Councils across Scotland are set to benefit from almost £13m of funding to tackle poverty in communities across the country. The money, made up from a combination of £5m of European Social Funds (ESF) and match funding from local authorities, will be targeted to projects that combat poverty and promote equal opportunity. Continue reading ‘Significant’ Euro funds to tackle poverty
NHS boards across Scotland are finalising plans to ensure resilience over winter this year – and prepare for the extra pressures that the season can bring. Continue reading NHS gets ready for winter
Every P2 and P3 child in Scotland will receive a pack containing books, games and other materials to help improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Education Secretary John Swinney launched the first packs at Towerbank Primary School, as part of the Read, Write, Count campaign delivered by Scottish Book Trust which encourages parents to actively engage in their child’s learning journey. Continue reading Book gift packs for all P2 and P3 children
Interfaith Scotland is to receive £145,000 to help support their work with different faith groups and interfaith organisations.
Making the announcement while meeting with representatives from different faith groups and interfaith organisations across Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In the past year we have witnessed faith groups working together with one voice to show their support during humanitarian crises across the world.
“The vital work of Interfaith Scotland in raising awareness of the importance of interfaith dialogue and increasing our understanding of different traditions and practices enriches our communities.
“By working together with Interfaith Scotland and all communities I hope to see a safer, stronger and more inclusive society which we are all able to fully contribute to and benefit from.”
Growing interfaith expertise since the 1970s, Interfaith Scotland is highly regarded in the international interfaith community as being a leader. Interfaith organisations promote mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of different faith communities.
Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier said: “Interfaith Scotland is delighted to receive this funding from the Scottish Government. It allows us to continue the important interfaith engagement work that takes place across Scotland. Challenging religious prejudice, stereotyping and misunderstanding is at the heart of what we do and ensures that everyone, whatever their religion or belief, has an opportunity to play an active role in promoting a just and inclusive Scotland.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Shona Robison MSP visited NHS24 yesterday to see firsthand how Scotland’s national unscheduled care and health information service launch the first phase of its technology upgrade. Continue reading NHS24 in good health
Thousands of Scots share their views on the social security system
The three-month consultation on building a Scottish social security system has ended – for now. Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says the government will publish a report in the New Year and insists the dialogue will continue. Continue reading Scottish Social Security consultation arouses strong feelings
The First Minister has welcomed the new Living Wage rate of £8.45 an hour and urged more Scottish organisations to sign up as Accredited Living Wage Employers. The rise of 20 pence will benefit thousands of employees at Living Wage-accredited organisations in Scotland. Continue reading Living Wage set at £8.45
The Scottish Government has set out its commitment to controlling healthcare associated infections and containing antimicrobial resistance. The five-year strategic framework, published today, seeks to ensure the safety of patients, the public and all healthcare staff and to make hospitals and communities a safer place.
The prevention and control of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) remains an important issue for all environments where healthcare is delivered – for example, care homes, community pharmacies, and primary care – and for everyone involved in the delivery of care.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Tackling antimicrobial resistance and reducing healthcare associated infections remains a key priority for this Government. Good progress has been made so far with the latest quarterly figures showing that, since 2007, MRSA rates have fallen by 90% and CDI rates for those aged 65 years and over have reduced by 88%.
“These significant reductions have only been possible due to the hard work, diligence and commitment of Scotland’s NHS staff and key stakeholders.
“Patients and the public deserve to have complete confidence in the cleanliness of Scottish hospitals and the quality of NHS services and I have made clear my expectation that all health boards must take cleanliness and infection control extremely seriously.
“Today’s publication of the 5 Year AMR/HAI Strategic Framework will inform government policy and will help key stakeholders and NHS Boards implement and deliver HAI and AMR policies consistently and reliably across the healthcare system so that we can continue to provide a culture that promotes the delivery of person-centred safe and effective care.”
The overarching aims of the Strategic Framework are:
The Strategic Framework has been published on the Scottish Government website: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Services/Preventing-Healthcare-Infections
Used by over 24 million vehicles a year, the repair of Scotland’s longest bridge has been crowned the overall winner of the 2016 Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards. Established in 1981, the Awards are a much coveted accolade from the Saltire Society and the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland, recognising excellence and innovation in civil engineering. Continue reading Award for ‘remarkable’ Forth Road Bridge repair
FM to reaffirm Scotland’s commitment to disability inclusion
The needs of disabled people will remain at the forefront of policy making in Scotland following the devolution of new powers from Westminster, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will say on Tuesday. Continue reading Breaking down barriers
