WEST end Oran Mor owner, Colin Beattie, is piloting a novel customer care scheme in his Glasgow pubs as staff are trained to spot common seizure-related behavior and offer appropriate first aid. This pioneering project, assisted by Bob Doris MSP and national charity, Epilepsy Scotland, is the start of a city-wide awareness-raising initiative for the licensing trade.
Publican, Colin Beattie, explained: “This is an exciting opportunity to ensure all our staff, whether behind the bar or on the front door, can deal confidently if anyone has a seizure. I believe there’s more to being a good publican than serving quality refreshments. By introducing a scheme that’s the first of its kind in the UK, Oran Mor leads the way in demonstrating a duty of care to everyone who visits our establishments as we operate to the highest standards of the trade.”
Epilepsy Scotland chief executive, Lesslie Young, said: “This type of training is long overdue and we commend Colin Beattie for his vision and hope Glasgow’s licensing trade will soon adopt his marvellous example. We are already working with police forces like Strathclyde and the Scottish courts to increase their knowledge of how some seizures can impact a person’s behaviour. A better understanding of epilepsy hugely benefits the public and publicans because staff in pubs and clubs will know how to respond to seizures, reducing unnecessary calls for police support.”
Bob Doris MSP commented: “When I approached Colin Beattie I was confident he would be supportive but had no idea he would give such a massive commitment to this fantastic project. Thanks to his support I am certain we will see this rolled out across Glasgow. As Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, I obviously have a big interest in public health and I am determined to keep working with Epilepsy Scotland until this is rolled out right across the country. But it’s fantastic to be leading the way in Glasgow and having seen first hand the difficulties a friend with epilepsy experienced on a night out due to the general lack of awareness, I know this training will make a big difference.”
Ends
Notes to editor
1. Photo call
A photo call will be held at 2pm on Monday 27 August 2012 in Oran Mor, top of Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8QX. Publican Colin Beattie, Bob Doris MSP, Epilepsy Scotland Chief Executive Lesslie Young will be available for photographs and interviews.
2. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent nearly 54,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers advice, support and information or try enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk, text 07786 209501, or visit:www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
3. Epilepsy Scotland will provide awareness training for staff in Oran Mor and sister pubs in Glasgow owned by publican Colin Beattie. This unique training may be extended by invitation to licensees involved in the city’s Pub Watch scheme.
4. Epilepsy Scotland is also working in partnership with the Crown Office, the Law Society, Scottish police forces and the Scottish prison service to provide information and awareness training for officers and personnel. During 2012, the Epilepsy and the Law working group will develop epilepsy protocols.
5. For more details please contact: Allana Parker, public affairs officer on: 0141 419 1701 or 07884 012 147. From 1.45pm on Monday 27 August at Oran Mor call 0141 357 6200/6220.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Epilepsy Scotland. You too can post media releases on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Allana Parker
Phone: 01414274911
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
