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THE LATEST
THE SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE
PAY DEAL Scotland pay rise agreed as unions accept off er
The Scottish government has confi rmed the pay increase for NHS Scotland staff will be implemented ‘as soon as possible’ after the offer was unanimously accepted by unions.
In an online survey, College of Podiatry members in Scotland voted:
87.5% to accept 12.5% to reject the off er
In a letter responding to the College’s acceptance of the deal, the Scottish 1Collegeleg tish ish to e S government said: ‘Ministers are clear s are clear that staff should feel the benefi t of this fh pay uplift as soon as possible.’
Just two of the nine unions represented among Agenda for Change staff did not vote to accept ‘the biggest pay deal since devolution’, the government letter noted.
To read the letter in full, go to bit.ly/Scot-gov-pay-letter
ELECTIVE SURGERY
College solution for surgery waits 2 n ut waits
Podiatric surgery is an ‘essential service’, the College has asserted in a document outlining its solution for reducing elective foot surgery waits in England. The statement proposes that:
Podiatric surgery keeps the ageing population mobile and active, addressing physical and mental health priorities.
Non-medical independent prescribing improves continuity of care, facilitates quicker consultations and access to services and medicines.
Podiatric surgeons are integrated with multidisciplinary diabetic foot services and apply their knowledge and surgical skills to reduce amputations.
To read the position statement in full, go to bit.ly/statement-elective-surgery
COLLEGE OF PODIATRY
In-person conference returns
Attendees of this year’s annual College conference and exhibition will be able to meet face to face in Liverpool. When and where? It will be held at the ACC Liverpool on 18 to 20 November. Who? Speaker highlights include 7/7 survivor and Paralympian Martine Wright, former deputy leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson, and Paul Nowak, TUC deputy general secretary. How? The College assured members the 3 event would adhere to Covid-19 safety guidance that’s in place at the time in a series of FAQs. Find out more: to see the latest programme, book tickets and read the FAQs, go to
cop.org.uk/copc21
MUCORMYCOSIS
4India warns of ‘black fungus’ in Covid patients
Doctors in India treating Covid-19 patients have been urged to look for signs of mucormycosis, as cases rise.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said those vulnerable to the potentially fatal infection, known as ‘black fungus’, included people with diabetes and compromised immune systems. Early symptoms include sinus pain and one-sided headaches, and it can lead to blackening of the nose and coughing up blood.
Ivan Bristow, a podiatrist who has published research into Covid toes, said: ‘This has been identified in a number of countries, including a case in the UK.
‘The condition most often occurs in patients given systemic steroids. These are administered to patients with Covid-related breathing diff iculties. The side eff ect of this is the potential for mucormycosis.’
He added: ‘Around half the patients who develop this have diabetes.’
Find the ICMR’s advice on screening, diagnosing and managing this condition at bit.ly/ICMR-mucormycosis
COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
5We need you! Elections are to take place for the College’s employment support committee (ESC) and health, safety and wellbeing panel (HS&WP). What they do: The ESC deals with employment matters, while the HS&WP looks after all matters relating to the health and safety issues that aff ect members in their workplaces. Who they need: Both groups comprise a mix of trade union representatives and members from private practices. When? The elections will take place in September and October; for private practices, they’ll be in early 2022. How to stand: If you’re interested in putting yourself forward for either committee, as a trade union or private practice rep, contact your employment support off icer, or email
