Vol 23 - Number 1 Spring 2011 Environmental Health Scotland The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland

19 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8HX Tel: 0131 229 2968 Fax: 0131 228 2926 Website: www.rehis.com

Officers of the Institute

President: Alistair Thomson Senior Vice-President: Paul Bradley Junior Vice-President: Bernard Forteath Past President: Rod House Past President: Colin Wallace Northern Centre Chairman: Karen Foote Southern Centre Chairman: Drew Hall Northern Centre Secretary: Bob Drummond Southern Centre Secretary: Andrew McPherson Honorary Treasurer: Martin Henry Courses Co-ordinator: Martin Keeley

Members of Council

Wendy Barrie George McCracken Heather Dick Alan Morrison Christine Fraser Christine Morrison Sandy Fraser Graham Robertson Raymond Hubbocks John Sleith Brian Lawrie Robert Steenson Lorrainne MacGillivray Evonne Tennant Sarah MacLeod-Bonnar Jim Thomson

Honorary Vice-Presidents

George Georgallas Stewart Maxwell MSP Robin Harper MSP Ann Marie Part Kenneth Macintosh MSP

*** Chief Executive: Tom Bell

Director of Professional Development: Robert Howe Director of Training: Graham Walker Training Adviser: Ian McGruther Training Adviser: Dr Jane Bunting

 Environmental Health Scotland Environmental Health Scotland

Volume 23, Number 1 Spring 2011

The Journal of The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland

ISSN 0950-3277 CONTENTS

Environmental Health Scotland is published by the The Chief Executive’s View 4 Council of The Royal Environmental Health Institute Environmental Health at the Edge 5 of Scotland. SFELC Report 8 Editor: Tom Bell The Crofton Award 2010 - Best Newcomer 9 National Hand Hygiene Campaign 10 The views expressed in this Journal are not necessarily those of The Royal Environmental Health Institute of EPS Committee Report 15 Scotland, the publisher or the editor. Articles, news Private Water Supplies - The Challenges 16 items or letters are welcomed for publication but the SPCCC Report 17 publisher reserves the right to edit contributions as the editor sees fit. At the editor’s discretion, items submitted Healthcare Environment Inspectorate 18 for publication will be peer reviewed. All material is Journalism Award - Runner-up 20 submitted at owner’s risk. The publisher cannot be held 5th Anniversary of Scotland’s Smoking Ban 21 responsible for loss or damage, however caused. HSE LAU News 22 OSHCR 23 Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this SEPA News 24 publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, Successful Court Case 25 electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording Health and Hygiene on the High Seas 6 or otherwise, without the prior permission of the IFEH News 27 publisher and copyright holder. Food Standards Agency News 28 Casing the Joint Award with Devro 0 Management Committee 31 Public Health and Housing Working Group  Health Protection Scotland News 33 MET Committee Report 34 EHP Committee Report 35 Developing Capacity in Female Academics in Southern and East Africa 36 Professional Development 38 ‘Health, Culture and Scotland: New Challenges, New Opportunities’ 39 On the cover: The Main Street, St Kilda, comprising 16 houses. Stone built ‘cleits’ used for storing food and fuel can News in Brief 40 be seen on the slope between the houses and the head dyke. Obituaries 41 See page 5. (Photograph courtesy of Allan MacDonald.) From the Courts 42  Environmental Health Scotland

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S VIEW

to the current situation will be achieved through the courteous and positive dialogue which is ongoing between senior office-bearers of both Institutes. The Institute is appreciative of the continued support given by the Institute’s Honorary Vice-Presidents Stewart Maxwell MSP, Kenneth Macintosh MSP and Robin Harper MSP in the Scottish Parliament and for their interest in bringing this situation to a positive conclusion. The CIEH’s decision to cease the free distribution of its Environmental Health News publication to REHIS members, wholly understandable given the economic pressures on all organisations, presents an excellent opportunity for members to further develop the REHIS e-Newsletter Tom Bell News for Public Health Professionals. The Newsletter, a monthly publication, is downloadable from the 2011 has begun as busily as 2010 ended and we are Institute’s website. ready to meet the challenges of what promises to be An excellent programme has been put together another busy and successful year. The following issues for this year’s Annual Conference which will be are high on the Council’s agenda. held in the Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew on 25 and 26 The Board of the Food Standards Agency, the UK’s May. Presentations will cover a wide range of central competent authority for official controls topical environmental health issues. Professor on food safety, has agreed to review the current Jim McEwen, Chairman of the Health Protection delivery model for food safety delivery across the Advisory Group, will deliver the keynote presentation. UK. There is the potential for a complete change Professor McEwen will be joined by experts who in the way the regulation of food safety and food will cover island and rural health issues; national standards in Scotland is delivered with a potential and international perspectives on the delivery challenge to the way local authorities operate of food safety enforcement; Glasgow 2014 ‘The and to the education, training and qualification of Commonwealth Games’ - preparation, delivery Environmental Health Officers and Food Safety and legacy; listeriosis and refrigeration; updates on Officers. Needless to say the Society of Chief health and safety enforcement and environmental Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland, the regulation; the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate; Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee and drinking water quality in Scotland; and, the the Institute are giving serious consideration to the challenges of leadership in times of change and the Agency’s review and to its potential implications. impact on personnel. It is hoped that Scotland’s Annual Environmental Health Review, collated and The long-running and unfortunate saga of the published by the Institute in association with its Institute’s relationship with the Chartered Institute many partners, will be launched during the Conference of Environmental Health (CIEH), the organisation and plans are also being made to launch training that represents the views of the environmental health materials in Gaelic for the Institute’s Introduction to community in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Food Hygiene course. rumbles on. In recent months the CIEH has offered non-member delegate rates for one of its events in Finally, many in Scotland’s environmental health Scotland and has agreed to consider the accreditation community will be aware that Alistair Thomson, of a BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree the Institute’s President, suffered a stroke recently. course at a Scottish university. I’m not sure how As this edition of Environmental Health Scotland this squares with the CIEH’s insistence that it only goes to press, I’m pleased to be able to report that set up its Scottish region to assist its Scotland- Alistair is making steady progress, and I’m sure you’ll based members! It is hoped that some resolution join me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

 Environmental Health Scotland

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AT THE EDGE by Alasdair MacEachen, Head of Devolved Services (Uist and Barra), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

I choose my words carefully - at the edge suggests to refresh or replenish food and water supplies on something different from on the edge. To use the latter long sea journeys explains the presence on St Kilda would be to speak metaphorically whereas the former of a feral breed of sheep reckoned to be one of the and actual title aims to convey a location with just a world’s oldest breeds. A similar breed of sheep was little hint of remoteness. at one time also found on one of the smaller islands in So, the Edge, in this case refers to the Outer Hebrides the Faroes, indicating that this was another calling point or Western Isles, but more specifically, in this short for food supplies. One finds similar accounts in the article, to one particular area of the Hebrides; the island history of the South Atlantic Islands where Portuguese archipelago of St Kilda, or Hirta, as it is sometimes mariners deposited pigs and goats long before these known, the latter being derived from the main island’s islands were occupied by the first settlers. Gaelic name, Hiort. So when did it all begin? The St Kilda archipelago, Apparently there is no record of a saint named Kilda, rising to 1397 feet above sea level at its highest so how did this archipelago of four islands and point, is evidence of volcanic activity going back several sea stacks get its name? Not surprisingly over 60 million years, similar to the formation of there are a number of views - cartographers changing islands such as Tristan da Cunha and St Helena in names down the years is one and a similarity to a word the South Atlantic, located on the mid-Atlantic ridge describing the shape of a shield is another. However, which extends to the Faroe Islands and areas further I prefer a more likely explanation that is derived north towards Iceland and Spitzbergen. There are from a Danish term for a source of fresh water. still varying degrees of activity along this ridge and adjacent hotspots. The Icelandic ash cloud is very There are, to this day, a number of fresh water fresh in our memories and this year marks the 50th sources on the main island and this would have anniversary of the Tristan da Cunha volcano eruption been known and valued by early seafarers making that resulted in the entire population of the world’s their journey south. Furthermore, the requirement most remote island being evacuated, first of all to

Looking over Village Bay from the side of Conachair, St Kilda’s highest hill, rising over 400 metres. The military base can be seen to the left of the settlement.

 Environmental Health Scotland

South Africa and then to the south of England However, within 30 years all was to change again where they spent two years before returning to their when the dual purpose houses would be given up home island in 1963. Emergency planning takes for 16 more modern houses. The new houses were on a different meaning in places like Tristan from bigger, comprising three rooms and thatch roofing the point of view of access and communications. was replaced, initially by corrugated iron that was However volcanoes do not feature in the Western eventually replaced by tarred felt. This was at a time Isles Emergency Plan on the assumption that the when a large proportion of the Hebridean population St Kilda volcano is now well and truly extinct. was living in much poorer housing conditions. Indeed Over the years, researchers have tried to establish in Ben Buxton’s book on the history of the island of the history of human occupation on St Kilda. Mingulay (often referred to as a ‘miniature St Kilda’) Archaeologists have discovered evidence of we read that, as late as 1893 ‘the County Sanitary Neolithic and Bronze Age activity but the clearest Department issued all households in Uist and Barra evidence of early man-made structures is in the district with a written notice instructing them to underground dwellings that point to the Iron remove offensive middens, ashpits and dungheaps Age period. There is also evidence of early Christian at least twenty yards from houses and wells and to churches and a Viking period evident from the names provide separate accommodation for cattle.’ So, from given to some of the smaller islands surrounding this point of view, the St Kildans’ standard of housing the larger island of Hirta. may have been slightly ahead of its time. The structures we see today on the ‘Main Street’ on Nevertheless, there were some significant health issues St Kilda are a mix of early and mid-19th century affecting life on St Kilda. They experienced a major dwellings. smallpox outbreak early in the 18th century. For many years through the 19th century, numerous babies Prior to the organisation of the island village into born on the island died within ten days of birth. The 16 separate holdings, the very basic stone and cause was attributed to neonatal tetanus and records thatch dwellings were built very close to each other for the 60 year period between 1830 and 1891 show in clusters. Then, around 1830 there was a move that 92 out of 160 babies born died in the first few to spread people out and to allocate each of the weeks of life. Other ailments such as rheumatism and 16 families a piece of ground on which they could dyspepsia were common and there was little have their own dwelling. At that time, families resistance to the common cold and flu, and it was not and their livestock were housed under the one roof. uncommon to have an outbreak following contact with visiting ships. Even some St Kildans who made the decision to emigrate to Australia in 1852 did not escape the fate of infection to which they had no resistance and only half of the emigrants survived the journey. The intention had been for more St Kildans to follow them but the plans changed when the fate of the original group became known. Following the First World War, a number of St Kildans made the decision to leave for the mainland and over the next ten years it became clear that the remaining population of mainly elderly islanders would not be able to carry on life in such a remote location. Finally the decision was made to evacuate St Kilda and, with government help, the islanders moved to the mainland on 29 August 1930. For 25 years or so following the evacuation, St Kilda was privately owned by the Marquis of Bute who visited the islands for short holidays accompanied This building is known as the Feather Store. by his ornithologist friends. In the foreground are some of the Soay sheep found on the island.

 Environmental Health Scotland

View of Stac an Armin, rising over 190 metres above sea level.

The Marquis of Bute bequeathed St Kilda to The St Kilda archipelago is the UK’s only the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) who remain Dual World Heritage Site (designated by UNESCO owners to this day. Part of the main island is for its Natural and Cultural Heritage significance). leased to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for I represent our local authority (Comhairle nan operations connected with their missile testing range Eilean Siar) on the St Kilda Management Group on South Uist. along with representatives from other stakeholder So, today the role of the Environmental Health groups including the MoD, Historic Scotland, NTS Officer on St Kilda extends to working with the and Scottish Natural Heritage. Currently we are MoD and NTS on matters concerning the health and involved in pulling together the final stages of the wellbeing of their staff working on the island. second five-year Management Plan for St Kilda as required by UNESCO. A core unit of about 15 staff work on the MoD base throughout the year and this number usually increases That is but a snapshot of St Kilda from its origins during the summer months when additional personnel to the present day but you can explore further by are engaged in maintenance work. reading any of the 750 or so books written about the archipelago over the last 300 years. NTS employees and volunteers are seasonal workers, normally on the island from April to September each There is a lot of information on the NTS website at year. In addition there are the summer visitors who www.kilda.org.uk and if you would like to visit the arrive by various modes of transport ranging from islands some day to experience ‘The Island at the Edge small yachts to medium-sized cruise liners. of the World’ for yourself, a number of boat operators offer day trips from Lewis, Harris and Uist during the All food preparation and catering facilities on summer months. the base and in the NTS properties are routinely inspected and the water supply is included in the References local authority’s Private Water Supplies Sampling References are available on request. Programme. The authority also works closely with both organisations regarding the disposal of Photographs courtesy of Allan MacDonald. waste as it is not permitted to dispose of any waste on the island.

 Environmental Health Scotland

Report on the Activities of THE SCOTTISH FOOD ENFORCEMENT LIAISON COMMITTEE by Colin Wallace, Member of the REHIS Council with responsibility for food safety and food standards matters

Following a successful national workshop attended The Working Group acknowledged that there by representatives of local authorities and the will be many local authorities with existing internal Food Standards Agency at the end of 2009, which policies and procedures which will assist it in resulted in the establishment of several priorities achieving its aims and accordingly all liaison groups to build on the strengths of the current food are being asked to forward information. enforcement model, the Scottish Food Enforcement SFELC has also been involved in the update of Liaison Committee (SFELC) agreed to set up a a document jointly produced with REHIS and Resources Working Group to consider the issue of the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental enforcement resources, competency of officers and Health in Scotland (SoCOEHS) entitled Food Law training methodology. Its remit was to consider current Enforcement in Scotland. This is perhaps a difficulties, suggest improvements, guidance and timely piece of work in light of the proposed Food good practice. Standards Agency’s review on the Delivery of After considerable deliberation the Group Official Controls. produced a comprehensive Food Law Enforcement At the last meeting the committee noted that Service Matrix designed to assist enforcement SFELC, REHIS and SoCOEHS had been involved officers and senior officials within local authorities. in pre-announcement discussions with FSA Chief The matrix covers relevant activities and details Executive, Tim Smith, in relation to the proposed minimum qualifications, expected outcomes, review on the Delivery of Official Controls. evidence of competency and additional training considerations. The meeting also received an update from a Scottish Government representative on the National The approved guidance has since been circulated Food and Drink Policy. for use to all local authorities. The Food Standards Agency reported that it had: The next major priority area being tackled by the Resources Working Group is effective food sampling • updated the committee on the details for the which will result in guidance for local authorities. A proposed Food Safety Week 2011, the theme working draft has already been produced covering: of which will be the promotion of hygiene in the home • legislative background • provided details on the Agency’s Co-ordinated • sampling as an enforcement tool Sampling Programme 2011/12 in relation to • sampling in the wider public policy agenda risk-based sampling of food and feed • sampling in Scotland • delivered a presentation on food contact materials covering: • trends in sampling • an overview of legislative framework • budgetary considerations • main business objectives • future risk-based sampling. • enforcement licence

This work will link well with the Scottish • current and future issues. Government’s Recipe for Success and will redefine With regard to the Food Hygiene Information the rationale behind the need for sampling. It is the Scheme, the committee heard that out of the 32 local Working Group’s intention to develop and widen authorities in Scotland 17 have successfully launched the scope of the draft by producing algorithms a scheme. linked to guidance in relation to the management and Issues raised at audit by local authorities were also operational delivery of effective sampling. discussed and noted.

 Environmental Health Scotland

THE CROFTON AWARD 2010 - Best newcomer: Golspie youth action project

A Golspie youth group has won a £500 award in a with prize money of £1,500 shared between national anti-smoking competition, ‘The Crofton two groups - £1,000 for the Crofton Award and £500 Award for Best Newcomer’. for the Crofton Award Best Newcomer. The Crofton Golspie Youth Action Project (GYAP) submitted Award for Best Newcomer recognises that groups the winning entry for the Crofton Award 2010 Best may have just become involved, or would like to get Newcomer category. Their entry was based on a involved, in reducing the harm caused by smoking in proposal to make an animated film highlighting the their area. dangers of smoking, for showing at schools and youth Smoking continues to kill 13,500 people in Scotland clubs. every year, and young people have long been a The Crofton Award, which recognises the contribution target for the tobacco industry in its desire to recruit of Sir John Crofton and Lady Eileen Crofton to new smokers to replace those who quit or die. tobacco control in Scotland, was launched by However, many young people today work together to REHIS in partnership with Action on Smoking and challenge the might of the industry, and through their Health (ASH) Scotland for the first time in 2009, to enthusiasm, commitment, and ability to relate to recognise the contributions young people in Scotland and communicate with their peers often achieve make towards reducing the harm caused by tobacco. results other organisations cannot. The Crofton Award is the only award that The award was presented to the winners by recognises the achievements of young people Alistair Thomson, The Highland Council’s Head of in reducing tobacco and smoking-related Environmental Health and Trading Standards and harm in Scotland. This unique award contributes REHIS President, and Councillor Jim McGillivray towards the development of new ideas and at a recent Highland Council, East Sutherland and innovation by and for young people themselves Edderton Ward Forum meeting.

From left to right: Roxana Meechan (Youth Development Officer for Golspie ILC), Claire Sutherland (GYAP and Highland Council Young Volunteer Youth Worker), Tracey Campbell (GYAP Youth Worker), Sasha Campbell (GYAP member), Councillor Jim McGillivray, Amy Murray (GYAP member), Kirsty Sutherland (GYAP member) and Alistair Thomson.

 Environmental Health Scotland

CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF AUDIT IN THE NATIONAL HAND HYGIENE CAMPAIGN FOR SCOTLAND by Brian Auld, Associate Inspector, Healthcare Environment Inspectorate

Introduction events, and co-ordinate the national campaign at local Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a serious level. Health Protection Scotland (HPS) has led the condition that can have a serious impact on patient development and implementation of the hand hygiene care including extended stays in hospital, long-term campaign. Full information regarding the SGHD disability, resistance to antimicrobials and mortality. National Hand Hygiene Campaign can be found at The economic impact of HAIs for the National www.washyourhandsofthem.com. Health Service (NHS) in Scotland is estimated to be The role of audit in the National Hand Hygiene £183 million per year. However, it is thought that Campaign the vast majority of HAIs in Scotland can be Audit is the process of reviewing practices in line prevented and, if diagnosed and treated early, patients with pre-determined standards. Audit also facilitates can make a full recovery. changes to practice to ensure that the pre-determined In 2003, the Scottish Government Health standards are being met via a system or re-audit Department (SGHD) - then the Scottish Executive (NICE 2002). Both HPS and the LHBC play a pivotal - established the Healthcare Associated Infection role in the audit process with the LHBC carrying Task Force (HAITF). The primary function of out the hand hygiene audits and HPS collating the the multidisciplinary HAITF is to spearhead data and publishing reports on behalf of the SGHD improvements in healthcare infection control policy, (HPS 2009). HPS was originally tasked with procedures and practices and is responsible for producing quarterly compliance reports, however a number of high profile programmes including from January 2009 this was increased to bi-monthly national antimicrobial prescribing policy, hygiene and (CEL 5 (2009)). cleanliness standards and HAI surveillance systems HPS has produced substantial guidance for which (SGHD 2008). all LHBC must have due regard when carrying One of the principal prevention and protection out hand hygiene audits (HPS 2009). Each NHS methods against HAIs in clinical settings is effective board must complete 15 hand hygiene audits hand hygiene practices (HPS 2010, Lepelletier et al during each audit period (four pre-2009, six post- 2009). The aim of this report is to critically evaluate 2009), and each audit consists of observing 20 the audit aspect of the Scottish Government’s hand opportunities for hand hygiene. The term hygiene campaign called ‘Wash your hands of them’ ‘opportunity’ relates to one or more hand hygiene and through literature review, investigate factors activities associated with the WHO five moments of which may impact on the success of this campaign hand hygiene: (1) before touching a patient; (2) before namely behaviour and organisational influences. a clean/aseptic task; (3) after body fluid exposure risk; (4) after touching a patient; and (5) after touching Background to the National Hand Hygiene patient surroundings (WHO 2009). The opportunity Campaign can also mean washing hands with soap and The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the water or decontaminating hands with alcohol-based global patient safety challenge ‘Clean Care is Safe Care’ gel (HPS 2009). The audit tool allows the auditor in 2005 which includes good hand hygiene practice to assess compliance against hand hygiene as a major control of HAIs (WHO 2010). In 2006, opportunity and technique (see diagram 1), but only the SGHD announced the formation of the National compliance with opportunity is presented at national Hand Hygiene Campaign for Scotland (CNO (2006) level and published by HPS. 1) which implements the key principles of the WHO programme. This multimodal campaign was formally HPS has stipulated targets for auditing hand hygiene implemented in January 2007 and consisted of a compliance per staff group where 50% of the public media campaign, awareness-raising campaign opportunities observed should be from nurses and for NHS staff and members of the public, and the 15%, 20% and 15% from medical, allied health introduction of Local Health Board Co-ordinators professionals (AHPs) and ancillary staff respectively (LHBC). The role of the LHBC is to undertake hand (HPS 2009). Similarly, an NHS board target for hygiene audits within their NHS board, develop and hand hygiene compliance has been set at 90% by the implement hand hygiene awareness and training SGHD (CNO (2006) 1).

10 Environmental Health Scotland

How to hand rub? How to handwash? with alcohol based hand rub with soap and water 1 1

8 9 10 Apply a palmful of the product Wet hands with water and apply

in aApply cupped a palmful ofhand the product and cover enough soap to cover in a cupped hand all and surfaces cover all surfaces all hand surfaces

Dry thoroughly Use elbow to 2 3 4 Rinse hands with water with towel turn off tap

8 Steps 2-7 should 11 Steps 2-7 should take at least 15 Rub hands palm Right palm over the back of Palm to palm with take at least 15 seconds to palm the other hand with interlaced fingers interlaced seconds fingers and vice versa 5 6 7

and your hands are safe and your hands are safe Rotational rubbing, Backs of fingers to Rotational rubbing of left backwards and forwards opposing palms with thumb clasped in right with clasped fingers of fingers interlocked palm and vice versa right hand in left palm and Source: World Health Organisation vice versa

Diagram 1. (Source: HPS (2008)).

Results for National Hand Hygiene Campaign

Table 1. (Source: HPS (2008); HPS (2009b); HPS (2009c); HPS (2010b); HPS (2010c)).

Since 2007, HPS has published 14 hand hygiene compliance rate. It is clear that there has been a audit reports. Table 1 presents the collective rates sharp increase in hand hygiene compliance between for hand hygiene compliance rates for both medical the first and fifth audit report (68% to 90% compliance). and nursing staff as well as the mean national Nurse compliance rates have been sustained above

11 Environmental Health Scotland the target compliance rate of 90% since August 2008. technique and hand coverage using alcohol-based Medical staff hand hygiene compliance rates have gel. This study highlights that, unless responsible improved slowly between the first and fourteenth application of alcohol gel is encouraged, then areas audit report and only reached the target hand hygiene likely to remain untreated include the palm of the compliance rate of 90% in March/April 2010. hand, dorsal side and back of the hand. This may The national compliance rate for hand hygiene has have a significant impact on the prevention and control been sustained above 90% since November 2008. of infections in the clinical environment. Critical appraisal of hand hygiene audit Behavioural factors associated with hand hygiene Since the introduction of the National Hand Hygiene compliance Campaign in 2007, significant progress has been Several studies have been carried out to identify made to improve compliance rates for clinical behavioural factors associated with hand hygiene staff in Scotland. One key aspect of the audit compliance. These studies tend to entertain the process is that HPS only reports on opportunity for philosophies of the biomedical model, operant hand hygiene and not the technique (HPS 2009a). behaviour, social learning, communication theory and Individual NHS boards should have developed the theory of reasoned action (Creedon 2006, Nutbeam independent policies for effective hand hygiene, and Harris 2007). However, the theory of planned including technique; however the national audit behaviour offers a multifaceted framework to analyse does not inform compliance with these policies. the key factors which influence a person’s decision A number of studies have investigated the to exercise a particular behaviour. effectiveness of hand hygiene techniques associated The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) relies on the with hand decontamination. Hautemakier et al (2010) principle that the intention to perform a particular investigated hand decontamination techniques of behaviour can be predicted based upon individuals’ medical and non-clinical staff (n = 3,067) and found, beliefs, intention, behaviour and attitude. A study through the addition of fluorescent dye in alcoholic hand by Ajzen (1991) provides a good synopsis to this gel, that wearing a ring (other than a wedding ring) was theory and examples of how it has been applied to a significant risk factor (OR 2.51) in non-effective hand various situations. The principal school of thought is hygiene technique. Additional risk factors identified in that, for an individual to perform a particular this study include: wearing a bracelet (OR 3.34); watch behaviour, then the individual must be motivated (have (OR 2.64) and wearing long sleeves (OR 1.11). The final intention) and have the ability (behavioural control) point of wearing long sleeves has been strongly contested to perform that behaviour. However, an individual’s by the medical profession as a risk factor in HAIs. intention to perform a particular behaviour is influenced For example, Wills-Owen et al (2010) investigated by three independent factors; namely: attitude (a the link between bare below the elbow and hand person will have a positive or negative opinion on decontamination. This involved sampling the the benefits of performing the behaviour); subjective fingertips of 92 doctors (n = 49 sleeveless, n=43 norms (sociological influence perceived by the sleeved) directly onto agar plates and assessed individual to or not to perform the behaviour); and accordingly by level of colony forming units (cfu) as perceived behavioural control (how easy or difficult light contamination (<10 cfu); medium contamination an individual evaluates the behaviour to perform). (10-20 cfu) and heavy contamination (>20 cfu). Therefore, by combining perceived behaviour control This study found that only 2% of each sample with behaviour intention, then the likelihood of that group had low contamination compared with particular behaviour occurring can be determined. 76.5% (n = 75) and 76.7% (n = 66) in the A number of studies have used the TPB framework to sleeveless and sleeved group respectively. identify factors that are likely to affect an individual’s The authors correctly state there was not correlation performance in hand hygiene practices in the clinical between contamination and whether sleeves were environment. Boyle at al (2001) and Jenner et al worn or not, but this study does question (2006) both compared the level of observed hand general hand hygiene practices in medical staff. hygiene practised and self-reported levels of hand The Wills-Owen et al study also only sampled from hygiene compliance in intensive care units (ICUs) doctors’ fingertips and not the entire hand which and medical/surgical wards respectively. However, is also more likely to make contact with patients where Jenner et al (2006) found that self-reporting and the environment. Kampf et al (2008) behaviour correlated highly with intention (r = 0.64 studied the influence of hand decontamination p < 0.001), Boyle et al found the correlation between

12 Environmental Health Scotland self-reporting (intention) and observed hand hygiene continually and 34% intermittently due to patient practices low (r = 0.22). Both studies did indicate care demands. Hussain et al relied on study that the study participants’ attitudes and motivational participants notifying the observers that they were factors were significant predictors for hand hygiene about to perform a hand hygiene practice so that the compliance as well as individual perceived behavioural procedure can be filmed. A number of other factors control. Jenner et al (2006) found that subjective have also been identified which may impact on the norms did not affect hand hygiene practices where findings of these key studies. For example, neither Boyle et al found a general positive correlation to study described/examined current nor historical all TPB motivational factors, however, the statistical infection control data in the wards/units studied. analysis for this observation is not provided. A study Similarly although patient capacity of each ward/unit by Jenner et al (2002) added one additional factor to was routinely provided, actual operational capacity the TPB model relating to personal responsibility. for the observational periods of each study was not This concerns individuals’ moral and ethical provided. Jenner et al (2006) stated that all new perspectives to hand hygiene performance. staff employed in each of the sample wards/units did This study confirmed the key findings from the Boyle receive hand hygiene training from the infection et al and Jenner et al (2006) that participants’ attitudes control team during induction, but current training are a key predictor of intention alongside personal and education for study participants was not assessed responsibility. However, Jenner et al (2002) found during the study period. These could be confounding that social norms and perceived behavioural control factors in the results obtained and conclusions were factors that could not be used to predict positive drawn. hand hygiene behaviour. Boyle et al studied one Only two of the studies aforementioned involved both additional factor than Jenner et al (2006) and Jenner medical and nursing staff as part of the study group. et al (2002) relating to operational activity on the Jenner et al (2006) study group (n = 77) involved sample units. Boyle et al found that the work intensity nurses, therapists, doctors and healthcare assistants; on the sample ward had a negative impact on hand however the authors have not classified this group hygiene compliance (r = -0.32). This key finding into occupational groups in the published results. has however been contradicted by a similar study The authors of this study stated that this collective by Hussain et al (2009) who compared the levels of group performed a hand hygiene activity 14% of the self-reported hand hygiene compliance and observed time before wound care and 86% after. However, hand hygiene compliance in two medical/surgical the raw data presented in the published literature wards and two ICUs. This study found that the classifies this activity as ‘wound management’ and nurse-to-patient ration in ICUs (1:2) compared to not wound care with hand hygiene activity performed medical/surgical wards (1:7) had a direct negative only 72% after this activity. Jenner et al (2006) found impact on hand hygiene compliance only before that nurses performed hand hygiene activities 20.4% patient contact. of the time before patient care compared to 60.1% What these studies do indicate is that there is a after patient care and doctors performed 8.1% and psychological and a social paradigm associated with 51.4% respectively. This study also provides hand hygiene behaviour in the clinical environment. an interesting insight of how healthcare workers However, where Jenner et al (2002) provides a good assess risk when dealing with MRSA positive synopsis of the question set used in the study; Boyle patients. Although the authors do not state how et al, Jenner et al (2006) and Hussain et al (2009) many patients were MRSA positive during the do not, and very little information of significance study period or who provided the care, only 16% of is provided if any. This will impact on the validity the study population (n = 27 for this aspect of the of the study outcomes. Similarly, study sample study) had undertaken a hand hygiene activity before recruitment and size does vary in each study, for and after patient contact. It is not stated if example: Jenner et al (2006) studied 71 healthcare these patients were in isolation or cohort nursed. workers (HCW) consisting of doctors and nurses Jenner et al (2002) studied a cohort of professionals where Boyle at al and Hussain et al studied 120 and (n = 104) where nurses (n = 76) and doctors (n = 3) 100 nursing staff respectively but the recruitment were represented in the sample. Again, the results process for each is unknown. The observational are not broken down into professional groups programme for each study also varied with Boyle et therefore a comparison cannot be drawn between al observing 66% of the study participants (n = 120) professional attitudes and behaviour.

13 Environmental Health Scotland

Organisational culture and hand hygiene the SGHD announced a zero tolerance approach to The TPB framework has also been used to non-compliance of hand hygiene practices in 2009 identify organisational factors that can affect (CEL 5 (2009)). This policy requires all NHS boards to individual behaviours towards hand hygiene activities. develop local policies that ensure non-compliance with Nicol et al (2009) studied infection prevention hand hygiene practices will be dealt with via governance practices, social, environmental and organisational and performance management arrangements. influences on hand hygiene performance of This effectively means that non-compliance may lead healthcare workers (n = 46) with a view to identifying to disciplinary action. areas for improvement. Creedon et al (2008) studied Conclusion ICUs, accident and emergency departments and The effects of multimodal hand hygiene programmes either dialysis or oncology departments in four is well documented and are regarded as being different hospitals to determine any thematic factors the best methods to engage with a wider audience and for non-compliance of hand hygiene practices. Both yield better results (Sax et al (2009)). The programme Creedon et al and Nicol et al used observational has attempted to address key factors in improving study and interviews as the method for their study. hand hygiene compliance such as behaviour and Forrester et al (2010) conducted focus groups (n = organisational culture through education, support and 12, 49 participants) and Yuan et al (2009) conducted policy. However the true impact will be difficult to interviews (n = 25) with healthcare workers to determine since infection prevention control is very determine factors which may affect hand much multifaceted. hygiene compliance in the clinical environment. Whilst the programme has yielded substantial Both Forrester et al and Yuan et al found that staff improvement with hand hygiene compliance on a perceived organisation commitment to hand hygiene national level, compliance amongst medical staff from senior management including policy and has taken a considerable period of time to reach the availability of resources as key factors to improve required standard. The significant improvement seen and sustain hand hygiene practices. Neither study within this group between January 2009 and May distinguished between opinions from professional 2010 may be influenced by the national zero tolerance groups. Forrester et al found that time and policy on hand hygiene compliance. One area not work constraints were two additional factors that addressed is that of observational bias. Although impact on hand hygiene compliance and these factors HPS 2009a has included guidance to try and reduce conform to the key findings of Boyle et al (2001). bias, if a hospital is under pressure to improve The Nicol et al study group consisted of nurses performance, for example during an outbreak, then (n = 11), doctors (n = 4), a physiotherapist this may add additional stress to the observer to and a phlebotomist and each participated in a ensure optimum compliance. Additionally since it is semi-structured interview and were observed the role of the LHBC to conduct hand hygiene audits, during their normal working day in the clinical their presence in the clinical environment may confound environment. The study found that the education and audit results further as they will become known to training provided by their employer had a profound different staff groups and associate their presence affect on hand hygiene compliance. However, the with hand hygiene assessments. The sampling quotas most impact on hand hygiene was the part of role stipulated by HPS may also skew the overall national models including senior staff. But the interpretation compliance rates as the majority of hand hygiene of local and national policy and the management observations are by nursing staff which is the group structure in place did not support improvements in hand with the highest professional compliance rate. hygiene compliance. Once again, time was identified as a major hand hygiene compliance factor. The study It is clear from the evidence discussed that hand hygiene by Creedon (2008) found that organisational factors compliance is very much associated with individual including behaviour and culture were an influential behaviour which is influenced by social factors and factor in one hospital’s high non-compliance rate with perceived individual responsibility and control. hand hygiene (44%) although the authors stop short The importance of organisational support is of elaborating on such factors. equally as important to drive forward improvements in hand hygiene compliance. The implementation of local and national policy will have a direct or indirect impact on actual or References perceived hand hygiene performance. For example, References are available on request.

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examinations and professional standards committee by Rod House, Chairman

BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree course at MSc Environmental Health degree course (by the University of Strathclyde distance learning), University of Derby The committee’s current area of concern is the provision This course has also been subject to re-accreditation of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree course and found to be satisfactory in the provision of the at the University of Strathclyde. course. Following a re-accreditation meeting with representatives Practical training programme of the University of Strathclyde on 30 November REHIS currently has 39 students taking practical 2010, REHIS representatives were of the view that training with 20 local authorities. This position in the re-accreditation submission did not embrace relation to the number of local authorities being able public health as the guiding principle of environmental to provide training places either end-on or during health across all subject areas of the course in a the university holidays is unlikely to increase and is cohesive manner. In one specific topic area it was more likely to reduce as the cuts in public service are established that the university no longer intended to applied in the coming years. The committee therefore contract the University of Glasgow to deliver the Meat plans to review the current arrangements and invite Hygiene and Inspection module and it proposed that the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental this module would be delivered in-house. Without Health in Scotland to work in partnership to agree going into detail, REHIS was of the view that the a future approach, which will hopefully be proposal to provide this topic area in-house fell well more flexible and attractive to local authorities, below the standards expected, and was of the view that while providing students with the required level of students would not acquire the appropriate standard practical training needed to present themselves for of underpinning knowledge required. Professional Interview. Following due consideration of this review by the Proposed response committee, the Director of Professional Development Following the Council meeting in December the wrote to the University of Strathclyde intimating new membership of the Examinations and that accreditation of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Professional Standards Committee was agreed. Health degree course was suspended with immediate However, as the challenges facing the committee over effect until such time as the Meat Hygiene and the coming year are considerable, as Chairman I felt Inspection module is resolved to the satisfaction of we had to move things forward in a more structured REHIS. This action was approved at the REHIS manner. I have, therefore, formed a small working Council meeting in December. group to work with myself and the Director of MSc Environmental Health degree course at the Professional Development between programmed University of Strathclyde committee meetings and hopefully the working In addition to the above, the re-accreditation of group will bring forward recommendations to the the MSc in Environmental Health also resulted in committee and the REHIS Council on proposals concerns being found over the standard of the course which will address the current issues within our being offered to students. During the review it was undergraduate education and training programme established that the Acoustics and Meat Hygiene and our practical training programme. Inspection modules are elective subjects in the MSc Environmental Health degree course. It was also established that the university had unilaterally relaxed entry requirements to the MSc course to REHIS welcomes the submission a level unacceptable to REHIS. Similarly, the of articles for publication in Director of Professional Development wrote to the university intimating that accreditation of the MSc Environmental Health Scotland. Environmental Health degree course was suspended Submissions of research-based with immediate effect until these matters are resolved to the satisfaction of REHIS. articles are especially welcome.

15 Environmental Health Scotland

Private Water Supplies - The Challenges by Dr Colette Robertson-Kellie, Regulation Manager, Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland

Introduction Private water supplies serve approximately 3% of The 2006 Regulations require local authorities Scotland’s population, as well as many thousands to send data returns to the DWQR no later than 31 of people who use them occasionally, for example March each year in a format specified by Scottish in holiday let accommodation. Many private water Ministers. In the 2008 annual report, the DWQR supplies are well-managed, but the quality of some was able to analyse this data to assess the quality of can give cause for concern. Of particular note is the supplies across Scotland and, in 2009, there was a microbiological quality of private water supplies. significant increase in the quantity of data supplied, For example, in 2009, 0.13% of samples taken from reflecting the amount of ongoing work being done by consumers’ taps on the public supply contained Environmental Health on private water supplies. E.coli, which is used as an indicator for faecal However, it was found that there were significant contamination. In contrast, 22.53% of samples from problems with some of the data’s quality and many consumers’ taps supplied by private water supplies data returns were very late, leading to a late publication contained E.coli. of the DWQR’s annual report. As a result, there were It is clear that to deliver real and lasting improvements considerable frustrations from both the DWQR and to private water supplies, we face considerable many local authorities that the DWQR’s report could challenges. Many owners and users of private water not adequately reflect the amount and quality of work supplies remain sceptical of the need for ‘interference’ carried out by Environmental Health teams across with their supplies, with many arguing that they have Scotland on private water supplies. Additionally, despite drunk the water for years without being ill. However, grants being spent to improve supplies, and despite the risk to health remains, and there are many Environmental Health teams seeing improvements to examples of cases of outbreaks of illness where the many supplies, the water quality data has not allowed contamination of private water supplies has either been the DWQR to quantify these improvements. confirmed or suspected as the cause of the outbreak. How can the data problems be resolved? The role of Environmental Health teams • Please send in your data return no later than 31 The quality of private water supplies is regulated using March each year. If you are having difficulties The Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations with it, please let us know as soon as possible 2006 (‘the 2006 Regulations’), and local authorities’ • Please ensure that your data return is in the Environmental Health teams have a key role. correct format; the template and guidance on For example, they have a duty to enforce the 2006 filling it in can be found at: http://www.dwqr.org. Regulations, carry out risk assessments, sample uk/technical/information-letters/privatesupplies. supplies, carry out administration of the private htm water supplies grants scheme, and report data to the • If you’re unsure of what to do - please get in touch Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR). - we’re there to support you! The role of the DWQR Ongoing support The role of the DWQR was created in The Water The DWQR remains committed to supporting Industry (Scotland) Act 2002, which places a number Environmental Health teams in their work on private of statutory duties on the person appointed to the role. water supplies and are currently meeting with The general duties imposed on the DWQR are: Environmental Health teams across the country to • to ensure that Scottish Water complies with its discuss any issues that you might be having with drinking water quality duties private water supplies. We will be participating in • to supervise the drinking water quality duties that the REHIS Conference this year, and are happy to local authorities are responsible for enforcing. contribute to future training events as required. Each year, the DWQR is required to produce an annual report on water quality, and published reports can be found on the DWQR’s website: http://www.dwqr.org.uk/technical/annual-report.

16 Environmental Health Scotland

Scottish Pollution Control Co-ordinating Committee by Drew Hall, Member of the REHIS Council with responsibility for pollution control matters

The last meeting of the Scottish Pollution Control attributable to the ceramic filter. The reduction in Co-ordinating Committee held in Glasgow on 18 temperature and velocity of the emission plume will January was well attended. All the Local Pollution reduce the expected NOx dispersion and could lead

Liaison Groups were represented as were the Scottish to issues if the surrounding area was near the NO2 Government, the Scottish Environment Protection objective level. Agency, Health Protection Scotland and EPUK. Contaminated land A variety of interesting topics were presented Francis Brewis, from the Scottish Government, including the reduction in staffing levels seriously in a written report stated that it was the Scottish impacting on the anti social noise service for some Government’s intention to issue a consultation report councils, noise mapping, policy developments proposing changes to the statutory guidance in Scotland within councils to deal with small scale windfarms, at present, and anticipated that consultation would Local Air Quality Management area updates, and be circulated by Spring 2011. There are no plans to noise issues arising from the new Forth River change the legislation. Crossing which are to be managed through a Noise There was much discussion on appropriate standards Management Group. There follows a summary for ground water particularly TPH (total petroleum of the discussion/reports by subject. hydrocarbons). World Health Organisation guidelines Noise are commonly used, however, the Scottish Environment The main discussion point was anti social behaviour Protection Agency considers that these values noise and the ramifications for councils if they can diverge too much from the Ground Water Directive. no longer support a noise service due to savings. It was agreed that this would be subject to further Andrew Taylor, from the Scottish Government, discussion. agreed to make enquires and report back. Michelle Reid, from Health Protection Scotland, He has since reported that if a local authority runs a confirmed that local authorities should approach their noise nuisance scheme under the Anti Social public health consultant for guidance on contaminate Behaviour Act 2004, they need by resolution levels that may constitute unacceptable risk to human to let relevant people know what hours during health. the week that they are running the service. If the period during the week when the service is Other matters being run is changed the resolution should be amended Angus Hogg reported on a noise nuisance appeal. and relevant people must be told. The appeal was due to be heard in court but had been withdrawn. British Waterways had created a Air quality feature by cascading water over the canal lock gates Andrew Taylor reported that funding for air in the Muirtown Basin in Inverness. The waters quality work for 2011/12 will be available but the were lit at night and complaints were received from amount has been reduced. Local authorities will occupants of neighbouring properties. The noise be contacted soon to seek applications. Air quality levels inside the properties were recorded in the mid assessment reports are due at the end of April 2011. to upper 40s(dBA) and British Waterways have now He also confirmed that the Scottish Government agreed to revert to regulating the flow of water using has no plans to introduce PM10 objective standards the lock gates. for Scotland. It is worthy of note that this was the last meeting to Iris Coghill reported on an operational assessment of be chaired by David Paris and the Secretary presented emissions from a biomass boiler at City of Dundee him with a small gift to acknowledge his many years Council’s HQ. The results varied significantly of valuable contribution to the work of the Working from the Clean Air Act exemption assessment. Group. The introduction of a ceramic filter reduced the expected PM10 levels by 85%. The NOx levels were 7% higher than expected. The flue gas velocity and The Scottish Pollution Control Co-ordinating temperature was lower than expected; this may be Committee is a REHIS Working Group.

17 Environmental Health Scotland

Healthcare Environment Inspectorate - annual report by Kevin Freeman, Regional Inspector, Healthcare Environment Inspectorate

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has cases HEI found good evidence to indicate that good published its first annual report consolidating the infection practices were in place and hospitals have findings of the first year of inspecting acute hospitals an infection control manual which contains relevant across Scotland to ensure that they are safe and clean policies and procedures for staff to follow. for patients. Overall, the Inspectorate found: HEI was established in 2009 to undertake rigorous • most hospitals inspected are generally clean inspections of every acute hospital in Scotland to help reduce the risk to patients of healthcare • good infection prevention and control practices associated infections (HAIs). HEI undertakes both are in place announced and unannounced inspections of hospitals, • good evidence that infection control, hygiene and the aim of which are to establish if NHS board cleanliness are examined and discussed at board policies and practices in hospitals are in line with the meetings and committees NHS Quality Improvement Scotland HAI standards. • all hospitals meet the requirements of mandatory In the first year HEI carried out 36 inspections in surveillance, and carry out hygiene and ward 29 acute hospitals in all 14 NHS boards across environmental audits Scotland. When the inspection identified significant issues that needed to be addressed, HEI returned to • all the hospitals we inspected have an NHS hospitals to carry out further inspections to ensure that boardwide infection control manual which has a progress was being made. Overall, HEI issued 172 range of policies and procedures for all staff to requirements to acute hospitals and made 168 follow recommendations between September 2009 and • all the hospitals we inspected had policies and September 2010. procedures for using antibiotics correctly Inspection process • every NHS board has a set of up-to-date HAI There are a number of stages within the HEI inspection information for patients and the public process, which will be familiar to many: • NHS boards are actively involving members of Self Assessment - Examination of the information the public in infection prevention and control provided by the NHS board to assess risk and to activities ensure the decisions regarding where and when to • NHS boards have ensured all staff, on starting inspect are appropriately informed. work with the hospital, have induction training, Inspection - The physical inspection of wards and which includes infection control. departments to ensure the NHS boards are meeting Action in response to HEI reports shows that staff the NHS QIS HAI standards. Interview patients and across NHS Scotland are taking the findings from staff, and hold group meetings with senior NHS board the reports seriously and making improvement. staff. This is demonstrated by the following evidence we Reporting - The publishing of reports for patients and found during inspections: the public based on what we find during inspections. • standards of cleanliness are improving NHS staff can use our reports to find out what other hospitals do well and use this information to help • every NHS board has an improvement action plan make improvements. which sets out their commitment to act to reduce the risk of infections Main findings The HEI Chief Inspector’s annual report discusses • staff training in infection control is improving the main findings from the first year of inspection and more frequent activity, both good and bad, and makes a • senior charge nurses in wards and departments are number of recommendations for improvement. focusing on the issues highlighted at inspections The report states that most of the hospitals inspected and are working closely with domestic, estates and were clean and over the year the standard of infection control teams to make improvements. cleanliness was improving. Also in the majority of

18 Environmental Health Scotland

Areas for improvement use of improvement methods to drive continuous The report discusses in detail the main areas for improvement in reducing avoidable HAIs. improvement, in relation to HAI and infection 5. Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group should prevention and control, for the NHS across Scotland. continue to support NHS boards to implement good Most of these areas for improvement will need to antibiotic practice and education. be addressed by territorial NHS boards that are 6. Scottish Government should review its guidance to responsible for the delivery of healthcare, but there are ensure that it clearly sets out the role, responsibilities some which are directed at the national NHS boards and accountability arrangements for infection control who provide specialist advice and support to the managers and senior charge nurses. NHS in Scotland as a whole. Following the analysis of every inspection report published in the first year Reaction to the report the Chief Inspector’s report makes the following Speaking of the report, Susan Brimelow, Chief recommendations: Inspector of HEI, said, “Patients deserve the highest standards from the NHS, wherever they live in Scotland. 1. NHS boards in Scotland should ensure that: It is vital that they have absolute confidence in • infection control managers have clear roles and the care they receive if they need hospital treatment. responsibilities as set out in Scottish Government They want to be assured that their local hospital is guidance clean, hygienic and they are not at risk of getting an • senior staff, infection control teams and ward staff infection. Overall, we have found most hospitals communicate effectively to ensure a consistent are generally clean and improving. However, there approach to preventing and controlling infection are still important areas for further improvement. at all levels In particular, we expect to see rapid and sustained improvements in the coming year that focus on • systems are in place to manage their infection improved cleaning of hospital equipment and control manuals effectively, including version ensuring that up-to-date policies are available and control being followed on wards. To support these aims we’ll • all staff are implementing standard infection be moving towards more unannounced inspections control precautions in the year ahead.” • there are effective systems in place to continuously The work of HEI and the Chief Inspector’s report has assess the risk of infection to patients, as part of been welcomed by the Scotland Patients Association. how they care for patients Dr Jean Turner, Chief Executive said: “We have • cleaning schedules for equipment and the found a good working relationship with HEI and environment are in place and completed appreciate the excellent work they do. We are consistently delighted that they will be making more unannounced inspections.” • they work with the Scottish Health Council to help further improve how they involve the public In addition, senior members of staff within the NHS in infection prevention and control are also positive about the work of HEI. Rory Farrelly, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Director • all staff have an HAI objective in their personal of Nursing, said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde development plan and that these cover a range of staff have taken both the announced and unannounced HAI-related topics, and inspections very seriously. The inspections have • they develop consistent ways of recording staff enhanced the broader quality improvement agenda training so that everyone knows who has been for patients and their families in identifying areas of trained. good practice and areas that require improvement.” 2. Health Facilities Scotland should develop and help In conclusion, it can be said that Scotland’s acute to implement a national specification for equipment hospitals are ‘generally clean and improving’, but cleaning. there is still more work that needs to be done in some 3. NHS Education for Scotland should work with key areas, most notably in the cleaning of hospital NHS boards to develop a structured programme of equipment (including commodes and mattresses) and mandatory update training for all staff in preventing ensuring that up-to-date infection control policies and controlling infection. and procedures are readily available on wards. 4. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland should The report and a summary are available for download offer support and advice to NHS boards in the from our website www.nhshealth quality.org.

19 Environmental Health Scotland

Journalism Award - Runner-up by Allan Valente

I don’t go to nightclubs as often as I used to. I may The research shows that there was a 17 percent be a student again but I’m getting slightly older reduction in heart attack admissions to nine Scottish and my passing years and ever-increasing wisdom hospitals in the first year after the ban. This compares come with certain responsibilities. For example, it with an annual reduction in Scottish admissions for is no longer acceptable for me to tamper with the heart attacks of three percent per year in the decade boundaries of social etiquette by having that one too before the ban. many and attempting the robot. Well, once every six As well as improving the health of the general public, weeks, maybe. the studies show that hospitality workers are also No, things change. Now when I do venture out reaping massive benefits of the ban. There has been past midnight, I see more and more fresh-faced first an 86 percent improvement in air quality in bars, with year university students in nightclubs outnumbering air quality in most pubs now equivalent to outdoor incongruous characters like myself. air. There has also been an 89 percent reduction One outstanding memory of being one of those naïve in second hand smoke exposure in bar workers. and wholesome youngsters was the smell. I am not David Renfrew is the General Manager of Lucky a smoker. Before 2006, however, I was often with Seven Canteen bar and restaurant in Glasgow people in clubs or pubs who were smoking. At the and has worked in various bars before and after the time, I just never thought about the implications of introduction of the smoking ban. He has seen its standing too close. effects first hand. Yet when the bleariness of reality kicked in again “People were more scared than they should have been the next morning, the first thing that I was forced to about the ban coming into effect,” he says. “It has confront was the putrid odour emanating from my never really affected people on a night out. clothes of the night before. The stench of cigarette smoke was sickening. The non-smokers in that new crowd of unsullied young students will never have to live with the reek of burning tobacco the way I did during my initial university years. Things are very different now. The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act came into power in March 2006, making it illegal to smoke or allow smoking in all enclosed public and work places such as pubs and restaurants. It was designed to tackle the danger of second hand smoke. Scotland wasn’t the first to adopt such measures. In 1998, California became the first state in America to introduce such a ban while Ireland became the first European country to follow suit in March 2004. However, the changes that have been established in “Before the ban my hair and clothes would be just over four years since the ban was introduced stinking and my eyes would be nipping all night with here have been remarkable. all the smoke in the air. The ban made for a much The national evaluation of Scotland’s smoke-free better working environment and the staff were much legislation, co-ordinated by NHS Health Scotland, happier because of it.” is comprised of a series of studies which have been According to David, it is not only customers and staff continuously carried out by both government and who feel the benefits of the ban. He thinks that some academic researchers since the ban was implemented smokers may get tired of regularly having to go outside in an attempt to measure its effects. The results to light up. were published in January 2010.

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“If people have to go outside for a cigarette all Duffy also believes that cutting the advertising of night they may not smoke as much. The ban could tobacco companies now will stop more people taking actually help them stop smoking in the long run.” up the habit in the future. The legislation extends the The long run is certainly at the heart of new Scottish current advertising ban to shops where many young anti-tobacco legislation. In March 2010, the Tobacco people currently see glamorised images of cigarettes. and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act was Change won’t be achieved overnight however. given Royal Assent, giving Scotland one of the “This is a long term measure,” Duffy says. “It’s not strongest tobacco display bans in the world. really going to affect established smokers or teenagers The Act includes measures such as the end of who have grown up with the tobacco advertising. cigarette sales through self-service vending machines ”It’s a generational change. Down the line kids by October 2011 and fines of up to £5,000 for anyone will be growing up that aren’t used to seeing found guilty of buying tobacco for anyone under 18. cigarettes alongside the bread and the milk because Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, the subliminally that suggests that they’re safe and are country’s leading charity campaigning for effective ordinary things to buy. We wouldn’t expect to see the tobacco control, says the new legislation is a welcome effects of it until a decade from now.” continuation in the fight against cigarettes. Scotland has come a long way in the past four years in “The smoking ban was aiming to protect people from the fight against tobacco and second hand smoke. I may being exposed to tobacco smoke in public places,” she have memories of stinking clothes and cloudy dance says. “The new legislation is moving on and looks at floors, but the current crop of clean-living university prevention measures. It is trying to stop young people students will never have to cough and splutter their taking up smoking and becoming addicted to it.” way through the robot. Perhaps in the years to come, the students that follow them may not be able to tell you what a cigarette even looks like.

*** 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTLAND’S SMOKING BAN - 26 MARCH 2011

The Institute’s members join everyone in Scotland’s public health community in celebrating the 5th anniversary of the coming into force of The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 (Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises) Regulations 2005 on 26 March 2006 which banned smoking in Scotland’s enclosed public places. In the years leading up to the ban the Institute had been actively supportive of the introduction of controls to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The first formal action was taken in August 1999 when the Institute responded to the Health and Safety Commission’s Proposal for an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) on Passive Smoking at Work and stated that an ACoP was not the right approach to control the exposure to ETS and recommended that a firmer approach be taken. The Institute advised the Commission that no workplace. With the introduction of the ban in 2006, employee should be subjected to ETS and that the Scotland’s public, its workers and its many visitors only mechanism to ensure absolute protection, now enjoy public places which are free of smoke - how particularly for those working in the hospitality many of us would have thought this possible back in industry, was an outright ban on smoking in the the late 1990s?

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HSE LAU NEWS by Elaine Harbour, Head of Local Authority Unit, Health and Safety Executive

Much has changed since I wrote the last article Percy Smith, the Partnership Manager for Scotland, and life in the Local Authority Unit (LAU) is as left under the scheme and HSE in Scotland are interesting and challenging as ever! looking at how they will manage partnership working Since the last article we have input to the Department in the future. of Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) It has also become clear that Local Government review of statutory duties on local authorities. Regulation will cease to exist from the end of May. The review covers primary legislation and we made We’ll continue to work with the Local Government a case for local authorities to retain as essential their Group who will retain a Senior Policy Adviser on duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act regulation within their new structure. and The Explosives Act. DCLG intends to consult We also work to respond to the coalition government’s on the duties so we’ll keep you informed via HELex regulatory agenda. We saw what this may look when the consultation is launched. like with the Conservatives’ publication Regulation We have also agreed a joint statement on combined in the Post Bureaucratic Age in Reducing Regulation health and safety and food safety inspections Made Simple (http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/ with Local Government Regulation and the Food better-regulation/docs/r/10-1155-reducing-regulation- Standards Agency. This was one of Lord Young’s made-simple) and the coalition commitment to ‘end recommendations and it mainly applies in England the culture of ‘tick-box’ regulation, and instead (since food safety is devolved) but I mention it as it target inspections on high-risk organisations through may be something you would want to consider - and co-regulation and improving professional standards’ many of you tell us this is already what you do. We ( http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_ need to amend some of our other guidance in light of stories/2009/10/Cutting_the_burden_ of_red_tape_ this statement and we’ll be working on this over the on_business.aspx). coming months. This all has implications for how we might work Within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the in the future and we explored how we might impact of the spending cuts becomes clearer. In HSE continue to work in partnership at the round of this amounts to 35% of our funding (which is similar regional HSE/local authority partnership events in to that affecting our parent department, Department February/March. In Scotland this was part of the of Work and Pensions). To put this into perspective Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health it’s worth mentioning that we undertake cost recovery in Scotland Annual Congress where we got lots in the nuclear, chemical and offshore industries of really useful feedback which will help influence so this 35% relates only to the funding we receive ideas and options that we will be taking forward. from government and not our total budget. So, our work continues to evolve and I’m really HSE ran a voluntary early release scheme which saw looking forward to seeing you at the REHIS Conference just over 200 staff leave HSE at the end of February. in May when we can talk about this in more detail. See you then!

22 Environmental Health Scotland

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register by Tom Bell, Chief Executive

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants • Member or Fellow status with BOHS (British Register (OSHCR) is now open to applicants and Occupational Hygiene Society) Faculty of over 1,200 consultants have already applied for Occupational Hygiene registration. OSHCR is intended for consultants • Registered Member or Fellow status with IEHF who can offer general advice to UK businesses to (Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors). help them manage health and safety risks. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) anticipates that In addition, all consultants wishing to join the register businesses will be able to search the database for will be asked to declare that they will: consultants in early spring, as soon as the search • demonstrate adequate continuing professional engine is populated with health and safety consultants. development Employers will be able to find a consultant • abide by their professional body’s code of according to keyword(s), county, industry or topic, conduct free of charge. HSE will publicise further details in due course. OSHCR meets several of the aspirations • provide sensible and proportionate advice, and for improved competence in external health and safety • have professional indemnity insurance or advice, outlined in the government-commissioned equivalent to cover the nature of their duties. report on UK health and safety, Common Sense, The application process will include a check of an Common Safety. individual’s membership status with the relevant Many businesses develop in-house competence to professional body. manage their health and safety risks and do not need The application fee will be £60 (applications to use health and safety consultants. Other employers, received by 30 April will be subject to a discounted however, may need to purchase additional help. fee of £30). The fee, which is non-refundable, covers Health and safety consultants registered on the cost of processing the application and is payable OSHCR will have a status recognised by the annually on renewal of registration. Individuals who participating bodies in the OSHCR scheme. It aims apply to join the register during the discounted period to increase employers’ confidence in accessing good will be given a registration renewal date of 30 April quality, proportionate advice and also to address 2012. To apply to join the register visit www.oshcr. concerns that some employers - especially SMEs -can org. find it difficult to know how and where to get external health and safety advice. Detailed advice for businesses and for consultants is available from the HSE website www.hse.gov. OSHCR has been established by a number of uk/business/competent-advice.htm and applications professional bodies representing general safety and for registration can be made at the OSHCR website occupational health consultants across the UK, with www.oshcr.org. support from the HSE. The register, which is voluntary, is open to individuals who provide commercial The register will be freely accessible and searchable advice on general health and safety management issues for employers from early spring. The government- and who have achieved at least one of the following: commissioned report on the UK health and safety system, Common Sense, Common Safety, prepared • Chartered status with IOSH (Institution of by Lord Young of Graffham, was published on Occupational Safety and Health); CIEH 15 October 2010. OSHCR meets several of the (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health); or report’s aspirations for improved competence in REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of external health and safety advice. Scotland) with health and safety qualifications Editor’s note: Environmental Health Scotland • Fellow status with IIRSM (International editions Volume 22, No.3, Autumn 2010 and Institute of Risk and Safety Management) with Volume 22, No.4, Winter 2010 outline the Institute’s degree level qualifications response to Lord Young’s report.

23 Environmental Health Scotland

SEPA NEWS Improved Floodline service launching Also revealed are further drops in: From the end of March 2011, you will be able sign up • total amount of municipal waste collected by local to receive free messages to your mobile or landline. authorities (down 69,675 tonnes to 3,184,254) • municipal waste going to landfill (down 102,814 tonnes to 1,893,935) • the tonnage of biodegradable municipal waste, such as garden and food waste, which is being sent to landfill (down 68,066 tonnes to 1,135,798). Figures for all 32 local authorities are available at www. These will notify you when SEPA has issued a flood sepa.org.uk/waste/waste_data/waste_data_reports/ alert or warning for your area. To find out more, visit landfill_allowance_ scheme.aspx. www.floodlinescotland.org.uk/signup or call 0845 988 1188. Scottish Flood Forecasting Service gets the go Flood Risk Management (FRM) Act consultation ahead responses The Scottish Government recently announced funding for the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service. The new Late last year SEPA held a consultation to provide service will offer emergency services, local authorities an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to and other organisations with flooding management developing the future of flood risk management duties country-wide flood forecasts on a longer lead in Scotland. The consultation asked for views time, so that they have more time to prepare for on the questions and issues that needed to be flooding. The service will integrate hydrological and addressed to successfully implement the FRM Act. meteorological information from SEPA and the Met Responses will be used to inform the development Office in partnership to produce better, and earlier, of geographical boundaries for local flood risk flood forecasts on a daily basis. More information is management plans, partnership structures that support available online at www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/sepas_ the production of flood risk management plans and the floodline_service/how_sepa_forecasts_flooding/flood_ development of a joint communication forecasting_ service.aspx. strategy. To see a digest of these responses e-mail [email protected] or go to Enhancing and protecting Scotland’s biodiversity www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/flood_risk_management/ The Scottish public’s awareness of and interest in consultations.aspx. protecting and enhancing Scotland’s rich biodiversity Scotland recycles more waste than ever before as is stronger than ever thanks to the United Nations recycling rate hits 37.7% International Year of Biodiversity 2010 (IYB 2010). Scotland’s local authorities continue to recycle more waste than previous years according the latest set of recycling figures. During the period October 2009 to September 2010 37.7% of municipal waste collected by local authorities was recycled/composted. The figures are calculated from data provided by local authorities and collated by SEPA.

24 Environmental Health Scotland

Details of the projects SEPA has been involved first organisations to achieve the One in Five with can be seen in our media release Enhancing Challenge, and that we’re making excellent progress and protecting Scotland’s biodiversity available at against so many of our environmental targets. www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/news.aspx. Meeting our overall CO2 target will be a challenge, More details about the importance of biodiversity and but we are making progress in all parts of our work SEPA’s role can be found at www.sepa.org.uk/science_ and cut our emissions in 2009/10 by 8% per cent and_research/what_we_do/biodiversity. aspx. compared to the previous year.” SEPA’s green credentials get a boost from the One More information on Greening SEPA is available from our website at www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/greening_ in Five Challenge sepa.aspx. SEPA has become the first public sector organisation in Scotland to achieve the WWF’s One in Five Prosecutions Challenge. A Fife scrapyard manager was given 180 hours of In just three years, SEPA has: community service on 6 January for continuing to accept waste vehicles despite a suspension to the • cut business flights from 2,121 to 1,101 -a site’s waste management licence. reduction of 1,020 flights TEG Environmental Limited was fined £14,000 • slashed distances flown by 550,000 kilometres at Perth Sheriff Court on 25 January 2011 after • avoided CO2 emissions of 90 tonnes from offensive odours from their composting site repeatedly flights affected residents in Abernethy in Perthshire. There • saved over £100,000 in travel costs. was also an incident in October 2009, when the company allowed leachate to escape from the maturation SEPA’s Dave Gorman, Head of Environmental building at the site and, as a result, leachate entered Strategy, said: “We are delighted to be one of the and polluted the soil.

*** Successful Case Against a Chinese Carry Out Food Business At Ayr Sheriff Court on 12 November 2010 a be prohibited from operating. However, the food Chinese carry out restaurant was fined £3,000 for a business manager voluntarily shut the premises breach of food hygiene legislation. and an agreement was written up to this effect. It was suspected there may have been an active A re-inspection of the premises the following day, 16 vermin infestation within these premises, and a June, revealed that a deep clean of the inside of the witnessed food hygiene inspection of the whole premises had taken place, the outside yard was in premises was undertaken on 15 June 2010. It very the process of being cleared and a private contractor quickly became apparent that there was an obvious had been brought in to instigate a professional pest established rat infestation with droppings littered control programme. The officers were satisfied throughout the premises and various rat entry holes that all foodstuffs within the premises were secured that had not been proofed. Further, the standard of in vermin proof containers, refrigerators/freezers hygiene was found to be very poor, with evidence of and that a programme of sanitising/disinfecting an obvious lack of routine cleaning as demonstrated all food contact surfaces and equipment was in by the rat droppings which had a dried appearance place before food preparation took place. On these indicating they had been there for some time and grounds the officers were satisfied that the premises no a build up of food debris and dirt underneath longer provided a risk to health of the public and the preparation surfaces and equipment. premises re-opened that evening. Officers met the premises manager at the premises For further information, please contact Gordon later that afternoon and advised him that, in their Lauder, Team Leader, Environmental Health, opinion, the premises provided an imminent health South Ayrshire Council, tel: 01292 616229, e-mail: risk to the public and both officers agreed that for [email protected]. the purposes of public safety, the premises should 25 Environmental Health Scotland

HEALTH AND HYGIENE ON THE HIGH SEAS by Darlene Russell, Curriculum Manager, Argyll College

Argyll College University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) delivers a Food, Health and Hygiene programme on board the sail training schooner, the ‘Spirit of Fairbridge’.

Fairbridge is a charity that works with young people aged 13-25 to develop their skills to a level where their prospects of engaging with other organisations are greatly enhanced. The organisation uses long- term goals, giving young people the motivation, self- confidence and skills they need to change their lives. The Spirit of Fairbridge is a 92 foot long schooner operated by Fairbridge. Confined to a working boat Darlene Russell at the helm. (in any weather) is no mean feat, and the young crew (up to 11 young people plus staff) must work as a watches, with each watch having their own duties tight unit in order to ensure that the boat sails. to perform. It made sense to deliver some of the By harnessing their motivation, Fairbridge is able course while they were doing all the practical duties.” to help young people make life-changing decisions. Darlene continued, “We also made it part of our daily The excursion on the Spirit of Fairbridge is a very conversations while en route from port to port and positive experience and fits in with the goals and analysed photos that showed good and bad hygiene ideals of Fairbridge. practices. We would talk about the benefits of healthy eating and how to adapt current recipes.” The crew took part in a ‘five a day’ competition where they would keep a count of how many pieces of fruit they had eaten each day. They developed a visual chart with everyone’s names and at the end of the night, they would tally up the scores. “This was a great way to learn,” said one of the youngsters. “I had no idea eating fruit and vegetables would be so much fun and what impact it had on my diet!” Another young person said “I am amazed about what is seen as part of your ‘five a day’ and items I thought were included are not….all this time I don’t think I have been eating enough.” Among the crew who passed the course were Successful participants with their certificates. Gemma Cochrane, Callum Finlay and Chantelle Darlene Russell, Curriculum Manager from Argyll Anderson. “It was great, I really enjoyed it,” said College UHI, spent seven days on board the Gemma. “Especially cooking in the galley, and vessel delivering the Healthy Living programme Darlene showed us how to eat healthier. I made developed by Argyll College UHI, the Elementary vegetable lasagne and everybody loved it!” Gemma Food Hygiene and the Elementary Food and Health enjoyed the course so much she has applied to the programme awarded by REHIS. “The challenge Princes Trust to help her get started on a career in the was to deliver the course in such a way that would catering industry as a chef. Gemma has since made appeal to the crew but also to ensure the key learning three voyages on the Spirit of Fairbridge. outcomes were still met by the awarding body,” said “Her application will have a better chance now she Darlene. “It’s a very different environment to the has achieved her Elementary Food Hygiene,” said usual classroom set up, so I decided to try something Sam Flavell, an Outreach Development Worker with a bit different. The crew operate on different Fairbridge. All the crew who participated have been invited back on board.

26 Environmental Health Scotland

Back on board the Spirit of Fairbridge at Victoria Harbour, Greenock, Darlene was joined by Graham Training for the Unemployed in Elementary Walker, Director of Training for REHIS and Food Hygiene Drew Hall, Chairman of the REHIS Southern Centre Argyll College took advantage of the Institute’s to award each of the crew with their certificates. “I’m very proud of them, everyone did so well” said scheme which allows Approved Training Centres Darlene. “Both the passion I have for training and to provide free training places for the unemployed sailing in one venture has made this a memorable on REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene courses. time for me.” Centres can apply for a limited number (5% of “REHIS is delighted to have participated in this the total number of registrations over a 12 month programme. We would like to thank Argyll College period) of free registrations for unemployed UHI and Fairbridge for all the organisation.” said candidates provided there is no charge to the Drew Hall. unemployed person. For more information contact Graham Walker, Director of Training.

***

IFEH News by Bernard Forteath

The membership of the International Federation of with the organisation and development of the Environmental Health (IFEH) currently stands at 37 Association. The Association’s functions are full members. Full members are national associations contained within its objectives and include representing the interests of environmental health the promotion of the profession in Zimbabwe, professionals throughout the world. For operational protecting the interests of members, dissemination of reasons the Federation is split into five distinct groups, information on environmental health, promotion Africa, Americas, Asia and Pacific, Europe, and of training and professional development, and the Middle East. One of the larger groups, based on promotion of the science and practice of environmental the number of full members, is the Africa Group. health. The help on offer to ZEHPA is similar to that Countries in membership of this group include South made to colleagues in Malawi many years ago and Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Some since then the association in that country, the Malawi member countries, with a GDP of less than $8,500, Environmental Health Association, has been re- pay a reduced subscription to the IFEH. Due to the established under the leadership of Young Samanyika economic and social problems in this region some and his Executive Committee (see www. malawieha. members also receive assistance from other IFEH org for further information). members, mainly in Europe. Membership of ZEHPA is drawn from The Zimbabwe Environmental Health Practitioners Environmental Health Officers and other technical Association (ZEHPA), formed many years ago, has staff employed by the state, local authorities and recently been inactive due to a number of reasons, the private sector. Most environmental health not least of those being the social and economic professionals work within the Environmental Public problems within the country at present. When Tom Health Department, which is located within the Bell and I attended last year’s All Africa Environmental Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. The department Health Congress in Malawi we met colleagues from is run by a director and two deputies. One deputy Zimbabwe who were attending meetings of the African director is responsible for water, sanitation and waste Academy of Environmental Health. Since then we management with the other responsible for port have been able to make contact with colleagues who health and food safety. The department has officers were involved in ZEHPA and at a recent meeting delivering environmental public health services of the Management Committee it was agreed to the community at national, provincial, and that REHIS would, for the time being, district level and at ports of entry. The department’s assist that association by paying their IFEH headquarters are within the Ministry of Health offices subscription, in addition to offering assistance in Harare.

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FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY NEWS

Primary school safe food and healthy eating calendar practice the valuable lessons they have learned competition 2010 from the competition about washing their hands thoroughly, cooking food properly to help prevent For several years, the Food Standards Agency in food poisoning and the benefits of healthy eating and Scotland has run a competition inviting pupils physical activity.” in Scottish primary schools to design posters promoting FSA key messages about good food Shellfish biotoxin monitoring hygiene, healthy eating and physical activity, or food The Food Standards Agency in Scotland reflects allergy awareness, with the winning posters being on an interesting and, in some ways, exceptional year used to create a calendar. The calendar competition during 2010 in terms of its work with the shellfish is part of the FSA wider food hygiene activities to sector in Scotland. promote and assist in food hygiene education. Last year saw the first biotoxin ‘closure’ in Shetland Following the success of previous years, the FSA at the start of April, and further extended periods of was delighted to receive over 3,300 entries from localised natural toxicity in shellfish waters from over 147 primary schools. Entries were judged by an May until November in Arran. A total of 131positive independent panel on the basis of their artistic merit, results arose from the monitoring programme which their originality, and their effectiveness in promoting supersedes previous records: 106 in 2009-10. FSA messages. Periods of azaspiracid toxicity were also noted in Tilly Brown, a Primary 7 pupil at Towerbank Primary December however all areas remained open for harvest School in Edinburgh, scooped first prize with an over the Christmas and New Year period - one of the eye-catching design highlighting the importance of busiest periods for the industry. Of the 53 area closures good food safety, winning prizes including a cookery arising from positive toxin results 42 lasted less than demonstration for her school. The overall standard of one month (essentially one to two weeks in duration) the posters was excellent, however the judging panel indicating the short-term nature of many of these felt that Tilly’s design put across the message of safe naturally occurring events. fridge temperatures exceptionally well. Human consumption of shellfish contaminated with A further 11 highly commended designs, along with biotoxins can pose a health risk and, as such, this that of the winner, feature in the FSA in Scotland’s 2011 product attracts a range of statutory controls. In calendar which has been distributed to key Scottish the European Union (including the UK), there are stakeholders. currently three major shellfish biotoxin groups which On 7 February 2011, Scottish chef, Douglas Lisi may be detected in shellfish and which are subject gave a cookery demonstration at Towerbank to statutory testing. These biotoxin groups are PSP Primary School to pupils, teachers and officials from toxins, lipophilic toxins (such as DSP) and ASP toxins. the City of Edinburgh Council’s Food, Health and Where levels of biotoxins are found above the limits Safety Services. Tilly Brown was also presented with prescribed in the legislation, the Agency and local a framed print of her winning design. authorities are required to close such areas to prevent further harvesting until the areas concerned are In addition to the framed print, Tilly was awarded shown to be clear of toxins at levels harmful to £300 and her school received £1,000 to spend on human health. FSA approved projects. The other 11 winners who produced the highly commended posters to be used The FSA also welcomed increasing efforts by in the calendar were awarded £50 and their schools harvesters to utilise many of the commercial testing received £250 to spend on FSA approved projects, as services available, the results of which provide well as a framed print of their winning poster. added flexibility and safeguards for shellfish harvesters and the public alike. A guide on the various Elspeth Macdonald from the Food Standards end-product biotoxin tests currently available for Agency in Scotland said, “The competition is a fun use by the shellfish industry will be published by way of encouraging young people to think creatively the FSA in early 2011. This year will see the about the FSA’s key messages of safe food and introduction of new chemical test methods for healthy eating. It is hoped that they will put into

28 Environmental Health Scotland lipophilic toxins, a move known to be largely should be doing to protect their customers from the welcomed by the sector as a whole. serious consequences of E.coli food poisoning. The industry, laboratories and local authorities Many businesses will already be following the steps in Scotland also provided very useful input to an contained in the guidance but it is intended to provide efficiency review which the FSA is undertaking reassurance that they are doing everything they can to across all of its statutory programmes. One key prevent cross-contamination. output will be a revision in the way the FSA in It is also expected that the guidance will be used by Scotland, local authorities and industry work together local authority food safety officers when inspecting on approvals of depuration facilities. This will businesses in their area. place responsibility for demonstrating that risks are being managed appropriately firmly in the hands Although E.coli is the key focus of this guidance, the of the shellfish industry, in line with other sectors. measures outlined will also help in the control of other ‘Depuration’ encourages molluscs to naturally purge bacteria, such as Campylobacter and Salmonella. themselves of any bacteria, including E.coli, which may A presentation on the guidance document was provided concentrate in shellfish during feeding. Depuration on 16 February in Glasgow to 57 local authority facilities are required to be approved under EU delegates. law and shellfish from certain classified areas are Further information, including the full guidance, required to be depurated. Areas are classified and a factsheet for businesses which summarises the according to the hygiene status of the harvesting area guidance, can be found at http://www.food.gov.uk/ itself and are awarded by the Food Standards Agency foodindustry/guidancenotes/hygguid/ecoliguide. on the basis of test results throughout the year. New target that will measure efforts to reduce the The value placed in classification awards by the levels of Campylobacter in chicken industry was also noted by the FSA. Work is underway The Food Standards Agency, the UK poultry to revise how sampling plans are managed in Scotland industry, and major retailers have agreed a new target in order to both ensure that samples are taken that will measure efforts to reduce the levels of not only when areas are in fact harvesting, and to Campylobacter in chickens, with almost two thirds of maintain public health protection but also to allow raw chickens sold in the UK being contaminated with access to market quickly after periods of dormancy. Campylobacter. Information on the Agency’s monitoring programme There are three categories of contamination and as a whole can be found at http://www.food.gov.uk/ 27% of birds are currently in the highest category. scotland/safetyhygienescot/shellmonitorscot/. The new target is for the industry to reduce the If you have any queries regarding the Agency’s numbers of these most contaminated birds in UK monitoring programme, please contact Jennifer poultry houses from 27% to 10% by 2015. Howie, tel: 01224 285157, e-mail: jennifer.howie@ A Joint Action Plan, focusing on increased biosecurity foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk. measures and trialling new interventions in Guidance to prevent E.coli contamination combination on farms, in the slaughterhouse, and in The FSA issued guidance on 15 February to clarify the the distribution chain to reduce the levels of infection, steps that food businesses need to take to control the risk along with new scientific knowledge will enable of contamination from the food bug E.coli O157. Campylobacter in chickens to be reduced in line with Serious outbreaks of E.coli in Scotland in 1996 this challenging target. and Wales in 2005 resulted in serious illness in Campylobacter is estimated to make more than some individuals and, in a few cases, death. These 300,000 people ill and cause about 80 deaths every outbreaks were attributed to cross-contamination year. The Agency estimates that achievement of this arising from the poor handling of food. This target could mean a reduction in Campylobacter food guidance has been developed following a public poisoning of up to 30%; some 90,000 cases per year. consultation, arising from the FSA’s response to the Further information on the target can be viewed at E.coli outbreaks, to remind food businesses what they http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2010/dec/ campytarget.

29 Environmental Health Scotland

Casing the Joint Award with Devro by Margaret McNeil, Quality Systems Auditor, (Devro joint award registered course presenter)

Devro (Scotland) Limited is the leading manufacturer The one day course has been developed over the of edible bovine and porcine collagen casing and film years by the presenters past and present to the course products for the food industry. it is today. It is kept up-to-date through various What would the humble sausage be without its skin? resources including the REHIS website and the REHIS annual trainers’ seminars which provide a As a leading food manufacturer we are committed to wealth of information. achieving the best possible standards throughout all areas of the business. This includes a strong focus on food safety, quality and customer satisfaction. Through dedication in achieving continuous improvements, we believe in training and developing our employees to a high standard. The Devro (Scotland) Limited Hygiene for Food Casings Training Course was developed in 1995 to allow Devro (Scotland) Limited to meet its legal obligation to train all employees in food hygiene and safety. Devro (Scotland) Limited developed what is known as a ‘joint award’ with the help of the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland (REHIS), because the standard Elementary Food Hygiene Course did not reflect the Devro process which is Successful course participants with their certificates. completely unique within the food industry. It is important that employees are provided with Following a review of the course material by a good, relaxed training environment during the REHIS, Devro (Scotland) Limited was approved course. The Devro (Scotland) Limited management and formally registered as a REHIS Approved meeting room provides the ideal setting for the course, Training Centre. with refreshments available throughout the day. The joint award course follows the Devro process This avoids anyone getting hoarse as we do enjoy closely as well as following the format for the plenty of participation from our attendees. A buffet Elementary Food Hygiene Course material. It also lunch is provided midway through the day which allows flexibility when delivering the course to allows the course participants to relax and get to include stories of real events which occur throughout know one another along with the presenter. It is the food industry. This allows trainees to relate the hoped that the format of the course allows them to course material to their place of work. Many of the have fun whilst being trained on the serious and stories, although funny at times, have a serious message. important subject of food safety. Food safety is important and all attendees should be The Training Adviser for the Royal Environmental able to relate more clearly to it when they are back Health Institute for Scotland, Ian McGruther, in the work environment. Attendees are encouraged previously audited the course to ensure that it met to have some input during the course; this may the REHIS standards. He was impressed with include working in groups to discuss points the training environment and the content and the concerning the benefits of good hygiene, and the delivery of the course. We also encourage participants consequences of poor hygiene and how these would to offer feedback at the end of every course. affect food safety. This is an important group To date this has been positive and has provided many discussion and can bring about a wider understanding good suggestions for further improvement of the of how individual actions can have a knock-on content of the course. effect on food safety. Interactive DVDs, word searches and ‘spot what is wrong’ pictures are also The course is well supported by management who utilised during the course to ensure a well- informed ensure that as a company we maintain a good record content is provided. of training within Devro (Scotland) Limited.

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Management Committee by Paul Bradley, Chairman

The committee met on 12 January at the Institute’s and the Equality and Human Rights Commission office. A morning start allowed us to meet with (EHRC) suggest that this matter is best progressed our media advisers, Wave PR, to discuss ways of via the EHRC and we have been asked to aid their optimising PR opportunities for the Institute. monitoring by reporting any offending adverts The President and Chief Executive will progress which we encounter. the creation of a Scottish Environmental Health Arrangements are well underway for the 28th Annual Advisory Group in mid to late February. This is an Conference in Renfrew on 25/26 May 2011. outstanding remit for the Institute from the Short-Life It was agreed that the Chief Executive will Working Group on the Future of the Environmental summarise the outstanding remits in a report for Health Profession in Scotland. consideration at the next meeting of the committee, Work is continuing on the preparation of an that this report be placed on the agenda of the next environmental health manifesto for Scotland. Special Strategic Review Meeting of the Management The draft Development Plan for 2011/12 was presented Committee and that the report, in its current format, for approval at the March Council meeting. should no longer be circulated at future meetings of the Council and its committees. The Treasurer reported on the Institute’s finances separately at the Council meeting but this is a good I will work with the Chief Executive to organise point for me to note the Management Committee’s the next Special Strategic Review Meeting at some appreciation of Martin Henry’s efforts in ensuring stage this year. If anyone has any ideas for content or the efficient management of our financial affairs. format of the meeting please let me know. While discussing budgets the Chief Executive The Chief Executive and the Director of reported that the number of Elementary Food Training have had discussions with a number of Hygiene Certificates issued in 2010 was likely to possible companies who may be able to host, develop exceed 36,000. and update the Institute’s website. It was agreed that Having considered the financial pressures upon the Chief Executive and the Director of Training both the Institute and our partners, the Management will continue their discussions and that the Chief Committee agreed a schedule of payments, charges Executive will report back to the next meeting of the and community training fees which were approved committee. at the March Council meeting. Our colleagues in Zimbabwe are experiencing many The Chief Executive reported that the issue of difficulties. For the past few years the Zimbabwe dilapidations at 3 Manor Place had finally been Environmental Health Practitioners’ Association resolved and that the Institute no longer has any (ZEHPA) have been unable to pay their IFEH interest in, or responsibility for, its old office. membership fee. A small, but significant, way in which we can help is to pay the fee and it was One application was received for the travelling agreed that we should establish whether ZEHPA scholarship. This has been awarded subject to would be willing to allow us to do this. the applicant agreeing to provide an article for the Institute’s Journal. It was agreed that Bernard Forteath and Rod House will represent the Institute at the IFEH European The committee agreed to appoint a part-time Group in Lisbon from 1 to 3 April 2011. It was Professional Development Officer/Policy Officer as also agreed that two representatives will attend the per the previously agreed specification. The post is to IFEH Council and AGM in Bali from 24 to 26 be advertised within the membership initially. September 2011. As usual a number of personnel issues were The Chief Executive has written to the President of discussed at this meeting. It was decided not to grant the Australian Environmental Health Association an additional day’s holiday to mark the royal wedding offering the Institute’s support in the wake of the in April. Queensland flood crisis. We were able to discuss progress with discriminatory If you have any questions or suggestions regarding job adverts in trade publications. Responses the committee’s work please contact me directly. from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

31 Environmental Health Scotland

public health and housing working group by Rod House, Member of the REHIS Council with responsibility for public health and housing matters

This group is ably chaired by Pat Hoey of West the pest control industry has agreed to develop a Dunbartonshire Council, receives wide support European standard for pest management services from all councils across Scotland and continues to in order that contractors can demonstrate the consider a range of interesting topics. The group level of professionalism that will be required to meets quarterly and the last meeting in January continue using these products. This standard is considered and discussed the following topics. being developed by the European Committee Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 for Standardisation (CEN) and is scheduled for introduction in 2013. The group received a detailed update on the development of guidance on the Act from a Residential mobile homes Policy Officer from the Scottish Government It was reported that the Scottish Government Justice Department. Working Group had agreed to fully review the Control of bed bugs provisions of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 as they relate to mobile The group received an excellent presentation from homes. As this review will take some considerable Stuart Graham, Edinburgh City Council on a recent time, no outcome will be known before the end spate of infestations in separate blocks of flats in of this parliament and therefore any proposal to the city. Stuart described the life cycle and history introduce revised controls will not be done until there of bed bugs and highlighted the challenges in has been full consultation and the new parliament is achieving successful treatment and eradication given time to consider proposals. of infestations. The meeting noted that Glasgow City Council is also experiencing infestations in Emerging practices in the beauty industry communities while other councils report having The group was advised of an emerging practice of individual incidents to respond to. It was also offering feet pedicures using Garra Rufa fish which do highlighted that, while infestation will occur in not have teeth and are reported to remove dead skin domestic dwellings, there have also been incidents by a sucking action. This sucking action could draw in hotels where travellers have brought the insect blood from skin lesions. Due to the combination of with them when visiting the hotel. warm water temperatures, only partial replenishment European standard for pest management services of water between clients and the likely lack of infection control procedures, there is the potential of cross- It was reported that the European Union is considering contamination between clients. Members were asked the control of the use of anticoagulants in rodenticides to be aware of the matter and to consult with Health as it is being claimed by interest groups that rodents Protection Scotland’s Environment and Health Team are being subjected to unnecessary suffering. if they came across this practice in their area. While full details are not yet known it is thought that the EU may decide to restrict the use of If members would like any further information on anticoagulants to professional operators and remove any of the above topics please do not hesitate to them from the domestic market. In response to this, contact Pat Hoey, West Dunbartonshire Council on [email protected].

Editor’s note: The REHIS Southern Centre presented a Public Health and Pest Control – The Rise of Bed Bugs and Cockroaches Seminar on 24 February in Glasgow. The event, attended by over 50 delegates was deemed to have been a great success by the delegates and presenters. See page 40 for a full report.

32 Environmental Health Scotland

HEALTH PROTECTION SCOTLAND NEWS by Rod House, Consultant in Environmental Health, Health Protection Scotland

Student training HPS Stakeholder Group Over several years Health Protection Scotland HPS values the links with key stakeholders and the (HPS) has been able to support student training by Environmental Health Team is no exception. So in providing sponsorship to local authority training accord with HPS policy we now have established costs and this sponsorship has supported six students an Environment and Health Stakeholder Group. in receiving their practical training programme. The purpose of the Stakeholder Group is to provide Unfortunately HPS, like all other public agencies, a forum for discussion on environment and health has to make tough choices in relation to expenditure issues and to advise HPS on priorities and a and, therefore, it is with regret that for the programme for action consistent with the agreed foreseeable future we will be unable to continue with roles and responsibilities of HPS. During its our sponsorship. considerations the group will have regard to the Operational support Scottish Government’s Strategy on Environment and Health which is outlined in their Implementation Throughout the whole of 2010, HPS led the national Plan titled Good Places, Better Health and will response to Anthrax in injecting drug users. Initial report routinely to the Health Protection Advisory cases were identified in Glasgow but this soon spread Group. The group was established in the autumn of to other areas of Scotland, the UK and into 2010 and we look forward to working closely with Europe. Management of the outbreak was led by stakeholders in 2011. the Environment and Health Team in HPS and continued through to December 2010 when the Stakeholder liaison outbreak was closed. Separate from the above, HPS was asked in November 2010 by the Scottish Government to review enforcers’ and practitioners’ opinions of the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 (Sunbed) Regulations 2009. Electronic surveys were sent to each local authority via the Society of Chief Officers distribution list in December 2010. A sample of 112 sunbed premises was sent a paper questionnaire and reply-paid envelope. Both surveys were completed at the end of January and HPS will report the findings to the Scottish Government by the end of March 2011. In relation to body piercing and tattooing, a similar exercise will be undertaken in 2011 to review the current legislation regarding body piercing and tattooing. HPS values the support it receives More recently, HPS has become aware of an emerging from REHIS members in this work and practice of offering feet pedicures using Garra Rufa acknowledges their support when reporting back to the fish which do not have teeth and are reported to Scottish Government. remove dead skin by a sucking action. This sucking Port health action could draw blood from skin lesions. Due to the combination of warm water temperatures, Under the direction of our Port Health Oversight only partial replenishment of water between clients Group and in conjunction with UK, European and and the likely lack of infection control procedures WHO partners we continued to deliver the national there is the potential of cross-contamination port health agenda, with the aim of reducing public between clients. If REHIS members are aware of health risk associated with imported infection. the use of Garra Rufa fish in their area or if they This is being achieved by developing standards for would like further information they should consult Designated Ports of Entry for Scotland and auditing with Health Protection Scotland’s Environment these ports and airports against those standards. and Health Team. The Oversight Group has representation from port health authorities, NHS boards, the Scottish Government and the Health Protection Agency.

33 Environmental Health Scotland

Membership, Education and Training Committee by Bernard Forteath, Chairman

The Membership, Education and Training Committee the Institute’s course. It was agreed that the Chief (METC) meets at least twice a year and oversees Executive will contact the Director of the Food the Institute’s involvement in professional training, Standards Agency Scotland with the aim of avoiding community training and the work of the Northern and a clash of similar events in the future. Southern Centres. The committee met in Edinburgh Community training on 2 February 2011. At that meeting Karen Foote, Community training is an important part of the Chairman of the Northern Centre, was re-elected as Institute’s work. In 2010 just under 50,000 certificates the committee’s Vice-Chairman. were issued, an increase of almost 4% on 2009. By Centres far the most popular course is the Elementary Food Both Centre Management Committees have Hygiene Course which accounts for 73% of all courses arranged a programme of events for the year ahead. run by our training centres. The relatively new The Northern Centre is, where appropriate, using Elementary Food and Health, Control of Infection, video-conferencing facilities for some of their and Food Hygiene Refresher courses all showed an events to enable those members living and working increase on the number of certificates issued, which is in outlying areas to participate in Continuing encouraging. The Elementary Food Hygiene Course Professional Development (CPD) events. The recent Schools Initiative, which is a Food Standards Agency ‘Planning and Building Control’ event, held by the Scotland/REHIS project, continues to be run and it Southern Centre was well attended and the seminar was noted that 167 schools and over 9,500 pupils were on ‘The Rise of Bed Bugs and Cockroaches’ was registered to take the examination this year. over-subscribed. Participation in training events held Affiliate membership for local authorities by the Centres is an ideal opportunity for those The Chief Executive reported that 27 of the 32 members participating in the REHIS CPD Scheme. Scottish local authorities had re-affiliated to REHIS. Professional courses The local authority affiliation scheme has been Courses held since the last meeting of the committee running for many years and the benefits to local include the Health and Safety Update, Food Update, authorities include reduced attendance fees at and Environmental Health Update which is held on REHIS run courses and additional copies of the the morning prior to the Annual General Meeting. Journal for local authority members, in addition to The last event, in particular, is proving to be very supporting the work carried out to support professional popular with members and has the added benefit of and community training. Unfortunately, two ensuring a good turnout for the Institute’s AGM. authorities have indicated that they do not wish to There was, however, some concern at the low renew their affiliation and it was agreed that the attendance at the Law Enforcement Course, President would contact the appropriate senior officer which was held at the Scottish Police College, in each of the councils concerned. It was also agreed Tulliallan. Perhaps part of the reason for this is that that the Management Committee would be asked to the Food Standards Agency Scotland intends running look at extending affiliation or membership to non- two two-day events at the same venue shortly after local authority organisations.

***

REHIS/SFSORB REHIS Annual Presentation Professional Examinations of Awards 1,2 and 3 November 2011 Thursday 17 November 2011 Ramada Edinburgh Mount Royal 7.00pm for 7.30pm Hotel, Edinburgh The Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh

34 Environmental Health Scotland

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION COMMITTEE by Martin Keeley, Chairman

The first report of 2011 on the Environmental Health Enforcement Liaison Committee and the September Promotion Committee (EHPC) offers an opportunity minutes of the LGR Health and Safety Policy to review what we do, what we’ve done and to Forum meeting. In reference to this last forum’s look in some measure at what opportunities and meeting, Chartered EHO members of REHIS will be challenges may present in the year ahead. As an aware that they are qualified for registration on the overview of what the EHPC does as a committee, Occupational Safety and Health Consultants it has the broad public health remit designated as, Register (OSHCR) and can apply for registration at and encompassed by, ‘the delegated responsibility www.oshcr.org. in the areas of (i) Environmental Health technical In the area of consultation response, REHIS and matters, (ii) responses to consultations from the EHPC as its public health focused committee Government Departments etc, (iii) the establishment and reminds members that they are encouraged to organisation of relevant technical working groups, make their voices heard on consultations as and (iv) dealings with Institute publications (with when they become available in order to make sure some exclusions), and (v) promotional campaigns evolving public health changes for the better. This including the promotion of guidance and policy’. is after all, what REHIS exists for and is a means of At its last meeting in February, the EHPC unanimously shaping the future of public health in this country. re-elected Drew Hall as Vice-Chairman and swiftly Most recent consultation responses included the moved on to review a large body of work. One reported United Kingdom Public Health Register, Lord item was the completion of a series of review and Young of Graffham’s Report on Health and Safety, support meetings that I and the Chief Executive, Tom Tobacco Regulation in Scotland and consultation Bell, had arranged with the Secretary and Chairperson on changes to RIDDOR. Those members who have of the EHPC’s technical working groups, namely been following the possible changes discussed by the Public Health and Housing Working Group the Food Standards Agency to the model of food (PHHWG), the Health and Safety Co-ordinating enforcement which could see it being removed from Group (HASCOG) and the Scottish Pollution Control local control may want to voice their considered Co-ordinating Committee (SPCCC) et al. I am opinion as well, to inform the debate on how public pleased to report that these meetings produced the health will be served by change. Members can use feedback and support they were intended to give. I can the discussion forum on the REHIS website to air also report that the SPCCC now has a new Chairman their views with fellow professionals. following on from the retirement of David Paris who It would be remiss of me not to mention in this ably chaired the group for several years. REHIS and report that the Annual Review 2010 was discussed the EHPC thank David for his contribution over the by the EHPC. This will be available at the REHIS years and wish him well in the future. The EHPC Annual Conference being held at the Glynhill Hotel, will continue to endeavour to support the technical Renfrew on 25 and 26 May. As a major public health working groups including the SPCCC and its new event of the year you should endeavour to attend Chairman in the significant work overseen by the one or preferably both of the days of the conference. committee. The hard work and dedication of chairmen, It will enhance your Continuing Professional secretaries and the public health professionals who Development with all the associated benefits for both make up the members of the technical working groups you, your employer and the public health profession. are appreciated by the EHPC, REHIS and of course by the wider public health community. Of course, there is more to the work of the EHPC than I can fit into this report, and reporting on It’s important to note here that the EHPC considers some works will have to wait until another edition a wider range of technical matters and inputs than comes round but, before closing the report out, it’s is mentioned above. At its last meeting it noted important to acknowledge, highlight and commend the the recent outputs from a range of external sources commitment, enthusiasm and professional standards including the minutes of meetings of the External of the committee members and REHIS staff. Committee Cross-Party Group on Tobacco Control, The good works achieved are down to their the 2009/10 Annual Report for the Scottish Food collective efforts.

35 Environmental Health Scotland

Developing Capacity in Female Academics teaching Environmental Health in Southern and East Africa by Dr Tracy Morse, Project Co-ordinator

Ten female academics from higher education They joined 83 women from 30 universities institutions offering environmental health across situated in Africa, the United States and Mauritius Southern and East Africa recently participated who spent a week at the University of Cape Town in the 2010 HERS-SA Academy in Cape Town Graduate School of Business in focusing on during September 2010. The members of the group key aspects of higher education. The annual HERS- were supported through the Africa Academy for SA Academy brings together women in middle Environmental Health grant for developing gender management or senior positions with leadership equity in higher education institutions offering experience and those with leadership potential to environmental health projects funded by the participate in a dynamic, week-long professional Association of African Universities MRCI grant. development programme. “The HERS-SA Academy The purpose of the grant is to empower women in aims to provide women with knowledge and the environmental health profession by giving them networks to encourage them to aspire to and apply for greater self-confidence, wider networks, and a greater the most senior positions in higher education ability to use information and resources to allow institutions,” said Dr Sabie Surtee, Director of HERS- effective participation in the higher education forum. SA. “Currently women are under-represented in This is particularly pertinent in environmental positions at leadership levels. HERS-SA is committed health as it remains a male-dominated profession to seeking gender equity across all occupational despite the fact that many of the pertinent issues levels within higher education institutions as this is in environmental health predominantly affect the where our leaders of tomorrow are being educated.” female gender. Morning plenary sessions provided a big-picture The ten participants were from eight countries and understanding of the higher education environment were: Dr Tracy Morse (Project Co-ordinator) and and the academic and administrative challenges Christabel Kambala, University of Malawi; facing universities. During the afternoon delegates Dr Margaret Keraka (Project Co-coordinator), were able to choose from a wide selection of Kenyatta University, Kenya; Dr Vera Ngowi, workshops focused on individual career development. Muhimbili University, Tanzania; Margaret Macherera Members of the AAEH group facilitated two and Annah Anusa, National University of Science and workshops during the Academy addressing the Technology, Zimbabwe; Patience Tirelo, University Interface between Environmental Health and Higher of Botswana; Thabsile Nkambule, University of Education, and Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Swaziland; Ruth Mubeezi, Makerere University, Institutions of Learning. These were well received Uganda, and Ingrid Mokgobu, Tshwane University by both environmental health and non-environmental of Technology, South Africa. health academics.

36 Environmental Health Scotland

In addition to the formal sessions, informal networking enabled delegates to interact with and l earn from colleagues from 16 South African universities, 12 universities from other parts of Africa and one institution in the USA and Mauritius respectively. Discussions were lively and stimulating. Christabel Kambala from the University of Malawi said, “I found it a worthwhile experience with rich and refreshing information”. The team who attended the Academy has a programme of activities for the coming 12 months to build upon the personal development and concepts from the HERS-SA Academy. These include: • the distribution, analysis and reporting of a and learning techniques and gender questionnaire addressing gender-based issues in mainstreaming environmental health in higher education • development of regional electronic forums to • the development and facilitation of regional facilitate mentoring, research collaboration workshops for female academics teaching in and open discussion on issues pertaining to environmental health programmes to address environmental health. areas such as research development, teaching

***

REHIS Conference 2011 The 2011 REHIS Annual Conference will take place at the Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 May - the same venue as the 2010 Conference. Further information is available from the REHIS office.

37 Environmental Health Scotland

Professional Development by Robert Howe, Director of Professional Development

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants The application fee is £60, but applications received Register (OSHCR) was launched on Monday 31 by 30 April will be subject to a discounted fee of £30. January 2011. Health and safety consultants can The fee is non-refundable and is payable annually on now sign up to a new independent register that is renewal of registration. Individuals who apply to join intended to ensure a benchmark for standards in their the register during the discounted period will be given profession. The register has been set up to increase a registration renewal date of 30 April 2012. employers’ confidence that they can access good Eligible members wishing to register should visit quality, proportionate advice. It is also designed to www.oshcr.org. address concerns highlighted in the government’s report on the UK health and safety system, The March diet of the Professional Examinations Common Sense, Common Safety. was the first to adopt the new format which includes a written examination and a reduction in the number OSHCR has been set up as a Company Limited by of programme area interviews from seven to five. Guarantee and has been established by a number These changes were approved by the Examinations of professional bodies representing general safety and Professional Standards Committee, with the and occupational health consultants across the UK, resultant changes to the Examination Regulations being with support from the Health and Safety Executive. approved by the REHIS Council. The changes are The organisations involved in developing OSHCR designed to ensure that students/graduates demonstrate are: the wider public health significance of all aspects of • British Occupational Hygiene Society Environmental Health. • British Safety Council At the end of 2010 a re-accreditation visit was made • British Safety Industry Federation to the University of Strathclyde in respect of both the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health and the MSc • Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Environmental Health. A number of concerns in relation • Health and Safety Executive to both courses were reported to the Examinations • Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland and Professional Standards Committee in December 2010 and the Institute made the decision to suspend • Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors accreditation with immediate effect. Dialogue with • International Institute of Risk and Safety the university is ongoing and the Institute is hopeful Management that a satisfactory solution to resolve the accreditation • Institution of Occupational Safety and Health issue can be secured. Rod House is the newly-elected Chairman of the Examinations and Professional • National Exam Board in Occupational Safety and Standards Committee and I will be working with him Health to achieve the priority objective of securing modern • Royal Environmental Health Institute of solutions which are both effective and sustainable in Scotland relation to producing first class environmental health • Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. graduates. To be eligible to join the register REHIS members Finally, it is recognised that we are in the midst of must hold Chartered EHO status and: an ever-changing landscape both politically and economically. Already we know that reviews are to • demonstrate adequate Continuing Professional take place in relation to food safety enforcement and Development how health and safety at work regulation is carried • abide by the REHIS Professional Conduct and out. In addition LBRO is being subsumed within the Discipline Regulations Civil Service with an amended remit. In the midst of • provide sensible and proportionate advice, and all of this it is important that Environmental Health professionals remember that what is important in • have professional indemnity insurance or all of this is that public health is not compromised. equivalent to cover the nature of their duties. The improvement and protection of public health should be at the heart of any responses we have to these changing landscapes.

38 Environmental Health Scotland

‘HEALTH, CULTURE AND SCOTLAND: NEW CHALLENGES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES’ - FACULTY OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN SCOTLAND CONFERENCE - 11/12 NOVEMBER 2010 by Brian Lawrie, Member of the REHIS Council

The Faculty of Public Health in Scotland held by 2030 40% of adults will be obese with the its Annual Public Health Conference in Dunblane knock-on effects for employment, mental wellbeing on 11 and 12 November last year. John Sleith and I and health services. The Equally Well initiative is were delighted to represent the Institute at the event. seen as a key strand in the government’s strategy The theme of the conference, Health, Culture and to address these issues. The research is now Scotland: New Challenges, New Opportunities, reflects showing that a good start to life through early years the significant challenges posed by the major health interventions can improve the health inequalities within issues facing Scotland. Scottish communities. Evidence supports a major focus on the early years Professor Phil Hanlon delivered a talk on ‘It’s the in order to reduce the adverse effects of deprivation culture - stupid’ and, as is usual for his presentations, and disadvantage experienced. Some of Scotland’s invoked much discussion and reflection on his biggest health problems are rooted in culture. views on the consumer society and how it affects The conference was to ask questions such as how public health. It is interesting to note his next project is can the public health community identify, promote looking at people who are involved in transformational and secure the changes that are needed to improve change within organisations. Scotland’s health? How might the recession affect our The conference included parallel sessions on thinking? How can we better understand and influence both days and there were some informative presentations the effect on health of cultures in Scotland? And how on health improvement, smoking and air quality. can we impart the importance of the early years in improving health and tackling inequalities? It is interesting, although extremely disappointing to note that, out of the considerable number As in previous years we were the only representatives of speakers and participants in the event, the only of the environmental health profession attending officers from environmental health present were the conference although there were delegates from the two delegates from REHIS. Indeed it was more local health improvement teams and community surprising given that some of the subjects within the health partnerships. parallel sessions could quite easily have been delivered Talking to delegates from the health boards’ public by Environmental Health Officers. Instead, in almost health teams, they were eager to hear from Nicola every case, the papers were presented by health Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet board employees. Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on how she The event offers much to our profession in the viewed their public health work. Having stated that way of a holistic view of health and the need for she would protect frontline health activities in the wellbeing. There is much that we can learn from budget cuts many delegates came from health boards this type of event and without a doubt, much that we where public health was situated in the policy can contribute. directorates and may not be seen as frontline. Unfortunately, again as in previous years, the ministerial address had to be delivered by a civil Note to members: servant, Aileen Keel, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The Faculty of Public Health in Scotland will be Aileen proffered the Minister’s apologies but as she holding its Annual Public Health Conference in had been involved in writing the Minister’s speech November. Any member considering presenting she was able to cover the main issues the Minister a paper or participating in a poster session would have addressed. The government view is that on an environmental health-related topic may alcohol holds back individuals, families, communities qualify for having their delegate fee, travel and and the nation from realising our potential and there accommodation costs met from the Institute’s are several strategies to combat this. Reducing General Reserve Fund. smoking is still a key target. The projections are that

39 Environmental Health Scotland

NEWS IN BRIEF by Tom Bell, Chief Executive

Malawi update The Malawi Environmental Health Association standards in Scotland. The Committee consists of (MEHA) recently launched its website nine members (including Bernard Forteath, Junior www. malawieha.org and the Association’s President, Vice-President of REHIS and Past President of Young Samanyika, is hopeful that the site will the IFEH) two of whom are members of the Food provide a focus for members across Malawi and Standards Agency Board, who provide a wide base for the global environmental health community. of knowledge on food and food-related issues. They REHIS provided financial assistance to MEHA for particularly focus on Scottish-based issues and take the development, launch and maintenance of the site. into account advice from scientific advisory committees working in the field of food safety and standards. The Committee holds regular meetings in locations Update membership details online throughout Scotland which are open to the public. Members can now update their details by downloading a form from the Members’ Area of the website (www.rehis.com) and can submit them PR/media update online. If you have changed your postal or e- A number of press releases have been issued by mail addresses, have a new employer or wish to the Institute in recent weeks covering private water amend your area of specialist interest please supplies, the installation of the new President, and the advise the Institute’s office via the website or print Southern Centre’s bed bug and cockroach seminar. The off and complete the form and return it to Tom Bell, Institute thanks Jonathan Kennedy and Chris Bell of Chief Executive, REHIS, 19 Torphichen Street, Wave PR, the Institute’s Public Relations and Media Edinburgh, EH3 8HX or fax to: 0131 228 2926. Advisers, for their advice and assistance. Alternatively, you may e-mail the requested information to [email protected]. ‘Bed bug and cockroach’ event a great success The REHIS Southern Centre presented a Public New members for FSA Board and SFAC Health and Pest Control - The Rise of Bed Bugs and The Food Standards Agency has announced the Cockroaches Seminar on 24 February in Glasgow. appointment of Dr David Cameron as the Chair of The event, attended by over 50 delegates (and there the Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC). were more than 20 potential delegates on a waiting The Agency has also announced the appointment list), was deemed to have been a great success by the of Dr James Wildgoose as a new member for delegates and presenters. The event was chaired by Scotland on the FSA Board. The appointments were Andrew McPherson, REHIS Council member and made by Shona Robison MSP, Scottish Minister for Southern Centre Chairman. Oliver Madge, Chairman Public Health and Sport. Dr Cameron’s new role as of the Bed Bug Foundation (www.bedbugfoundation. Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee will org) presented his paper Bed Bugs - The Problems run concurrently with his FSA Board membership. and Solutions and he was followed by Nigel Kerr of He will divide his time between Board duties and Glasgow City Council on Bed Bugs v. Cockroaches in SFAC. Dr Cameron, a biochemist and experienced Glasgow - a Sleeping Timebomb? and Stuart Graham food safety consultant, is a past President of of the City of Edinburgh Council on Bed Bugs in REHIS and is also a member of the FSA Board. Edinburgh - an Artistic Impression. Dr Wildgoose, a former senior civil servant with a Andrew McPherson and the Southern Centre background in economics, was responsible for setting offer their thanks to all the presenters and to Pat up the FSA in Scotland. He is based in Edinburgh and Hoey, Chairman of the REHIS Public Health and undertakes occasional freelance consultancy projects. Housing Working Group, for their contribution to the The Scottish Food Advisory Committee provides the success of this event which was open to members Food Standards Agency Scotland with independent of REHIS and to all environmental health advice and information on safety issues and food professionals in Scotland.

40 Environmental Health Scotland

Roy Emerson, 1923-2010 The Institute acknowledges with sadness the death person to whom others turned for help and advice. of Roy Emerson. A tribute to Roy, the first President Such help and advice was always given willingly and of the International Federation of Environmental with a genuine wish to be of assistance. Health and a former President of the Institution of He was the person to whom the fledgling Environmental Health Officers (now the Chartered International Federation turned in 1988 to lead it into Institute of Environmental Health), follows. the inaugural World Congress in Sydney, Australia and he set the standard to which every President since A tribute by Michael Halls has aspired. Roy, together with his wife Dorothy, Roy Emerson, who passed away suddenly on 27 were regular attenders at IFEH events, particularly December last year, was a remarkable, kind and World Congresses, right up until 2006 and, although generous man who loved life and whose passing they were unable to be at subsequent gatherings, Roy leaves a gap in the lives of very many colleagues in was always anxious to learn how things had gone and all corners of the world. Roy was the quintessential what progress IFEH had made. He was particularly Environmental Health practitioner and what he disappointed to be unable to make the trip to Brisbane achieved during his long and distinguished career in 2008. I have lost a dear friend and colleague marked him as someone special. His greatest and the international Environmental Health achievements came in the field of Housing but, in community has lost a loyal supporter and a all other aspects of Environmental Health, he was a dedicated champion for its aims.

*** Professor Huw Vaughan Smith, 1946-2010

The Institute acknowledges with sadness the death director of the SPDL in 2001 and consultant of Huw Smith. A tribute to Huw, a friend and clinical parasitologist in 2002. Huw was highly supporter of the Environmental Health Profession in regarded by colleagues in the biomedical and medical Scotland for many years, follows. professions of the National Health Service. Over the years Huw undertook research on a diverse A tribute range of parasites in conjunction with colleagues at the University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, Huw Smith was one of Scotland’s best known Stobhill Hospital and other universities and hospitals parasitologists and consultant clinical scientists. throughout the UK and worldwide. His main interests In 1982, he co-founded the Scottish Parasite centred on the immunopathology, epidemiology, Diagnostic Laboratory (SPDL), Department of diagnosis and detection of the parasites that cause Bacteriology, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow with toxocariasis, ascariasis, schistosomiasis, giardiasis Dr Tony Girdwood, Consultant Microbiologist. and cryptosporidiosis. Huw’s contribution to the The SPDL was the first central laboratory established development of the current statutory method used by for the diagnosis and identification of parasites in UK water authorities (and throughout the world) for clinical material in Scotland. It soon established a the recovery and detection of Cryptosporidium spp. reputation as a centre of excellence for laboratory oocysts in drinking water is widely acknowledged. diagnosis and research. Huw played a leading role He was often referred to as ‘Professor Crypto.’ in the development of the SPDL over the years, by many water authority laboratory analysts at raising its national and international profile. His the annual microscopy workshop held at Strathclyde effect was to dramatically increase the quality of the University. In addition to his great interest scientific output and the ability of the SPDL to attract and commitment to diagnosis was his broader research grants from the most prestigious funding interest in epidemiology and his support for field-based bodies in the UK and abroad. He was appointed research in developing countries in Asia and Africa.

41 Environmental Health Scotland

From the Courts Clackmannanshire Council Accused: Mr Raad Ahmad Address of Premises:  Mill Street, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1DT Legislation: The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs, Article 5, Sections 1 and 2 Case Summary: Premises was routinely inspected on 29 July 2009. At the time of the inspection there was no food safety management system or monitoring in place. In addition there were cleanliness and structural issues thoughout the premises, the wash hand basin had no hygienic hand washing or drying material and there was no evidence of it being used. Date Determined: 1 February 2011 Outcome: Mr Raad Ahmad changed his plea to guilty in Alloa Sheriff Court for the charge under Article 5 Penalty: Mr Ahmad was charged £375; this was reduced from £500 due to the implementation of Article 5 since the original inspection.

This case was submitted by Margaret McWhinnie and Andrew Crawford of Clackmannanshire Council.

***

Dundee City Council Accused: Grossett’s of Tayside Ltd Address of Premises : 146 Arbroath Road, Dundee Legislation : The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006, Regulation 17(1) and the European Communities Act 1972, Section 2(2) Date of Offence: 17 September 2007 Brief Account of Case: Dirty wall to floor junctions in back shop food production area and a build up of dirt, food debris and insect larvae under a large mincer. The report was submitted as a result of a graduated line of enforcement. Reporting Officer: Jacqueline Petrie, Environmental Health Officer Date Determined: 18 February 2011 Penalty: £1,500 Other Observations: Grossett’s of Tayside Ltd, were found guilty following a four day trial at Dundee Sheriff Court.

This case was submitted by Lindsay Matthew of Dundee City Council.

REHIS welcomes reports of interesting court cases for publication in Environmental Health Scotland.

42 Environmental Health Scotland

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland

The Institute was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 16th February 1983, to give effect to the amalgamation of The Royal Sanitary Association of Scotland and The Scottish Institute of Environmental Health. The Institute was Incorporated by Royal Charter on 8th March 2001, following which the Company was wound up.

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, Number SC009406.

The objects for which the Institute is established, contained in Article 3 of the Charter, are for the benefit of the community to promote the advancement of Environmental Health by: a. stimulating general interest in and disseminating knowledge concerning Environmental Health; b. promoting education and training in matters relating to Environmental Health; and c. maintaining, by examination or otherwise, high standards of professional practice and conduct on the part of Environmental Health Officers in Scotland.

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland is an independent and self-financing organisation. It neither seeks nor receives grant aid. The Institute’s charitable activities are funded significantly by the subscriptions received from its members.

The Institute’s affairs are managed by a Council which is elected by members. The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland is a founding member of the International Federation of Environmental Health.

The Institute frequently uses the acronym: REHIS®.

REHIS and the Crest device are registered trademarks of The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.

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