Latest up-date from East Lothian Council

NEW changes to recycling collections have been announced by East Lothian Council, taking effect from tomorrow (Wednesday).

Collection of both the green and blue recycling boxes will resume across East Lothian on each household’s normal calendar dates.

That follows a previous change brought in on Monday which had seen green and blue recycling boxes still emptied on their usual day but, rather than both being emptied at the same time, the green box emptied on the first fortnight and the blue box the second fortnight.

Now, both will be emptied together again.

The council is also continuing to collect non-recyclable waste fortnightly, as per each household’s calendars.

Brown bins for garden waste collections remain suspended until further notice, as had taken effect from Monday.

A council spokesperson said: “If this situation changes due to staff shortages during the current coronavirus crisis, we will issue further updates via our website and social media. Please keep an eye out for these.”

Meanwhile, all four of the county’s recycling centres are closed until further notice.

“We will update you as soon as that situation changes,” the spokesperson added.

NHS Lothian suspends visiting to help protect patients and staff

NHS Lothian has today (24/03) announced that visiting will be suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect vulnerable patients, as well as staff. This move will come into effect from today.

Professor Alex McMahon, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals, NHS Lothian said: “Across NHS Lothian, Scotland and the UK, we are experiencing profound changes in our daily lives as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). Now, more than ever, we need to work together. To our patients and their families, I would urge you to help us by respecting this difficult decision.”

Visiting will continue in specific circumstances; for example patients receiving end-of-life care, for inpatients in our children’s services and those accompanying partners during childbirth. Visiting arrangements for these groups should only take place following discussions with senior charge nurses or midwives.

Professor Alex McMahon added: “I understand that not being able to visit family members while they are in hospital may be upsetting and I would like to assure the public that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“All across the UK, people are being urged to stay at home where they can and to limit social interactions, instead using phone and video calls to stay in touch with family and friends.

“The decision to suspend visiting may be unpopular with some patients and their families, but it has been made to help protect the safety of your loved ones and our staff.”

To stay up to date with the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) advice, visit NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice. This can be accessed by calling 0800 028 2816. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am –10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am – 6:00pm.

We understand that the public may have questions in relation to this. This is why we have prepared some FAQs.

Why can’t I visit?

Social distancing is really important to try and limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Last night new measures were introduced across the UK, urging people to stay at home. We need to ‘shield’ certain people who are at higher risk than others and this includes those who are already unwell.

By suspending visiting, we hope to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) helping to protect your loves ones and our staff. 

Can I get personal items like clothes, nightclothes, toiletries to my loved one?

We understand that having personal items such as clothes and your own toiletries if you are in hospital is really important. If relatives need to bring personal items to their loved ones, they can still do this, but are expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.

If I want to give my loved one a phone or an iPad to communicate with me can I hand this in?

Yes, but like handing in clothes or toiletries you will be expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.

What if my child is in an adult ward, can I visit them?

If your child (up to the age of 18) happens to be in an adult ward, the nurse in charge will be able to advise when to visit and any constraints that may be placed around the visit. We would remind families, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home.

My partner is due to give birth, will I still be able to attend?

At present, birthing partners are permitted to attend, however we ask that this is limited to just one person. The midwife in charge will be able to advise of any restraints that may be placed around the visit. We would remind birthing partners, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home.

Sandy Baptie,

Emergency Planning, Risk and Resilience Manager.

22nd March 2020

I’m sure you are all doing this but:
Assistant Director of Nursing at QE hospital has said they’ve had a message today that the virus seems to be spreading quickly via petrol pumps so they advise you to wear gloves when filling up or use paper towel and bin it straight away. Can you please pass this around anyone you know. Could make a huge difference.
Also keep what you buy to under £30 so you can buy stuff contactless.

Useful information from:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19