repairs will be cancelled and re-scheduled.
Scaffolding will be checked and taken down if possible.
Council buildings, services and parks
We will only run essential services on Friday 24 January.
The following buildings or parks/grounds will be closed on Friday 24 January:
All council cemeteries, Mortonhall Crematorium, and the Mortuary
All museums, galleries, monuments and cultural venues (Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Churchill Theatre – this includes cancellation of a rehearsal and performance at the Churchill Theatre). Building checks will be carried out before reopening.
Lauriston Castle grounds and Princes Street Gardens. These will also remain closed on Saturday due to extended wind warning and time needed to survey grounds.
For travel updates check @edintravel and @TrafficScotland on X (Twitter) as well as your travel provider.
Emergency social care service 0800 731 6969 – free phone.
NHS LOTHIAN:
EDINBURGH TRAMS:
Due to the red weather warning in place across Edinburgh tomorrow due to #StormÉowyn, Edinburgh Trams will be operating a reduced service on Friday 24 January. We will be monitoring wind speeds at key places on the track and will continue to operate in order to facilitate essential travel as long as it remains safe to do so.
Please follow @PoliceScotland guidelines and only travel if absolutely necessary.
Customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling on Friday and Saturday, using the Bus & Tram App.
Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.
The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.
“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.
“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”
The course features:
Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
A traffic-free learning environment
Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
All necessary equipment provided
Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants
Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.
Important Notes:
This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
No current cycling experience required
All abilities welcome
The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.
For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggshas accused the SNP of presiding over “horrifying” A&E waiting times in Lothian.
Mr. Briggs’ remarks come after monthly A&E waiting times for November showed that only 58.5% of patients across Lothian were seen within the SNP’s four-hour target waiting time.
In the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the figure is at a shockingly low 44.1%.
This was below the average for Scotland which sits at 65.8%.
The SNP’s own target is for 95% of patients to be seen within that time after arriving at A&E.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says these waits are “unacceptable” and “undoubtedly put lives at risk” and insists that the SNP have failed to give dedicated staff the resources they need to see patients quickly enough.
Mr. Briggs says that the SNP’s failures mean A&E services in Lothian are in “permanent crisis” mode and that this could “spiral out of control” over winter.
Mr. Briggs has urged SNP health secretary Neil Gray to come up with a proper plan for the health service, which ensures money gets to the frontline, rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said:“A&E waiting times in Lothian are absolutely horrifying, and this is mirrored across Scotland.
“Far too many patients are waiting too long to be seen in Lothian and that undoubtedly puts lives at risk.
“These waits are unacceptable and successive SNP health secretaries have left Lothian and the rest of Scotland without the resources to meet the demands of patients turning up in A&E.
“My constituents in Lothian are at even greater risk than other Scots – and the buck stops with the SNP government.
“A&E departments are in permanent crisis mode and as winter continues there is a real danger the waits will spiral out of control.
“These waiting times must finally be the wake-up call for Neil Gray to deliver a proper plan to support Scotland’s NHS.
“This must prioritise getting money to the frontline in Lothian and across Scotland rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.”
Your local community pharmacy provides a free stop smoking service.
You can drop in when it suits you to chat to your local pharmacy team. They will explain the nicotine replacement products available to help you quit smoking and advise on the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is the best for you.
Robust plans are in place across NHS Lothian this winter to help patients receive the right health care in the right place.
The health board, which is already experiencing significant pressures, has geared up for the busiest time of the year.
The numbers of people who need healthcare surges every winter for a variety of illnesses and conditions, including winter bugs, such as flu, COVID, other respiratory illnesses and Norovirus.
NHS Lothian is working closely with the four health and social care partnership in the region – East Lothian, Midlothian, Edinburgh and West Lothian – to focus in on more community-based initiatives to reduce the need for hospital attendance and admission in the first place.
The move also means that more patients will be able to receive the care they need closer to home and if they do have to be admitted to an acute hospital, the length of their stay in hospital should be shorter.
In turn, the renewed focus on community programmes will help free up more hospital beds for patients who are acutely unwell.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian, said: “The pressures facing hospital and community teams, GPs and pharmacies regularly surge beyond levels of activity that some years ago would normally have been associated with winter.
“That level of demand will only increase as winter progresses, so we have worked with partnerships to bolster their capacity in the community to ensure that more hospital beds are available for those that need them most.
“Health care is there for everyone who needs it this winter and we want to make sure patients can receive their advice, care or treatment in the right place at the right time.”
Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPS) across Lothian are enhancing their “discharge to assess” programmes which helps support people to leave hospital as soon as it is safe and appropriate.
Single points of contact (SPoC) services are also being boosted. These systems are aimed at people who are at imminent risk of hospital care but can be safely managed in the community. They support GPs and other professionals to rapidly coordinate services.
Other streamlined assessment processes have also been put in place to expedite hospital discharges and help community teams to proactively identify people ready for discharge with their support.
People across Lothian are being reminded to seek care in the right place this winter – and that in many cases they may get help sooner and closer to home, without attending an A&E department.
The NHS Inform App is the first stop for self-care and advice, while local pharmacies, GP, or Minor Injuries Unit can provide expert care and treatment, usually closer to home. If patients are unsure where to get help or if they need urgent health care at night or at the weekends, they should call 111 day or night.
In Lothian, patients may be signposted on to other services if they turn up to hospital A&E when they don’t need to be there.
Preliminary Notice of Anti Cuts Conference – Saturday 18th January 2025
Augustine United Church – George IV Bridge Edinburgh
9.30 am – Doors Open – Tea/Coffee and Biscuits
10.00am – 1pm Conference
The Conference is being convened by Edinburgh Trade Union Council and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).
The purpose of the Conference is to consider how best to fight the social care and health service cuts that are being planned by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).
Crucial budget decisions are going to be made by the Scottish Government and the City Council over the next two or three months which will determine the level of cuts.
The conference will discuss how best to lobby to obtain the resources needed to meet service demands. This will include the services provided by the 64 third sector organisations Edinburgh that are threatened with cuts and redundancies.
The conference is open to the public. The agenda will be an introductory session, workshops and a final plenary session. The conference will have input from speakers from the STUC. We will invite a speaker from amongst the Councillors on the EIJB and a speaker representative of Edinburgh community health organisations.
We hope the conference will be able to draw up a City wide plan for lobbying and campaigning.
More details of the conference will be circulated on Monday 6th January 2025. Any comments or queries in the meantime will be responded to on 23/12/24 and 27/12/24.
