Chamber and committees

Consequently, waste recovery, including making use of thermal energy from waste processes, forms part of an integrated Zero Waste Strategy. Where energy from waste is used, it is important that it is used efficiently and to do so will invariably involve use of both heat and power generated from the plant.

SEPA has produced environmental permitting guidance to be considered by applicants who propose energy-from-waste plants. This makes it clear that new thermal treatment facilities should not impede recycling or waste prevention opportunities, and that they maximise the recovery of energy.

The practical implications of the guidance are that plants should only treat residual waste after all reasonable efforts have been made to extract recyclable materials, and that they should recover and use the energy derived from waste efficiently, including utilising heat in industrial applications and/or district heating systems.

NHS Grampian are in the process of agreeing a financial plan as part of the local delivery plan submission for 2010-11 which is scheduled to go before the board on 1 June 2010. Upon completion of this process the plan will be submitted to Scottish Government for formal approval.

Table 1

In addition Table 2 sets out the number of people who achieved a Dip of Higher Education in Nursing from Robert Gordon University.

Table 2

Following discussions at Robert Gordon University''s annual review meetings in 2008 and 2009, at which NHS Grampian were present, my officials reflected concerns they had received from newly qualified nurses about the two year programme. NHS Grampian were urged to consider a different approach. As a result, NHS Grampian has now adopted a one year pathway based on the national Flying Start NHS Programme.