Highland Hospitals Score High in Survey

THE NHS HIGHLAND STAFF NEWSPAPER September 2016 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

PATIENT CARE Highland hospitals score high in survey

PATIENTS are more satisfied with across Scotland as a whole. This year’s survey also found that 95 the level of care they receive in an The NHS Highland rating shown in per cent of NHS Highland’s A&E pa- NHS Highland hospital than are the In-Patient Experience Survey 2016, tients rated their care and treatment hospital patients throughout Scot- which was commissioned by the Scot- positively – the same figure as in 2014 land. tish Government, was two percentage but seven percentage points higher than A major new survey has found that points down on the figure in the previ- the figure for Scotland as a whole. 93 per cent of NHS Highland patients ous survey, in 2014. Compared to this year’s results for rated the care and treatment they re- However, it was still better than the Scotland, NHS Highland patients also ceived while in hospital as good or ex- board’s satisfaction rating (89 per cent) reported a positive experience in a cellent, compared with 90 per cent in 2012. number of other areas, including: Overall rating of the hospital ad- RAIGMORE’S 75th ANNIVERSARY mission process (91 per cent, compared to 82 per cent nationally) Overall rating of the hospital/ward environment (94 per cent, compared to 89 per cent) Feeling safe in A&E (93 per cent; 88 per cent) Kept as physically comfortable as they could expect to be (94 per cent; 92 per cent). Overall rating of all staff patients came into contact with (93 per cent; two per cent more than nationally). Survey questionnaires were sent out in January to 3,643 people who stayed overnight in an NHS Highland hospital between April and September last year,

Stepping out into the future: staff in the new hospital grounds (see page 5) Continued on page 2 - - In-patient experiences extremely useful to us as we strive to Continued from front get better.” Help us to fight loneliness and and 1,582 responses were received. Among the other positive findings social isolation. Check out: The survey asked questions about of the latest survey are that: http://www.reachout.scot.nhs.uk people’s experiences of admission, 97 per cent felt the main ward the hospital ward and environment, or room they stayed in was clean, Contents care and treatment, operations and one per cent more than the national procedures, staff, leaving hospital, figure 4 Student wins Maciver award care after leaving hospital and medi- 90 per cent felt they received 8 Suicide prevention campaign cines. assistance within a reasonable time, The results of the survey will be three per cent more than nationally 10 Commuters’ Corner used by NHS Highland and the Scot- 93 per cent were positive about 11 Sutherland consultation update tish Government to improve the the time they waited to see a doctor 12 ITU’s landmark milestone quality of healthcare. or nurse in A&E, compared with 85 14 A day in the life...of a rural GP David Alston, NHS Highland’s per cent nationally. 18 Comings & Goings chair, said he was grateful to all who Among the negative points raised 23 Bowel cancer screening participated and gave an assurance were an eight per cent drop between that the board would focus on the 2014 and 2016 in patients’ satisfac- Reach out pledges signed 25 areas that patients have said were tion at the length of time they waited 30 Other Lives: Katarina Hoglova important to them and where they to be admitted to hospital after being 31 Q&A: Claire McCall considered improvements could be referred; a four per cent drop in sat- made. isfaction with the food they received He commented: “There is much and a three per cent drop in the pro- Keep us informed for us to be positive about in the portion of patients who were satis- results of the last survey, but it has fied that they had enough time with Do you know of something you also highlighted that, against a back- the people who mattered to them. think should be featured in High- drop of changes in the way services Mr Alston added: “A vast amount lights? An award, an achievement, are delivered, an ageing population of work is being carried out through- a piece of research, an appoint- and, let’s be frank, a challenging finan- out NHS Highland under what we ment, a retiral … you name it, cial position, we have to step up our call the Highland Quality Approach. I Highlights has a place for it. Please work to improve standards and the am confident that the positive out- send your articles to overall experience of patients while comes we are seeing as a result of [email protected] (01463 they are in hospital. this improvement work will be re- “It’s not encouraging to get any flected in future in-patient experience 704903) or visit the Staff Dropbox negative feedback but, trust me, it is surveys.” on the NHS Highland intranet home page. DYING AND BEREAVEMENT You can follow NHS Highland on...

Drop-in event planned WEBSITE www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk AN event aimed at breaking the tober, is being organised by NHS silence around discussing death, Highland community development FACEBOOK dying and bereavement is being officer Kate MacLean in association https://www.facebook.com/ held in Highland next month. with HighLife Highland. NHSHighland ‘Dying to Know’ is a family event Kate explained: “In Scotland, 79 TWITTER with a difference that encourages per cent of people don’t have any www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or people to think about the practicali- written plans for their end of life @NHSHighland ties of the final phase of their life – care, financial wishes or funeral plans. and to ensure they make their wishes We hope this event will raise aware- clear about what they would like to ness and provide information which have happen after they die. may help people face up to mortal- The drop-in event, which will be ity.” held in the Craigmonie Centre, This is the fourth year that ‘Dying Drumnadrochit, on Saturday, 8th Oc- to Know’ has taken place. - 2 - BOARD MEETING Board back plans for out-of-hours services The NHS Highland board ap- Highland-wide approach is being proposed with changes required in proved a range of necessary plans A both urban areas and smaller communities. to change the way urgent out of The ‘Transforming Urgent Care’ proposals are in line with the recommen- hours services are delivered across dations of a national out-of-hours review led by Sir Lewis Ritchie. Funding has Highland on Tuesday 27th Sep- been approved by the Scottish Government to enable testing of the new ap- tember. proaches in Highland. Board members were asked to con- Key points include: sider proposals designed to ensure the  To address the challenges in the Inner Moray Firth area where contin- stability of urgent out-of-hours services gency plans are required most weeks and extensive use of locums and, in light of a nationwide shortage of Some small centres from which out-of-hours services are provided are no GPs which is hitting Highland particu- longer sustainable. The plan is to reduce their number in North Highland – larly hard, to reduce the heavy depend- the health board’s area except Argyll and Bute – from 22 to 17. ency on doctors at a meeting yesterday There would, therefore, be changes in how out-of-hours services provided morning. from small and single-handed practices at Lochinver, Lochaline, Glenelg, Ap- The Scottish Ambulance Service plecross, Armadale and Tongue. Under the proposals, a range of measures would be put in place to ensure (SAS) and Scottish Fire and Rescue Ser- that future urgent out-of-hours care in these communities is delivered by well vice were also in attendance at the -led and trained multi-disciplinary teams, which will be based out with the meeting and Milne Weir, Regional Man- communities. ager for SAS, made it clear that emer-  The plans would require a continuous rolling programme of nurse and gency response was the responsibility of paramedic development and, with the health board working with other agen- SAS but that close working across all cies and local residents, the development of communities that are more resil- agencies is in place. ient in terms of their health care needs. Speaking after the meeting, NHS Highland’s clinical lead Dr Antonia said: “The board’s decision to approve Reed, said: “I felt it was a very useful this direction of travel allows the team discussion and a clear acceptance that to work with each community on alter- the current situation is simply not sus- native arrangements. There needs to be tainable and change is required. Quite One of the confidence that these are in place and what these changes will be in practice working. I felt yesterday was a positive will require some further work and en- priorities is step in the right direction to greater gagement with different communities collaboration and shared ownership of such as Glenelg. There won’t be one to address the problem. size fits all, but there will certainly be “I was pleased to meet and speak some common principles and learning ‘ the exten- with public members from Glenelg at from other areas. the meeting. My impression was that One of the priorities is to address sive use of they appreciated the chance to make the extensive use of locums. This is ex- their views known and that they felt pensive and could be better delivered locums their concerns had been raised. We by teams who have ownership over the have to work together on this and I am services they provide. confident we will come up with some- Under the plan, a range of measures thing safe, sustainable and that local will be put in place to ensure that future be based out with the communities but people have confidence in.” out-of-hours care in some communities with different arrangements in place in He added: “The transition will re- is delivered by well-led and trained multi local communities. quire a continuous rolling programme of -disciplinary teams, some of which may David Alston, chair of NHS Highland’ nurse and paramedic development.” - 3 - HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Rita is first winner of board-backed award A STUDENT from Mallaig has been named as the first recipient of an award recognising the skills and qualities valued in integrated health and social care. Rita Yost (29) completed an HNC in Social Care at the University of the Highlands and Islands. She was nominated for the Ina Maciver Award for her passion for social care, her practical and academic performance and her dedication to her studies. Sponsored by NHS Highland, the award will be presented to a University of the Highlands and Islands’ Health or Social Care student each year. Rita was nominated for the award by her personal academic tutor, Wilma MacDonald, who explained: Wilma MacDonald, Rita Yost, Professor Hugo van Woerden “Throughout the year, Rita was consci- entious, managed her workload well and wanted, which gave me the drive to award. demonstrated a real commitment to her achieve the best I could. I have fulfilled He said: “NHS Highland is keen to studies. Her time keeping was excellent my goal, as I am now a qualified, em- recognise excellence in the care of pa- and she always had assignments in be- ployed residential care worker thanks tients and service users. We are spon- fore the deadline.” to the University of the Highlands and soring the Ina Maciver award because it Wilma also commended Rita for her Islands.” has this important value at its heart. I passion and practical work, adding: “Rita Professor Hugo van Woerden, NHS lived in Mallaig for five years and am is passionate about working with young Highland’s director of public health and delighted that someone from there has people in care as she has been through health policy, presented Rita with her won this award.” the care system herself. She undertook a placement in a care home for children and young people in Fort William and FUND-RAISER flourished in this environment. Her supervisor praised her ability to fit into Sale success the team and for developing profes- A NUMBER of tasty treats were sional relationships with young people on sale in Scotia Court, Inver- even though she is close to their age. It ness, this month to help raise was evident that Rita embedded the funds for the MFR Cash for values and principles of care throughout Kids campaign. her practice.” The bake sale, which was organised by NHS Highland’s Rita said: “I was quite shocked when data quality support team, re- I found out I had won – I really wasn't ceived a lot of support from expecting it. Having good support from everyone. classmates and tutors and learning from Just over £120 was raised for their experiences and the work experi- the charity. ence I was able to attend amplified that Pictured are some of the cakes working in social care was what I really on sale. - 4 - SPECIAL FEATURE Hospital celebrates its 75th anniversary THIS month (September) saw Raigmore Hospital reach its dia- mond anniversary as the hospital celebrated 75 years of being open on 5th September. Construction on Raigmore began in June 1940. The builders were Jas Campbell & Sons, Tomnahurich Street, Inverness, one of the largest firms in the north, with joinery by MacDonald, of Friars Lane. Local historian Jim Leslie has a passion about the history of hospitals in the Highlands and with the help of the book ‘Old Raigmore’ by retired consultant William Browne and numerous interviews he has a wealth of knowledge on the old Raigmore. He said: “The construction was supervised Above: ones in that they had to be fully recov- by the Ministry of Works Raigmore’s ered before returning to duty unlike with most of the wards Nightingale civilians who could be sent home to constructed in about six ward convalesce. months at an estimated Left: Jim said: “The separate wards were cost of £250,000. Raigmore’s quite inconvenient especially in winter “At one point, open corridors when staff and visitors arrived cold around 600 bricklayers with grit and mess brought in with worked 12 hours a day their feet. Internal corridors were although, despite this open due to a brick shortage and the urgent wartime need, open walkways between wards were there was no Sunday not popular in Inverness winters when working. There was a trying to keep uniforms tidy in the shortage of steel and snow-filled northern winds but were timber was forbidden as an improvement on early days when a structural material so that brick and more saw 4,142 patients.” wellington boots were required be- concrete slabs with a minimum of steel Until 1948, Raigmore was run by tween some ward blocks. reinforcement were used. the Department of Health but there “The unlit grounds made moving “The first wards opened on 5th was also a military wing under the con- between blocks quite hazardous and September 1941 and the first patient trol of Scottish Group 11/48 at Aber- several nurses have memories of push- was a Canadian from the Carrbridge- deen. The unit’s task was to deal with ing a trolley with the help of a porter based Canadian Forestry Corps, who the welfare, discipline and military as- from a ward to the mortuary which built a recreation hall or log cabin for pects of the patients. For example, the site in 1944. In its first year Raig- military patients differed from civilian Continued on next page

- 5 - SPECIAL FEATURE Continued from previous page was beside the ambulance station. One nurse remembers a windy night when the inadequately attached cover over the body flew up causing the porter to bolt in terror. The land between the blocks grew vegetables during the War and, although this added to potential hazards in the black-out, the resultant potatoes made excellent stovies for the nurses on cold nights.” Jim added that the original design allowed for 672 beds but only 532 were created. The wards, of the ‘Nightingale pattern’, were designed for 40 beds but this was rather crowded so were reduced to 38 beds in the 1940s, with a side room for seri- Mrs Rena Tracy (pictured right) receiving a prize ously ill patients, and around 30 beds in the 1950s with just enough room for a Jim has carried out a number of she describes as being very nice and patient’s locker between each bed. interviews from retired nurses who polite. Raigmore hospital was not univer- worked at Raigmore during the 1950s “She trained at Raigmore 1946-49 sally well received. Many local people but he has also interviewed Mrs Rena and went to work in the RNI in 1950; said “it just didn’t look like a hospital’ Tracy who was a Raigmore nursing she found Raigmore much more re- and some referred to it as “The Sta- student in the late 1940s. laxed and returned to work there as ble”. Dr Johnston, the first medical He said: “Rena started in Raigmore the sister in Ward 8 which was then superintendent, described his first im- as a wartime volunteer while still at children’s surgical / orthopaedic ward.” pression as “mud and dreary brick school and started nursing training in Jim added: “It’s been fascinating walls”. 1946. She remembers playing in the listening to Rena talk of her time here Jim said: “The hospital was of fields where Raigmore still stands as a and telling me things about Raigmore course starting from scratch. It re- child and while a pupil at the Inverness that I’ve not found out from else- quired team building but, being a war- Royal Academy she visited Raigmore as where.” time establishment; many staff were a Red Cross volunteer in Ward nine. Since its start as a war time hospital assigned rather than going through an “She remembers voluntary aid de- Raigmore Hospital has continued to open appointments system which tachment nurses, which I had never develop most notably with the addition would have made it challenging to gen- come across at Raigmore before, and of the tower block in the 1980s. erate an esprit de corp.” also the German prisoners of war who Kenny Clarke, assistant divisional manager for surgical specialities at Raigmore, remembers moving from the old Raigmore into the new tower block. He said: “I had been qualified as a staff nurse for a year before we moved to the new build on site. The orthopaedic team was one of the first teams to move and we went from a single red -bricked floor building to what was then a state of the art theatre unit. “It was very exciting to be there for the move and the same applies now when you look at the work currently going on in the hospital to bring critical care services together over two floors and the refurbishment of our operating Raigmore circa 1951 theatres.”

- 6 - NURSING Quality work earns award for students TWO Highland-based nursing stu- learn improvement by actually doing dents have received a national ac- improvement rather than just classroom colade for the quality improve- work and this assessment gives the stu- ment projects they came up with dents the opportunity to experience as part of their studies this month. what it feels like to try and make a small Eve Pincock, a mental health branch improvement in healthcare practice. student, and Fiona Shiels, an adult “Students are a great asset for qual- branch student, were joint winners ity improvement work as they see from approximately 250 students of the things with ‘fresh eyes’ and come up Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland with some great ideas to improve prac- (QNIS) Undergraduate Prize. tice.” tions. The project reduced the amount Dr Michelle Beattie, lecturer at the For her project Eve set up a weekly of unnecessary visits made by the team University of Stirling’s Highland campus support group for girls transitioning to clients with syringe driver queries, as explains that the QNIS looks to advance from rural primary schools to a main- well as promoting patient carer auton- the professional development of com- stream high school. omy. munity nurses and promote the use of By the end of the programme all Dr Annetta Smith, head of health evidence based practice and that all girls reported an improvement in social sciences at the university’s Highland and third-year nursing students at the Uni- skills and friendships as well as an im- Western Isles campus, commented: versity of Stirling are required to con- provement in their mood. “We are delighted the Queen’s Nursing duct a small quality improvement pro- Fiona developed a troubleshooting Institute, Scotland, have recognised the ject as part of the undergraduate nurs- card to assist patients and their families contribution our students make to im- ing programme. to self-care in the community when proving care for our local communi- She said: “We know that students using syringe drivers to deliver medica- ties.”

PRESENTATION Oncology ward gets thanks gift THE family and friends of Maggie Macdonald have donated £2,530 to the oncology ward at Raig- more Hospital. Maggie, who was widely regarded as one of Scotland’s top Gaelic singers, died in July but her family wanted to give something back to the ward for the care given to her and to them while Maggie was in hospital. The family received a warm wel- come from staff when they arrived on the ward last month and the donation was gratefully received. - 7 - LEND AN EAR Board backs suicide prevention campaign ON AVERAGE, two people die by has died. And NHS Highland profes- of suicide. suicide every day in Scotland. sionals used Suicide Prevention Week NHS Highland’s associate medical Each suicide is a tragedy that has a this month (5th-9th September) to en- director for mental health, Dr Boyd far reaching impact on family, friends courage people to talk someone if Peters, said: “In Scotland we acknowl- and the community long after a person they’re feeling low or having thoughts edge that talking openly about feeling low is a way to reduce the stigma which prevents many people from seeking help or opening up to others about how they are feeling. “Serious talk about depression can help to reduce it, and openly listening to someone can be a source of relief for them. Simply listening to someone can have a huge impact on how they are feeling. he Inverness branch of Samari- T tans can be contacted on 01463 713 456, or you can phone 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org/branches for information on opening hours. Breathing Space can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87. Their opening hours are: Monday – Thurs- day 6pm-2pm and Friday from 6pm until 6am Monday. Mikeysline is a text service that can be reach on 07779 303 303. Lines are open from 7pm on Friday to 7am on Monday. More information can be ac- cessed at www.chooselife.net

“I would encourage anyone who is feeling low or having thoughts of suicide to talk to a family member or SUICIDE friend about how they are feeling, or to speak to your GP if you would feel more comfortable doing so.” NHS Highland’s community mental health services manager, Michael Per- era, said: “NHS Highland has a team of dedicated mental health professionals that can listen to you and give you advice and guidance. However, there are also a number of organisations that you can speak to anonymously such as Sa- maritans and Breathing Space. There is also the Mikeysline text service.” - 8 - PUBLIC HEALTH Staff urged to get flu vaccine NHS HIGHLAND’S flu vaccina- health medicine for NHS Highland, said: normally takes a week. Even fit healthy tion programme starts next “Staff suffering from flu can uninten- people can develop more serious con- month (October) and staff across tionally pass this on to others, including sequences and can require hospitalisa- the organisation are being encour- the patients they are looking after or tion.” aged to make sure they take the their family and friends. In February, the renal unit in the opportunity to get vaccinated. “We are making every effort to Belford Hospital, Fort William had an All staff, particularly those who have make flu vaccination as easy and acces- outbreak of flu. Six patients were con- direct contact with patients, are being sible to our staff as possible over the firmed as flu cases and five members of invited to attend drop-in clinics or look coming weeks. staff were also unwell. out for the mobile trolley sessions in “Flu is not a minor illness. It can The charge nurse recalls her experi- or near their department or team. make people feel extremely unwell for ence: “The impact on the unit cannot be Dr Ken Oates, consultant in public two to three days and full recovery underestimated. We were nursing patients with varying symptoms of flu and trying to prevent any further cases. Ex- tra staff had to be brought in to help run the unit as more than 50 per cent of the staff were off sick. “The extra work for the domestic

and portering services was huge. “The speed with which the flu took hold was incredible in healthy individuals and immune-compromised patients alike. I felt I’d been run over by a train!” Dr Oates said: “This demonstrates to us all that having flu infection is not a pleasant experience and that it can have a significant impact on staff and patients. “Some patients in particular are very vulnerable and can be severely affected by flu which may be passed around by other patients, visitors or staff. NHS staff, even if fit and healthy normally, can be adversely affected.” Further details and information are all available on the flu page of the staff intranet. - 9 -

We continue our regular series COMMUTERS’ CORNER about how our staff travel to work. This month, Oban, Lorn and the Islands locality manager Annie Macleod tells us about her occasionally unortho- dox commutes.

THERE can’t be many people who make their daily commute using ferries and planes. Island-hopping is However, it’s part of everyday life for NHS Highland’s Oban, Lorn and the Islands locality manager, Annie Macleod. part of the job for Based in the Morvern peninsula, Annie makes regular trips to Oban, Coll, Tiree, Mull and Colonsay as part of her role to oversee all heath and manager Annie social care services in the area. “I’ve only been in this job for six months, but it’s fair to say I’ve clocked ideal opportunity to do exactly that. with me and I’ve spotted porpoises, up a few miles,” she said. “I travel to “I’ve also learned to use the time eagles and many other sea birds. I’m Oban regularly and the ferry is much productively to catch up on my work. very lucky that I get to witness such quicker than driving. When I’m not chatting to locals, writ- natural beauty nearly every time I “A major part of my role is to ing reports or sending emails, I enjoy commute to work.” build relationships with local people the stunning scenery and beautiful Having spent 20 years working in and the ferry journeys and trips to the nature on my way to work. Yorkshire, most recently as director islands on an eight-seater plane are an “I carry a small pair of binoculars of care for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Annie is delighted to have settled down in a part of the world for which she has a passion. She said: “I have a long connection with Morvern and we have recently built a house in the area. “I care passionately about person- centred care and I want to ensure that the people in this area have access to a high standard of health and social care. “I work closely with my team of area managers and frontline staff to lead social work teams, primary care and community teams. “It’s not easy managing such a caseload from a remote and rural location, but the video conferencing works very well for us. “My job is great and the landscape I have the privilege to enjoy on my commute plays a huge part in that. It never looks the same and is simply stunning.”

- 10 - NORTH COAST REDESIGN Consultation process now at halfway point THE PUBLIC consultation on the the co-location of some staff and ser- to families. A drop-in event was held in proposed redesign of health and vices. It was also recommended that this Melness on 31st August. social care services along the north move would be supported by strength- An update has also been provided coast of Sutherland has reached a ened community and primary care ser- to the Sutherland District Partnership crucial stage. vices along the north coast. and Ward 1 Business meeting (the The review of NHS Highland ser- If the recommendations are ac- council ward that covers the area). And vices has reached the halfway stage of a cepted, NHS Highland will no longer the board’s strategic partners (SAS, three-month process. The consultation provide residential care home services Scottish Fire & Rescue, Highland Coun- began on 25th July and will end on 25th at Talmine (Caladh Sona) and Melvich cil, Highland Hospice, Highlands and October 2016. Community Care Unit (Melvich). Islands Enterprise) have been sent con- The consultation covers the north Since July, a 12-page consultation sultation materials and been invited to and west Sutherland area, from Scourie document and feedback forms have formally respond. to Melvich including Altnaharra and been distributed throughout the area. Elsewhere, local secondary schools Strath Halladale. Christian Nicolson, NHS Highland’s have been contacted with the offer to Last year a steering group, made up quality improvement lead, said: “So far meet pupils about local career opportu- of local people, staff, councillors and around 126 responses have been re- nities for young people, including work- agencies recommended that a new sin- ceived and these have all been read and ing in care homes, as part of NHS High- gle health and social care ‘hub’ facility any queries addressed where contact land’s ‘grow our own talent’ initiative. should be located in the Kyle of Tongue details were provided.” Further events with staff, family and area as part of a service redesign. In addition, six meetings have taken communities are planned, and the As well as offering residential and place so far with families and staff in board’s consultation team are ready to nursing care, the hub facility aimed to both homes. And follow-up letters have respond to any requests to meet about improve co-ordination of care through been or are in the process of being sent specific issues.

HORTICULTURAL SHOW

ESIDENTS of Dail Mhor care home, R Strontian, successfully took part in a local horticultural show earlier this month. They entered the "garden on a plate"; "flower arrangement"; and "greetings card" competitions in the Strontian village hall and swept the boards with five first place rosettes and one second place. Dail Mhor residents and some of Mary Lindsay, deputy manager of Dail their entries to the show Mhor, said: “Dail Mhor House is looking to expand on our care home residents’ quality of life and enhance their health and wellbeing by engaging more with the local community. “Our residents all had a great time seeing the other entries and they were delighted with their rosettes. They are already looking forward to entering next year where they may even enter the baking categories.” The Strontian Horticultural Show has been running for the past 60 years.

- 11 - WORKSHOP VENTILATOR ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA Group health advice course Raigmore’s ITU announced key infection PRACTICAL advice about how to plan, run and facilitate groups using active learning methods in order to promote health will be provided at a health improvement workshop in landmark ‘down November. The event will be held on Thurs- day 3rd November at Scottish Natu- ral Heritage’s office, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness. to hard work’ Aside from developing the generic skills involved in understanding and running groups, the course EARLIER this month staff in the Work undertaken by staff in the unit will cover the delivery of national intensive therapy unit at Raigmore includes dental hygiene and constant and local health improvement tar- Hospital reached the milestone of surveillance of patients. They also use a gets (smoking, alcohol, healthy having gone 1000 days since they unique protractor, designed by the NHS weight, breastfeeding), and other last had a patient with ventilator Highland medical physics department, work related to anticipatory care or acquired pneumonia (VAP). which helps to ensure that the head of the encouragement of self- VAP is a type of lung infection that the beds is at a fixed 30 degree angle management by people with long- affects critically ill patients. Patients who which also helps in preventing VAP de- term conditions. The course will run from 9.30am contract the disease tend to stay in the veloping. to 4.30pm and participants will: unit for longer. Senior charge nurse Gwen Calder The condition was always considered said: “This has been hard work but it is Describe the key elements of to be a given for a ventilated patient in absolutely down to the dedication of the planning group work Demonstrate understanding of intensive care but, thanks to work done staff. Decreasing the incidence of VAP group life and group needs under the Scottish Patient Safety Pro- improves patent care and I’m delighted Experience a range of methods gramme it has been shown that it is pos- that we’ve been able to make this differ- for working with groups sible for patients not to develop VAP. ence for our patients.” Apply principles of active and participatory learning Practice the skills of group fa- cilitation Develop strategies to manage groups Consider the role of groups in communities Feel confident to facilitate groups

NHS staff are encouraged to apply electronically through NHS Highland Intranet using the AT- Learning booking system which is linked to eKSF. Bookings for all staff will also be taken on receipt of the accompanying application form. For further details contact Tan- zeela Bashir, administrator: tan- [email protected] on 01463 704781 or Valerie MacDonald, health improvement specialist: val- [email protected] on 01463 704875. Gwen Calder, fourth from the left with other members of the team from the intensive care unit - 12 - AT YOUR SERVICE Catherine Green, domestic supervisor, Caithness hospitals

The John o’Groat Journal is running a series of articles by NHS Highland which puts the spotlight on people working in healthcare. Answering the questions this week is Catherine Green, domestic supervisor for hospitals and health centres in Caithness.

Q. So what is your role, Catherine? make sure all the staff are in that day. The nurs- A. I am employed as a domestic supervisor and ing staff have a daily ‘huddle’, a safety briefing was a domestic assistant way back in 1986. I every day which the domestic team attend. This was employed there for four years and then I allows us to get a picture of the ward’s require- left to have my children. 11 years ago I came ments for that day - from discharge or terminal back to become domestic supervisor. cleans to patients who may require some quiet time. This workload can vary from day to day. It Q. What does that job entail? all depends how many discharges (how many A. My job covers a lot of areas. For example, patients) are going home. But it’s always a on the recruitment side, I am involved in the pleasure being on the wards as it gives me a initial interview process right through to ensur- chance to meet the patients. They always seem ing staff are given full training. I do that by guid- to appreciate a cheery smile. Once I’ve gone ing them through both face to face and online round each ward, I plan out the day with my courses and also working alongside them to fellow supervisor. This may mean moving staff give them support. With my fellow supervisor around the wards and departments, but we Tina Russell, we both work hard to ensure that have a great team spirit here so moving staff at all our staff follow Healthcare Associated Infec- short notice is never an issue. tion standards. Q. Anything else that has changed in your Q. You cover an acute hospital, Caithness time? General in Wick, community hospitals, A. Cleaning has come a long way in my time. the Dunbar in Thurso and Town & Coun- We follow the National Cleaning of Scotland try in Wick and health centres. How does I think we Specifications (the domestic bible) and this en- that work? sures we keep standards high. We are also in- offer our volved in Scottish Patient Safety Programme A. We have roughly 65 staff throughout Caith- ‘ ness. The difference mainly is the size of each that we now follow here in Highland. The idea location but the processes are the same. I try patients of the programme is to make sure that as many to go to all locations at least once a week. patients as possible are kept safe while in our Sometimes it will be a lot more but I try to get the care. round all locations as much as possible and I can always be contacted by phone. Although I ‘medicine’ Q. Tell us more about yourself outside am based in Caithness, we work as a team work. throughout NHS Highland and I liaise regularly of laugh- A. I have three children, aged 32, 28 and 24 with my fellow supervisors in other locations. who all live locally. At home I love music and I It’s a good opportunity help each other and ter and love spending time with my grandchildren. My keep up to date. partner and I also like to go away on weekend stories... breaks when we can: trips to Glasgow and to Q. Can you tell us about your typical London and places like that. working day, Catherine? A. My day starts when I pick up my bleep Q. Anything else you would like to add? (pager), which I carry everywhere, check my e- A. I am very proud of the domestic team. I mails; and I have a daily meeting with the hotel think we offer our patients the ‘medicine’ of services support manager. After that I make laughter and stories, which helps them feel bet- sure all the wards have staff cover. Basically, I ter at what can be a very anxious time. - 13 - ’ A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... A REMOTE AND RURAL GP You can never stop being a GP here Delivering health and social care in 9.45am 10.05am some of the UK’s most remote areas Kirsteen takes her first phone call of The first of the three patients booked can be a challenge for NHS Highland the day, from a gentleman enquiring in for the day arrives, and emerges – and few areas are as remote and about the result of some tests. The from the consultation room 20 min- rural as Applecross. A day spent with patient is one of 250 people who live utes later. All three patients had all the peninsula’s resident GP, Dr on Applecross, but the peninsula’s made an appointment earlier, but gen- Kirsteen Duffy, provided a taste of population can quadruple during the erally people can get a GP appoint- summer. “We get a lot of tourists in ment on the day. what it’s like to live and practise in here,” Kirsteen explained. “We see such an isolated – and beautiful – holidaymakers who forgot to bring 10.25am community. This article was written their medicine with them, folk who As the first patient leaves, another for the Ross-shire Journal. have had tick bites, people who have pops in, not for an appointment but to hurt themselves falling off their motor- collect some medication. He is fol- bike – you name it, we get it.” In lowed minutes later by Janice Cargill, a 9am Kirsteen’s two and a half years in the Fifer who was GP on Applecross for After a four-mile commute, Kirsteen – practice she has also dealt with three many years. Dr Cargill was busy organ- and that’s what she prefers to be cardiac arrests. ising an annual sponsored walk, held called, rather than Dr Duffy – arrives this year to raise funds for a defibrilla- at the Applecross surgery in the ham- 10am tor, but her visit also provided an op- let of Camusterrach. She’s joined by A woman turns up at the surgery to portunity for a quick chat about the Morag Youngson, the practice’s recep- wait for the fish van to call – just one old days, with the two doctors reflect- tionist and dispenser, and Morag’s of the many delightful peculiarities of ing that they had both practised in daughter Marianne, who for the past life on Applecross. Kirsteen, ever the Dundee. Kirsteen was born there and 12 years has provided part-time admin doctor, takes the opportunity to ask studied at Dundee University before support. Morag has been at the prac- how she’s feeling. “You can never stop embarking on a career in medicine tice for 21 years, and in October she being a GP here,” she later explained. which saw her practising in her home and Marianne will swap roles as Morag She added that Applecross residents city and elsewhere throughout Scot- lightens her load in the run-up to were “generally fit and elderly”. “This land. “I knew when I was in my fourth eventual retirement. First on the isn’t the place to be if you are elderly year that I wanted to be a rural GP,” agenda for Kirsteen is to check on and unwell – there just isn’t the sup- she said, adding that she considered what the day holds in store – and have port system here,” she explained. herself “extremely fortunate” to have a quick cuppa and a natter. “We like “There aren’t a lot of people around landed the Applecross job. “This is a to sort the world out before we start to look after you here if you have de- fantastic area but what really attracted work,” laughed Kirsteen. mentia.” me was the community that exists here,” she said. “I feel I’ve been wel- comed here and am now part of the This is a fantastic area community.” As Kirsteen pops into her consultation room to take a phone call, Morag concurs: “She’s really well but what really attracted liked here.”

me was the community 11.05am that exists here The day’s third patient arrives, and Continued on next page ‘ - 14 - ’ A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... A REMOTE AND RURAL GP Continued from previous page while Kirsteen deals with her Morag fields a succession of phone calls. “It can get quite busy here,” Morag says, adding that people don’t just use the practice to see a GP; a podiatrist and a physiotherapist both hold regular clinics there, and community nurses use the place too. Morag is from Apple- cross and, but for a spell in Aberdeen, has lived there all her life.

11.45am The third patient leaves – after a 40- minute consultation. “That’s one of the joys of practising here,” said Kirsteen. “It’s possible to give patients more time. The best things for me is that I can be the kind of doctor I always wanted to be. It’s about knowing about people’s lives and playing a role in keeping a community healthy.” Kirsteen, who is 37, concedes that there may be a flip side to living in such a remote community but for her the positives outweigh the negatives. “I do not miss city things enough to go back there,” she said, adding that having a foster child, two dogs and two cats keeps her busy. She also enjoys walking, and likes to make dolls in her spare time.

12.40pm After doing a few “odd jobs”, Kirsteen not necessarily finished work, though. provided by a paramedic practitioner. sets out to make her only house call of Kirsteen averages seven out-of-hours “I know there have to be changes in the day. She doesn’t do many – two or calls a week – “All part of being a GP.” places like this,” Kirsteen said, “but I three a week – and this one is to Things are changing, though. The Ap- would want to be comfortable with check on how a patient is progressing. plecross GP practice is one of 19 in any changes made in Applecross. It’s It’s quite a drive, and not just in terms the Highlands – there are 100 in total my home and my neighbours are my of length. The views round every turn – that are managed by NHS Highland, patients.” Not all her patients are her are stunning. It’s no wonder Kirsteen and it’s the board that employs neighbours, however. Kirsteen also encounters so many tourists – motor- Kirsteen. Cover for her during holi- practises, sometimes for a whole week ists, bikers and cyclists – on the way. days and at weekends has hitherto and sometimes for a few days at a “At this time of day, the Bealach na Ba been provided by locum GPs, at con- time, on Skye, with cover for her pro- – the main access road to Applecross siderable expense, and the board has vided by a locum. “It’s something that’s is the highest pass in Scotland and is been looking at finding alternative ways important to me,” she said. “You can described as ‘unsuitable for learner of delivering out-of-hours services in get a bit insular here, and from a pro- drivers, caravans and those of a nerv- some of its more remote practices. fessional point of view it’s good to ous disposition’ – will be pretty busy.” Whatever model is put in place must work elsewhere, and with other peo- be both safe and sustainable, and to ple, occasionally.” 2pm that end the board has been making Back at the practice, Kirsteen settles greater use of healthcare professionals 9am (the next morning) down to an afternoon of admin work other than GPs. For Kirsteen, that’s Kirsteen’s back at the surgery – after a and wraps up just before 4pm. She’s meant weekend cover is starting to be quiet night with no out-of-hours calls.

- 15 - DRUGS & ALCOHOL Conversation started about recovery from dependency

OVER 70 people from a range of organisations discussed ways to support people in recovery from drug and alcohol problems at an event in Thurso at the end of Au- gust. The ‘Conversation Café’ was organised by the Caithness Drug and Alcohol Forum and provided an opportunity for guests to plan ways to demonstrate that their experience of the impact of sub- and there was a real feeling of hope for people in Caithness can and do recover stance misuse problems and what helps the future of recovery in Caithness”. from dependency and make positive with recovery. The Caithness Drug and Alcohol contributions to the community. Lesley Campbell, chair of the forum, Forum, who received support from the The event was attended by workers said: “It was inspirational to hear that Scottish Recovery Consortium and the from a range of agencies in Caithness many people do recover and are able to Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and from across Highland. move on and lead fulfilling lives. in organising the event, also held its They were joined by people in re- “I would like to thank everyone that annual general meeting on 14th Septem- covery and their families, who shared came along. The event was inspirational ber in the Norseman Hotel in Wick.

NEW SERVICE How to access your pensions data online THE new online pension service is entitlement for each pension record cessing the service, should contact now live via www.highland.gov.uk/ they hold. They can also view a full de- 01463 702489 or 01463 702377 for pensionsonline tailed version of each statement which assistance. The new service enables employees can be printed or saved. Scheme members who do not have to view their 2016 annual benefit state- There are notes attached to the access to the internet can request a ments online. statement which will answer many com- paper copy by telephoning 01463 On their first visit to the website, mon questions. 702489 or 01463 702377. employees will be asked to register, A new statement for each record Any queries relating to the informa- which will require their email address, employees hold will be produced and tion provided on benefits statements National Insurance number and date of made available to view by the end of should be directed to 01463 702441 or birth. They will then be asked to enter a August each year. email [email protected] password of your own choice. Paper copies will no longer be is- Additional information about the Once registered, employees will be sued. scheme can be found at: able to view a summary of their benefit Anyone who has any difficulties ac- www.highlandpensionfund.org - 16 - GOLSPIE Betty celebrates her 100th with musical entertainment

MUSIC LOVER Betty Miller, maid. Two of her older sisters were marked her 100th birthday sur- also in service. rounded by family and friends at a With war clouds gathering in 1940, celebratory bash in Golspie last Betty joined the Women’s Royal Naval month. Service (WRENS) and served for Depute lord lieutenant Sheila Stew- around five years, during which time she art was on hand at the Seaforth House was posted to Kirkwall and near Aber- Care home on Main Street to present deen. Betty with a birthday message from the After the war she married bus driver Queen. Jock Miller, from the Lothians. Despite And despite her hearing not being as family commitments, Betty still went out good as it used to be, a smiling Betty to work in various jobs, including as a celebrated in style with a slap-up tea housekeeper for ‘Campbell the minister’ that included musical entertainment. and cleaning at the school hostels. Seaforth House manager, Tina A Seaforth House resident for the Mitchell, said: “Although Betty's hearing past two years, Betty likes to keep her- is poor she really enjoys listening to her self busy, showing an interest in chatting music and has a large collection of about times gone by, and looking at her LP's. Betty says her favourite song at minister. old photographs. the moment is Can't Help Falling in Love The eighth of 10 surviving children A keen walker, Betty was a familiar by Andy Williams, which she sang to of fisherman Robert Hugh MacDonald sight around Golspie well into her 90s. two members of staff recently.” and Jessie (nee Sutherland), Betty cred- Tina said: “She still enjoys going out When Betty was born on 18th Au- its her longevity to ‘hard work’. to the shops occasionally and says she gust 1916, King George V was on the In 1930, at the age of 14 she left always went out to the shops each af- throne and Herbert Asquith was prime school and went into service as a table ternoon when she lived at home.”

NEW CRAIGS Volunteers give hospital a fresh look OLUNTEERS FROM LifeScan Scotland in Inverness V have brought a fresh look to New Craigs Hospital after they volunteered their services to paint various areas. Earlier this month three teams gave the wards a new lease of life, brightening them up for patients. LifeScan Scotland has made volunteering a cultural norm with employees from across the organisation engaging with the local community by carrying out a wide range of activities including painting at New Craigs. Diane Woodward, clinical area manager for New Craigs, is very impressed with the work carried out. She said: “They’ve done a grand job. It may seem like a little thing but it’s really brightened up the ward which will be appreciated by both our patients and the staff who work here. “I think volunteering like this in a way which benefits the community is a fantastic gesture and I would really like to thank them for the work they have put in.” - 17 - COMINGS & GOINGS Donald calls it a day after Mansi praises ‘first 30 years of class’ level of care nursing duties A CLINICAL pharmacist from India A STALWART of the learning has praised NHS Highland staff in disability nursing service has re- both Raigmore and Belford hospi- tired after over 30 years service. tals. Donald Mackintosh (Tosh) has been Mansi Shah spent time shadowing a familiar face in the learning disability clinical staff in both hospitals as part of nursing since the 1980’s starting as a her continued professional development. student nurse, then a staff nurse at She said: “My recent visit to Scotland Craig Phadraig before working as a was breathtaking in every sense. Though community learning disability nurse in I had been to Scotland before, it was the Caithness, continuing the establishment first time I experienced NHS Highland. of the service in the area. “I had arranged to work shadow pharmacy services, including clinical, at Belford Hospital and the experience I gained was invaluable. “My experience from the time I ap- proached NHS Highland through to working with the staff at Raigmore and Belford hospitals until I completed my placement was rewarding and memorable.” amount of damage to my face and knees; However, Ms Shah also had to rely however, the level of care I received was on A&E colleagues in Fort William after first class. she suffered a fall during her visit. “The care and consideration I re- “I was walking down the steps one ceived in an acute situation at the Bel- day after finishing work, and I missed a ford was beyond imagination. Words are Tosh was the first sapphire epilepsy step,” she explained. not enough to express my gratitude at nurse specialist for adults with learning “I landed face-down and before I the support and help provided to me as a disabilities in Highland and he was cen- knew it, I was being helped to my feet by patient at Belford and Raigmore hospi- tral to the development of a service my colleagues. tals. that made a real difference to the lives “With the wide array of activities and “I am truly grateful to the Belford and of adults with learning disabilities and learning I had during my placement, this Raigmore hospital teams for the oppor- epilepsy, introducing systems of annual ‘adventure’ led me to experience emer- tunity, learning and update in pharmacy review that ensured that everyone had gency and acute care. I suffered a fair services and the care I had as a patient.” the opportunity to access specialist advice and support. He worked closely with colleagues Consultant joins Raigmore across learning disability and neurology to ‘broaden her horizons’ services to improve the quality of the service that adults with learning disabili- DR RUTH NEARY joined NHS Highland as ties and epilepsy received. a consultant in anaesthetics in July. Jonathan Gray, consultant nurse for Originally from the north west of Ire- learning disability, said: “Tosh will be land, Dr Neary has recently worked in greatly missed in the team, not just NHS Tayside as a locum consultant and was keen to stay in Scotland. because of his knowledge and expertise She has specialised in regional anaes- in epilepsy, but as a person who was thesia and is keen to broaden her horizons always supportive and encouraging to within her new role at Raigmore Hospital. others.” - 18 - DATA QUALITY SUPPORT NEWS IN BRIEF

Malicious emails New team formed A MALICIOUS email is being circu- lated with a title such as “Accounts Documentation – Invoices” from an to improve quality email address such as creditcon- [email protected] and also what appears to be from nhs.net addresses. Ehealth has warned that the of information email has a ZIP file attachment which is malicious in nature and con- tains ransomware code that will at- A NEW team has been developed throughout NHS Highland. tempt to encrypt files on users PC in NHS Highland to help improve “By looking at TrakCare PMS first drives making them inaccessible. the quality of information which we can ensure that we have the basics If you receive any of these emails supports the delivery of care to right before we move on to the next or any that you are suspicious of you every person, every day. phase of TrakCare PMS implementation. should not open any attachment and The data quality support team, In order to achieve this, we need the delete immediately. which covers all of the NHS Highland support of all staff using the system to Any queries contact the ehealth area, will ensure that the board has a do so in a standard way so that data service desk on 01463 704999. control mechanism in place to identify may be entered once but used many when there are compliance issues with times.” Telecare priority standard working. Data quality errors can arise through Helen MacDonald, NHS Highland’s a number of ways including human er- SCOTTISH and Southern Electricity business process manager, who leads ror, legislative change or simply by ap- networks want to encourage all the new team, explained that a huge plying non standard practice in the NHS Highland telecare clients to amount of finance and effort had been workplace. enrol with the company’s priority invested in standardising administrative NHS Highland’s data quality group, service register in preparation for processes, understanding national data which meets weekly, prioritises these winter. NHS Highland has sent letters to definitions and complying with these errors for the support team and puts its 2,300 telecare clients advising through improved data entry and data them into categories. These include them of the service and enclosed a extraction. clinical, financial or legislative with the sign up leaflet. She said: “Having these processes in most important one being clinical. Over 400 people in NHS High- place will enable accurate output and Helen added: “As a team we will land area have decided to register so reporting, mitigate against financial loss work together with services to help far, but the board want more of it’s to the organisation and, most impor- improve the data quality and, where more vulnerable clients to join the tantly against harming our patients necessary, standard operating proce- scheme. through putting them at clinical risk. dures will be introduced to ensure this “At the moment most of the work goes as smoothly as possible. £400 bake sale being done is looking at raising the qual- “We’re all looking forward to work- ity of the data held in TrakCare PMS, ing with everyone to further improve THE Pre-assessment Department the patient management system used our data quality in the future.” has raised just under £400 in aid of Macmillan after holding a bake sale. All the staff contributed by baking some wonderful cakes and they were delighted with the response from staff and patients who gener- ously donated.

Next year’s event

NEXT year’s NHSScotland Event will take place Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st June at the SECC in Glasgow. More information on Laura Wilson, Cora Cooper, Lucy Cameron (all data quality support officers); the event will follow later in the Donna Smith, project manager operations; Helen MacDonald, business process year. manager and Craig Robertson, data quality support officer - 19 - HEALTH PROMOTION UK launch for Highland food-based board game

AS concerns over childhood obe- sity make headline news recently, a board game that helps shape children’s thinking and behaviour around food has been given the go-ahead for a UK-wide launch. The Food, Mood & Health game, which was created by two Highland public health dietitians with help from a specialist play-based education company, is designed to be a fun way of getting kids to develop sensible, healthy attitudes towards food that will last a lifetime. Primarily aimed at use in schools and youth organisations, the game’s content was co-developed by Fiona Clarke, senior health improvement specialist from NHS Highland, and Dave Rex, specialist dietitian from The Highland Council, and produced by Glasgow-based Focus Games Ltd. The UK move follows positive feedback after the game was tested at Pupils at Inverness Royal Academy playing the Food, Mood & Health game schools and youth organisations in Inverness and Strathpeffer. Dave added: “Teachers, quite help kick-start discussion, interaction Fiona said: “What we wanted in rightly, are often worried about ad- and debate between the game’s two Food Mood & Health was for children dressing issues about a child’s body teams. The winner is the team that to talk about how they can be healthy weight because it’s a sensitive issue. answers the most questions correctly both physically and mentally. That’s This game helps them navigate this and either gets round the board first why we called it the Food, Mood & issue in a respectful way.” or who collects the most tokens. Health game. It’s a way of starting a Using the throw of a dice, players The game was tested by pupils at conversation about how what you eat land on different squares as they travel Inverness High School, and at the city’s can affect your mood, and how your around the board. Through chance and Hilton Primary and St Joseph’s RC Pri- mood can affect what you eat and how a combination of questions and images, mary schools. It was also piloted by the these two things affect your health.” a wide range of food-related issues 1st Strathpeffer Guides.

CALL FOR PAPERS HS Highland’s Research, Development & Innovation can reserve a pitch slot. Attendees will be given the oppor- N (RD&I) department has issued a call for abstract appli- tunity to pitch their business, idea or interest to the rest of cations for its annual conference at the Centre for Health the group with time for networking set aside.” Science, Inverness on Friday 25th November 2016. If interested in attending, presenting or pitching email Abstracts may be submitted for poster or breakout ses- the events team on [email protected] with sion presentation under the headings Research, Develop- the appropriate form(s) which can be found on the NHS ment or Education. Highland Intranet under the heading Staff>Research & De- Frances Hines, NHS Highland’s RD&I manager, said: velopment. “Those wishing to attend the innovation breakout session Closing date for applications is Friday 14th October 2016. - 20 - LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Programme raises Parkinson’s awareness for Lochaber staff NHS HIGHLAND staff in the myself and my colleague Maryann Lochaber area have raised their Thomson, who also takes the training, awareness and knowledge about completed the first course where we all Parkinson’s because of an innova- passed with distinction. tive programme. “We had 13 people take part for the Run by Parkinson’s UK, the six week second round. They all passed and every programme included an introduction to one of them should be very proud of Parkinson’s, the impact on the patient, their achievement. We initially con- communication and cognitive issues, and tacted care homes and groups about management of the condition. this programme so those taking part Jane Moran, a community staff nurse have been home care managers, home based at Fort William Health Centre, Pictured (l-r): Tarquin Gunn, Jane carers and a number of other staff who said this is an excellent opportunity for Moran and Dorothy Boyd. Tarquin and work in community-based settings. staff and it meets part of their revalida- Dorothy recently finished the training “Feedback has so far been really tion criteria which encourages ongoing positive and that those taking part are learning and development. by 27 per cent by 2020. finding it very valuable. Our aim is to Jane was keen to take part after her “We want to ensure that our pa- widen the training across both commu- husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s tients get the best possible care so the nity and acute care.” three years ago as she was shocked that programme looks to adopt a person- The Scottish Credit and Qualifica- he was diagnosed so young and had centred approach to care, focusing on tions Framework has awarded this always associated Parkinson’s with older the needs of the individual as well as learning programme two points at level people. acknowledging their life experiences and six. She said: “Parkinson’s is becoming that they are not defined by the condi- For further information or to find increasingly common within our com- tion.” out when the next programme is taking munity and that figure is due to increase Jane added: “Four of us, including place contact: [email protected].

LITERACY ELECTORAL Online registration Make understanding easier NHS Highland staff are being urged Finding the right words to pro- to use alternative methods to the mote better health outcomes is Royal Mail when returning their the aim of health literacy month electoral registration forms. this October. The Highlands and Western Isles Misunderstanding health messages Electoral Registration Office has and information is a significant problem saved over £4,200 of taxpayers’ that can lead to poorer health outcomes money so far on postage due to re- and widen health inequalities. sponses made by the internet, tele- A major part of the campaign is for phone or SMS. Each year electoral registration people to use Twitter. As well as tweets officers must issue households in from a national health literacy and self- their area with an enquiry form, to th directed support event on the 26 Oc- know who is eligible to vote at each tober, the Health Literacy Place remember and understand less than half property. (@healthlitplace) are running a tweet of the information that is discussed with But it’s considerably cheaper to chat on 5th October between 7-8pm. them. respond by internet, telephone or Participants are being asked to use To find out more go to the NHS SMS message – just follow the in- the hashtag #healthlitmonth with any Education for Scotland’s Health Literacy structions sent with your form. But tweets they send. Place website, go to: http:// you can still complete the paper form and return (postage free). Research has shown that people www.healthliteracyplace.org.uk/ - 21 -

LOSE YOUR FEAR OF PUBLIC LEARN MORE About a non-profit organisation called SPEAKING Toastmasters that helps people to improve their public speaking skills 1st Mon each month FREE EVENT Tulloch Castle, Dingwall Come along and find out how improving your public speaking rd skills can help you in 3 Mon each month your professional Duthus House, Tain and social life JUST TRY IT th No commitment, no 7 Sept Launch sell, just a group of North Highland College, people that work together to improve Thurso everyone’s speaking and communication NORTHHIGHLANDSPEAKERS.COM skills

- 22 - BOWEL CANCER Staff promoting screening tests NHS HIGHLAND staff based in factors involved with the disease. the West Highlands are to step up Held at the Lochalsh Hotel, Kyle of efforts to raise awareness of the Lochalsh, the first-ever West Highlands’ bowel screening test and the event highlighted two key messages of symptoms of bowel cancer as part the campaign: of a national campaign to improve People aged 50 to 74 should be survival rates. encouraged to consider participating in The Scottish Government’s ‘#Join the national bowel cancer screening the Bowel Movement’ campaign aims to programme encourage people to return their bowel People should be aware of the screening tests as screening is the most symptoms of bowel disease and seek ABOVE: Kyle-based staff Jean Macrae effective way to find bowel cancer early. (public health practitioner), pictured advice as soon as possible Men and women aged 50-74 years left, and Carolann Mackenzie (health If people aged between 50 and 74 are invited to complete a screening test improvement specialist) want local haven’t completed a screening test in kit once every two years. people to ‘#Join the Bowel Movement’ the past two years and would like to, The test kits are sent to peoples’ and complete their bowel screening then requests for a test kit can be made homes and, once completed, should be test when they receive it from the Scottish Bowel Screening returned in the pre-paid envelope pro- 15th September, key staff were provided Helpline on Freephone 0800 0121 833 vided. with information about the national (textphone 18001 0800 0121 833) or by At a bowel health and screening bowel screening programme, the signs emailing bowelscreen- workshop run by Bowel Cancer UK on and symptoms of bowel cancer and risk [email protected]

SURVEY Scottish collaborative plans to improve coordination of global health volunteers THE ROYAL College of Physi- third sector and academic institu- aims to begin mapping their contribu- cians and Surgeons of Glasgow is tions), to promote effective and coor- tions to global health. This will enable a to conduct a survey this month dinated health sector involvement in better understanding of the strengths of for the Scottish Global Health global health. Scotland’s global health work, and to Collaborative, a newly formed As well as asking questions, the sur- identify areas that can benefit from im- group chaired by the Chief Medi- vey - available online throughout Octo- proved coordination and support. cal Officer of Scotland. ber - is also asking for information from The survey at: h t t p s : / / The Collaborative will be working individuals regarding their personal ex- www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/87PHX5S with the Scottish Government, and periences of international volunteering. should take five to ten minutes. partners in the wider health commu- Scottish health sector workers Stuart Fergusson, clinical leadership nity (including the NHS, NHS Educa- have a long history of engaging with fellow at [email protected] by Friday tion for Scotland, Royal Colleges, colleagues overseas, and the survey 11th November at the latest.

- 23 - - 24 - REACH OUT Partnerships sign Reach Out pledge NHS HIGHLAND’S campaign to Scheme. combat social isolation and loneli- “We recognise that loneliness and ness has received backing from a social isolation can have a significant Highland-wide voluntary organisa- impact on people’s physical and mental tion. health and wellbeing and the work we Partnerships for Wellbeing are dedi- do chimes perfectly with the aims of the cated to improving wellbeing in the Reach Out campaign.” Highlands and actively encourage and Partnerships for Wellbeing manager deliver measured improvements in men- Tina Morrow said: “Loneliness is one of tal and physical wellbeing across the the major issues that people have identi- region. fied and we are delighted to be involved And their chair, John Fotheringham with the Reach Out campaign. (pictured), this month signed a pledge to “Our Step It Up Highland walks are join the health board in tackling an issue a great way of getting active and meet- that can have a major impact on peo- ing new people. We have a range of ple’s mental and physical health. walks that take place every week across Mr Fotheringham said: “We fully Highland and the feedback we have re- support NHS Highland’s Reach Out ceived has been extremely positive. campaign and pledge to continue our volved in a number of projects to help “The work we do in Inverness is efforts to improve wellbeing for people people stay connected within their com- also vital to supporting people to tackle of all ages in the north of Scotland. munities such as Step It Up Highland isolation by helping them to get out and “Partnerships for Wellbeing are in- and the Inverness Voluntary Transport about. So please get in touch.”

Official launch at Caithness AGM

NHS Highland’s campaign to tackle loneliness and social isolation was launched in Wick last month. ‘Reach Out – Make a difference for someone who’s lonely’ was officially started during the Caithness Drug and Alcohol Forum’s Annual General Meeting at the Norseman Hotel on Wednesday 14th September. NHS Highland’s health promotion specialist Dr Elspeth Lee, gave an overview of the campaign and the Forum chair Lesley Campbell explained why people in Caithness should get involved. Mrs Campbell said: “We are delighted to be involved with NHS High- land’s Reach Out campaign to tackle social isolation and loneliness. We hope our involvement with this initiative will highlight how people in re- them that they are not alone and The Caithness launch is the latest covery and their families can feel iso- there is help available.” of a Highland-wide campaign which lated and lonely. At a lively meeting, Lesley was formally announced by the board “Our pledge is to continue to sup- (pictured, standing centre) and El- in May. The campaign has been en- port people in recovery, people who speth (on her right) and a number of dorsed by the Cabinet Secretary for experience problems with drugs and forum members immediately signed Health and Wellbeing, Shona Robi- alcohol and their families to show pledges. son.

- 25 - REACH OUT

UPILS FROM Drakies Primary ful ‘Community Cafe’ which helped P School held a sponsored walk as raise awareness of loneliness and so- part of NHS Highland’s Reach Out cial isolation. The cafe, run every Fri- campaign last month. day for eight weeks, brought together The ‘Party in the Park’ started at members of the local community in a the school and finished at the nearby fun and relaxed atmosphere. Drakies Park. “Parents and members of the lo- It also launched NHS Highland’s Head teacher Michelle Taylor said: cal community were invited to come Reach Out campaign to tackle social “With a new school term comes a along and cheer on the whole school, isolation and loneliness. new initiative by our Primary 7 pupils including children from Drakies Nurs- Mrs Taylor added: “We are de- to raise funds for the school and the ery, as they completed a number of lighted to be involved with Reach Out local community, and also to increase circuits of the playing field.” and the ‘Party in the Park’ was an- awareness of the Reach Out cam- Earlier this year Primary 7 pupils other ideal opportunity for the local paign. from the school ran a highly success- community to get involved.”

AGENDA FOR CHANGE Band 1 post removal gathers pace AS PART of a national initiative, NHS more, along with hospital based domestic Band 2 role and the option of meeting with Highland has been asked to review the assistants in North and West Operational their supervisor or line manager. roles and responsibilities of all staff on Unit and finance assistants at Assynt House, Following receipt of employees’ deci- the ‘Agenda for Change’ Band 1 pay Inverness. sions, information will be passed to payroll scale with a view to advancing the low A further three job descriptions are in for processing. pay agenda in NHS Scotland. the last stages of matching through the Staff who accept the Band 2 role but do In total the board employs over 900 ‘Agenda for Change’ process and another 12 not receive pay in October at the higher Band 1 employees and bank workers in a job descriptions are being prepared for rate, will have their pay backdated to 1 Oc- wide range of roles. The aim is to remove matching panels. In all, it is expected the tober and every effort will be made to meet Band 1 posts from the structure wherever revised roles will cover well over 500 em- the November payroll deadlines. possible and replace with band 2s. ployees. Newsletters will continue to be issued And significant progress has been made Adam Palmer, employee director for to Band 1 employees through their manage- with the ‘Agenda for Change’ Band 1 Review NHS Highland, and staff-side lead for the ment structures. In addition, a web page has since it was first outlined in May’s edition of project, described progress as “very good so been set up that will act as an information Highlights. far, but with more to do to finish this so source for employees and managers, provid- A total of six new job descriptions have that, if possible, all existing Band 1 employ- ing further information as the project devel- now been developed and matched at Band 2, ees are offered new Band 2 roles. Implemen- ops - http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/ covering around a third of the Band 1 em- tation of this in NHS Highland will be a sig- Careers/Pages/AgendaforChange - ployees. nificant benefit for our lowest-paid staff.” Band1review.aspx. These roles cover laundry assistants, Employees who work in one of the roles The generic mailbox is also available for porters, domestic assistants, pharmacy por- that have been approved at Band 2 will have any questions or concerns. The address is ters and sewing room assistants at Raig- already received letters offering them the [email protected]. - 26 - COMMUNITY PROJECTS Two Highland projects need public help to secure grants

TWO PROJECTS in Highland The team behind the Memory Gar- need your help in securing up to den Project in Wick are also extremely £12,000 from Tesco's ‘Bags of pleased to be shortlisted. Help’ initiative. Iain McHardy, interim senior charge Tesco has teamed up with Ground- the public in the north can vote for the nurse, said: "We want to change the work on its ‘Bags of Help’ initiative memory garden. garden space at the hospital into a across Scotland. The project will see Mackenzie Centre manager Kathy therapeutic, enjoyable, accessible space three community groups and projects Martin already has plans on how the for patients, their relatives and friends. awarded grants of £12,000, £10,000 and cash will be spent. “The grant would allow us to create £8,000. She said: “We plan to improve the a private area in the garden which our Both the Mackenzie Centre in Inver- grounds at the centre and build a sum- patients could use when they are look- ness and the Memory Garden Project mer house where people can access as ing for some peace and quiet. for the Town and County Hospital in range of alternative therapies.” “We’re asking everyone to vote for Wick have been selected as part of the “We hope that people shopping in us in store in the hope we can win the supermarket giant’s project. Tesco will vote for us. It’s wonderful top prize, it would really help with our The scheme ensures money raised that we have been selected, and any project and bring huge benefit to our through the 5p bag charge goes directly funding is greatly received. However, if patients." back into local communities. we are able to secure the £12,000 we The voting will take place in Tesco A public vote will determine which have plans to build a polytunnel. stores across Highland from 26th Sep- of the projects will receive the maxi- “We have worked closely with Con- tember to 9th October. mum level of funding. necting Carers in this project and every- The project with the highest number The Mackenzie Centre vote will take one is looking forward to finding out of votes will receive the maximum place in Inverness, while members of the results of the public vote.” amount of funding.

CHARITY BOWLS HS Highland’s estates department bowling team won N the trophy at Fraser Park Bowling Club’s recent charity event. Fraser Park Bowling Club, founded in 1936, celebrated its ‘oak’ anniversary by running a charity event for ‘Lucky 2B here’, a Skye-based charity which provides defibrillators and emergency life support training throughout Scotland. Taking part for Team NHS Highland were Raymond MacDonald, Lewis Smith and Alexander MacDonald. Raymond, (pictured left) is a maintenance joiner at Raig- more Hospital, and a member of the Planefield Bowling. Lewis, (right) is an electrician based in the community, is a member of the Highland Bowling Club. And Alexander, (centre) works as an electrician at Raig- more, and joined Fraser Park Bowling Club during the 1980’s. The secretary of Inverness and District Short Carpet Bowling League and District 1 development coordinator for Bowls Scotland, Alexander wants to encourage more people to play bowls. He said: “This is a sport for all age groups. If anyone in the NHS or a relative or friend would like to take up the sport or learn more about it, I’m happy to be contacted.” Anyone interested can contact Alexander at: fraserpark- [email protected]

- 27 - CAROL CONCERT Choir seeks new voices

STAFF from NHS Highland are being encouraged to put their best voice forward and join the High- land Hospitals Choir for their carol concert this year. The choir, which started in 1975, holds an annual carol concert at Eden Court with all proceeds at the moment David Dean is chair of the Highland going towards CLIC Sargent, the cancer Hospitals’ carol concert committee and support charity for kids. admires all the volunteer’s commitment. Now the 60-plus choir members are He said: “We in the committee looking for some new voices to join. would have been just nowhere, of Heather MacLean, 73, a member course, without the skilled dedication of since 1985, said: “There are about 65 of Sheila Bruce, the loyal enthusiasm of the us who take part annually, but we would choir of sixty plus singers and our really like to encourage some more new skilled conductor, John Crombie from faces to come along and join us and or bass - so the group can practice at Kingussie. They have produced such have fun – no auditions.” home should they wish. memorable Sunday afternoons of pre ”A colleague and I saw the choir She added: “We do take it seriously Christmas singing. advertised and decided to join as we as you do want to get it right, but it is “I would like to encourage, cajole, thought it would be a fun thing to do. about enjoying the singing and it is a fun persuade those of you working in NHS “We have a varied programme and afternoon. Highland and others too who are in- perform a total of 21 pieces. Some of “We’ve also helped raise thousands trigued enough to want to join us and them can be quite challenging but it is for CLIC Sargent and were able to do- add their voices.” very fulfilling and enjoyable.” nate £9,000 to them last year. Rehearsals are held in the recreation Heather, from Inverness, explained “I do love it. You see the same faces hall at Raigmore Hospital from the 23 that Sheila Bruce - their pianist and “a every year so it’s good that people October, 2-4pm for a period of five wonderful musician” - creates CDs for come back as they’re obviously enjoying weeks. The carol concert is being held every vocal range - soprano, alto, tenor it too.” at Eden Court on 27 November at 3pm.

HIGHLAND HOSPICE Hospice plans temporary reduced capacity for in-patient unit as part of transfer to Ness House Highland Hospice has announced to reduce capacity at Fyrish from ten in- In addition, the hospice’s day ther- that its in-patient unit will be mov- patients to five by the date of the move. apy services will be closed for two ing from the current temporary This will mean a potential reduction weeks starting from Monday 7th No- accommodation in Fyrish Ward, in the unit’s ability to take new admis- vember to allow for the move back to a County Community Hospital, In- sions from the week beginning Monday refurbished Netley Centre from the vergordon, to a newly rebuilt unit 10th October. current temporary premises in Cradle- in Ness House, Inverness. The new unit will also operate with hall. The transfer of patients is due to reduced in-patient numbers for the first Jeremy Keen, the hospice’s consult- take place on Thursday 17th November. four weeks after the move to accom- ant physician in palliative care, said: “All In order to ensure continuity of care modate any teething troubles with the other Highland Hospice services will and to facilitate transport it is planned building or new operational processes. continue as normal.” - 28 - HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY Hot desking at the library

“HOT desking”, the Librarian mused while at- The Librarian has heard on the wind that tempting not to salivate too much, “what a changes are afoot within NHS Highland which quaint idea – a barbeque at every desk and getting mean that changes in office space are taking the likes of Nick Nairn in here to brew up some place. For those of you out there who are fac- enticing odours and goodies to eat”. ing these changes the Librarian has some good Seeing the way the train of thought was news and wants you to know that there is a going the trembling aide quickly enlightened the safe haven awaiting you in the library. Librarian as to what hot desking entailed. Depending on your individual working habits “Oh”, said the big man, “that idea may still the library has a wide range of environments to have something going for it”. suit – from noisy to quiet. If you wish to stand Despite having an occipital bun, a high su- and work (Beware the Chair) there are high praorbital ridge and short shin bones suggesting desks, if you prefer sitting there are both open a long historic vintage, the Librarian has his fin- and quiet areas which you can utilise. If you ger on the local pulse. want to tease out parts of the rich tapestry of A wee digression here – the Librarian and life with your colleagues there is also a small Richard Dawkins have had an extended discus- discussion room. sion with the Librarian believing that rheumatic Some of the computers in the library (only disease, poor nutrition and other factors are in the training room so far) have a Citrix facility more important than evolution in explaining the which enables you to connect directly to your differences between ourselves and our ances- NHS network and folders. For people with tors. That is not to say he does not believe in tablets, laptops and other devices there is NHS things evolving and changing. Change is one of Highland Wi-Fi also available in the library. the constants in the library so look out for As if all of this were not enough next to the more in the future. library is the Centre Café from which all sorts Like the photos right, this article is just a of gastronomique delights can be had. snapshot on a constantly evolving system aiming to meet your needs. Rob Polson, Subject Librarian ([email protected]) ‘ Change is one of the constants in the library so look out for more in ‘ the future Remember, whatever your needs the Highland Health Sciences Library exists to help you. Save time and money. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on a problem you may be having – contact the library instead. To find out more about the library call 01463 255600 (x7600). - 29 -

Ever wondered what our staff do in their spare time? OTHER LIVES ‘Other Lives’ reports on colleagues’ outside interests Kat’s eye view of the world has become her passion CLOSING the door to the blood sciences labo- ratory and getting out with her camera to capture the spirit of people and places is the hobby of Katarina (Kat) Hoglova, specialist biomedical scientist at Raigmore Hospital. Originally from Slovakia, Kat has worked for NHS Highland for nearly five years. She trained in Luton and, after many years of travelling to Scotland and the Highlands for long weekends exploring and taking pictures, she described getting her job here as like having “a dream coming true”. She said: “My partner Vlad and I had quit our jobs to go for a year travelling so to return and get exactly the job I wanted was a perfect Kat (right) and Vlad with Mount Everest in the background. ending in December 2011. Living in Avoch on the Black Isle, surrounded by the beach and the imaginative and so it doesn’t become a job in woods, is brilliant for us as we now have a two itself as my family is my priority.” and half year old boy, Elias. She added: “It is quite hard work but it has “Photography is my passion; it’s nice to do helped to fund our other love – travel. We’ve something to escape to which is completely recently been to Vietnam, the west coast of different to my day job. In the lab, working in America, Mallorca and Crete, and we are plan- haematology is quite scientific and there are ning to go to Ibiza soon. Even at home if we rules and criteria that have to be followed. My have a free weekend we just pack the tent and hobby allows me to take a break and be more go. Vlad looks after Elias in the evening so I can creative – and it also helps to fund our travels. go and capture some landscapes and sunsets.” “I do commissioned work, weddings, and Kat also writes travel articles to accompany children and family portraits, and create photo- Above: A Tibetan her photographs for magazines and papers in books for special occasions like birthdays and sherpa Slovakia as well as photographic web sites. anniversaries. I don’t advertise so it’s by word She explained: “I’m not quite confident of mouth but I do have a website that shows enough yet to try English as writing flows better examples of my work ( h t t p : / / Below: ‘Catching in my native language. The articles are quite in- www.hoglova.dphoto.com/), I like to keep this the rainbow’ in formal and based on our own travel experiences on a small scale as it allows me to be more New Zealand. with some additional research and information.” Helping her father in his darkroom as a young girl first got Kat interested in photography. She said: “In those days it was all film and I found seeing the developing process totally fascinating. I got my first camera in my early 20s and people complimented my pictures from the start saying ‘You have a good eye’, which encouraged me.” “I got more serious when I met my partner, who had a good DSLR camera, and that’s when I was able to learn about more about manual con- trols like aperture, exposure and shutter speed.”

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Q &A Answering the questions this month is Claire McCall, Raigmore-based bereavement officer

What’s your job description, Claire? To support clinical staff with death and bereavement related issues. Provide support to families through the next steps after a bereavement.

How would you describe yourself? Happy, bubbly and outgoing...sometimes loud!

What are your hobbies and interests? I spend my spare time going days out with my 2 kids and taking my daughter to all her Highland Dancing classes and competitions.

What was the first single you ever bought? Spice Girls, I think.

What is your favourite food? What about a smaller sum; £1,000? Mixed Grill with all the trimmings. A holiday.

What is your favourite film? What are you pet hates? Dirty Dancing. Bad manners/rudeness and noisy eaters!

What is your favourite T.V. programme? If you could have dinner with three people, dead or Geordie Shore or the soaps. alive, who they be and what would you cook them? Peter Kay, Robbie Williams and Billy Madison – I wouldn’t What is your favourite book? cook but would go to Cosmo’s! I’m not much of a reader to be honest. What are the best and worst parts of your job? If you won £10 million in the lottery, what would you Best part is being able to help when people are going spend it on? through what is probably the hardest thing they will go A house, a new car, a lovely pair of Louboutins, a holiday through, but the worst part is not being able to take their and give my mum and dad the rest to look after! pain away.

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