THE NHS HIGHLAND STAFF NEWSPAPER June 2017 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY Elaine outlines our ‘direction of travel’

again over the last year you would have A message from Elaine noticed that it is becoming ever difficult Mead, chief executive of to sustain the current models of care. The impact of the changing demo- NHS Highland Continued on page 2 Dear Colleagues

Last week saw the signing of the 2016/17 accounts for NHS High- land. This showed a break-even posi- tion, in fact a tiny £111K under spend, with savings of £28M on the annual budget of £811M. Given the current financial environment across the coun- try this is an excellent achievement, and not been sufficient to allow us to con- I would like to thank you for your con- tinue to create additional capacity in tribution to this effort. many areas and specialties. However, this has not been without This year we have savings target of pain and that is only set to get harder around £47million. Clearly the need to with tough choices and decisions now deliver break-even, which is a legal re- having to be made. For some time now quirement for every Health Board, will we have not been able to treat all pa- have implications for how we all work in Do you recognise Morag tients that have been waiting for routine the delivery of care, and there must Drew? Turn to pages 12 to outpatient appointments or surgery in a now be an urgency to this change. We 14 to see who else you can timely way, or to meet the demand for need to make the changes and start to recognise receiving Valuing care provided at home. deliver the savings with immediate ef- Whilst we have been fortunate to fect, not wait for another six months. Service Awards this year…. secure some additional funding, this has It is not all about the money. Once

- - Our direction of travel We will continue to provide sup- Continued from front port and use quality improvement Help us to fight loneliness and techniques to minimise this waste, social isolation. Check out: graphics are also realised within our but we now urgently need you to http://www.reachout.scot.nhs.uk ageing workforce. redesign your own ways of work as We have known for some time individuals and teams to deliver more Contents that it simply will not be possible to at less cost with fewer people. recruit to all of the vacancies that we Every penny and every minute 4 Charter for Involvement signed expect to see in our services, and it will count this year more than 7 At Your Service: Les Hood is important that we increase our ever. We cannot be in a position 8 Department profile efforts to fundamentally change how where we are spending more than 9 Redesign architects announced we deliver care across the Highlands we can afford, so we need to deliver 11 Duo win HQA and Argyll and Bute. on all of the ideas that you have al- In December I drew your atten- ready given us, through the Rapid 12 Valuing Service Awards tion to the National Operational Process Improvement Workshops, 15 Laughing with Elaine C. Smith Delivery Plan for Health and Social team meetings and the ‘Breaking the 18 GP of the Year Care, and never has it been more rules for better care’ feedback. 19 Rock Challenge winner important for us to move quickly to Our trade union partners are also 21 Saltire Society success change the way we are organised and aware of this situation, so I will now 26 Campbeltown retains plaque how we deliver care. This blue print be seeking urgent meetings with rep- for services has been translated into resentatives and colleagues in human Q&A: Derek Brown 29 our own NHS Highland Quality and resources to look at a suite of op- Sustainability plan. Full report HERE. tions which we may have to con- Keep us informed This year (2017/18), and for the sider.

Do you know of something you next three financial years at least, we While there will be no redundan- think should be featured in High- will need to take concerted and de- cies we will need staff to work more liberate action to reduce the costs flexibly. In addition I am considering lights? An award, an achievement, particularly in our hospitals, whilst giving opportunities to staff to reduce a piece of research, an appoint- protecting our emergency and urgent their working week temporarily if we ment, a retiral … you name it, response for patients when they do not have to replace this time with Highlights has a place for it. Please need to access our services. additional hours. We will provide send your articles to There should be an expectation more detail on these options as we [email protected] (01463 that people will not be admitted to work up these proposals. But I hope 704876). hospital unless there is absolutely no you can see things are quite different other way that the care can be deliv- this year and therefore we need to ered at home, with a guarantee that consider all necessary action. patients will return quickly to their I am happy to speak with any of You can follow home with necessary support as their you, as individuals, as groups or medical condition has been resolved. teams along with my colleagues and NHS Highland on... To achieve this we must provide Board members to explain how you

better alternatives to hospital, includ- now need to contribute. It is not a WEBSITE ing 24/7 support available to fami- time to lament the loss, but a time to www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk lies. We have already started this celebrate the opportunities that this FACEBOOK work and will continue to work now provides in changing the way we https://www.facebook.com/ closely with other organisations, both work. This is about sustaining ser- NHSHighland public and third sector, to develop vices for the future, for our people, alternatives to the current and his- and for their children, and I am grate- TWITTER torical models of service. ful for your continuing support. www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or We continue to identify much I plan to keep you all regularly up @NHSHighland waste and unwanted variation within to date with our progress as the year our services. Many things we are unfolds and I will be relying on real doing are not cost effective and some time feedback on both the changes of our systems and historic ways of we have to make and how we com- working are simply serving only to municate about the next phase of add to your burden of work. our NHS Highland journey.

- 2 -

HEALTH PROMOTION COMMUTING Staff encouraged to end pj paralysis

Breakfast treat

COLLEAGUES IN in Raigmore Hos- pital and Larch House were treated to a special breakfast during Bike Week this month. NHS Highland’s active travel engagement officers Lizbeth Collie and Sheila Wickens laid on a bite to STAFF AT Raigmore Hospital in bed and get dressed helps with that. It’s eat for colleagues as part of a na- tional campaign to encourage more Inverness showed up to work in easier to get back into and maintain people to get on their bike. their pyjamas this month in a bid your normal routine when you are “We wanted to put on a special to understand what it feels like to dressed and ready for the day ahead. breakfast for colleagues to encour- be a patient. “Wearing pyjamas longer than you age them to think about cycling on a The dress up was used to highlight need to can actually make you feel vul- regular basis, including when com- the “End PJ Paralysis” campaign which nerable. Patients don’t feel ready to get muting,” Sheila explained. looks to getting patients up and about which can “The bike breakfasts at Raig- up and about and out of lead to loss of muscle more Hospital and Larch House their pyjamas as soon as strength, a higher risk of were a visible presence and encour- they are able to in order infection and a longer aged colleagues to stop and have a Research has chat with us over a cup of coffee and to improve recovery. stay in hospital.” a scone. The campaign has shown that be- There is evidence that “We also held ‘bike doctor’ ses- started on Ward 6C, a suggests that for people sions in the afternoon which offered medical ward, and will ing mobile over the age of 80 ten a bike health check, security tagging encourage patients who days in bed ages the and advice on NHS Highland’s cy- are fit to get dressed helps you re- muscles by 10 years, cle2work bicycle access scheme.” NHS Highland joined forces with and get moving. while one week of bed- Dr Susan MacGre- ‘ cover more rest results in 10 per UK Charity Sustrans to appoint two gor, occupational ther- cent muscle loss. active travel engagement officers quickly from earlier this year. apy and physiotherapy Nicola Rocke, senior Sheila continued: “A big part of service manager for illness and charge nurse on Ward our role is to support staff to make a Raigmore Hospital ex- 6C where the campaign behaviour change in commuting and plained that promoting injury is starting, said: “Loss of business travel.” and supporting patients strength for our patients Sustrans is a leading UK charity in getting up and getting could make the differ- which enables people to travel by dressed can improve ence between depend- foot, bike or public transport for patient recovery but also gets them ence and independence. Highlighting our more of the journeys they make. Contact Sheila on home quicker. desire to end PJ paralysis and encourage [email protected] or Lizbeth She said: “Research has shown that our patients who are able to get up, get on [email protected] for more being mobile helps you recover more dressed and’ get mobile, we know they’ll information on active travel and the quickly from illness and injury and en- see the benefit of a shorter hospital stay cycle2work scheme. couraging people to get up, get out of and a quicker return home.” - 3 - NEWS IN BRIEF ADULT SOCIAL CARE

Annual review date

AILEEN CAMPBELL, Minister for Public Health, is to attend NHS Highland’s annual review for 2017 at the Macdonald Resort, Aviemore, in August. The review on Thursday 31st August is part of the Scottish Gov- ernment Health Department’s yearly look at the performance of all NHS boards. It will also provide an opportu- nity for members of Highland’s NHS board to highlight the year’s achievements and discuss issues with the Minister and department mem- bers. The agenda is set by the depart- ment based on national standards and agreed local performance tar- gets. Members of the public can attend the open session which will start at 2pm on the day. Brian Robertson (left) from the National Involvement Network and NHS High- David Alston, chairman of NHS land’s director of adult social care, Joanna MacDonald (right), at the signing Highland, said: “The annual review is a good opportunity for us to cele- brate our successes and to also high- light some of the challenges. “I would be delighted if members Board signs up to of the public took the opportunity to join us for the public session and, if they want, ask a question of NHS Highland or the Scottish Govern- network’s charter ment on the day.” Further details on the annual review will be made available on the NHS HIGHLAND has signed a our strategic commissioning groups. NHS Highland website. If you would pledge to ensure people with Signing the Charter for Involvement will like to attend or have any queries learning disabilities are included in ensure we continue to provide a plat- contact:[email protected]; the planning of services. form for people to have a voice.” 01463 704722 or write to: Maimie The health board’s director of adult The Corbett Centre hosted a work- Thompson, head of PR and engage- social care, Joanna MacDonald, signed shop facilitated by the National Involve- ment, NHS Highland, Assynt House, the Charter for Involvement at a work- ment Network (NIN) and the Associa- Inverness IV2 3BW. shop facilitated by the National Involve- tion for Real Change Scotland. September course ment Network in Inverness last month. NHS Highland’s complex case plan- She said: “The Charter for Involve- ning manager Arlene Johnstone said: NHS Highland’s public health direc- ment was created by the National In- “The feedback we have received from torate is running a ‘Working with volvement Network and sets out how people has been very powerful. It’s vi- Groups’ training course at Scottish people who receive support expect to tally important that we include people Natural Heritage Centre, Great be involved in planning services across in planning services because it is their Glen House, Inverness on Thursday health and social care and beyond. lives and they have every right to have 7th September 2016. This course aims to provide par- “I’m delighted to sign the Charter a say in how their care and support is ticipants with the basic knowledge on behalf of NHS Highland as it reflects provided.” and skills to work effectively with the work we are doing to ensure peo- The vice-chair of NIN Brian Robert- groups. ple with learning disabilities feel in- son said: “The Charter for Involvement If interested complete an appli- volved in the planning of services. shows in our own words how we want cation form and return to Tanzeela “We’ve already seen significant to be involved in our organisations. We Bashir at: [email protected]. changes and improvements around in- are delighted to have secured the back- Confirmation will be sent on receipt volving people with learning disabilities ing of NHS Highland and look forward of the completed form. within our improvement groups and to working with them.” - 4 -

HEALTH PROMOTION It’s good to talk

RECENT INCIDENTS in Man- xenophobia are the opposite aspects “I would encourage people to chester and London have of these supportive partnerships and think about how we support one an- caused a lot of pain for commu- it is important that everyone who other within our communities: at nities across the UK, including reaches out for support can be home, at work or through church or in the far north of Scotland. helped. other groups. Perhaps a small thing “I am so impressed by the families we could do would be to let people One concern, especially af- of the victims of the Manchester talk about it, and expect them to be ter the Manchester bombing, bombing who have said that this sad or upset or emotional – and com- has been the effect these inci- event cannot and will not define fort each other because we are shar- dents have had on children. them, and that this attack must not ing the same feelings.” Here, Dr Stephanie Gov- beat them. On the night it happened enden, NHS Highland’s consult- people immediately came out of their These websites might be help- homes and businesses to help and ful too: ant community paediatrician and lead doctor for child pro- provide shelter and support in the The Compassionate tection and looking after chil- most compassionate way possible. Friends, for people who have dren, explains why it is so im- “I think this point perfectly illus- experienced the loss of a child trates that this is a city that cares portant that communities rally https://www.tcf.org.uk/ about the people who live in it and together and support each that everyone, regardless of race, Cruse Bereavement Care other through difficult times. religion or creed is part of their com- Scotland And to help, she has included munity. It shows the world that there http:// some contact details that may is more than unites us than divides us. www.crusescotland.org.uk/ help provide support. “We are all touched by the loss of Young Minds, supports

so many young people and parents. I young people with anxiety, “The recent bombings in Man- am impressed by the tributes left by chester have been horrific. I think depression, other mental people: the poems, stories and flow- health difficulties they are shocking and I cannot under- ers. It would seem that even in the stand why any person would act in www.youngminds.org.uk worst possible circumstances people that way towards another human are able to use their feelings and cre- NSPCC Childline, is for being and at the same time, I feel ate something special. I admire them all children and young people really sad for those families who have for being able to do that. to help them with issues they lost their children and loved ones in “Up and down the country, peo- are facing and need someone such a frightening and sudden way. ple have some connection to the city to talk to. “In public health, we think about or the people who live there, and www.nspcc.org.uk how people live in their community: while in Highland we might be a little The Samaritans how it can be a source of support, further away geographically we should particularly at a time of loss or be- www.samaritans.org be aware that our community has reavement. And everyone will have an been affected. Depression Alliance Scot- experience of death and loss at some “They might also feel angry and land point in their lives, because this is everyone has the right to feel how- www.dascot.org part of being human. ever they choose, but it can help to “People can be helped to feel bet- Breathing Space, a free talk about it. A compassionate com- and confidential helpline ser- ter or stronger if they are able to talk munity is one that accepts that loss is about how they have been affected by vice for anyone who is experi- a universal experience and is able to encing low mood or depres- loss and to talk about the people they say that this is painful. However, it is lost – and remember what they loved sion. also able to focus on positive things www.breathingspacescotland. about them or what made them that have come out of this, or indeed happy. co.uk any, tragedy. Hopefully, through the Helpline: 0800 83 85 87 “In our communities, racism and sharing, we will start to feel better.

- 5 - PHYSIOTHERAPY Practice-based physio helps reduce referrals

HOSPITAL REFERRALS for mus- come straight from reception for as- culoskeletal problems can be sig- sessment.” nificantly reduced if medical prac- “A few years ago a group of GP tices include a physiotherapist as practices in Inverness approached NHS part the General Practice team, Highland with a proposal that they ex- according to a recent analysis of an pand and implement the Burnfield innovative patient-care model. model. Analysis of an alternative model of “One of the drivers behind the pro- musculoskeletal service (MSK) provision posal was to find a solution to the high at Burnfield Medical Practice, Inverness, waiting times in Orthopaedics and shows referrals to Raigmore Hospital Physiotherapy. This latest analysis may orthopaedics are around 75 per cent encourage a re-consideration of that less compared to other GP practices in proposal as a means to reduce waiting the area. times.” Similarly, referrals to physiotherapy Ciaran said this more efficient way department at NHS Highland’s Raig- of working also led to what he called a more Hospital are also 75 per cent less ‘reduction of waste’. compared to GP practices in the area. He explained: “The cancellation of Conducted by practice physiothera- appointments or failure to attend is rare pist Ciaran McManus, the results were as patients choose their own appoint- outlined at an NHS Scotland conference ment and there is virtually no waiting Ciaran McManus – practice-based held in Glasgow this month. list. Available appointments are normally physiotherapist’s innovative model Ciaran is directly employed to pri- helps patients avoid having to go to filled any time up to 20 minutes prior to marily see patients as a ‘first contact hospital the appointment.” practitioner’ and provide physiotherapy And with the whole team approach treatment within the practice. to Ciaran for assessment and diagnosis meaning that “second opinions” be- Burnfield Medical Practice's referral at the practice rather than Raigmore. tween clinicians are freely available and rate to orthopaedics sits around 1.2 per He said: “Other practices operate a encouraged, he said: “The Burnfield cent per 1,000 patients per year triage service and patients then need to model had proved to be safe, effective, whereas the average for other practices go to hospital for treatment. The differ- and beneficial to the health service and in NHS Highland’s Inner Moray Firth ence is that because I’m a trained pre- patients. And patient satisfaction meas- Operational Unit (South & Mid) is scriber and steroid injector, I can pro- ured by questionnaire is very high at the around 2.9 per cent per 1,000 patients. vide treatment, medication and advice practice.” Ciaran, who also works at Raigmore, right here in the practice.” Funded by Dr Freda Charters, Dr said: “Traditionally referrals from Burn- Ciaran said that the MSK service John McFadden and Dr Tilman Von field have always been low, but the key model at Burnfield had evolved over Delft from the Burnfield practice, the driver to our being able to reduce hos- time, and had generated considerable new model has marked knock-on bene- pital referrals was by having a physio- interest from other GP practices. fits for hospital-based services. therapist in primary care, so patients He said: “Back in 2009, I used to Now Ciaran is applying to further are able to see an allied health practitio- have half hour appointments with pa- funding outwith the practice for a more ner instead of a GP.” tients. Now they are 20 minutes and I rigorous examination of the model to By taking this multidisciplinary ap- am able to see more people for treat- include referrals for imaging, prescribing proach, the whole team at Burnfield - ment. Back when I first started, patients and physiotherapy intervention, and GPs, nurses, clinical technicians and re- used to see the GP before the physio- how this compares to current 'normal ceptionists – were able to send patients therapist. Now the majority of patients practice'.

- 6 - AT YOUR SERVICE Les Hood: Adult support and protection training officer NHS Highland is running a series of articles which puts the spotlight on people who work in healthcare across our area. Answering the questions this month is Les Hood, adult support and protection training officer. Q. What does your job involve? own NHS Highland or Highland Council A. The post exists because of the legal staff are trained but anyone who could be commitment that every council area in identifying an adult at risk – either in broad Scotland has to establish an Adult Support terms or in stricter legal terms of the Adult and Protection Committee. The Commit- Support and Protection (Scotland) Act tee has a responsibility to make sure the 2007. workforce, and to some extent the general Q. Why is adult support and protection public, are aware of and equipped to deal such an important issue? with adults at risk and adult protection A. Everyone has a right to live a life free concerns. One of the main outcomes from from harm, exploitation and mistreatment that is the need for a confident and compe- and there are things that can be done to tent workforce and that’s where the post protect those who aren’t. of training officer comes in. That is where we come in; we work

Q. What staff do you deliver training to? with the individual and investigate and put A. We have generic and bespoke versions the least restrictive plans in place to try of training for different staff groups and and protect that person. As a society, we their needs all across Highland. We have Everyone has all have a responsibility to protect vulner- introductory courses and advanced courses able people from all forms of harm or ne- for colleagues who may deal with adults at a right to live glect. risk every day in their role. The training a life free Q. Do you deliver training to members of covers all staff groups from social workers from harm, the public? to doctors to janitors and receptionists; ‘ exploitation A. The Adult Support and Protection anyone who interacts with adults at risk. I Committee also has a wider public protec- deliver a lot of training to colleagues that and mistreat- tion remit and in Highland we see it as part work in care homes, for example. They are ment and of our ethical requirement to try and make a very important part of the workforce sure the information and awareness is as because they are the first line of protection there are widely available as possible to ensure that for some of the most vulnerable adults that things that most of the public are equipped and able to we know about. Similarly, care at home can be done recognise harm and protect people. staff play an important role and we have Q. How do you switch off away from training tailored to meet their needs. I also to protect work? deliver training to colleagues in hospital those who A. I like to keep fit as I think that physical settings such as nurses and physios, and in activity is the best antidote to stress and dental surgeries and primary care. aren’t managing my mental health. I run as often Q. It sounds like you cover all bases. Is it a as I can and I also go to the gym. I’m inter- legal requirement to do so? ested in social justice and politics and I feel A. Yes. NHS Highland’s adult support and those interests sit well with a career in so- protection team see it as our duty and re- cial work. I also enjoy football, hillwalking sponsibility to make sure that not just our and spending time in my garden. - 7 - ’ DEPARTMENT PROFILE: Integrated Care Assessment Team A quick, responsive service for patients

Members of the ICAT team

THE INTEGRATED Care Assess- professionals including local reable- ment Team (ICAT) was estab- ment workers, social services, district lished in 2016 to provide a high nursing and allied health professionals. quality person centred service for This greatly helps with the facilita- individuals within the Helens- The members of the tion of discharge from hospital for burgh and Lomond locality who these patients and ensures that appro- require health and social care ICAT team bring priate services are in place when an support when they are discharged individual patient is discharged. from hospital. with them a wide Team leader, Julie Cameron, said: The team is managed by Julie Cam- ‘ “The members of the Integrated Care eron, who is also a team leader/mental range of skills and Assessment Team bring with them a health officer, and consists of a num- experience wide range of skills and experience and ber of staff with a wide range of ex- we all work together to ensure that perience and skills including: we make a real positive difference to local residents in Helensburgh and  Community nurse individual’s discharge, reducing the Lomond who require our support.  Occupational therapist length of time that a patient may need “One of the main ways we do this  Social work assistants to stay in a hospital, preventing unnec- is through working closely with our  Information worker essary hospital admissions and stream- colleagues in the various hospitals  Delayed discharge manager lining the provision of health and ’social within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde care services at the point of need for to ensure that all the required support The ICAT aims to ensure a quick patients. is in place back home for residents so and responsive service for patients The team also works closely with a they can be discharged from hospital in through assessing and facilitating an range of other health and social care a timely manner.”

- 8 - REDESIGN CONTRACTS Architects appointed for proposed new hospitals NHS Highland has announced the “Both Rural Design and Oberlanders tal will look in the near future.” architects for the proposed new have a track record of delivering sus- Gill McVicar, director of operations hospitals in Badenoch and Strath- tainable and innovative design and we for the health board’s north and west spey and Skye. look forward to working with them on operational unit, said: “This is a mile- Hub North Scotland Ltd has been this project. Their partnership means stone in the formal redesign process formally appointed by NHS Highland to that the building envelope and exterior and brings us one step closer to having deliver the new facilities and architec- will be designed in Highland which de- a state-of-the-art facility for the people tural firms Oberlanders from Edinburgh velops the capacity and experience of of Skye, Lochalsh and South West and Highland-based Rural Design have the local supply chain.” Ross.” won the contract for the design. Both hospitals form part of a wider Hub North Scotland is the driving This is an innovative partnership as it redesign across Badenoch and Strath- force behind the planning, procurement is unusual for practices to work to- spey and in Skye, Lochalsh and South and delivery of community-based infra- gether in this way. It will draw on Rural West Ross. The redesign across both structure projects across the north of Design’s passion for designing award areas will see the eventual closure of Ian Scotland, working with partners across winning buildings in the Highlands and Charles Community Hospital in Gran- healthcare and education. The project is Oberlanders’ skills in delivering first town-on-Spey and St Vincent’s Hospital being procured through a design, build class healthcare buildings. The result in Kingussie and a new, modern inte- finance and maintain model. should be facilities which sit well in their grated health and social care ‘hub’ in Rural Design is an award winning setting and delivers wider benefits to Broadford and a ‘spoke’ facility in Por- Skye-based firm that work on residen- the local community. tree. tial, community and education projects NHS Highland’s head of estates Eric NHS Highland’s deputy director of throughout Scotland and abroad. Green said: “NHS Highland is delighted operations for NHS Highland’s Inner Established in 1983, Edinburgh-based to announce that we have named two Moray Firth operational unit, Georgia architects Oberlanders have significant Scottish companies to work on the de- Haire, said: “This marks a significant experience in delivering healthcare pro- sign and construction of the proposed point in the formal redesign process and jects and are currently working on the new hospitals in Badenoch and Strath- we hope to be in a position to provide Critical Care Upgrade at Raigmore Hos- spey and Skye. details of how the proposed new hospi- pital.

TRADE VISIT BRIEFING HS HIGHLAND is working with get together with interested busi- N businesses, enterprise agencies nesses and individuals to discuss the and business support organisations to SHINE programme and how it can help provide ‘trade’ visits to Belgium benefit their business. and the Netherlands. “The upcoming visit in Septem- The board’s research, develop- ber is the first of many and this is an ment and innovation (RD&I) division ideal opportunity for businesses to is involved in the SHINE EU-funded take their products into the health project to help small to medium sector in other European countries. businesses collaborate with the pub- “NHS Highland’s RD&I depart- lic sector to market their healthcare ment will support clients through a products and services internationally. process which has huge potential for A meeting (delegates pictured collaboration with businesses, enter- left) was held in Inverness this month prise agencies and healthcare provid- to put the final touches on prepara- ers in the UK and Europe.” tions for a financially –supported visit There is still time for small to to the Netherlands this September. medium enterprises to join the pro- NHS Highland’s innovation con- ject. To find out more visit the sultant Alan Whiteside said: “Today SHINE website at: http:// provided us with an opportunity to www.northsearegion.eu/shine/ - 9 - ARGYLL AND BUTE Online ‘safe space’ launched Argyll and Bute Health and Social only available once a week but we are Care Partnership (HSCP) launched currently investigating plans to extend an exciting new online information this further. and support service in Campbel- “The service can offer up to 50 min- town Grammar School this month. utes of online support with the trained The online service called Cool2talk, counsellor and users can access up to (www.cool2talk.org) started on 14th four sessions. After this they will be June. referred on to an appropriate service Cool2talk is a responsive, safe space which can provide longer term support, for young people across Argyll and Bute if necessary. to get their questions answered in the “We have also appointed four highly knowledge that they will be responded skilled and knowledgeable workers in to promptly by a trained, knowledgeable Argyll and Bute who have already begun Pictured left to right are: Craig person who won’t judge, but will offer McNally (Argyll and Bute Alcohol their training to use the website and information and guidance. and Drug Partnership Coordinator): answer the questions posted by young Sam Campbell, senior health im- Jessica Paterson (Campbeltown people. provement specialist for the HSCP, said: Grammar pupil); Tabitha Broatch “This valuable service offers reassur- “We were delighted to launch (Campbeltown Grammar pupil); ance, encouragement, information and Cool2Talk, a new online information Alison McGrory (HSCP health im- advice on any health related issue and, if and support service for young people provement principal); and Brian required, signposting to appropriate across Argyll and Bute. This new re- Reid (HSCP Children and Families local or national services.” source aims to respond to young people Service)  Cool2Talk is a partnership pro- promptly with information and guid- information and doesn’t identify the ject between NHS Highland, NHS Tay- ance. person who is asking the question. side, Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll “Questions posted to the Cool2Talk “Not only will the website contain a and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership website will be answered within 24 resource for parents/carers and profes-  The website is based in NHS hours/365 days per year so young peo- sionals, it will also include a directory of Tayside where it has successfully run for ple can get access to information which local/national services on a range of over ten years is written specifically for them. various topics that have been highlighted  Cool2Talk is also being offered “The questions they ask and the by young people as important. to young people in the Western Isles answers received will then be posted “Young people using the site can and Dumfries and Galloway anonymously on the website so every- also access online support from a quali-  Cool2Talk has initially been one can benefit from the information. fied counsellor one evening per week at launched as a 3 year pilot which will run The website doesn’t ask for personal the One2One session. This is presently to the end of March 2020 NEW APPOINTMENT New locality manager for Cowal & Bute ARGYLL and Bute Health and Social lighted to join the HSCP as locality Care partnership (HSCP) has ap- manager for Cowal and Bute and that pointed a new locality manager for the she was enjoying the challenges that Cowal and Bute area. her new role was giving her. Alison McKerracher, a physiothera- Alison added she was looking for- pist by profession, recently joined the ward to working closely with col- HSCP from NHS Lothian. leagues to build on what has already Alison spent 20 years of service in been achieved in the locality since the NHS Lothian. Before joining the set up of the HSCP. HSCP she managed a team of 50 Christina West, chief officer for the physiotherapists covering two hospi- HSCP, said she was delighted to wel- tals. come Alison, adding that her wealth of Alison, who knows the Argyll and experience will be a real asset. Bute area very well, said she was de- - 10 - HIGHLAND QUALITY AWARD Dynamic duo recognised for promoting green policies Pictured left to right are: John Burnside, Ruth Innes and David Alston, chair of NHS Highland

A DUO taking forward some They have also worked closely with award, David Alston, chairman, said: “I ground-breaking work are the lat- Health Facilities Scotland and have gone was really struck by all the initiatives est recipients of a Highland Quality the extra mile to assist colleagues in that they have taken forward. This is Approach award. NHS Shetland and Orkney in producing something the organisation can be really John Burnside and Ruth Innes have their Sustainable Development Plan proud of, in particular John and Ruth’s been described as the “core” of NHS (SDP). contribution.” Highland’s environmental and sustain- Examples of the work that John and Nominations for Highland Quality ability team, quietly “taking forward Ruth have led on include: introducing Approach awards can be received from some ground-breaking work which puts the system “Warp It” allowing the recy- staff, patients, carers and the wider pub- us right at the forefront of this agenda cling of items across NHS Highland and lic for an individual or team employed in NHS Scotland”. the Highland Council; instigating special- by NHS Highland, or working as part of Globally, healthcare is a major cause ist reviews of NHS Highland’s water and the wider NHS. The award will reflect of pollutants and carbon emissions and utility bills which generated significant on an individual or team, who has dem- there is a responsibility to address these savings for the last financial year; and, in onstrated actions and behaviours which issues. Raigmore, ensuring no more food waste epitomise everything about the Highland Through their work John and Ruth is sent to the sewers through using an- Quality Approach. have forged partnerships with Highlands aerobic digestion systems that break- To make a nomination all you have and Islands Enterprise, the Highland down organic material by micro- to do is provide us some information in Council, Scottish Water and Global organisms in the absence of oxygen. the People, Quality or Care category, Green Healthy Hospitals. When presenting them with the using the following link. Online training website

A NEW website for vocational It is a one-stop website where sup- career in NHSScotland to understand learning and qualifications for staff port staff in the NHSScotland work- what qualifications are available for each in NHSScotland was launched this force can find information about voca- different role. month. tional qualifications. The site is updated regularly and Started on Thursday 15th June, the Over 70,000 people work in contains details of hundreds of qualifica- new website for vocational learning and NHSScotland in a wide range of support tions, from SCQF level 3 to SCQF level qualifications is making it easier than roles and there are SQA qualifications 11, which are organised by job family – ever for NHS support staff in Scotland designed to meet their learning needs, from Business and Administration to to develop their skills and take the next wherever they work. Pharmacy Services. step in their careers. The site provides information about After finding and clicking on a qualifi- The NHSScotland SQA Qualifica- every SQA qualification relevant to sup- cation, staff are taken to the SQA sub- tions Finder (www.sqa.org.uk/nhs) has port staff as well as lots of advice to ject homepage for that qualification. been developed jointly by NHS Educa- help staff choose the type and level of This provides comprehensive informa- tion for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish qualification most suitable for them. tion about the qualification including Qualifications Authority (SQA). It also helps people interested in a course content structure and content. - 11 - VALUING SERVICE AWARDS … 1

ORE THAN 270 NHS M Highland employees were given Valuing Service Awards this month in celebration of their long service and dedication to the National Health Service. At the ceremonies which, are held annually across Highland and Argyll & Bute, staff were recognised and hon- oured for 20, 30 and even 40 years’ service. Congratulating the staff for their dedication, deputy director of HR, Gaye Boyd, told attendees: “You are valued by the NHS, you are valued by the organisation and, above all, you are valued by our patients.” Some 166 employees celebrating 20 years of service were reminded that they started with the NHS the year Tony Blair was elected; Dolly the sheep was created; and there was a referendum in Scotland on devolution. Back then Titanic was being watched at the cinema and everyone was sing- ing along to Barbie Girl by Aqua. A total of 94 employees who marked 30 years of service saw them start their NHS careers the same year that Andy Murray was born; the 15th Bond film “The Living Daylights” pre- miered; and singer Rick Astley prom- ised he was “Never Gonna Give You Up.” More pictures of this year’s Valuing Service Awards are on the next two pages. - 12 - VALUING SERVICE AWARDS … 2 And the 12 people celebrating 40 years of NHS ser- vice were reliably informed they started with the NHS in the year the Queen had her silver jubilee; the Ford Fiesta went on sale for the first time; and Fleetwood Mac re- leased their album “Rumours”. Back then people were ei- ther lost in the film world of Star Wars or strutted their stuff to Saturday Night Fever. As staff were presented with their awards, NHS High- land non-exec director, Melanie Newdick, added: “You are the experts in the NHS, not just once but many times over and these awards are a small way for us to recognise that.” There are no captions here – see who you can recog- nise…

- 13 - VALUING SERVICE AWARDS … 3

- 14 - AWARDS Laughter is the best medicine ONE OF Scotland’s best loved ac- tresses was in Inverness this month to take part in a session of laughter yoga. Elaine C. Smith, famous for her role in Scottish cult classic Rab C. Nesbitt, visited the Corbett Centre to film her new television programme due to be broadcast later this year. The laughter yoga sessions are or- ganised by NHS Highland social worker Natalie Thomson and encourage partici- pants to embrace their inner child and reap the physical and mental health benefits. Natalie said: “We were delighted to welcome Elaine C. Smith to the Cor- bett Centre to take part in our laughter yoga session. Elaine was a good sport Elaine. C. Smith (second left at the front) at the Laughter Yoga sessions and joined in the fun. “Making people laugh comes natu- rally to Elaine but she soon learned that building resilience and improving our ter is contagious. Elaine was fantastic laughter yoga does not rely on humour mood. company and everyone enjoyed the or jokes. Guided laughter exercises “As children, we laugh uncondition- experience.” encourage a sense of playfulness ena- ally throughout the day, however we If, like Elaine, you’re interested in bling us to laugh for no reason – and it don’t do that as adults,” Natalie ex- laughter yoga, classes are held on the is fair to say she enjoyed herself.” plained. “Laughter yoga sessions involve second Monday of every month at 7pm The core idea behind laughter yoga laughter exercises and yoga breathing. in the Corbett Centre. The classes are is that ten minutes of prolonged laugh- “We can laugh even when we don’t free and no booking is required. ter will provide wide-ranging health feel like laughing, as fake laughing soon Elaine C. Smith’s new series ‘Burdz benefits including reduced stress levels, becomes real laughter – and real laugh- Eye View’ starts on STV this autumn.

MEMORY GARDEN ounreay apprentices have re- training manager, said: “The ap- D created an iconic red telephone prentices have produced an excel- box for a dementia memory garden lent piece of work and you would at the Town and County Hospital, have difficulty distinguishing be- Wick. tween an original phone box and the In April 2016 the Dounreay ap- one they have created.” prentices were asked to help on a Memory gardens have been community project by building an found to help people with dementia. old style telephone box. It can be a peaceful place to sit and The apprentice scheme has a relax and a safe place for patients to long history of working on commu- walk around in. nity projects and the apprentices Marion Marke, a Town and were eager to help. County volunteer responsible for the Mark Fraser designed the box garden, said: “A huge thanks to you during his placement in the Design all. We are absolutely delighted with Office and, along with Jimmy Budge, the telephone box and we are in- carried out the majority of the build debted to Jimmy, Mark, and their work. Jordan Munro, Curtis Coghill, colleagues for the amount of work Jack Hamilton and Shauna Malcolm they have carried out making such a also helped on the project. beautiful feature for our memory Carol Robertson, apprentice garden.”

- 15 - NEWS IN BRIEF CAITHNESS Swim challenge

A SWIM challenge being attempted by a mother/daughter team is look- Natural beauty ing to raise funds to send children from Nairn District Amateur Swim- ming Club to a swim camp run by Mel Marshall, the British Olympic coach. Donna Smith, head of planning helps patients and performance for NHS Highland, and her daughter Abi, started their A PROJECT aimed at using the challenge, which has them swim- natural beauty of Caithness to sup- ming 925 lengths per week, in Janu- ary with the plan to finish in August. port people to overcome mental ill- Abi, who is 13, trains five times a health has been hailed a success by week with the Nairn club and the participants. Highland Swim Team. She has previ- NHS Highland’s vocational support ously been to Mel’s camps and is team established a programme of work keen for other swimmers to have that combined the natural beauty of the the same opportunity. Donna, de- area with mindfulness techniques, poetry spite spending considerable time at and yoga. the pool, has only ever swum for And the ‘Natural Connections’ pro- leisure and decided to help with the The project used the stunning natural challenge. ject, which is funded by Scottish Natural beauty of Caithness to help improve Heritage, has proved so popular that To read more about their swim mental health and wellbeing or to sponsor them please go to more sessions are planned. their Just Giving page. NHS Highland’s vocational support north team based in Thurso and the other Busting some myths team manager Heather Jappy, said: “We in Inverness. Overall, they have supported are delighted that there has been a posi- 170 people across the north of Scotland The Occupational Health Physio- tive response from those who joined in to achieve their goals. therapy Team have been busting our ‘Natural Connections’ programme, NHS Highland’s vocational support some myths in relation to back pain which aimed to utilise the stunning natural occupational therapist Debbie Malcolm over the last few issues. beauty of Caithness to improve mental said: “The ‘Natural Connections’ pro- Read the following statement health and wellbeing. gramme is yet another example of the and decide whether it is a myth or a “There is clear evidence to suggest vocational support team supporting adults fact: Stress, poor sleep, low mood & worry, influence back pain. that being in the great outdoors improves in Caithness with mental ill-health. Fact: Back pain can be triggered health outcomes through inspiring and “We asked the participants to com- and/or worsened by a change in life enjoyable activities such as walking and plete an evaluation form at the end of the circumstances such as stress or mood. yoga. We are lucky to live in such a beau- group and the feedback was fantastic. For more information about the tiful environment and we were able to Clients reported that the sessions helped ‘Myth Busting Campaign’ contact: use the breath-taking beauty in Caithness increase their confidence and interaction Lesley Marshall on les- to the advantage of our clients. with others while improving their mental [email protected] or Michelle “We ran a four-week course for seven health through physical activity. Smith on [email protected] participants last month which included “The second four-week group are or call extension 4499. walks in Newton Forest in Wick, mindful- already half-way through their course and Anonymous survey ness sessions, poetry and language and once again we’ve had positive feedback. the feedback we received was so positive We’re hopeful that this can become a WAVERLEY CARE plan to develop we decided to plan another two sessions regular piece of work as the results so far new education programmes and resources and now want to consult which are already underway.” are there for all to see.” with as many young people as possi- The vocational support team was es- Alan Macpherson from Scottish Natu- ble to gain an understanding of how tablished in 2014 and offers one-to-one ral Heritage said: “Scotland’s natural envi- to develop their service. support to help people to remain in or ronment is important for people’s health So they have created an anony- find new employment or training. Clients and wellbeing. We have been delighted to mous questionnaire for people aged are supported to complete a personal fund this innovative project to demon- under-25 to tell them exactly what development plan which identify goals and strate how nature-based activities can be they want to know about sexual what support can be put in place to over- used successfully in local health and social health and relationships. come any barriers to achieve them. care delivery, contributing to a healthier Click here to access the ques- tionnaire. The service is split into two teams: a Scotland.”

- 16 - FUNDRAISING TUBERCULOSIS Report symptoms Businesses help family NHS HIGHLAND staff working di- A FUNDRAISING drive has rectly with patients or lab specimens brought benefit to both patients may be exposed to various infec- and staff in the Stroke Unit at Raig- tions including tuberculosis (TB). more Hospital in Inverness. Despite BCG vaccination and A tracking hoist, used for patient standard infection control precau- transfer, and a tilt table, which helps tions there is still a small risk they patients who are unable to stand up on could be exposed to TB and become infected. their own, were officially presented to Healthcare workers also have a the unit’s Physiotherapy Team this professional duty to ensure they do Mary Nicolson (front, kneeling); Bev- month by the Manson family, from Inver- not place their patients at risk of erley Manson (centre); Nicol Manson ness, and the Waterside Hotel. infection should the healthcare (far right); Lara McLeod (third from Beverley Manson had been a patient worker become infected. left) are joined by other members of Common symptoms of TB can in the unit and, as her husband Nicol the Manson family and staff from the include: a persistent cough which explained, they wanted to give some- Stroke Unit to mark the donation. thing back. lasts more than several weeks, los- He said: “It was great to be in the Rotary Club of Inverness – Culloden. ing weight for no obvious reason, fever and unusual sweating at night, unit to officially mark the donation and The Manson family also contributed to a general and unusual sense of tired- of course to see the staff again. the fund. ness and being unwell, and coughing “We wanted to do something in rec- Mary Nicolson, advanced physiother- up blood. ognition for all that they do for stroke apy practitioner in Neurology, was de- Staff members who have any of patients and it’s good to hear that these lighted at the donation. these symptoms should discuss two items will make such a difference.” She said: “We are overwhelmed as a them with their GP and ensure their Mr Manson explained that a number department with this donation. Having GP is aware of their work and the of fundraising activities had been held at these items will really help in the day to risk of TB so it can be considered as the Waterside Hotel, led by Lara day of our job and will be of a real bene- a possible diagnosis. Staff members should also con- McLeod from the management team, fit to patients.” tact NHS Highland’s Occupational including race nights and raffles. “Huge thanks to the Manson family Health Service on 01463 704499 or Donations were also received from for the continued support of the unit online via the Self Referral section the Inner Wheel Club of Inverness; the and to everyone involved in this dona- on the Occupational Health intranet Rotary Club of Inverness, the Rotary tion. It is very much appreciated.” page as soon as possible. Club of Inverness – Loch Ness; and the Heartfelt thanks to ‘kind colleagues’ A NURSE practitioner at Raigmore local community, was often seen helping of them attending the dinner/ dance.” Hospital has given her heart- out and doing maintenance jobs at the On top of the 150 seat dinner/dance felt thanks to colleagues for sup- association’s pavilion in the village. being a sell out, she said her colleagues porting her family’s plans to hold a As a memorial, Evie and her family had also donated generously to the raffle charity dinner/dance in memory of decided to organise a charity dinner/ and auction to be held during the event. her brother next month. dance on Saturday 22nd July (this would Evie, said: “As a family, we are espe- Evie Jack said she and her family can- have been Georges 37th birthday) to cially grateful to the amount of support not thank her colleagues in the Raigmore raise money for both the Avoch Ameni- from my colleagues in the emergency Emergency Department enough for the ties Association (AAA) and the emer- department/out of hours depart- ‘fabulous support’ they have shown to a gency department at Raigmore Hospital. ment have given, and we would like to memorial event for her brother George. To be held at Maybank Village Hall, say a big ‘thank you’ to them all.” Father of two George, 36, tragically Evie said her colleagues had helped Evie said local businesses such died earlier this year after an incident turn what could have been a very sad as Loch Ness Gin and the Black Isle involving a car while walking home date into a happy one. Brewery have also generously supported through the Black Isle village of Avoch on She said: “To be honest, I had been the event along with many other local New Year’s Day. dreading George's birthday and knew I businesses who have kindly donated raffle The idea for the event came because had to do something positive to mark the prizes and items for the auction. George, chair of the Avoch Amenities occasion, I have been delighted by the 'Scott Sinclair' of Carlton Discos, Ar- Assocation and a keen supporter of the support of my colleagues, with so many broath is to DJ on the night.

- 17 - AWARDS Kate named GP of the Year A RURAL Argyll and Bute GP, Dr up as an example to the public of the Kate MacGregor from Taynuilt genuine difference that the GP can make medical practice, has won the cov- to patients and their families at what can eted title of ‘GP of the Year’. be the bleakest point of their lives. Dr MacGregor was nominated for Kate said: “I was delighted to receive the prestigious Royal College of General the award of GP of the Year from the Practitioners award by the family of a Royal College of General Practitioners. patient who suffered with Multiple Sys- “It meant even more to know that tem Atrophy, a rare condition. my initial nomination was from a pa- In the nomination, Dr MacGregor tient`s family after she sadly died. My was praised for working hard to get to greatest satisfaction in general prac- grips with the disease. tice is being able to help people when The family said she made sure the they need it most. continuity of care offered to the patient “As GPs, we are in a pivotal and was not broken by co-ordinating the unique position to provide assistance care the patient received with specialists from a number of angles ranging and a wider team. She even offered the from simply listening to organising more patient and the family her personal mo- complicated intervention or assistance. bile number. “Occasionally this means working She also checked on the patient outwith our normal hours, but in cer- while she was abroad and offering care tain circumstances it means so much to to the family and trying, as far as she patients and is time well spent. I have Kate McGregor—delighted to win could, to ensure that care could be re- been a GP for 25 years and I am happy ceived in the patient’s rural home. gor’s compassion that led the partner of to say that I still love my job!” Most notably, it was Dr MacGre- the patient say that she should be held

CROMARTY Board takes over GP practice

NHS Highland is to take on the emergency on the day appointments will remain hopeful we will secure a more responsibility for the patients reg- continue to be available but in some permanent solution in due course. Un- istered with Cromarty Practice cases patients may have to travel to til this is resolved, patients can be reas- from Monday, 3rd July. Munlochy. sured that NHS Highland will be re- Initially this will be provided through NHS Highland’s Clinical Director for sponsible for providing the service. a mixture of locum cover working from south and mid, Dr Stewart MacPherson, ”Going forward, we may have to the Practice with input from GPs based said: “I recognise the arrangements are think quite differently around what the at the Munlochy Practice. not ideal and I would like to apologise new model will look like but we will The move comes following the deci- to patients for any inconvenience. look at any options in discussion with sion by partners to hand the Practice “As well as not being able to recruit local people and staff.” back to NHS Highland due to recruit- GPs to take on the practice we have Cromarty practice had experienced ment difficulties. also not been able to secure enough difficulty in recruiting medical staff for NHS Highland has also not yet been locum doctors. I am extremely grateful several years, and despite strenuous able to recruit and so has had to put in to colleagues in the Munlochy practice efforts they were not able to resolve place some temporary arrangements. for stepping in and providing contin- the problem, making the current model Patients will receive care from gency cover.” unsustainable. locums based at the Cromarty practice He added: “Attempts to recruit have He said that the situation in Cro- with any gaps picked up the Munlochy not been successful, however we did marty reflects wider challenges across practice. NHS Highland confirmed that have some expressions of interest and I the whole of Scotland.

- 18 - ROCK CHALLENGE First class result for Dingwall Academy

DINGWALL ACADEMY secured first place at the 2017 Rock Chal- lenge Scottish Final on Friday. They were one of four schools rep- resenting Highland at the event which aims to inspire, engage and motivate young people to make healthy and posi- tive lifestyle choices. Over 1,700 people attended the event at Dundee’s Caird Hall which saw the Ross-shire school come top of the class. Invergordon Academy and Alness Academy, the defending champions, came third and fifth respectively while Thurso High School also proudly repre- sented Highland at the event, which was attended by sponsors, local authority figures and special guests. Pupils from Dingwall Academy—winners of the Rock Challenge 2017 Final at The initiative is organised by the Be the Caird Hall in Dundee Your Best Foundation and supported by Safer Highland and the Highland Alcohol to all of the Highland schools who took such a brilliant evening. These events and Drugs Partnership, both of which part in this fantastic event. The hard play an important part of our preven- are multi-agency partnerships that pro- work the pupils have put into this was tion strategy through utilising the per- mote community safety. reflected by the high level of perform- forming arts to make positive life The Highland Alcohol and Drugs ances on display. choices that encourage youngsters to be Partnership development manager, “Everyone who performed should their best without the use of alcohol, Sharon Holloway, said: “Congratulations be very proud to have played a part in drugs or tobacco.”

home baking on sale for as little as 50p. COMMUNITY CAFE “The Bught Stop is a small but widely hree Inverness councillors were on used resource and we are delighted to T hand to mark the grand opening of welcome people of all ages to come a new community café this month. along on Tuesdays between 2pm-4pm Pictured left to right is Councillor and Thursdays from September between Alex Graham, Kate MacLean, Councillor 10am-12pm. Bill Boyd and Councillor Graham Ross, “It’s vital that we provide opportuni- at the Bught Stop on Torvean Avenue. ties for people who feel isolated or lonely Kate MacLean, NHS Highland’s com- to get out the house and come along for munity development officer, said: “I was a cuppa and a chat. delighted to welcome the councillors to “So we pleased to be able to offer officially open the community café. them a chance to meet new people and “This is the result of a lot of hard sample some fantastic home baking work by the community council and twice a week.” Ness Bank Church. There is a disabled-access toilet on The Bught Stop will host a café for the premises and a ramp to allow easier locals twice a week with tea, coffee and access to the Bught Stop.

- 19 - VISITORS College presidents visit Belford PRESIDENTS AND delegates from the Philippine Colleges of Physicians, Surgeons, Obstetri- cians and Gynaecologists and Pae- diatricians visited the Belford Hos- pital to learn about training and development this month. Four College presidents joined the immediate past president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Mr Ian Ritchie, and ministry officials on a tour of the Fort William hospital. NHS Highland’s consultant physician at the Belford Hospital, Dr Patrick Byrne, said: “It is a unique honour for the Belford Hospital and NHS Highland to receive a delegation from the Philip- pines and the past president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. how this can be done underlines the N&W operational unit, Gill McVicar, “They were keen to see how train- reputation the hospital has for training and the Belford’s clinical director Dr ing can be delivered in smaller units in and development.” Brian Tregaskis. Dr Emma Watson, remote and rural settings. That the The 14 delegates were welcomed by NHS Highland’s director of medical delegation chose to attend the Belford NHS Highland’s chief executive Elaine education, and Miss Alison Bradley, a Hospital to gain an understanding of Mead, the director of operations for the surgical trainee, gave presentations.

take back to Italy which could improve the service we provide. You use proto- Viktoriya cols and checklists here which I think are very useful. Some things are differ- ent. For example, we’re all electronic in enjoys her Cles. We don’t use paper. “There are some processes that we do faster, such as patients coming in for Raigmore Orthopaedics or Paediatrics would go straight through to that department Viktoriya (left) with colleagues from unless they needed resuscitated in ED.” Raigmore’s 5C ward Viktoriya added that her own de- exchange partment and the ED in Raigmore see

“I contacted the Nursing and Mid- about the same number of patients but NHS HIGHLAND recently played wifery Council asking about a three had slightly less staff. She works in what host to staff nurse Viktoriya Kry- week internship and, although that is she would call a mountain hospital voruchko from Italy. not really something that is offered which she describes as being similar to Viktoriya who is from Cles, a town here, my request was sent on and Raig- Raigmore and the surrounding area. in Northern Italy, spent three weeks at more Hospital was the first to re- She said: “This is my last experience Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, as part spond.” before my last exam and I also need to of her masters degree. Viktoriya spent her three weeks in complete my thesis in December this Her course in Management and Co- the Emergency Department at Raigmore year. ordination specified an external intern- and with the staff in Ward 5C. “My thanks to everyone who has ship as part of programme in order for She said: “During my time here I supported me during my time here, in her to become a charge nurse. have seen many things and while some particular my tutor Lorna who has been She said: “The internship can be processes are the same there are things very supportive. I am sure we would be either in the region or out with it. I did that are different. more than happy to return the favour if my first one in Italy, and I wanted to for “I work in the Emergency Depart- someone from here wanted to come to further afield for my second bit. ment in Italy and I have seen things I can Italy.” - 20 - AWARDS Fit Homes wins prestigious prize A GROUND-BREAKING Highland making. The winners were announced tinue to grow older.” project that could transform the during a ceremony in Edinburgh on 21 Matt Stevenson, managing director lives of people with complex health June by guest chair Dame Seona Reid at Carbon Dynamic, added: “The pro- needs by combining modular home and Kevin Stewart, MSP, minister for ject also delivers exceptional social and design and ‘Internet of Things’ Local Government and Housing. environmental impact, which is precisely technology has won the prestigious Speaking of the win, Professor Angus what the Saltire Awards aim to pro- Saltire Society’s ‘Award for Inno- J M Watson, director of research, devel- mote. Fit Homes are low energy, built vation in Housing’. opment and innovation at NHS Highland from sustainable and natural materials Led by a unique partnership be- (pictured above), said: “Winning this and highly adaptable to the changing tween Albyn Housing Society, Carbon award is a fantastic reward for many needs of their residents.” Dynamic and NHS Highland, the project years of hard work and demonstrates The pilot phase – 16 homes at Dal- will see the development of Fit Homes, the immense value that can be delivered more in Alness, Ross-shire - will provide which will host various levels of sensors through collaboration. proof of concept. The project concepts designed to capture data and associated “Integrating homes with health is key are being supported by a Scottish Gov- predictive health analytics. to this project. Using our population to ernment housing grant and funding from Developed through co-design with 'crowd source' the design of the homes the Inverness- Highland City – Region partners, potential tenants and health is highly novel and puts tenants at the Deal, whilst researchers at the Univer- and care professionals, this ground- centre of this program." sity of the Highlands and Islands will breaking approach could potentially help Lucy Fraser, head of Innovation at develop the proof of concept research prevent episodes or events leading to ill Albyn Housing Society, said: “The cen- with financial support from the Digital health, as well as enable the NHS to tral concept of these high-quality, sus- Health and Care Institute. support more people at home, prevent tainable homes is that they will include The Data Lab – the Scottish Innova- hospital admissions and enable hospital ambient, physiological and building sen- tion Centre charged with generating discharge. sors to collect data that can be moni- economic, social and scientific value Now in their 80th year, the Saltire tored and responded to by a variety of from big data – is also supporting the Society Housing Design Awards cele- agencies – potentially transforming the project by funding research into predict- brate excellence and achievement in way health and social care is delivered ing falls, led by Prof Susan Craw, an AI Scottish house building and place- as populations across the globe con- expert at Robert Gordon University.

local care home chef used residents of the privately-owned A traditional ‘Highland fayre’ to care home. see himself crowned ‘Chef of the Stuart said: “I’m overwhelmed Year’ in a prestigious UK competi- to have won. I didn’t expect it as tion this month. the calibre of the other finalists Stuart Middleton, the chef at was unbelievable. the Meallmore Lodge Care Home “I competed last year, but I was just outside of Inverness, saw off nervous and didn’t know what to stiff opposition from eleven other expect, so I over-complicated eve- finalists at this year’s National As- rything. This year I simplified it. I sociation of Care Catering engaged with my residents to cre- (NACC) event held in June. ate a menu they loved and that After 90 minutes of intense was Scottish through and competition at the Barking & through. What an amazing day! Dagenham College’s Technical “In my daily role, I have fantas- Skills Academy, Stuart wowed the tic support from David Blackwood, judges with his winning menu. our catering manager, and we His Traditional Fayre with Flair - have great links with our local di- haggis, neeps and tatties followed eticians. by a dessert of Culloden Cra- “I’d especially like to say a big nachan (a Meallmore twist on a Meallmore Lodge management ‘shout out’ to Evelyn Newman classic) - was very well received. and staff, local dieticians from from NHS Highland, who was al- And Stuart said he owed his NHS Highland and especially his ways on hand with support and success to the support from the most enthusiastic helpers - the advice.” - 21 - EDUCATION Pharmacy graduates celebrate

EIGHTEEN MONTHS of study by two members of NHS Highland’s pharmacy team have been recog- nised by Scotland’s Chief Pharma- ceutical Officer, Rose Marie Parr, at a graduation event in Edin- burgh. The event marked the completion of Left to right: Audrey Campbell; Sharon Pfleger and Thomas Ross the Pharmacy Management Clinical Leadership in Pharmacy programme. Audrey Campbell and lead pharmacist in by Sharon Pfleger, NHS Highland’s con- The NHS Highland programme the South and Mid Highland Operational sultant in Pharmaceutical Public Health, graduates, principal pharmacy technician Unit, Thomas Ross, were congratulated the graduation ceremony chair. Record takers’ success

The importance of accurate and effective health record keeping is an essential element in the deliv- ery of health and social care ser- vices for local communities served by the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). The HSCP has therefore been keen to support health records staff in under- taking an Institute of Health Records and Information Management (IHRIM) certificate. This health record training pro- gramme helps staff to build on their existing knowledge and ensures that there is consistency across Argyll and Bute with regard to health record keep- ing. The latest tranche of staff have now succeeded in gaining the qualification The following candidates were successful: Sam Patrick – Victoria Hospital, and were presented with their certifi- Rothesay; Karen McLagan – Cowal Community Hospital, Dunoon; Ellie Kerr – cate by Alison McKerracher, the HSCP Cowal Community Hospital, Dunoon; and Anne Spark – Cowal Community Locality Manager for Cowal and Bute. Hospital, Dunoon Alison McKerracher said: “This is a really excellent training programme for with any changes to national policy. late all of them on their achievement health records staff as it helps them “I was therefore delighted to be and for their continuing commitment to build on their skills and knowledge and asked to present the IHRIM certificates delivering an excellent service for our ensures that they remain up to date to the staff and I would like to congratu- local communities.”

- 22 - CERVICAL SCREENING HS Highland has produced a N video to encourage women to consider taking part in cervical screening this month. Each year approximately 300 to 400 women are diagnosed with the condi- tion in Scotland and it is the most com- mon cancer among women aged 35 and under. And NHS Highland has used the story of Joanne Macpherson from Ulla- pool to highlight the importance of cer- vical screening during Cervical Screen- ing Awareness Week from 12th to 18th June. Joanne said: “Without cervical the cancer was detected early enough your time – I wouldn’t be here to tell screening I wouldn’t have survived. I she did not require any chemotherapy me story without it. was 27 when I had a routine cervical or radiotherapy. “There is nothing to be embarrassed screening test that saved my life.” “It all happened so quickly,” she about and the doctors and nurses are The cervical screening test - also explained. “I received my diagnosis in very welcoming and supportive.” known as the ‘smear test’ - is designed July 2002 and had my operation at the NHS Highland’s health improvement to pick up changes in the cervix so that beginning of August that year. I am specialist Jane Chandler, said: “Nine out they can be monitored or treated. lucky to be here and very grateful for of 10 women who attend cervical Joanne continued: “I visited my GP what I have. screening will receive a normal result. and they noticed my screening was due “I have a good job, my health and a “Most women who don’t will be and advised me to do it while I was loving family. At the time I didn’t think I called back for further tests because there. When the result came back I was was so lucky but I appreciate now that I cervical screening has detected cell sent down to Raigmore for a colpo- am. I wanted to share my experience as changes which can be treated before scopy and was quickly called for a bi- one in four women don’t take up the they turn into cancer. Occasionally, as opsy. opportunity to have this life-saving test. in Joanne’s case, cancer will be de- “I remember clearly how I received “Taking part in cervical screening tected. my diagnosis: I was at work and my meant my cancer was detected early “When cervical cancer is picked up partner phoned to tell me my GP had meaning my treatment was minimal and through screening, it tends to be diag- been trying to get in touch. I was told I I could recover quicker. nosed at an earlier stage which is asso- had cervical cancer and I would be ad- “It’s important to me to raise ciated with a better prognosis than an mitted to hospital at the weekend. I had awareness of cervical screening as it advanced stage of the disease.” my diagnosis on the Wednesday eve- saved my life. I’d urge women to take The video is available to view here. ning and I was in hospital in Aberdeen up the invitation to take part in cervical More information on Cervical Screening on the Sunday night.” screening. Awareness Week is available at Joanne had a hysterectomy but as “It will only take five minutes of www.getcheckedearly.org .

AWARENESS WEEK

number of activities took place A across Highland to mark Breast- feeding Awareness Week this month. Breastfeeding support groups met up and had coffee mornings or tea par- ties to mark the occasion. In Inverness, Mairi Hedderwick, au- thor of the Katie Morag books, gave a reading at Inverness Botanic Gardens. Another well attended event was the breastfeeding photo shoot at Whin Park (pictured right). Local mums were attend ed the park with the photo shoot being used as an opportunity to raise awareness about breastfeeding. - 23 - BOOK LAUNCH

round 40 former Highland district nurses and their worked as district nurses in the middle of the 20th century. A friends attended an afternoon tea in Inverness earlier All the nurses attending the event at the Kingsmill Hotel last month to lend their support to a book that was clearly on Thursday 2nd May 2017 had spent their careers working close to their hearts. for the NHS during the period covered by the book. The retired nurses were all there to have their copies of Angela Macdonald, a retired Queen’s district nursing Hebridean Heroines by Catherine M Morrison signed by the sister and visitor for retired Queen’s district nurses, said: author. “We all had a most wonderful time.” Hebridean Heroines provides a fascinating insight into the Hebridean Heroines is available from lives of women from the western isles of Scotland who www.islandsbooktrust.org

SCOTTISH HEALTH AWARDS Call for ‘healing hero’ nominations

Nominations are being sought for No matter what their title, or where the Scottish Health Awards 2017 they are based, if they have made a dif- perhaps the most prestigious and ference, the organisers want to know recognised awards ceremony for about it. healthcare professionals within NHSScotland is committed to pro- Scotland. viding sustainable high quality health Run by the Daily Record, in partner- services for the people of Scotland. In- ship with NHSScotland and the Scottish creasingly, health and social care ser- Government, the awards are now well vices will be delivered in an integrated established in the Scottish calendar. mony will take place on 2nd November way focussing on prevention, anticipa- The Scottish Health Awards recog- in Edinburgh. tion and supported self-management. nise the extraordinary work of the peo- There are seventeen award catego- Submit your nominations for the ple on the frontline of healthcare pro- ries - whether it's the local doctor or Scottish Health Awards 2017 online by vided by our NHS and its partners. dentist, the support worker, nurse, 5pm on 31st August at This year's glittering awards cere- paramedics or a volunteer. www.scottishhealthawards.com - 24 -

DEMENTIA NEWS IN BRIEF

Awareness activities... Electronic triage

EHEALTH HAS completed a pro- ject which allows the Ear Nose and Throat service in North NHS High- land to electronically triage all refer- rals received into the Department whether they are received via SCI Gateway or on paper. Reports have shown that this process has significantly reduced the average number of days (from seven days to one day) it takes to triage a referral. Other benefits of eVetting in- clude: number of activities took place in Raigmore

Hospital during Dementia Awareness Week A  Reducing the risk of paper last month. referrals going missing. A stand was set up in the main corridor with  Ability to triage referrals leaflets covering different topics and one of our de- more quickly. You don’t have to mentia champions, Kay Hendry (pictured above wait for the printed referrals to ar- right), was on hand to chat to anyone who happened rive. to pop by.  Reduces waste by no longer Ward 2C, the hospital’s Care of the Elderly printing referrals and transportation ward, put up bunting and decorations for all to en- of referrals around departments. joy and they also put in place a ‘dementia tree’ where staff, patients and visitors were encouraged A video clip showing ENT’s ex- to write up their thoughts and feelings about de- perience of the new process is avail- mentia (right). able to view on the project website. This was very well received and there are plans For more information on imple- to put the finished tree in a permanent position in menting eVetting within your ser- the ward. vice and to view the video clip, visit Patients and visitors were also thrown a tea the Appointment Types and eVet- party on the ward, which was enjoyed by all (above). ting Roll Out project website on the Intranet here. ...Support course launched By appointment

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND is host- ing with dementia, their families and THE INVERNESS Donor Centre ing an event for NHS Highland carers. needs more donors to give blood by staff that support people living “They aim to inform and enable appointment. with dementia and their families. practitioners to support people living Giving blood by appointment ‘Confident Conversations about with dementia, their families and carers helps the centre provide a more Technology’ is a new learning pro- to consider technology products and efficient service. The centre can rely gramme for all practitioners, delivery services as part of a wider care and sup- on receiving a specific blood type on partners and front line staff developed port plan. that date, making it easier to regu- late blood stocks and always have by Alzheimer Scotland. “The sessions are free and will equip enough for patients’ needs. It intends to raise awareness of de- colleagues with the tools and resources Giving blood is easy and takes velopments in technology and to sup- to make a successful, realistic change less than an hour including rest. port staff to acquire new skills and where they work.” Each donation can be split into three knowledge, enabling them to confidently After the sessions, three months of separate parts (red cells, platelets embed conversations about technology online support is available from the and plasma) so could save or im- into your portfolio of support. technology team at Alzheimer Scotland. prove up to three lives. Alzheimer Scotland’s senior technol- The course will be held on Wednes- The Raigmore Hospital centre ogy co-ordinator Gillian Anderson said: day, 5th July 2017 at the Tulloch Caledo- has appointments on Mondays at 2.30 to 5pm and 6pm to 7.30pm and “The ‘Confident Conversations about nian Stadium in Inverness between Thursdays 11 am to 1.30pm. Technology’ sessions are designed for 9.30am-4pm. To book an appointment call people who work alongside and have More information about the course 0345 90 90 999 frequent conversations with people liv- can be found here . - 25 - CAMPBELTOWN HOSPITAL Sunroom retains MQEM status A RECENT assessment of the Sun- Assessors highlighted many areas for Kintyre, said that the award is tes- room in Campbeltown Hospital by which have been improved upon since tament to the high standards staff an external team commissioned by the facility received the initial award and strives for in the delivery of care, and Macmillan Cancer Support con- congratulated staff for their efforts. Par- this recognition was pleasing to all in- firmed the Sunroom has retained ticular reference was made to hygiene, volved. the Macmillan Quality Environ- describing the facility as “exceptionally One recommendation made in the ment Mark (MQEM). clean”. They also identified “staff are assessment was that further public in- The Sunroom first achieved the committed to providing high quality volvement may be useful to further pro- MQEM back in 2013. care in an environment that contributes gress the success of the facility. The development itself was sup- to the enhanced well-being of people Anyone interested in joining a group ported by Macmillan Cancer Support affected by cancer”. The adjoining out- to support the ongoing improvement of and through local fundraising, has door courtyard was also praised for its the Sunroom facility should contact proved to be a valuable facility, enhanc- thoughtful planting and therapeutic Maggie Wilkieson on 01586555822. ing the palliative care provided in the value. hospital. Maggie Wilkieson, Macmillan nurse PUBLIC HEALTH Film success EDEN COURT screened an ac- claimed documentary about child- hood trauma to a sold-out audience this month. ‘Resilience’ provides a challenging and compelling account of the biology of stress and the science of hope. The film was shown in 25 venues across Scotland to an audience of over 3,000. NHS Highland’s public health special- ist Sally Amor said: “We know that ad- versity and trauma in childhood can have life-long consequences for health and wellbeing, be it poverty, family conflict, drug and alcohol misuse of physical, emo- tional or sexual abuse. “Stress in childhood and adolescence changes a person’s biology, rewires their brain and makes them at greater risk of mental and physical ill-health. We also know that we can build resilience in chil- dren and young people so that these negative outcomes are less likely to hap- pen. “When children and young people have a connection with others and know they are valued and have meaning, the biological effects of trauma can be offset and they can do well and be healthy and happy. The showing of the film will start some useful and important discussion for those attending.” - 26 - HEALTH PROMOTION GOLSPIE Pupils given ‘festival Flexible use of unit beds bags’ for safe summer FURTHER IMPROVEMENT work at the Cambusavie unit of Lawson Me- morial Hospital has provided the opportunity to reduce the number of beds to admissions in order to improve the patient experience. Work carried out earlier in the year at the Golspie Hospital looked at ways of reducing length of stay by improving discharge planning and providing more support to look after people at home. Monitoring of the use of beds has shown bed occupancy has steadily decreased. Michelle Johnstone, NHS High- land’s North area manager, said: “The lower occupancy of beds means we now currently only need First year pupils form Fortrose Academy with the festival bags they have made 18 beds. By reducing them it allows for their senior classmates. us to provide more space for pa- tients. SENIOR PUPILS at Fortrose Acad- Academy, who generously gave their “The new set up provides a bet- emy are being encouraged to time to make sure all of the bags were ter environment to encourage pa- make informed choices about alco- equipped with essential items such as tients to get up, get out of bed and hol and drugs this summer. water, condoms, toothpaste and a get dressed and eat in the dining The north of Scotland will play host toothbrush. area. The evidence shows that this to a series of gigs and concerts over the “We feel this is an ideal opportunity approach supports people to be summer months, and Black Isle Youth to provide young people with enough more independent and, in doing so, Development plans to distribute ‘festival information to make sensible choices supports them to get home quicker. “However, we will continue to bags’ to fifth and sixth year students at around the use of alcohol and drugs at closely monitor the requirements of Fortrose Academy. these music festivals and in a wider con- the bed provision within the North Black Isle Youth Development have text.” to make sure we have the right bal- produced the bags, which include items Joan Smith added that: “The bags are ance of hospital beds and commu- such as condoms, sunscreen, also designed to encourage discussion nity services, and adjust accord- toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, hankies, around topics such as safe sex and the ingly.” hand sanitizers, water, ponchos and dangers of sunburn. The three unoccupied beds will information on the dangers of drugs and “We want young people to enjoy be stored on the hospital site so they alcohol. themselves at the music festivals that can be swiftly reintroduced on an ‘as and when’ basis. Modern hospital NHS Highland’s community psychiat- are taking place across Highland this beds are light, manoeuvrable, ric nurse for addictions and harm reduc- summer, but it’s important that they do and transferable which lends to the tion, Joan Smith, the chair of Ross and so safely. ease of using the available ward Cromarty Drug and Alcohol Forum, “There will be welfare tents and space more flexibly. said: “We want to give young people emergency services at all of the events; The first phase of improvements the opportunity to make informed however, we think it’s important to at Lawson Memorial began in 2013 choices about alcohol and drugs. raise awareness of how to protect your- and saw the Cambusavie unit refur- “We know that young people are self and your friends from harm.” bished to provide significantly better attracted to these festivals and we hope The initiative is supported by the accommodation for patients and improve the working environment that the information and the materials Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partner- for NHS Highland staff. provided in the bags will help to keep ship, Ross and Cromarty Drug and Al- The work has developed this them safe.” cohol Forum, Tesco’s, Morrisons, Wa- theme with the intention of intro- Wanda MacKay, youth worker with ter Cooler Scotland, local dentists, In- ducing dining tables and chairs into High-Life Highland, said: “The bags were verness College and Ailsa Gordon, NHS the four-bedded spaces at the unit. organised by first year pupils at Fortrose Highland’s oral health educator.

- 27 -

HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY Staff make preparations for Library transfer next month

WE LIVE in momentous times and as de-  Computer and network access scribed in an earlier tale the Librarian and From Mid-July, users will notice that computers his team are well used to change. within the Library and Stirling campus rooms Taking a meander in the direction of health will be converted to UHI platforms and desk- promotion the staff have become increasingly tops in time for the 1st August transfer date. concerned about the nocturnal behaviour of On 31st July, almost all current external user their distinguished leader. Increasing amounts of accounts will cease so you should expect to local gin are being shipped in (under the auspices renew this for the next time you visit us after of “market research”). the 1st August. Please allow enough time to re- The walls of the inner sanctum are adorned register yourself in advance of wanting to use with portraits of librarians past and it appears the service. After re-joining, NHS Highland us- that after a “session” our leader often ends up ers will continue to have the same access to the gibbering incoherently to these. NHS Highland Network as they currently have His favourite portrait is an oil of Sir Henry Portrait of Sir Henry through the Citrix platform. (author of the classic Teddy boys don’t knit) who - Librarian past image courtesy: Ian Burt served as Librarian in the 1960s/70s. The strange  Wi-Fi thing is that there does seems to be some sort The same range of Wi-Fi services will remain. of communication going on as often our front- man comes away with some enlightened strate-  Printing gies (he calls them “visions”) for service devel- UHI will be installing a new fleet of printers on opments. campus from mid-July. These feature secure ID Anyway enough of this nonsense. Regular printing so the process of collecting prints will readers will have discerned that from the begin- change, information will be published nearer the ning of August ownership of the Highland Health time. Sciences Library will transfer from University of From 1st Au-  Stirling to the University of the Highlands and g u s t , t h e  Phone numbers

Islands. UHI will be rolling out a new fleet of phones to What will this mean for users of the service? H i g h l a n d all current staff at the library, so phone num- Health Sci- bers will be expected to change in the final

 Nature of business ‘ week of July. These will be published as soon Will remain the same. Staffing and opening hours ences Library as they become available. etc. will not be changed. There will be no will transfer  changes to the library space and access.  Email addresses

from Univer-‘ From 1st August these will be:  Library membership sity of Stirling Rob Polson – [email protected] If you have signed a disclaimer allowing your to the Uni- Chris O’Malley – [email protected] details to be transferred over to UHI your mem- Ellen-Ann Novak – [email protected] bership will continue seamlessly until your nor- versity of the General – [email protected] mal expiry date (i.e. the finishing date of your H i g h l a n d s  contract, or a year from the date of joining/  Customer services previous renewal). If you haven’t signed the dis- and Islands LIS Customer Services Manager is Mike Burns claimer, your membership will expire on July ([email protected]) and Head of Libraries is 31st and you will need to re-register. Ruth Priest ([email protected]).

Remember, whatever your needs the Highland Health Sciences Library exists to help you. Save time and money. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on a problem you may be having – contact the library instead. To find out more about the library call 01463 255600 (x7600). - 28 -

Q &A Answering the questions this month is lead chaplain & bereavement co–ordinator Derek Brown What does your job involve? Finally, what’s your favourite book? It says in my job description, “Providing spiritual care to Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky patients, their relatives and to staff.” That’s really about lis- tening to the other person with empathy and exploring what If you won £10 million in the lottery, what would you is happening to that person. Sometimes that will involve spend it on? prayer, scripture readings or a blessing, often just being a I would definitely pay off the mortgage but that would leave presence. a lot to play with. So it would be great to support some How would you describe your- of the local charities I’m involved with self? and a project in Italy that helps refu- 5 foot 10 inches, brown eyes, brown gees. hair. I hope, caring and compassion- ate, with a sense of humour. What about a smaller sum; say £1,000? Do you have and hobbies and A weekend away with the family. interests? I like walking, cycling and photogra- If you could have dinner with phy. three people, dead or alive, who would they be and what would What was the first single you you cook them? ever bought? Martin Luther for sure - very entertain- I have the most vivid memory of this! ing at the dinner table, Mahatma It was 1972 and I was in Boots in Ghandi for another worldview and Princes Street, Edinburgh, and I bor- Wolfgang Mozart to play for us. rowed 50p from my dad to buy Iron It would have to be vegetarian, so a Horse by Christie. lentil bake with eggs.

What is your favourite food? What are your pet hates? People Whatever my wife has just made. throwing stuff out of cars!

And how about your favourite film? What are the best and worst things about your job? Am I allowed three? The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The best thing is never knowing what going to happen next and who you are going to meet. And TV programme? The worst thing is people thinking they know exactly what Masterchef. you do all day. - 29 -