Category: News Item

The September e-newsletter has been issued. If you subscribe to receive the e-newsletter you will have already received this.

REHIS News

The Institute was saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Jackie McCabe, Chief Executive was honoured to receive an invitation, on behalf of the Institute, to attend the Service of Reflection and Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. 

Autumn sees our calendar of events start to increase with numerous CPD opportunities coming up. The Environmental Health Update (free to members) and Annual General meeting is being held as a hybrid event on Friday 18 November from the Edinburgh Training and Conference Centre for ‘in person’ delegates and online via MS Teams for those who wish to attend remotely.

Planning is well underway for a number of other professional courses and updates in the next couple of months, including training on Dog Control legislation, Pollution Update, Health and Safety Update, Environmental Public Health and Housing Update. The Northern and Southern Centres also have upcoming training events. Look out for more details and booking forms on the Events page of the website.

The Institute Professional Examinations took place on 13 & 14 September at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline. Those newly qualified professionals, recipients of the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health or the SFSORB Higher Certificate in Food Practice, will be officially presented with their awards at the Annual Forum in Spring 2023.

Hopefully all members have had the opportunity to browse the new website and we would ask you to note the new means of recording CPD in the members only section, which allows electronic addition of evidence for CPD activities and will allow for electronic submission at the end of the year. Entries can be added at anytime and are held on the system until you are ready to submit. REHIS Approved Training Centres can now register courses and request packs via the website, including the new Licensing courses. Results from courses can also be submitted via the website.

Another piece of news we wish to share with you is that we will be recruiting for a couple of positions within the Institute. The first being a job share for the Director of Professional Development to work with Karen Keeley who is reducing her hours. The DPD role is key to the Institute, and we will be looking for a Chartered EHO or an EHO member working towards Chartered status. Carol Campbell, our Training Administrative Assistant is retiring at the end of the year.  Carol’s role is fundamental to Community Training and includes the preparation and issuing of course packs and processing candidate certificates. We are very sorry to see Carol go and wish her all the very best in her retirement. Details of both vacancies will be available very shortly on the Institute’s website.

Finally, we would like to thank all members who completed the recent membership survey. We are currently working our way through the responses. The information gathered will help us continue making improvements to the work of the Institute and will form part of the strategic objectives for the next three years.

Did you know that the Institute has many Elementary Food Hygiene and Health and Safety course materials and exam papers translated into various languages.  These include Polish, Chinese, Urdu, Arabic and very recently in Ukrainian.  Contact the Director of Training for more information.

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, published by the House of Commons, seeks to revoke over 2,400 pieces of EU legislation that were included in the UK statute book at the end of the Brexit transition period.

Retained EU Law is a category of domestic law created at the end of the transition period and consists of EU-derived legislation that was preserved in the domestic legal framework by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

The Bill will sunset the majority of retained EU law so that it expires on 31st December 2023. All retained EU law contained in domestic secondary legislation and retained direct EU legislation will expire on this date, unless otherwise preserved. Any retained EU law that remains in force after the sunset date will be assimilated in the domestic statute book, by the removal of the special EU law features previously attached to it. 

Before that date, Government departments and the devolved administrations require to determine which retained EU law can expire, and which needs to be preserved and incorporated into domestic law.

The Bill includes an extension mechanism for the sunset of specified pieces of retained EU law until 2026. Should it be required, this will allow departments additional time where necessary to assess whether some retained EU law should be preserved.

In Scotland food regulation has been driven by the EU. There are over 50 separate EU Directives and Regulations alone that govern food standards in the UK. 

The Retained EU law currently enforces food businesses to maintain minimum levels of hygiene in addition to providing clear information on food labelling.

The FSS believe the Bill, which was published on 22 September 2022, would result in the removal of consumer protections relating to food which have previously applied in Scotland and the rest of the UK for many years.

In order to preserve these same standards in law, FSS will be required to act which would require a substantial resource in an extraordinarily short timeframe. FSS warns that hard pressed resources will now have to be devoted to introducing new law to maintain existing law to protect Scottish consumers.

Even if high legal standards continued to apply in Scotland, the agency says that the Internal Market Act means there would be no way of preventing goods produced under lower legal standards from elsewhere in the UK being sold in Scotland.

The Internal Market Act, introduced in 2020, was opposed by the FSS due to significant concerns voiced by the agency that were ignored.

Heather Kelman, Chair of FSS, commented: “At the heart of what we do, is our responsibility to protect Scottish consumers. This Bill, as it currently stands, poses a significant risk to Scotland’s ability to uphold the high safety and food standards which the public expects and deserves.  

“Much of the legislation which could be repealed as a result of the sun-setting clause has been developed over the course of decades and with significant UK input and influence. It exists to ensure  consumer safety through the protection of the most vulnerable and ensuring the food and feed which is on the market is safe.

“This Bill could lead to a significant hole where consumer protections sit. The purpose of regulators and regulations, especially in relation to food, is to protect consumers. This Bill confuses ‘red tape’ with consumer protection and indicates that the latter is now less of a priority and of less importance than when we were in the EU.

“Whichever way consumers voted on Brexit, they did not vote for a race to the bottom of lower standards and a de-regulated landscape that reduces consumer protection. We cannot imagine that this is what the UK Government intends.”

Every year, 26 September is marked as World Environmental Health Day across the globe.

World Environmental Health Day is observed to raise awareness regarding the significance of the health of our environment.

The theme for the 2022 is “Strengthening Environmental Health Systems for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity now and in the future.

The 17 SDGs are integrated – they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The mission statement of the United Nations on SDGs is as follows:
“A blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030.”

Environmental Health plays a pivotal role in the implementation of these SDGs. It is interesting to note that Environmental Health fits into 7 SDGs, 19 targets and 30 indicators of the SDGs.

For more information about the day and how it is being celebrated across the Globe see here. 

Pollution caused by industrial emissions is set to be reduced and environmental performance improved under a new framework of regulation that will better protect our air, water and land.

The UK’s new Best Available Techniques framework will enable regulators and industry to work together to identify and apply up to date, challenging standards when it comes to reducing harmful emissions.

Under the permits granted by environmental regulators to industrial facilities – such as textile and chemical industries – businesses must use the best techniques available to them to prevent or minimise emissions and their impacts on the environment.

The new framework will see the UK government and Devolved Administrations (the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA) working with industry and local councils to identify these methods – known as ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) – from across the UK’s largest industries. This process includes agreeing and setting emissions limits within environmental permits and determining the types of technologies and methods operators should use to reduce their environmental impact.

Building on existing levels of environmental protection, it aims to develop higher standards for industrial emissions, as the UK moves away from the EU’s regulatory framework towards one that better caters to UK businesses and the wellbeing of local communities. The collaborative approach will also give industry greater certainty to support investment that will drive forward innovation in cleaner technologies.

A new governance structure will also be established, with new independent bodies – called the Standards Council and the Regulators Group – consisting of government officials and expert regulators from all four nations of the UK. A UK Air Quality Governance Group will also be established to oversee the work of the Standards Council and the delivery of the requirements under this new framework. Interested parties from industry, academia and civil society will be able to engage in the running of the BAT system through an advisory group being set up by the UK BAT Team.

Scotland is to be part of a UK-wide consultation on proposed amendments to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, which requires the addition of certain nutrients to non-wholemeal wheat flour to protect public health.

The 12-week consultation, which launched on 1 September, is being led by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Wales and Northern Ireland (NI).

The consultation seeks views on proposals to make adjustments to the nutrients currently added to non-wholemeal wheat flour, and the addition of folic acid, with the aim of improving public health outcomes for Scotland and the wider UK population.

The addition of folic acid to help reduce the incidence of foetal neural tube defects follows a previous consultation and an agreement by the Scottish Government, UK Government and devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland, to proceed with its mandatory fortification.

The package of proposals being put forward will lead to improved public health, support UK industry, assist enforcement authorities and protect consumers.

You can find out more about the details of the consultation and take part by visiting the DEFRA website. The consultation closes on 23 November.

East Dunbartonshire Council have announced that their Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Bearsden can now be removed due to improvements made, with backing from the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

The AQMA covers a 60 metre-wide corridor along the A809/A810 to the junction with Antonine Road, to the south beyond Canniesburn Toll and to the east of Roman Road Car Park, with a small section of Stockiemuir Road also included.

It was given that status in 2011 after concerns over levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10).

Annual mean (average) levels of NO2 and PM10 in the Bearsden AQMA are now well below national objectives. 

The annual mean NO2 concentration in 2010 was 47 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) and in 2019 this fell to 32 µg/m3 and then further decreasing to 20 µg/m3 in 2020. 

For PM10 Annual Mean concentration in 2010 was 25 µg/m3. This feel to 11 µg/m3 in 2019 and then further fell to 8 µg/m3 in 2020. 

This is well below Scottish air quality objectives which have annual mean (average) of 40 µg/m3 for NO2 and 18 µg/m3 for PM10. 

Guidance recommends that where pollutant levels have reduced and remain below objectives for at least three consecutive years, an AQMA order should be revoked.

That was the case in 2017, 2018 and 2019 – prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so not influenced by the reduction in traffic during lockdown periods.

Both the Scottish Government and SEPA have agreed the AQMA status should be revoked.

It is thought to be due in part to improving emission standards of vehicles, improvements within the overall road network and measures undertaken by the Council as part of its Air Quality Action Plan.

The Council will now publish a Notice of Intention to revoke the AQMA, and seek the views of statutory consultees, local businesses and the public.

The Bearsden Air Quality Action Plan will remain in place, and the Council will continue to monitor levels and work to reduce pollution across East Dunbartonshire.

Figures for 2020 show NO2 and PM10 pollution levels continue to fall.

Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said, “This is excellent news, but it is not the end of the journey. We will continue to work to reduce air pollution across East Dunbartonshire, along with a range of partners.

“The removal of the AQMA is based on evidence – gathered before the pandemic, when traffic levels fell significantly – and backed by advice from the Scottish Government and SEPA.

“We’re committed to a number of policies and strategies to improve the environment for the benefit of our residents and generations to come.”

Patients and healthcare staff will no longer face second-hand smoke at hospital doors as a nationwide ban came into effect on Monday 5 September.

The new legislation The Prohibition of Smoking Outside Hospital Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2022 means anyone found lighting up within fifteen metres of a hospital building could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

This is the latest step in the Scottish Government’s plan to create a tobacco free Scotland by 2034 and supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy introduced in 2015.    

The new law will apply to NHS hospital settings used for the treatment and care of patients and includes a ban on lighting up beneath overhanging structures.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:

“Everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health and hospital patients in particular should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

“This new law is the latest step in our bold plan to make Scotland tobacco-free by 2034 – building on our dedicated stop-smoking services and early intervention measures to stop youngsters picking up the habit altogether.

“Anyone looking to quit can contact the NHS QuitYourWay Helpline or speak to their local pharmacy to discuss the range of help available.”

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:

“Extending current legislation to include outdoor areas will have the positive impact of protecting people from the harmful effects of breathing in toxic tobacco smoke through vents, windows or doorways while they are being treated and recovering in hospital. 

“We urge people who smoke to be considerate in remaining outside the 15-metre perimeter, ensuring hospital patients do not face unnecessary additional risks to their health caused by inhaling harmful substances.

“This is particularly important as Scotland challenges the normalisation of smoking on our journey towards becoming tobacco-free.” 

Social care staff and visitors are no longer being advised to wear facemasks at all times under new guidance published.

The recommendation has been lifted due to a sharp drop in coronavirus infections and a reduction in severity of illness, which has been driven by Scotland’s successful vaccination programme which has so far seen more than 12 million Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Scotland.

Care home residents and their loved ones will benefit from these more relaxed visiting arrangements. Masks and face coverings in social care may still be worn if recommended in certain situations, such as a local outbreak of COVID, or if staff deem it necessary. Staff and visitors remain free to wear one if they choose.

This guidance balances the risk of harm from COVID-19 with the impact masks can have on communication, mental wellbeing and rights and choices of those working in and using social care services.

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“Our phenomenally successful vaccination programme has driven down infections and saved the NHS from untold pressures.

“Removing the need for facemasks in social care settings including care homes is the latest step in our path to recovering from the pandemic.

“This will make communication and relationships easier in care settings, benefiting mental health and promoting the rights and choices of those working in and using social care.”

A total of 56 confirmed cases have been linked to an E.Coli O157 outbreak in East Lothian. The outbreak resulted in the closure of five nurseries, all of which have since reopened following inspections from East Lothian Council environmental health team, the Care Inspectorate and NHS Lothian Public Health team.

NHS Lothian formed an Incident Management Team (IMT) to investigate the cluster of cases. The IMT was made up a number of organisations including NHS Lothian Health Protection Team, Public Health Scotland, East Lothian Environmental Health Department, East Lothian Education Department, and the Care Inspectorate.

The role of the IMT was to identify cases, prevent further spread of the infection and put in place robust control measures to safeguard public health.

Work is still continuing behind the scenes by the health care scientists in epidemiology and microbiology to try and identify the source of the infection.

The outbreak caused the closure of three nurseries in Haddington and two nurseries in Musselburgh. 

Church Street Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington was originally closed on August 2 after a number of children fell ill and went on to test positive for E-Coli O157.

The sister nursery Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery was closed on August 12 as a precaution when sickness symptoms were reported before E.coli O157 went on to be confirmed on August 18. Musselburgh Private Nursery on Bridge Street was then shut on August 19.

West Road Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington and Musselburgh Private Nursery, Stoneybank, were both closed as a precaution following sickness symptoms. The infection was not confirmed at West Road Pear Tree Nursery.

All staff and pupils of all the nurseries apart from West Road Pear Tree were formally excluded under the Public Health Act. 

Dr Josie Murray, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Chair of the multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT), said: “We are really encouraged to see all of the nurseries open their doors once again and welcome back their staff and pupils.

“We know it has been a really difficult time for everyone involved, especially in accepting some of the control measures which were vital in containing the infection and stopping its spread within the community.

 “On behalf of the IMT, I would like to thank everyone for working with us throughout this rapidly evolving and complex outbreak.”

Letters providing the most up to date information have been issued to families directly in some circumstances and via the nurseries distribution systems.

The complex outbreak has evolved rapidly and a set of FAQs were developed to help answer questions from concerned families and carers and can be found on NHS Lothian’s website.

If families have incurred financial losses due to the public health control measures for the E-Coli outbreak, they are entitled to submit a claim for compensation and details are contained in the exclusion letters. 

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland would like to express our deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family.

The UK Government has announced that regular asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 in all remaining settings in England will be paused from 31 August, as COVID-19 cases continue to fall. The settings include NHS and care homes.

Free testing for the public ended on 1 April as part of the government’s Living with COVID plan, but asymptomatic testing continued to be used in some settings during periods of high case rates.

Settings where asymptomatic testing of staff and patients or residents will be paused include:

• the NHS (including independent healthcare providers treating NHS patients)
• adult social care and hospice services (apart from new admissions)
• parts of the prison estate and some places of detention
• certain domestic abuse refuges and homelessness settings

The UK Government has said that testing will remain in place for admissions into care homes and hospices from both hospitals and the community, and for transfers for immunocompromised patients into and within hospital to protect those who are most vulnerable.

Testing will also be available for outbreaks in certain high-risk settings such as care homes.

Year-round symptomatic testing will continue to be provided in some settings, including:

• NHS patients who require testing as part of established clinical pathways or those eligible for COVID-19 treatments
• NHS staff and staff in NHS-funded independent healthcare provision
• staff in adult social care services and hospices and residents of care homes, extra care and supported living settings and hospices
• staff and detainees in prisons
• staff and service users of certain domestic abuse refuges and homelessness services

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are encouraging homeowners to get gas checks to keep homes safe.

​Recent domestic gas incidents have attracted significant media coverage. HSE is reassuring people they need to be careful but not unduly concerned. ​

​Gas incidents can be devastating but remain extremely rare. There were 25 gas related fire and explosion incidents reported in 2020/2021, despite there being over 22 million households using gas across the country.  ​

​HSE recommends homeowners get all gas appliances (boilers, cookers, and fires), flues, and pipework regularly maintained and serviced every year by a qualified engineer listed on the Gas Safe Register. ​

​The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas businesses which are registered to work safely and legally on boilers, cookers, fires and all other gas appliances. By law, anyone working with gas in domestic or commercial premises must be listed on the register. Gas Safe registered businesses can be found on their website.  ​

​Getting household gas appliances and pipes checked in summer can ensure your home is safe while also helping to keep bills lower in winter. ​

​That’s the message from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who are encouraging people to get gas checks now before the weather turns colder later in the year and households use more gas. ​

​Gas appliances should be regularly checked to prevent gas leaks and stop carbon monoxide being released. Regular servicing can also help gas appliances run more efficiently and in turn save money on household bills.​

​Help is available for those struggling to pay for checks.  In some circumstances, suppliers can offer free gas safety checks through the Priority Services Register. For further advice and information homeowners can contact their gas supplier (the company they pay their bills to).​

​John Rowe, HSE policy lead for gas safety, said: “Gas is an incredibly safe way of fuelling your house. Serious incidents are still extremely rare, although of course for those involved they can be devastating.​  ​

​“We should all be careful and not unduly concerned about using gas in our homes. We’re encouraging householders to get a gas check. Doing so could save them money in the long run but will also keep them safe. The summer months are perfect time to get your appliances checked so come winter you know they are working safely and efficiently.”​​

​For more information on gas health and safety visit HSE’s website.​​