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Health
SIX HOSPITALISED AFTER LEGIONELLA OUTBREAK
Manifesto
INDUSTRY URGES TREASURY TO INVEST IN SKILLS
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HEALTH OFFICIALS LAUNCHED an investigation after eight people were confirmed to have been infected with legionella bacteria. Six people were hospitalised in West Bromwich in September and a joint investigation has been launched with the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England, supported by local agencies, to find what was believed to be a single source of the outbreak. Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell Council’s director of public health said: “The council is working closely with PHE and the Health and Safety Executive to find the source of this outbreak.”
CIPHE backs industry submission warning that government must take action as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review
T
he Chancellor has been urged to invest in industry skills and adopt a plan backed by the CIPHE. The National Engineering Policy Centre submission to the Treasury for the Comprehensive Spending Review, agreed by 43 sector bodies including the CIPHE, said the government must invest in engineering skills if it wants to meet emissions targets and create jobs. It set out a four-point plan for the government to prioritise retrofit and refurbishment, fund up-skilling for people already in the industry, invest in research and green-light high quality infrastructure projects. “Investing in the engineering actions we set out will result in progress for all of the priorities of the Spending Review,” the submission said.
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Other supporters included the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professor Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE, President, said: “It is a crucial time for government to take practical actions to help the economy recover while addressing inequalities and reducing our carbon emissions.” The lobbying is part of a change by the Institute to a yearly manifesto to influence ministers, industry and the public. CIPHE chief executive officer, Kevin Wellman, said: “The Spending Review is an opportunity to make changes at a time when people need help. This will create more jobs and prosperity.” A copy of the spending review submission and the letter co-signed by the CIPHE are available at www.ciphe.org.uk/ newsroom/Latest_News/nepc/
Campaign
CIPHE MARKS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY MORE FUNDING FOR mental health services is needed, the CIPHE has said. The Institute backed World Mental Health Day on 10 October as part of its Under Pressure campaign to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, particularly for lone workers and those affected by COVID-19. The theme this year was resources. Membership director Tim Sainty said: “We’ve all been challenged this year and it’s highlighted the need for more support. Wellbeing help is part of our healthcare cover and it’s a resource that will make a real difference.”
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