REHIS News

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media. The campaign normally takes place on the third Thursday in June. 

However, due to COVID-19, this year Clean Air Day is taking place on 8 October 2020, will be rolled out slightly differently and has been updated so more of the campaign is virtual.

The First Minister (FM) has announced further coronavirus measures and also additional resources for additional Environmental Health Officers at her coronavirus (COVID-19) update speech on 22 September 2020.

The FM stated that the Scottish Government will be providing resources for additional Environmental Health Officers in order for local authorities to significantly step up inspection and enforcement in the hospitality trade to ensure compliance with rules in the sector.

One in eight deaths in Europe are linked to pollution, according to a new report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). 

The report ‘Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well-being in Europe said factors such as air and noise pollution, as well as poor water quality and exposure to chemicals, contributed to 13% of all deaths.

Louise Cunningham, Team Manager – Environmental Protection, Aberdeenshire Council and Senior Vice-President for the REHIS Council.  Louise's contribution discusses how the pandemic has raised the profile of the Environmental Health profession and how positive changes can be made from the digital transformation for working. 

1.         Describe your work before the pandemic? 

Prior to the pandemic I was Team Manager for South Aberdeenshire and lead for Environmental Protection within Aberdeenshire Council and Senior Vice President at REHIS. 

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland welcomes the First Minister's statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon on further measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Scotland.

The Scottish Government's decision to commit resources to Scottish local authorities for additional Environmental Health Officers, in order that local authorities significantly step up inspection and enforcement, to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Scotland is especially welcome.

Current restrictions due to Covid-19 mean that face to face training courses, meetings and events are not currently being held but this does not prevent the achievement of CPD. 

Many professionals will have been on a steep learning curve this year, with the introduction of Covid-19 related legislation and a need to understand the appropriate risks and controls.  

The Scottish Government COVID-19 sector guidance for tourism and hospitality has now been updated with the addition of Frequently Asked Questions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged smartphone users across Scotland to download NHS Scotland’s new contact tracing app to help suppress the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Protect Scotland app is now available to download for free via Apple and Google stores.

REHIS partner, ASH Scotland, along with another nine of Scotland’s biggest health charities, is launching a manifesto highlighting the need for action on the prevention of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) (such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung disease).  

The Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) for Scotland’s latest annual report for public and private water supplieshave been published.

The annual report for public water supplies shows that Scottish Water’s compliance with the stringent standards for drinking water remains high at 99.92%. However, the annual report for private water supplies show a significant number do not meet the required drinking water standards.