Memo to Staff: Board Will Heed Your Views

THE NHS HIGHLAND STAFF NEWSPAPER December 2015 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

SURVEY Memo to staff: board will heed your views THE results of the NHSScotland staff survey, conducted in the autumn to give employees the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience of working for the organisation, were announced last week. And, as far as NHS Highland is con- cerned, the findings reflected very little sta- tistical change from those published after the 2014 survey. A total of 3,275 NHS Highland staff (33 per cent) responded to the survey, one percentage point higher than last year and two points higher than in 2013. And that, said NHS Highland quality improvement lead Ray Stewart, was particularly welcomed. He said: “The board values its staff, and appreciates the fact that employees took the time to express their views through this survey. “I would like to thank them for participating, and for their honesty.” NHS Highland district He added: “This survey came on the back The pulling manager Rhiannon of what was a challenging year for the NHS in Highland and throughout the country and Pitt (front right) talks gives us a wealth of useful data that we can power of about her unusual in- use as we strive to make improvements throughout the organisation and to embed terest in ‘Other Lives’ on page 37. Continued on page 2 the bells... - - Staff survey findings cient opportunities to put forward Continued from front new ideas or suggestions for im- the Highland Quality Approach in all provements in their workplace, com- that we do.” pared with 55 per cent in 2013. Contents Deborah Jones, chief operating There were also three per cent officer, added: “We will continue to drops in the proportion of staff who 4 Board’s new chair work in partnership with profes- would recommend their workplace 5 Highland Quality Award sional bodies and trade unions to as a good place to work; who still 6 Commuters’ corner: discuss how we can work more effi- intended to be working with NHS 8 New health centre opens ciently and further improve the ex- Highland in 12 months time; and who perience of staff working for NHS believed it was safe to challenge the 10 Lung cancer campaign Highland.” way things are done if they had con- 12 New Craigs saved my life! The survey's findings, which will cerns about quality, negligence or 14 Refugees welcomed be considered by both the partner- wrongdoing by staff. ship forum and the Among the posi- 15 Elective care centre plans 18 Department profile staff governance com- tives were increases in mittee, are available on the proportion of re- 25 Review of the Year the NHS Highland spondents who felt 37 Other Lives: Rhiannon Pitt intranet for staff to that NHS Highland 38 Q&A: Tom Davison view. acted fairly and of- They show that in fered equality of op- all but two questions The HQA portunity with regard Keep us informed there has been no sig- to their career pro- nificant improvement gression/promotion; in Do you know of something you is giving or deterioration in the percentage of staff think should be featured in High- ‘ responses this year who felt they could lights? An award, an achievement, compared to 2014. us the meet conflicting de- a piece of research, an appoint- The two key differ- mands on their time at ment, a retiral … you name it, ences were that 40 per momen- work. Highlights has a place for it. Please cent of respondents Eighty-nine per cent send your articles to felt they were kept tum to of NHS Highland staff [email protected] (01463 well informed about said they were pre- 704903) or visit the Staff Dropbox what was happening in improve pared to go the 'extra on the NHS Highland intranet NHS Highland, com- mile' at work when home page. pared with 47 per cent required, the same in 2014; and that 67 what proportion as nation- You can follow per cent said that they ally. had a Knowledge and Maimie Thompson, we do NHS Highland on... Skills Framework de- the board's head of PR

velopment review, and engagement, said: WEBSITE performance review, “The fact that these www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk appraisal, personal findings suggest that,

FACEBOOK development plan by and large, things https://www.facebook.com/ meeting or equivalent appear to be 'as you NHSHighland – down four percent- were' in terms of staff age points. satisfaction levels does not blind us TWITTER Among the other negatives were to the task ahead. www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or that 60 per cent of respondents felt “The Highland Quality Approach @NHSHighland that care of patients/service users is giving us the momentum to im- was NHS Highland's top priority, prove’ what we do for our patients, compared to 63 per cent in 2014; 75 or services users and our staff, and per cent said they still intended to be we look forward to working with working within NHS Highland in 12 them to make NHS Highland a more months time, down from 78 per efficient and effective organisation, cent; 52 per cent felt they had suffi- and a great one to work for.” - 2 - FEATURE Christmas? It’s just another day for our switchboard team As you’re tucking into your festive “My Christmas is all planned this fare, opening that last present or year though. It’s a big one as I’ll have Kate Stewart at work pinching ‘just one more chocolate grandkids staying and my mother is visit- before dinner’ this Christmas, a ing so I’ll make sure everything is pre- small but dedicated team at Raig- pared and we can have our Christmas more Hospital will be working when I get home. Mind you, with the away as they do every day of the grandkids staying I’m sure we’ll all be up year. early anyway watching them open their You won’t know them to see but presents!” everyone who has cause to call the hos- The hospital’s switchboard gets pital will have had contact with the about 3,000 calls a day and although on women who staff the switchboard. Christmas it can sometimes be quieter As a department they operate 24/7 it isn’t always the case and it can just be so Christmas can be just like any other like any other day. day for them but for those working they Maggie said: “It’s still a working hos- do try to still have a little bit of Christ- pital. Patients will be here and people mas on the day. will still want to find out how they are Joan Connor has been working in or speak to staff. I would say calls aren’t Maggie Cowan on the switchboard switchboard for the past 14 years. Re- as ‘Merry Christmas’ as they used to be. cently promoted to assistant telecoms Callers are all pleasant but it is very Kate explained that part of their role supervisor, she is no longer on the rota businesslike now. on the switchboard was to alert on-call but she has worked Christmas before. “Most of the duty managers who are teams to any of the alarms going off in She explained that three shifts are on over the festive period will pop in to the hospital. covered on the day: 7am-3pm and 3- say hello and see who is in. It’s nice to She said: “As well as our standard 11.30pm are covered by two people and be remembered as sometimes because patient and ward calls we deal with the the 11.30pm-7am shift by one person. of where we are in the building we fire calls which mean we’ve to ‘999’ the Joan said: “If you’re on the early shift sometimes think we’ve been forgotten fire service and notify the hospital fire it’s not too bad. You just have to make but the staff here are very generous and team. We also get notified of the alarms sure you have everything prepared on the department gets lots of gifts.” going off in the hospital which can in- the day and you can have your Christ- The general consensus in the depart- clude boiler alarms, medical gases, mas dinner later on when you get ment is that the worst shift to work on doors being breached at night and the home. Christmas Day is the 3-11.30pm one 2222 medical emergency alarm. “One year the two of us who were which this year falls to Kate Stewart. “We have a long list of people on working decided we’d do it differently Kate has been working on the call as obviously Christmas is a public and we ordered in a takeaway for our switchboard for 10 years and it is clear holiday – this can include estates staff, lunch. It took three hours to arrive and, that she loves her job. duty managers, the press office, public as if that wasn’t bad enough, it tasted She said: “I can have bad days like health, and the on-call executive. horrible! We didn’t do it again!” everyone else but I work with great “You don’t like having to call people Joan’s colleague Maggie Cowan has people and I have a great job. I really at Christmas or anytime out of hours to also been working on the hospital like it here. be honest but everyone is so nice about switchboard for the past 14 years and “My shift is considered one of the it. Particularly if you call them by mis- has worked on Christmas for the past worst, as it’s too early to have your take, the relief when they realise they’re six. dinner, and it’s too early to go see any- not actually on call is apparent! She said: “It’s just the way the rota one so I think my Christmas morning “It’s no different to any other day falls. Someone has to be here, and you will be spent pottering about waiting to really. We work in a hospital; it doesn’t work your life around it. go into work.” stop and neither do we.” - 3 - APPOINTMENT Board’s next chair looks forward to challenges ... and opportunities

THE next chair of NHS Highland, ryone in NHS Highland’s area, including Dr David Alston, has spoken of the our staff.” opportunities and challenges he Dr Alston was born in Inverness, faces when he takes over from the raised in Golspie and also spent some of current incumbent, Garry Coutts, his early years in Boat of Garten and on 1st April 2016. Rosehall in Sutherland. He went to Dr Alston, whose appointment was school in both Golspie and Grantown- announced earlier this month by the on-Spey and in 1970 he went to Aber- Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing deen University to study Philosophy, and Sport, Shona Robison, is a long- graduating with a first-class honours serving non-executive director of NHS degree five years later. ployees, there’s an issue of autonomy Highland. He first joined the board in He has worked as a play leader in among consultants, and so on. The chal- 2003, and ended his second term as a Toxteth, Liverpool, and taught English in lenge we face is making system changes member in his own right in 2011. After a school in Wallsend near Newcastle. to ensure that all these elements work a gap of almost a year he returned to He went on to be the Workers Educa- together effectively. the board as a Highland Council nomi- tional Association’s first organiser in the “And, of course, we have a challenge nee, and has served on it since. Highlands and subsequently worked as with our budget. It’s something I try not He said: “My time on the board has curator/manager of Cromarty Court- to view negatively. I think I am prepared been enormously fulfilling and I look house Museum. to think out of the box. As someone forward to continuing my work with it, In 1999, he successfully stood as an once said: ‘Recession is the mother of albeit in what will undoubtedly be a independent candidate for The Highland invention’.” more challenging and demanding capac- Council, winning the Black Isle North Outside his professional interests Dr ity. seat. He is now a Liberal Democrat Alston is a keen historian whose recent “Garry Coutts has been a fantastic councillor for the multi-member Black publications have brought to light Scot- servant to the board and to the High- Isle ward, became the council’s deputy land’s extensive involvement in the slave land community and his will be ex- leader in 2012, and recently relin- plantations of the Caribbean. He has a tremely difficult shoes to fill. quished his post as leader of the Liberal website on the subject: Slaves & High- “However, he is leaving an organisa- Democrat group on the council. landers (http://www.spanglefish.com/ tion that is in extremely good shape. With NHS Highland, Dr Alston has a slavesandhighlanders) Undoubtedly, there are challenges, not particular interest in quality improve- Dr Alston is a member of the Uni- least financial, that the board is working ment work and in the integration of versity of the Highlands and Islands hard to meet but there are also very health and adult social care. board, the Gaelic Society of Inverness real opportunities to develop health and In a Highlights article in 2013, Dr and Cromarty History Society. He also social care for the people we serve. Alston explained: “One of the chal- holds trusteeships of Cromarty Har- “For example, I have been very im- lenges we have is making the integration bour Trust, Craigie Urquhart Trust and pressed by the improvement work of health an adult social services work. Nigg Old Trust. that’s been carried out under the ban- But we have another challenge around The position of chair of NHS High- ner of the Highland Quality Approach, integration. The NHS is not really a land is a part-time one and attracts a and I am confident that will continue to single organisation; it has lots of inde- remuneration of £29,936 for a time deliver real and lasting benefits for eve- pendent parts. Not all GPs are our em- commitment of three days per week. - 4 - HIGHLAND QUALITY APPROACH Beds team cleans up

Alan Fitzgerald (left) and Stephen Halpin (right) are HQA award seen receiving their award from chair Garry Coutts A PILOT project which ran for been a joint task involving domestics lead nurse for Raigmore Hospital, said: three months at Raigmore Hospi- and nursing staff. “Both Alan and Stephen worked excel- tal is the winner of the latest High- Just one week into the pilot the lently within all teams. land Quality Approach Award. team was found to be turning round “They had a good understanding of The bed cleaning team, manned by bed spaces much more efficiently, help- hospital flow, allowing them to prioritise domestics Alan Fitzgerald and Stephen ing to improve patient flow across the workload, and it was clear how willing Halpin, have been commended for their hospital. they were to make the pilot project attitude towards the pilot and for their Called “amazing” in the nomination, work.” flexibility and work ethic. the team was praised for helping to free The pilot, which ended in Septem- During the pilot the team worked up nursing time allowing them to deliver ber, has been evaluated and deemed a across three ward areas and had sole direct patient care and enhancing the success. responsibility to clean the bed and bed HQA values of teamwork, excellence, Plans are now being implemented to space before a new patient could be integrity and caring. allow the bed cleaning team to become admitted to that area. Previously it had Iona McGauran, the then interim a permanent feature within the hospital.

COLOURFUL CAMPAIGN

NESS Bridge in Inverness went purple during Crohn's and tian; Susan Maniquiz, one of the co-ordinators of the Colitis Awareness Week (1st-7th December) to help raise Highland CCUK group; David Armour, lead IBD clinical awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thanks nurse specialist; and Mhairi Fraser, IBD clinical nurse spe- to The Highland Council for their support of cialist. # PurpleFriday More information on inflammatory bowel disease Pictured by the bridge on a windswept and wet night can be found by checking out this website: are Lisa Ann Macleman, gastroenterology specialist dieti- www.crohnsandcolitisuk.org - 5 -

COMMUTERS’ CORNER I’m being paid to do this!

We continue our new series about how our staff travel to work. This month, GP Dr Geoff Boyes talks about his extraordinary commute. ON a good day, it’s hard to the weather’s good it can be fabulous. To make his journey even more imagine anyone having a better The seabird life I encounter is fantas- out of the ordinary, when he arrives commute than Geoff Boyes. On tic. I regularly see Manx shearwaters, on Rum he is picked up by a golf a bad day, you really wouldn’t puffins, gannets and various ducks. buggy and driven around to patients’ envy Geoff his journey to and There’s also a little pod of minke homes. On Eigg, he uses a first re- from work. whales in the area, along with dol- sponder’s vehicle that is left on the Dr Boyes is a salaried GP who phins and porpoises. And, though I pier to get around. And on Canna and lives in Sconser, on the shores of haven’t seen one yet, I know that Muck he is often collected by patients Loch Sligachan midway between basking sharks have been seen on the in their cars and driven around. Broadford and Portree. crossing.” Dr Boyes delivers GP services on Most days, his journey to work is Dr Boyes started work with NHS the Small Isles under a new model a pleasant 14-mile one down the Highland in February, having previ- introduced by NHS Highland at the coast to the medical centre in Broad- ously served as senior partner in a beginning of the year. Islanders had ford. On a clear day, the views are large GP practice in semi-rural Hamp- grown used to being seen by a suc- stunning, making the 20-minute drive shire. He lived in Bordon, not far cession of GPs, and the health board a delight. from Guildford, and had one-mile recognised that a more sustainable But a key part Geoff’s job is pro- commute from his home to his work. model was required. viding GP provision on the Small Isles “It was a pretty straightforward Now, Geoff and fellow Skye-based of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna – and drive: not much traffic and not very GP Dr Angus Venters take turns to that involves a 30-mile drive to Ar- exciting,” he said. “Now, though, my travel to the islands, visiting Eigg madale in the south of Skye and then commute really is special. It adds a every Tuesday and, on alternate a sea crossing to whichever island different dimension to my day. I travel Thursdays, Canna and Rum, and Eigg he’ll be practising on. If it’s Eigg, it’s a through stunningly beautiful scenery and Muck. 70-minute trip, while being ferried to and there is no doubt that there is Geoff decided to move to the Canna involves a 100-minute crossing. something very uplifting about my Highlands at the age of 58 for a life- And when the sea swell was such journey to work. style change, and says he and his wife that the boat NHS Highland charters “Obviously, the boat will only ven- Karin, a textile artist, have no regrets. for the Small Isles run couldn’t safely ture out to the islands if the weather “It’s been great,” he said. “The berth at Armadale, Geoff’s island trip permits but if it does, and it’s a clear work is varied and always interesting, involved travelling from Skye to Mal- day, I sometimes feel as if I am on and my life is certainly now very dif- laig to catch the Calmac ferry to Eigg. holiday. Honestly, I have to pinch my- ferent to what it was.” “The crossing can be a bit lumpy self and wonder that I am being paid And his daily commute couldn’t be and bumpy,” said Geoff, “but when to do this!” more different too.

- 6 - ANTIBIOTICS Spreading the word…

STAFF in Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban marked European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18th November by erecting an information display in the reception area of the hospital and discussing the issue with the public and health and social care workers. Infection prevention and control She said: “The rise of infections that Susan continued: “We erected an nurse Susan Cameron attended the are resistant to antibiotic drugs is some- information display in the reception of Scottish Infection Prevention Society thing that the Scottish Government has the hospital and handed out leaflets to Conference on 28th October at which said must be tackled in Scotland and it members of the public and health and she was reminded of the importance of was therefore important that we played social care staff outlining what we can all promoting European Antibiotic Aware- a part in this by raising awareness in do to reduce the unnecessary use of ness Day. Oban.” antibiotics.

CHILDREN Government seminars aimed to change attitudes to play

THE health benefits of simple have less chance to socialise with can deliver significant returns to indi- child’s play are so crucial a Scottish friends than their urban counterparts. viduals, families and wider communities. Government seminar-led road- Wherever people are, and whatever However, with limited resources, we show designed to change attitudes their family structure is, participating in need to invest smarter and ensure our to play held two events in NHS informal, and family, play is an important planning for play delivers results for all Highlands’ area earlier this month. aspect of children’s development and children.” On the back of the recent decision relationship skills.” Irene Miller, development manager – by Aberdeen City Council to com- “The Government’s strategy is to play and health, NHS Health Scotland, pletely remove ‘no ball games’ signs promote a child’s right to play and to added: “It is crucial at any time of a child from its parks, the key concept that encourage the removal of barriers to or young person’s development that barriers should be removed to allow play,” said Rachel Cowper from Inspir- they have the opportunity, the time and children to play more is rapidly gaining ing Scotland, a charity involved in the the space to play in a safe environment. ground. presentations at both seminars and de- This includes opportunities for young And free seminars were held in In- livering Scottish Government’s Go2Play people to engage in activities that chal- verness and Oban as part of a six-venue programme. “It is to make children and lenge them, helps them to assess and roadshow to further support the right their parents comfortable and happy to manage risk and engages them positively of children and young people to play. go outside and play, and for parents to within their local community. Dan Jenkins, health promotion spe- understand the much wider benefits “By increasing this opportunity to cialist with NHS Highland, commented: their children can gain through play. play, and importantly providing the right “The benefits of play for children in the “Play is central to all aspects of chil- encouragement and supervision, you do Highlands cannot be over emphasised. dren and young people’s wellbeing and get tangible benefits. For instance, you Here the rural nature of the region, the development – physical, cognitive and can actually reduce anti-social behaviour long dark winters and the low popula- social.” in the community, through participation tion levels mean that many children “And investment in high-quality play in positive recreational activities.” - 7 - DRUMNADROCHIT New health centre is officially opened

THE Highlands' newest healthcare facility, the £1.5 million Drumna- drochit Health Centre, was officially opened this month by a member of the community who has done much to turn a vision into a reality. David Fraser (right), of Glen Urqu- hart Community Council, unveiled a plaque in the centre's reception area to applause from invited guests. Representatives of NHS Highland, contractors and sub-contractors, Drum- nadrochit Medical Practise and its pa- NHS Highland has produced a video tient participation group, and of the on the opening of the centre. You community at large gathered in the cen- can find it on the NHS Highland tre to mark what was described as a facebook page or at this link: http:// “memorable occasion”. tinyurl.com/j9d6d9x Jean-Pierre Sieczkarek, NHS High- land’s area manager (south), welcomed for the health and social care services “When complete, this range of care guests to a facility which, he said, they felt could and should be delivered options, delivered by a community com- “belonged to Drumnadrochit”. locally. The meeting also agreed that the pany working with NHS Highland, will And before inviting Mr Fraser to community should take an active part in be a huge step forward in enabling inde- officially open the building, he offered the project delivery team. pendent living and helping people get particular thanks to NHS Highland ar- Within weeks, a project group was back into our community after stays in chitect Heather Cameron, the project set up, with NHS Highland as the lead hospital,” he said. manager, who helped to deliver the agency but including representatives of Turning to Mr Sieczkarek, he added: centre. Highland Council and the community. “You have said that Drumnadrochit is a “The amount of thought that she has “The vision,” Mr Fraser added, “was good place to live. I can confirm that put into this building is an exemplar to to create a high-quality health centre you have helped to make it even bet- us all,” he said. based at the heart of the community. It ter.” Mr Fraser described the occasion as was also important that the centre was The new centre is just a few yards a “fabulous day” for Drumnadrochit and physically close to the nursery, the away from the ageing health centre it Glenurquhart. schools and care centre in order to help has replaced. As well as five GP consult- He added: “It marks the opening not deliver an integrated service.” ing rooms, a dedicated nurse and of a new surgery but an integrated Looking ahead, Mr Fraser said that plan- healthcare assistant consulting room health centre where GPs, nurses, social ning permission was in place for a dental and two treatment rooms, it has a facil- workers and other health professionals unit and pharmacy beside the new cen- ity for local first responders and well as can work together in the heart of our tre. a hot-desking office for use by visiting community.” “Hopefully, these will progress health and social care workers. Its spa- Mr Fraser told guests that the story soon,” he said. cious waiting room area can be secured of the new building began on 2nd Febru- Mr Fraser added that only one week from the rest of the building for out-of- ary 2012 at a community-led workshop. earlier Glenurquhart Care Project was hours use by various groups. Those attending subsequently worked in awarded a major grant to secure land  Work on Bronze Age artefacts small groups to develop the blueprint for amenity housing. found on site: See next page. - 8 - DRUMNADROCHIT Work continues on Bronze Age artefacts

A SUBSTANTIAL amount of specialist work has been undertaken on the recovered remains of a Bronze Aid burial cist and beaker The Bronze Age cist which was pit found during the construction found on the site of the new Drumnadrochit Health of the new cen- Centre. tre during The cist contained the poorly- ground clear- preserved skeletal remains of an adult. ance work It's not been possible to estimate the age of the individual, or determine its vertical lines at the rim and towards the Analysis of the wrist guard has re- sex, but a sample of bone is to be sub- base. vealed that there are traces of organic jected to radiocarbon dating to help This type of design is consistent with material, possibly animal fur or hide judge its date of death. Isotope analysis those found in north-east Scotland and fibres, on the back of it. The impression will look at the diet of the individual, a type that generally dates to around of a winged inset and several impres- which could offer an insight into his or 2250 to 1950 BC. sions of pupa cases have also been iden- her lifestyle. Conservation work has allowed for tified. However, perhaps the most signifi- the refitting of the vessel and an assess- It's felt that specialist analysis on the cant find was an oval pit next to the cist ment of its contents. possible animal fur or hide could identify which probably also contained a body. Specialists believe that the pot what the individual was wearing or was A beaker pot and stone wrist guard probably contained some form of liquid buried with. were found in this pit. The pot was but further specialist work is being un- Work is also being undertaken to decorated using a comb, producing de- dertaken to get a clearer picture of determine the exact origin of the stone signs of horizontal bands and a fringe of what was in it. used to make the wrist guard.

RAIGMORE MEN’S Shed In- verness have supplied more paintings and photographs for the cath lab at Raigmore Hospi- tal. The group had previously provided pictures to help decorate the department’s quiet room and the latest donation can now be seen in the waiting room. Pictured with some of the paintings are, from left, Rob- bie Smart, Alison Howie, Allan Beattie, Sabrine Kelly and Mhairi Mcpherson. - 9 - CAMPAIGN Drive to raise profile of lung cancer NOVEMBER was Lung Cancer To raise awareness in the north of “More people than ever in Scotland Awareness Month, which aimed to Scotland, NHS Highland teamed up with are surviving lung cancer – 1,300 more a improve understanding of one of Stagecoach and placed adverts on over year when compared to 25 years ago. the most common cancers in Scot- 100 of their buses throughout the This is down to advancements in treat- land. board’s area. ments and more people getting checked In 2012 and 2013, over 300 Highland NHS Highland lead cancer clinician earlier. The earlier that lung cancer is residents developed lung cancer – and Dr Stephen Thomas said: “It is vitally diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. over 4,000 people across Scotland die important we get the message out there “Hopefully, these adverts on Stage- every year from the disease. that lung cancer isn’t what it used to be. coach buses which ran across Inverness, Tain, Caithness and Fort William will encourage people to contact their GP ENDOWMENTS should they have any concerns.” NHS Highland lead cancer GP Dr Sian Jones explained what signs and Board makes it easier symptoms you should look out for. “If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, it’s worth getting to make donations checked out with your GP,” she said. “Chances are it’s nothing to worry NHS HIGHLAND is to add the Virgin Money giving site on its donation page, about, but it could be a sign of lung can- making giving money to the board’s endowment funds and other charities a cer. Other things to look out for in- simple, one-click operation. clude a cough you’ve had for a while The board’s endowment fund is a registered charity which holds the that changes or gets worse, feeling money in trust for specific hospital wards, centres or departments. These breathless for no reason, a chest infec- monies can be used to purchase equipment, provide additional comforts and amenities for patients and staff – purchases which were only possible tion that doesn’t clear up or coughing because someone made a gift to the endowment funds. up blood. The online donation page, accessed via the NHS Highland website, al- “If you have any of these symptoms I ready has a link to a site called Just Giving which allows contributors to would urge you to make an appoint- raise monies for one charity at a time. However, it is also possible to make a ment with your GP. Early detection of one-off donation on this site to a specific fund or the Endowments fund lung cancer is crucial in increasing sur- generally. vival rates. Lung cancer isn’t just a The board’s new endowment support officer, Donald Mackenzie, said: “Just Giving will pay all monies raised to one charity. However, a relative smoker’s disease, which is important to who has previously raised monies for us wanted to split donated funds be- remember. tween the one of the funds in the board’s endowment fund as well as a cou- “Other factors such as passive ple of other charities. smoking can play a part – and I would “They mentioned that the Virgin site allows the splitting of donations encourage everyone to bear that in raised on someone’s webpage to various registered charities, so we have mind. Remember, an early detection of decided to set it up.” lung cancer can save your life.” - 10 - INFECTIONS ARGYLL AND BUTE Off target

NHS HIGHLAND has missed a key infection control target, the board Funding was told at its meeting earlier this month. There is a target of 32 cases of Clostridium difficile (C.diff) per 100,000 acute occupied bed days (OBDs). However, in the period from April to June NHS Highland awarded to had 47.94 and, according to figures that have yet to be validated, recorded a figure of 42.98 in the period from July to September. The situation regarding another key performance target, for Staphy- lococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB), partnership was better, NHS Highland having recorded 20.69 cases per 100,000 in the period from April to June, as THE Scottish Government is pro- to support people in their own homes against a target of 24. However, viding health and social care part- and facilitate safe discharge from hospi- again according to unvalidated fig- nerships (HSCPs) across Scotland tal. ures, the figure slipped to 25.47 in with a source of funding over the The remaining £800,000 from the the period from July to September. next three years through the Inte- ICF was directed to local communities A report to the board explained grated Care Fund (ICF). across Argyll and Bute with £200,000 that NHS Highland’s position as of st The Government has highlighted that allocated to Mid Argyll, Kintyre & Islay; 1 November was that there were this funding should be used by HSCPs to Cowal and Bute; Helensburgh & Lo- 66 patient cases of C.diff as against improve the health and wellbeing of indi- mond; and Oban, Lorn & the Isles. the proposed target of 78 by the end of March 2016. However, the viduals through a more preventative ap- The HSCP invited applications to board was on track to meets its proach to healthcare, supporting adults apply for locality funding and in total 90 SAB target by the end of March. who may have more than one health bids were received totalling £2.6 million 1 condition and ensuring that the appro- for the £800,000 funding that was avail- SIGNAGE priate care is provided to tackle inequali- able. ties. Argyll and Bute HSCP now has a Changes due Argyll and Bute Health and Social wide range of exciting work emanating Care Partnership has received £1.84 from the locality ICF bids. NHS HIGHLAND board members were told at their meeting this million through the Integrated Care Fund Some examples include: month that a review of hospital for this year and of this £1.04 million has  Increased availability of health tech- signs and signposts had identified been directed towards building on health nology to support people to live at home inconsistencies both in terms of the and social care services across Argyll and safely through the installation of an alarm types of signs and the fact that the Bute. as part of their anticipatory care plan. signs do not always accurately re- These include: This will enable more people to receive flect the service provided.  management and prevention of falls: an appropriate response in an emer- It was reported that changes falls are more likely as we age, however gency from the integrated health and were required at four sites: Nairn exercise can improve strength and bal- social care team. Town and County Hospital, Portree Hospital, Ian Charles Hospital in ance, keeping people fit and active and  An initiative to seek feedback from Grantown-on-Spey and Dunbar avoiding admissions to hospital those people who use our services to Hospital in Thurso.  telehealthcare: using new technology capture what is really important to them It was recognised that in the to help with health-related issues to help us deliver services. case of Portree Hospital this had  self-management: assisting and  Increased opportunities for exercise emerged as a contentious point empowering patients to manage their classes to improve health and wellbeing during the public consultation on illness and support independent living. the redesign of health and social  reablement: helping people to regain These initiatives are aimed at care services in that area. the ability to look after themselves supporting and delivering the HSCP Moving to new terminology was wrongly taken by some people as a  Integrated equipment store/care and vision’s that “people in Argyll and Bute perceived downgrading. repair team: enhancing the scale and will live longer, healthier, independent range of equipment and response time lives”. - 11 - MENTAL HEALTH Depression: New Craigs honestly saved my life... A few weeks ago, Inverness Courier reporter Ellie House wrote in her newspaper of her experience of being admitted to New Craigs Hospital. Here, she writes once again, this time exclusively for Highlights, about what happened when she “hit rock bottom”.

WHEN I first wrote about mental health almost the unspeakable, the building perched it was with great trepidation, for fear I high on a hill completely separate from society. would be judged both as a person and as The days of asylums in the Victorian era are a journalist. long gone, but we haven’t left behind the My concerns were unfounded in that I re- stereotype of ‘crazy’ people. I wasn’t ‘crazy’; I ceived an outpouring of love and support from was washed up and so terribly sad. I barely complete strangers, who perhaps recognised spoke for two days, I cried and then I sat in their own struggle in my story. silence and let myself hurt. It is the most sensi- That desperate spark of recognition is pre- ble thing I have ever done, and yet I feared peo- cisely why we need to discuss mental health ple would judge me on my admittance. I would more and in much greater depth. be considered unbalanced, not ‘all there’. It is overwhelmingly positive that depression New Craigs honestly saved my life and is no longer a dirty word, but we still don’t started off the healing process, but friends were seem able to openly talk about treatment. In still nervous to visit me. It is only some months the age of oversharing every detail of our lives, on that they were able to admit their assump- mental health remains silent despite the fact tions; judgements that were previously held by that one in four people will suffer a mental me. Would insane people roam the corridors? health issue. From anti-depressants to therapy, Would all doors be locked? I felt so ashamed what happens when you hit rock bottom? when I was first shown my room because I In my own search for people with similar viewed New Craigs as taboo. In reality, it be- experiences, I found stories where people tri- came a sanctuary where I could begin to proc- umphantly recovered. No-one spoke of the ess the pain of the past few months and even really awful moments, perhaps because it is I had years. hard to find the words. I certainly didn’t hear I was scared to be in such a facility – but the psychiatric hospitals talked about, outside of ill- carried thought of walking out that door and not re- informed jokes and uncomfortable remarks. ‘ ceiving help held far more terror. I walked into New Craigs Hospital having There were several other young girls on the left my home in the middle of the night, unsure on for same ward, and we didn’t even look each other if I wanted to live. It may sound dramatic but in the eye. Not once did we reach out to each that is the simplest way of explaining it. I had months other, because the very fact we were there was carried on for months ignoring how I felt, and overwhelming. What would people think, and became even chirpier in the office to disguise ignoring how would I explain my absence from work and any suggestion that I might not be OK. I might social groups? not be coping with a big move, home sickness, We shouldn’t have to fear judgement from elderly parents, and the many insecurities that how I felt society, but more importantly we shouldn’t come with being in your twenties. judge ourselves. My time at New Craigs is now By the time I finally sought help I had just something that happened, a fleeting chapter reached a stage where I couldn’t function. Thankfully, I came out the other side but I Continued on next page didn’t feel I could talk about New Craigs. It’s - 12 -

’ MENTAL HEALTH

I had once sobbed as a mental health nurse Continued from previous page held me, and swallowed tablets that finally that passed as all things come to pass. I didn’t Having once helped me sleep. And despite it all, I was and leave to fanfare of trumpets, miraculously valued my life so am OK. We all tread a fine line between life’s healed and ready to join the real world again. I tribulations and our ability to work through signed the forms quietly and knew only that I little, I now feel them; it’s what makes us human. wanted to live. I wanted to breath and laugh very much alive Having once valued my life so little, I now again. I wanted to make plans and yet more ‘ feel very much alive. mistakes, in the knowledge that I had once sat And that, above everything, is worth talking in a room in complete silence. about. Psychological support for NHS Highland staff THE range of psychological sup- memories which can lead to a range of head of behavioural psychotherapy port offered to staff with mental reactions to events. It can also be the with NHS Forth Valley, who has health problems in NHS Highland case that without an’ adequate life trained Fiona to consultant level and is unique and has been recognised work balance, compassion fatigue can has worked for more than 20 years by the Scottish Government. occur. Research clearly identifies that if with trauma sufferers from disasters Occupational health’s lead psycho- we are self compassionate we are then including the Lockerbie bombing, the logical therapist, Fiona Macaulay, and able to be more compassionate to- Dunblane massacre and the Piper Al- psychological therapist Allan wards those we care for.” pha explosion. She has treated veter- Mackenzie make up a small team that She added that as a society we ans from combat zones, as well as vic- can see on average about 40 employ- have become intolerant to expecting tims of serious crimes, and has offered ees a month. and experiencing difficult emotions, humanitarian aid in developing coun- Fiona, who is also on the Scottish When mistakes are made there is too tries following natural disasters. Government Advisory Trauma Group often a blame/shame culture – which The WHO and UNITAR now rec- representing NHS employees mental can result in ‘second victims’ who can ognise that adverse life events such as health needs, explained that there was then develop signs and symptoms of divorce, bereavement, bullying, as- a failure to understand that NHS em- ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’. saults, suspension and all forms of ployees worked with an increased risk “One of the biggest problems can abuse including medical trauma can of a mental health problem and were be isolation – people start to withdraw result in the same post-trauma reac- more likely to uncover a vulnerability and disengage. Depression can still be tions as the more overtly life- than someone in another job. seen as a weakness. Mental health threatening ones such as highly publi- She said: “NHS employees are very problems are not a failure; it’s the cised disasters. resilient in holding down jobs but we nervous systems inability to cope any Fiona said: “Her research into need to remember that they are ordi- longer with adversity.” EMDR won her and colleagues interna- nary people responding to extraordi- The service offers one-to-one cog- tional recognition and we could not nary circumstances. When we experi- nitive behavioural therapy (CBT), CBT have done it here without her support, ence adversity it can build up and the courses for stress, EMDR (Eye Move- which she has offered voluntarily. Our nervous system can be overwhelmed. ment Desensitisation Reprocessing) manager, Linda Rawlinson, has also This is not weakness but a case of our for life event trauma, life enhancement been incredibly supportive with the nervous systems being overwhelmed. courses based on self-compassion and development of the service. Dr Mark Hilditch, lead consultant mindfulness courses, held in the eve- “Occupational health is also work- in occupational health, and Professor ning to make them more accessible. ing with chaplaincy and NES to bring in Malcolm Laing, lead in student support Fiona said: “The goal of EMDR is to a more productive way to address at the Aberdeen School of Medicine, reduce the long-lasting effects of dis- critical incidents, conflict and interper- presented the psychological service’s tressing memories by developing more sonal conflict within staff teams. first five years’ experience in managing adaptive coping mechanisms. It was “We are a small team and recog- NHS medical staff at an international originally developed to treat adults nise our limitations but we do refer conference on physician health at BMA with PTSD; however, it is also used to directly to crisis services, alcohol or Headquarters in London last year. treat other conditions and children eating disorder teams and to psychia- Fiona said: “As NHS staff we can and has been very successful.” try services.” come across significant distress and Fiona added that implementation of Managers can refer staff or staff can suffering that can trigger vulnerability EMDR in Highland had been helped by self-refer. For information see the in us. Events can trigger unprocessed the support of Therese McGoldrick, intranet;, under occupational health.

- 13 - BOARD BRIEFING Highland welcome for Syrian refugees A TEAM from NHS Highland was The NHS Highland representatives A report to NHS Highland’s board at Glasgow Airport earlier this at the airport included two Cowal GPs, meeting earlier this month explained month to welcome 15 families – 28 and it had been planned that any initial that two translators would be present adults and 31 children – who ar- health needs the refugees may have at the airport and were to travel to rived in Scotland from Syria. would be immediately identified and Bute with the families and stay for two The refugees spent the night in Glas- managed. weeks to assist. gow before travelling to Bute, where Immunisation status had been ad- It is understood there are two Eng- they are being accommodated. dressed prior to arrival. lish speakers among the refugee families, one of whom is trained as an English

CAMPAIGN teacher. Funding from the Home Office of £130,000 for health needs has been confirmed based on £200 per person Changing attitudes to for primary healthcare and £2,000 per person for acute healthcare. Argyll and counter fraud threats Bute Council also has an allocation for education and social care. A review of OVER the past 18 months, NHSScotland Counter Fraud Services (CFS) has staffing has taken place to ensure that implemented a successful media campaign to raise staff and public awareness any additional workload can be managed of the threats from fraud. and any required actions have been The most recent initiative to attract media attention is a project aiming to reduce fraud and error in dental patient tax credit exemption claims, po- identified. tentially saving the health service more than £3 million per year. From experience of elsewhere, the The project was featured in a recent BBC ‘Saints and Scroungers’ TV pro- board was told, it was anticipated that gramme and also attracted national, local and specialist press interest. physiotherapy, mental health and dental The campaign, which focuses on prevention rather than detection, high- may be the first services required by the lights the need for patients to have a valid tax credit exemption certificate at families. the time of their treatment. However, it was planned that a fur- Fraser Paterson, national fraud prevention manager for CFS, said: “If you hold a valid certificate then you’re entitled to receive free treatment, if you ther review of requirements and any don’t you’re not – it’s as simple as that. When you think that every fourth necessary resources would be deter- person who claimed under this category last year wasn’t entitled to do so, mined once everyone had been as- you can understand why reducing this type of misclaiming is so important”. sessed. Medical records would be deliv- The ‘Saints and Scroungers’ broadcast, viewed nationally by 1.1 million ered to the Bute GPs. people, is just one example of numerous, high-profile media features high- Leaflets on health and dental ser- lighting CFS in the last 18 months. The work of the fraud investigation team vices for the families were to be trans- has also featured in BBC Panorama and BBC Scotland Investigates pro- lated into Arabic, the board was told. grammes, and a recent Channel 5 programme highlighted the issue of NHS ‘sick pay’ fraud, where employees fraudulently claim to be unfit to work. Similar steps have been taken by the Recent BBC TV, STV and BBC Radio Scotland news programmes have council to ensure that services and sup- also featured Counter Fraud Services investigations and subsequent success- port is in place, such as schools, adult ful prosecution of individuals, who have been found guilty of committing fraud learning, housing, starter packs, commu- against the NHS. This broadcast coverage has been augmented by the exten- nity support, dietary requirements and a sive interest of national newspaper titles, which have covered individual cases. welcome pack in Arabic. “If we are going to reduce fraud to a minimum, it’s vital that we change There have been discussions with attitudes and behaviours to this type of crime,” Fraser said. “People who the local community and there is a Face- defraud the NHS hurt all of us, because it’s our money that funds it and it's us who rely on it being there when we need it.” book page. 'Bute welcomes Syrian refugees'. - 14 - APPOINTMENTS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL Board briefed on plans for new elective

DR HUMA AYAZ care centre PROPOSALS to build a £16 mil- NHS Highland, Western Isles and West lion elective care centre in Inver- Grampian. ness were presented to the NHS The orthopaedic facility will provide Highland board earlier this month. capacity for 1,800 procedures a year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon an- while the ophthalmology day case facil- nounced plans for the new centre in ity will provide capacity for 4,200 cata- October, but at their December meet- ract cases a year and 45,000 out-patient ing board members were given further attendance. details of the proposed development. It’s proposed to build the elective The facility will have 30 beds, three care centre close to Raigmore Hospital theatres and day care and out-patient and the ‘Golden Bridge’ on the Inver- facilities; will accommodate services for ness Campus, and it is understood that both orthopaedics and opthalmology it is expected to be ready for use in and will serve the populations of North 2021.

DR JONATHAN WATT HIGHLAND QUALITY APPROACH DR HUMA AYAZ has joined NHS Highland substantively as consult- Do you know your kaizen from your gemba? ant in obstetrics and gynaecology. NHS HIGHLAND’S emphasis on In 2016/17, the board was told, Dr Ayaz, having previously improving the quality of the ser- improvement work will be focused on trained in obstetrics and gynaecology within the North of Scotland vices it provides was underlined in three areas: out-patient, out-of-hours Deanery, worked as a locum con- a report to board members ear- and adult health and social care ser- sultant at NHS Grampian before lier this month. vices. joining NHS Highland as a locum Updating the board on the Highland The report to the board featured a consultant in April. Quality Approach, a management sys- dictionary of some of the words and She enjoys oil painting and travel tem designed to deliver better health, terms used in quality improvement in her spare time. care and value, director of human re- work, many of which originated in Ja- Also joining the team is Dr Jona- sources Anne Gent explained that qual- pan or the United States. For example, than Watt, who this month takes up the post of consultant interventional ity improvement work has been con- kaizen – a word now frequently used cardiologist. tinuing throughout the organisation. throughout NHS Highland – means Dr Watt completed an Interven- Staff are being trained to run im- continuous improvement; hoshin kanri tional Cardiology Fellowship in Hali- provement events and what are known is a management system that aligns ac- fax, Canada, in 2014 and has since as rapid process improvement work- tions with priorities; and gemba can be been working as a locum consultant shops have been taking place are show- used to refer to any location in which in Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. ing positive results. activities are carried out. - 15 - NEWS IN BRIEF DIETETICS Lab survey

NHS HIGHLAND’S area labora- Care work tory service is conducting an online survey to assess the level of satisfaction it provides. over for The core of the survey is one screen of questions with tick-box answers. It is designed to deliver students a numeric key performance indi- TWO student dietitians from cator to assist commissioners and Robert Gordon University have others to judge the quality of the completed a unique and innova- service, and how it changes over tive placement with Highland time. Home Carers. Respondents will also be given Andrea Cox and Catriona Begg Catriona Begg and Andrea Cox the option to provide free text spent five weeks working with care at comments on how our service home as part of their final dietetic helped identify the possible challenges could be improved. placement with NHS Highland. They which can be faced in achieving ade- To take part, visit https:// each worked with separate carer teams quate nutrition and hydration with www.surveymonkey.com/s/ in either Kirkhill, near Inverness, or in those relying on support from carers.” RCPathusersurvey and, when the city centre itself. Evelyn Newman, nutrition and die- prompted, enter the password And they both believe the experi- tetics advisor for care homes, is carry- RCPath*UserSurvey1 (the pass- ence has been extremely beneficial. ing out a formal evaluation of the place- word is case sensitive). Then en- “We were able to gain a useful in- ment. ter the laboratory code B362 sight into the close working relation- “The work carried out by the two (four digits) so that the level of ships of carers with clients and the students has been excellent,” she said. satisfaction delivered by the labo- challenges associated with providing “They have shared their experiences, ratory service can be identified food and fluids,” said Andrea. insights and reflections with dietitians, and compared to the perform- “We were able to work with pa- social work and Highland Home Carers ance of other laboratories. tients who had a wide variety of condi- staff. tions such as visual impairment, re- “Service users enjoyed getting to Group working duced mobility, dementia and Hunting- know them and carers couldn’t have

A ‘WORKING with Groups’ ton’s disease.” been more helpful in making this a real training course from 9.30am- Catriona said: “This placement success to continue to build on.” 4.30pm on 28th January at Smith- ton Church in Inverness. This course is intended to pro- DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL vide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to work effectively with groups. Services review continues More details, including a book- WORK is continuing in the ongo- A Protected Learning event was ing form, are available on the ing review of health and care ser- held on Mull on 17th November which intranet. vices on Mull and Iona. involved all staff from the Mull and Iona

A meeting of the review group on Medical Group, community and hospital Behaviour charge 19th November was told that the first staff and GPs. Topics covered included

A TWO-DAY course is to be held community first responders group had chronic respiratory disease, clinical tri- in the spring on combined behav- gone live in the Ross of Mull with the age for trained and non-trained staff iour change. other schemes set to follow. and a development session on the new It’s planned to hold the course The review group was told that the Practice. on 15th March and 19th April in Scottish Ambulance Service had con- The review group was also told that either Fort William or Kyle, de- firmed that plans continued to be devel- the rota for GP out-of-hours cover for pending on numbers. oped to achieve 24/7 paramedic cover Mull and Iona was covered until the end More details are available on based on Mull and Iona, and that the of March 2016, including locum cover the intranet. service’s option appraisal process for in-hours. GP recruitment is continu- would be finalised at the next meeting. ing, the meeting heard. - 16 - ALCOHOL A family approach to underage drinking ALMOST three-quarters of young people in Highland have drunk alcohol by the time they are 15 and, although there has been a 10 per cent reduction since 2010, High- land remains above the national average despite recommendations that those under the age of 15 re- frain from drinking. Deborah Stewart, co-ordinator for Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partner- ship, explained that families played an important part in helping reduce the level of underage drinking. She said: “Underage drinking re- media campaign that takes a family ap- parents can have on their life if they mains a concern as it contributes to a proach to tackling underage drinking. It drink too much.” range of negative health and social out- is based on insight gathered from over Elspeth Lee, health improvement comes. There is also evidence that 200 young people and 20 parents on the specialist with NHS Highland, said “We shows early alcohol use is associated types of dilemmas families with teenag- are very grateful to all those in our part- with increased risk of dependency in ers are often faced with in relation to ner agencies who helped us access the adulthood and chronic diseases associ- alcohol. opinions of young people and parents, ated with excessive drinking in adults. Ms Stewart said: “Meet the and of course to all the young people “By reducing underage drinking we MacPhersons raises awareness of the and parents themselves. Without them can reduce the risk of alcohol problems influence that parental influence, peer this would not have been possible.” developing in adulthood and families can pressure and taking part in organised The campaign encourages families to play a part in that by modelling sensible activities can have on a young person's consider the benefits of making positive drinking, communicating risks associated decision to either drink or not drink. choices that are less pro-alcohol. It pro- with drinking and participating in posi- “It also looks at the adverse effects vides lots of useful resources on ways tive activities. That’s why we would like that underage drinking can have on the to prevent and discuss drinking with families to ‘Meet the MacPhersons’.” performance and health of young people teenagers and where to get help in the ‘Meet the MacPhersons’ is a local as well as the detrimental impact that local area.

RETIRAL Fond farewell RADIOTHERAPY bid a be sorely missed by col- fond farewell to radiother- leagues and patients alike apy helper Susan Miller this who will miss her profes- month as she retired after sionalism, kindness, sup- 36 years of working within port and friendship. NHS Highland. Susan is pictured left with Susan, who became the her colleagues in the mid- first radiotherapy helper in dle row, third from the Highland 15 years ago, will right. - 17 - DEPARTMENT PROFILE Meet the NHS Highland Health Information and Resources Service MOST people associate the Health Informa- enterprise agencies and 12 health improve- tion and Resources Service (HIRS) with leaf- ment libraries within England. lets, which is an essential part of the service’s During the six-month period detailed work, but it also provides a lot more: above HIRS had the second highest number of  Online Health Promotion Access Cata- visits to their website, just below NHS logue (HPAC) Greater Glasgow and Clyde. It is also believed  Resources Lending Library that HIRS have the most populated website;  Patient-Friendly Health Information Leaf- resource images, PDFs, website links and re- lets and Telephone Support source descriptions are all checked and up-  Highland Smoking Cessation Telephone dated on a rolling weekly basis. Referral Service  Smoke-Free Homes and Cars Project Tele- Health Promotion Access Catalogue phone Assistance (HPAC)  NHS 24 Highland Updates What is HPAC?  Monthly HIRS Newsletter HPAC is an online library catalogue that enables visitors to search for and request re- HIRS Customer Survey sources from the Health Information and Re- On 20th April 2015 a link to SurveyMonkey sources Service (HIRS) at any time from was distributed electronically to over 1,200 home or work base. There is no charge for clients registered with HIRS giving them the using the library, which is part of NHS High- opportunity to feedback on the service. The land's Health Improvement Department, Pub- survey was promoted twice in HIRS monthly lic Health Directorate. newsletters, followed by a survey reminder What does the library contain? emailed to all clients. The survey closed at The library stocks DVDs, training packs, noon on 11th May with a return rate of 10.77 games, instruments, models, displays, equip- per cent. ment and other resources available for loan. The majority of feedback received was Leaflets and posters can also be ordered from very positive regarding HIRS HPAC website, HIRS. Registered users can keep up to date staff, resources stocked and the NHS internal with the latest resources in the library by sign- mail delivery system but it is acknowledged ing up for a new resource alert on the subject that there is always room for improvement. (s) of your choice. There is more information Taking on board all clients’ comments and on our resource alerts and how they work on suggestions, a timescale action plan which HPAC’s home page. details key points raised by service users and The vast How to collect and return resources action taken by HIRS has been created. Resources can be collected from NHS A customer survey feedback report was Highland Reception, Assynt House, Beech- also produced and both documents are avail- ‘majority wood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW or sent via able to view at: http:// NHS internal mail to your nearest hospital or healthyhighlanders.co.uk/HPAC under the of GP surgery. Resources can be returned in the Home Page New Resources section. same way i.e. GP surgery/hospital: marking the package clearly for the Health Informa- HIRS HPAC Website Statistics feedback tion and Resources Service, NHS Highland, Details of HPAC statistics from website at Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness or http://healthyhighlanders.co.uk/HPAC during received by handing them back to us at Assynt House. the six-month period from 1st April to 30th How many leaflets and posters can I order? September 2015: The maximum order of each leaflet is 25  10,000 visits to HIRS HPAC’s website was very and two of each poster unless otherwise  Visitors spent an average of three minutes agreed with the health information and re- and 36 seconds on website sources service manager. Please do not re- positive  69,000 pages viewed quest more than two leaflet/poster orders per  65% of visitors were new HIRS clients calendar month.  9,727 resource downloads Who can use the library?  149,309 leaflets and posters ordered Anyone working or living within the NHS The HPAC system is currently used by six NHS health boards in Scotland, two social Continued on next page

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’ NHS Highland Health Information and Resources Service order materials or borrow returnable re- Continued from facing page sources: e.g. DVDs, games, etc. HPAC User Highland geography: this includes Highland Quick Guide will also be emailed to clients to Council and Argyll and Bute Council areas. help them navigate the website and assist with You can browse the library and download the ordering process. without registering for the service. However, to request resources you will need to register. HIRS contact details If you would like to find out more information Users of the library include NHS staff, youth It is believed workers, teachers, students, community and about any aspect of HIRS please do not hesi- voluntary organisations, along with the gen- that HIRS have tate to contact any member of HIRS team. eral public. the most Contact details: How do I register? ‘ HIRS manager — 01463 704989 or email: You can register with HIRS online at: populated [email protected] http://healthyhighlanders.co.uk/HPAC by website HIRS library staff — 01463 704647 or completing the online registration form. email: [email protected] Once details have been verified by HIRS staff, Opening hours — Monday to Friday,9 am clients will receive an email informing them – 4 pm; closed for lunch between 1 pm and 2 their accounts are activated enabling them to pm.

Goodbye ’ to Jane NHS HIGHLAND public health network co- ordinator Jane Groves retires at the end of Decem- ber after over 30 years’ service with health authorities in Scotland and England. Having worked with NHS Highland for 20 years, Jane has made a significant contribution to health improvement through workforce development and partnership working. After graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in Psychology Jane spent two years working for Volun- tary Service Overseas in Nigeria. She said: “It was while in Africa that I took an interest in public health and the politics surrounding it. I returned to Scotland where I worked for the Commonwealth Institute Scotland, Scottish Education and Action for Development on development education issues for three years, exploring links between Scotland and developing countries.” She then worked in a variety of roles with NHS Lothian for six years before moving to Cambridge, where she spent three years as head of health improvement with the Cam- bridge health authority. Jane then took on a role lecturing in health improvement at Glasgow Caledonian University before moving north to Aberdeen to get married and work in health promotion. Her husband’s job then took him to Highland 20 years ago. workforce. I have also worked as a freelance trainer during “I have worked in a number of roles with NHS Highland this time, mainly at a national level.” in that time, including reviewing maternity services, taking a Although she is calling time on her public health career, strategic role in sexual health, children and young people she isn’t quite ready to put her feet up. and in breastfeeding,” Jane said. “I’m sorry to leave and I will miss my NHS Highland “I also provided health improvement input to the north colleagues, but I have plans to keep me busy,” said Jane. “I and west operational unit, and through all my roles I have do want to carry on with my freelance training business and always had the task of training and developing the compe- I have a silversmithing workshop – I may even start to sell tence and capacity of the wider and specialist public health my silver jewellery.”

- 19 - ANNUAL REPORT Highlands’ drink problem ‘worrying’ NHS HIGHLAND'S director of of harm” associated with excessive And his report revealed: “Over the public health says he's taken a alcohol intake. five-year period 2009 to 2013, there “balanced approach” to the sub- And, in advance of presenting his were on average 80 deaths per year ject of alcohol in his annual re- report to the board earlier this from alcohol-related conditions port. month , Dr van Woerden said that, amongst the population of NHS High- On one hand, Dr Hugo van Woer- while there were still some positive land.” den recognises that alcohol consump- trends, the problem of alcohol abuse in In 2013/14, his report also shows, tion is a “normal part of a healthy soci- Highland remained “extremely worry- there were around six hospital stays ety” and that there are positive asso- ing”. per day among the population of NHS ciations between controlled alcohol He said: “We still have a major Highland's area due to the affects of intake and some conditions, such as problem across NHS Highland in that alcohol. cardiovascular disease. 40 per cent of the population regularly Dr van Woerden's report graphi- But on the other hand, Dr van Wo- drink more than the recommended cally sets the content for a number of erden highlights the “significant burden limit.” recommendations and aspirations, such as several relating to prevention and FINANCE recovery. It also covers alcohol as it relates to children and young people, and the role of the NHS and the public, pri- Further contingencies vate, voluntary and third sectors. Dr van Woerden also considers the role of industry and the business needed to break even sector in a section which touches on the issue of minimum pricing. NHS Highland will need to draw up a contingency plans of £2.6 million – He points out that alcohol is now contingency plan – once again – if it so, Mr Kenton explained, a further 60 per cent more affordable in the UK is to balance the books by the end of £2.5 million was required. than it was in 1980, and that it's possi- the year. “With five accounting months ble in Scotland for people to exceed In a report to the NHS Highland remaining in the financial year this is the minimum weekly recommended board earlier this month, director of clearly achievable and at this stage I alcohol intake for less than £5. finance Nick Kenton pointed out that am therefore content to forecast a Among other facts contained in the the board has clocked up a £3.1 mil- break-even outturn,” the director report are: lion overspend in the first seven stated.  months of this financial year. “However, contingency plans Across Highland 9.4 per cent of What’s more, Mr Kenton told the need to be drawn up to mitigate the men and 7.2 per cent of women are board, around £1.9 million of risk of not achieving £2.5 million.” classed as problem drinkers. “further financial risks” may well While the board’s revenue situa-  There has been a rise in alcohol crystallise in the remainder of the tion remains challenging, the board intake by women aged 16-24. financial year. meeting was told that NHS Highland  Children as young as three can rec- “My view is therefore that contin- had underspent its capital budget by ognise the smell associated with alco- gency plans totalling around £5.1 £0.056 million in the first seven holic drinks. million are required in order to be months of the financial year. confident of breaking even on reve- The board is not allowed to The director also uses his report to nue,” Mr Kenton’s report to the transfer funds from capital to reve- “strongly recommend” the use of mo- board read. nue unless in very specific circum- bile phone apps that support people to The board has already signed off stances. develop and maintain healthy drinking habits. - 20 - RETIRAL Macmillan nurse Louise calls it a day

MACMILLAN nurse Louise Shake- was a need for it in Caithness.” speare is to scale back her role this After seven years, Louise became a month after 24 years of commu- Macmillan nurse, working for a charity nity service in Caithness. which aims to make life for people with The specialist advanced practitioner cancer as easy and comfortable as possi- based at Wick’s Caithness General Hos- ble with practical support for patients, pital is officially retiring at the end of their families and carers. November, at the same time calling a Macmillan’s head of services in Scot- halt to her globetrotting fundraising for land, Janice Preston, said: “We are in- the cancer care charity. credibly grateful to Louise for the years But Louise, who began working with of dedication and the tremendous differ- Macmillan in 1991, still plans to help ence she has made to the lives of people out. She intends to carry on working affected by cancer, both professional two days a week to help ensure conti- and personally. Louise pictured on a fund-raising nuity as new staff are recruited and “She has played a big role in devel- trek at Petra in Jordan trained up. oping and improving the care offered to “It’s just through circumstances,” people locally and will be greatly missed. charity. Over the years, she raised said Louise. ”There is a current short- We are so lucky and thankful to work around £70,000 for Macmillan Cancer age in nurse-led chemotherapy in Caith- with passionate and inspiring Macmillan Support, doing sponsored treks that ness, so I shall be helping out two days a nurses, like Louise, who work tirelessly took her around the world from Machu week.” in a tough climate to help make sure Picchu in the Andes of South America Louise, who was at the forefront of that no one has to face cancer alone.” to the Himalayas in Asia. the development of cancer and palliative Talking about her time in Caithness, “I suppose my favourite place was care in the Caithness area, moved to Louise said: “I’ve been very lucky to Nepal,” she said. “I’ve been on a few the Highlands in 1984. help develop services that are not avail- sponsored walks there. And I have been She said: “I had a cancer nursing able elsewhere in the Highlands. and to the Mount Everest base camp.” background and came to the Highlands that the nursing staff in Caithness were Yet while Louise said her fundraising to be a community nursing sister. There interested in cancer and palliative care. days for Macmillan were now over, she wasn’t much in the way of community I’ve worked with lots of interesting and will miss her work with people with cancer services around in the Highlands committed staff over the years.” cancer. at that time. It was just starting to de- And when she wasn’t doing that, “It’s been a privilege to be part of velop. With my background I saw there Louise was a serious fundraiser for the their lives for a time,” she said.

ANNUAL REVIEW ‘Committed’ staff commended THE Cabinet Secretary for Health In a letter to board chair Garry – we should also recognise that the and Wellbeing, Shona Robison, has Coutts, Ms Robison thanked him for the hardworking and committed staff in formally recognised the “excellent “significant contribution” he had made NHS Highland have achieved a great work” that has been taking place during his tenure, for the benefit of local deal for the benefit of local people in in NHS Highland. health services and communities. the last 12 months.” In September, she led the annual And she added: “I want to recognise She added: “I am confident that the review into NHS Highland at an event that there is some excellent work going board understands the need to maintain held in Wick, and her feedback on the on in NHS Highland. Whilst there will the quality of frontline services whilst occasion will be reported to board always be improvements that can be demonstrating best value for taxpayers’ members. made – which the health board accepts investment.” - 21 - COURSE GRADUATION

Questionnaires Raigmore … and answers A COURSE on questionnaire design is pharmacist to be held in the Centre for Health Science, Inverness, on 20th January. To run from 10am-4pm, the course will be presented by senior celebrates researcher Dr David Heaney and has been designed to help provide medical staff, nurses, pharmacists, allied post-grad health professionals and health service researchers. It will help to identify where the use of questionnaires is appropriate in degree research, to design questionnaires to obtain the best results, to select effective questions for inclusion, to use success appropriate scales of measurement for questions, and to consider how the A SENIOR pharmacist at NHS of the MSc was really useful in support- data generated by the questionnaires Highland has completed her post- ing my clinical skills and knowledge. At may be most effectively processed graduate degree at Robert Gordon the time I was based on different wards and analysed. University (RGU) and developed as part of a clinical rotation, and the The course will include a discus- her career in the field. different topics covered, including cardi- sion on the important practical ele- Jane Wylie (31) graduated with an ology, gastroenterology and renal medi- ments of sampling, survey distribution MSc in Clinical Pharmacy Practice cine, were really useful in updating my and how to achieve the best possible return rate. (Hospital) at a ceremony in Aberdeen knowledge and making sure it was evi- To book a place complete the ap- Music Hall earlier this month. dence based. plication form can be found on the Jane, who grew up in Shetland and is “The thesis research component of NHS Highland intranet under the a former pupil from Anderson High the MSc has been useful in providing me heading Staff > Research and Devel- School in Lerwick, also graduated from with research skills, and in my current opment. Those who do not have ac- RGU with an undergraduate MPharm job I've identified a number of different cess to the intranet should email degree in 2006. projects I'd like to pursue and the skills [email protected] She now works as the lead pharma- I've gained will be invaluable in support- cist, surgery and anaesthetics, at Raig- ing me with these.” SHARING PRACTICE more Hospital – a role she was offered Jane married her husband Steven during her postgraduate studies. midway through completing her thesis Health and Jane said: “I am delighted with the in July 2014 and was able to take a achievement as it hasn't always been break from her studies with agreement homelessness easy combining working full-time with from her tutor. IN partnership with the North of Scot- studying, especially as I started my new She said: “I believe in a healthy land Housing Hub and North of Scot- job during the course. work/life balance and it was important land NHS boards, NHS Health Scot- “I'm also relieved though as it will be to me to have some time off studying as land is to run a health and homeless- nice having evenings and weekends back I was so busy with wedding prepara- ness event on 25th January in High- again for a little while, at least until I tions. land Council’s NH in Inverness. start my next course at RGU in Janu- “However, just after we came back The event will provide the oppor- ary. from our wedding in Cyprus I was of- tunity to learn and share practice “However, I'm working to get my fered a secondment position as lead around health and homelessness in a results published and produce a poster pharmacist for surgery and anaesthetics remote and rural environment. As well as covering national de- so that will keep me busy in the mean- and I extended the study break for a velopments and local approaches, it time.” few more months to allow myself to will provide the opportunity to make Keen to further develop her skills, settle into the new role. connections across various disci- Jane has also applied to complete her “Studying at RGU has helped me plines and with other remote and Independent Prescribing Qualification gain the skills needed to develop my rural areas. through RGU. This work will begin in career and I feel the MSc provided me To register, go to: https:// the New Year and will compliment her with the knowledge and confidence I healthhomlessness- recent completion of the MSc. needed to take on this new opportu- rural.eventbrite.co.uk. She said: “The taught diploma part nity.” - 22 - SOCIAL ENTERPRISE INITIATIVE Board-backed project has been going to pot! A SOCIAL enterprise project in which helped to pay for tutor time, de- items, to another social enterprise in the Merkinch area of Inverness velopment materials and most recently Ullapool. involving local people has created a study tour. “One group member who has been pottery items which are now for She said: “The tour proved a real involved since the beginning of the so- sale. inspiration to the group members and cial enterprise development has gained Clay, which is run from the Clay actually resulted in their first sale of so many skills and so much confidence Studio and is part of Arts in Merkinch, that she has been teaching classes to has been working with potter Allison others, which was something she could Weightman to create pottery items previously have never envisaged doing.” which can be handmade in volume for Items are for sale directly from the sale. Clay Studio at 33 Grant Street. Sandra MacAllister, community The Clay Studio is not manned full health co-ordinator for NHS Highland, time so it’s safer to call in advance on explained that the health board had 01463 719712 or drop email alli- supported the enterprise with funding [email protected] Case study on training work in NES annual report WORK by a cognitive behavioural therapist in Argyll and Bute has been featured in the NHS Educa- tion for Scotland annual report. Fiona Johnstone (right), of the multi- professional adult psychotherapy service at Argyll and Bute Hospital, undertook NES training to become trainers in an evidence-based psychological intervention for depression, Behavioural Activa- tion. Since then she has delivered training to multi-discipilanry staff and supported them in introducing the new skills within their clinical practice. Fiona’s experience is related as a case study in the full NES annual report, which can be accessed at www.annualreport.nes.scot.nhs.uk - 23 - SOCIAL ENTERPRISE INITIATIVE Email addresses deleted after six months’ absence WHAT becomes of your NHSmail address if you’re The team will then ensure the NHSmail address is sus- off work for a protracted period? pended for the length of absence from the time of notifica- When members of staff are absent for more than six tion. months the process is to delete the NHSmail address after In the absence of such notification, any addresses that are this time. not used within six months will be deleted by NHSmail. However, this may not be appropriate when staff are on Any delegate access will not be available when accounts long-term leave with an eventual intention to return, such as if are suspended, but will resume when account is reactivated. they are on sick or maternity leave. In such cases, employees For more information email NHSHigh- are asked let the eHealth access management team know as [email protected] or call the NHS Highland soon as possible. service desk on 01463 704999.

EMPLOYMENT Mark joins team in new jobs initiative NHS Highland has joined an inno- ment, the programme was officially previously worked on local daily news- vative NHSScotland and Scottish launched by NHS Scotland’s chief ex- papers and for an American magazine Government scheme designed to ecutive Paul Gray in Edinburgh earlier publishing group. help disabled graduates find work. this month. As the largest employer in Scotland And the health board has made its Maimie Thompson, NHS Highland’s with over 160,000 full and part-time first appointment under the scheme, head of public relations and engage- staff, NHSScotland has the capacity to having recruited a visually-impaired for- ment, said: “This is a great programme, offer a wide range of opportunities mer journalist to its small communica- and we are happy to be involved in it.” across a spectrum of vocational special- tions team. Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, isms. Mark Scruton (57) joined the profes- the Equality Academy also works to The graduate placement opportuni- sional careers trainee scheme for dis- break down barriers between graduates ties will be tailored to the career aspira- abled graduates involving almost all the and potential employers through sup- tions of the graduates like Mark within health boards in Scotland as well the porting employers with disability- one or a variety of departments across Scottish Government. Administered by friendly training and organisational de- NHSScotland including finance, human the Glasgow-based Equality Academy, velopment. resources, communications, IT, market- the two-year placements are designed “The idea behind the programme is ing and project management. to help disabled graduates overcome to provide meaningful relevant work barriers to entering or returning to the experience for disabled graduates like job market. me and complement my skills, knowl- CHSS Run in partnership with both edge and experience to help me return NHSScotland and the Scottish Govern- to the job market,” said Mark, who has Charity drop-in

THE CHARITY Heart & Stroke Scotland, in partnership with NHS Highland’s cardiac support services, is inviting people to drop in to see them for an informal gathering in Caithness Horizons’ premises in High Street, Thurso, on 28th January. The event, to run from 10am-12 noon, will provide an opportunity for people to access information, support and some company.

- 24 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JANUARY The way people in Highland accessed physiotherapy ser- Patients at Raigmore would be able to clearly iden- vices was about to change, the board announced. The NHS tify the nurse in charge of their ward in a pilot run Highland musculoskeletal (MSK) service was undergoing a by the hospital, the board revealed. The nurse-in- redesign process and was introducing a new musculoskele- charge of each shift was to wear a distinctive red tal advice and triage service (MATS). badge identifying themselves as the nurse-in-charge.

NHS Highland issued an assurance that it was work- Highlights reported that patients who would have previ- ing “with urgency” towards developing a safe and ously travelled to Edinburgh for kidney stone treatment sustainable model for the delivery of surgical ser- could be treated at Raigmore thanks to a £39,000 donation vices at Caithness General Hospital. And it stressed by the Friends of Raigmore. The money paid for a urology that it was determined that more and not less stone laser for the hospital. planned surgery would take place at the hospital. The level of charitable donations made to NHS The board was working with partner organisations to im- Highland continued to grow, the board reported. In plement plans to ensure patient safety and service continu- 2014, the board received donations totalling ity in response to severe weather experienced in Highland. £767,000 – £5,000 more than in the previous year. A number of places in the board’s area had been hit by Kelly Dallas, NHS Highland’s endowment support power cuts. officer at the time, said: “We are extremely grateful to eve- NHS Highland held a showcase ryone who has donated event, ‘Reaching High’, to high- money, and wish to assure light its vision for the delivery them that it’s being put to of high-quality health and social good use.” care services in Highland. Raigmore received a belated Badenoch and Strathspey Commu- Christmas gift from Sainsburys in nity Transport Company had been Nairn after the store donated all awarded £485,047 through the Big their 2014 Christmas decorations Lottery Fund. Along with some to the hospital. other bodies, the company was playing a role in the Badenoch The Highland GP who joined a and Strathspey Transport and Ac- team of volunteer medics cess Group, which was set up as tackling the Ebola crisis in part of the redesign of NHS High- West Africa vowed to return land’s services in the area – work A sod-cutting ceremony was held by NHS there. Dr Chris Mair returned Highland at the site of the replacement which would mean the eventual to his Sutherland home £1.5 million Drumnadrochit Health Cen- closure of Ian Charles Hospital in tre. Joanne Sutherland, widow of the late shortly before New Year, hav- Grantown-on-Spey and St Vincent Dr Peter Sutherland, cut the turf. ing spent five weeks working Hospital in Kingussie and the provi- in the Ebola treatment centre sion of a new hospital in Aviemore. in Kerry Town near Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. He said he was so shocked by what he saw Inverness Caledonian Thistle supported NHS High- that he was determined to return and to help raise land in promoting SHARE – the Scottish Health Re- funds to develop healthcare in West Africa. He sub- search Register – and called on fans to do the same. sequently announced plans to launch a charity to SHARE was created to establish a register of people fund medical training there. interested in participating in health research. The NHS Retirement Fellowship was investigating the possi- NHS Highland chief executive Elaine Mead welcomed a bility of setting up new groups in the Highland area, includ- statement from the Scottish Government outlining the ing in Oban, Fort William, Skye and Caithness. award of an additional £9.4 million to the board for the financial year 2015/16. The increase was made up of £6.5 NHS Highland’s latest dementia champions were million to bring the board closer to one per cent of parity, part of a group of 100 health and social services pro- under the NHS funding formula, a year earlier than planned. fessionals from across the country who graduated The board would also receive an additional £2.9 million to and became the latest additions to Scotland’s pio- offset anticipated rising costs of new drugs and treatments. neering dementia champions programme.

- 25 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: FEBUARY ‘Citizen science’, state-of-the-art technol- to have the hospital’s respiratory ogy and funding from the European Space patients managed in the main tower Agency combined in a pioneering Scottish block, bringing them closer to other Highlands project to tackle tick bites and specialities. Meanwhile, the ward Lyme disease. The space agency awarded vacated was opened for temporary €250,000 to a collaboration of bodies, use as a community ward. including NHS Highland, to test the feasi- bility of LymeMap, a phone app and web- A Sutherland resident joined the board of based system that will help to identify tick NHS Highland as a non-executive direc- hot-spots. Through LymeMap, informa- tor. Ann Pascoe, of Portgower, was per- tion and advice on ticks and Lyme disease haps best known in the Highlands for her will be available to members of the public, involvement in dementia-related matters. healthcare professionals, tourist organisa- Her husband Andrew was diagnosed with tions and bodies working outdoors or vascular dementia in 2006 and she has pursuing leisure pursuits. One of the people leading NHS devoted much of her time since then to Highland’s work on dementia caring for him and campaigning on behalf became the 5,000th person to of others affected by dementia. The NHS Highland board was told be awarded a Churchill Fellow- at its February meeting that the ship. Set up 50 years ago as a Capital Investment Group had in- tribute to Sir Winston Chur- The Cabinet Secretary approved cluded a new-build replacement for chill, the fellowships are NHS Highland’s proposals for the the Belford Hospital in Fort William awarded to people from all modernisation of its community and in its capital plan. A steering group walks of life to travel overseas hospital services in Skye, Lochalsh & was being established to draw up and bring back knowledge for South West Ross. The go-ahead the benefit of others. To mark proposals. th would mean the construction of a its 50 anniversary, the new hospital (known as a ‘hub’ facil- Winston Churchill Memorial ity) in Broadford and the provision Drumadrochit’s earliest-known resident, Trust awarded a travelling fel- who lived around 4,500 years ago, wore a lowship to Ruth Mantle, Alz- of a ‘spoke’ facility in Portree. stone guard on his wrist when using a heimer Scotland dementia bow and arrow and favoured geometric nurse consultant for NHS High- NHS Highland urged people to use the designs on his kitchenware. Following the land, making her the 5,000th Emergency Department at Raigmore for discovery in January of a Bronze Age bur- recipient. emergencies only. The board was follow- ial cist on the site of NHS Highland’s new ing redirection guidance from the Scottish Drumnadrochit Health Centre, it was revealed that archae- Government aimed at ensuring that all patients were seen ologists had found shards of pottery and an archery wrist in a timely manner when they presented at the department. guard on the same site. Ross County FC joined forces with See Me, the Highlights reported that work was under way on Scottish anti-stigma campaign, the Mid Ross com- developing plans to maximise the potential thera- munity mental health team and Ross-shire Game peutic use of the grounds surrounding New Craigs Changers, an organisation of people with lived ex- Hospital in Inverness. Funding of £500,000 had been perience of mental health problems, to challenge secured for the project. the stigma surrounding mental health problems.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing approved NHS Highland publicised an initiative to improve the way NHS Highland’s “exciting proposals” for the modernisation people are supported in care homes. ‘My Home Life’ is an of its community and hospital services in Badenoch and evidence-based approach to supporting and enabling manag- Strathspey. With approval having been granted, detailed ers to create homely environments in care homes. planning for the new services and facilities would now get under way in earnest with a view to preparing the formal A Mid Ross community mental health team project business case. which promotes healthy lifestyle activities won a national award. The Branching Out pilot, a partner- The latest phase in a £30 million, three-year project ship between NHS Highland and Abriachan Forest to upgrade Raigmore Hospital in Inverness was Trust aimed at improving the physical and mental completed with the transfer of patients from Ward health of service users through outdoor physical ac- 11 to refurbished wards on the main building’s sev- tivity, was recognised by the Mental Health Nursing enth floor. The move reflected a long-held ambition Forum Scotland.

- 26 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: MARCH To improve the in-patient experience and help staff to plan eral Hospital in Wick. The board was costing a care reflecting individual needs, a four week trial was being range of options as part of the business plan process carried out by senior nurses at Raigmore. People going into that’s a necessary part of such a large infrastructure hospital for planned surgery were sent a questionnaire to project. It was hoped that, if it secured the esti- be completed before their admission asking them what their mated £5 million it needed for the project from the ‘Five Must Dos’ are when they were in hospital. It was Scottish Government, work on upgrading the 74- hoped that this approach would encourage people in hospi- bed rural general hospital would get under way next tal to be active participants in their hospital stay and lead to year and be completed within two years. an improved care experience. The importance of developing community services and the A symposium and roadshow was held in Inverness provision of a sustainable model of care in Caithness Gen- on ‘Challenges in Remote and Rural Healthcare’. eral Hospital were key points for discussion at a meeting in The event brought Thurso, organised by together a wide NHS Highland. One of range of practitio- the items for discussion ners who share a was an update on the common interest in redesign of hospital the delivery of services, and particu- healthcare in remote larly those at Caithness and rural environ- General. ments. Dr Kirstin McQuil- NHS Highland con- lan, an NHS High- firmed that the land land salaried GP at between Dr MacKinnon Morvern Medical Memorial Hospital and Practice in the health centre in Lochaber, returned Broadford was the pre- from a month-long ferred site for the pro- voluntary language posed new hospital and teaching assignment resource centre. But Staff at NHS Highland were encouraged to be less sedentary at in the West Bank. the board stressed that work. A campaign by occupational health physiotherapists at the German national Dr this view was based only board urged employees to ‘Beware of the Chair’, pointing out McQuillan and her on quality factors and that inactivity is the fourth biggest killer in Britain. Through Scottish husband that a final site selection short, fun presentations and internal communications, staff were Paul, a former advised that they should move about more while at work. Among would be subject to the suggestions were holding standing meetings, standing up teacher, taught Eng- other considerations. three times every hour, using standing desks, going for a walk at lish and German to lunchtime and standing up when on the phone, having a coffee or children and adults Highlights reported eating lunch. in the city of Nablus. on the retiral of Cathy Lush who, as NHS Highland’s clinical dental Dr Owl – a wise character from a national health campaign director, had steered the board’s dental services for – took to the skies to urge people in Highland to take a few the 15 years. simple steps to look after their health over Easter. It was part of a campaign to remind people that by making sure Highlights reported that a Ross-shire resident had joined they had a supply of over the counter medicines, knowing the board of NHS Highland as a non-executive director. when their GP surgery was open and checking their repeat Originally from Norfolk, Melanie Newdick moved to Scot- prescriptions, they could ensure they made the most of the land 10 years ago. Highlights explained that she worked Easter holiday weekend. both as a business coach, specialising in helping small businesses, and as a freelance travel rep. She also presented a Members of the NHS Highland board found out first weekly business show on the online radio channel North -hand how they could make a difference for people Highland Radio. living with dementia. Directors took time to learn about dementia and the little things that can be NHS Highland reported that it was working up done to help those living with the condition. In do- plans for a multi-million revamp of Caithness Gen- ing so, they became ‘dementia friends’.

- 27 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: APRIL An exhibition shedding light on nursing in the Highlands was Farmer, who had volunteered with the charity for over 24 held in Inverness. Using documents, photographs and other years, was recognised for his continuing contribution to records from the NHS Highland archive, the Highland care events, which provide respite, support and advice to Council’s historic collections and elsewhere, the exhibition families living with diabetes. was intended for people with an interest in or association with nursing or nurse training. The NHS Highland Mid Ross community mental health team walked away with a clean sweep of hon- NHS Highland employees’ pension arrangements ours at this year’s Mental Health Nursing Forum changed from a ‘final salary’ scheme to a ‘career Scotland awards. Having been informed that their average’ one. Branching Out pilot had already secured one practice excellence award, the team was named the After 19 years of service as the single-handed general prac- Practice of the Year for 2015. titioner in Durness, Dr Alan Belbin announced that he planned to retire. It would mean that as from 1st July it NHS Highland advised members of the public to beware of would be the responsibility of NHS Highland to ensure cold callers claiming to be from the National Health Service. that the 294 patients registered in Durness had access to Laura Gillies, lead adviser for adult support and protection medical services. Representatives of NHS Highland met for NHS Highland, asked everyone to be vigilant and to re- Durness Community Council to discuss what this might port it if they received this type of calls. There had been mean for local services. reports from local GP surgeries and a local hospital of a company cold calling older people in the area claiming to be It was announced that a pilot project carried out at from the NHS. Raigmore which allowed patients to clearly identify the nurse in charge of their ward would be adopted A new programme providing post-diagnostic sup- across the hospital. port to families with children on the autism spectrum was launched across Argyll and Bute. The ‘Get A retired NHS Highland HR director published a biography Set 4 Autism’ project, delivered in partnership with of his great-great-grandfather Professor Matthew Forster Scottish Autism and Autism Argyll, aimed to reduce Heddle – Scotland’s greatest mineralogist. Hamish Johnston, the feelings of isolation experienced by families liv- who retired in 2006 after 24 years working for Highland ing with autism in rural areas. Health Board, penned the book – entitled Matthew Forster Heddle, Mineralogist and Mountaineer – An NHS Highland biomedi- after learning that no-one had previ- cal scientist maintained that a bowel screening test ously written about Professor Hed- kit saved his life – and en- dle, author of The Mineralogy of Scot- abled him to sign up for land (1901). one of the largest humanitarian efforts in history. A initiative at Raigmore involv- Neil Spence, from Farr just ing partnership working be- outside Inverness, com- tween patient and hospital staff pleted a home bowel had improved recovery times screening test kit after be- and surgery outcomes, the ing prompted by the Scot- tish Government’s Detect board reported. The national Cancer Early publicity cam- Enhanced Recovery Pro- paign. His test came back gramme aims to get the pa- as positive and further in- tient to be an active participant vestigation found a tumour in their recovery. In Highland, in his bowel. After a suc- Highlights reported, this was cessful operation, Mr carried out in orthopaedic and Spence was able to spend colorectal surgery. five weeks volunteering in Sierra Leone contributing to efforts to tackle the A Raigmore consultant paediatrician Ebola outbreak – and he was honoured with a Long Service was urging others to take Volunteer Award from Diabetes part in bowel screening. UK, Highlights reported. Dr George

- 28 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: MAY NHS Highland took the unusual step of placing an advertise- received were displayed within the hospital as part ment in a Dutch newspaper in the hope of attracting medics of International Nurses Day. in a wide range of specialties. The board, in common with others serving remote and rural communities, has long had Moves were in hand to transform an NHS Highland’s a problem filling some vacancies and believed the existence Beachview Day Centre in Brora into a “health and wellbeing of regular direct flights between Inverness and Amsterdam hub”, serving people from throughout the area who have would make working in the Highlands an attractive proposi- dementia or mental health issues. Highlights revealed that, tion to Dutch doctors. in a pilot initiative, the day centre in Brora was to open under a new guise, with Easter Ross-based community in- NHS Highland appointed its lead nurse in Argyll and terest company Engaging with Activity (EWA) offering a Bute to the new post of deputy director of nursing range of services on NHS Highland’s behalf. NHS Highland and midwifery. Pat Tyrrell was suc- staff would continue to work at the centre, ceeded as lead nurse in Argyll and Bute and its service users would continue to re- by the clinical services manager for Bute, ceive the services and support they always Liz Higgins. received, as well enhanced services provided by EWA. An NHS Highland doctor helped Scotland to become the first country in the world to intro- An innovative project challenging the duce standard guidelines for dealing with con- stigma attached to mental health and cussion in sport. Dr Jonathan Hanson, a rural self-harm among young people was tak- practitioner based on Skye, served on the na- ing place in two Highland schools, High- tional working group which drew up the new Highlights reported lights reported. ‘Stigma’ used drama guidance, which was unveiled at an event in that Fort William GP and creative workshops to teach pupils Glasgow. Highlights reported that Dr Hanson Jim Douglas was set- at Alness and Invergordon Academies served on the working group as a representa- ting up a group of interested bodies in about the help available for those who tive of the Camanachd Association, of which Lochaber to feed in- self-harmed, and the best way they he was medical adviser. formation into the could support their friends through diffi- LymeMap project, cult times. Construction of the new dialysis unit in which was launched at Campeltown Hospital got under way. a seminar in in Inver- A new telephone helpline was launched to ness (see February). help improve the delivery of care throughout Patients could be reminded about their out- the Highlands and Islands for those living with patient appointments by text message in a new service that Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The helpline was started on 1st May in NHS Highland. The patient reminder established with support from Crohn’s and Colitis UK to service covers all hospital out-patient appointments, with give rapid-access support and advice to help patients better the some exceptions, and reminds patients about their ap- manage their condition. pointment 24 hours in advance. Work on Raigmore’s critical care upgrade took a Staff from across Highland got together to share big step forward with the Scottish Government ap- expertise and discuss individual’s roles when treat- proving the outline business case submitted by NHS ing patients with hip fractures. The Highland hip Highland. The upgrade will bring all critical care ser- fracture event in Inverness saw local healthcare pro- vices, which includes the Acute Medical Assessment fessionals talking about their roles in the care of pa- Unit, the Intensive Care Unit, SHDU, theatre and tients. the admissions area, into one area over two floors. The operating theatres will be refurbished and an A colourful wooden box covered with locks was set to pro- additional theatre will be added to bring the total vide a key activity for hospital patients with dementia. Dor- number within the theatre unit to 10. noch Academy sixth-year pupils Luis Steven and Charlie- Jack Meeres made the box as part of their work towards Highlights reported that NHS Highland was making available obtaining a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Luis visited a new service to support and guide those employees who Migdale Hospital in Bonar Bridge to present the 'box of lox' were considering what retirement might mean to them. The to staff nurse Adele Gallagher. service would be provided through workshops to raise awareness of the key issues employees would need to con- NHS Highland asked members of the public to tell sider, and decisions they would need to make, in the run-up them ‘what has a nurse done for you’, and responses to retiring.

- 29 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JUNE A flash mob highlighting ‘workout at work’ reached more Two Highland public than 100,000 people after a video of it was posted on to health dietitians cre- NHS Highland's Facebook page. NHS Highland staff, pa- ated a board game tients and members of the public were treated to the dis- aimed at improving play over their lunch in the Raigmore Hospital can- people’s understand- teen. Entertaining the crowd were the musuloskeletal and ing of healthy occupational health physiotherapists who chose the flash weight. The Food, mob as a way of highlighting national Workout at Work Mood and Health Day. game is a thoughtful

and fun learning re- NHS Highland chief executive Elaine Mead encour- source for children, aged businesses and communities in Inverness to young people and become ‘dementia friends’ and commit to support adults that provides people living with dementia to continue to remain a an informal context part of their community. for learning about

important food and health topics. NHS Highland An NHS Highland patient safety initiative was to be rolled health improvement dietitian Fiona Clarke out across Scotland, Highlights reported. ‘Medicine Sick Day worked with Highland Council dietitian David Rex Rules’ cards explain which long-term medicines should be to create the game. stopped temporarily if a patient develops a dehydrating illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Following a suc- research nurse, had responded to an Oxford Univer- cessful evaluation of the cards in NHS Highland, NHSScot- sity appeal for volunteers to support the trial. land and the Scottish Patient Safety Programme decided to make them cads available across Scotland. The national The Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership hosted a Face- cards were launched at the NHSScotland event in Glasgow. book chat on the four ‘As’ of alcohol: availability, afforda- bility, accessibility and acceptance – and how we as a soci- The Scottish Parliament gave formal statutory ap- ety needed to promote that prevention was better than proval for the scheme to integrate health and adult cure when came to reducing the harm caused by alcohol. social care in Argyll and Bute. The Scottish Government began its quest for a new People were asked to think of others when using Raig- non-executive chair of NHS Highland to replace more’s main car park. It was recognised that the car park Garry Coutts, who will next year stand down as the was very busy and it could be difficult trying to find a space board’s chair, having served in the post for the in it. However, it was reported that there had been exam- statutory maximum of three consecutive four-year ples of cars being blocked in, access roads being blocked terms. and the disabled bays being used by people who do not have blue badges displayed on their car. Scotland’s oldest person, Rene Chapman, celebrated her 109th birthday in Telford Centre, Fort Augustus, where she A nurse who touched the lives of many people re- was a resident. Friends, family and staff gathered for a birth- tired after working continuously in Sutherland for day tea party in the NHS Highland care home and, as a dog- 30 years. Colleagues gathered in the Lawson Memo- lover, Rene enjoyed a specially made birthday cake in the rial Hospital to say good-bye to Marion Mackay, shape of a Pekinese, her favourite breed. Macmillan nurse for East Sutherland. More than 300 members of staff from across NHS NHS Highland’s desire to pioneer ground-breaking tech- Highland were thanked for their years of service at nologies sparked plans by the board’s research, develop- ceremonies held throughout the area. The awards, ment and innovation department to stage a series of road- in their seventh year in Highland, marked 20, 30 and shows for staff. The department used the roadshows to 40 years’ service with the NHS, with employees re- meet staff members who had ideas for new products or ceiving a certificate and vouchers. services, with a view to helping to turn them into reality. NHS Highland hosted a party of around 20 senior Norwe- An NHS Highland research nurse spoke about her gian officials who were touring Scotland. The visitors were experiences in Sierra Leone working with a team keen to share challenges around the delivery of rural health conducting an Ebola treatment intervention trial. and social care, and were particularly interested in pre- Gig (Georgina) Simpson, lead Highland cancer trials hospital care, community hospitals and recruitment.

- 30 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JULY A new bed cleaning team was introduced at Raigmore as part of a three-month pilot across three wards. The team of two, part of the hospital’s domestic team, were to have the sole responsibility for cleaning beds and bed spaces a new patient could be admitted to the area.

The renal unit at Raigmore embraced the ‘#hello my name is’ initiative with all staff pledging commitment to this very patient-centred campaign. The campaign was started by hospital consultant Dr Kate Granger, who wanted to improve patient experience after being a patient in hospital following a cancer diagnosis.

The project board established to oversee the preparation of the business case for the redesign of NHS Highland services in Badenoch and Strathspey held its first meeting, Highlights reported.

Inverness resident John Davidson presented a cheque for over £1,300 to the Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital after he and his father Alex cycled from Land’s End and John O’Groats to Four student nurses from Israel were in Inver- raise money for the unit which had cared for both of ness to take part in a student exchange visit ar- John’s children. ranged by the Highland Campus of University of

Stirling in partnership with NHS Highland. This Highlights reported that employment services manager was the third year in a row that Israeli nursing Brenda Munro was retiring after a long career with NHS students had visited the Highlands. Highland. Brenda began her career with NHS Highland in 1974, and held a variety of positions in the pay unit before making the switch to the board’s human resources team in Highlights reported that the Vocational Support 1999. Team had held two launch events to introduce its service to health professionals in Inverness and Caithness. The service had been established to help adults with mental ill-health remain in or find new employment. Teams would be based in Wick and Inverness and would offer one-to-one support to help people achieve their goals, and offer a tailored approach to suit individual needs.

Health professionals and patient groups in Highland gave their views on a national review of primary care out-of- hours services. At an engagement event, the chair of the review, Professor Sir Lewis Ritchie, met patient representatives, practitioners, service providers and policy makers to discuss issues facing out-of-hours services.

GMB Union Highland and Islands donated a number of portable DVD players, along with some DVDs, to the children’s ward at Raigmore Hospital, Highlights reported.

Derek Ritchie, who was NHS Highland’s prosthetics ser- After 42 years of working at Raigmore Hospital, vices manager, based in Raigmore Hospital. retired after 11 chargehand painter John Douglas retired. years working for the board.

- 31 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: AUGUST The first of a series of events to look at the future shape of conference in Inverness. The Highland Trainee Clinical Psy- adult health and social care services on the north coast chologists Research Conference provided a forum for train- took place in Strathy, Sutherland. The meeting included ees to talk about their work. representatives of community councils and other local groups, councillors, staff and interested parties from across Harm reduction staff in Highland held events to the area. Topics that participants raised included looking mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Staff after people in their own home, developing a community from the Inverness-based harm reduction service ‘hub’, promoting general wellbeing, transport, recruitment, and the Caithness-based drug and alcohol service inward investment and supporting community resilience. offered drop-in sessions for clients or agencies who dealt with people at risk of opiate overdose. The Mid Ross District Partnership hosted a celebra- tory event to showcase all that is great about ser- Highlights reported that NHS Highland was working with vices and opportunities in health and social care in Care Farming Scotland in a bid to increase the availability of the area. Members of the public, service providers, social farming in the north of Scotland. Social farms provide community members, elected members and practi- health, social or educational services for a range of vulner- tioners attended the Dingwall event. able groups, including people will mental ill-health, autism and learning disabilities. NHS Highland’s head of eHealth infrastructure services, Iain Ross, who won the Scottish NHS Golf Classic in July, repre- Highlights revealed that new clinical director for sented NHSScotland in the NHS Four Nations eHealth for NHS Highland was to be Jim Golf Tournament in August. Iain and Jim Do- Docherty, a consultant colorectal surgeon cherty, consultant colorectal and general sur- at Raigmore. geon for NHS Highland, who also qualified, helped NHS Scotland to second place behind Staff and volunteers at a recently re-opened the Northern Irish team. However, Iain was the care home in Mallaig served up a very special top-scoring Scottish player, only four points treat to residents and locals. The Mackintosh behind the overall winner. Centre laid on a slap-up evening dinner, giving residents and guests the opportunity to dress The first formal meeting of the new Inte- up and enjoy some fine dining. The event was gration Joint Board (IJB) in Argyll and Highlights re- part of a programme of community engagement Bute was held in Oban. The IJB will plan ported that events at the centre. and manage services from 1st April 2016 Helen Sikora had when the Argyll and Bute Health and So- been appointed The senior charge nurse role at Lawson cial Care Partnership takes over responsi- NHS Highland’s Memorial Hospital in Golspie was been bility for all health and social care ser- principal officer filled following the retiral of the Allison vices from Argyll and Bute Council and for health ine- Mackay, Highlights reported. Joanne NHS Highland. qualities, equal- Gemmill and Ashley Thompson took over ity and diversity. the post on a job-share basis. The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison, visited Lochbroom care home in A former NHS Highland general practice trainee raised Ullapool to learn more about the integration of health and more than £1,600 for the Special Care Baby Unit in Raig- adult social care. She met staff, residents and members of more Hospital after completing the Fort William marathon. the community who had felt the benefits of integrated Dr Esther Wilson signed up for her fund-raising run after health and adult social care in Highland. being impressed by the level of care her friend’s daughter received in the unit. Highlights reported that a survey of patients across Highland hospitals about their experience of chap- Managers in NHS Highland were urged to encour- laincy services showed that the service provided had age employees to complete the annual staff survey, helped contribute to quality person-centred care. conducted by NHSScotland. Last year, probably for Most of the patients surveyed advised that they the first time, the response rate to the survey in were satisfied or very satisfied with the service and NHS Highland was, at 32 per cent, below the comments illustrated that, for some people, being NHSScotland average. And with the message that visited by the chaplain improved their hospital stay. the survey was important, and can prompt positive In-depth research by trainee clinical psychologists working change, the push was on to encourage maximum with NHS Highland was put under the spotlight at a major participation in 2015.

- 32 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: SEPTEMBER NHS Highland was in a strong position despite facing a number of outstanding concerns, the health board’s annual review heard this week. Board chair Garry Coutts said that 2013/14 had been a “tough year” for NHS Highland and he described 2014/15 as a year of improvements to systems and outcomes. The next year, he said, could be character- ised as one of “stability and confidence”, reflecting the strong position he said the board was now in. The annual review, held in Wick, was attended by the Cabinet Secre- tary for Health and Wellbeing, Shona Robison.

The stroke unit at Raigmore and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) held a joint celebration at the hospital to launch Strokeness, a new support group for stroke survivors, and to also celebrate 10 years of the Stroke Patient and Carer Group. Highlights reported that NHS Highland therapy ‘The Possibilities are Endless’, a film about incredible story radiographer Adesh Jutton (above) had returned of lyricist Edwyn Collins’ recovery from a stroke, was from Kenya after spending 10 days there raising shown at Eden Court, Inverness, in an event held by NHS awareness of cancer among the local population. Highland and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS). The Raigmore-based Adesh was there as part of a joint event was organised to raise awareness of stroke and group of volunteers with the charity Cancel Can- to act as a networking opportunity. cer Africa.

An internationally-renowned expert on health ine- The Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital qualities aging gave the keynote speech at an event received £12,000 from a little girl who wanted to say on the subject in Inverness. The event was organ- thank-you for the care she received there. Amelia Jo ised by NHS Highland to look at ‘Inequalities and Kelly, from Inverness, was eight weeks premature Older People’ and featured a presentation by Pro- when she was born in September 2014 and she fessor James Nazroo, a leading researcher in the spent four weeks in SCBU. field. He talked about inequalities in later life, and their consequences and how they could be tackled. A diamond wedding anniversary provided a welcome boost for the children’s ward at Raigmore Hospital. Ken and Peggy The Scottish Government extended its quest for a new non Watson, from Easter Kinkell, had celebrated 60 years of -executive chair of NHS Highland. Having failed to identify a marriage but instead of gifts they asked for donations for suitable candidate to replace Garry Coutts, who will stand the ward and were able to donate £1,000. down next year, it was decided to re-advertise the position. NHS Highland staff were being urged to make use NHS Highland said it was delighted at the contribu- of the network of paths and cycleways on the new tion from members of the public to an ongoing re- Inverness Campus. With more than 30 acres of view of health and social care services across the parkland, the campus was designed as a facility for north coast of Sutherland. A total of 35 people at- everybody: a gathering place in which people can tended what the health board described as an enjoy their leisure time. “extremely useful” workshop in Tongue which considered the development of services in the area. The cardio physiology department at Raigmore received an award from Medtronic in recognition of their use of the A donation to the cardiac unit lead to improve- Carelink system. The department is responsible for provid- ments to the quiet room in the cath lab at Raig- ing a service to patients Highland-wide, including the West- more Hospital. Mrs Ishbel Clarkson, from Brora, ern Isles, in looking after patients with implantable devices made the donation in memory of her husband John. such as pacemakers, ICDs and monitoring devices.

Staff in the cardiac unit at Raigmore received over £2,000 Chron’s and Colitis UK Highlands and Islands Group from the Heartbeat Challenge. It paid for monitoring equip- donated money to the IBD team at Raigmore Hos- ment that can be used in hospital and in GP surgeries to pital, allowing them to buy a new set of weighing help diagnose people who have palpitations. scales.

- 33 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: OCTOBER The Belford Hospital celebrated its 150th birthday – and a ling £1.5 million from the Scottish Government under its very special event was held in Fort William to mark the ‘Being Here’ programme to devise and test innovative ways occasion. A host of distinguished guests, including the chair of recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals – and of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, particularly GPs – in some of its more isolated communities. Professor David Haslam CBE; Professor Derek Bell, presi- News of some of the work carried out under the ‘Being dent of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Here’ project featured in an NHS Highland newsletter NHS Highland chief executive Elaine Mead, attended a four- which was distributed to interested parties. day conference featuring a host of internationally renowned speakers, many of whom had trained and worked at the Adult social work services in East Caithness trans- hospital. ferred to the medical centre in Wick in a move which brought the local district nursing and social NHS Highland’s sleep service held an event in Inver- work service teams into the same base. ness to raise awareness of Obstructive Sleep Ap- noea Syndrome, and to advise on what support was Doctors at the annual conference of the Royal College of available locally. General Practitioners, held in Glasgow, were given an insight into practising in remote and rural parts of Highland A dedication and memorial service for nurse Edith Cavell and Argyll and Bute. NHS Highland, along with NHS Shet- was held at Cavell Gardens War Memorial, Inverness, on land and NHS Dumfries and Galloway, mounted a stall pro- the 100th anniversary of her death. She was tried in secret moting remote and rural working. by the German military authorities during the First World War and, despite efforts to save her by the American and Two of NHS Highland’s operational units – Raig- Spanish ambassadors to Belgium, was more and South & Mid – had executed by firing squad at a rifle range merged, Highlights reported. just outside Brussels at dawn on 12th October 1915. Staff, patients and volunteers at two Ar- gyll and Bute hospitals were celebrating Fort Augustus Health Centre suf- after receiving a prestigious national fered extensive damage in a major award. The chemotherapy day services weekend blaze. and a room for relatives of in-patients approaching end of life at the hospital in The Scottish Government confirmed that Lochgilphead and the Macmillan day bed NHS Highland could submit an outline unit at Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban business case for the redesign of services were awarded a Macmillan Quality Envi- in Badenoch and Strathspey. The an- ronment Mark. The awards recognise and nouncement followed the approval by the reward good practice and high standards Scottish Government Health Director- within the physical environment of a can- ate’s Capital Investment Group of NHS A striking image of a snow- cer care building. Highland’s Initial Agreement document. covered Highland moun- tain won an award for an Moves were in hand to establish a Highlights reported that only 25 per NHS Highland employee in closer working relationship between cent of those who had attended Argyll and Bute. Linda NHS Highland and the University of NHS Highland stress control classes Kerr, NHS Highland li- the Highlands and Islands. NHS in Lochaber were men – but the brary services manager at Highland’s board approved a Memo- proportion was still seen by the Lorn and Islands Hospital randum of Understanding between course organisers as “remarkably in Oban, won the adult the two organisations which will high”. NHS Highland had run four category in the stills pho- form the basis of developing areas of six-week stress control courses since tography competition held common interest. the beginning 2014, and were due to as part of the Scottish hold another – again over six weeks Mental Health Arts and Highlights reported that an innovative – in Corpach. Film Festival. sharing portal named Warp It had been introduced in Highland to help employees NHS Highland published details of some of the progress it share equipment – and help reduce the health board’s car- has made in a three-year initiative to find new ways of deliv- bon footprint. It enabled staff to arrange for equipment to ering sustainable health and care services in remote and be shared and saved via one website, which has been rural areas. In 2013, NHS Highland received funding total- dubbed an ‘internal eBay’.

- 34 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: NOVEMBER Two NHS Highland staff were recognised at the Scottish ness on 18th November. The tests were offered as Health Awards in Edinburgh for their outstanding contribu- part of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Dis- tion to healthcare in the north of Scotland. Gavin Hookway, ease Day. NHS Highland senior quality improvement, lead picked up the Quality Champion of the Year Award thanks to his Highlights reported that NHS Highland has launched a ma- commitment to raising standards across the board’s area. jor project to tackle what it described as a “key priority” Pauline Jespersen, a practice nurse partner and integrated for the board – addressing mental health needs. The board team leader, received the Nurse Award for her work at the was undertaking a wide-ranging review to determine unmet Lorn Medical Centre in Oban, where she has been based mental health need throughout its area. The project in- for the past 15 years. volves gathering information on existing mental health services, ascertaining the prevalence of common mental health Health professionals from across the country were disorders and mapping service provision according to popu- in Inverness for NHS Highland’s annual ‘Heart of lation need. the Matter’ cardiology symposium. The event featured a range of speakers and poster presentations A service in Argyll and Bute for people with multi- giving delegates the opportunity to share learning ple sclerosis won a major award. When physiothera- on all things cardiology. pist Derek Laidler started working with NHS High- land, he was frustrated that there was no rehabilita- NHS Highland hosted its annual research, development and tion service in his area for people with neurological innovation conference at the Centre for Health Science in conditions – so he decided to do something about it. Inverness. The event highlighted featured key- And five years later, the service he note speakers, breakout sessions, exhibition helped to set up in Oban was named a stands and networking opportunities. The winner in the first QuDoS (Recognising theme for the conference was ‘Whole Health’ Quality in the Delivery of Services) and focused on the ‘5Ps’ of total care: public Awards, which recognise quality in the health, prevention, primary care, patient hospi- delivery of services for people with mul- tal care and the patient (self care). tiple sclerosis. Derek and Andrea James, who helped him to develop the service The Highland Health Board Carol Con- when she worked as project manager cert Choir held its annual concert in with the community enterprise initiative Eden Court, Inverness. Gig (Georgina) Lorn and Oban Healthy Options, won Simpson, lead the award scheme’s ‘Innovation in Prac- Encouraging people to share their experience Highland cancer tice’ category. of living with diabetes and have their say on the clinical trials re- diabetes service in Highland was the theme of Alcohol Awareness Week, which kicked off on search nurse, was th this year’s Highland Diabetes Conference, held named as a run- 16 November, aimed to encourage people to in Inverness on World Diabetes Day, 14th No- ner-up for the think about the impact of alcohol use in their vember. clinical research community. The theme for the week was ‘the nurse of the year impact of alcohol on health and society’. Following rigorous reassessment High- by the Scottish land’s Health and Social Care Partner- Research Nurse It was reported that pharmacy teams ship maintained Baby Friendly status, and Co- from four health boards in north Scot- demonstrating that recognised best prac- ordinators Net- land were working together to develop tice standards and high quality support is work. and promote innovative services in re- provided to mothers and babies. mote and rural areas. The announce- ment of the new collaboration was made at NHS Raigmore Hospital’s dining room, main cafe and out- Highland’s annual Research, Development and Inno- patients’ tea bar, as well as the cafe at the nearby Centre vation Conference in Inverness. Teams from NHS for Health Science, maintained their ‘healthy living plus’ Highland, NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland and NHS status following a recent reassessment, Highlights reported. Western Isles had come together in collaboration The award is given to those who can demonstrate a greater with Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, to form commitment to supporting healthier eating. a ‘Pharmacy on the Edge’ group. The name was chosen to symbolise the leading-edge approach the NHS Highland staff were offering breathing tests to teams take, and the remote and rural areas in which the public at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inver- they worked.

- 35 - HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY Old meets new: the NHS, the library and new developments in the Knowledge Network

THE origins of the National Health Ser- vice in the UK can be traced back to the north of Scotland where many of the for- mative ideas were developed and tested. This tradition has continued with the High- land Health Sciences Library being one of the key instigators in the development of the Knowledge Network – arguing that electronic access to materials was the most effective way to increase access to information especially in remote and rural areas. The Highland Health Sciences Library continues to be in the forefront of health information developments in the NHS in Scotland. We are proud to be helping pilot the National Evi- dence Search and Summary Service. This is a new service from NHS Education Scotland (NES) which aims to support your decisions in frontline care, management and improvement work. By using the service you can request a professional search and summary of evidence, choosing from a summary digest, evidence review, or an organised and filtered collection of references. The National Evidence Search and Summary Service is a pan Scotland resource which means that librarians across boards (including NHS Highland) will be collaborating to produce the results. The National Evidence Search and Summary Service can be found at: http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/ We are proud to be helping helpandtraining/help-and-training/the-national- evidence-search--summary-service.aspx ‘pilot the National Evidence Remember, whatever your needs the High- land Health Sciences Library exists to help you.

Save time and money. Don’t spend more than Search and Summary Service 10 minutes on a problem you may be having – contact the library instead. To find out more about the library call 01463 255600 (x7600).

Rob Polson, Subject Librarian

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Ever wondered what our staff do in their spare time? OTHER LIVES ‘Other Lives’ reports on colleagues’ outside interests

WHAT do campanologists think of the festive season? After all, you’ll no doubt hear more than enough of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ at this time of year and chances are you’ll be bringing in the bells in a few days’ time. But bells aren’t just for Christmas and New Year as far as Rhiannon Pitt is con- cerned; they’re a year-round passion. For when she’s not working as NHS Highland area manager Rhiannon likes nothing better than to tug on the bell ropes at Inverness Cathedral. Rhiannon was brought up in Hertford- shire, a part of the world where most churches have belltowers. Her next-door But don't the good folk of Inverness ob- neighbour was a church warden and, with Area ject to bellringers inflicting their practice bellringers in the family, she took up the manager sessions on them? interest at the age of 13 – and has been “You have to have a very good relation- bells crazy ever since. and the ship with your immediate neighbours,” joked “I’ve been doing it for 30-odd years and Rhiannon. “But seriously, we have recently have loved every minute of it,” said Rhian- ap-peal invested in a computer with software which non. “It’s one of those interests that can muffles to sound of the bells so that we can really grip you.” of heavy hear them but people outside can't.” Rhiannon is one of around 25 people The cathedral may have the only bell- who ring the bells of Inverness Cathedral, metal tower in the area – the nearest is in which has the most northerly belltower in Dunkeld – but Rhiannon is nevertheless the world. The cathedral has 10 bells, rang- part of a community of people throughout ing in weight from 400 to 1,600 hundred- the country who share her interest. weight, and at least six bells are used at “It's a small world, really,” she said. “We any one time. tend to know each other, not least through Ask Rhiannon about the technicalities of the Scottish Association of Change Ringers, bellringing and you'll probably wish you which meets regularly and holds an annual hadn't – expressions such as 'sally', 'plain 'striking' competition. hunting' and 'quarter peals' tend to glaze Rhiannon attends as many practice ses- the eyes of the uninitiated. sions as she can but, as she lives in Gol- “There's a lot to learn,” said Rhiannon. It’s one spie, she won't be joining her colleagues to “There is a skill to controlling a bell and al- ring the bells for the Christmas midnight though I have been bellringing for 33 years ‘of those service or to ring the old year out and the I'm still learning.” new year in. The bells of Inverness Cathedral are interests After all, it's not as if she is under- rung twice on Sundays: at around 10.30am, occupied. For besides having a full-on role before the morning service, and at around with NHS Highland and being a mum, 5.30pm, in advance of the evening service. that can Rhiannon has been fostering children for They are also rung for special occasions, the past couple of years. She currently has such as weddings, but Inverness residents really a seven-year-old girl in her care, and says will also hear them on Thursday evenings, she gets a great deal from supporting chil- when the group meets to practise. dren when they are often most vulnerable. grip you “Practice nights are important, not just to “It's about trying to improve someone's keep our skill levels up but from a social life,” she said. “The last child we fostered point of view,” said Rhiannon. “It's one of went on to be adopted with her sibling, from the things I like about bellringing: it's great whom she had been separated. It was hard to get together with people who share the to see her go but it was a very positive out- same interest.” come.”

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Q & What does your job involve? Aspend it on?

Dealing with media enquiries, gen- I’d see my family alright, give a erating media releases, producing THIS MONTH: chunk to a wee charity for which a NHS Highland News, throwing High- modest sum of money would make lights together every month and Inverness-based a massive difference, and hole up in various other sundry tasks. Gener- New Zealand and re-invent myself ally, trying to ensure that, through as an eccentric degenerate. the media, NHS Highland is seen in media manager a good light. I know, I’m a failure! What about a smaller sum, Tom Davison say £1,000? Describe yourself. Either pay for my grand-daughter’s Left wing and sadly cynical. riding lessons or buy a new bike for myself. Sorry Charlotte, but I Do you have any hobbies and think I’ll go for the bike. interests? Hillwalking, forever re-writing my What are you pet hates? novel, trying to paint, classical music How much space do I have? I can’t and imagining I can still run mara- decide if 1 hate is racism or pack- thons competitively. aging most. Have you ever bought a pair of scissors that required scis- What was the first single you sors to penetrate the plastic wrap- ever bought? ping? I’m also not very keen on Don’t remember ever buying a sin- motorists who don’t indicate, Sat- gle, but I guess my first album was urday-evening television, rap by Led Zeppelin or Taste, a band few will remember. ‘music’, persistent sales staff, almost all politicians, organised religion, being called ‘Mate’, Jeremy Clarkson, People Who What is your favourite food? Capitalise Their Job Titles Because They Are Very Impor- I’ve always been partial to haggis and coconut. Never tried tant, and aubergines. them together though. If you could have dinner with three people, dead or Do you have a favourite film? alive, who would they be and what would you cook I must have seen Zulu around 50 times. I’ve no idea why. them? George Best, Jim Baxter and Gazza. I don’t think we’d What about your favourite TV programme? bother with food. University Challenge. Keep the grey cells active, that’s what I say. What are the best and worst parts of your job? Getting a lot of newspaper space for a really positive, uplift- And your favourite book? ing story gives me a rare frisson of delight. I was a newspa- I keep Neil Munro’s ‘Tales of Para Handy’ by my bedside. per editor for 20-odd years and I’m the only person I know Try it for going to sleep with a smile on your face. who really loves newspapers and enjoys the company of journalists but I can’t abide it when the press slags us off If you won £10 million in the lottery, what would you without foundation.

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