Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 20th July 2020

HIGH STUDENT SUCCESS RATE IN ISLES COLLEGE

More students at Lews Castle College UHI this year completed their courses and achieved their awards than last year, despite having their studies disrupted by Covid-19.

Although College buildings were closed in March, students were able to continue their studies using a range of innovative and tutor-supported digital approaches. Student services staff continued to offer high levels of learning support, guidance, and counselling during this time with increased attention to students’ mental health and wellbeing.

The College had already seen an increase in student retention and achievement in 2018/19, well above the national benchmark; and, together with high levels of student satisfaction, that trend has continued in 2019/20.

The College is currently recruiting for a range of full and part-time courses from National Certificate level to postgraduate degree level. The full range of courses starting from August and September can be found on the College website – www.lews.uhi.ac.uk

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 20th July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 17th July 2020

BREAST SCREENING TO RESUME IN OUTER HEBRIDES

The Breast Screening Programme is to resume from August – beginning in Barra before travelling onwards to Lewis.
Provisional dates for the Breast Screening Mobile Unit’s visit have been scheduled as follows: Barra: 19th August – 25th August 2020.
Benbecula: 27th August – 2nd October 2020
Harris: 6th October – 15th October 2020
Stornoway: 20th October – 20th November 2020

Those who had been due to attend clinics that were cancelled in Lewis will receive an appointment when the Mobile Unit returns to Lewis.

Anyone who receives an appointment that they cannot attend, are asked please DO NOT go to the Mobile Unit but instead to call the Breast Screening Office on 01463 705416.

Please visit the NHS Inform site to find out more about Breast Screening at: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast/breast-screening

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 17th July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 16th July 2020

NHS SERVICES EXPANDED AS COVID LOCKDOWN EASES.

NHS Western Isles is taking steps increase the availability of its services. Since being placed on an emergency footing due to COVID-19 and has stated it fully understands the difficulties local communities have experienced -- and the impact of reductions in more routine health services, treatments, and tests.

Since the beginning of June, NHS Western Isles has been slowly and safely reintroducing some services -- and it is continuing to take steps to re-introduce certain services on a weekly basis.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said:

“We would like to sincerely thank our local communities for their patience. Our priority is your safety and that of our staff, so we must ensure that services are only restarted when it is safe to do so.

“We are now recovering and renewing some services on a very gradual basis. But it is likely that, as services resume, they may not look or feel the same as they did previously.”

Endoscopy services are now provided three days a week in Stornoway, and a majority of Outpatient clinics have re-commenced . There are no immediate plans to re-introduce inpatient surgery unless there is an emergency. But cataract day surgery should resume this week. Finally, this month will see the resumption of some Musculoskeletal (MSK) clinics, with a focus on virtual consultations.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 16th July 2020

Is;es FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 15th July 2020

SUPPORT FOR SALMON INDUSTRY

A new scheme, funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, will support Aquaculture businesses, affected by the collapse of international markets, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund will compensate businesses for the costs of transport, processing and cold storage for salmon, trout and shellfish until the end of 2020.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This has been a challenging time for the aquaculture sector, with businesses unable to bring products to market, but continuing to face high operational costs.
This new funding, which will provide financial support for cold storing salmon, trout and shellfish, will mean businesses will be able to cover some of the additional costs they have faced.
Farmed salmon is Scotland’s most important food product and valuable food export and we need to support the sector through these challenging times.”

Read more: Is;es FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 15th July 2020