Highlights

JANUARY 2015 GP: I’m going back Sutherland doctor on his West African experience DON’T LET UP!

Finance director issues Digging up the past call on board’s finances NHS HIGHLAND is just under the financial position had im- £2 million short of its target of proved by £6.2 million on that achieving financial break-even reported to the last board meet- by the end of the financial year. ing, and that this was as a direct But that doesn't mean there's result of improvements in fore- scope to ease off on measures casts in all but one of the opera- to make savings. tional units. The NHS Highland board will These improvements, Mr meet on Tuesday, 3rd February, Kenton will report, have been and director of finance Nick made “despite significant pres- Kenton will tell members: “It is sures in additional activity and UILDERS working on the important that an absolute focus drug costs”. new Drumnadrochit health and attention to detail is main- Another significant reason for B centre have discovered human tained in order to ensure deliv- the improvement was the addi- skeletal remains – thought to be ery of the final £2 million re- tional £6.5 million announced by over 2,000 years old – buried on quired and the successful man- the Scottish Government in De- the site. agement of the underlying cember. It has been agreed with The Bronze Age bones will be risks.” the Scottish Government that excavated by Historic Scotland, He will explain that achieving NHS Highland would take £3 lead by expert archaeologist the break-even he forecasts will million of this funding in 2014/15 Mary Peterana. depend on continuing to deliver and the remainder in 2015/16. Despite the discovery, work savings and successfully man- Mr Kenton will again allude will continue as planned on the aging cost and service pres- to the board's “challenging” sav- new £1.8 million centre. sures, particularly at Raigmore ings target of £22.4 million, and See inside for news of the Hospital. will report on progress made formal start to the work. The board will be told that towards meeting this goal. - - PRESENTATION: Lochaber-based community project honoured Nimble Fingers pick up Highland Quality Award

A LOCHABER-BASED commu- lochy,where the group meets on nity project which creates proac- a weekly basis, said: “We are ab- tive opportunities for young peo- solutely delighted to receive the Presiding Officer for the Scottish ple in transition has won the NHS NHS Highland Quality Award and Government, Tricia Marwick Highland Quality Award. it is testament to the fantastic MSP, to see for herself what all Nimble Fingers provides a work that takes place here. the fuss was about. platform for adults with learning “Our service users love com- “We’ve also taken our innova- disabilities to develop their crea- ing down to the centre and view tive approach to creating opportu- tivity, opinions and ideas – and Nimble Fingers as their job. nities for these young people encourages the local community “They feel fulfilled as they are across the country to showcase to get involved. playing an active role in the com- our work. We would like to thank Service users produce crafts munity, and this has helped us those who nominated us for the using recycled materials which build strong links across award.” are then sold, helping these Lochaber and further afield in Accepting the award on behalf young people to feel valued and Highland. of Nimble Fingers at the Reach- active members of their commu- “This award rounds off what ing High conference this month nities. has been a fantastic 12 months was Gregory Lamb, a community Lyn Johnson, manager of the for Nimble Fingers, as earlier this psychiatric nurse from Fort Wil- Montrose Centre in Inver- year we were paid a visit by the liam.

ELL DONE to the Raigmore W gastroenterology team who put their razors to one side to show their support for local sick children and the Archie appeal by growing a beard. ‘Beards for Bairns’ ran from Christmas Day to Burns Night and the team of five ditched their morning shave and asked friends and family for sponsored support with all proceeds going towards the new Highland Children’s Unit. The team have raised over £600 for the cause. A huge thanks to them from Archie and to all who donated. - 2 - Are you good Endowments total at managing rose by more than your time?

MANAGING your time effec- tively is a challenge most of £5,000 in a year us encounter from time to time. Now, a half-day workshop THE level of charitable donations number of people with dementia is being planned to help any- made to NHS Highland continues and it is heartening to see an in- one who feels they need to to grow. crease in the number of dona- prioritise and regain control Last year, the health board tions being made to help en- of their workload by manag- received donations totalling hance the care and support for ing themselves and others £767,000 – £5,000 more than in people with dementia. more effectively. the previous year. “We are finding that endow- The workshop will be held Kelly Dallas, NHS Highland’s ments are increasingly being from 9am-1pm on 21st Au- endowment support officer, said: used to buy items such as mem- gust in the John Dewar “We are continually astounded by ory boxes that help people remi- Building, Inverness. the generosity of people to the nisce and share meaningful con- To book a place, contact board, with total donations having versations, and large clocks that Margaret Wilson on 01463 increased in recent years. make it easier to tell the time and 706880 (email marga- “It’s fantastic that, even when help keep the person orientated.” [email protected]). times are tough financially, peo- Mrs Dallas added: “All charita- Margaret is also the point ple are prepared to raise and give ble donations are held separately of contact for another course money to help the board help oth- from the funds we spend on pro- to be held in the John Dewar ers. We are extremely grateful to viding NHS Highland’s core ser- Building. everyone who has donated vices. They are used to provide ‘An Introduction to Facili- money, and wish to assure them those little – and in some cases tation’ will take place from that it’s being put to good use.” not so little – extras for our pa- 9am-5pm on 25th October. Donations to NHS Highland go tients and clients. Dementia- The art and craft of facili- to the Highland Health Board En- friendly products are a good ex- tation is an essential part of dowment Fund, a registered ample, as are tablets and iPads, your skill set if you are run- charity which holds the money in which are becoming increasingly ning a meeting or a group trust. It contains more than 350 popular for long-term patients session. individual funds, mainly for hospi- and care home residents.” A competent facilitator is tal wards, centres or depart- Endowments are also used to able to set up, run and con- ments. For example, one fund buy medical and IT equipment, clude a meeting so that the may be for purchasing amenities newspaper and magazine sub- group has clear direction for patients, while another may scriptions for patients, and toys. while feeling supported and be for buying a particular piece of Additionally, they fund research involved; is able to deal with equipment. products and improvements to whatever happens on the However, there’s been a grow- patient amenities. day; and delivers a meaning- ing trend of using endowments to Donations are typically re- ful outcome. buy goods to help support people ceived from patients and rela- The course is suitable for with dementia in hospitals and tives, funeral collections, legacies those with little or no experi- care homes. and bequests through the Gift Aid ence of facilitation as well as Ruth Mantle, Alzheimer Scot- initiative and fund-raising events. those with experience but land dementia nurse consultant They are also made in lieu of who want to refresh their with NHS Highland, explained: gifts, anniversaries and wed- skills. “We are supporting a growing dings. - 3 - Retirement fellowship looks to start new groups THE NHS Retirement Fellowship worked at any time and in any Steele will be giving a talk on is looking to expand and is inves- capacity within the NHS, related ‘The Puffers’. tigating the possibility of setting health service organisations, car- If you would like a branch near up new groups in the Highland ing professions or agencies. you contact the Scottish develop- area, including places such as More information on these ment officer, Mrs Maggie Haver- Oban, Fort William, Skye, Caith- new groups will be in a future is- gal, on mcuddi- ness and Argyll and Bute. sue but anyone interested, and [email protected] or Sherry Membership of the fellowship, who is able, can attend an Inver- Smith, from the NHS Retirement which is the social, leisure, edu- ness branch meeting. They are Fellowship head office, at cational and welfare organisation held in the Recreation Hall at [email protected]. Alter- for retired NHS staff and their Raigmore Hospital on the first natively, you contact the group partners, is open to any person Monday of the month at 2pm. via the fellowship’s website, who is retired, is eligible to retire The next meeting will be on which gives information about or is shortly to retire and has 2nd February, when Jeanette branches in Scotland. Training to ‘take Event to raise health action’ on violence and safety awareness

against women A HEALTH and safety aware- ness day is to be held at Raig- FREE White Ribbon speaking grounds to come along to these more Hospital on 26th February. training is being held at the Centre training days. The event, to run from 9am- for Health Science in Inverness. “Using a mixture of presenta- 4.30pm in the Recreation Hall, White Ribbon Scotland is a tions, workshops, group discus- will be open to all NHS High- campaign which involves men in sions and media clips the training land staff, although it will be of tackling violence against women. will help participants to under- most benefit to charge nurses, While recognising that most men stand and raise awareness of the line managers, heads of depart- are not violent towards women, problem and encourage them to ment, service managers, team the project provides training and engage in discussions about vio- leaders and supervisors. information workshops to encour- lence against women.” Booking is essential as there age men and boys to take action The training also provides an are limited places and will close on the issue. opportunity for participants to be- on 12th February. At least one in five women in come speakers within their organi- Presentations to be given Scotland will experience domestic sation or community and become throughout the day will be on a violence in their lifetime and White an active member of the White range of subjects, including the Ribbon Training was an interac- Ribbon Scotland Network. role of health and safety work- tive day which provides partici- The training was held on 22nd ers and dementia awareness. pants with the knowledge, skills January and will also take place There will also be cafe-style and resources to speak out on Thursday 19th February be- workshops on, for example, against violence against women. tween 10am and 4.30pm. moving and handling, violence NHS Highland violence against For further information or to and aggression, and fire safety. women support officer Johann book a place on the training, con- To book a place, call Fiona Roden said: “We would like to en- tact Johann Roden on 01463 Gordon on 01463 704171 or courage men of all ages, work- 704724 or at j o - email [email protected] places communities and back- [email protected] - 4 - GENEROUS DONATION: Gift funds state-of-the-art laser equipment Friends’ £39,000 boost for patients with kidney stones PATIENTS who would have previously travelled to Edinburgh for kidney stone treatment can now be treated closer to home at Raigmore Hospital thanks to a huge donation from the Friends of Raigmore. The amazing sum of £39,000 has been raised by the Friends of Raigmore, allowing them to buy a Urology Stone Laser which they donated to Raig- more Hospital last month. It means that patients can now be treated using state-of-the-art technol- ogy and also stay within the Highland area. Consultant urologist Dr Sara Ramsey is de- lighted at the donation and the difference it will make to Highland patients. She said: “Laser is the standard treatment of choice for the majority of patients who require sur- gery to remove kidney stones. “Before we got this piece of kit in Raigmore the procedure was much more invasive, patients would need longer to recover and in some cases patients would have to go to Edinburgh to receive treatment. Christina Cameron, chair of the Friends of Raig- “Now we will be able to access stones anywhere more, said: “The Friends of Raigmore fundraise for in the renal tract and deal with them. the benefit of both patients and staff and we are de- “Our patients will have a shorter stay in hospital, lighted that we have been able to donate this there will be a reduced risk of infection, less travel amount to the hospital, it has been the largest fund- and it will also free up staff time allowing us to see raising effort in our history. more patients.” “Our shop in the hospital has been opened for With the new equipment about 90 patients a year over two years now but it has been doing incredibly will now be able to go home quicker to recover well which has allowed us to buy the equipment. rather than stay in hospital and about 37 patients “I’m incredibly happy that we have been able to will now no longer have to travel out with Highland do this for urology team and that it will be of benefit for treatment in Edinburgh. to both patients and staff.” Dr Ramsey said: “I am incredibly grateful for this The Friends of Raigmore are always looking for very generous donation from the Friends. The new volunteers. If you are interested, please con- benefit this piece of kit will have for our urology pa- tact them on 01463 705155 or pop into their shop in tients cannot be underestimated.” Raigmore Hospital (Zone 5). - 5 - CAITHNESS GENERAL: Meeting agrees that there needs to be changes Paving the way for new surgical services model

NHS HIGHLAND has issued an But he added: “I also ex- can deliver and not fear losing assurance that it is working “with plained at what was a very con- what clearly isn’t working. urgency” towards developing a structive meeting that the situa- “Serious decisions require to safe and sustainable model for tion at Caithness General re- be made about how we run our the delivery of surgical services mains fragile, with some safety NHS but with this come real op- at Caithness General Hospital. concerns. portunities to develop a quality And it stressed that it was de- “That is why we are working service across both the hospital termined that more and not less with urgency to find a way for- and community-based services.” planned surgery would take place ward. Raigmore’s interim director of at the Wick hospital. “Whatever happens, there will operations, Linda Kirkland, told Earlier this month, NHS High- be change, and I was heartened the meeting that going into the land chair Gary Coutts, along that the politicians at the meeting near future the Inverness hospital with senior managers and clini- accepted that.” would not have enough theatre cians, met some local MSPs and Gill McVicar, director of opera- capacity are there was a need to councillors in Wick to discuss the tions for the north and west op- develop Caithness General more way forward. erational unit, said: “Work is al- fully. At the informal business meet- ready under way on new models To that end, NHS Highland ing, which was called by Caith- for the delivery of healthcare gen- was now looking at transferring ness and Sutherland councillors, erally in Caithness but we will be some elective surgical services it was explained that proposals to reviewing the scope of some of from Raigmore to Wick. put out-of-hours surgery at Caith- that work and I would appeal for She added: “This has always ness General on hold had been more people – members of the been an aspiration, but the cur- shelved. public – to get involved and help rent challenges give us an oppor- However, NHS Highland rep- us come up with options and ulti- tunity to make it happen.” resentatives stressed that con- mately the best solution.” Taking a more Highland-wide tinuing to rely heavily on locum Area leader Cllr Deirdre Mac- view of surgical services also surgeons was neither safe nor Kay, who chaired the meeting in meant that the board was now sustainable and work was under Wick, said: “Key to the future is recruiting to pan-Highland posts, way to look at options for a new the fact that Caithness General is rather than posts specific to indi- model. a significant asset for the health vidual hospitals, to ensure There is also a need to look at board across Highland. Raigmore greater flexibility. the best options for covering A&E is at capacity and requires Caith- Councillor Gail Ross (Wick) in Caithness. ness General to support need added: “I am excited and optimis- Mr Coutts explained at the across the whole area. tic about the prospects of devel- meeting that the proposed contin- “We heard from Mr Coggins, oping a first-class new system to gency measure of temporarily the clinical director for surgery, serve not only Caithness and transferring out-of-hours surgical that it is vital that Caithness Gen- Sutherland but all Highland. services from Caithness to Raig- eral is networked with Raigmore “There will be no immediate more Hospital in Inverness while and, significantly, that posts will changes but I agree that changes a new model was put in place now have a Highland-wide remit. are necessary and we now need was found to be unworkable at “What is clear is that we need to get on and make that happen this stage. to look at what modern practice with some urgency.”

- 6 - THANKS Spate of letters from grateful patients and relatives

NHS HIGHLAND gets more time, but we’ve had a dispro- arrest) for managing to bring than its fair share of negative portionately large number in the me back after doing CPR and media coverage. But here’s a past month or so. gave me the best care that they good-news story – or rather “I’d like to echo the senti- could,” she wrote. “The staff do than half a dozen of them – ments of these letters and ex- an amazing job in there.” that’s unlikely to get big head- press my thanks to all our won- Another patient who had an lines in the press. derful, caring employees.” operation at Raigmore wrote to Highlights has been told that They are also “thoroughly tell us: “Now at home I have NHS Highland has received an professional”, according to one reflected on my hospital experi- unusually large number of let- patient writing in one of our ence, and concluded that our ters of thanks from satisfied pa- comments and compliments NHS is staffed by consummate tients and/or their relatives. feedback forms. caring professionals, which is “The NHS does tend to get a He wrote: “I have nothing but why we lead the world in bad rap much of the time but praise for the thoroughly profes- healthcare. Thank you Raig- my own experience flies totally sional and genuinely caring more for such a wonderful in the face of much I have read manner in which I was treated stay.” and heard,” wrote one patient of or dealt with, and this on every More from yet another Raig- his time at Raigmore Hospital. occasion.” more patient: “In all the depart- Elaine Mead, chief executive Another patient, again writ- ments the care I received was of NHS Highland, said such let- ing on a feedback form, praised second to none and each mem- ters were always very much her doctor, stating that she had ber of staff evoked a true sense appreciated – particularly at “shone out and gave me hope of vocation. I don’t believe I can such a challenging time. when I was at my lowest”. praise the treatment I received She told Highlights: “The fi- The patient concluded: “It is highly enough.” nancial pressures we have easy for people to jump up and Finally, a patient wrote of the faced, the many improvement down when something doesn’t staff she encountered at Raig- measures we have putting in go their way so I wanted to tip more: “I want to complement place and increasing demands the balance the other way and you on how attentive, helpful, for many of our services have say than-you to an excellent kind and thorough they all all combined to place significant doctor.” were.” pressures on staff. We also received an email Elaine Mead concluded: “We “I’m delighted but not at all from a lady after an operation at all deal with negative issues at surprised that staff have been Raigmore. She had been in work but comments like that responding magnificently, and Wards 1A before being trans- remind me that the good news, it’s great to see this being rec- ferred to 4C. in terms of the care and atten- ognised in the recent spate of “I would like to thank each tion NHS Highland staff strive to thank-you notifications we have member of staff on duty that give people every day, far out- received. We get these all the day (when she had a cardiac weigh the bad.”

- 7 - Who’s in charge?

PATIENTS at Raigmore Hospital charge on their ward. in Inverness will be able to clearly Iona McGuaran, interim lead identify the nurse in charge of nurse for Raigmore, said that al- their ward in a pilot initiative cur- though having the senior charge rently being run by the hospital. nurse in navy blue was a strong, charge of each shift will wear a Following the implementation identifiable image; the feedback distinctive red badge identifying on the NHSScotland national uni- did not specify if it was the themselves as the nurse-in- form policy, which means that the charge nurse the patient could charge. only person in clinical areas not identify or another nurse tak- “We will do this as a pilot and wearing navy blue uniform will be ing charge of the ward in their then take feedback from both pa- the senior charge nurse, feed- absence. tients and staff to assess the im- back from national audits showed She said: “To help with this the pact this makes before deciding if that some patients were still un- hospital is holding a trial across we should adopt it across all able to identify the nurse in four wards where the nurse-in- wards.” Innovative project offers patients Skype access THE NHS Highland Wester Ross, affected by changes to the wel- Fasgadh means that our CPNs Skye and Lochalsh community fare benefits system which is are equipped with tablets ena- mental health team is involved in having a negative impact on their bling them to go to patient’s an innovative project to assist health and wellbeing. This has homes and Skype into appoint- people with mental ill-health gain led to increased pressure on ments with advisors. access to appropriate services. NHS services. “Am Fasgadh already provides The pilot project is funded by “In an excellent example of this service face-to-face in Por- the Scottish Government and of- partnership working, our commu- tree and the north of Skye, but fers a service where clients can nity psychiatric nurses (CPNs) people have been excluded from access specialist welfare advice can work with clients in their own benefiting from their advice and from the local mental health as- home to address any issues or support due to where they lived. sociation, Am Fasgadh. questions they have about filling Providing our CPNs with Skype And the community mental in forms relating to council tax access will enable people from all health team is making the most of exemption; warm homes discount of our areas to access a truly in- modern technology to enable cli- and the Scottish Welfare Fund. valuable service. Only clients that ents in remote and rural areas to “There is a large number of are registered with the Wester access services otherwise limited patients, particularly those with Ross, Skye and Lochalsh com- to them by geography. severe and enduring mental munity mental health team are Advanced mental health nurse health problems, who feel unable able to use this service at the mo- Neil Turner explained: “In recent to access advice offered by agen- ment, but if successful, we hope months, the NHS has seen an cies like the Citizens Advice Bu- to extend the Skype sessions fur- increasing number of patients reau. The new link-up with Am ther into the community.” - 8 - Surgical review recognises need for changes A MAJOR review of surgical ser- In the ongoing review, senior The board will also be updated vices across Highland is under clinicians and managers have on the Caithness General Hospital way, the NHS Highland board will been looking at current arrange- surgical service, which is part of be told at its meeting on 3rd Feb- ments for the delivery of surgical the wider review. ruary. services. The briefing will refer to the de- And, although the work is at an The main considerations are cision to implement contingency early stage, a paper to be pre- how best to provide affordable, arrangements for out-of-hours sur- sented to the board will explain safe and sustainable services. Dif- gery and the subsequent realisa- that it is clear that the current rural ficulties with recruitment resulting tion that these arrangements general hospital model will have to in an over-reliance on locums, would not work. change and that future arrange- challenges with maintaining rotas, Work is now under way with ments will include more sharing training junior doctors and the staff in Caithness and Raigmore, resources between the rural gen- need to fully utilise all surgical ca- as well as councillors, patients eral hospitals and Raigmore Hos- pacity are all being factored into and the public, to develop options pital. the review. for the future.

JOINT inspection of older A people's services is cur- rently being carried out by the Greenspaces Care Inspectorate and Health- care Improvement Scotland. This is the first such inspec- tion carried out since the inte- gration of adults services and at hospital will cover all aspects of older people's care. It is expected that the inspec- tion report will be published around May or June. in line for HE NHS Highland board will T be told at its meeting on 3rd February that the Capital Invest- ment Group has included a new major facelift -build replacement for the Bel- ford Hospital in its capital plan. A steering group is being estab- WORK is under way on develop- experience of designing hospital lished to draw up proposals. ing plans to maximise the poten- greenspaces have been commis- tial therapeutic use of the grounds sioned to develop concept plans REPORT will be presented surrounding New Craigs Hospital for the grounds. A to the board on 3rd Febru- in Inverness. “New Craigs holds the potential ary on the response to the se- The NHS Highland board will to become an exemplar for im- vere weather in parts of High- be told at its meeting on 3rd Feb- provements in health being facili- land from 8th-12th December. ruary that funding of £500,000 has tated by the external environ- The paper will express ap- been secured for the project ment,” he board will be told. preciation for the contribution of through a match-funding bid in- A paper to the board will point NHS Highland staff, volunteers, volving 50 per cent from the NHS out that New Craigs' status as a partners, neighbours and fami- Highland General Endowment major mental health facility “brings lies to ensuring that people Fund and 50 per cent from the an additional need to ensure the were as safe and comfortable Green Exercise Partnership. environment is as welcoming as as possible during this time. Now, landscape architects with possible”. - 9 -

I will return, Ebola GP pledges

THE Sutherland GP who re- lutely certain that I’ll go back this Eve I went to the main hospital cently joined a team of volunteer year, though we will be looking in to see what things medics tackling the Ebola crisis to take on another partner at the were like there. It was shocking. in West Africa has vowed to re- practice first.” The provost of the medical turn there. The father of three also re- school there told me that stu- Dr Chris Mair (61) returned to vealed that before he went to dents’ fees there were 2,500 his Bonar Bridge home shortly Africa he discussed with his wife dollars a year – peanuts com- before New Year, having spent Janet, a fellow GP at the Creich pared with fees in this country five weeks working in the Ebola Surgery in Bonar Bridge, sons but still more than many stu- treatment centre in Kerry Town Tom (23) and Andy (15) and dents could afford, which ex- near Freetown, the capital of daughter Cat (21) the possibility plained the school’s very high . that he might join the hundreds drop-out rate. And he says he was so of healthcare workers who have “It got me thinking about set- shocked by what he saw that died of Ebola in West Africa. ting up some sort of arrange- he’s determined to return this “We had to consider the fact ment to fund people through year and to help raise funds to that I might not return,” he said. medical school. Around 4,500 to develop healthcare in West Af- “When I decided that I wanted to 5,000 dollars a year would pay a rica. volunteer I spoke to my family student’s fees and buy the Dr Mair added that the ex- and to Sheila Carbarns, the equipment and books they may perience of Scots public health other GP at the Creich practice, need. nurse , who and told them that I wouldn’t go Sierra Leone's population is- contracted Ebola while working if any of them thought I should- n't that much bigger than Scot- with him in Kerry Town, had in n’t. Everyone was right behind land's yet the country has fewer no way put him off returning to me.” than 200 publicly-funded doctors Sierra Leone. Not only is Dr Mair deter- and most of them are in admin “If anything, it has made me mined to return, but he is cur- posts. The situation is scary, more determined,” he said. “The rently looking into how best to Dickensian really, and a way situation there is grim and I am start an initiative to fund medical has to be found to ensure that saddened that more people training in Sierra Leone. haven’t volunteered. I’m abso- He explained: “On Christmas Continued on next page - 10 - Continued from previous page the country's healthcare system can function when eventually Ebola peters out.” Dr Mair was in Sierra Leone working with Save the Children, and the charity accommodated its volunteer medics in what he described as a “rather plush” hotel on the coast, a 20-minute bus ride from the Kerry Town Centre. Dr Mair was actually housed in a small lodge near the hotel, by a beautiful coral beach. “If it wasn't for the Ebola, it would have been a fabulous place,” he said. “To be honest, I felt extremely uncomfortable Dr Mair (right) and the Kerry Town centre staying in a place like that in an area where there was so much that was grim.” Medicine on his physical and There was nothing fabulous, Ebola GP emotional wellbeing. however, about the treatment Before he set out, he decided centre itself. Kerry Town is set in that he would not see any of his a tropical rainforest, and the own patients within 21 days of medics were working in tem- intends his return, and he intends to re- peratures over 30 degrees, in a turn to work on 19th January. facility which does not have air He added that he was aware conditioning and while wearing that much had been said and stiflingly hot personal protection to return written about what was de- equipment for up to two hours at scribed as a “shambles” while a time. he and his colleagues were “It was very sweaty,” said Dr Dr Mair nevertheless consid- screened on their return to Mair. “I found pre-loading fluids ers himself to be “privileged” to Heathrow Airport. made a huge difference, though have been in the first wave of He was also aware that some we could still lose two to three medics to work at the centre, people had questioned whether litres at a time.” and added he felt well supported healthcare professionals should Opened just a few days be- in his role throughout his time go to West Africa, knowing the fore he arrived, Kerry Town has there. He said he got to know risks of spreading the disease. five wards, each accommodat- Pauline Cafferkey “reasonably He said: “I have no issues ing 10 patients, most of them well” and added that he was with what happened at the air- quite young. “very sad” that she became con- port and have encountered noth- Encountering dead and dying taminated. ing but positive feedback since I children was one of Dr Mair's “We were well trained and came home. Everyone in the first experiences at the centre, followed strict protocols,” he local community has been ex- and he explained that it became said. “However, it is extremely tremely welcoming.” even more heart-rending the easy to get Ebola – it doesn't And what enduring memories longer he knew the patients. take much to get contaminated.” will Dr Mair have of his first trip “With children under five, the Since his return, Dr Mair has to Africa? outcome was usually pretty been contacted daily by Public “The people,” he responded. poor,” he added. “That's not Health England and has briefed “The folk were fabulous. Despite something you get used to eas- occupational health experts from everything, they were so cheery. ily.” the Liverpool School, of Tropical I'll never forget them. - 11 - How to apply Extra cash for research funding help A COURSE on how to apply for research funding is to be welcomed held in Inverness next month. NHS HIGHLAND chief executive reconfiguring services for the fu- The course will provide Elaine Mead this month wel- ture. healthcare professionals comed the statement from the “The additional resources will with the knowledge, skills Scottish Government outlining an not slow down the pace of and confidence to cast re- additional £9.4 million in the next change rather it should allow to search ideas in a form suit- financial year 2015/16. progress more quickly. The addi- able for grant applications, The increase is made up of a tional resources will ensure that to identify funding sources specific allocation of £6.5 million there can be greater immediate and to write grant applica- which will bring the health board support to develop services in the tions. closer to one per cent of parity, community which will prevent un- It will detail funding under the NHS funding formula, a necessary admissions to already sources. The criteria used to year earlier than planned. busy hospitals, particularly during assess grant applications NHS Highland will also receive the out of hour period and the characteristics of an additional £2.9 million which “NHS Highland is committed to successful applications. will serve to offset the rising costs working with partners and com- To apply for the course – already anticipated in the use of munities to make the changes to which will be held in the new drugs and treatments next local services which are neces- boardroom at the Centre for year. sary to meet the future needs of Health Science from 10am- Elaine Mead said: “We are the population. 4.30pm on Wednesday, 11th very pleased with the announce- “We cannot redesign services February – a form can be ment. on our own and I again call upon found on the intranet. Simply “This investment will allow all interested parties to engage in visit the R&D page, which is NHS Highland to continue to de- these very important conversa- under the heading ‘Staff’. liver on our Highland Quality Ap- tions about best to provide care Alternatively, email proach while getting on with the and service for the people of [email protected] necessary work to transform and Highland.” Interested in securing endowment support? NHS HIGHLAND’S Research, project and costing (maximum sion for larger funding. Development and Innovation award £3,000). There is also the possibility of (RD&I) office hopes to issue a The main applicant should be funding for attendance at a con- call for RD&I endowment applica- from the NHS, but collaborative ference but only where a paper is tions for 2015/2016 in the coming projects with universities or other being given and NHS Highland is months. organisations are welcomed. the employer of the delegate. And the office says it would be The primary function of the Endowments do not pay for useful to have notes of interest endowment is to support small- student fees, travel to university from anyone who is considering scale research studies, pilot stud- to see academic supervisor, edu- submitting an application. ies or feasibility studies that may cational training, training for ser- Interested parties are urged to have a direct impact for the High- vice improvement or other such contact [email protected] lands, and which are likely to re- activity. The endowment is for with a very brief outline of their sult in publications and submis- research activities and costs. - 12 - MSK: Redesign will lead to reduced waiting times for appointments Access to physiotherapy services is streamlined THE way people in Highland ac- varied and common symptoms MSK services by April 2016,” ex- cess physiotherapy services is include pain, fatigue and sleep plained NHS Highland MSK pro- about to change. disturbances. ject manager Helen Robertson. The NHS Highland muscu- In order to improve access to NHS Highland is programmed loskeletal (MSK) service is cur- the service, the redesign is intro- to ‘go-live’ with MATS from Janu- rently undergoing a redesign ducing a new musculoskeletal ary 2015 and will support initial process which will ultimately see advice and triage service screening of patients via a series waiting times for appointments (MATS). of questions developed by a reduced. “The redesign is a national Scotland-wide clinical expert MSK injuries affect the mus- project and the Scottish Govern- panel. Using the MATS system, cles, ligaments, tendons and ment has set us a target to meet patients that require physiother- bones. The cause of pain can be a four-week waiting time for all apy will be transferred to NHS Highland. This new and streamlined ap- proach to accessing physiother- How to save energy apy services is receiving positive feedback from the five early adopter health boards – praising how it has saved time and im- and money at home proved service for patients and staff. THE organisation Home Energy ing energy and money their New Mrs Robertson added: “For Scotland received has issued a Year resolution. It says that: service users it’s really important reminder to NHS Highland staff A typical household can to get access to the right advice about organisation. save between £45 and £80 a for their needs at an early point Last year, the Scottish Gov- year just by remembering to and that really encourages recov- ernment-funded body mounted a turn off appliances left on ery. staff for visitors and staff at the standby. “The system has already been OPD café at Raigmore Hospital. Making sure your hot wa- tested across five health boards Home Energy Scotland pro- ter tank and any visible pipes and had shown that approxi- vided impartial energy saving ad- between the tank and boiler mately 10-14 per cent of self- vice, free thermometer cards for have adequate insulation referrals have been successfully the home and the opportunity to could save you around £45 a directed to appropriate self- enter an easy transport quiz with year. management advice. a prize draw for £250 of shopping Insulating your loft to the “One thing members of the gift vouchers. full recommended depth of public can do to help is cancelling Now, it has revealed that the 270mm could save up to £180 any appointments that you are competition winner was Angela a year on heating bills if no in- unable to attend in advance. Wilson, of Beauly, won said: “It sulation is already present. “It is hoped that by doing so, was a surprise to win as I never For clear and impartial advice physiotherapy services will be win anything!” call Home Energy Scotland free able to react quicker and patients The body has also called on on 0808 808 2282 or visit will get faster access to appropri- NHS Highland staff to make sav- homeenergyscotland.org ate services.” - 13 - RAIGMORE: Improvements noted following follow-up visit HEI gives ‘excellent’ feedback after latest hospital inspection

THE Healthcare Environment In- She said: “The feedback re- “very, very good in A&E, and all spectorate this month published ceived from the inspection team the wards I have been in”; “‘the its report into an unannounced was excellent. They noticed a big ward is very clean and the staff follow-up inspection to Raigmore difference in the hospital with very good” and “the ward has Hospital. many improvements imple- been thoroughly cleaned through- This follow-up visit was to as- mented. I am particularly pleased out my stay in hospital”. sess progress since the last in- that the patients the inspectors Linda Kirkland, interim director spection in May 2014. This visit, spoke to were also very positive of operations for Raigmore, said: which took place on 4th and 5th when talking about their stay in “The staff have been praised for November 2014, was very posi- hospital.” all the hard work they have put in, tive and has resulted in no re- Of the 15 patients the inspec- particularly our domestic staff for quirements and no recommenda- tors spoke to all felt that there their attention to detail and for the tions. was a good standard of cleaning standard of cleaning. Iona McGauran, interim lead in Raigmore Hospital and that “I’m very proud of the team for nurse for Raigmore, is delighted their ward or patient room was what they have achieved and I that the hard work put in by all kept very clean. know that they will continue to staff across the hospital has been Comments from patients who work hard to ensure those high recognised. the inspectors talked to included standards are maintained.” Musical fundraiser for SCBU planned ROCK ‘N’ ROLL and Funk and Leonard Jones Potential play on shown not only to him, but to us Soul will be on the bill when the evening of Saturday 28th as parents too, and we have some of the North's finest musi- February at The Spectrum Centre many friends whose babies have cians come together to raise in the city. also received care there. funds for the region's most vul- The fundraiser is being organ- “The SCBU nurses are unsung nerable infants. ised by The Whiskys frontman heroes and we hope our night of The benefit gig, in aid of the Kris Douglas with help from 2010 music will help raise a lot of Special Care Baby Unit at Raig- Management’s Steve Robertson. money for what is a vital service more Hospital in Inverness, will Kris said: “Like many families for so many people.” see bands including Willie & Tabs across the Highlands we’ve ex- Tickets for the gig are avail- MacAskill, The Whiskys, Iain perienced our little one spending able at Union Vinyl on Union McLaughlin and The Outsiders, time in SCBU and we were over- Street in Inverness, Tel 01463 Little Mill of Happiness and The whelmed by the level of care 238882. - 14 - Setting CAMPAIGN: Smear test saved my life! Patient helps to the Table Giving children the best spread the word about nutritional start in life

WITH support from its partners, NHS Health Scotland has revised cervical screening ‘Setting the Table’, its nutritional “I HAVE no doubt in my mind that guidance and food standards for the smear test saved my life.” early years childcare providers. These are the words of 53-year- ‘Setting the Table’ is an update old Heather Horrocks (right), from of the ‘Nutritional Guidance for the Thurso, who was diagnosed with Early Years: Food Choices Aged cervical cancer after taking part 1-5 years in Early Education and in screening. Childcare Settings’ produced in And now she is using her ex- 2006 and combines the content of perience to urge all women in- ‘Adventures in Foodland (NHS vited to take part in cervical Health Scotland 2004)’. screening not to be embarrassed ‘Setting the Table’ is being dis- or scared, but to get checked. tributed to all childcare providers Every day in the UK, nine in Scotland from mid to late Janu- women are diagnosed with cervi- ary. It is also available to cal cancer and three will lose download from the NHS Health their lives to the disease. Scotland website. This week is Cervical Cancer The guidance promotes the Prevention Week (25th-31st importance of good nutrition in the January) across the UK, aimed at early years offering advice on educating more women about the food standards, provid- symptoms and causes of the dis- three months I was thoroughly ing breakfast, pack lunches, ease – and the best way to pre- assessed before undergoing the snack guidance, sample menus vent it. first of six chemotherapy treat- and recipes. Further practical ad- Cervical cancer is largely pre- ments in July of last year. vice is offered on providing for: ventable thanks to the screening “I’ve now been given the all special diets, religious faiths and programme in which Ms Horrocks clear with no symptoms for nearly beliefs and children with additional participated. a year, but the consultant I dis- needs. This revised edition in- However, with decreasing cussed my smear test results cludes guidance on the nutritional numbers of women taking part, with made it clear that had I needs of children from birth to one Ms Horrocks has joined NHS waited any longer; it could have year, and offers helpful advice on Highland in encouraging women been a very different outcome.” topics such as breastfeeding, for- to ensure they are checked. Ms Horrocks continued: “I mula feeding, weaning and menu She said: “I regularly partici- would encourage all women who planning for babies. pate in screening for cervical are eligible for screening to take The guidance offers advice cancer – women aged 20-60 part. It’s not something that any- across all facets of early years years are routinely invited every one looks forward to, but it’s not including to early learning and three years – only this time I had painful and it has the potential to childcare settings, parents and a letter following on from my save your life: don’t die of embar- carers, child minders and cater- smear test to say that there had rassment.” ers; and, highlights the important been changes from my previous More information about cervi- role played by them in shaping test results. cal screening is available at future patterns of eating behaviour “It all happened so fast from www.nhsinform.co.uk/screening/ in young children. that point on and in the space of cervical - 15 - Highland Health Sciences Library – fusty place full of books or key clinical tool?

THE Highland Health Sciences past few months the library has information – for those of you Library exists to help NHS High- assisted NHS Highland staff in not ‘in the know’, that is our job. land carry out its obligations un- the prevention of UTIs in pa- Remember, whatever your der the Health Care Strategy for tients with urinary catheters, needs the Highland Health Sci- Scotland. falls prevention, rehabilitation ences Library exists to help you. Therefore the library is not practices, diagnostic techniques Don’t spend more than 10 min- just a place NHS Highland staff and epilepsy care. utes on a problem you may be use if they are doing an educa- The library exists for all NHS having – contact the library. tional course. It is also a tool to Highland and all integrated care To find out more about the help staff develop the best care staff as well as the students and library and its many services and clinical practice for your pa- qualified staff studying and call 01463 255600 (x7600). tients. practicing in NHS Highland. Some members of staff are One thing we don’t want peo- Rob Polson ‘in the know’ and contact the ple to be doing is spending ([email protected]), library for help, and over the loads of scarce time looking for Subject Librarian

- 16 - Ceremony marks start of work on new health centre The widow of former local GP Dr Peter Sutherland cut the first turf for the replacement, £1.8million health centre in Drumnadrochit. Contractors MM Miller started work on the pro- ject earlier this month after NHS Highland had drawn up plans for the replacement centre in con- sultation with a community group made up of repre- sentatives of the local community council, GPs, NHS Highland staff, local councillors, representa- tives from social service including children’s ser- NHS Highland senior project manager Heather vices, and the nearby Glenurquhart Day Centre. Cameron said: “The waiting room at the replace- NHS Highland south area manager Jean Pierre ment health centre has been designed to be se- Sieczkarek said: “We were delighted to welcome a cured from the rest of the building for out-of-hours NHS Highland staff and representatives of the com- use by various groups. munity group to mark the official sod-cutting. “There will also be a hot-desking office for use by “It is appropriate that Dr Joanne Sutherland was visiting health and social care workers and book- on hand to cut the sod alongside Mrs Pamela Fra- able consulting space for visiting services.” ser, a member of the Drumnadrochit Patient Partici- Heather continued: “The building has been de- pation Group. signed to maximise the natural light and energy effi- “This is a very important project for NHS High- ciency, with a biomass boiler and high levels of in- land and for the local community in the Drumnadro- sulation, and to accommodate future expansion if chit area and indicates our growing commitment to needed.” provide the best service and facilities for the people The Drumnadrochit health centre is the latest in of Highland.” a series of major developments by NHS Highland, The new health centre will include five GP con- which have included the provision of a £1.3 million sulting rooms, a dedicated nurse and healthcare health centre in Broadford on Skye, a £4 million re- assistant consulting rooms and two treatment placement health centre in Tain and the £1.5 million rooms. redevelopment of Dingwall health centre. Event to put spotlight on remote and rural healthcare A HALF-DAY symposium and roadshow is to be evolve models of care which can fully exploit their held in Inverness in March on ‘Challenges in Re- capabilities. mote and Rural Healthcare’. The Greenaway Report has expressed dissatis- The event will bring together a wide range of faction with more “traditional” systems based practitioners who share a common interest in the around conventional concepts of generalist and delivery of healthcare in remote and rural environ- specialist. ments. The symposium will address these issues and Those who live and work in remote or sparsely- will cover medical and dental care, training, re- populated regions increasingly expect prompt ac- search, recruitment and retention. cess to appropriate healthcare interventions; not The event will be held in the Centre for Health simply emergency care but also specialist care for Science from 1-6pm on Thursday, 19th March, and chronic conditions. will be followed by a drinks reception, dinner and Modern technology such as internet, video link- musical entertainment. ing and medical telemetry offer considerable poten- To book a place call 0141 227 3212 or email tial, but the challenge remains of how to adapt and [email protected] - 17 - - 18 - SUPPORTING ROLE: Caley Thistle helps to promote NHS research register

NVERNESS Caledonian Thistle I is supporting NHS Highland in promoting the Scottish Health Research Register (SHARE), and is calling on its fans to do the same. SHARE has been created to establish a register of people in- terested in participating in health research, and is supported by the Scottish Government and every Scottish health board. By joining the register, indi- viduals agree to provide secure access to their medical records and, in doing so, give permission to be contacted to see if they wish to take part in any future research studies. Professor Angus Watson, di- rector R&D and consultant gen- eral and colorectal surgeon with NHS Highland, said: “SHARE brings everyone the chance to opt in to a confidential and secure register which will revolutionise Football club the way we run clinical research in Scotland.” Inverness Caledonia Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron added: “We were approached by Profes- backs SHARE sor Watson who came along with his team to the stadium to explain have joined SHARE in Scotland. the concept behind SHARE. However, we would like to help “During our meeting with them further boost Highlands contribu- we were delighted to hear that tion to this figure.” they all watch Inverness Caledo- Mr Cameron continued: “In nian Thistle on a regular basis. addition to the launch day our “In fact, one of the team, Laura upcoming home fixture with Kil- Mcilhatton, turns up regularly in marnock on 21st February will be the winter with her family to assist our designated NHS Highland us with stadium snow clearing Day at the stadium where all duties, so we thought it was only team have been invited to pro- NHS employees throughout the fair to return the favour by back- mote their initiative at our Scot- Highlands will be offered a 20 per ing this excellent NHS initiative. tish Premier League match cent reduction on any tickets pur- “The players, staff and man- against Ross County on Saturday chased in advance for the match agement at the stadium have al- 31st January, when they will be prior to one hour before kick-off.” ready signed up to the research handing out registration leaflets,  register and we appeal to as and we are urging fans of both You can sign up today at many football fans as possible to clubs to sign up to this ground- www.registerforshare.org or take this opportunity to assist. breaking project. speak to a member of the “The NHS Highland SHARE “Currently over 50,000 people SHARE team on match day.

- 19 - Volunteers wanted to help train medical professionals THE NHS Highland and Univer- in a safe environment. they are comfortable to be in- sity of Aberdeen Highland Volun- NHS Highland clinical skills volved yourself. teer Patient Programme is look- educator Ailsa Armstrong said: “They will work with small ing for new volunteer patients to “We are appealing to members of groups of students and a tutor/ help train the next generation of the public who would like to vol- facilitator. There is a variety of medical professionals. unteer to become a valuable part educational sessions where stu- The Highland Volunteer Pa- of the training in medical educa- dents practice there communica- tient Programme in Inverness tion within NHS Highland. tion and examination skills. Role was set up in 2008 in a state-of- “There is no prior training or play is not always required and the-art facility at the Clinical Skills experience necessary to be se- volunteers will only ever be asked Centre located in the Centre for lected to join the programme and to undertake roles that they are Health Science. we look for people of all ages comfortable doing.” It relies on members of the who can commit to one or two Mrs Armstrong added: “There public from all walks of life to vol- sessions per month. It is impor- are a number of benefits of being unteer for a few sessions a year tant to note that it takes three a volunteer. We cover travel ex- to become ‘simulated patients’. months to become fully trained, penses and provide refresh- These volunteers contribute so it is a significant time commit- ments; there is a friendly atmos- towards the education and as- ment, and we ask that you take phere and you have the opportu- sessment of medical students that into consideration before ap- nity to meet other volunteers.” and post-graduate medical/ plying. Anyone interested in applying nursing trainees by helping to “Volunteers will be invited to or for further details should con- provide a realistic learning oppor- attend a training session and tact Louise Annand on 01463 tunity, where the students can then ‘shadow’ an experienced 255810 or by emailing gain confidence and competence simulated patient until they feel [email protected] Mileage rates unchanged despite fuel price drop FOLLOWING an article published in the November As a result mileage rates will continue as is for issue of Highlights, it has been confirmed that, al- the next six months, the next review outcome is due though the cost of fuel continues to fall, the reduc- in June 2015. tion in pump prices at the time of assessment was For reference the mileage rates are as defined not sufficient to instigate any further change below: Effective 1st July 2014

Type of mileage Annual mileage up to Annual mileage over All eligible miles allowance 3,500 miles 3,500 miles Car (all fuel types) 56p per mile 20p per mile

Motorcycle 28p per mile

Pedal cycle 20p per mile

Passenger allowance 5p per mile

Reserve rate 28p per mile

Carrying heavy/bulky equipment 3p per mile

- 20 - Updates on Programme of new PMS THE Trak Patient Management fund-raisers for System (PMS) went live across NHS Highland last year. And short presentations detail- ing the ongoing issues from Phase 1 of the PMS implementation and Parkinson’s how they are being resolved are to th be held next month. EVERY hour, someone in the September 11-13 – A trek The presentations will also pro- UK is told they have Parkin- up Ben Nevis – with a top fund- vide an update on the new, clini- son’s. Thanks to Parkinson’s raiser prize of an iPad Air. cally-focused elements that are UK, no one has to face it alone. Plus many other events – being planned as Phase 2 of the Parkinson’s UK bring people all available to view on their implementation. with the illness, their carers and w e b s i t e : In addition, there will be an op- families together via a network www.parkinsons.org.uk/ portunity for members of staff to of local groups, their website scotlandevents express views and ask questions. and free confidential helpline. For further details, or for as- The presentations, to be deliv- Specialist nurses, their support- sistance with any other fund- ered by Hazel Macphail, will be ers and staff provide informa- raising event you would like to held on Thursday 5th February in tion and training on every as- organise, contact Jan Mattison, the 4th Floor Teaching Room, Raig- pect of Parkinson’s. community & events fundraiser, more Hospital, at 11am and 2pm. As the United Kingdom’s West Scotland on 0844 225 Anyone who would like to at- Parkinson’s support and re- 3781 or via j m a t t i - tend via VC should dial in to the search charity, they’re leading [email protected] presentation on 510668087 or the work to find a cure – and The confidential helpline can 01463 668087. they’re even closer than ever. be contacted on 0808 800 Parkinson’s UK also campaign 0303. to change attitudes and de- mand better services. Presentations Their work is totally depend- Making the difficult ent on donations. Together, we a bit easier... without fear! can find a cure and improve life HANDLING difficult conversa- A WORKSHOP on presentation for everyone affected by Park- tions effectively is never easy. skills is to be held in Inverness inson’s. Now, a workshop on how to later this year. This year will see some ex- do just that is being planned. The aim of the event — to be citing, challenging and reward- To be held on 24th August in held on 25th September in the ing fundraising events take the John Dewar Building, Inver- John Dewar Building — is to pro- place across Scotland for Park- ness, the workshop is being vide delegates with the necessary inson’s UK including: designed for managers and as- skills to carry out a basic presenta- April 19th – Parkinson’s piring managers. tion with increased confidence. Awareness Week kicks-off with For further information on It will be suitable for anyone a Walk for Parkinson’s at Pollok the workshop contact Michelle who requires some basic guide- Country Park, Jeans, L&D facilitator, on lines and hints to make the whole June 6th – Abseil off the 0 1 4 6 3 7 0 6 8 5 7 experience of giving presentations iconic Falkirk Wheel ([email protected]). a little less scary. June 28th – a brand new To book a place, contact To book a place, contact Mar- walk for Parkinson’s at Brodie Margaret Wilson on 01463 garet Wilson on 01463 706880 Castle, Forres – one mile or 706880 (email marga- (email [email protected]). five miles [email protected]). - 21 - Course scoops national award THE University of Stirling’s School of Health Science’s inno- vative Masters in Health and Wellbeing of the Older Person has won an award at the prestig- ious General Practice Awards in London. The course was nominated as the UK education provider of the year at a ceremony in the Lan- caster Hotel in London. The programme was first run in 2012 and recently saw stu- particularly as we were the only provides the ideal platform for dents from their first cohort Scottish nomination. I think that education, research and practice graduate in November last year. speaks volumes for the quality of to support and enhance care for Programme director and asso- the programme. older people. ciate head of school for the High- “The success of the pro- “The programme is all about land and Western Isles Cam- gramme is down to two ingredi- creating change agents for care puses Dr Annetta Smith said: ents – the partnership we have of older people and it’s gratifying “When we received funding for with our three NHS boards and to see that being achieved this programme we worked in other organisations such as Alz- through our students in practice. close partnership with the three heimer Scotland and other third “Students can understate their nurse directors from our three sector organisations, and our stu- Masters programme through partner health boards (Highland, dents; who have done excellent flexible routes of study. The pro- Western Isles and Forth Valley) work on their projects and now gramme also provides opportuni- to identify their care delivery. taking what they’ve learned into ties for health and social care “They all came back with the practice settings.” practitioners to pick up independ- same response and identified Programme lecturer Dr Leah ent modules around complexities care of the older person. We are Macaden said: “The programme of caring for older people and de- delighted to be given this award, is running for the third year and it mentia.” Reaching High to make integration work NHS HIGHLAND held a show- sations to promote and share ex- that we have with third and inde- case event to highlight its vision amples of innovative and good pendent sector colleagues.” for the delivery of high-quality practice and celebrate successes The event included presenta- health and social care services in and progress made so far. tions from Deborah Jones and Highland this month. NHS Highland chief operating NHS Highland director of adult Since health and adult social officer Deborah Jones, who social care Joanna Macdonald care were integrated in 2012, chaired the event, said: “We are and a sessions facilitated by staff NHS Highland has worked with very much at the start of our jour- from NHS Highland’s operational its partners to improve support for ney. I think the next steps are units. There was also an opportu- our communities, which include about developing our community nity for individuals and groups to some of the most remote and ru- asset-based approach through highlight the work being under- ral in the whole of Scotland. keeping people well; ensuring we taken in Highland with partner ‘Reaching High’ invited health provide the right level of support organisations. and social care professionals – not just to individuals, but to The leader of the Highland from NHS Highland, Highland communities as a whole – and Council, Drew Hendry, made the Council and third-sector organi- reinforcing the critical relationship closing remarks. - 22 - PARTNERSHIP: Gaining a better understanding of mountain rescue work Helping to save lives on Scotland’s hills NHS HIGHLAND has joined tivities and participants. “Many incidents happen at the forces with Scottish Mountain “By collecting data from previ- beginning and end of the summer Rescue (SMR) in an innovative ous years, we can help prepare season – when hill walkers may new partnership aimed at under- the volunteers of the SMR – be caught out by conditions they standing more about outdoor ac- some of whom are NHS Highland don’t expect. tivity. staff – for the work that they do “Factors such as these mean An analysis of Scottish Moun- and what they can expect to find that we have to continue to edu- tain Rescue Statistics by an NHS in terms of types of injuries and cate people how to reduce the Highland public health expert and incidents. risks involved in mountaineering the SMR statistician shows the “In doing so, we can help im- and outdoor activities.” number of mountaineering inju- prove training and preparations Founded in 1965 as the Moun- ries have increased year on year for mountain rescue and ensure tain Rescue Committee for Scot- and unsurprisingly NHS High- that we give the team the best land, it acts as the representative land’s area sees the largest possible chance of saving more and co-ordination body for moun- amount of incident responses. tain rescue teams in Scotland Now NHS Highland plans to and consists of 24 volunteer support MRS’s volunteer statisti- QUOTE mountain rescue teams, two cian in an effort to better under- Search and Rescue Dog Asso- stand the changing nature of This collaborative ciations with over 1,000 volun- mountain rescue activities and teers plus an additional three po- incidents – and help save more working has huge lice teams, an RAF team and lives on Scotland’s mountains. potential and Scottish Cave Rescue. NHS Highland public health The organisation became consultant Cameron Stark said: hopefully we can Scottish Mountain Rescue in Oc- “The work of the mountain rescue tober 2014. teams is very important to the all contribute in Dr Stark added: “Given that NHS in Scotland and to NHS helping to make the organisation is made up en- Highland in particular when you tirely of volunteers, the time con- consider that we cover four of the outdoor activities tributed – both in terms of training busiest teams in the country: and rescues – is striking and Lochaber; Glencoe; Arrochar and safer for people to goes to show the dedication and the Cairngorms. enjoy passion these people have, and “Such collaborative working is they provide a truly invaluable vitally important, particularly as public service. our findings indicate that there and more lives each year on our “We are delighted to help has been an increase in workload mountains.” these volunteers in any way we over many years combined with Dr Stark continued: “There has can. This collaborative working the increasing number of summer been a 45 per cent increase in has huge potential and hopefully hill walking injuries – such as the total number of persons we can all contribute in helping to heart disease – and reflect the helped in annual incidents in the make outdoor activities safer for changing nature of mountain ac- last decade. people to enjoy.”

- 23 - Answering the questions this month is Q Charlie Clark, community mental health occupational & therapist based in Dingwall What’s your jobA description, Hobbies and interests? I would love to be able to fund my Charlie? I love hill walking, fishing, cooking good buddies at the Abriachan For- Offering a full occupational therapy and basking in the unconditional est Trust, as they do fantastic work service, including assessment of adoration of my family and anybody and have helped many of our Mid occupational performance, treat- else who knows me. Ross team patients. ment planning and providing treat- ment for the service users of the What was the first single you What about a smaller sum, say Mid Ross Community Mental ever bought? £1,000? Health Team. Treatment can be Warhead, by the UK SUBS. It was I think I would want a couple of high provided one-to-one and in groups. brown vinyl. -quality Elvis wigs and a Rhine- We have many groups running at stone jumpsuit so I could take my this time, mostly focused on healthy What is your favourite food? wife out dancing. lifestyles, outdoor activities, crea- Curries, spaghetti bolognaise, fish tive activities and challenging men- and chips, full breakfast, roast What are you pet hates? tal health stigma. I am currently chicken and trimmings and a nice Unfairness, bullying and abuse of setting up an offshoot of ‘Branching bacon sandwich. position. Out’ with the Abriachan Forest I’m hungry now. Trust, with a view to helping folk If you could have dinner with develop people’s employability Your favourite film? three people, dead or alive, who skills. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (creepy they be and what would you old German film). cook them? Describe yourself Larry, Curley and Mo (the 3 Irreverent scoundrel probably fits How about your favourite TV pro- Stooges) that would be good craic. best (I’m sure that is what my col- gramme? I would serve them sirloin steak leagues would say). I am some- Either Spring, Autumn or Winter with trimmings and fat, homemade body who has aspiration for our Watch. chips. service users and will always look beyond the presenting problems to And your favourite book? What are the best and worst help folk generate solutions best Anything by Viz. Oh, and I forgot to parts of your job? suited to them. I do not take myself mention pizza. Best: There are never two days the seriously and I see humour as a same when you work in a commu- great way of communicating. I can If you won £10 million in the lot- nity mental health team, such a va- be serious, but only when it is nec- tery, what would you spend it riety of interesting things to do and essary and only for as long as it is on? interesting people to meet. necessary. I have found this a great I would love a small holding or Worst: Seeing people slide back antidote to not being taken seri- working croft. I would make sure into Illness when they had been ously, by anybody, ever! that friends and family were ok and doing well, exceedingly sad.

- 24 - aigmore R Hospi- tal received a belated Christmas gift this month from Sainsburys in Nairn af- ter the store donated all their 2014 Christmas decorations to the Inver- ness hospi- tal. Sainsburys were keen that the old decorations were put to good use and were delighted that Raig- more was happy to accept the kind dona- tion. Pictured ac- cepting the gift on be- half of Raig- more are Santa’s Helpers Claire McCall and Rachel Mac- donald.

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