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The latest reports from the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that, as at 21 June, there are now 47 confirmed cases and 46 suspected cases. Two of the confirmed cases have died, 47 have been discharged from hospital and 2 are being treated in intensive care. An emergency information leaflet was delivered to all homes and businesses in affected areas.  GPs have also been provided with information on spotting the signs of infection. A dedicated NHS helpline has been set up for anyone concerned and can  be reached on 0800 0858 531and full information on the outbreak is available from a dedicated area on the Scottish Government website www.scotland.gov.uk/.

Food Safety Week will take place from 11 to 17 June and the theme is ‘food safety on a budget’. This annual event, held to promote the importance of good food hygiene in the home, will focus on how people can ensure that they keep their food safe when trying to save money.

Resources can be downloaded below or ordered free from Food Standards Agency Publications. Telephone 0845 606 0667 or email: foodstandards@ecgroup.co.uk

General Food Safety Week resources, including leaflets and posters, can be downloaded from the Food Safety Week resources page or ordered from Food Standards Agency Publications.

More information is available at the Food Standards Agency website.

Heads up for Public Health

Inspiration, Integration & Innovation

ANNUAL PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE

Thursday 8 & Friday 9 November 2012

Crieff Hydro Hotel

See attached document for details

The May 2012 edition of the REHIS e-Newsletter ‘News for Public Health Professionals’ has been uploaded to this website and is accessible from a dedicated public access portal to the right of this news item.

If you wish to feature any Environmental Health or Public Health initiative, event or activity in the REHIS Newsletter, please contact Jim Thomson, Policy/Professional Development Officer, The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, 19 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 229 2968 or jt@

New poll shows strong support for introduction of plain packs as Government consultation begins

A new opinion poll carried out by YouGov showed strong support in Scotland for the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products. When shown an image of a plain pack, twice as many smokers supported a move to sell tobacco products in plain, standardised packaging with the product name in standard lettering as the number of those who were opposed. The Scottish Government, in conjunction with the UK Department of Health are currently consulting on plain packaging after Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley’s official announcement on 16 April.

A copy of the media release,with more information and links, issued by Ash Scotland is attached. Ash Scotland has a working partnership with the Institute in order to improve and protect public health in Scotland.

HSE have published Occupational Health Provision on the Olympic Park and Athletes’ Village, the second in a series of research reports relating to health and safety on the London 2012 construction project. 

The occupational health provision on the Olympic Park and Village has been recognised by the construction industry and beyond as an example of good practice, and one of the best implemented on any major construction project in the UK.  It has set a new standard for the construction industry to aim for. Much of the good practice identified is transferrable to companies and projects of all sizes.

The HSE would like support  in helping the construction sector and wider industry to ‘raise the bar’ on occupational health standards by sharing the report and its findings with our members and contacts.

Michael Matheson MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Public Health, addressed the last day of the REHIS Annual Conference in Edinburgh yesterday. The Minister’s address was supportive of the work of the Institute and of the contribution that Environmental Health Officers make to the protection and improvement of public health in Scotland. Mr Matheson also welcomed the Institute’s ongoing review of the education, training and qualification of Environmental Health Officers in Scotland. A full transcript of the Minister’s address and a report on the conference will appear in the summer edition of Environmental health Scotland the Institute’s quarterly Journal. The Institute thanks all who participated in the conference including the speakers, session chairmen, delegates, guests and sponsors for making the conference such a success. Lastly, we thank Rory Archibald and his team at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for all their support in what is one of the most unique conference venues to have staged the REHIS Annual Conference.

Lord Jeff Rooker, Chair of the Board of the Food Standards Agency, will address the REHIS Annual Conference on the afternoon of Wednesday 18 April. Lord Rooker ‘s address will, in the main, cover the Agency’s Review of Official Controls Delivery in the UK.

REHIS Introductory, Elementary and the Intermediate Food Hygiene Courses by e learning are now available.

REHIS accredited e learning packs are now available for food handlers wishing to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Successful candidates are awarded the relevant nationally recognised certificate.

If you are interested in finding out more about REHIS e learning Food Hygiene qualifications contact us at contact@ or on 0131 229 2968.

The Scottish Government has published the Scudamore review of future arrangements to secure food standards and safety in Scotland. The report is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/04/6141/0 .

The report makes recommendations on the operation of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and for the operation of the meat hygiene function.

REHIS welcomes the publication of the report and thanks Professor Scudamore and his panel for the opportunity to present evidence during their study. We look forward to learning how Scottish Ministers intend to progress the Report’s recommendations and hope to be able engage in this process.

REHIS has launched ‘An Environmental Health Manifesto for Scotland’ with the aim of attracting political support for the Environmental Health Profession and Service and of promoting the Profession and Service to the general public. The full manifesto document and the two page flyer can be downloaded from this website.

Edinburgh Castle has been chosen as the prestigious venue for the presentation ceremony of the Scottish Green Apple Environment Awards, supported by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.

Free entries for the awards close on April 30, and applications are invited from any company, council or community in Scotland that is trying to help the environment.

Entry forms and full information can be found at www.thegreenorganisation.info

For more information see the April e newsletter at https:/sites/default/files/april_2012_newsletter.pdf