We Are Randox | Randox Men’s GAA team win Junior Shield at Inter-Firms competition
We Are Randox | Randox Men’s GAA team win Junior Shield at Inter-Firms competition
Randox Men’s GAA team win Junior Shield at FinTrU Ulster GAA Football Inter-Firms competition
After the success of the Randox Ladies GAA team in reaching their shield final at the FinTrU Ulster GAA Football Inter-Firms competition, Randox fielded two teams in the men’s competition which took place at Queen’s University Playing Fields Dub Pavilion on Saturday 26th October.
The men’s teams were pooled in separate groups with strong opposition facing both teams.
John James Fallon, Randox Electrical Engineer and Bainisteoir / Coach for Randox GAA commented;
“As soon as the day began the Randox men battled hard. With some fantastic individual performances and a relentless team effort we both recorded wins in our opening matches.
“Randox two lost out narrowly to solid Deloitte and CITI teams but bounced back in their last group game to win against Global Payments.
“Randox one continued strongly throughout the group stages impressively winning all but one of their group matches which saw them qualify for the shield final against Deloitte.
“The final was an even contest with both teams exchanging some fantastic scores in a very competitive game, but it was Randox who edged it and won the Junior Shield.
“What a great year for the Randox men and women. Many were playing GAA for the first time and both reaching the finals of their respective competitions. We fielded players ranging from experienced to novice and together what we achieved has been exceptional.
“On behalf of the organising committee I would like to say thank you to sponsor FinTrU and Ulster GAA for organising another fantastic day out, to Dr FitzGerald and the company for their continued support, but most importantly thank you to everyone who registered for this year’s competition.
“To everyone who played with such grit and determination, you have done yourselves and the company proud. A massive congratulations is in order for everyone, and in particular for Shay McStravick who captained the team on their win and lifted the Shield for Randox.”
Shay McStravick, Randox Men’s GAA Captain commented;
“I would like to congratulate all the men and women who took part in a hugely successful year for Randox GAA. Over the course of a couple of months we have built a great sense of camaraderie among the group and it was great to achieve some silverware to show for it.
“I would like to reiterate everything John James has already touched on and also take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you, on behalf of the team, to John James for all his hard work and commitment to help get Randox GAA on its feet. Here’s to 2020.”
We are all looking forward to next year already!
If you are interested in joining a Randox GAA team or helping out, please send your name and contact details to John James Fallon in our engineering team: johnjames.fallon@randox.com
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Canine infection test redesigned to create less laboratory wastage
23 October 2019
New Randox Canine CRP Test
Canine infection test redesigned to create less laboratory wastage
A new smaller veterinary test kit for the diagnosis of viral and bacterial infections in dogs has been unveiled by global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
Suitable for the testing of a wide range of breeds, the test, which monitors levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection and tissue injury, has been redesigned in a smaller size to reduce consumable wastage.
Randox Canine CRP can diagnose conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cystitis (a bladder infection) and inflammatory bowel disease, and can also be used to establish if a dog is pregnant.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Clinical Marketing Manager, commented;
“The redesign of our Canine CRP kit size, which has reduced the volume of the CRP reagent for the diagnosis of canine infection, means that laboratories will produce less waste, and ultimately, be more cost-effective.
“The wide measuring range of this test allows for slight variations of normal ranges across different canine species and ensures accurate results for all breeds.”
Concentration levels of CRP elevate in the blood of canines much earlier post-injury or infection than other biomarkers. This rapid response following trauma (usually within 4 to 6 hours), as well as the fact that CRP levels return to normal quickly at the end of an acute episode, make Canine CRP useful for both the detection of acute inflammation episodes and the monitoring of its treatment, such as steroids or antibiotics.
Lynsey continued;
“As in humans, CRP is used as a marker of inflammatory activity, but with the Randox Canine CRP test, which uses the same high-quality materials as our human assay, CRP can also be tested in dogs to establish a range of viral and bacterial infections.
“As CRP in healthy dogs is present in low concentrations (5 mg/dl), but can elevate to 600 mg/dl, testing for this biomarker can not only detect inflammation but also provide information on its severity.”
The new test from Randox enhances an already comprehensive veterinary test menu of high performance and superior animal health assays including Bile Acids, D-3 Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut), Glutathione Peroxidase (Ransel) and Total Antioxidant Status, for agriculture and livestock, companion animals, university and research institutes, and the sports industry.
Randox veterinary solutions also include quality control, external quality assessment (EQA) and the RX series range of clinical chemistry analysers.
Lynsey concluded;
“We have over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the veterinary market and are proud to be able to offer veterinarians and other professionals in the animal health industry, tests which are of the highest quality, accuracy and efficiency.
“Offering the complete veterinary diagnostics package of clinical chemistry analysers, reagents, and quality control, Randox is transforming the landscape of veterinary diagnostics, by providing a time and cost effective, flexible and versatile approach to animal health testing.”
Benefits of the new Randox Canine CRP Kit
- Immunoturbidimetric method.
- New kit size – R1 2 x 18.1ml, R2 2 x 5ml offering efficiencies in cost and reagent wastage.
- Wide measuring range of 0.8 – 220mg/dl for the comfortable detection of clinically important results. CRP in healthy dogs can be found at levels below 35 mg/L, therefore Randox Canine CRP comfortably detects abnormal levels.
- In addition, a wide measuring range allows for slight variations of normal ranges across different canine species and ensures accurate results for all.
- Liquid ready-to-use reagents for convenience and ease of use.
- Calibrator included in the kit offering a cost effective canine CRP testing solution.
- Dedicated canine CRP controls available offering a complete testing package.
- Instrument specific applications available for a wide range of clinical chemistry instruments.
For further information about Randox’s New Canine CRP kit please visit https://www.randox.com/canine-crp/ or contact marketing@randox.com
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Drug Abuse Screening in the Emergency Department
21 October 2019
Drug Abuse Screening in the Emergency Department
On a global scale, emergency departments have been providing critical access to the health care system for many years, however, more recently visits to the emergency department has been an opportunity to identify patients with substance use disorders. Screening patients for illicit drugs and drug abuse has become increasingly more regular when a patient is admitted to the emergency department. Screening is vital to treat a patient with effective treatment. Nearly half of all emergency department visits in the US are categorized as relating to substance use disorders.
In a study completed at Ghent University Hospital in 2017 it was found that the most frequently reported drugs abused by emergency department patients are cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates. It is important to screen patients in the emergency department if the patient is showing signs of confusion, deliriousness, unconsciousness, panic attacks, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or seizures as these symptoms usually indicate drug intoxication or overdose.
Randox Toxicology’s Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated immunoanalyser that enables on-site simultaneous detection of up to 21 analytes from a single sample, making it ideal for an emergency department. It requires a small sample volume and generates results in 20 minutes. The process from sample entry to results can be completed in 3 simple steps, with minimum room for human error. The MultiSTAT is designed to analyse as quick, simple and reliable as possible.
| Available Tests | ||
| AB-CHMINACA | AB-PINACA | Amphetamine |
| Barbiturates | Benzodiazepines I (Oxazepam) | Benzodiazepines II (Lorazepam) |
| Benzoylecgonine (Cocaine Metabolite) | Buprenorphine | Cannabinoids (THC) |
| Creatinine | Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) | Fentanyl |
| LSD | Methadone | Methamphetamine |
| Opiate | Oxycodone | Phencyclidine (PCP) |
| Pregabalin | Propoxyphene | Tramadol |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) | UR-144/XLR-11 | α-PVP (Flakka) |
If you would like to find out more about the Evidence MultiSTAT, Biochip Array Technology, or our Evidence range of analysers, contact info@randoxtoxicology.com or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
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We Are Randox | Ladies GAA team reach final of Inter-Firms Tournament
Randox Ladies reach final of FinTrU Ulster GAA Football Inter-Firms Tournament
Early on the morning of Saturday 12th October 2019, Randox Ladies GAA team took to the field at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, to compete in the FinTrU Ulster GAA Football Inter-Firms competition.
With teams made up of eight players, the format of the competition saw the ladies play five group games with the chance to qualify for the cup and shield finals.
Could they match or even beat their record from last year, having reached the 2018 semi-finals?
In the commentary below, John James Fallon, Randox Electrical Engineer and Bainisteoir / Coach for Randox Ladies GAA Team provides a match report from the big day.
John James commented;
Five consecutive games was a big ask for a squad that was relatively small when compared to other firms competing on the day. Nevertheless, our Randox GAA Ladies rose to the challenge and won their first match comfortably against Mallaghans.
The next game saw Randox face last year’s winners FinTrU, whose squad had some very experienced GAA players, and in the following match we competed against The GAA Store Team. Randox, who had grown in confidence after their first game, gave absolutely everything on the field but just came up short in two super games of football. This effort was not without cost as the ladies picked up a few injuries along the way but battled on regardless.
The ladies then showed great character and hunger to bounce back and defeat Options IT, a victory which saw them reach the shield final against our previous opponents Mallaghans.
From the first whistle the ladies put everything on the line, running themselves into the ground despite injury and fatigue. The first half was anyone’s for the taking but it was the fresher Mallaghans who took advantage of their bigger squad to take the early lead and went into half time with a 5-point advantage.
Our Randox Ladies were not about to lie down and accept defeat however, and an early goal and a point swung the balance of the game back in our favour.
During such a tight and dynamic game however, the leading team continued to change, and against the run of play Mallaghans went down the field to score a goal.
In these circumstances a lesser team may have conceded the game, however our ladies immediately responded with a goal and with only seconds remaining looked like they could emerge victorious.
Unfortunately though, despite a courageous effort, we could not find the breakthrough. Congratulations to Mallaghans who went on to win a very entertaining game of football, and subsequently the tournament shield. Thank you to FinTrU and Ulster GAA for organising another fantastic day out.
What a fantastic achievement for this small group of dedicated and enthusiastic players in reaching the final, some of whom had never played Gaelic football before and only had three training sessions before fielding on Saturday. The ladies should be extremely proud of themselves and with the men’s competition only two weeks away, the bar once again has been set extremely high. Well done Randox Ladies!
There are still spaces available on the Randox GAA Men’s team who play their competition on the 26th October at Queen’s University Malone Playing Fields Dub Pavilion.
If you are interested in joining a Randox GAA team or helping out, please send your name and contact details to John James Fallon in our engineering team: johnjames.fallon@randox.com
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We Are Randox | Randox IT is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019
Congratulations to the Randox IT department who have been shortlisted in two categories at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019.
This, the inaugural event from the Belfast-based media outlet, is set to be a showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
Randox IT have been shortlisted for IT Project Team of the Year for their work on RIQAS Point of Care and IT Team of the Year for their work on the Randox Health client and staff portal.
See an overview of their applications below;
IT Project Team of the Year
Randox IT have developed an innovative health portal that assesses the accuracy and reliability of blood testing analysers. These blood testing analysers are increasingly being placed in the likes of pharmacies, GP surgeries, and A&E departments to provide NHS Health Checks and manage long term conditions.
Randox IT cloud-based technology provides confidence in vital test results for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Uptake of the scheme has increased considerably since it was launched this year, proving that the system is meeting a need for a quality assurance system for non-laboratory health service staff which was not being met before.
IT Team of the Year
The in-house IT team at world-leading health diagnostics firm Randox comprises of web developers, engineers, customer support staff, web designers, security professionals, software development and software testers spanning ten nationalities, from Indian to Hungarian and Italian to South African.
In the last year, the Randox IT team have created a fully-automated, fully-functional platform for both healthcare professionals and clients of Randox Health, which generates results for state-of-the-art health checks.
The finals for the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019 will take place on Friday 8th November 2019 in The Mac, Belfast and all finalists can be viewed here.
Good luck to the Randox IT department!
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RTS | Which company testing is right for me?
04 October 2019
Which company testing method is right for me?
Implementation of an effective substance misuse policy establishes employer rights to conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing if required. In addition, it ensures adherence to the duty of care of an employer to protect their workforce and keep employees safe. There are a range of approaches available to complement your policy to ensure a safer working environment. In this blog we take a look at two common types of testing; random testing and with-cause testing.
Random Testing
With knowledge that a test could be conducted with anyone at any time, random testing is the most effective deterrent of drug abuse or alcohol misuse among employees. Ensuring the integrity of staff across all levels, random testing can be conducted with employees at any level, from temporary employees to managers and directors.
Process
The process includes ensuring a clear workplace drug and alcohol testing policy is in place. Employees should also be made aware that random drug and alcohol testing is carried out; this can take the form of a clear statement in an employee’s contract outlining that random testing can be conducted with little to no notice. Notification of this conforms to legislation whilst respecting employee rights.
Secondly, we will work with you to determine the percentage of your workforce you would like to test, and how often you would like testing to be carried out. Whilst we recommend random drug and alcohol testing should be performed at least quarterly, the decision is yours. To avoid employee discrimination and to ensure testing is random, we use our random selection technology to eliminate bias and provide accurate random selections.
Finally, we will arrive to your workplace unannounced to carry out sample collections from the random selection of employees.
Key Benefits
By implementing a random drug testing may help employers by:
- Deterring current employees from engaging in drug use
- Preventing the need for substance abuse recovery programs
- Employees are less likely to tactfully try to disguise results, or alter their habits, as they will be given little to no notice that a test is going to be conducted
- Improving attendance and employee productivity
- Providing a safer workplace with reduced accidents
With-Cause Testing
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), if an employer suspects an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are legally required to take appropriate action to protect the safety of the employee concerned, other members of staff and the public.
Process
The nature of with-cause testing means that testing can be required ‘on-the-spot’. At Randox Testing Services, we offer a 24-hour call-out service which guarantees an experienced collection officer will arrive to your company within a maximum of 2 hours to perform a sample collection. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year and complies fully with chain of custody procedures.
Benefits
- Legal compliance with correct measurements being taken if an employee is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Can deter employee misuse of drugs or alcohol due to a workplace testing policy being in place
- Cost savings because of increased productivity with issues being discovered and rectified early
How Randox Testing Services can help
At Randox Testing Services we possess a wealth of experience and knowledge that enables us to offer holistic packages to meet the needs of the customer, regardless of their location or industry. This knowledge comes from over 35 years of testing experience in the diagnostics industry and through our involvement with bodies that help shape testing legislation.
For more information about our range of drug & alcohol testing products, our expertise in this industry and our array of support services, visit www.randoxtestingservices.com.
If you would like to speak with one of our experts, use any of the following methods:
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
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The world’s most comprehensive health checks from Randox Health
01 October 2019
Randox Health Checks
Do you know about our world-leading health checks?
Randox Health provides the world’s most comprehensive full-body health screen packages available. Our patented technology enables 100’s of individual tests to be carried out from your sample, giving you truly unrivalled knowledge about your health now and in the future.
Identifying the very first signs and risks of disease could help prevent many health problems, before the appearance of unpleasant symptoms or illness. We can provide an extensive test menu with our health care due to the high performance diagnostic tests that we run.
Randox Health do this by detecting small changes in your blood. Early identification, paired with expert advice, provides the potential to prevent health problems developing.
Randox Health complete more tests in each health check than anyone else. With up to 350 results in each health check, you’ll get the most comprehensive understanding of your health available – including your heart, hormonal, lungs, digestive system and more.
The Randox Health process couldn’t be simpler.
When booking an appointment at one of our clinics the process couldn’t be simpler.
- Book your appointment – Online, via our app or on the phone, you can book an appointment with our health experts at one of the clinic locations or alternatively book an “on the move” appointment and we will come to you.
- Clinic appointment – this will last no longer than 30mins, involving a review of your details, bio-measurements and sample collection.
- Scientific Analysis – all of your samples collected are analysed quickly by our Bio-Medical Scientists, using the latest Randox patent technology, which generates a vast amount of data about your current and future health.
- Results and Consultation – You will receive a detailed report in the post and via our app containing a clear explanation of your results. We will then invite you for a consultation with one of our Health Experts to discuss your report in full. This is all included in your package.
- Repeat appointment – We want you to continue to monitor your health status based on our results, so you will be invited back for a retest as part of your initial package which will ensure the corrections we have suggested are having a positive effect.
The vision of Randox is one of ambition, innnovation and commitment to improving health worldwide.
To book an appointment, email info@randoxhealth.com or phone 0800 2545 130.
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World Heart Day from Randox Biosciences
29 September 2019
World Heart Day 2019
The World Heart Federation (WHF) is the acting global voice in leading the universal fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Part of the WHF mission is to ensure heart health equity for everyone. They believe everybody is entitled to cardiovascular health and well-being through health promotion, access to prevention, control and management of CVD 1.
World Heart Day falls on the 29th September where people make a promise to promote and implement healthier lifestyles to maintain a happy and healthy heart, reducing the potential risks of heart disease and stroke. CVD takes the lead being the number one cause of death world-wide 2 relating to all heart and circulatory diseases consisting of coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease, hypertension, stroke and vascular dementia 3.
According to the World Health Organisation2:
- An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVD in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.
- Out of the 17 million premature deaths (under the age of 70) due to noncommunicable diseases in 2015, 82% were in low- and middle-income countries, and 37% were caused by CVD.
- Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and alcohol abuse.
Cytokines have a central role within the immune system; they are a category of signalling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation and hematopoiesis 4. Cytokine and inflammatory mechanisms have major implications for the vascular system and can lead to CVD.
Cytokines exist in broad families that are structurally related but exhibit diverse function. The major classes of cytokines include: pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, cytokines of neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment and activation, cytokines derived from T-helper (Th) and T-regulatory (Tregs) cells, and cytokines of T-cell recruitment and growth factors. 5
Randox offers a comprehensive menu of 26 cytokine, cytokine receptors and growth factors over four multi-analyte arrays. Each cytokine assay is performed on biochip array technology with spatially discrete test regions containing antibodies specific to each of the analytes. The combination of highly specific antibodies and advanced chemistries enables up to 12 cytokines and growth factors to be detected simultaneously in a single sample.
Cytokine Array I Cytokine Array III
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating
- Interferon-y – Interleukin-5
- Interleukin-1a – Interleukin-15
- Interleukin-1b – Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1a
- Interleukin-2
- Interleukin-4
- Interleukin-6
- Interleukin-8
- Interleukin-10
- Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1
- Tumour Necrosis Factor-a
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Cytokine Array IV Cytokine Array V
- Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 – Interleukin-3
- Soluble IL-2 Receptor a – Interleukin-7
- Soluble IL-6 Receptor – Interleukin-13
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor I – Interleukin-12 p70
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor II – Interleukin-23
Key Benefits of Randox Cytokine Arrays:
- Multiplex testing from a single sample.
- Suitable for human serum and plasma samples.
- Small sample volume required.
- Excellent analytical performance.
- Fast throughput.
- Applicable to fully automated and semi-automated Evidence analysers.
Randox manufacture the majority of assay raw materials in-house and can therefore take a more tailored approach, by adapting assays to the needs of your research project to best fit your individual requirements.
- https://www.world-heart-federation.org/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiovascular-disease
- https://www.sinobiological.com/cytokine-rerview-receptor-source-targets-main-function-disease-association-a-1310.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cytokines
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Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 5th October 2019, boosted once more by the continued partnership with headline sponsor Randox.
Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens.
Now in its sixth year, the line-up for the free event, which runs from 10am – 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel, boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, including the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market and Food NI Cookery Theatre.
Wendy Gallagher, Causeway Coast Foodie Tours and Festival Committee Secretary, said;
“We’re delighted to welcome back the ever-popular Food NI Cookery Theatre to the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, which will feature a selection of talented homegrown chefs including Trudy Brolly of Ocho Tapas Restaurant in Portrush, and Niall McGinn of Dundarave Estate in Bushmills.
“The Potato Festival will also play host to the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food, drink, and hand-made arts and crafts.
“And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including ‘How to breed your own potatoes’ and an exhibition of all John Clarke’s varieties.”
Joining the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a live radio show from Q Radio, which is adding its Broadcast Bus to the eclectic mix of activities on offer, including bouncy castles, a children’s animal farm, The Mighty Spud, and Cutting Edge Helicopters, who will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies).*
On the eve of Festival Day a ticketed ‘Super Spud Tour’ to celebrate the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, and will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.
And headline sponsor Randox will be inviting visitors to the event to step onboard its Mobile Health Clinic, a bespoke Mercedes Benz vehicle which has taken the company’s revolutionary ‘health MOTs’ on the road.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;
“The sponsorship of the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to be able to bring our Mobile Health Clinic to an event which is so well-known in the area, attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far, and has such a dedicated and enthusiastic committee.
“Just like the festival committee, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim.
“The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.”
The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival will take place in the front car park of the Causeway Hotel at the Giant’s Causeway, but in the event of inclement weather, will proceed at an alternative location in the hotel grounds.
Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, said;
“This year the committee has worked tirelessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway. We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos. Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.”
As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging, First Trust Bank and Food NI.
Mr McKillop continued;
“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award-winning guided tours for free, providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”
*£10 raffle tickets to win a helicopter flight for 3 people, worth £270, can be purchased by contacting the Festival Committee, with the raffle being drawn on Festival Day itself.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
To book a place on the ‘Super Spud Tour’ on Friday 4th October, contact causewayfoodie@gmail.com
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Drug related deaths increase dramatically in Scotland
20 September 2019
Drug related deaths increase dramatically in Scotland
In the past year, Scotland’s drug related deaths have increased dramatically by 27%.
This almost levels the fatality rate per capita with the US. The latest figures showed the majority of fatalities was from the over 35 age group, known as the “Trainspotting generation.”
Westminster currently hold the power on the Misuse of Drugs Act, which Scotland believes should be relaxed as a method of controlling the issue in the country. One of Scotland’s most senior police officers has described the Misuse of Drugs Act as a relic that was “ripe for reform.”
The chair of the Scottish government’s task force on drug deaths, Catriona Matheson believes that treatment challenges should be investigated alongside decriminalisation;
“I understand why decriminalisation grabs most attention, but legislation, criminal justice, healthcare and public attitudes are intertwined”.
There is also a significant increase in the number of fatalities amongst the under 35 age group. These deaths are heavily linked to poly-drug use, including the relatively newly available drug named “street benzodiazepines.”
The lead pharmacist for addiction services at the city’s health and social care partnership, Dr Carole Hunter, said;
“The major problem for Glasgow is heroin and illicit benzos like etizolam or street Valium, which have never been cheaper or more available.”
International trials have shown that medicinal heroin can be an effective treatment for a number of opioid users who do not respond to regular methods of treatment. Hunter proposes opening an enhanced drug treatment centre in Glasgow for this medicinal heroin to be administered under supervision.
Dave Liddell, chief executive of Scottish Drugs Forum stated;
“Neither decriminalisation nor one drug consumption room in Glasgow is going to impact substantially on the death rate. The key focus needs to be on improving our drug treatment and care services. We need to look at access to opioid replacement therapy. Only 40% of people with a drug problem in Scotland are currently in treatment, compared with far higher numbers in England and many countries in England.”
For further information please email info@randoxtoxicology.com or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
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