Story sent in by Brian McGowan: As a pharmacist, Carron Grogan knew the science behind the life-saving drug Naloxone, but little did she know that soon after its introduction she would put this knowledge into action. And she’s not alone. Within the last 2 years, at least 18 people have been revived by community pharmacists in or near their pharmacies within the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opiod overdose. Carron, who is now a pharmacist within NHSGGC, was working in a community pharmacy in Renfrew when her skills were required … Continue reading NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde taking steps NOW to reduce drug deaths: Not BBC Scotland’s kind of story

One teacher’s report makes the headline. From reader stewartb: Is TES Scotland now aspiring to tabloid journalism? The TES has just published an article with this headline: “Revealed: why some Scottish teachers want to quit: Pupils bringing in knives, and being expected to be ‘surrogate mum’ or ‘bouncer’, are some of the reasons, survey finds” Source: https://www.tes.com/news/revealed-why-some-scottish-teachers-want-quit The TES article is based on the results of an online, self-selecting survey commissioned by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee. It was commissioned specifically to inform an upcoming inquiry on Initial Teacher Training (ITE) and on recruiting/training new teachers. The survey results … Continue reading Shoddy journalism at teacher’s weekly headlining lie about knives

From Insider today: ‘Employment in Scotland’s life sciences sector increased by 20% over seven years, according to new figures published by the Scottish Government. That represents a 2.6% year-on-year increase, with turnover growing by 90% in the same period to reach £6.5 billion in 2017. This news puts the sector on track to exceed its strategic target of £8 billion by 2025. From 2010 to 2017, company turnover increased by 90% and gross value added (GVA) by 48%.  This represents a year-on-year growth of 9.6% for company turnover and 5.7% for GVA.’ https://www.insider.co.uk/news/employment-scottish-life-sciences-grows-21574515 Earlier reports here: BBC Scotland expert misses … Continue reading 90% growth in turnover in life sciences reveals strength in Scottish economy

St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northamptonshire based on an inspection between 17th and 18th December 2019, reported today as inadequate, unsafe: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-121538276 This is the latest in a long list of catastrophic failures across NHS England. They are described below but first: I have friends and relatives across England. They deserve better. This Tory regime over more than ten years now has let them down badly. It’s not just about money, it’s about the political leadership and management of NHS Scotland. Nearly 3 years ago the Nuffield Trust identified the key role of the Scottish Government in enabling NHS Scotland to … Continue reading NHS England in crisis but mostly unreported and never blamed on Tory governments

Nick Triggle, the only one unwilling to accept my correction of his inaccurate A&E figures [Guardian, Independent and Ch 4 do] reports in broadcasts all day today: ‘Similar pressures are being seen in other parts of the UK, but because of the way figures are collected direct comparisons cannot be made.’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51565492 I can’t speak for Wales or N Ireland but, if he refers to NHS Scotland, he’s wrong. How do I know? See these:                         Seen within 4 hours               Waiting more than 12 hours England           12 785 247, 76.9%     324 572, 2% Scotland          1 252 051, 89.9%                    2 … Continue reading BBC England’s health correspondent desperately tries to include Scotland in his tale of despair

You wouldn’t know about it from BBC Scotland, but ‘County Lines’ gangs, based in English cities, have been bringing violence and drug-deaths to Scottish towns for some time now. BBC Scotland and the rest of our MSM seem uncomfortable with this story. I suppose it doesn’t fit well with the Better Together message. BBC England will tell you what’s happening in Tayside though: Full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51635924 More here: Is BBC Scotland’s Disclosure team afraid to expose English ‘County Lines’ drug gangs targeting children despite a government report, two warnings from police and one from a youth charity? Why are Scottish … Continue reading As English drug gangs bring misery to Scotland read all about it on BBC England

What is the extent of this failure? 95.9% of school leavers gained one pass or more at SCQF Level 4 (e.g. National 4) or better, (a decrease from 96.2% in 2017-18) https://www.gov.scot/news/school-leaver-attainment-and-destinations-3/ So, a drop of 0.3% in the course of one-year, statistically insignificant on both counts – size and timescale – means the Scottish Government is failing pupils? This headline goes way beyond the misleading to become dishonest and disgusting. Continue reading Scotsman failing and lying to readers on exam pass rates

This from our Royal Correspondent, Julian Crispin Ponsonby: In an exclusive report, stolen from us by the Scotsman, TuSC can reveal that Prince Harry has been in Edinburgh for a secret meeting with the First Minister to discuss how he can help Scotland become independent in return for him becoming the King of Scotland. Sources have told us that Harry would change his name to King Robert III and would have only a small ceremonial role like the King of Norway. In return KR3 would get Holyrood Palace and be able to earn an income from providing tours. Other sources … Continue reading SHOCK: Sturgeon in secret deal to replace Queen!

BBC Scotland and the Herald ‘have your back’ with a wee dagger of anxiety in it to help you remember that all-too-important message for whenever you might think of voting SNP or for independence – ‘NHS is in crisis because SNP is failing it!’ Now repeat that as many times as you can while you’re driving or walking to work. Here at the Talking-up Scotland Collective we have the anti-venom, free at the point of need – ‘Truth.’ You take it just by reading this: 93% of people [in Scotland] were able to obtain two working day access to their … Continue reading Temporary local GP shortage amid Scotland’s far superior overall provision is only temporary local worry

This might develop into a new regular. It’s clearly important that the public service provider provides the truth, don’t you think? There was a danger that readers might think there was no connection between Lord Steel and the Scottish Lib Dems, because the only mention of their leader, Willie Rennie, is way down a very long page in this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-51634431 Continue reading NEW: Helping BBC Scotland to write headlines better for you!