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REHIS has called on MSPs to support the proposed Private Member’s Bill to regulate sunbed salons. Details of the Bill have been put out to consultation prior to formal tabling in the Scottish Parliament, by Ken Macintosh, Labour MSP for Eastwood. The Institute is currently carrying out a survey of the use of sunbeds throughout Scotland and problems which arise through their use. See press release

A newly-published survey of all 32 Scottish Councils has shown that there are now more tanning outlets in Scotland than ever before, with an increasing number of complaints. With the number of cases of skin cancer on the increase, REHIS is calling for strong legislation to control these establishments.

During National Food Safety Week, REHIS is highlighting the hidden number of food poisoning cases in Scotland.

The President of REHIS, John Stirling, echoed the call from the First Minister, Jack McConnell for a ‘softly, softly’ approach towards the ban in its early days. John Stirling, the President of the Institute issued a statement agreeing that a fair and reasonable approach would be the order of the day, but that persistent offenders could expect to be punished. (See full press release)

The House of Commons has voted for a full ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England, similar to the measures which will apply in Scotland from next month. Although the ban in England is not likely to take effect until 2007, it was welcomed by the President of REHIS, John Stilrling, who said “This is a welcome move which helps to lay out a level playing field across the UK and will minimise confusion for businesses and members of the public”

One hundred enforcement officers from all over Scotland attended a training seminar on the Smoking Ban. Held in Stirling, by REHIS, the purpose was to encourage a fair and consistent approach to implementing the ban by Scotland’s 32 Councils. Further training is to be held in the near future for newly-recruited officers.

Soccer players who constantly spit show a bad example to youngsters and are a risk to health, according to the Keep Britain Tidy group. They claim that as well as being unsightly, it leads to an increased risk of spreading diseases. John Stirling, REHIS President said ‘Firstly, it’s unpleasant and secondly, there is a risk of transmission of some diseases, such as tuberculosis.’ He went on to mention, during an interview with BBC Scotland radio programme that the tradition of Edinburgh citizens paying their disrespects by spitting on the Heart of Midlothian (the former site of the city Tolbooth) could be criticised.

In the first scheme of its kind in Scotland, a wide range of food providers – such as schools, residential homes and community centres – will be taught at REHIS food-safety training centres around Scotland, how to improve the nutritional value of meals. The course has been devised in conjunction with NHS Health Scotland, The Scottish Executive, Food Standards Agency Scotland, the Scottish Community Diet Project and the Scottish Healthy Choices Award Scheme.

A major awareness campaign tackling anti-social noise pollution in Glasgow has being launched by Glasgow City Council. The “Anti social noise pollution – noise, nuisance or nightmare” message is being delivered via a £125,000 advertising campaign. “Anti social noise pollution – noise, nuisance or nightmare” is being used throughout the campaign and illustrates the various noise nuisances from barking dogs, playing loud music, shouting and drilling.

Outgoing President Keith McNamara highlights the shortage of environmental health officers in Scotland, with new figures published by SoCOEHS (the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland). See press release (10 November 2005)

The latest figures for households which do not enjoy a public mains supply of water show that up to 95000 people in Scotland are still at risk, with up to 40% of those supplies failing to meet the required standards.

In the debate about standards of diet among Scottish children, the Institute has highlighted the Food and Health course, which gives advice on providing healthy meals and snacks on a budget.