LibDem councillor welcomes ‘Hospital at Home’ to North East Fife

The extension of the ‘Hospital at Home’ service to NE Fife has been welcomed by a Liberal Democrat councillor.

Group Leader Cllr Tim Brett, a former member of NHS Fife Health Board, has warmly approved the progress of the scheme, saying ‘According to the evidence, the outcomes of the Hospital at Home service are positive and is appreciated and valued by both patients and their families.’

He observed, that at this stage patients being discharged from Ninewells or Perth Royal infirmary are unable to access the early supported discharge element of the service, though it is hoped that the obstacles to this will be resolved in the next few months. ‘However,’ he went on, ‘I am conscious of the pressures on senior medical staff in delivering this new service, and that adequate staffing is required before it can be further developed.’

NOTE :   Details from NHS Fife :

 Information on ICASS, and H@H.

Thanks for your email on the ICASS services in NE Fife. The information below covers the general integrated community assessment and support service, and the more recent extension of this team to incorporate  hospital @ home. As a new development in care H@H is led by consultant geriatricians, and deployed as a virtual team across NHS Fife, irrespective of the CHP boundaries.

All of the ICASS services (including the integrated community teams, hospital inpatient care, and H@H) are accessed in GNEF through the Single Point of Access which coordinates referrals for assessment and care from hospital practitioners and all GP practices. Information on various options in care are discussed and agreed on an individual basis with the patients GP or hospital practitioner. We have an information leaflet available, but this is normally utilised as part of a consultation.

 Activity Information:

 ·         On average we receive 700 referrals a month through SPOA for the community teams assessment service, referrals are assessed accordingly by the ICASS team and a treatment plan is established in line with the individuals needs.

 ·         For H@H specifically – we have received 223 admissions in GNEF to date. The service has been operational in GNEF for 42 weeks, although the beginning of this period would have been subject to a series of tests and phased roll out. As a Fifewide service from implementation to May 2014 there have been over 1,500 admissions and discharges to the service with average length of input at 8.9 days.  

 ·         ICASS is available to all GP practices in GNEF. Hospital at Home in GNEF has rolled out to all GP practices for Early Supported Discharge from VHK. 

The roll out to General Practice teams for  Prevention of Admissions is nearing completion, with Newburgh and Newport scheduled shortly. The availability of medical capacity is pivotal to the safe conclusion of the roll out, and there have been challenges in this respect. We are now however in the position to be taking the first ‘test cases’ from Newport, which will be agreed over the next few weeks with the Consultant and GPs concerned.

Tim's Update to the June 2014 meeting of Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council

1. New Madras College – The Scottish Government decided they would not call in the decision to review the planning approval for the new Madras College in a letter that was sent on 14 May.  It is now proposed that a detailed planning application will come to the September meeting of the North East Fife Planning Committee.

Fife Council however, has been advised that a new company – St Andrews Environmental Protection Association Limited are going to petition for a judicial review regarding the pipeland planning application.  At this stage we do not know under what grounds the judicial review is being lodged but I have been advised that a full report on this will be coming to the Council’s Executive Committee meeting on 17 June.

2. Parking at Newport Primary School – Stuart Goodfellow from Transportation has advised me that he has had a discussion with Marta Ramage regarding the issue of parking at Newport Primary School.  Marta is a Travel Plan Co-ordinator with the Council and works closely with schools on issues such as this.  It has been proposed that Marta will work closely with the school on reviewing the school’s travel plan as the best way forward of addressing the concerns that have been raised.

3. Newport & Wormit in Bloom – I am not sure whether the cabinet at the bottom of  Flass Road has been moved.

  

I have also received details of the group’s action plans for 2014.

4. A92 Accident Figures – I have obtained further road casualty figures for the above road from the New Inn Roundabout to the Tay Road Bridge.  This shows that there has been a reduction in casualty figures in the last five years.

5. Police Community Engagement Meeting – the next meeting will be on Monday 7 July at 7.00pm in the Blyth Hall.

6. Public Transport, Forgan Arts Centre – Derek Beveridge from transportation has informed me that Moffat & Williamson will offer the “Go Flexi” service to the Arts Centre from August when the new bus contracts are introduced.  Go Flexi operates like a taxi but with bus fares.

7. New Director of Health & Social Care – will be Mr Sandy Riddell from Moray who will take up post in September 2014.

8. Traffic Calming, High Street, Newport – Stuart Goodfellow from Transportation has advised me that, following representations to Transportation, they are assessing a proposal for the Area Transportation Work Programme for a flat top hump at the foot of the High Street on the approach to the roundabout.

9. Community Emergency Plan – an initial meeting to discuss the preparation of a community emergency plan for Newport & Wormit was held on 3 June.

10. Newport & Zolotareveo Twinning Association – I attended the AGM of the Association on 19 May.

  

11. Waterstone Crook Community Sports Hub – a further meeting was held on 26 May.  I can provide details.  The next meeting will be on 1 September 2014.

Arising from this there will be a community sports event at Waterstone Crook on Saturday 16 August.

12. Japanese Knotweed – I have received details of the Management Action Plan for the Japanese Knotweed that was found on the nature trail near Kirk Road.

13. Newport Fountain and War Memorial – David Weir, Service Manager from Property Services has advised me that the fountain has been cleaned and sealed.

Following a request from the Secretary of the Community Council, he is investigating what needs to be done to clean the War Memorial as parts of the War Memorial are quite marked from algae.  I hope to have further information on this at the next meeting.

14. Newport Playgroup – the Chair of the Playgroup has advised me that they do not believe it is economic for the Playgroup to continue in the autumn term as there are only three or four children returning in August and then only for two or three days per week.

They are, however looking at the possibility of providing the playgroup for child care for two year olds. They are looking at longer opening hours (8.45am to 1.15pm) and to offer a lunch club with transport up to Newport Nursery for children attending the afternoon session.  The Playgroup are consulting on these proposals and I should hear within the next few weeks as to whether there is interest in this.

15. Commonwealth Games Torch – will be leaving Tayport Harbour for Broughty Ferry on 27 June at 8.00am.

16. New Tay Road Bridge Manager – is Alan Hutchison who has now taken up post.  The Chair, Cllr Taylor and I met Mr Hutchison on 21 May to discuss traffic issues when the bridge is closed.

LibDem councillors welcome update on the North East Fire Service

Cllrs Donald Lothian and Tim Brett at Newburgh Fire Station

Cllr Tim Brett, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Fife Council, has recently had a meeting with Iain Vincent, Lead Officer for the National Fire Service in Fife. This followed national concerns that had been raised by the Fire Brigades Union about the position of retained duty fire stations. 

Cllr Brett explained that all the NE Fife fire stations are manned on the Retained Duty basis. The stations in Cupar and St Andrews each have two appliances while those in Anstruther, Auchtermuchty, Newburgh, St Monans and Tayport each have one.   The Retained Officers relied on being able to fulfil their Fire Fighting duties by their substantive employer allowing them time to do so. This could be particularly challenging between the hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm. 

According to Iain Vincent, Local Senior Officer – Fife, this is a problem that the fire service in Scotland is seeking to address. 

Cllr Brett said that the fact that some Retained Officers cannot always be clear on their availability was of concern.   He said, ‘I was however reassured by the information that Iain Vincent provided, as the situation is not getting any worse and the fire service are looking at innovative ways of trying to encourage the recruitment of more retained fire fighters and to improve on their availability.’

Cllr Margaret Kennedy, LibDem Spokesperson on Community Safety, added, ‘The Retained Service provides the backbone to our Fire Service amongst many communities and as such should hold a prominent position in terms of future service delivery of Fire and Rescue Scotland.  I would value more clarity from the Fire and Rescue Authority as to how it intends to protect and sustain this vital service for the future. Locally it is clear to me how our Lead Officer and the FBU Reps value them, having discussed this subject with them on various occasions. It was particularly pleasing to note, however, that the station at Newburgh was the second best, in terms of availability, of any of the retained stations in Scotland.’

The retained fire fighters are also assisted by thirty regular fire fighters who take part in the retained service. Iain Vincent concluded the discussions with Cllr Brett by saying that this issue was being looked at nationally by the new National Fire Service and that he himself was a member of one of the groups involved with this.

Cllr Brett concluded it was good to have the opportunity of meeting Iain to discuss this as all of the communities in North East Fife rely on the dedication of their retained fire fighters.  He concluded, ‘Whilst it is possible that the retained service can be backed up by the full time stations, either from other parts of Fife or from Dundee or Perth, it is good to know that every effort is made to try and ensure that the Retained Officers are available for as many hours a week as possible.’

‘Worrying delay in new Guardbridge housing,’ say LibDems

Cllr Tim Brett, Councillor for the Tay Bridgehead Ward, has expressed his deep concern at the delay in the building of new affordable housing in Guardbridge.

Cllr Brett said, ‘I understand that Kingdom Housing Association and their contractor Campion Homes are struggling to obtain proposals from Scottish Water on the provision of a required infrastructure upgrade which will enable the provision of a water supply to the proposed affordable homes on Toll Road in Guardbridge. This is very frustrating as this development has received strong support from the local community. There is an urgent need for more affordable housing in the St Andrews Housing Market Area and I know that there are many people on the housing waiting list who would like to be considered for these new homes.’

Cllr Brett went on to state his belief that Kingdom had been in discussions with Scottish Water for quite some time on how the infrastructure upgrade might be delivered but that the housing association has been unable to get final proposals from Scottish Water. ‘I have also been told that Scottish Water is looking to Kingdom to meet the cost of the infrastructure upgrade even though the infrastructure will then benefit other developments in the Guardbridge/Leuchars area.’

He concluded, ‘Given the pressing need for affordable housing, it is unfortunate, to say the least, that these difficulties have not yet been sorted out by Scottish Water. I very much hope that Scottish Water will be able to deliver the infrastructure proposals to meet the requirements of Kingdom in the very near future, allowing them to get on site. The development at Toll Road will provide 66 affordable properties, 56 of which will be for social rent.’

Concern over fall in litter fixed penalties across Fife

Fife Liberal Democrats have expressed concern about the fall in the number of fixed penalty notices, now £80, issued for litter dropping over the past three years.

Group leader Cllr Tim Brett said, ‘It is worrying that the number of fines for dropping litter have reduced so much, especially in west Fife. It would be nice to think that this was because the amount of litter dropped has reduced but unfortunately this is clearly not the case.’

He continued, ‘As it has been shown that there is a direct correlation between the amount of fixed penalty notices issued and the amount of litter on the streets and open spaces, regular and constant patrols are needed if we want to minimise the latter; given the significance of the tourist industry to Fife, this is crucial. Therefore I trust that the staff’s other responsibilities are not impinging on their ability to carry out the essential task of vigorously enforcing the penalties.’

Cllr Brett concluded, ‘However, it is hoped that Fifers themselves will take personal responsibility to ensure they dispose of litter appropriately, and so help keep the Kingdom looking its best for residents and visitors alike.’

Note :

Number of fixed penalty notices issued in Fife for dropping litter over past 3 years per area:

2011 -  East: 38   Central: 61  West: 142

2012 -  East: 34  Central: 81  West: 143

2013 -  East: 31  Central: 57  West: 97

Infant cremation in Fife

Following a request from Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Tim Brett, Fife Council bereavement services have issued a briefing detailing the procedures for the cremation of infants at its two crematoria in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline. This was as a result of the report carried out by Dame Elish Angiolini following concerns about the practices in Edinburgh’s Mortonhall crematorium.

Cllr Brett said, ‘In view of the disquiet about the disposal of infant remains in Edinburgh it was important that Fife reviewed its own practices. I am pleased that they have done so and note that since 2001 there has been close working between Fife Council, NHS Fife and SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity to ensure that infant remains are individually cremated, should parents opt for cremation.’

Cllr Brett urged any families with concerns about the practices in either of the Fife crematoria to contact the council’s Bereavement Service but warned that there could be difficulties with obtaining information from before 2001, as different arrangements were in operations and records have not been kept.

He concluded, ‘It is, however, good to know that there is a garden of remembrance at each of the crematoria, where the ashes of babies and children may be scattered should that be the wish of their parents.’

Fife Council Briefing :

There has been further public and media attention on the cremation of infants following the publication of the Mortonhall Investigation Report on 30th April 2014.  This was commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council after concerns were raised about practices at Mortonhall Crematorium and was authored by the former Lord Advocate of Scotland, the Rt. Hon. Dame Elish Angiolini DBE QC.  The remit of the report was to establish the facts regarding infant cremations at the crematorium and to learn lessons that would help ensure best practice for the future.

Although the report does make some broader recommendations beyond what took place at Mortonhall Crematorium, the next key milestone nationally is the report due from Lord Bonomy’s Infant Cremation Commission. This was established by the Scottish Government on 16th April 2013 with the remit to examine the policies, practice and legislation related to the cremation of infants in Scotland.  The Commission is now considering the Mortonhall findings in order to help inform its report which is now expected to be published by the Scottish Government by the end June 2014. 

LEGISLATIVE POSITION:

The Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935 regulate the provision of crematoria in Scotland. These have been amended on a number of occasions. Regulation 16 makes specific provision for the cremation of a stillborn child, although the term ‘stillborn’ is not defined in these regulations.  However, it is defined in the Registration of Births Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965 as a ‘child which has issued forth from its mother after the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy and which did not show any signs of life.’

The category of foetal remains (non-viable foetuses or NVF) includes all foetuses following cases of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation. The disposal of foetal remains is not dealt with in any Act of Parliament or Regulations. If the pregnancy has not progressed to 24 weeks gestation, the 1935 Regulations have no application.

Because there is no applicable Act of Parliament or Regulations, the disposal of foetal remains has been dealt with according to policies and codes of practice issued by various bodies. The deficiency of the current legislation has been highlighted in the Mortonhall report and referred to the Infant Cremation Commission for consideration of legislative amendment.

Beyond 24 weeks gestation, the legislation stipulates that ‘if a child is expelled from its mother either before or after the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy and either breathes or shows any sign of life and then dies it must be treated as a normal birth and death and registered accordingly.’

CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS IN FIFE:

Fife Council has had a policy in place since 2001 developed in partnership with NHS Fife and Sands (the stillbirth and neonatal death charity) to ensure that infants who have died during 12 to 24 weeks gestation are brought to one of the crematoria for individual cremation.

Infants of 24 weeks gestation and older, or those who have been born, breathed and died at any time during pregnancy, are covered by the current legislation and funeral arrangements are made in the normal way.

In cases where bereaved parents opt for the cremation of an infant or of foetal remains, they are given information which warns that there are occasions when there may be no tangible remains left after the cremation process has been completed.

This will depend on the nature of the bone structure and stage of development.  All foetuses and infants grow at different rates which means that two infants of the same age can be completely different in terms of their physical development.

In the majority of cases, no cremated remains are obtained from a cremation of an early stage foetus as the remains are essentially soft tissue.  The potential for securing ashes from the remains increases as the length of gestation increases, although the retrieval of cremated remains cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

If there are ashes, these will be offered back to the family or Funeral Director or, if requested, they can be scattered in the specially-designated baby areas which sit within the Gardens of Remembrance of both crematoria.

The cremators used at both crematoria in Fife have been designed for adult cremations.  The heat and combustion of air and gases causes a turbulence which the undeveloped remains of a foetus or infant in most cases cannot withstand, so the recovery of ashes can be variable despite the type of coffin used.

There is a regular dialogue between Bereavement Services, NHS Fife and Funeral Directors. The wording of information provided to parents now advises that it is very unlikely that there will be any ashes following cremation.  

Previous advice reflected the guidance from the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management (ICCM) which referred to there being no remains. In practice, a significant number of foetal and infant cremations won’t produce remains, but where ashes are retrieved these will continue to be offered to the family.

The cremation process continues to be closely monitored and the use a special cremation tray for foetal and infant remains has recently been re-introduced to try and help improve the chances of ashes being retrieved.  A full risk assessment is in hand to ensure safe working practices for crematoria staff.

Given some of the concerns highlighted in the Mortonhall report and anticipating what may emerge from the Infant Cremation Commission, a review of the paper trail between Bereavement Services, NHS Fife, Funeral Directors and families is in hand to ensure that this is as clear and concise as it can be.

At a national level, managers from Bereavement Services are involved via the FBCA in discussions with other local authority and private crematoria operators to review and, where appropriate, improve current working practices.

Lord Bonomy’s report is expected to make a number of recommendations to the industry, some of which might require legislative change and the issuing of new national guidance.  There may be other changes relating to how infant cremations are managed, performed and recorded in the future.  These recommendations will be considered carefully including any changes we might need to make to the current arrangements in Fife.

Finally, if any Councillors would like to visit either of the two crematoria (Dunfermline/Kirkcaldy), please contact Liz Murphy, Bereavement Services Manager, on 03451 555555 Ext. 476681 or via e-mail at liz.murphy@fife.gov.uk.

Tim's Update to the May 2014 meeting of Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council

1. Parking at Newport Primary School – I met with Stuart Goodfellow from the Traffic Management Department on 1 May when we reviewed the parking issues at the school.  I am waiting for Stuart to get back to me with any recommendations and will advise the Community Council of these as soon as I receive them.

2. New Madras College – As members will probably be aware, the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek McKay has asked for a further four weeks to consider the Madras College planning application.I have just been advised that Scottish Ministers have decided not to call in the application and have authorised the Council to deal with the application in the manner that it thinks fit.

3. Tayplan Main Issues – I attended the drop in event on 29 April in Cupar.  There is an opportunity for members of the public to submit comments and views on the main issues for the next Tayplan report by the end of June.

4. Newport and Wormit in Bloom – Members will have seen the publicity about the British Telecom cabinet that was placed in front of the “boat” at the bottom of Flask Road.  Following representations that were made to British Telecom, I am pleased to advise that they have indicated that they will be prepared to move the boat, hopefully at the beginning of June.

5. Newport, Wormit and Forgan Trust – Following discussion at the last Community Council meeting I can confirm that the above Trust “supports people of all ages in the area of Newport on Tay, Wormit and Forgan by furthering health and relieving the effects of poverty, distress and sickness”.  I do not have details of the Trustees of the fund but the fund is administered by Blackadders, Solicitors in Dundee.

6. Japanese Knotweed – Staff from Community Services have developed an action plan for dealing with the Japanese knotweed that is on the nature trail at the junction with Kirk Road and also behind the railway line in Wormit.  I am also releasing a press release about this drawing attention to this problem and highlighting a link to advice on Fife Direct about this at www.fifedirect.org.uk/beautifulfife.

7. Welfare Reform Elected Members Briefing – I have received a briefing on the current position in relation to welfare reform and would be happy to forward this to anyone who would like to see it.

8. Fife Road Casualties Statistics – The Safer Communities Committee recently considered a report on the above statistics for 2013.  The total number of casualties (for Fife as a whole) in 2013 was 550.  This almost equalled the record low figure recorded in 2012 of 549.  The 85 serious injuries represent the lowest ever number recorded.  All measures have exceeded the Scottish Government targets.

9. Fife Carers – Dementia Workshops – The Fife Carers Centre have notified me of two workshops that are being arranged for unpaid family carers of people living with dementia in the St Andrews area.  These workshops are taking place on Thursday 15 May – “Take a Walk in their Shoes” and Thursday 5 June – “Communicating with Dementia Words and Beyond.”  I would be happy to provide further details to anyone who would like to attend.

10. Licensing of Private Hire Cars-Signage – I have received a briefing note on the above topic on the licensing of private hire cars by the Council and the Council’s policy on the signage allowed on these vehicles.  I would be happy to provide this to anyone who is interested.

11. Eden Estuary May Newsletter – I have received the latest newsletter from Ranald Strachan on the Eden Estuary.  

12. Health Inequalities Checklist – The Fife Health and Wellbeing Alliance of which I am a member has produced a health inequalities checklist.  This is aimed at partnerships, organisations and community groups who are working with individuals and communities across Fife.  It can be used to check if the group are working in ways most likely to reduce health inequalities.  I would be happy to provide a copy to anyone who would like to see it.

13. Newport Library – The North East Fife Area Committee recently received the annual review from the Fife Cultural Trust who are responsible for the provision of libraries and theatres in Fife.  With regard to Newport Library, it was reported that the library was open 22.5 hours per week and operated by 0.7 FTE staff.  There were 36,717 transactions at an operating cost of £16,903.  Trends over one year are an 8% increase in visitors, 3% increase in book business and a 19% decrease in PC business.  Total transactions in 2011/12 were up by 1.2%.  Over the last six years there has been a 27.6% increase in visitors, and a 24.1% increase in book business and a 6% decrease in PC business.  I would be happy to provide a full copy of the report for anyone who would like to see it.

14. Tay Rail Bridge – I have been notified by the project manager of Taziker that they have been successful in being awarded the Phase 4 contract for maintenance work on the rail bridge.  This work will last 120 weeks starting in July 2014.  Taziker have advised that they intend to stay on the Wormit side of the bridge for the duration of the contract but that the generators and compressors will be moved onto the bridge so there should be fewer problems with noise as they will be 1000 metres out into the estuary.  The giant vacuum on Bay Road will not be used on the next phase so, again, there should be no issues from that aspect.

15. High Speed Broadband Roll Out – Steve Revell, the Fife Next Generation Broadband Manager has advised that Newport on Tay has been included in the next phase of communities that will receive high speed broadband.  The provision will be made from July this year but we have been advised that, due to the current network topography and the economics of deployment, it is likely that some premises within selected exchange areas will not be able to access fibre based broadband at the same point in the roll out.  Further information can be obtained from the Scottish Government website http://www.digitalscotland.org/news/superfast-fibre-broadband-rolls-out-on-first-scottish-island and http://www.digitalscotland.org/media/20134/18-April-2014-release-locations.pdf.

16. RAF Leuchars – I attended the Freedom of the St Andrews parade for service personnel from RAF Leuchars.  The transition arrangements are about to begin with 6 Squadron moving to Lossiemouth at the end of June.  1 Squadron will then be moving in September and there will be a significant reduction in RAF personnel at that point.  The army units will not be arriving at Leuchars until the summer of 2015.

17. The Newport – the picture gallery in the Newport is now open and the chiropractic clinic will commence on the 19th May..Building work on the restaurant has now started.

18. Waterstone Crook Sports Hub-the next meeting of the group will be held on the 26th may at 6.30 pm in the Blyth Hall.

19. Keep up to date on local matters-I now have a blog on local matters at www.timbrett.org.uk and am on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cllrtimbrett.

‘School bus seatbelt policy will not apply in NE Fife,’ say LibDems

NE Fife Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed disappointment that the recently announced proposal for school buses to be fitted with seat-belts from 2018 will not in fact apply to most of the vehicles used in the area.

Group Leader Cllr Tim Brett explained, ‘Of course we welcome any extension of safety measures to our school transport. However the new rules will only apply to dedicated school buses, i.e. those which are only used to take pupils to and from schools. Most buses used for that purpose in NE Fife, including the 56 transporting secondary pupils, are used as ordinary service buses during the rest of the day, and so will not be covered by this legislation.’

Cllr Brett noted that some buses used for school transport do have seatbelts. ‘However, monitoring shows that only 10-20% of pupils actually use the belts provided, which is very disappointing.’

He concluded, ‘Because of the rural nature of NE Fife, the provision or otherwise of seatbelts is very relevant. To make a real improvement to the safety of pupils, resources would have to be provided to purchase dedicated vehicles, or make it a condition that all buses contracted to carry pupils must have belts fitted and that these should be used.’

LibDems welcome school mobile phones policy

Fife Council Liberal Democrats have welcomed the implementation of a policy on the use of mobile telephones in schools, though with over 1000 confiscations over the past three years are urging that its operation is regularly reviewed.

Group Leader Cllr Tim Brett explained, ‘As a minimum, mobile phones must be switched off and kept out of sight during lessons, though in primary schools this rule might well be extended to cover the whole of the school day. Using phones to take pictures or videos is only permitted with the agreement of all those depicted and after special permission has been granted.’

Cllr Brett admitted that dealing with material posted on social networks was more complicated but that action would be taken when such material had been obtained illegally or was defamatory. ‘However, the fact that 1159 phones have had to be confiscated over the past 3 years suggests that the policy may need to be revised so I welcome the monitoring of it by education officers and will be paying close attention to the results of the regular reviews when these are carried out.’

Tim welcomes reduction in North East Fife delayed discharges

Councillor Tim Brett, a member of the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, has welcomed the improvement in the position of delayed discharges for Ninewells Hospital patients who live in North East Fife.

Councillor Brett, who represents the Tay Bridgehead Ward, said, ‘I have recently received an update from our local head of services for older people that shows there has been significant improvement over the last six months with fewer patients being delayed. This has been as a result of working more closely with senior medical staff at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School to ensure that early action is taken to identify appropriate strategies for people admitted to Ninewells but whose homes are in North East Fife. 

Once an individual is no longer requiring medical attention then every effort is made to get them home, with support if that is needed.  I know that a lot of hard work has gone on to achieve this and, following the particular problems last year where a Tayport resident was delayed at Ninewells for many weeks, this is good news.’

The Liberal Democrat group leader added that he knew that the pressure on older people's social work services was increasing every month, with many more very elderly frail patients being referred for support from the social work service. 

He continued, ‘This will undoubtedly further increase pressure on both health and social care services, which means that it is imperative that under the proposed integrated health and social care arrangements, new ways of supporting people in their own homes are developed quickly. I am aware from my role on the Health and Social Care Partnership Board that a number of initiatives are currently being explored which I welcome but it will undoubtedly be challenging to continue to meet the needs of older people.’

Happy Easter

Tim's Update to the April 2014 meeting of Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council

1. Susan Reid – As members will be aware the body of Mrs Susan Reid was recently discovered in Tentsmuir Forest having been missing since 23 January 2014.

2. New Madras College – The North East Fife Planning Committee considered the planning application for the new school at the Pipelands site on 20 March 2014.  The committee voted by 7 votes to 6 to reject the application.  It was then considered by the Full Council on 3 April 2014 and was approved by 56 votes to 11.  The application will now go to Scottish Ministers because it is contrary to the Development Plan.  I seconded the motion to approve the application.

3. Newport & Wormit Sports Hub – A further well attended meeting took place on the 24 March 2014.  A number of members of the Community Council were present.   Michael Kavanagh is drawing up an action plan and the group will meet again in May.

4 Kinbrae Park Play Park – I am pleased to advise that the Newport, Wormit & Forgan Trust have agreed to make a donation on £2,500 to the above project.  If assurances can be given that local fund raising will make up the balance of funding.

5. Madras Attainment Review Meeting -  I attended a very useful meeting with the Rector and Senior Staff at Madras on 13 March 2014.  This was a valuable meeting to understand the way in which Madras College tracks attainment.  

6. Tayplan main issues – drop-in events – A reminder of the briefing event being held in Dundee on 15 April.

7. Commonwealth Games – Queen’s Baton Relay – Will be coming to Fife in mid-May and will be visiting Cupar and St Andrews. 

8. Newport and Wormit in Bloom – Have now produced an action plan for work to be undertaken with regard to this year’s programme. New volunteers are always welcome.

9. Incident at Liberton High School, Edinburgh – Fife Council along with other local authorities have carried out checks in all school buildings if Fife.  This will include more detailed structural surveys.  I can provide more information if required.

10. Air Quality Report – Following a recent report by Health Protection Scotland regarding air pollution in Scotland Fife Council have advised that they carry out regular air quality monitoring through-out Fife.  There are two air quality management areas – one in Bonnygate, Cupar and one in Appin Crescent, Dunfermline.

11. Minor Road leading to the dual carriageway at the top of Cupar Road – Fife Council’s Transportation Service have indicated that they will erect “No HGV” signs at both ends of the road, hopefully, by early June.  

12. Parking at Newport Primary School, Cupar Road – Following the discussion at the last meeting I have written to the Transportation Service and will arrange a site visit when the schools are back.

13. New speed limits on the A914 – I have raised this with Colin Stirling of Transportation.  He has responded that the new speed limits are based on public consultation that took place with local residents particularly those at Drumoig.  The new limits will be reviewed in six months.

14. “Cut-it-Out”, Safer Driver Behaviour – Fife Community Safety Partnership have organised an event in Fluthers Car Park in Cupar on Friday 2 May 2014 at 7pm following a number of road traffic collisions in North East Fife.  It is targeted at younger drivers but all are welcome.

15. Trauma Hubs – The Health Secretary, Alex Neil, has announced plans for four new specialist major trauma centres in Scotland.  One of these will be at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

16. Proposed Developments at Drumoig – A developer has issued a Proposal of Application Note (PAN) for proposed developments at Drumoig.  An initial successful drop-in event has been held for Drumoig residents.  The proposals include 30 new residential homes, 15 retirement homes, 21 holiday chalets, changes to the driving range area and changes to the hotel.

17. Newport Post Office – Is now selling “Meals on Wheels” vouchers. 

18. Tay Road Bridge – Will be closed on Friday 18 April 2014 from 0100-0400 for surfacing works to complete the ramp redesign work safely.

The Bridge Manager has advised that the old electronic signs should be removed by the end of April.

The Bridge Manager has also informed me that fresh planting to spell out the work “FIFE” will be made on the South side of the road bridge car park.

19. Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve – I have a copy of the special edition of the Reserve newsletter commemorating its 60th birthday. 

20. Disabilities Fife – Will be holding a meeting of its St Andrews Access Group in the Old Course Hotel on 16 April from 2-4pm.

21. Kirk Road, Newport road markings – Following concerns raised by the Community Council, Gordon Hughes of Transportation has advised that centre road markings should not be used as the carriageway is less than 5.5 metres wide.  He states that there have been no reported accidents from 2009-2013.

22. Clydesdale Bank, Newport High Street – Is closing on 22 July 2014.  I visited the bank and was advised by a member of staff that this was due to a lack of footfall.  All customers will be advised of the closure and their accounts will be transferred to Clydesdale’s main branch in Dundee.  It is one of 16 branches to be closed in Scotland.

23. Street Cleaning – We now have a dedicated street cleaner in Newport on Tay.

24. Fife Educational Trust – Has provided funding of £500 to Newport Primary School for the purchase of ukuleles and £250 to Wormit Primary School for educational excursions.

25. The Braes, Newport – Bushes have recently been pruned and litter picking undertaken.

26. Deaf Communication Service – Fife Council’s Deaf Communication Service are organising a sign language interpreter awareness training in Cupar on 24 April 2014.  It is open to anyone involved with voluntary organisations.

27. Woodhaven Pier – I met with Moir Gibson from Transportation on the 18th March with Stewart McKiddie to agree maintenance work that should be done at the pier.  

28. Fife Council Noise Complaints – Fife Council had over 19,000 noise complaints in 2013 making it the highest number of complaints per 1000 population of anywhere in the UK.  

29. Newport on Tay Common Good Moveable Property – I have received a list of the moveable property held on the above account. 

30. Tayview Medical Practice news – Has recently been published.  The practice will be closed on 18 and 21 April for Easter holidays and there was a total of 1,760 missed appointments in 2013. 

31. Tay Estuary Conference – I attended the above annual conference in Dundee recently in my capacity as Chair of the Eden Estuary Advisory Board.  

Tim's Update to the March 2014 meeting of Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council

1. Mount Stewart Road, Wormit – has been re-opened from 5 March.  It may have to be closed again when the repairs to the wall are carried out.

2. New Madras College – The discretionary hearing took place on 21 and 22 February.  The planning application will be coming to a special meeting of the North East Fife Planning Committee on 20 March at 2.00pm in County Buildings.  The recommendation from the North East Fife Planning Committee will then go to a meeting of Fife Council on 3 April as the application is contrary to the development plan.

3. Expansion of the Car Park at Leuchars Railway Station – The Council’s Administration accepted a request to provide funding for a 100 space expansion of the car park at Leuchar's Railway Station.  The Council are also applying to a Transport Scotland fund which would enhance the scheme.  More detailed information should be provided in three months. 

4. Sports Hub, Newport and Wormit – All sports clubs in Newport and Wormit are invited to send representatives to a planning meeting that will be held in the Blyth Hall on Monday 24 March at 7.00pm. 

5. Kinbrae Park Play Park – The P3 class at Wormit Primary School are organising a raffle to help raise a contribution towards the remaining £3,500 for the new play park.  It is hoped that similar fund raising will be undertaken at Newport Primary School.  Funding has also been pledged by the North East Fife Rotary Club which is much appreciated. 

6. Madras College Performance Standards – I will be attending a meeting with the Rector to discuss these on the 13 March.

7. Youth Work, Tay Bridgehead Area – I have received details of Fife Council youth work that is currently being undertaken in the area from Tom Philips, Team Leader, Community      Learning and Development.  He will be pleased to attend a future meeting of the community council to discuss this if requested to do so.

8. Young People Co-opted as Members of the Community Council – Fife Council’s Democratic Services team are contacting both Bell Baxter High School and Madras College to run a pilot scheme to encourage one or two young people to serve on their local community council as co-opted members. 

9. Tay Road Bridge Manager – Iain Mackinnon, the current manager will be leaving his post on 18 May to take up a new position as Senior Consultant on the Forth Replacement (Queensferry) Crossing Project.

10. Tay Plan, Strategic Development Plan, Main Issues Report – Tay Plan is the strategic development plan authority which prepares, monitors and reviews the strategic development plan for the area covering Dundee city, Perth and Kinross, North Fife and the Angus Council areas.  The approved strategic development plan sets out the special development strategy and vision for the area over the twenty year period 2012 – 2032.  A      key stage in reviewing the approved is the main issues report which sets out the main issues, key areas of change and options over a twenty year period.  There is to be a consultation on the main issues report commencing on 15 April and running until 27 June 2014.

11. To assist elected members and community councils, there will be two briefing events to provide more detailed information in the first week of the consultation.  Our local event will be held in Dundee: Enterprise House, 3 Green Market on 15 April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and there will also be eight drop-in events including two in North East Fife at Cupar Corn Exchange on 29 April from 3.00pm to 7.00pm and St Andrews Town Hall on Saturday 31 May from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

12. Housing Investment Programme – Details of next year’s investment programme have been announced and, in Newport and Wormit, include investment in new kitchens, heating systems and one property where the rough casting is being renewed.  I can provide more details to any tenants who would like to receive this.

13. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games – I have received the latest briefing on the above which I would be happy to share with anyone who is interested.  I have also received details of the commonwealth games legacy funding which helps to provide support for new facilities for people of all ages to enjoy active and healthy lives. 

14. Tay Road Bridge Closures – will take place on 11, 12 and 13 March from 0100 hours to 0400 hours to allow resurfacing works at the Fife Roundabout to be completed.

15. On Line Information about Road Faults – Customers will be able to receive updates on faults reported by May 2014.

16. Marie Curie Fife Service – A new Marie Curie service will be provided in partnership with NHS Fife with effect from 1 April.  It aims to support 240 patients a year complementing existing services and meeting the needs of patients and carers in their own homes.  Marie Curie are looking to sign up Fife residents as Marie Curie helper volunteers.

17. Eden Estuary – I have received a copy of the March report.

18. Fife Council Wind Power Projects – There will be a drop in information event on Wednesday 19th March from 1630 to 1930 in Cupar County Buildings.  Three projects are proposed in Cupar and one at Craigtoun Park in St Andrews.

19. Fife Environment Trust and LEADER – I have received information on both of the above schemes which can provide funding support for local projects.

20. Police Control Rooms – Police Scotland have confirmed the closure of the Fife Control Room in Glenrothes with effect from March/April 2015. 

21. Citizens Advice Fife – will be holding pop up events to provide information on benefits.  These will be held in the Burgh Chambers, Tayport on 21 March from 2.00pm to 3.00pm and at the Blyth Hall in Newport on 24 March, also from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

22. Fife Division Policing Plan 2014 – 2017 – I have received a copy of the above plan if anyone would like to see it.

23. V & A Dundee – Fife Council is collaborating with other East of Scotland Local Authorities to audit and appraise tourism opportunities for the east of Scotland with the opening of the V & A in Dundee in 2017.

24. Improved Signage A92 at Station Brae – BEAR Scotland have advised that they hope to improve the signage at the above junction early in the next financial year.

25. Adult Protection Newsletter – I have received a copy of the latest newsletter.

26. Tay Bridgehead Food Bank – I have been asked to join the Management Committee of the new food bank which had its first meeting on 21 February.

27. Tay Rail Bridge – TAZIKER UK, the current contractor for maintenance works on the bridge have been awarded the contract for further works on the rail bridge.  They intend to move their offices to the Dundee side of the river in June.

28. Double Yellow Lines – Riverside Road, Wormit – Transportation services are proposing to extend double yellow lines on Riverside Road in the area of Woodhaven Farm.  I would welcome the community Councils views on this.

29. Parking Issues and Bus Turning Problems, Victoria Street Junction with Albert Crescent – Transportation services have consulted with both Stagecoach and Moffat and Williamson and neither company have expressed concerns about vehicle movements at the above junction.

30. Newport and Wormit in Bloom – have made plans for the new season including new basket stands and planters.  Anyone interested in helping should contact Kate Legg on 01382 541271.

31. Traffic Regulations – The North East Fife Area Committee agreed to promote the following traffic orders at its meeting on 26 February:-

1. New waiting restrictions at the junction of Albert Crescent and Station Brae;

2. New waiting restrictions in Flass Road, Wormit by the primary school;

3. New waiting restrictions on James Street and Unions Street.

Sports Hub Meeting in Newport

Arrangements have been made for a second meeting of the Newport & Wormit Sports Hub on Monday 24th March at 7pm in the Blyth Hall. 

Any sports clubs in Newport and Wormit are invited to send a represenyative to help scope out any needs that their club may have and consider how a sports hub may assist them.

I would be pleased to provide more details.

Mrs Susan Reid - an update

I have received a further update from the police this morning.

They are continuing to search different areas in Newport.