Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : BMA responds to Rishi Sunak’s “ultimatum” to striking doctors [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : BMA responds to Rishi Sunak’s “ultimatum” to striking doctors [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the BMA on 3 August 2023.

    Responding to Rishi Sunak’s comments in today’s Daily Express, Dr Emma Runswick, BMA deputy chair of council, said:

    “We could not agree more with the Prime Minister when he says that ‘Most doctors just want to get on with their life’s work, caring for patients.’ But they cannot do that without proper pay, and without a properly staffed and properly resourced NHS. For him to blame the ever rising waiting lists on NHS doctors’ and nurses’ demands for fair pay shows what a poor grasp he has of the origins of the crisis facing the NHS.

    “Waiting lists stood at 7 million patients even before industrial action started this year. They stood at 4 million even before the pandemic. He cannot escape the fact that his government’s failure to properly staff the NHS has led to this disaster, however much he wants to scapegoat NHS workers. This is why doctors are taking industrial action: so that we don’t lose more medics to other countries like Australia and New Zealand that pay fairer wages.

    “He says he wants to be fair and reasonable, but it is not fair or reasonable for doctors to have faced pay cuts of more than a third since 2008 and be facing another real terms pay cut this year. Nor would any serious economist agree that public sector pay rises fuel inflation, no matter how many times the Government repeats it.

    “He says the Government cannot tackle waiting lists alone – he is right, it can’t – but his Government can provide the doctors who will help manage those lists with a credible pay offer. Mr Sunak is at least finally addressing us directly after months of ignoring our calls to talk. But calling an end to negotiations without having once stepped in the room with us is talking at us, not to us. And given that he has already seen the determination of doctors to keep up the fight for fair pay, that is profoundly irresponsible.

    “Mr Sunak is right that he can’t address his waiting lists pledge alone: he is going to need to cooperate with doctors. Our door for talks is always open.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : DSIT to showcase innovative UK businesses at new headquarters [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : DSIT to showcase innovative UK businesses at new headquarters [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 9 August 2023.

    Organisations have been invited to showcase their innovations as part of the department’s plans to champion the work of UK industry and academia.

    • The very best of British innovation, design, technology and science to be showcased in the heart of Whitehall
    • Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) marks six-month anniversary with an open invite to businesses and organisations across the UK to exhibit at the department’s new headquarters from early 2024
    • Showcase forms part of DSIT’s mission to build a pro-innovation culture across government as key to delivering on priority to grow the economy

    Leading innovation firms, technology businesses and research organisations have today (9 August) been invited to showcase their innovations at the entrance to the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) headquarters, as part of the Department’s plans to champion innovation and the pioneering work of UK industry and academia.

    The department is marking its six-month anniversary with an invite to businesses and organisations from across the country to exhibit within its new headquarters, giving their work prominence and visibility to ministers, businesses, government officials, and influential individuals who will visit the area.

    It gives the department another opportunity to showcase the very best of British innovation, design, technology and science. Those selected to exhibit will be promoted across the department’s social media channels as well as at internal events, highlighting their work to the innovators and decision makers who are leading the push to cement the UK’s status as a science superpower.

    Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    UK businesses, universities and research organisations are already world leaders in their fields, from life sciences and engineering biology to quantum computing and AI. To seize on the potential for science and technology to keep our nation secure, our people prosperous, and our planet healthy, it is essential we place this work at the very centre of what we do in government – and hosting them in our new headquarters demonstrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with the sector while opening up one more avenue for collaboration.

    These exhibitions will give us another opportunity to see first-hand how these technologies are improving the lives of everyone in the UK, and it will give those exhibiting a new platform to showcase their work, right in the heart of government.

    The dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is the force behind the Prime Minister’s commitment to growing the economy, and to improving the lives of everyone in the UK through new discoveries that advance the health and prosperity of society whilst protecting our values both at home and abroad.

    The government has set out its aim to be a science and technology superpower by 2030, to meet this ambition it has identified five technologies of tomorrow – quantum, AI, Engineering Biology, semiconductors and future telecoms. Together with life sciences, space, and green technologies, these technologies have been identified as most critical to the UK in the coming decades.

    DSIT is celebrating its six-month anniversary since it was formed to deliver on the clear mission set by the Prime Minister, to ensure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world. During those six months, the department has launched the Science and Technology Framework, backed by over £370 million to boost investment in innovation, to bring the world’s best talent to the UK, and seize the potential of ground-breaking new technologies like AI. The AI Taskforce, backed by £100 million in government funding, was also launched to accelerate the UK’s generative AI sector and keep pace with rapid advances in these technologies.

    Other highlights from the last six months include the 10-year national quantum strategy backed by £2.5 billion of public funding, and the International Technology Strategy which lays out our plan to support tech investment, encourage international collaboration, and strengthen the UK’s cyber security defences. More recently we announced up to £50 million of government investment in new UK Research Ventures Catalyst to encourage greater private and philanthropic backing for UK science, research and innovation.

    The Department is due to move into its new headquarters in the estate known as the ‘Admiralty Buildings’ later this year, physically positioning science and technology at the core of Whitehall. The new offices will see all London-based DSIT officials located in the same building, as the beating heart of science and technology in Westminster.

    The first exhibitions are expected to begin early in 2024 and interested participants will be asked to outline how they are helping the UK to cement its position as a science and technology superpower. They will also be asked to show how their organisation will deliver improved public services, create new better-paid jobs, and grow the economy. Each exhibit will be in place for around one month.

    Businesses and organisations who are interested in exhibiting at our London headquarters, can contact exhibit@dsit.gov.uk for more information.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Syrian regime is failing to meet its chemical weapons obligations and is a serious threat to international security – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Syrian regime is failing to meet its chemical weapons obligations and is a serious threat to international security – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

    Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    Thank you, President.

    Let me begin by thanking Deputy High Representative Mr Ebo for his briefing and in particular Dr Katoub, not only for his briefing today, but also for his work responding to the horrific chemical attack in Ghouta in 2013 and for his ongoing efforts to fight impunity on behalf of all of the victims of chemical weapons.

    Colleagues, Dr Katoub’s briefing is a reminder of why this issue deserves the Council’s ongoing attention.

    In the decade since Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention, internationally mandated organisations have confirmed that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against its own people on at least nine occasions.

    As Dr Katoub said, there have been many more attacks.

    The human impact of these attacks has been horrific – the UN Joint Investigative Mechanism and OPCW’s reports have provided undeniable and direct evidence of the Syrian state’s shocking track record of murdering its own civilians using chemical weapons.

    We collectively owe it to the thousands of victims to pursue justice and hold those responsible for these crimes to account.

    President, Syria continues to fail to meet its obligations under resolution 2118 and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Despite concerted efforts by the OPCW to get to the truth, Syria’s chemical weapon stockpile declaration is still not accurate.

    Syria has failed to declare and destroy all its chemical weapons and continues to present a serious threat to regional as well as international security.

    We therefore once again reiterate our calls on the Syrian regime to fulfil its obligations under the convention and under resolution 2118 and to engage meaningfully with the OPCW. It must fully declare and destroy all aspects of its chemical weapons programme.

    It is our collective responsibility to defend and uphold the integrity of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the non-proliferation architecture, and the global consensus that these weapons should never be used.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 August 2023.

    Members of a gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets have been sentenced.

    Members of a criminal gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Oxfordshire and the south-west have been sentenced.

    Five defendants were sentenced at Oxfordshire Crown Court yesterday (August 7) over their roles in the organised crime group who profited from the facilitation, work placement and housing of around 40 illegal workers, mainly from west Africa.

    The leader of the criminal group, Momodou Chune, 55, from Oxford, was jailed for 6 years after being found guilty of 6 counts of assisting unlawful immigration and 3 counts of concealing criminal property.

    The defendants were caught following an investigation by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) Unit.

    It is estimated that over a decade of activity, the gang profited in the region of £600,000 from wages of illegal workers and ‘ghost’ workers. The majority of the illegal workers had more than one name and identity, as Chune created fake employees in order to obtain more money in false wages from his employers.

    He did this by supplying illegal workers with multiple PIN numbers which were used to calculate an individual’s pay based on the record of when they logged on and for how long that person had worked.

    Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, said:

    This is another example of the excellent work which Immigration Enforcement is carrying out around the clock to pursue offenders and bring them to justice.

    Illegal working not only encourages illegal migration – it damages our communities, cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse as the businesses and workers do not pay taxes.

    That is why this government is cracking down on the practise by increasing our illegal working activity by 50% and relentlessly pursuing the ringleaders.

    Investigators found that, from 2006 to 2016, Chune had abused his position as an area manager for two companies ISS Facility Services (ISS) and Exclusive Contract Services (ECS), to employ illegal migrants to work as cleaning staff at nine Sainsbury’s stores in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

    Chune recruited each of the illegal workers knowing they had no right to work. Evidence showed he had control over what the workers were paid as he had their wages paid into his accounts and the accounts of those close to him.

    He also controlled where some of the illegal workers lived by providing them with rooms across his multi-million-pound property portfolio. The court heard Chune would pay illegal workers in cash but would deduct rent from those he housed.

    This included one worker who was paid £250 a month in cash, however his rent to Chune was £220 a month. Another illegal worker claimed he was paid £5 an hour cash-in-hand for cleaning.

    Chune, alongside others in the gang, was found to have laundered more than £310,000 from Exclusive Contract Service Ltd in wages to illegal workers and fake workers through multiple bank accounts.

    Those sentenced alongside Chune today were:

    • a 48-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property alongside Chune to the sum of £31,685, and was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 2 years.
    • a 54-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of more than £200,701, and was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 2 years.
    • a 50-year-old man who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of £78,638, and pleaded guilty to possession of an identity document with intent. He was sentenced to 23 months imprisonment.
    • a 41-year-old man who was found guilty of fraud by abusing his position as a supervisor at ECS by receiving wages he was not entitled to, and was sentenced to 2 years suspended for 2 years.

    Chris Foster, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said:

    The leader of this criminal gang had ultimate control over these illegal workers to exploit them for personal gain. This has been a complex investigation and I want to thank my officers for their hard work, which has resulted in this crime group being stopped in their tracks.

    Immigration Enforcement will continue to dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal working and associated crime, putting offenders before the courts to feel the full weight of the law.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever UK action targets Putin’s access to foreign military supplies [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever UK action targets Putin’s access to foreign military supplies [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

    Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.

    • Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.
    • This includes individuals and businesses in Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia and Switzerland who are supporting the illegal war in Ukraine.
    • The UK is also tackling Iranian and Belarusian support for Russia’s war machine.

    The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has today (8 August 2023) announced 22 new sanctions on individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as 3 Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia’s military equipment used on the battlefield.

    Today’s measures will damage Russia’s defence systems by cutting off Putin’s access to foreign military equipment. Among those sanctioned are:

    • Two Turkey based businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, for their role in exporting microelectronics to Russia that are essential for Russia’s military activity in Ukraine.
    • Dubai based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC, for its role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia.
    • Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev, for his involvement in an attempted arms deal between the DPRK and Russia.
    • Swiss national Anselm Oskar Schmucki, for his role in Russia’s financial services sector, including through working as Chief of the Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.

    We are also taking further action to tackle Iran and Belarus’ support for Russia’s military. The UK has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus for continuing to actively facilitate Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called out Iran’s destabilising role in global security, including through sanctions against Iranian suppliers of the UAVs used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians. Today’s sanctions include:

    • Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development and production of UAVs for the IRGC.
    • Belarusian defence organisations linked to the manufacturing of military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin’s illegal war.

    The UK is also sanctioning three Russian companies operating in the electronics sector for their role in procuring UK-sanctioned western microelectronics that are essential for sustaining Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

    This sanctions package is part of a series of wider action targeting those critical to supplying and funding Putin’s war machine – and it is the biggest ever UK action on military suppliers in third countries.

    The Russian defence industry is severely stretched and focused entirely on sustaining the war. Unable to access Western components, the Russian military is struggling to produce sufficient top-end equipment and is now desperately searching for foreign armaments. Russia is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest kitchen freezers for low-grade chips. Today’s package tackles Russia’s attempts to circumvent and offset these clear impacts of UK and allies’ sanctions.

    Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

    Today’s landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia’s arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin’s now struggling defence industry.

    There is nowhere for those sustaining Russia’s military machine to hide.

    Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has repeatedly called on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s aggression or face severe costs.

    We will continue working together with our international partners to prevent third parties supplying weapons and welcome stronger action to clamp down on rogue military supplies and sanctions circumvention. The UK is committed to maintaining international efforts to ensure sanctions are effective, investigate activities that support circumvention and act accordingly. We welcome cooperation from third countries where they are taking steps to address actions by those in their jurisdictions supplying Russia.

    Through this sanctions package, the UK is also taking further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran, Belarus and DPRK. Among these new designations is the Belarusian company Gomel Radio Plant which is repairing Russian military equipment; and the Iranian Paravar Pars Company, a key regime-linked UAV manufacturer, and seven of its executives. Iran is responsible for supplying Russia with the kamikaze drones used to bombard Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 August 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of four Commissioners to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney, David Lavery and Stephen White will take up their appointments with effect from 1 September 2023 for a term of three years.

    A competition will be held shortly for one further Commissioner vacancy details of which will be advertised on the Public Appointments website.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
    The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
    Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

    Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

    Terms of appointment

    • These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2026.
    • The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
    • The positions are not pensionable.

    Biography of Appointees

    Helen Henderson has a background in global education, community development and peace building within the third sector. She is managing Director of St Columb’s Park House, a peace and reconciliation centre and is a former board member with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority

    Jonathan Kearney is an independent consultant with a focus on policing and human rights. He has undertaken research into international policing and worked as a sessional academic.

    David Lavery is currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

    Stephen White is currently a self-employed freelance Security Sector Reform Specialist.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. All of the appointees have declared that they have not been politically active in the last five years.

    Regulation

    The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) regulates appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Statutory Requirements

    The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 1 August 2023.

    On Sunday, September 17 Wales will become the first UK nation to introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads.

    To prepare motorists for this significant change, the Welsh Government and the police are working with the fire service, Go Safe (Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership), local authorities and other community groups to educate motorists.

    At roadsides across Wales, fire service staff will work with partners, to stop speeding motorists in 20mph areas and offer them the opportunity to watch an educational video rather than face a fine of prosecution.

    The video warns about the dangers of excessive speeds and highlights the benefits of slower speed. It is only offered to those motorists not driving excessively over the speed limit.

    Supt Leanne Brustad, Gwent Police said:

    “Engagement, education, and enforcement plays a huge part in the rollout.

    “We will continue to work closely with our partners to educate drivers as much as possible as the new speed limit comes into force and help deliver all of the benefits of this policy.” 

    South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Group Manager Richie Smart said:

    “Our fire fighters see the devastating impacts that road traffic collisions, including those in built up areas where people and vehicles mix closely, can have. We are therefore pleased to support our partners to raise awareness of the importance of speed limits to keep everyone safe.” 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 August 2023.

    Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels.

    Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

    Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.

    The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.

    The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year but over the course of your studies.  Today is all about celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

    “I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers, support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our young people.

    “There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.

    “While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.

    “For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year. Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you. The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.”

    Background

    SQA Results 2023

    ‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.

    Skills Development Scotland helpline 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 August 2023.

    Advice on next steps.

    More than 144,000 pupils across Scotland will be able to access a range of advice in the coming days, including a dedicated helpline, to assist them with their exam results.

    The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days. The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

    Ms Gilruth said:

    “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

    “Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

    SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said:

    “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year. It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

    Background

    The SDS helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August. It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

    Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000. It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding to support Long Covid projects in Scotland [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding to support Long Covid projects in Scotland [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 2 August 2023.

    New health board service helping people with the condition.

    Patients in Scotland’s largest health board are benefiting from a new service which is backed by the Scottish Government’s Long COVID Support Fund.

    The service is supported by £595,000 of Scottish Government funding over 2023-24 and is one of a number of projects across the country which are backed by the £10 million fund.

    The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Long COVID service sees a team of advanced practitioner occupational therapists, physiotherapists and health care support workers offer advice on managing and improving the symptoms of the condition.

    It has had more than 340 referrals since it opened three months ago, with people offered appointments in a way that best suits them – by video or telephone, or in-person at a clinic, or at home. An expansion is planned to include a paediatric occupational therapist for children and young people.

    During a visit to meet staff at the Glasgow service, Health Secretary Michael Matheson said:

    “I recognise the significant impact that the symptoms of long COVID can have on those most severely affected. I was very pleased to meet the range of professionals involved in NHS GGC’s long COVID service and hear how the funding we have made available is enabling them to provide advice and support to people living with the condition to improve their quality of life.

    “Thanks to the hard work of staff, this service – and others like it across Scotland – are providing invaluable support and treatment through rehabilitation therapies and other strategies.”

    Long Covid Service user Caitlin Hamlett said: “I can’t thank the team at the Long Covid Service enough for the help and support they have provided through the duration of my time using the service.

    “Living with the symptoms of Long COVID can be extremely difficult and exhausting. The service has provided a lifeline in my rehabilitation both physically and mentally. The compassion and knowledge of the staff has given me a clear direction for managing my symptoms on the path to recovery, and I am extremely grateful for the help I have received.

    “I would urge anyone who is living with Long COVID to reach out to their GP who can refer you to the service, where you will be able to connect with others in a similar position to you.”

    NHS GGC Director of Allied Health Professions Fiona Smith said:

    “We are committed to providing the best possible patient care and the long COVID service is a huge step in supporting people who are impacted by the longer lasting effects of Covid-19.

    “Living with long COVID can be extremely challenging and the service aims to provide support for patients and their families to ensure they have access to the best resources to improve the quality of their lives.

    “I would like to thank all the staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the individual Health and Care Social Partnerships for their help and assistance in the development of the service.”

    Background

    Long COVID Service – NHSGGC

    LONG COVID SUPPORT FUND 2023/2024

    We are making available £3 million from our £10 million long COVID Support Fund over this financial year to support NHS boards to increase the capacity of existing services, develop these into more clearly defined local pathways and provide a more co-ordinated experience.

    Other Scottish Government Long COVID Support Fund projects in this financial year include NHS Lanarkshire’s long COVID Rehabilitation pathway which is receiving £320,000 from the fund. It provides a single access point to a skilled interdisciplinary team of occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics and speech and language therapy. It functions as ‘one-stop shop’ for rehabilitation and is integrated with the wider health and care system to support individualised care planning.

    NHS Ayrshire and Arran is receiving £187,554 towards developing a long COVID pathway with an open referral system. This is via a single point of access followed by triage, and multi-disciplinary team coordinated support, where appropriate, from services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation nursing, tailored to people’s individual needs.

    Organisation / activity Total available funding 2023-24
    NHS Ayrshire and Arran £187,554
    NHS Borders £54,741
    NHS Dumfries and Galloway £79,426
    NHS Fife £178,051
    NHS Forth Valley £142,020
    NHS Grampian £254,847
    NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde £595,169
    NHS Highland £167,586
    NHS Lanarkshire £320,007
    NHS Lothian £383,097
    NHS Orkney £14,716
    NHS Shetland £13,676
    NHS Tayside £197,614
    NHS Western Isles £19,988
    NHS National Services Scotland £305,916
    Development of NHS Inform long COVID microsite £20,000
    Reserve funds £65,592
    Total £3,000,000