Issue 31 June –July 2008

WIN A BIKE

o celebrate National Bike Week (16 – 22 June), Staff Newsletter has teamed up with Dales Cycles to offer one lucky reader the opportunity T to win a brand new Giant Rock bike. Cyclescheme, which operates our cycle to work scheme, is also offering the winner £200 worth of cycling accessories. And we have a runner-up prize from Alpine of £100 worth of vouchers towards a bike or for accessories. Find out more inside and read all about how our Chairman Andrew Robertson worked with solo world cyclist Mark Beaumont (pictured) to help him achieve his record-breaking journey. Mark is a huge supporter of Bike Week. He said: “The hardest part of becoming a cyclist is often starting however events like Bike Week offer practical support and I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t cycle to go along and have a go.” Find out more about how to win, events planned for Bike Week and Mark’s round the world trip on page 4 and 5. Heart swap without a hitch Why big move to new centre didn't send hearts racing... or miss a beat! Read more on pages 7, 8 and 9.

Eye on innovation r Stuart Parks and Dr David Keating from Gartnavel General Hospital have been in Florida Dwith Scottish Health Innovations Ltd (SHIL) to launch their new eye screening system which they aim to market to thousands of potential buyers world-wide. See page 3. ••• 60th anniversary countdown, page 2 ••• 60th anniversary > >

diary > countdown begins > dates > he countdown starts now … to and Herald newspaper files and also from the 60th anniversary of NHS ’s NHS archive. T Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s To add to the atmosphere of the exhibi - Practice Nurse Conference big celebration event in Glasgow’s tion event, NHS staff wearing nursing uni - 11 June, , Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 5 forms from years gone by, will NHSGGC is hosting its second Practice Nurse July. mingle with the crowds. Conference. Presentations will be from the Director The show, hosted by top Among the displays and of Nursing, NHSGGC and national speakers with Radio Clyde presenter Gina stands will be an opportunity both clinical and professional topics being addressed. McKie (pictured), will feature to pick up one of the exclu - For further information contact: Anne Cochrane tel: heart-warming and inspira - sive NHS 60th anniversary 0141 232 2058 or email: tional patient stories, archive shopping bags branded with [email protected] photographic clips, music the health improvement slo - gan “Bag Better Health”. Funding : from the NHSGGC choir, and New Choices, New Challenges the NHS Diamond Award pre - Copies of a superb 32- 23 June, Our Dynamic Earth, sentations. page souvenir Health News complete with This conference will confront the issues, hear from It promises to be a great occasion for a potted history of the NHS locally, the experts and examine why this is part of the the 2000 patients, public, staff and vol - archive photos and a look into the future bigger picture of how Scotland is funded in the long unteers who will attend. will also be available. You can also pick term at a national level. Various stars from Radio Clyde will take up a 32-page health improvement booklet For further information and to book a place email: part in the afternoon’s events and on published in partnership with the Evening [email protected] or tel: 0131 272 3133 stage to present the NHS Diamond Times and Radio Clyde. Awards will be Cabinet Secretary Nicola The Radio Clyde “Boogie Bus” will NHSGGC Board Meeting ensure that shoppers around the Concert Sturgeon, NHSGGC Chairman Andrew 24 June, Dalian House, Glasgow Hall hear all about the 60th celebrations Robertson, Evening Times editor Donald The next Board Meeting takes place at Dalian House too! Martin and Radio Clyde managing direc - on Tuesday 24 June at 9.30am. tor Paul Cooney. The curtain lifts on the Diamond Better Health, Better Care Anniversary Show at 2pm but there will 24 and 25 June, SECC, Glasgow be plenty to see and do from 12 noon The event is being run as part of the NHS 60th with a superb display of archive photogra - Make sure you get your tickets for anniversary and will celebrate progress and phy depicting 60 years of the NHS in the Diamond Anniversary Show innovation in healthcare and feature topics from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde in the Concert Call the ticket line on 0800 027 Better Health, Better Care Action Plan. Hall exhibition suite. The images have 7246. Lines open from Monday 2 June For further information and to book a place, visit: been compiled for display from the (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday) www.nhsscotlandevent.com impressive archives of the Evening Times

e’ve created a terrific 60th anniversary website complete with a fab - ulous selection of archive footage, photographic stills, patient stories Wand links to documents and leaflets dating back to 1948 when the NHS was born. Visit: www.nhsggc.org.uk Tell us about any local events you are organising for the 60th anniversary and we will help publicise them. Call Corporate Communications, tel: 0141 305 0307 for details. Cool headed Gregor Sharing Success to the rescue ild-mannered medical iftshare – the UK’s free car sharing have done to promote Liftshare to all our records worker Gregor and transport information service – staff. The level of interest shown in the MYule was the first on Lhas rewarded NHSGGC for the excel - scheme has been great and we hope that the scene following a rather nasty traffic acci - lent work it has done to promote the car even more people will have a look at what’s dent outside the Western’s medical record’s sharing scheme across the organisation. on offer.” office on Church Street which involved two Travel plan and systems manager Douglas Liftshare Account Manger Charli Bullock buses. McIntosh collected the award from Liftshare added: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has Records Manager Marion Lamont explained: which was given as part of a wider competi - done really well with its launch and over the “Gregor was first on the scene and called the emer - gency services. He then went onto the bus to ensure tion held during the Liftshare Masterclass for course of the competition has already signed the driver, who had been taken unwell, was ok and Scotland. up 126 new members. I’m very excited at the then continued to comfort some of the passengers until Douglas said: “We are really pleased to potential there is for this scheme to grow even help arrived. We are really very proud of him and the have been acknowledged for all the work we more.” way he maintained a cool head during the incident.”

2 | Staff Newsletter Eye specialists unveil new vision

Dr David Keating (left) ware which interprets many electronic sig - detected at an early stage and treatment and Dr Stuart Parks nals sent from different areas of the retina. assessed.” testing their technology Dr Keating explained: “This system takes The information received is more accu - measurements from several hundred areas rate than a consultation with a patient, as of the retina and these signal responses Dr Parks explained: “The advantage is that offer a map of the retinal function. this technique is an objective test. All the “From this information disorders can be others rely on what the patient tells you, detected at an early stage and their and they won’t necessarily understand what progress monitored.” the problem is. When a patient comes for a screening “They certainly can’t explain where the appointment their eyes are first dilated defect is, whereas this technique is a valu - wo medical physicists at using drops. able tool in assessing retinal function and Gartnavel General Hospital have Small electrodes are applied to the fore - detecting a range of eye disorders.” Tlaunched their groundbreaking head and sides of the face, and a tiny elec - Dr Parks added: “As well as detection, eye screening system at a conference trode attached to a very fine thread is the system will also monitor the toxic effect of world experts in America. placed under the eye-lid. on the function of the eyes of drugs the Dr Stuart Parks and Dr David Keating The patient is then asked to look at a patient is taking for other conditions.” unveiled their pioneering early detection computer screen or large projection with an More than 6000 patients have been technology, the equivalent of a cardiogram image of hexagonal shapes. referred from all over Scotland to this for the eye, at the Association for Research These images flicker and the impulses are national screening service, the youngest in Vision and Ophthalmology general meet - sent to the computer for analysis. The test being only six-years-old. ing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. takes around eight minutes, with the Next stop for the globetrotting scientists It is the culmination of 14 years of dedi - images displayed 16 times in 30 second to showcase their new software is back to cated work developing and refining the bursts. the USA in July for the International Society sophisticated software which provides diag - Dr Keating went on: “Eye vessels are the for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision nosis and monitoring of retinal problems at smallest in the body, so disease can be (ISCEV) conference in West Virginia. a very early stage, including glaucoma and vein inclusions or blockages. And it can all be done by plugging a machine little bigger than a blackberry into a PC. Dr Keating said: “The technology was well received and generated a lot of inter - est. Most of the questions were based around how easy it is to use the software.” Dr Parks and Dr Keating, who are based at the Tennent Institute of Opthalmology within the hospital, have spent 14 years refining their system, known as multifocal electrophysiology. The key is the advanced computer soft - Clean sweep for new champions

taff can give them - is in addition to their every day site infection control team for been accomplished without the selves a big clean pat workload. more information on local edu - support and effort of local infec - Son the back having Infection control are now cational sessions. tion control teams. exceeded the targets for looking to increase that figure Anyone can do the course “Staff who have completed Cleanliness Champions further during 2008 and provide and the programme covers a this programme demonstrate a across Greater Glasgow and additional education for existing range of infection control topics commitment to patient safety Clyde. Cleanliness Champions in order including hand hygiene, stan - and to the prevention and con - Infection control teams in to increase their knowledge of dard precautions and decontami - trol of infection.” Glasgow were asked to train just the Prevention and Control of nation of equipment and the over 900 Cleanliness Champions Infection guidelines. Staff inter - environment. by March 2008 and, to date, ested in becoming a Cleanliness Sandra McNamee, nurse con - more than 1000 staff members Champion can sign up for the sultant, infection control, said: have now qualified as on-line programme delivered via “This is a significant achieve - Cleanliness Champions – a great the Learning and Education ment for NHS Greater Glasgow achievement as the programme Portal or they can contact their and Clyde and could not have

Staff Newsletter | 3 Chairman makes his ‘Mark’

days by completing the cycle in 194 days, Crucially, he also put Mark in touch crossing four continents and 20 countries. with BBC producer David Peat: Andrew, who is himself a keen cyclist, “David quickly saw the potential of has known record-breaking cyclist Mark Mark making a video record of what he Beaumont for a number of years. was doing and this footage was cut and Andrew explained: “In 2001 Mark and made into a documentary aired earlier I were part of a fundraising team for this year,” explained Andrew. Hospital and we took part in a During the gruelling journey Andrew cycle which followed the line of the 8th continued his support behind the scenes Army in 1943 to 1945 through Italy. via Mark’s mother Una, who co-ordinated “We started at Sicily on September 10 the expedition. and cycled the 1400 miles to Innsbruck, As well as offering help to overcome ne of the “back room” team arriving on October 4. That trip raised any problems with the bike itself, he also behind solo world cycle record - £50,000 in total for the hospital. “provided reassurance and support.” Obreaker Mark Beaumont was “Mark and I kept in touch and early A weekend cyclist, Andrew thoroughly our very own Chairman Andrew last year he began talking about his great approves of Bike Week and he will launch Robertson! ambition of breaking the round the world the event at on June 16. Andrew was a member of the tight-knit cycle record.” Mark is also backing Bike Week. He group which prepared Mark for his histo - As well as putting Mark in touch with explained: “The hardest part of becoming ry-making marathon and supported him other useful supporters, Andrew helped a cyclist is often starting, however events via email during the 18,000 mile trip him organise fundraising, map out the like Bike Week offer practical advice and which began in August last year and fin - route and worked out the logistics of a support and I’d encourage anyone who ished in February in . journey that would take many months. doesn’t cycle to go along and have a go.” Mark smashed the existing record of 276 Win a bike Bike Week 2008 ales Cycles and Cycle to uring Bike Week there are a number of events DWork are put - planned across all sites. Catch the Travel Plan ting up a fantastic DTeam at: prize for one lucky Monday June 16 – Stobhill Hospital canteen. Cycling winner. Scotland is offering free cycling information and practical advice on cycling in Glasgow. A Police Dales Cycles are giving away a Giant Rock mountain bike while Community safety officer will also be on hand with infor - Cyclescheme – our partners in the Cycle to Work scheme – is offer - mation and advice on bike safety and security as well as a ing the winner £200 of cycling accessories. You can choose what - bike passport service. ever you want up to a value of £200 from their catalogue which A local bike shop is providing free bike safety checks, shows all their merchandise. and there will be a 'led bike ride' around Springburn Park Alpine Cycles is also offering a runner-up prize of a £100 vouch - for anyone that wants to take part to show how easy it is to er which can be used in store on accessories or towards a bike. get out for some exercise at lunchtime. You will be able to find out more about Dales, Alpine and Tuesday 17 June – Gartnavel General main entrance. As Cyclesheme during our Bike Week events. Also attending these well as Strathclyde Police and Cycling Scotland, Strathclyde events is Solid Rock Cycles which will bring various accessories and Passenger Transpot (SPT) will be in attendance offering free freebies along to the roadshow events. Cycle maps and general information as well as a bike clinic. You can find out more about Bike Week and the Cycle to Work Wednesday 18 June – Southern General Canteen scheme on StaffNet or from the Travel Plan office, contact Douglas Corridor. Cycling Scotland, Strathclyde Police and local bike McIntosh at: shop will be in attandance. [email protected] or Graeme Condie at: Thursday 19 June – Vale of Leven Hospital, X-ray corri - [email protected] dor or outside old A&E if weather is nice. Cycling Scotland, Competition Strathclyde Police, local bike shop in attandance, 'Led bike ride' for all interested staff around the Alexandria and To enter the competition for a chance to win, answer this Balloch area, and a 'Commuter Challenge,' where three simple question. members of staff will travel from the Vale of Leven to the When does Bike Week run? Southern General on three different forms of transport: Send your answer to: [email protected] bike, public transport and motor vehicle. Closing date is: 14 July 2008 Friday 20 June – Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Main Entrance. Cycling Scotland, Strathclyde Police, and a local This competition is exclusive to all NHSGGC staff. The lucky winner will be chosen at random. Only one entry per person. The winner will bike shop will be there. be announced in the next edition of Staff Newsletter.

4 | Staff Newsletter on cycle world record

“As a lifelong cyclist I can think of no better way to explore the world and at a local level, it cannot be beaten when it comes to helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint whilst also keeping fit.” Thanks to funding from the Staff Lottery and other sources, facilities for cyclists around our sites have improved, including more showers and lockers being installed, and secure bike racks. Andrew added: “You get a real buzz from cycling, there’s a real feel-good fac - tor to it, as well as being good physical exercise.”

Fighting cervical cancer

our vaccine holding centres and transport services. Dr Syed Ahmed, consultant in public health, who chairs the group, said: “Over the last year we have been working reparations for the closely with school health launch of the new teams, senior nurses in the PHuman Papiloma CH(C)Ps and GPs to plan and put in place arrangements for Virus (HPV) immunisation pack for health professionals Tuesday 3 June programme, which aims to delivering the new vaccine is also being prepared and 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm protect girls from devel - across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. copies will be available at the Board Room 1 and 2 oping cervical cancer in seminars and on StaffNet. later life, are now well “The new programme will Dalian House require a significant increase This pack will include hard Friday 6 June underway. copies of the information in existing activity as in the 12 noon – 2.30 pm The new national pro - leaflet for parents, Q&As and gramme, which is due to start first year we plan to vaccinate Lecture Theatre around 17,000 pupils at other background material. in September 2008, will tar - Royal Hospital school and around 4000 16 Some of this information, get second year pupils at sec - including the training slides Wednesday 11 June ondary schools who are aged and 17 year olds in the com - munity as part of the initial that have been developed to 12 noon – 2.30 pm 12 to 13. There will also be a support health professionals Lecture Theatre 2 one-off three-year ‘catch-up’ catch-up.” to deliver local HPV training, Royal Alexandra Hospital scheme in Scotland to target As part of the detailed planning and preparation, a is available online and can be Friday 13 June girls up to 18 years of age. downloaded from the Health A local implementation series of immunisation semi - 12 noon - 2.30 pm nars have been arranged dur - Scotland website, visit: www. Beardmore Conference Centre group has been set up to co- healthscotland. com/ health/ ing June to update staff on ordinate arrangements for the topics/ immunisation/ roll-out of the new vaccina - the arrangements and ensure Thursday 19 June they are fully prepared for the hpv.aspx tion scheme across Greater 12 noon – 2.30 pm Glasgow and Clyde. The introduction of the new pro - Immunisation gramme. Walton Conference Suite group is led by the Public update seminars Southern General Hospital Health Protection Unit and Anyone wishing to attend Tuesday 3 June Tuesday 24 June includes senior nursing and should contact the Public 12 noon – 2.30 pm children’s services representa - Health Protection Unit, tel: 12 noon – 2.30 pm tives from each of the 0141 201 4917. Lecture Theatre Lecture Theatre CH(C)Ps as well as leads from A new national briefing TJ Thomson Centre, Stobhill TJ Thomson Centre, Stobhill

Staff Newsletter | 5 Building for satisfaction

ix months after the a great success from the per - new building and locating the and having it sited right in new Gartnavel Royal spective of staff who work remainder close by in upgrad - the hub of the hospital SHospital opened its there as well as patients and ed facilities has reintroduced means that they are more doors, staff are reaping carers. a sense of community, with quickly to hand when the benefits of working in “Until recently inpatient Gartnavel Royal staff being required and their own safety one of the most modern facilities for mental health distinctly aware of their key is assured. Staff also have and innovative mental were scattered across the roles and identity within the access to a well equipped health hospitals in the UK. Gartnavel site. Getting to and hospital. gym, good meeting room Clinical Director for West from essential services such as “The building itself lends facilities and pleasant land - Glasgow Mental Health pharmacy and occupational an air of calm and is welcom - scaped areas. Services Dr Moira Connolly therapy previously meant jour - ing. Amenities for staff are “Rooms specifically explained: “The move to the neys around the site. Wards also better as are opportuni - designed for use by families new hospital has proved to be were separated from each ties to meet with colleagues combined with the individual other and as a result there and respond swiftly to inci - rooms for patients and the were limited opportunities for dents in neighbouring wards. community cafe make it easi - staff to meet, integrate with Patients report feeling safer - er for staff to consider the and share thoughts and ideas so do our staff. needs of carers and families, with each other. “The on-call accommoda - and this, alongside the many “Bringing most of the inpa - tion for junior doctors is of an other improvements, leads to tient facilities into this fine exceptionally high standard far greater job satisfaction.” A first for Glasgow scientist

members who meet the high standards for forum is very useful.” the designation. As each member reaches a The ICR is the largest professional clini - new level they are able to add the relevant cal research body in Europe and India. designatory letters after their name. Putting members first, its vision is to be Fiona said: “I am absolutely thrilled to internationally recognised as the premier lasgow Royal academic research be awarded the Chartered Scientist status. organisation for clinical research, respected co-ordinator Fiona Graham has I joined the ICR around four years ago as a key influencer, promoting knowledge Gbecome the first member of the after recommendations from colleagues and understanding by engaging the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) to and I think it is really valuable. It is healthcare community and the general achieve its Chartered Scientist sta - through working with clinicians that I have public. tus. built my career and achieved this. I am NHSGGC Chair Andrew Robertson Based within our Research and proud to support our clinical professionals said: "We are delighted that Fiona's expe - Development department, Fiona has more in Glasgow. rience and quality of work has been recog - than eight years of clinical research experi - “Being a member of the ICR keeps me nised by this prestigious professional body. ence. As a professional member of the ICR, up to date with industry news and I’ve “This achievement also reflects the high Fiona was eligible to apply for Chartered taken part in a number of training courses. standard of clinical research which is being Scientist status when the level was intro - The Scottish forum is particularly relevant carried out in our hospitals and it is partic - duced late last year. to me. Some of the clinical research rules ularly gratifying that Fiona is being hon - This new status is available to individual are different in Scotland so having our own oured by her peers."

6 | Staff Newsletter Planning makes perfect Like most new NHS facilities, the completion of the West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre in May was the result of many years of hard work and detailed preparation. The planning for this particular centre, however, was more complex than most as it involved four separate hospitals and three different health boards. To get an insight into the challenges this presented and highlight some of the lessons learned we go behind the scenes to speak to some of the key people involved.

manager for the new Heart and Lung Lessons learned Centre, believes one of the main chal - Having not only overseen plans for the lenges was making sure staff had the sup - new Heart and Lung Centre but also the port and reassurance they required. She transfer of cancer services from the explained: “Change on this scale can be Western to the new Beatson on the very unsettling and many staff were wor - Gartnavel site, Jonathan has considerable ried about how the moves would affect experience in planning major moves. So them personally. what advice would he give to others She added: “Bringing staff together involved in future transfers? from different hospitals and health boards “I think one of the key lessons I’ve also meant there was a need to standard - learned is the importance of putting ise different policies, protocols and ways effective planning structures in place at of working which again was a real chal - an early stage. Ongoing communication lenge as people had to get used to doing with staff and patients is also key and things differently.” Lynne Ayton, general manager for the new Heart and Lung Centre also believes the challenge of planning major moves while still maintaining a service cannot be underestimated. She explained: “You have to devote a large amount of time to the Director of Regional Services, Jonathan Best project but still do your day job and make sure the service meets all its targets The challenges which, in our case, included reducing our As Director of Regional Services, waiting times from 18 to 10 weeks. The Lynne Ayton, general manager for the new Jonathan Best had overall responsibility pressure can therefore be really intense.” Heart and Lung Centre and Ann Marie for ensuring that a wide range of special - Cavanagh, senior nurse manager. ist heart and lung services were trans - ferred from the Western and GRI on time and within budget. He said: “Planning the transfer of hun - dreds of staff, dozens of services and mil - lions of pounds worth of specialist equip - ment was not without its difficulties. The project also involved many different pro - fessional groups of staff based on four different sites, which was a challenge, par - ticularly in relation to communications.” It’s also important to remember that at the beginning there were concerns about the level of onsite clinical backup and support available on the Golden Jubilee site, staffing rotas, management of outpa - tient clinics and access to other services such as physiotherapy. Anne Marie Cavanagh, senior nurse

Staff Newsletter | 7 Home is where the Heart is

Your guide to the new West • 200 beds including: of Scotland Regional Heart – 37 critical care beds and Lung Centre – 19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds The new West of Scotland Regional – 18 High Dependency Unit Heart and Lung Centre has now opened (HDU) beds following the successful transfer of all heart and lung surgery to the Golden – 14 cardiology day beds Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank. – 8 coronary care beds The centre is one of the largest units – 8 cardiology ward beds of its kind in the UK and combines exist - – 87 heart and lung ward beds ing heart services at the Golden Jubilee – 9 beds for transplant unit/ vital for maintaining good working rela - with heart and lung services from national services tionships. It’s also important to build sup - Glasgow’s Western and Royal Infirmaries port services and links with partner agen - and lung services from Hairmyres How many operations and cies such as the ambulance service and Hospital in . procedures will be NHS 24 into plans from the outset.” A dedicated unit for planned, urgent performed each year? From Lynne’s perspective one of the and emergency operations and proce - • 1500 heart operations, including 50 main lessons learned is the importance of dures, the centre brings a wide range of adult congenital surgical procedures having the right resources to support the specialist staff, services and equipment • 2500 lung and oesophageal opera - transition. She explained “We did take two together on a single site. tions people out of their normal roles to concen - trate on the project full-time and this What services does the new • 120 cardiac resynchronisation therapy procedures worked really well however, looking back, I centre provide? think it would have been better if this had • 7500 cardiology procedures All adult heart and lung surgery for happened sooner. I also think that we the West of Scotland including bypasses, • Up to 15 heart transplants should have arranged additional adminis - heart valve surgery and other complex • 250 advanced heart failure proce - trative support to free up staff from some procedures dures of their routine work so that they could A range of interventional cardiology • More than 200 SPVU procedures devote more time to the project. services including angioplasty, angiogra - She added: “Having more support to phy, electrophysiology and complex How many staff are based at deal with operational problems which pacemakers. the new centre? arose with phone, computer systems and The new centre is also home to three • 500 including more than 330 nurses payroll records would also have made a of Scotland’s national services: and access to more than 60 consult - real difference as well as just having more • Scottish Advanced Heart Failure ants as well as additional medical people available to answer questions from Service, including the heart transplant staff, physiotherapists, radiologists, staff and provide hands-on support.” unit cardiac physiologists, support and • Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit administration staff. Looking to the future (SPVU) With the moves complete and the new More information is available at: centre operational, the focus is now turn - • Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac www.nhsgoldenjubilee.co.uk Service (SACCS), previously known as ing to the future. Jonathan explained: the Grown-Up Congenital Heart unit “Glasgow has built up a terrific reputa - (GUCH) tion for heart and lung services and pio - neered the development of three critically What facilities does the new important national services, including the centre have? heart transplant unit. The opening of the Spread over three floors, the centre has new centre simply represents the next • 7 operating theatres phase of their development and I’m confi - dent the services and the staff will go • 4 cardiac catheterisation (cath) labs - from strength to strength in their new special X-ray rooms for the diagnosis home”. and treatment of blood vessel block - He added: “We also need to remember ages around the heart that although several specialist surgical • A new Magnetic Resonance Imaging heart and lung services have now moved, (MRI) scanner medical cardiology services will still be provided at our hospitals and our cardiol -

8 | Staff Newsletter ogists and anaesthetists will continue to practice development, research and audit maintain a close working relationship with however we can start to address this and their colleagues at the Golden Jubilee.” hopefully make some real progress during Anne Marie also believes that bringing the next year.” staff from different specialties together on Lynne echoed this view and added “It the one site will create new opportunities would be great for the new centre to have to share ideas and expertise. She some early successes and achievements explained: “In the last few years we have and that is what we now want to work probably fallen behind a bit in areas like towards.”

CONTACT DETAILS West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre Golden Jubilee National Hospital Beardmore Street Clydebank G81 4HX Tel: 0141 951 5000 Cardiac catheterisation (Cath) labs / cardiac day unit, tel: 0141 951 5886 HDU, tel: 0141 951 5253 ICU 1, tel: 0141 951 5304 ICU 2, tel: 0141 951 5305 Cardiology, tel: 0141 951 5755 Cardiac wards Level 3 West, tel: 0141 951 5300 Level 3 East, tel: 0141 951 5350 Thoracic ward Level 4 West, tel: 0141 951 5400 National Services tel: 0141 951 5340.

Staff Newsletter | 9 First steps for new maternity assistants

our new Maternity Care we are very much complementing and Assistants (MCAs) have taken supporting the midwife providing care to Fup duties in our maternity hospi - a very high standard. It frees the midwife tals since successfully graduating up to get on with other duties if they can from Robert Gordon University in delegate some tasks to us. Aberdeen. “I definitely feel like I’m getting the All of those who took part in the most out of it, I like to get things done course - the only one of its kind in and be able to provide support to the pro - Scotland - had already been working in fessionals I work with.” MCA Mary O’Neill maternity services as auxiliaries but recog - Since completing the course, all of the nised that having this new qualification new MCAs have been finding their feet in ence by supporting the midwives in caring could mean more opportunities for devel - their new role. for the women in our care. My role has opment. Mary added: “Now we have much changed a great deal in that I am working directly with the women and their babies, providing support as well as help and The Southern General's advice to women on how to care for their MCA Isobel Hughes at baby. work with new mum. ”The best part of the role is when you have been looking after a mum and baby for a few days and you build a good rela - tionship with them. It’s always nice to see them going home happy and excited. One woman thanked me for all my help and patience with her during her breastfeed - ing, adding ‘we got there in the end’. I wasn't looking for a thank you but it’s nice to know we're appreciated.” Over at the RAH, Carol Johnston who worked as a auxilliary for 16 years is equally pleased with her new role. “Originally the Nursing Auxiliary post was more patient focused looking after mums and babies, however, over the years the role changed and became more non- MCA at the QMH Tracey Innes more patient contact than previously, patient focused on house keeping, clean - explained: “I was working as a auxiliary we’ve taken some of the routine workload ing, stock rotation and so forth. but there really was no scope for develop - off midwives who’ve had to take on a lot Qualifying as a MCA allowed me to return ment.” Admitting that she did have con - in recent years so we help by carrying out to being more hands on with patients cerns about the workload and studying some of the more routine tasks. This could once again.” again, Tracey took a bit of time to be con - include taking bloods, fitting catheters, vinced that the course was for her. “It’s a carrying out baby checks and giving bit of a rollercoaster, I’d been out of babies a bath. My new role asks more of Maternity Strategy Roadshows school for years so was a bit worried me but it makes you feel even better A series of roadshows has been planned about the studying but the more I looked when you can make a bigger contribu - to keep staff updated on changes to mater - into it, I could only see benefits.” tion.” nity services. These are: Tracey is now considering starting mid - Being able to contribute more is also Date Time Venue wifery training. “It has been totally worth something that appealed to Isobel 24 June 5.00pm Conference Room, it in the long run.” Hughes. “What inspired me was that I QMH Getting support from line managers always felt I could do more in the ward 1 July 8.30am Boardroom, RAH and from each other appears to have but I didn't have the skills or the knowl - 3 July 8.30am Level 2, Seminar played an important part in the decision edge and I thought that it was too late at Room, PRM of the MCAs to return to education. my age to start something new! When I 8 July 8.30am Conference Room, Mary O’Neill from the PRM explained: was asked if I was interested in the MCA QMH “I didn’t know much about the course course I said yes, although I was a bit 10 July 5.00pm Seminar Room, until a senior member of staff pointed it apprehensive at the time. Ground Floor, out to me and suggested it might be ”During the course I felt I was already Maternity Unit at something I should consider. achieving goals that I never thought I Southern General “Our roles are still being developed but would. Now I feel I am making a differ -

10 | Staff Newsletter Stroke service goes from strength to strength

he South Glasgow For those patients who Southern General within three through to discharge back into Stroke Service has receive medical attention with - hours of stroke onset. the community. This team T been commended as in the first few hours many can All stroke patients receive a encompasses clinicians, radiol - a model of excellence fol - be successfully treated with comprehensive assessment to ogists, specialist nursing staff, lowing a visit by Professor the drug ‘tissue plasminogen determine why the stroke has and allied health team mem - Roger Boyle, Department activator’ (tPA) to dissolve the happened, and to guide treat - bers. The NHSGGC Stroke of Health’s National clot and re-establish blood ment and rehabilitation plans. Managed Clinical Network Director for stroke. flow back to the brain tissue. Patients with stroke often aims to ensure all stroke Stroke is the third most However, patients who have a spend a significant time in patients can access high quali - common cause of death in more delayed presentation to hospital and those from the ty care and there are stroke Western countries, and the hospital continue to benefit Victoria’s catchment area are units in all NHSGGC hospitals. most common cause of perma - significantly from care provid - able to transfer back to more The South Glasgow Stroke nent disability in adults. Across ed by a dedicated acute stroke local facilities through the Service has recently treated its Scotland it is estimated that and rehabilitation service. stroke rehabilitation unit with - 250th stroke patient with 35 patients will have a stroke The stroke unit at the in the Mansionhouse Unit. thrombolysis, placing the unit every day. Southern General began treat - In addition, both the within the most active top 10 In more than 80% of ing patients with tPA in 1996, Victoria and Southern sites European centres who provide patients it is caused by a blood but amalgamation with the have rapid access TIA (mini this type of treatment. In con - clot becoming lodged within a Victoria Infirmary stroke serv - stroke) clinics, which meet the junction with the Western blood vessel supplying the ice in 2004, and the introduc - national target of seeing more Infirmary Stroke unit (which brain. This results in brain tis - tion of guidelines for GPs and than 80% of patients referred provides the stroke thrombolysis sue becoming starved of oxy - A&E units across the city in by their GP within two weeks, service for North Glasgow hos - gen and glucose, and patients the same year has ensured the and can organise same day pitals) just over 400 patients - have symptoms such as paraly - service has gone from strength investigations such as brain 30% of all patients treated in sis of one side, difficulty with to strength. Of over 700 and blood vessel scans. the UK – have been treated speech or vision, and loss of patients admitted per year Stroke patients need a with tPA for acute stroke, prov - sensation in the face, arm or approximately 30% now arrive team-based approach to their ing that for stroke patients leg. to the acute unit at the care, extending from admission Glasgow really is miles better. Open to view NEW HOSPITAL STAFF EVENTS he images below give staff their er year a number of rooms have been fully kitted out so that the builders and our Come along to your local staff event first chance to see how the to hear about the progress being T rooms at the two new hospitals own clinical and management staff can at the Victoria and Stobhill will look. make sure well in advance that the accom - made with the new hospitals. Senior Even though neither the Stobhill or modation in the new hospitals is fit for management, clinical and HR staff purpose. Victoria hospital is due to open for anoth - will also be on hand on the day to answer your questions. VICTORIA INFIRMARY 25 June 2008 10am - 3pm LOCATION: E-Floor Entrance & Conference Room

New Stobhill Hospital – a typical treatment room STOBHILL HOSPITAL which is repeated many times throughout the 26 June 2008 building. Rooms are all large and bright with good – a four-bedded elderly working space for staff and spacious areas for 10am - 3pm care room showing the bright modern facilities patients to move within. All the rooms will be designed to provide a comfortable environment equipped with PCs allowing staff to electronically LOCATION: Coffee Lounge, for patients. access patient information. Chef's Hat, Staff Dining Room

Staff Newsletter | 11 Enhancing learning disabilities services Contacts ive new nurse specialists are settling self-report because of communication prob - Kristina Mackinnon, one of the new SESPs Each nurse will be into their specially created posts to lems, and their carers are unlikely to be trained attached to the West and South West Glasgow attached to practices Fmake sure some of the most vulnera - to spot medical conditions. They may even CHCPs, said: “It’s a new initiative in the learn - within CH(C)P areas as ble members of society are getting the believe the symptoms are part of the person’s ing disabilities remit and quite exciting in follows: health services they need. learning disabilities. This can lead to health terms of what we can deliver as a team for the The Scottish Enhanced Service Nurses needs being overlooked or only noticed when learning disabilities population. • West & South West (SESNs) are employed in a groundbreaking they have reached a late or extreme stage. “In terms of meeting the health needs of Glasgow - Kristina approach to support people with learning dis - Due to multiple health needs, people with this population it’s phenomenal! Our role is to Mackinnon abilities on GP lists. In this scheme which is learning disabilities are more likely to be pre - make sure that these needs are being met and • East & North Glasgow – unique to Scotland, they are sifting through scribed multiple drugs which themselves can our posts will go some way towards decreasing Laura McCann 270 GP registers throughout the board area adversely affect health because of side effects. this health deficit.” • South East Glasgow & and drawing up a new list of patients who fit Literacy problems can lead to medical “GPs are appreciative of the extra support East – this criteria. appointment letters not being understood and in terms of nursing resources,” went on Linda, Robert Richardson This will be followed up by home visits to patients missing out on regular check-ups, for “because out of a list of around 2000 patients, gather more information to update GP files example for cervical screening or coronary there maybe only four or six with learning dis - • Inverclyde & about the health needs of these particular heart conditions. abilities.” Renfrewshire – Lynne patients and have them included on appropri - Problems with accessing services are illus - The next stage will be to develop special McGrath ate screening lists. trated by figures which revealed that only appointment letters and reply slips, which will • East & West Linda Allan, nurse consultant, learning dis - 13.5% of the 400 women with learning dis - be a mix of words and symbols and are more – abilities, said: “Once this register is complete abilities who took part in the health check pro - easily understood by a person with learning Audrey McLaughlin. we can then begin working with GPs to intro - gramme in 2002 in Glasgow had an up-to-date difficulties. duce an enhanced pro-active screening service cervical smear, compared with all women in A similarly styled “My Health Record” pack All are currently based at for this part of the population. the Greater Glasgow area who had 74% is also being produced, containing details of the Primary Care Liaison “This means we can identify the different uptake 2001. any medical conditions. It will go with the Team, 109 Stravanan long-term health needs of people with learning GPs will also be asked to offer longer and patient when they are admitted to hospital Road, Castlemilk, disabilities and so improve the quality of their more flexible appointments to people with and help overcome any communication prob - Glasgow, tel. 0141 211 lives.” learning difficulties, giving these patients time lems about the person’s medical history. 0835. This patient population often can’t or won’t to explain how they are feeling. Widening health information he Public Health Resource fessionals and others. identify health information professionals, families and carers Unit (PHRU) has created It is well recognised that people resources in the learning disability of people with learning disabilities, Ta useful extranet site for with a learning disability have area in response to these issues as in an easily accessible format.” health professionals and car - greater health needs than other we are required to provide informa - To access the site, visit: ers of people with learning people and often these are unmet tion on health and lifestyle for all http://www.phru.net/learning disabilities. The site contains or unrecognised. groups of people, including those disabilities a list of resources available to A recent report highlighted the with Learning Disabilities. help and assist on a range of health inequality experienced by Director of the Mental Health health matters including people with a learning disability. It Partnership Anne Hawkins said: “I nutrition, respiratory and suggested that family and paid car - am very impressed with the E- health rights amongst others. ers and health and social care pro - Directory Learning Disability The E-Directory for Learning fessionals should have access to Resource site. A tremendous Disability Resources aims to widen resources for use with people with amount of work and effort has access to quality health informa - a learning disability. NHSGGC has gone into creating this site to give tion and resources for health pro - recently commissioned an audit to its maximum potential to assist Staying positive about disability

HSGGC has successfully retained commitments regarding employment, retention, cuss, at any time, but at least once a year, the use of the important Positive training and career development of disabled with disabled employees what can be done Nabout Disabled people ‘double tick’ employees. to make sure they can develop and use their symbol, thanks to the efforts of a joint “By using the symbol, NHSGGC is making it abilities working group. clear to disabled people that it welcomes appli - • make every effort when employees become The Group, chaired by Head of Resourcing, cations from them and is positive about their disabled to make sure they stay in employ - John McCarthy built up a strong portfolio of abilities. In addition, it shows existing employ - ment evidence which was presented to the ees that their contribution is valued and they • take action to ensure that all employees Department of Works and Pensions Job Centre will be treated fairly should they become dis - Plus. abled.” develop the appropriate level of disability The use of the symbol is reviewed annually The Disability Symbol is an important contri - awareness needed to make these commit - and Disability Employment Advisor at Job bution to help us achieve a more diverse work ments work Centre Plus David MacDonald has confirmed force. As holders of the symbol, we must: • review the five commitments and what has that NHSGGC clearly provided evidence which • interview all disabled applicants who meet the been achieved each year, plan ways to meets the required standards. minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider improve on them and let employees and Mr MacDonald explained: “The Disability them on their abilities Jobcentre Plus know about progress and Symbol recognises work in meeting the five • ensure there is a mechanism in place to dis - future plans.

12 | Staff Newsletter From the profiles of the various CH(C)Ps we know that the numbers of patients with A picture of health heart disease requiring hospital treatment has dropped, as have deaths from heart dis - ew profiles, produced by the ease. We also know that the adult smoking Glasgow Centre for Population rate over the whole of Greater Glasgow and NHealth (GCPH), now give us an Clyde has fallen consistently following the up-to-date picture of the health of the success of many of our smoking cessation differing communities we serve. These campaigns. profiles will also help inform the The profiles also show that levels of development of local plans and priori - breast feeding vary across Greater Glasgow ties and help ensure our resources are CH(C)Ps from 20% in East Glasgow to targeted effectively. 49% in with notable rises in breast feeding in North Glasgow, What do the profiles show? West Glasgow and South East Glasgow over The profiles emphasise the stark differ - Linda de Caestecker explained: the last eight years. However, more work ences in health between different commu - “It is vitally important for our future plan - can still be done in areas where that figure nities in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. There ning and service delivery that we know remains low. is a nine year gap in male life expectancy both the improving and worsening trends at birth across all the CH(C)Ps; the equiva - in health across the communities we serve. How can I get a copy of the lent gap for women is slightly less at “Being able to access information profiles? around six years. At a neighbourhood level, through these individual profiles means we The profiles have been presented at a the differences in life expectancy for men can see at a glance which areas need our range of local events, copies have also been and women living in different parts of the attention most. widely distributed across each of the region are even more apparent. “Whilst deprivation is a very general CH(C)Ps. You can access the information term applied to the West of Scotland and online on the GCPH web site at: How is this information www.gcph.co.uk/communityprofiles useful? in particular to Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Being able to access information like this the profiles highlight that levels of depriva - is of major importance as we plan our tion, and related health outcomes, in fact For further information on the approach to health for both this generation vary markedly across our whole region and profiles, contact Bruce Whyte tel: and the next. Director of Public Health within each CH(C)P.” 0141 221 9439. Clyde banks on repeat of Fresh start for Glasgow jobs success new starts

orking for Health (WfH) is support staff. ork is underway to develop a sin - NHSGGC’s pre-employment The programme offers a six-week train - gle system of induction for all Wtraining programme support - Wnew members of staff. ing period to participants covering four ing those who are unemployed and key areas: building confidence and self Project Manager for Learning and interested in working for the NHS. esteem; NHS induction including moving Education Alastair McKenzie explained: “There are currently a number of different Until recently participants generally and handling, confidentiality, infection came from the Glasgow area and had approaches to induction across the organisa - control and hand hygiene, health & safety, placements in Glasgow hospitals. tion and we therefore decided to develop a However, in January of this year, WfH was basic IT, codes of conduct; application single system for NHS Greater Glasgow and extended to include unemployed people form and interview support and a two- Clyde. living in the Clyde area who are interested week work placement. All participants “This will help deliver a more joined up in NHS jobs. The first intake of Clyde who complete the programme are guaran - and consistent approach as well as ensuring based WfH trainees started in late January teed an interview for entry-level jobs all new members of staff have access to the and took up nursing assistant, admin where they meet the minimum criteria. information they need to help do their jobs.” assistant or radiography helper placements The programme plans to increase place - The new NHSGGC induction system will be at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. ments in similar job roles, and the number made up of two main parts – a mandatory section which will be completed by all staff The WfH programme runs in partner - of participants entering NHSGGC posts and a role/profession specific section which ship with Skills Development Scotland across the Clyde area in the coming (previously Scottish Enterprise Glasgow), will vary depending on the nature of the job. months. Further details about the pro - Jobcentre Plus and the Wise Group. It The aim is to ensure that as much of the was established in 2004 and since then gramme can be obtained by contacting new material as possible is available online has supported the recruitment of almost Laura McKie, Working for Health Manager, and Learning and Education are currently 300 members of staff including nursing tel: 278 2965 or by visiting the Working working with the Intranet Team to create a assistants, phlebotomists, admin and cleri - for Health webpage on the Resourcing, new induction section on StaffNet. cal assistants, porters, catering staff, Recruitment and Workforce Planning sec - Look out for further updates in Staff domestic assistants and decontamination tion of StaffNet. Newsletter and StaffNet.

Staff Newsletter | 13 Elbow raises a smile Thinking on Funny Bone couldn’t resist sharing this her feet, our little gem with our 44,000 readers - not NHS colleague only is it apt … it’s actually about a funny chose the latter: bone! “Err, no I’ve just Picture the scene: The NHSGGC Area got an itchy elbow.” Immediately the How fast do your trainers go? Partnership Forum is gathered in the hazards of sudden body movements at an Recent reports have confirmed fewer Dalian House Boardroom. auction sprung to mind and Chairman and fewer young Scots are taking regular The agenda is large and the matters Donald Sime could not resist banging an exercise and the numbers taking part in are meaty. There’s been some tension but imaginary auctioneers hammer and stat - active sport are also declining … there is some consensus as the issues are ing: “Sold to the woman with the red That’s why so much effort is going thrashed out. Employee Director Donald hair!” into ensuring that every opportunity is Sime is in the Chair. Debate is continuing taken to build on the opportunities creat - over a fairly serious matter when the Mums always know best! ed with the hosting of the Chair spots a young woman with her There’s always a bit of a laugh to be Commonwealth Games in 2014. hand stretched out. had from a play on words … especially Let’s face it, if we were as fit a nation He doesn’t realise that she has been when it comes to medical terms. as our world-beating sales levels of track- having a bit of a problem with a dry The following isn’t from the internet – suits and trainers would suggest we real - patch of skin on her right elbow and took it actually happened to a senior NHSGGC ly would be at the races when it comes action that morning to remedy the afflic - manager just a few weeks ago. to health! tion by rubbing some very expensive and Her mother had called her to let her The cartoon shown above sums up just intensive pomegranate body scrub on her know the worrying news about a close exactly the legacy we don’t want to be “funny bone”. friend: “He’s in the Vale of Leven left with after the Games are over … over - Checking if the product had lived up Hospital and he’s suffered genital heart weight, smoking shoppers in the trainers to its promises she had raised her right failure”. shop! When East Glasgow CHCP director forearm to allow her left hand to check if As you would expect, the senior NHS Mark Feinman presented at a recent the dryness had gone. manager knew better and advised her Board seminar on the challenges and “Yes, Andrea, do you want to come in mother, “It’s congenital heart failure opportunities the impending Games on this?” asked the ever alert Donald. mum.” offered he used the cartoon to make his Andrea was faced with a dilemma The response: “No dear, Daddy has point … …bluff and pose a question – or come just spoken to the hospital and it’s defi - It raised a smile but if it wasn’t so true clean! nitely genital heart failure”! it really would be funny! Another Problems day sleeping? he Sleep smoke- Centre, based at the Southern T General Hospital, is conducting free for studies which may be of interest to: • adults with insomnia • adults with both depression and insomnia Elaine • over 65s with insomnia laine Baker who works within the Domestic Service Team at the • normal sleepers Victoria is pictured above helping out at a ‘No Smoking Day’ event at If you feel you would gain from being Ethe Victoria. part of a sleep experiment and would With the help of the hospital smoking cessation advisor Elaine celebrated being like to learn a little more about your smoke free for three months on No Smoking Day, and went along to the event to answer sleeping patterns, and ways to improve questions, encourage and help advise colleagues and visitors to give up the habit. them, tel: 07788943028.

14 | Staff Newsletter NHSGGC In The Headlines High flying docs Our very own

he expansion of the “flying doctor” service special diamonds! grabbed the headlines after we announced the Tappointment of three extra emergency medicine s part of the celebrations for the NHS 60th consultants. anniversary we have been working with our Amedia partners the Evening Times and Radio Both the Scotsman and Daily Mail carried glowing reports, with pictures, of the Emergency Medicine Retrieval Service Clyde to promote our new “Diamond Award’ which aim (EMRS). to recognise the work of NHS staff and volunteers. They told how patients in remote and rural areas along the This has resulted in a series of heart warming features on West coast of Scotland will benefit from the expansion of the patients who have benefited from the skills and dedication of service as a result of the new staff in place. our staff. The development means that the EMRS has a dedicated One family told the Evening Times of a devastating road consultant available from 8am to 6pm every day and on rapid crash which left four members in different hospitals, two of standby at night. them children. Based at the ambulance service helipad in Glasgow, the It wasn’t just first class medical skills which helped them on team, working closely with paramedic colleagues, can be the road to recovery, but also the understanding and compas - deployed by helicopter to patients with life threatening sion shown by different health professionals. injuries and illnesses giving them the fastest possible access to The vounteers are are not forgotten, there was also the the treatment they need. “tail” of Poppy, the springer spaniel who delights patients with EMRS staff can also be transported by the ambulance ser - her visits with owner Anne Macdonald through the Therapet vice's fixed wing plane at or by the Royal service run by charity Canine Concern Scotland Trust. Navy’s Search and Rescue helicopter.

Major milestone for South Glasgow Campus he new South Glasgow hospital campus hit the national headlines following the announcement by the Scottish Government that Scotland’s largest hospital is to be built using public funds. Images of the hospital campus, Twhich will be the most advanced in the UK, were much in demand from broadcast and print media as well as a number of specialist publications. First Minister Alex Salmond was interviewed welcoming the deci - sion which represents the largest investment in health services ever undertaken in Scotland. The groundbreaking development of the new acute and children’s hospitals along with the expansion of the maternity unit and the cre - ation of a new laboratory facility will achieve the ‘gold-standard’ of triple co-location by 2014.

Continued from page 16 to understand what aspects of work are support available to staff. pedometers to motivate more walking, adversely affecting people’s mental You will also be able to put forward supporting people on how to walk or cycle health and address them.” your own views on the type of schemes at least part of the way to work as well as The new three-year staff health action and initiatives you would like to see staging discussions on how to reduce alco - plan will be officially launched later in being taken forward in the workplace. hol consumption. the summer with a special newsletter for The initial action plan will also be Dr de Caestecker added: “We must every member of staff. A new ‘Your taken forward in partnership with also care for the mental health of our Health’ section will also be created on however there are staff and try to make sure that the work - StaffNet to keep you up-to-date with all plans to develop similar joint initiatives place is a place which promotes well- the latest news as well as highlighting with other council partners and being and good mental health. We need the wide range of services, facilities and Strathclyde Police.

Staff Newsletter | 15 Rising to the challenge

or most of us taking part in the Three Every year Iain decides on a different personal Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing challenge to raise money for charity and this year Fthe three highest peaks in Britain, would Momentum Scotland will benefit from his generosity. A healthy be more than enough of a challenge. This isn’t Momentum offers a range of programmes to help the case however for Iain Stewart, people following an accident, illness or those with a plan for you Information Officer in the Public Education disability to gain the skills, training and experience Resource Library at Dalian House. they need to live independently and become equal e’re all used to While undertaking the mountainous challenge to competitors in the job market. seeing plans to climb Mount Snowden, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, Iain explained: “I enjoy setting myself different Wimprove the Iain has decided to test his endurance even further challenges and because of my love for cycling and health of patients and by cycling between each mountain! mountaineering I thought I would combine the two the general public howev - Iain spoke with Staff Newsletter before setting off sports this year. It is going to pose an enormous test er the needs of our own on the challenge which includes hiking up Mount for me both physically and mentally so I appreciate staff are often over - Snowden (1085m) in Wales, followed by his cycle to all the support from my family, friends and col - looked. This is set to the Lake District to climb Scafell Pike (978m) before leagues for this extremely worthy charity.” change with the develop - cycling to bonny Scotland to climb Britain’s highest ment of a groundbreak - mountain Ben Nevis (1344m). To sponsor Iain pop into the library on the ing new staff health Helping Iain get ready for the challenge is Run4It first floor in Dalian or visit: action plan. and Iona Robertson from The Body Matrix in Glasgow. www.justgiving.com/3peakcyclechallenge The plan will focus on some of the key national Ben Nevis Mt Snowden Scafell Pike health priorities including obesity, alcohol misuse and mental illness. Director of Public Health Dr Linda de Caestecker explained: “We want our staff to have as many opportunities as possible to maintain, and improve, Hazel’s healthy sur-prize good health. Although there are already a number he health and wellbeing of one member of of initiatives in place we staff improved overnight following the recognise that we need to T news that they had won a fabulous free do more. holiday to Tenerife courtesy of Travel. “We all know that it can Hazel Dawson from the Dental Hospital was the be difficult to change our lucky winner of the recent Healthy Working Lives habits when our lives are so competition which was organised by the Acute L-R, Mark Brock from Barrhead Travel with winner Hazel Dawson, Associate Director of HR Anne busy. We therefore want to Division to encourage staff to complete a health MacPherson and Joe Quinn from Staff Benefits provide more practical sup - questionnaire. She added: “I didn’t know much about the healthy port, advice and encourage - Anne MacPherson, Associate Director of HR for ment to make it easier for the Acute Division, said: “The organisation is current - working lives programme before but it sounds like a good scheme. Lots of people would like to be more people to adopt health ly working its way towards the Healthy Working lifestyles and also feel val - Lives Bronze Award to help improve the health and active and eat more healthily, however, we sometimes just need a bit more encouragement to actually make ued and supported in their well-being of our workforce. work.” Part of this work includes carrying out a health the change. This programme may be the push they need and if co-workers are involved it might make the Some practical examples needs assessment and as we wanted to encourage of this are making sure there as many people as possible to take part we changes easier to make and maintain.” Healthy Working Lives are currently looking at a is a good choice of healthy approached Barrhead Travel to see if they would food available in our can - donate a holiday to offer as a prize.” range of forthcoming events including a Tobacco Day on 2 June at the GRI canteen from 11.30am to 2pm teens; walking groups at This approach certainly worked for Hazel who lunchtime; providing explained: “I initially filled in the questionnaire and Race for Life at on 8 June from because I saw the prize of a free holiday and was 9am to 12pm. Find out about other events planned Continued on page 15 feeling lucky. on StaffNet.

STAFF NEWS LETTER Written by staff for staff with the full support of the Area Partnership Forum Send your articles, letters and photographs to: address: NHSGGC Communications, Staff Newsletter, NHS Greater Glasgow and email: [email protected] Clyde, Dalian House, 350 St Vincent Street, tel: 0141 201 4995 Glasgow G3 8YZ Published by: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Communications