Following two years of study and a year’s work placement, Robyn Midwinter of Half Tree Hollow has graduated with a Foundation Science Degree (FdSc) in Veterinary Nursing with Merit from Harper Adams University in the UK.

During her first year of studies, Robyn had to complete all the basic Veterinary modules including Anatomy and Physiology, Companion Animal Management and Large Animal Management. The latter two modules involved handling and caring for a wide range of species and being assessed on these skills. During her second year, Robyn focussed more on Animal Health, Nursing skills, Anaesthesia & Surgery, Animal Medications and Clinical Practice. There was a large number of practical sessions across all these modules.

Robyn’s work placement at a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accredited training practice within the UK saw her work at a small Animal Veterinary Hospital in Gloucestershire with a team of 13 Vets, 14 registered Veterinary Nurses, five student Nurses and eight Receptionists in a busy environment, dealing with a variety of caseloads.

Robyn commented:

“My time on placement was the most interesting and rewarding experience as I got to put into practice all the information and skills I had been taught at University, whilst learning from and working with an amazingly talented and knowledgeable team of professionals. During this time, I had to complete a Nursing Progress Log (NPL); an electronic skills list designed and reviewed by the RCVS to support a process of clinical mentorship and learning in addition to recording competent achievement for Vet Nurses. The NPL contained many skills ranging from Laboratory Techniques, Diagnostic Imaging, Nursing Care, Client Communication, Dispensing Drugs, Theatre Practice, Anaesthesia and Infection Control.”

 In her final year of studies, Robyn had to complete the NPL and pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). The OSCE are overseen by the RCVS and involve several clinical tasks being performed and examined for correct procedure. Passing these two components allowed Robyn to gain her registration as a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse on the RCVS register.

Robyn added:

“Being on an FdSc course, I also had to complete a ‘mini dissertation’ for which I received a Distinction. For my Professional Research Project, I investigated client awareness of the risk and benefits associated with neutering in canine patients. I found this research area very interesting as the full list of risks and benefits are not always fully explained to clients, and the internet contains such a wide range of information that is not always relevant or true.”

Since completing her studies, Robyn has continued working at the Animal Veterinary Hospital in Gloucestershire to build and expand on her skills and confidence in the various areas of veterinary nursing.

Robyn concluded:

“Being a Veterinary Nurse is challenging, magical, emotional, amazing and heart-breaking. It’s not just a job and it’s not a money maker, it’s a lot of hard work, with often very little appreciation. It’s not cuddling puppies and kittens all day. Every single day is different and unpredictable.

“I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved with the Scholarship process that gave me the opportunity to embark on the amazing adventure of attending University in the UK, and would encourage anyone contemplating further education overseas to grasp the opportunity.”

Director of Education & Employment, Wendy Benjamin, commented:

“On behalf of the Education & Employment Directorate and the Scholarship Awards Committee I would like to extend congratulations to Robyn on her achievement and we wish her well in her career in Veterinary Nursing.”

#StHelena #Student #FoundationScienceDegree #VeterinaryNursing #HarperAdams #University #RCVS

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SHG

17 October 2019

Scheduled recertification training for all existing Rope Rescue Technician Supervisors and the initial training of three potentially new supervisors took place between 6 and 11 October 2019.

The training was delivered by Technical Rescue Training UK Ltd Instructors Neal Pickersgill and Andy Barker. Candidates participating in the refresher and new supervisor courses were Alan Thomas, Matthew Benjamin, Daniel Yon and Jason Lawrence from the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, Trevor Magellan, Deon Leo and Marc George from the Airport Fire & Rescue team and Rock Guards Darren Francis and Matthew Williams.  

The course is aimed at rescue technicians who are expected to supervise rope rescues operations and any work at height; this includes but is not limited to the requirement to organise, supervise and control rescues of people and animals from Cliffs and Crags, free standing structures and any other remote locations.

The delivery of training was ‘scenario based’ and supervisors were expected to oversee their respective teams, whilst they gained access to difficult locations to carry out work at height from ropes, cableways, or combined rope systems where no actual access could be gained by normal methods. In the event of an

emergency rescue and evacuation from height of an injured person, a variety of rescue techniques were taught. A supervisor’s role entails making risk critical decisions to the benefit of the casualty and to be capable of performing and briefing teams for any emergency rescue from any situation.

All supervisors are expected to sit and pass an additional written examination to enable them to be certified as Level 3 Rope Rescue Operator/Technician (RRO/T) Supervisors.

Brigade Manager, Alan Thomas, commented:

“Overall, the training was enjoyable but intense. For all existing and new Supervisors we are now certified to legally carry out our duties for another three years.

 “As Rope Rescue Technician Supervisors we are expected to maintain and develop our team skills. All new rope rescue operators can also be taught and certified by our current supervisors.

 “The many varied skills and techniques taught and learnt will be used as a basis to stretch the knowledge and develop the skills of the team. Every opportunity will be taken to incorporate other responder groups to help maintain and develop other rope users and responders. This will obviously take some coordination between our services but will ensure that all groups are monitored and have the opportunity to contribute to cross service training.”  

#StHelena #SHFRS #Airport #RockGuards #RopeRescueTraining #Recertification #AltogetherSafer

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SHG

17 October 2019

The stored water volume across all Island reservoirs is currently at 41%. This slight increase of 1% is due to the reduction in consumption which occurred on 11 and 12 October 2019, where the Island’s consumption rate was less than 1000 cubic metres. The public is commended for their efforts in reducing consumption.

There is still irregular surface flows which mean that very little water is naturally entering the reservoirs and not enough to see the desired effects on our stored water volumes.

Connect Saint Helena (CSH) continues to pump water from Chubb’s Spring and Hutt’s Gate to Red Hill to replenish stocks in this area.

The weather forecast for St Helena over the next few days suggest warm weather with little to no rain showers.

HE Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook appeals to the community to make every effort to keep water consumption to essential use only. Governor Rushbrook said:

“The availability of water is at the heart of our lives. We all know it is in short supply and we all know how it will affect us if we do not have it. I ask everyone to think twice before using water and follow simple water saving measures: stop taps running; report leaks; re-use water for the garden etc and encourage others to use water wisely too.”

The public is reminded that we are currently under an Island-wide hosepipe ban. If you see anyone using water irresponsibly or notice a burst pipe or leak, then please inform Connect immediately.

Every drop counts, every action counts – save water now to be safe later

#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts

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St Helena Resilience Forum

15 October 2019

Executive Council met today, Tuesday 15 October 2019, to discuss one item on the Open Agenda.

Council approves recommended changes to the Ship Registry Policy with priority given to changes in provisions regarding the registry of yachts and pleasure vessels and a change in fees

Following a presentation by Councillor Lawson Henry, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee (EDC), Council was asked to consider and advise whether the recommended changes to the Ship Registry Policy should be approved as follows:

• For yachts and pleasure vessels to no longer require applicants from foreign companies/persons to have ‘a close economic connection with the island’ defined as a minimum investment of £500,000 unless a smaller investment offers the potential for significant long-term benefits
• For fishing and commercial vessels to change the definition of ‘a close economic connection with the island’ to refer to ‘a minimum investment of £250,000 unless a smaller investment offers the potential for significant long-term benefits’
• For yachts and pleasure vessels ONLY to extend the list of countries from which applications from foreign companies/persons can be accepted to include countries permitted in other Red Ensign registries
• A change in fees to come more in line with other Red Ensign registries.

The Chief Economist explained that one of the potential growth sectors of the Sustainable Economic Development Plan (SEDP) was the Ship Registry, building on the Island’s maritime history and the fact that St Helena is a Red Ensign Registry.

The difficulties to achieving this growth is that the current policy is very restrictive in terms of registering a vessel which is why we have very few vessels registering on St Helena. Two of the particular barriers have been in relation to the list of countries from which applications can be accepted and the other the requirement of a close economic connection to the Island defined as a minimum investment of £500,000 unless a smaller investment offers the potential for significant long-term benefits.

The changes to the Policy sought to address these issues.

Discussion ensued around new fees proposed and whether they represented full cost recovery. Council was assured that a comparison of fees had been undertaken with other Red Ensign registries and the fees charged by St Helena Government are on par with other countries’ fees. It was agreed that the fees may still be low in some categories but this will be kept under review as part of the annual budgeting process.

Questions were also raised around surveying and whose responsibility it is to complete the necessary ship surveys for registration. Council was advised that it is the Ship owner’s responsibility to pay for the survey and the surveyors used are those registered with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Marketing was also discussed but at this stage it was agreed that, until the appropriate Maritime legislation is in place and the UK audit is complete, further details on how to register a ship would only be provided on the SHG website. Once the legislation update has been completed a full marketing exercise will be considered in order to attract more registrations.

Members were reassured that there were no substantive additional liabilities and risks from changing the Ship Registry Policy and were reminded that the reason for not making any substantive changes to the policy for fishing vessels and commercial vessels is a result of the risks highlighted by not having yet reformed St Helena’s Maritime legislation. Specifically, St Helena is planning to develop regulations dealing with safety, crew and pollution prevention measures related to fishing vessels.

Members recognised that the Policy is well overdue for review and is a positive step forward in generating more revenue for the Island. It was therefore agreed to revise and broaden the applicability of our Shipping Register in a modest way and in line with other Red Ensign jurisdictions.

The Policy would be reviewed in the near future subject to the outcome of the continuing work of the MCA to meeting the conditions of the UK audit.

ExCo

15 October 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from the Infrastructure & Transport Directorate:

The Highways Authority has given approval for the road from the Dungeon to Hutt’s Gate to be closed from 9am to 3pm on Monday, 21, and Tuesday, 22, October 2019.

This closure is to allow the Roads Section to carry out excavation works.

While the road is closed the diversion route will be via Gordons Post.

The Highways Authority has also given approval for the road from Blue Hill junction to Blue Hill bus shelter to be closed from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday, 23, Thursday, 24, and Friday, 25 October 2019.

This closure is also to enable the Roads Section to carry out excavation works.

During all closures, appropriate signage will be in place, and only emergency services will be granted access.

The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their continued support and understanding.

SHG
15 October 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

Bonfire Night (Tuesday, 5 November 2019) is just around the corner, but when planning your celebrations this year please remember St Helena’s current water situation.

For the past few years the average volume of water used to extinguish bonfires at popular events is approximately 40,000 litres or two fifths of the Island’s daily water consumption.

The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service (SHF&RS) has therefore imposed the following restriction that any bonfires this year should be no more than 6 metres in diameter and 1.5 metres high. The SHF&RS will be monitoring the size of bonfire material prior to events taking place. However, once the bonfire is lit and starts getting smaller, more timber can be added.

Furthermore, hazardous materials such as tyres, paint tins, aerosol cans, furniture containing foam (foam contains cyanide which is deadly), asbestos (which is illegal to burn) etc should not be allowed on the fire as this is dangerous for spectators.

As normal, the SHF&RS will be patrolling events on the night as Safety Officers.

For further information or clarification please contact the Fire Station on tel: 23344.

The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service wishes everyone a safe and happy Bonfire Night.

#StHelena #SHFRS #BonfireNight #FireRestrictions #AltogetherSafer #SaveWater

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SHG

15 October 2019

Did you or your partner or spouse serve in the UK’s Armed Forces, with the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army or the Royal Air Force? Or with the Merchant Navy in a vessel in support of the Armed Forces? If you did, please get in touch with the Governor’s Office to share or update your details. Contact Mrs Linda Glanville, PA to H.E. the Governor via: linda.glanville@sainthelena.gov.sh or on tel: 22555.

Veterans are encouraged to apply for a Veterans Badge (or for those who served in the Merchant Navy in a vessel in support of the Armed Forces, a Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge) – to apply for a badge or to replace a lost badge check your eligibility at: www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge. To help ensure prompt delivery veterans are encouraged to apply through the Governor’s Office on tel: 22308.

Governor’s Office St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha

14 October 2019

A meeting of Executive Council will take place in the Council Chamber at 9.30am on Tuesday, 15 October 2019.

The following item will be discussed on the Open Agenda:

• Ship Registry Policy: Registration Of Fishing Vessels, Commercial Vessels, Yachts And Pleasure Vessels

This paper (ExCo Memo) is available online at the following link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/councils/executive-council/.

Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the ExCo Memos should contact the Acting Clerk of Councils, at the Castle on tel: 22590 or via email: sec.em@helanta.co.sh.

Elected Members serving on Executive Council are Councillors Russell Yon, Clint Beard, Anthony Green, Lawson Henry and Derek Thomas. Councillor Dr Corinda Essex will become a temporary member of ExCo while Councillor Russell Yon is off-Island on overseas business.

Non-voting members of Executive Council are Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and Attorney General, Allen Cansick.

#StHelena #ExCoMeeting 

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SHG

11 October 2019

The St Helena Community College held their biennial Careers Fair at Prince Andrew School on Wednesday, 9 October 2019.

A welcome and brief remarks were given by Fair Coordinator, Cynthia Bennett, and Chairperson of the Education Committee, Councillor Clint Beard.

In HE’s official opening speech, Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook said:

“I am pleased to have the opportunity today, at this Fair, to welcome everyone here. I ask you to do one thing. To take inspiration, or if you have a job then a new look, in deciding your career options. There are an overwhelming number of opportunities, career paths, to choose from here on St Helena. I hope every participant at this Fair will resolve to make a decision, take a bold step, and feel empowered to pursue their dreams.”

In a busy hall both the public and private sectors took part  showcasing and demonstrating their various career opportunities , business activities and making presentations using videos and slideshows.

Businesses and organisations taking part in the Fair included: Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc, Saint Helena Airport Ltd, Sure South Atlantic Ltd, the Saint Helena National Trust, Enterprise St Helena, Bank of St Helena, Inside St Helena, External Audit Service, Penspen, Connect Saint Helena Ltd, Mantis Hotel, Chevening and various SHG directorates and sections.

Presentations were delivered by the St Helena Police Directorate, Children & Adults Social Care Directorate, Penspen and Enterprise St Helena.

Demonstrations throughout the day were delivered by the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, and the Health Directorate.

A full copy of the Governor’s speech from the day can be read here.

#StHelena #Education #SHCC #PAS #Career #CareersFair

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SHG

10 October 2019