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
A further £500 million will be invested in primary care by the end of this parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced. Continue reading Increased investment in Primary Care
Quality, choice and flexibility will be placed at the heart of Scotland’s childcare ‘revolution’ under new funding proposals unveiled for consultation by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday. Continue reading Quality, choice, flexibility: a childcare revolution?
To mark the national day against slavery on October 18, International Development Secretary Priti Patel outlined an increase in support for women and girl refugees in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, and for vulnerable people at risk of trafficking on migration routes in North Africa and Europe. The Scottish Government also launched a consultation on human trafficking last week. Continue reading UK steps up to support global fight against slavery and child exploitation
More than a hundred secondary schools will receive up to £11.5 million for projects to close the attainment gap, Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed yesterday. In Edinburgh Castlebrae Community High School, Wester Hailes Education Centre, Holyrood High School and Craigroyston Community High School will benefit from the funding. Continue reading Cash for schools to close attainment gap
