THE NHS STAFF NEWSPAPER March 2016 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

NEW MAN AT THE HELM Incoming chair’s message to staff Make sure care and compassion remains No. 1 priority THE man set to take over as chair of NHS Highland says that, with widespread changes taking place throughout the board, one thing should remain constant: a commitment to care and compassion. David Alston, whose four-year tenure as chair begins on 1st April, added: “This is a fantastic or- ganisation, full of good people, and I am confident that whatever the future brings, our number one priority will remain delivering the best possible care, with compassion, to those we serve.” He added that he faced a “full and interesting agenda” as he prepares for his new role. “Someone once wrote, ‘If we want things to stay as they are, everything will have to change.’ That is certainly true of NHS Highland, where I think most people recognise that changes are necessary if we are to continue to meet the many challenges we Why were some members face in health and social care.” of staff at Campbeltown High on David’s ‘to-do’ list, he added, was work- Simply Hospital seeing red for a ing to ensure that the integration of health and adult day last month? Turn to social care in and Bute runs smoothly and 3to find out how they put efficiently. their heart into a fund- red... raising venture. Continued on page 2 - - New board chair’s message to staff...

challenges meant that the board had Contents Continued from front no option but to develop and redes-

On the day David takes over as ign the way it worked. 4 Hospital signs change 6 New Craigs grounds project chair of the board, “We will increasingly see differ- Health and Social Care Partnership’s ent skill mixes working together in 7 Bed sores progress Integrated Joint Board will take over teams,” he said. “And we will con- 8 Fish and chip babies responsibility for all health and social tinue to see services being redes- 10 Commuters’ Corner care services in the area. igned, as they are in and 15 Adult support and protection “It’s a very exciting develop- Strathspey, and Skye, Lo- 18 Ken Proctor retiral ment,” he said. “Argyll and Bute chalsh and South West Ross.” Council and NHS Highland have Another work in progress, he 21 New board secretary been working closely together on said, was embedding the Highland 26 Department profile: eHealth integration, and I am confident that Quality Approach throughout the 28 Revalidation the new Integrated Joint organisation. 31 Argyll & Bute integration Board will be unstinting in “To be honest, I had 35 Q&A: David Laidler its determination to pro- reservations about the vide a better experience Highland Quality Ap- and better outcomes for proach, with its own lan- Keep us informed patients and clients.” guage and jargon, when I Integration in Argyll first heard it discussed, Do you know of something you and Bute is by the ‘body and I can understand why think should be featured in High- corporate’ model, in others in the organisation lights? An award, an achievement, which the health board might feel likewise. a piece of research, an appoint- and council delegate re- “But I have seen what ment, a retiral … you name it, sponsibility to a new the Highland Quality Ap- body. In the Highland proach can achieve and I Highlights has a place for it. Please DAVID ALSTON send your articles to Council area, however, have become passionate [email protected] (01463 integration took place in 2012 under about how we can use it to improve the ‘lead agency’ model, in which services. I believe others will be too, 704903) or visit the Staff Dropbox each partner delegated functions and when they see how it can deliver on the NHS Highland intranet services to the other. safer, more effective, compassionate home page. “Having had integrated services in care. If that means learning a few North Highland for four years will new words – then it’s worth it.” You can follow undoubtedly make integration in Ar- And on the eve of taking up his NHS Highland on... gyll and Bute easier, despite the fact new post, David said he wished to

that different models are being pay tribute to the person he will be WEBSITE used,” said David. “I actually see succeeding. www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk something positive about their being “I believe NHS Highland, and the two models in NHS Highland – one people of the both Highland and Ar- FACEBOOK can learn and feed off the other.” gyll and Bute, owe a huge debt of https://www.facebook.com/ David, who is NHS Highland’s gratitude to Garry Coutts,” he said. NHSHighland longest-serving non-executive direc- “What he has achieved as chair TWITTER tor, having first joined the board in has been remarkable and truly trans- www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or 2003, added that the ever-changing formational. @NHSHighland complexity of healthcare, changing “He will be a hard act to follow – demographics and ongoing financial but I will do my best.” OTHER LIVES David Alston on slavery: See page 23 - 2 - HEALTH VISITING PURDAH Fiona’s in Government issues running for pre-election UK award guidance AN NHS Highland lead health visi- It’s lovely to be recognised in such a tor has been shortlisted in two fashion, and I thank my colleagues for on use of categories at a national award thinking so highly of me. ceremony in London next month. “I feel very privileged to be repre- Fiona Semple is the health visiting senting NHS Highland at the CPHVA social media team lead at and awards and it is a wonderful opportunity was nominated by her colleagues for her to showcase the commitment of our DO you have an NHS Highland leadership qualities and commitment to team towards giving children in Kintyre social media account or network the local community. the best start in life.” (Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc) Fiona will travel to London for the NHS Highland’s deputy director of which you use for work purposes ? Community Practitioners and Health nursing, Pat Tyrell, said: “I was delighted If you do you need to know that the Visitors Association (CPHVA) awards, to hear of Fiona being shortlisted in two pre-election period for the Scottish and admits to being shocked when she categories at the upcoming CPHVA Parliament election starts on Thursday discovered she had been shortlisted. awards in London. 24th March. “I was overwhelmed when I read the “This is excellent recognition of the The has is- email telling me I had been nominated,” great achievements and leadership that sued guidelines in advance of the elec- she said. “I have been shortlisted in the Fiona and her team have shown in Kin- tion on 5th May for all non-executives general health visiting and leadership tyre in developing local services. and NHS staff and it outlines the impar- categories, and it still hasn’t sunk in. “Fiona’s motivation and commitment tial conduct expected in the month “We have done a lot of work with to the local community has always been preceding the election. the Early Years Collaborative and Get- fantastic, and I’m so pleased that she has The advice regarding social media is ting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) in been nominated. I would like to wish that no changes should be made to sites Kintyre, but it has been a real team ef- Fiona the very best of luck.” which would show favour to one candi- fort. I think GIRFEC is an extremely The CPHVA 2016 awards recognise date or party and use should be limited rewarding programme, and we have the evolving community practice and for responding or commenting on fac- been working hard to fully implement it diverse professional roles that practitio- tual queries. in our area. ners undertake. The full guidance is available on the “I have also done a lot of work with The ceremony will take place in intranet. the NHS Highland quality improvement Plaisters Hall, London, on Friday, 8th If in doubt, speak to one of the NHS methodology, so it’s been a busy year. April. Highland communications team.

CHARITY EVENT Hospital staff go in the red to raise funds STAFF were seeing red for a day at Campbeltown Hospital “It was all organised by Kirsteen Graham, support services last month. manager based at Campbeltown, and went very well. Many To mark Wear Red Day, a campaign organised by the Brit- thanks to all who took part. ish Heart Foundation, staff at the hospital did just that – as Pictured on the front page are, from left: Tina Watt, sen- our photo shows – and raised £168.10 for the charity by do- ior charge nurse; Maggie Thomson (behind), unscheduled care ing so. In addition to staff members wearing red clothes, the practitioner; Marie Graham, catering assistant; Mary hospital’s canteen served up appropriately coloured food, Rochford, healthcare assistant; Lois Fell, cook supervisor; Al- such as stuffed red peppers and spicy red lentil soup, as well ison Paterson, patients’ funds office; Kirsteen Graham, sup- as heart-shaped empire biscuits. port services manager; Jayne O'May, out-patients; Marjorie Marjorie Leighton, integrated pharmacist for Kintyre, said: Leighton, pharmacist; and Jean Brown, clerical officer. - 3 - HOSPITALS FLOWER POWER Signs change but services stay the same SIGNS outside four NHS Highland hospitals are being changed – but the health board this week reiter- ated that this does not indicate that there have been changes to the ser- vices provided in them. Rather, the board wants to address inconsistencies in signage, particularly relating to hospital minor injury units. A review of signage across north Highland has found that some signs do not accurately reflect the services actu- ally provided in the hospitals. In particu- lar, some hospitals are signposted as having an A&E department where in fact they should be signed as having a minor injury unit. Changes are being made to signs at four sites.  At Dunbar Hospital in Thurso, a blue ‘H’ sign is being replaced with a red one which has the words ‘Minor Injury Unit’.  At Ian Charles Hospital in Grantown -on-Spey, a blue ‘H’ sign is being re- placed by a red one with the words ‘Minor Injury Unit not 24 hrs’.  At the Town and County Hospital in Nairn, a red ‘H’ sign which states ‘A&E’ is to be replaced with one which bear- ing the words ‘Minor Injury Unit’.  At on Skye, the ‘H’ sign which states ‘A&E not 24 hours’ is being replaced with one stating ‘Minor Pictured, from left, are Lorraine Coe, NHS Highland’s district man- Injury Unit not 24 hours’. ager; Jo Gemmill, senior charge nurse at the ; and Dr Antonia Reed, clinical lead for out Ishbel Clarkson (secretary) and Kathleen Cunningham (chair) of the Friends -of-hours services, stressed that the planned sign changes in no way reflected T’S a sign to send your spirits Aptly, these particular snowdrops changes delivered in the hospitals . I soaring: some brave little snow- are just outside the palliative care room She added: “This is something we drops emerging in the grounds of at the hospital that is named after the should have addressed years ago. We the Lawson Memorial Hospital at Dunrobin Snowdrop. The room was have always been clear exactly what de- Golspie after a long stormy winter. recently refurbished thanks to the Law- fines an ‘A&E’ and that by those criteria The snowdrops are possibly Galan- son Cambusavie Memorial Hospital we have four hospitals with A&E: Raig- thus nivalis melvillei, a variety first culti- Friends. more, Belford, Caithness General and vated by David Melville, the head gar- NHS Highland Sutherland district Mackinnon Memorial. dener at the Duke of Sutherland’s Dun- manager Lorraine Coe said: “With “An A&E unit has 24-hour access to robin Castle estate from 1872 to 1920. spring just around the corner, I would X-ray, laboratories and staff with ad- Since then, snowdrops of all hues like thank the Lawson Cambusavie Me- vanced anaesthetic, paediatric, medical have become a major attraction around morial Hospital Friends for their contin- and surgical skills on site at all times. The Golspie, with tourists flocking to see ued support, especially for the refur- community hospitals have never had this them flowering to mark the beginning of bishment of the Dunrobin Snowdrop as they are GP led.” spring each year. room.” - 4 - HIRS Team hosts open day

THE NHS Highland Health, Infor- mation and Resources Service (HIRS) held an open day to high- light their work with public health earlier this month. The HIRS team are based at Assynt House and, according to team manager Shirley Noble, they are responsible for much more than people think. “There is a common misconception that we primarily stock and distribute leaflets, but we do so much more than that,” explained Shirley. “We are re- sponsible for the health improvement resources lending library, provide tele- phone support for health enquiries and give regular NHS 24 updates to patients and staff. “We also manage the content for our website and monitor orders on a daily basis and much more besides.” Shirley added: “We wanted to hold this open day to celebrate the work we Pictured, from left, are Margaret Morrison and Angela McRitchie do with the public health team in Assynt House, but also to raise awareness of site activity steadily increase in that you want to organise a visit to find out the work we do. time, with our page viewed 130,000 more, please get in touch.” “The team has had a very busy year, times. Anyone interested in finding out distributing over 250,000 leaflets, han- “Hopefully. we can continue to grow more can contact Shirley on 01463 dling 3,500 calls through our website from strength to strength. 704989 or [email protected] and helping 300 clients register with our “The HIRS team are always willing You can find the HIRS website at website. We have also noticed our web- to show staff around our department. If http://healthyhighlanders.co.uk/HPAC

FUNDRAISER A cuppa kindness at centre THE Corbett Centre in helped to raise over £650 for Dementia UK last month. Service users, carers, families and staff took part in the ‘Make Time for a Cuppa’ event organised by the charity. They enjoyed home baking over a cup of tea and took part in various fundraising activities. Resource manager Ian Clayton said: “A grand total of £665.50 was raised on the day for a very good cause. It was part of a national cam- paign by Dementia UK, and we were delighted to play our part. The money raised will go to Dementia UK, which provides help, information and support to people with their dementia and their families.” The Corbett Centre opened in 1989 and provides a five-day-a-week service for people with complex learning, physical and communication disabilities and health needs. - 5 - NEW CRAIGS Hospital grounds to be transformed A TURF-CUTTING ceremony to whom were involved in the steering mark the start of an ambitious group and development process – in- £500,000 greenspace initiative Ceremony marks cluded Dan Jenkins, health improve- took place earlier this month in a ment specialist, who co-ordinated the move that will transform the start of work development process over the last grounds of the New Craigs Hospi- three years; Heather Cameron, senior tal in Inverness for patients, staff vided the funds for the project. project manager, NHS Highland Es- and visitors alike. Mike Evans, chair of NHS Highland’s tates, who will co-ordinate the project The ceremony marked the start of endowments committee, which pro- works; Barbara Brodie, clinical effec- work on the creation of a path around vided 50 per cent of the funding, said: tiveness facilitator, New Craigs; Diane the main hospital building, a specialist “This project is one of those ‘no- Woodward, clinical area manager, New dementia garden and a multi-purpose brainers’ that came to us that every Craigs; Tom Allan, nurse manager, ‘village green’-style hub near the centre single member of the endowment fund New Craigs, Alastair Simmons, HUG of the Leachkin site. bought into straight away when they Action for Mental Health; and James The initial turf was cut by Effie saw the detail on it. Everybody abso- Mann, of P1 Solutions Ltd. Findlay, a retired occupation therapist lutely agreed it was a worthwhile and Alistair Simmons of HUG said: “I from New Craigs. During her time at valuable cause to utilise the monies think it’s a great idea and will greatly the hospital she was a strong advocate (from the endowment funds) towards.” improve on patients’ recovery and well- of outdoor/garden therapy for patients’ Alan MacPherson, policy and advice being.” health and wellbeing. Aside from doing group manager for Scottish Natural The project is the result of collabo- a lot of work with patients at the al- Heritage, is the local representative of ration between NHS Highland and GEP ready existing small therapy garden, the Green Exercise Partnership (GEP), (made up of Forestry Commission Effie was a key member of the steering which through the Scottish Govern- , Scottish Natural Heritage and group for this Greenspace project. ment provided the other 50 per cent of NHS Health Scotland). GEP was estab- Effie said: “This initiative is an excit- the funding. He was also a key member lished in 2007 in response to increasing ing opportunity … using the environ- of the steering group throughout and evidence demonstrating improvements ment to encourage people to go out- provided key environmental advice and in people’s health through the use of doors.” essential links with Scottish Govern- the outdoors for physical activity and Also in attendance were represen- ment. contact with nature. tatives of the organisations that pro- NHS Highland staff present – all of The Greenspace initiatives are fo- cused on enhancing the health and well- being of patients, staff, visitors and members of the local community. It also aims to enhance biodiversity in the area and to reduce any stigma associ- ated with mental health, by making the site more attractive and accessible to the local community. The project will include improved Effie Findlay cuts the waymarking and signage. turf as Mike Evans plants some daffodils to mark Design work has been undertaken the start of work on the by ERZ Ltd, landscape architects, and Greenspace initiative at the works are being undertaken by New Craigs Hospital P1Solutions Ltd.

- 6 - SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORT Team reflects on success … and considers how to improve THE NHS Highland self-directed support team this had done and to look at ways it could improve. month held an event to highlight how it helps people The event, which was held in Inverness, featured a number to take control of their lives. of renowned speakers, including Paul Macey, from Nurture Since the implementation of new legislation in 2014, the Development, and NHS Highland’s director of adult social team has guided hundreds of service users and their families care, Joanna Macdonald. through the process of deciding how their social care and Entitled ‘Options for Support’, the event focused on how support is delivered. direct payments and individual service funds can help people And team manager Jennifer Campbell said the event pro- gain access to the support and care they want and may be vided an ideal opportunity to reflect on the work the team entitled to after an outcome-focused assessment.

PRESSURE ULCERS How patient safety initiative has cut rate of bed sores THE use of a national patient as specific types of cushions, mattresses Then, using the SPSP methodology, the safety initiative by nursing teams and off-loading devices. teams are mentored to ensure that the has helped to reduce the incidence After monitoring the patients, it was high reliability of this approach is deliv- of pressure ulcers (bed sores) for found that nursing teams at the three ered. patients at NHS Highland hospi- hospitals achieved impressive outcomes At the hospitals in question, the tis- tals. by ensuring the procedures were the sue viability team have worked with Frontline staff on wards in three same for every patient, every time. This ward teams delivering education to en- hospitals across NHS Highland – Caith- has led to significant reduction in the hance their existing knowledge and em- ness General in Wick, County Commu- number of patients who have developed bed this into everyday practice. nity Hospital in Invergordon and Lorn pressure ulcers. Julie Ransmore, the senior charge and Islands Hospital in Oban – have By using SPSP techniques, a nursing nurse at the Invergordon hospital, said: made a significant impact on bed sore team at the Rosebank Wing at Caith- “This collaborative work with our tissue cases by using methods advocated by ness General Hospital was recently able viability team has been invaluable to the the Scottish Patient Safety Programme to go more than 300 days without a ward nursing team. It has meant that (SPSP). reported incident of pressure ulcers on our nurses have been able to more effi- By applying simple, consistent steps the ward. ciently and effectively use the tools we when caring for their patients in these The 300-day benchmark is important have been using perhaps somewhat hap- hospitals, the teams ensured that pa- as it is a key improvement indicator hazardly for a few years now. tients received prompt risk assessments used by the programme. “What this now means for our pa- and that care plans and treatment The same procedures are now being tients is that they may always expect a ‘bundles’ were performed, applied and used in other NHS Highland hospitals. consistently high standard of pressure followed. Patients were also given Crucial to the success of the initia- area care on Sutor Ward.” pressure-relieving equipment appropri- tive is that the teams understand why  Board looks to spread out safety ate to their needs, including items such pressure ulcer prevention is important. programme: See page 23. - 7 - CHARITABLE EFFORT Centre rallies to clothe ‘fish and chip babies’

PEOPLE attending an Inverness service users also feel the benefits,” she “We were delighted to help out, and drop-in centre have been busy explained. “It helps to give them a pur- we hope that our knitted jumpers and knitting hats and jumpers for new- pose, and also provides a wonderful hats help keep the newborn babies born babies in Malawi. social environment. warm.” Clients at Bruce Gardens, an NHS “Many of the service users learned Reay Macgill, of the Highland Malawi Highland community mental health ser- to knit when they were younger, but Trust, said: “I was approached by Bruce vice, got their knitting needles out to haven’t done it in years. They sit in a Gardens via a friend and we were help the Highland Malawi Trust, a char- proverbial sewing circle and have a thrilled when they offered to knit some ity based in the Highland capital which laugh and chat – it’s amazing how warm clothes for the newborn babies. helps families in the African nation. quickly they pick it up again.” “Such a simple gesture can make an They have sent a hamper full of spe- Ann added: “We discovered that the enormous difference to so many babies. cially crafted jumpers and hats to help Highland Malawi Trust send out knitted I know the mothers and babies will be keep newborn babies warm, and service jumpers for newborn ‘fish and chip ba- delighted with their specially made pre- manager Ann Patience says the scheme bies’, so-called because the maternity sents. In addition, it helps provide Bruce benefits both parties. units in Malawi have no warm blankets Gardens service users with a purpose, “It’s wonderful that we are able to to wrap the babies in, so they are and the atmosphere when they are knit- help these babies in Malawi, but our wrapped in newspaper. ting is fantastic.”

DIABETES Caithness to host free education day FOR the past 18 month Diabetes education days for people newly diag- Some free promotional materials Scotland has been hosting a series nosed with Type 2 diabetes and for which distributed to patients can be of free education days to help peo- those who have little knowledge of how obtained by emailing ple manage their Type 2 diabetes, to manage the condition. [email protected] or calling 0345 and on Tuesday 5th April ‘Living The day covers topics including 123 2399. with Diabetes Days’ will be coming healthy eating, medication, exercise and For more information regarding to Wick. other everyday issues for people with ‘Living with Diabetes Days’ visit ‘Living with Diabetes Days’ are free Type 2 diabetes. www.diabetes.org/lwdd

- 8 - RADIO WARP IT Monthly shows Board and council on range of health issues join forces to further

NORTH Highland Radio, which broadcasts online, is producing a magazine-style show with a different cut carbon footprint guest and topic each month. It will give information on a NHS HIGHLAND has joined up that has an impact on reducing our car- range of health-related topics and with The Highland Council in a bid bon footprint. We have saved three speaking with staff and health ser- to reduce carbon emissions in the trees since we started using the sys- vice users. north of Scotland. tem.” The first show, on 8th March, The health board signed up to an Warp It was launched in 2013 and looked at about smoking cessation innovative sharing portal named ‘Warp stands for Waste Action Reuse Portal. because that was National No It’ in October last year, and has saved It now has over 1,000 school and chari- Smoking Day. The schedule for the over £6,000 in that time. ties plus over half the university sector coming months is: 12th April – Vio- The latest partnership with the in the UK using the service, as well as lence Against Women; 14th June – Breastfeeding; 12th July – Well council will increase the size and scope councils, the NHS and the private sec- Now; 9th August – Physical Activity of the network, and help reduce our tor. and Greenspace; 13th September – carbon footprint even further. Ruth continued: “It enables staff to Detecting Cancer Early; 11th Octo- NHS Highland environmental and place items of equipment they don’t ber – Mental Health and Loneliness; sustainability support manager Ruth need onto the site, and interested par- 8th November – Rape and Sexual Innes explained: “We are delighted that ties can get in touch. It runs on a first- Abuse Service; 13th December – we have joined forces with The High- come, first-served basis and no money Reducing Alcohol Harm in Highland. land Council as this increases the size changes hands.

and scope of our Warp It network, and “There is potential for further sig-

BELFORD will allow us to keep even more assets nificant savings to be made using this in circulation in Highland. resource, and I would encourage all “The online portal tells you how NHS Highland and Highland Council Refurbishment much money you have saved by using staff to sign up.” the service, and we have saved over The site can be accessed at work at A&E £6,000 since October. It also highlights w w w . w a r p - it.co.uk/company/ THE accident and emergency de- how much waste you’ve avoided, and nhshighland partment at in Fort William was relocated for a few days this month because of essential re- OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH furbishment work. Emergency treat- ment services were moved tempo- rarily to the out-patient department as reflooring work was carried out.

ARRHYTHMIAS Annual event A MAJOR get-together of healthcare professionals who have an interest in the management of patients with arrhythmias and inherited cardiac conditions is to be held in Dundee. The seventh annual symposium of the Familial Arrhythmia Network of A REMINDER from occupational health physiotherapists Judith, Lesley and Mi- Scotland will take place in the city’s chelle… NHS Highland staff members can self-refer to occupational health for Apex Hotel on 27th April. fast access to our physiotherapy service. Refer online via the NHS intranet or, if See page 30. you are unable to access the intranet, by calling 01463 704499. - 9 - We continue our COMMUTERS’ CORNER regular series about how our staff travel to work. This month, L o c h a b e r - b a s e d healthcare assistant Karen Evans reflects on her amazing 104- mile daily commute.

HERE can be few people in T Scotland who have a daily commute as long as Karen Ev- ans’. For the healthcare assistant based at Fort William Health Centre travels over 100 miles every day from and back to her home in Ardtoe, near . And the story on how she came to live in the tiny village is just as in- teresting as her daily commute. “I’m from Leeds originally and my husband and I grew tired of living in a big city,” Karen explained. “We de- cided to sell everything and head off to travel and explore Scotland in search of adventure and volunteer work. Leeds General Infirmary caring for In what must be one of the most “We wanted to work with people, acutely ill patients and those with idyllic daily commutes in the UK, if animals or the environment and ap- drug and alcohol addictions, and she not the world, Karen and her hus- plied for voluntary positions across also undertook medical research for band travel past numerous lochs, the country. Biobank. roaming countryside and the famous “The first organisation to get in They searched for work in the Viaduct. touch with us was Voluntary Action area and were successful – but 52 “The scenery is utterly spectacular Scotland in Fort William, who di- miles away in Fort William. all year round, I never get tired of it,” rected us to The Shed in Acharacle – “I was fortunate enough to find Karen said. “Before we moved here so we headed off to . work as a healthcare assistant with we lived in a large city and staring at “My husband converted an LDV the Tweeddale Medical Practice, and what seemed like a never-ending wall van into a camper van before we left my husband also managed to secure a of concrete. We now have incredible Leeds, which we lived in for a few job in Fort William. scenery everywhere we look and love months before we were kindly of- “We realise that we can’t take our sandy beaches a short walk from our fered a caravan by the local commu- job to us, and we have no desire to house. It certainly helps that I really nity. We have since moved into a leave Ardtoe, so my husband drives enjoy my work and the people I work lovely cottage, which is a lot warmer us 104 miles each working day. I work with. and more comfortable!” between 9am and 3.30pm, which is “We are both really fortunate to Karen and her husband had previ- handy for my husband to pick me up have jobs we enjoy and to be living in ously worked in acute medicine at when he finishes.” such a beautiful part of Scotland.”

- 10 - SEMINAR COMING SOON Awareness sessions at Maggies

THE Maggie’s Centre on the Raig- more campus at Inverness is organ- ising a series of awareness sessions for any member of NHS Highland staff of any grade or profession who have not had the opportunity to visit Maggie’s as part of their staff induc- tion. They will be held this year on 11th April, 23rd May, 27th June, 15th Au- gust, 19th September, 24th October, and 28th November, and next year on 30th January, 6th March, 10th April and 22nd May. Each session will start at 10am Pictured are Andy Knox, fire safety advisor; Amanda Glen, health and safety on and will last no more than one manager; and Colin McEwen, senior engineer/design lead hour, but anyone attending is invited to stay and join the centre’s relaxa- tion group at 11am, and its yoga group (space permitting) at 12 noon. Participants are asked to at- tend out of uniform. Burning issues If you, or anyone you know, are interested in coming along, book by e m a i l i n g h i g h - [email protected] or by phoning ext. 6306 or 01463 706306. in fire safety... A RECENT seminar, hosted by Health Science, Inverness, was declared Rural forum NHS Highland, explored the chal- a success by all delegates who enjoyed lenges and achievements involved the active participation on all sides. The SCOTLAND’S Rural Parliament 2016 will be held in Brechin from 6th in the fire safety improvement additional networking opportunities to 8th October. works under way in Hos- presented by an excellent buffet lunch, The rural parliament meets pital. provided by NHS Highland staff, were every two years and brings together Delegates included representatives actively undertaken. the people of rural Scotland and from NHS Highland management, pro- Design lead Colin McEwen said: policy makers to address rural is- ject team and Estates, The Highland “NHS Highland has benefited from a sues. A series of smaller events are Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Ser- collaborative approach with partners in planned across Scotland in the run- vice, design consultants, the principal The Highland Council and Scottish Fire up to the rural parliament which will supply chain partner and the fire indus- and Rescue Service in the fire improve- feed into the discussion and debate at the event itself. try. ment works undertaken so far in Raig- The ‘events’ section of the web- The seminar also explored the an- more, which have allowed for vast im- site http:// ticipated critical service and theatres provements in patient safety at an af- www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk/ upgrade project due to commence in fordable cost. includes information about local the spring, which includes improved fire “It is felt that this approach should ‘rural manifesto’ events. safety measures for patients and staff in be continued in the implementation of In May, there will be #ruralhour addition to the improvements in service the critical services upgrade project and debates on the topic of health and delivery which patients can expect. this seminar has laid the foundations of social care. The event, held in the Centre for that future collaboration.” - 11 - PAYROLL NEWS Income Tax and National Insurance changes A NUMBER of material changes payer, you should contact HMRC on From 6th April, there will be a new are about to be made to your In- 0300 200 3300, notifying them of your State Pension for people reaching State come Tax and National Insurance current address. If you have received a Pension age on or after this date. This deductions. letter, and you are of the opinion you change will help employees better un- From April 2016, the Scottish rate of should not be classed as a Scottish Tax derstand what they will get from their Income Tax becomes effective. Anyone payer, follow the instructions on the State Pension so that they can plan for who has their main residence registered letter. their retirement. with HMRC as being in Scotland should Please note, however, that the Scot- You will be able to claim the new or will have received notice from tish Parliament has announced that the State Pension if you are a man born on HMRC that they are being classed as a Scottish rate from April 2016 will be 10 or after 6th April 1951 or a woman Scottish Tax payer; this will be signified per cent, so there is no overall change born on or after 6th April 1953. When on payslips with an ‘S’ prefixing your tax to Income Tax rates for anyone this the new State Pension is introduced it code. coming year. will replace the existing basic and addi- For more information, visit There will also be changes to the tional State Pension and it will also end www.gov.uk/scottishincometax State Pension. contracting-out (of the additional State A Scottish Tax payer is defined as The current State Pension is made Pension) and the National Insurance someone who has their main residence up of two parts: the basic State Pension rebate. in Scotland for the highest proportion and the additional State Pension So what does this means for you? of any year, so your status may change (sometimes called State Second Pension, From 6th April you will no longer should you relocate. or SERPS). receive the 1.4 per cent National Insur- The current rates of Income Tax are If you pay into a salary-related work- ance rebate; you will pay the standard 20 per cent, 40 per cent and 45 per place pension, such as a ‘final salary’ or rate of National Insurance. Most people cent and of that 10 per cent is classed as ‘career average’ scheme (these are the who are contracted-out will be able to your Scottish rate element, so should NHS Pension and LGPS schemes) you get more State Pension as a result of the Scottish Parliament change the Scot- are ‘contracted-out’ of the additional these changes than they would have tish rate to, say, 12 per cent, then these State Pension. You and NHS Highland under the current system. overall rates will all increase by two per pay National Insurance at a slightly You will keep the workplace pension cent. lower rate as both get a National Insur- you have built up while you were con- If the Scottish rate reduces then the ance rebate. This means you may have tracted-out. This is protected by law. overall rate you pay will reduce. little or no additional State Pension and And you will still receive your work- If you have not received a letter, and you are building up a workplace pension place pension at your scheme’s normal you should be classed as a Scottish Tax instead. pension age. How this affects you

National Insurance Earnings National Insurance Difference payable currently payable from 06.04.16 £15,000 per year £58.66 per month £69.36 per month £10.70 per month (£1,250 per month) £27,000 per year £164.66 per month £189.36 per month £24.70 per month (£2,250 per month)

£45,000 per year £307.65 per month £352.76 per month £45.11 per month (£3,750 per month) How the changes affect your State Pension UNDER both the current and the new schemes, the amount able to get more State Pension under the new scheme as a of State Pension you receive will take account of any time that result of the changes compared to under the current scheme. you have been contracted-out and paid National Insurance at For more information, visit www.gov.uk/new-state- a lower rate. Most people who are contracted-out will be pension. - 12 - ENVIRONMENT NURSE TRAINING Call to act on climate Austrians give feedback change on Inverness study visit NHS HIGHLAND urged its staff to THREE student nurses from Aus- would like to see teamwork between switch off their lights at home for an th tria have written in glowing nurses and doctors develop as it is in hour on 19 March, as part of a terms about their experiences Scotland, and said there was demonstration for action on climate during a two-week study visit to “unfortunately” very often a hierarchy change. Inverness. between doctors and nurses in her The board emailed its employees sug- While in the Highland capital Julie home country.” gesting that they signed up for Earth Kroiss (22), Julia Wagner (22) and Julia also said she found it very Hour 2016 – “the world’s biggest annual Theresa Buchroithner (21) spent time interesting to spend time with a family celebration for our planet”. in Raigmore’s intensive care, coronary health nurse, as such posts don’t exist At 8.30pm on the 19th, people across care, renal and medical high- in Austria. the world switched off their lights for dependency units, as well as the hospi- Colleague Theresa Buchroithner Earth Hour. Landmarks such as Inverness tal’s MacMillan Suite. also felt there was “less hierarchy” Castle and the Forth Bridge were plunged They also attended classes in the between doctors and nurses in Aus- into darkness – and NHS Highland staff Centre for Health Science. tria, and that nursing staff here had were asked to do their bit. Organised in partnership with more training in dementia. The board suggested that its employ- NHS Highland by the University of Asked what needed to be im- ees celebrated their commitment to the Stirling, which has a campus in Inver- proved in Scotland, she wrote: “You planet with their friends, family, commu- ness, the visit was the latest in a series have ato do a lot of paper work in the nity or at work, in their own way, such as between the university and the hospital, but in Austria we do nearly simply turning off all non-essential lights Paracelsus Medical Private University everything on computer”. between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. in Salzburg. Among her other observations John Burnside, head of environment The students raised money for were that, “In Scotland, especially in and sustainability, said: “NHS Highland is their trip and while in Inverness they the Highlands, a lot of people have a fully committed to reducing its carbon resided in the staff accommodation on far distance to the next hospital, so footprint. Earth Hour gave us an oppor- the Raigmore Campus. you have a good system to deal with tunity to raise awareness of the environ- Following their visit, each student this.” mental issues facing the planet. People was asked to complete a question- Julie Kroiss also wrote of team- can make simple changes to their daily naire and reflect on their time in In- work between doctors and nurses, routines to make a real difference.” verness. and explained that she was able to Among the changes the board sug- In her response, Julia Wagner learn a great deal about the health gested could be made at home or at wrote: “It was a great experience to system in Scotland. work were: see how nurses work in another Asked to comment on matters Switching off all appliances when country, to see the differences and outwith healthcare, Julie wrote: “The not in use and not leaving any on stand-by similarities between Scotland and Aus- Scottish eat lots of prepared meals,  Preventing waste by reusing or tria.” the shops are opened on Sunday and recycling when possible Asked what she would like to see in the supermarket you can go shop-  Using video-conferencing when being developed in Austria as a result ping seven days a week 24 hours a possible; if not, travel by public transport, of her placement, she wrote that she day.” car sharing, cycling or walking. - 13 - IMPROVING ACCESS Key help numbers issued in Caithness NHS HIGHLAND has created a physiotherapy, community mental health handy list of telephone numbers to and drug and alcohol, covering bases in help improve access to healthcare Wick and Thurso. services in Caithness – including a Designed so that medical help, ad- single point of contact number for vice and support is only one call away, community health and social care. both the flyer and the small form can be The information is given on a lami- picked up from local GP practices, ser- nated double-sided A4 flyer with timely vice points, pharmacies and libraries. advice about the health board’s services The single point of contact number and the relevant telephone numbers for allows adults in Caithness to self-refer these and associated services. themselves or allows a carer or other The board has also produced a health and social care professional they them a lot to know who to contact and smaller credit card-sized form with the are already in touch with to call on their what to do in an emergency. single point of contact number that cov- behalf. “And it gives advice about the most ers referrals to local integrated health- Thurso GP Dr Alison Brooks said: appropriate way of delivering healthcare care teams: district nursing, social work, “It’s exactly what people need. It’s easy in the area, so it helps provide informa- community occupational therapy, to read and well laid out. It should help tion that ensures our services are used to their full capacity.” HOLIDAY ADVICE “It also does away with the precon- ceived idea that their GP is the only person who can deal with their health problems. It will certainly take the pres- Be wise this Easter sure off the GP by allowing us to con- centrate and prioritise on the people DR OWL is taking to the spring skies to remind people to take a few simple we need to see.” steps to look after their health this Easter and make the most of the holiday Wick GP Dr Ewen Pearson added: “I weekend. think it is useful for patients to have all Earlier this month, the wise Dr Owl launched the Be Health-Wise this these available contact details, so that Easter campaign, run by NHS 24 on behalf of NHS Scotland. GP surgeries in North Highland are closed on Friday, 25th March and re- they are able to seek help and advice open on Monday, 28th March. Practices in Argyll and Bute will close on Friday, from the most appropriate health care 25th March and re-open on Tuesday, 29th March. professional and hopefully make sure People are being reminded to check their local GP surgery and commu- they get the right level of care in the nity pharmacy opening hours and to make sure they have a supply of over the easiest way possible.” counter medicines and repeat prescriptions. Valerie Barker, a member of the The Easter holiday is one of the busiest parts of the year for the NHS in Patients’ Council at Caithness General Scotland, and NHS 24’s medical director, Professor George Crooks, is urging Hospital, said: “I received one of the people to stay safe and be prepared. He said: “It’s an early Easter this year so there could still be winter colds shiny NHSH leaflets. I think it is excel- and illnesses around alongside spring challenges such as hay fever. It is impor- lent – it’s clear, it covers pretty well tant that people are as prepared as possible if they want to make the most of everything and the wipe-clean finish is the Easter break. Being prepared means having enough over-the-counter practical and should ensure it doesn’t medication on hand if illness strikes. It is also important to plan ahead for any just go in the bin with the junk mail. It required repeat prescriptions over Easter, so please only order what you will be a handy sheet to refer to when I need and collect it in good time. Finally, the NHS Inform website is packed need a number or a contact for anything with advice for common ailments.” to do with health and social care.” Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, hundreds of GPs will The new single point of contact tele- be working throughout this period supporting out-of-hours services across Scotland. The ‘Be Health-Wise this Easter’ campaign aims to reduce pres- phone number for health and social care sure on our vital NHS services during a very busy period by helping to keep services in Caithness is 01955 606915. It us healthy and well, and advising what to do if we fall ill. can be reached Monday to Friday be- tween the hours of 9am and 5pm. - 14 - COURSES ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION Research literature

A COURSE on searching for, re- trieving and managing research lit- Staff receive erature is to be held in Inverness next month. To be presented by NHS High- land’s research, development and innovation manager, Frances Hines, the course is designed to help pro- training on vide medical staff, nurses, pharma- cists, allied health professionals and health service researchers with the knowledge and skills to conduct and manage focused searches of a vari- ety of healthcare literature data- avoiding bases. A particular focus of the course will be making use of the literature search facilities available via the NHS Knowledge Network. Hands-on experience will allow financial harm participants to have the opportunity to construct, run and manage a STAFF from a range of agencies search for specific literature perti- who work with vulnerable adults in nent to their current needs and in- Highland have been getting train- Video addresses terest on the day. ing to help prevent people falling YOU can watch the video on fi- Previous literature searching foul of financial scams. nancial harm and people you experience is not required for the In another example of integrated know at: https:// course, which will be held in the youtu.be/9hwVC96oSfM Centre for Health Science from working involving NHS Highland, Police You can watch Part One of a 10am-4pm on 14th April. Scotland and Trading Standards, the To apply for the course an appli- training included films, presentations and video on rogue traders at: https:// cation form can be found on the discussions, and provided staff with ad- youtu.be/EitIecENaXA intranet. vice and guidance on how to spot and You can watch Part Two of a prevent financial harm. video on rogue traders at: https:// Mental health NHS Highland adult support and youtu.be/zv0B-QHkKjs protection (ASP) training officer Les WOULD you like to learn to help Hood said: “Financial harm is when current risk of harm in their life situa- someone who is developing mental someone takes your money or things tion. health problems, or is experiencing when you don’t want them to. Les added: “Financial harm can in- a mental health crisis? If so, why not consider attending “The training we held throughout clude theft, fraud and extortion. We a Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid Highland focused on harm from people want to spread the message on how you course? you don’t know, such as bogus traders can avoid falling foul of financial scams, These courses are designed to and internet scams, and from those and have produced a series of videos help participants give initial help to whom you are familiar with, like family you can watch on the NHS Highland someone experiencing a mental and friends. YouTube channel. health problem, deal with a crisis “The Highland Adult Support and “One of the videos focus on a vul- situation or the first signs of some- Protection Committee are supporting nerable adult being taken advantage of one developing mental ill health, and the national adult protection campaign financially by someone they know, and guide people towards appropriate help. which was launched in February to raise another highlights how to identify rogue The following courses awareness of the issues surrounding the traders. are scheduled for Highland this year: protection of vulnerable adults.” “These are both issues which happen Fort William - 24th & 25th May; According to ASP legislation, an adult on a daily basis across Highland and Inverness - 9th & 16th June; Wick - at risk is a person over 16 years of age throughout Scotland. Prevention is bet- 14th & 15th September; Inverness - who is unable to safeguard their own ter than cure and we hope that the skills 19th & 20th October. wellbeing, their property, rights or other we have passed on to staff and members For an application form contact interests; is more vulnerable to being of the public via our videos will help to [email protected], stating harmed due to a disability, illness, or prevent financial harm happening to vul- which course you are interested in. mental ill-health and when there is a nerable adults in Highland and beyond.” - 15 - AT YOUR SERVICE Nancy Campbell: Interim manager of care home

Several local newspapers have been running a series of articles by NHS High- land which puts the spotlight on people who work in healthcare. Here, Nancy Campbell (41), interim manager of the NHS Highland-run Macintosh Centre care home in , answers the questions for an article which has been published by the Lochaber News. What does your role involve? It is a huge post that requires a wide range of skills. It involves all aspects of management: ensuring care standards are met, working closely with the NHS Highland kitchen and es- tates departments, regular interaction with the residents and their families, and making sure we have the right staff in the right jobs within our budget.

And what is your background? I was a district nurse and worked in public health at the Fort William Health Centre for eight years. I have also worked in the voluntary sectors in Fort William. I am an associate lec- turer with the Open University, supporting students on the pre-registration nursing pro- gramme. I have two small children aged two and six.

What was it that attracted you to your current post? I live in , and have been travelling to Fort William for work for years. I was looking for a new challenge where I could have a positive What are your aims for the future for the impact on the local community, and I felt this Mackintosh Centre? was an ideal opportunity. A. I want it to be the best it can be and for it to

It is a huge be a central hub for the local community. I want How long have you been in post? us to continue to deliver high quality care, and I’ve been here since the end of July this year, post to work in innovative and flexible ways to meet and I love it. It has been a baptism of fire with a the needs of the community and people who lot of work still to be done, but I have had requiring a need our services. amazing support from the staff and other col- ‘ leagues across NHS Highland. I have to com- wide range How do you relax away from work? mend the staff here at the centre as they have A. My two children keep me very busy, and as a been an absolute joy to work with, and they of skills family we love to be outdoors as often as possi- work tirelessly to ensure we are delivering a ble; whether that be camping, canoeing or walk- high standard of care to our residents and cli- ing our two dogs along the beach. ents that use the day service.

- 16 -

’ AT YOUR SERVICE Nova James: Advanced nurse practitioner

Here, Nova James, advanced nurse practitioner at the Riverside Practice in Wick, answers questions on her life and work for an article which has been published by North of Scotland Newspapers. What does your job entail? What do you do outside work? As a nurse practitioner I have had training in I am 39 years old and have three children: two advanced clinical assessment skills and have a girls and a boy. My husband works for chil- nurse prescribing qualification. This allows me dren’s services at The Highland Council, as to assess, diagnose and treat patients. My role practice lead for school years. He trained as a starts with phone triage. Patients who request children’s nurse at King’s College; that’s how an emergency call-back are referred to the we met. Obviously, my job keeps me busy, but nurse practitioner for initial assessment. The in my free time I am currently studying for a role is to identify those patients in need of an diploma in Chronic Disease Management. I emergency appointment and those who can be also have three dogs, two collies and a dealt with either over the phone or via a rou- German shepherd and I like taking them to the tine GP appointment. beach. I love the sea. Other than that I spend a lot of time as a parent taxi service When did you join the practice? transporting the kids to their various after- I joined in February last year. Before that I school clubs. worked in Caithness General Hospital. When I first moved to the area I worked on the medi- What do you like about your job as a cal ward. I worked for one year on secondment nurse practitioner? as the resuscitation trainer for Caithness and I feel val- I like the fact that I can work independently. It’s then moved on to the night nurse practitioner rewarding to know a patient can come in feeling role. My role was to support and assist the ued by the very unwell and that I am able to treat them junior doctors in the care of patients attending ‘ and make them feel better. I really enjoy being the emergency department overnight or any GPs, who here at Riverview. I feel valued by the GPs, who deteriorating inpatients in the wards. are very supportive, and it’s quite varied work. are very When I first started I only dealt with emergency Are you kept busy? appointments. Now, I spend some of my days Yes, we are kept very busy. It’s difficult to quan- suppor- carrying out routine appointments monitoring tify how many patients we deal with on a daily people with chronic diseases like chronic ob- basis as this can vary widely, but an example of structive pulmonary disease and asthma, which a busier day for me is between 30 and 60 tive, and is why I am in the process of studying for my phone calls a day. And from these, I would nor- diploma. mally get approximately 30 patients coming in it’s quite for appointments. I also do home visits. What do you think of your new role? varied My role complements the GPs’ work. It frees What prompted the move to the High- them up to deal with the more complex cases. I lands? work think initially, patients were surprised that they We were living in Pembrokeshire and at the were seeing a nurse rather than a GP, but since time house prices there were really high. So we then they have come to realise that we can deal looked for a similar type of rural community with most of their cases, and they seem to have that was by the sea, and decided to move up to accepted the role quite happily. Quite a lot of Wick. We found an old croft house and patients were familiar with me from my work at thought we would give Caithness a try. the hospital anyway.

- 17 - ’ RETIRAL Practising was just perfect for GP Ken

RETIRING as NHS Highland’s associ- ate medical director at the end of this month, Ken Proctor can look back on what he calls a “fulfilling” career with the satisfaction of at least suspecting that he’s done some good. And though he says he made the move from practising doctor to senior manager because he felt help he could help more peo- ple, he’ll reflect that what he’d actually liked to have done since he stopped practising 16 years ago was be a GP. “I have never ceased to hanker for that; I have always missed it,” said Ken. “That said, I couldn’t get into medicine nowadays – I’m not clever enough! And I could never get my head round all the technology that’s used these days.” Now 59, Ken graduated from the Univer- sity of Aberdeen in 1980 and was a GP in the Granite City for 20 years before he became “Nowadays, people can become a con- medical director of Highland Primary Care sultant much quicker – you can be one in Trust, later moving to his current – if only your 30s, and don’t necessarily have the for a few days now – role. same apprenticeship in life that an earlier Needless to say, Ken could, if asked, I could generation had. quickly knock up a catalogue of changes – “And young doctors have quite different good and bad – he’s seen in the profession never get aspirations these days. When I started, it since he started his junior training. wasn’t easy to get into a practice. It was very Technology would be high on the list, for my head much a buyers’ market and young doctors sure, but so too would creeping cultural ‘ were practically fighting each other to get changes which have seen shifts in how mem- round all into one. bers of the public/patients view medics and the tech- “Now, we are increasingly seeing young in the aspirations of young doctors. doctors who do not want to work full-time He explained: “What has changed funda- nology or get involved in the administration and mentally about medicine in the past 40 years management of a GP practice.” has been the end of what I would call a pa- used these The consequence, Ken explained, is that ternal autocracy. Think about it, when I when he started working with NHS Highland started out many of the senior doctors and days there were no salaried practices in the consultants I worked alongside had served in board; now, there are 18 – and counting, he World War Two. They understood risk and, says. importantly, had experienced life. They had earned your respect. Continued on next page

- 18 -

’ RETIRAL: KEN PROCTOR

Continued from previous page Originally from Stirling, Ken went to uni- versity in Aberdeen because family members “That will be the future for a lot of gen- had gone there. “My dad was an academic, eral practice – state-owned buildings and and everyone else were doctors,” he said. salaried staff,” he reckons. Towards the end of his time in general Another key change, Ken believes, sur- I’ve a practice in Aberdeen, Ken designed and di- rounds the risk factor that can be associated pretty long rected a region-wide out-of-hours GP co- with being a GP. operative, a model he says was far ahead of “I was very nervous in my early days,” he ‘ its time in Scotland and which unified 350 to-do list says. “Getting referred to the General Medi- GPs in Grampian to provide a shared out-of- cal Council is still a big deal but I remember to get hours service. when it was a very, very unusual occurrence He moved to Highland in 2000 because and there was a high degree of fear about through he wanted a fresh start, and in 2004 “simply the potential of being struck off. I am not fell into” the post of director of primary saying that was right, but it’s certainly some- care, which subsequently developed into the thing I was very much aware off when I was multi-faceted role from which he’s retiring. practising.” It’s a job that covers responsibility for And still on the subject of changes, Ken dentistry, general medical practice and op- can’t resist alluding to the number of clinical tometry, mental health, research and devel- tests GPs can and do perform now, com- opment and primary care governance, per- pared with how things were back in the day. formance, appraisal and revalidation – more “The core number of things we could do than enough for one man, which explains a patient was actually very small,” he said. why no one person has been appointed to “Examination of patients was key critical, and ’ succeed him. it was hugely important that we talked to But what does the future hold for Ken? A patients about what was wrong with them keen ornithologist, he’s looking forward to and listened to what they had to say. spending more time birdwatching, and as an “Today, there’s a battery of tests avail- enthusiastic angler he’s sure to become even able to GPs and a consultation can be about more familiar than he already is with Assynt’s determining what a patient does not have as lochs. Building an eco-house is also on the opposed to finding out what they do have. retirement agenda. Cat scans and MRIs have become the norm, “I’d like to do something completely dif- and I do think that’s to an extent deskilled ferent,” he said. “And I’ve a pretty long to-do the business of being a GP.” list to get through!”

APPOINTMENT New HR deputy director settles in NHS HIGHLAND has appointed a deputy director of She said: “I’m very exciting to have started a new job at human resources. what is a very interesting time for NHS Highland. Gaye Boyd moves to what is a new post from her previ- “Clearly, one of my tasks will be addressing the very real ous position as head of human resources in Argyll and Bute. challenges we have in terms of staff recruitment and reten- The new post has been created by merging that of head of tion, but another key focus of my job will be helping to im- recruitment and head of personnel and development following prove the staff experience, helping to ensure that NHS High- the retiral of John Huband and Philip Walker respectively. land is an organisation that people want to work for.” Gaye, who is from Glasgow, worked in HR for Asda be- Gaye added that a series of scheduled Rapid Process Im- fore joining the then NHS Argyll and Clyde in 2001. Five years provement Workshops (RPIWs) in HR would play an impor- later Argyll and Bute came under the aegis of NHS Highland. tant part in informing the future shape of her role. Married, with two sons – one at primary school and the “The RPIWs come at a great time for me, just as I begin to other at university – Gaye previously lived in Lochgilphead but get to work in my new job,” she said. “I am sure they will be has moved to Inverness, and is now based in the John Dewar extremely useful exercises in developing HR services in NHS Building. Highland.” - 19 - - 20 - APPOINTMENT New board secretary recruited from council NHS HIGHLAND has appointed a was involved in the provision of shared West Yorkshire, Ruth studied English new board secretary. services between the council and the and French at Hull University. Ruth Daly, currently a committee health board. These included work on Outside work, Ruth says she is kept administrator with The Highland Coun- papers for the NHS Highland board. busy by her 11-year-old son but also cil, will start her new job on 11th April As board secretary, her work will enjoys cooking and baking, reading and and will be based in Assynt House, In- include providing advice and support to Scrabble. verness. the executive team, and the manage- Ruth’s predecessor as board secre- Ruth is joining NHS Highland with ment of PAs, the committee team and tary was Kenny Oliver, who is now in- some experience of the organisation’s Freedom of Information requests. volved in theatre redesign at Raigmore workings as throughout last year she Originally from Huddersfield in Hospital.

HONOUR FORCED MARRIAGE New protocol Willie established A NEW forced marriage protocol has been developed between NHS Highland and the Highland Council. The protocol, ‘Responding to Forced Marriage in Highland’, aims to give staff more confidence in the gets process of responding to a case or potential care of forced marriage. Forced marriage primarily af- fects girls and women. While it af- fects men more rarely, particular groups of men are more vulnerable: a BEM for example, men with learning dis- abilities or who are believed to be WILLIE CROWE, storeman/driver in 2000 and a canoe and trek expedition acting in ‘unsuitable’ ways, for ex- at the integrated equipment store in the jungles of Ecuador. ample if they are gay, are at in- in Argyll and Bute Health and So- “Since 2001, I have taken part in a creased risk. Forced marriage takes place in a range of communities and cial Care Partnership, was recently further seven overseas events for vari- is not the same as an arranged mar- awarded a British Empire Medal in ous children’s charities, including a fur- riage, whereby both parties are in the New Years Honours List in ther two 300-mile cycle events, one on full agreement . recognition of his charity and vol- the South Island of New Zealand and Gillian Gunn, violence against untary work. the other from Lisbon in Portugal to women development and training Willie has been working in the store Seville in Spain. I have also taken in fur- manager, said: “Forced marriage is for nearly a year and says he is pleased ther five treks for various charities.” probably not something that staff in and honoured to achieve the BEM. Willie has also organised many large Highland will come across regularly Willie started his charity work in -scale charity events in Scotland, such as which can make it difficult to know the best way to respond. 1998 when he saw an advert by the an abseil in Balloch, a charity firewalk in “The Highland Violence Against National Deaf Children’s Society Dumbarton and a men’s leg waxing Women Partnership, along with the (NDCS), who were looking for people event. Child and Adult Protection Com- to raise funds by taking part in a 300- Integrated equipment store manager mittees, has developed a protocol mile cycle over five days on Cuba. Stephen Parfitt described Willie as a for staff to support them to be able “It was a fantastic experience and I “keen and effective” employee whose to identify a potential forced mar- got a lot of personal satisfaction from can-do attitude and willingness to help riage and provide a supportive re- raising funds and completing the cycle,” was apparent. Willie once rescued a sponse to those affected.” said Willie. “I took part in a further two member of the public from a car acci- Guidance is available on the intranet under GBV and in the Poli- overseas events for the NDCS, a 100- dent and provided first-aid while waiting cies library. mile trek along the Great Wall of China on the emergency services. - 21 - - 22 - SPSP Board looks to spread out safety programme

NHS HIGHLAND is to enlarge the outcomes through preventing harm to Some parts of way the SPSP pro- scope of its successful patient patients. gramme works have already been imple- safety programme. By taking a systematic approach, the mented as the health board has been Since clinical teams at the board’s team broke down often complex medi- part of the national programme since four larger district and rural general cal and surgical procedures into their 2008. hospitals began using acute care pack- key elements. Once these were identi- “Patients go from acute hospitals to ages under the umbrella of the Scottish fied, simple steps were developed and community hospitals and vice versa al- Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) many put together in packages or ‘bundles’ to ready,” said Alison Hudson, NHS High- lives have been saved. be followed every time, for every pa- land’s lead SPSP nurse practitioner. “We Now, NHS Highland SPSP managers tient. have introduced some new ways of want to explore how the same ap- This approach not only helped teams working already but we hope to have all proach can be spread to community reduce infection rates following surgery, our community nursing teams using clinical teams at 24 smaller community and from invasive devices such as uri- SPSP methods by the end of the year.” hospitals and integrated care hubs nary catheters and cannulas, but also But because of the remote and rural across the Highlands and Argyll and allowed for the careful monitoring of nature of much of the Highlands and Bute in order to further reduce avoid- patients so that teams had early warning Argyll and Bute, this spreading out of able harm to patients. signs of patient deterioration, heart at- the SPSP methodology won’t be a ‘one At present, only the board’s four tacks, potential falls and the develop- size fits all’, as NHS Highland’s SPSP acute care hospitals – Belford, Caithness ment of pressure ulcers (see page 7). manager, Maryanne Gillies explained. General, Lorn and Islands and Raigmore Stewart Lambie, consultant in renal She said: “One of the key things – are officially involved in the pro- medicine and NHS Highland’s clinical about SPSP is that it gives frontline staff gramme. lead for SPSP, said: “The programme has permission to test and implement At these hospitals the frontline a huge potential to transform patient changes they see as necessary. It is im- teams implemented and monitored care for hundreds of patients across the portant that people are engaged and changes that have improved healthcare Highlands.” have the opportunity to seek innovative solutions for change.” There are a number of tools to im- RAIGMORE prove communication between teams, at handover and on discharge. Teams Hospital hosts hand hygiene roadshow develop their own customised ‘safety brief’ and/or ‘huddle’, where they pause RAIGMORE has launched its own the spread of infection and illness. together two or three times per day to hand hygiene roadshow with the hos- Our aim is to remind and re-educate establish if there are any key safety is- pital’s infection prevention and con- on the importance of hand hygiene sues or concerns that they need to trol team spreading the ‘clean hands and when you should be washing your share and be aware of. save lives’ message to all wards. hands. During the two-week roadshow, “There are five moments when Maryanne Gillies continued: “We which started on 21st March, the hands should be washed when you have a wonderful and committed work- team is visiting every ward with the are with patients and we will be mak- force in NHS Highland who already de- message and glow boxes to allow ing sure that everyone is clear on livers very high standards of care. How- staff to test their own hand hygiene. those points.” ever, there is no room for complacency There are also information stands in These key moments are before and the Scottish Patient Safety Pro- the main corridor and dining room. touching a patient; before a clean/ gramme continues to seek to achieve Ann Chalmers, infection preven- aseptic procedure; after body fluid ambitious aims to further improve the tion and control nurse, said: exposure risk; after touching a pa- safety and reliability of healthcare and “Keeping hands clean is one of the tient; and after touching patient sur- most important ways of preventing roundings. reduce avoidable harm for every per- son, every time.” - 23 - - 24 - ARGYLL AND BUTE How care fund is delivering real change for communities THE Scottish Government is providing social care services across the HSCP a successful bidder and will provide a Health and Social Care Partnerships area. range of preventative and support ser- (HSCPs) across Scotland with a source The remaining £800,000 was to be vices in remote and rural areas. The of funding over the next few years directed towards local communities and focus is to develop local accessible ser- through the Integrated Care Fund (ICF). the HSCP had invited applications to vices that meet the needs of the chang- This funding is to be used to help apply for this funding. In total, 90 bids ing population and local knowledge will improve the health and wellbeing of were received totalling £2.6 million for be used to develop activities and ser- individuals through a more preventative the £800,000 funding available. There is vices that are currently only available in approach to health and social care, sup- now a wide range of exciting work ema- Dunoon into more rural areas. porting adults who may have more than nating from the successful bids and the These services and activities will one health condition and ensuring that HSCP has been working with them to help meet the health and wellbeing aims the appropriate care is provided to implement their projects. of the local population and can be tackle inequalities. For example, in Mid Argyll, Kintyre adopted wider if and when necessary In November, 2015 Argyll and Bute and Islay, the HSCP, in partnership with In Bute, Carr Gomm has been suc- HSCP highlighted that it had received Carr Gomm, is launching a new service cessful in a bid to provide a range of £1.84 million from the Scottish Govern- in Kintyre – Campbeltown Responder supportive and preventative services ment for the financial year 2015/16 and Service – operating from 10am-8pm, including acting as the keyholder/ that £1.04 million of this funding was seven days a week. responder to allow the provision of directed towards building on health and In Cowal, Strachur Cioche has been telecare to people without family or friends on the island, providing falls pre- vention support in people’s own homes, LORN AND ISLES supporting transport home from hospi- tal discharges to allow quick and safe return home for people, and providing one-off support when escorting people Upgrade work gets home such as getting shopping, making sure the heating is on, etc. In Helensburgh and Lomond, the use under way at hospital of a reablement approach by the local extended community care team has WORK is under way on upgrading the theatre and endoscopy depart- greatly assisted patients in having the ment in Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban. best possible outcomes for recovery Caroline Henderson, local area manager for Oban, Lorn and the following an illness. This can help a pa- Isles, said: “This is good news for the hospital and will not only provide tient regain some independence there- an upgraded theatre and endoscopy department for patients but will fore reducing their level of dependence at the same time ensure that the department continues to meet the on carers. relevant infection control legislation. Finally, in Oban, Lorn and Isles “During the duration of the work there will be limited planned Crossroads will be working with the clinical work within the department. extended community care team to de- “However, there will be contingencies in place to ensure that it will velop a ‘hospital to home service’ which be available for all emergencies. is aimed at frail elderly clients who are The work started on Monday 21st March and it is anticipated that discharged from hospital and may re- they will be completed within three weeks. quire some additional support when Caroline added: “The Accident and Emergency Department will they return home. continue to be fully operational throughout the duration of the works. The support provided will be varied “We will obviously keep any disruption to a minimum and would and could include ensuring the house is ask the public for their patience over the next few weeks until the up- heated, groceries are in place and also grade is completed.” provide opportunities to prevent social isolation. - 25 - ISLAY AND JURA MENTAL HEALTH Islands’ group Project’s poetic launch gets to work AS you may have noted in previous edi- ised to get across public health messages tions of Highlights NHS Highland and and this article covers the development THE Islay and Jura Health and Social other staff are collaborating on a mental and production of a poem –The Voice – Care Implementation Group, which health project in Ghana and Zambia. reproduced below. has been meeting over the past four Part of this project involves health The poem was written by a young years, has now has been replaced by the Locality Planning Group (LPG) promotional initiatives relating to mental poet from Wa in Ghana called Joseph for Islay and Jura. health attitudes. Attitudes in both Pobee. Joseph read this poem out per- The LPG is tasked with produc- Ghana and Zambia are coloured by a sonally at the launch of the project. ing a three-year plan which is local- range of cultural and social aspects. The project has a Facebook page and ity planned, owned and delivered. Thus a condition such as epilepsy, which you can keep up with the project on Most of the members of the pre- in the developed world is seen as a neu- this. The project team would very vious group are members of the rological condition, is sometimes misin- much like your ideas for fundraising and LPG so there is confidence that the terpreted as spirit possession in other donations. group will be able to use the experi- areas. The outcome of these percep- Contact Rob Polson ence gained over the past four years to provide a locality plan for the tions means a high level of stigma is at- ([email protected] ), Anne Mason next three years. tached to mental health disorders. ([email protected]) or Anna This group is heavily reliant on Various media forms have been util- Skene ([email protected]) representation of the community, the third and independent sectors as well as employees of the now inte- grated Health and Social Care Part- nership. The group will be working closely with the public health de- partment to ensure that services on Islay meet the identified needs of the communities. Following the day of consultation on 25th February by Maimie Thompson, head of PR and engage- ment, in relation to the Highlands and Islands Patient Travel Scheme which covers Islay and Jura, some changes have been agreed to be tested with immediate effect. People will not be expected to travel to medical appointments by ferry and bus as this is considered to be unreasonable, unless they choose to do so. Therefore people who are not able to drive or be driven on the mainland will be able to access travel by plane. All people who have a medical need to fly will continue to do so. The patient travel team on Islay are also making other enquiries which should lead to further im- provements in the way patient travel is dealt with on Islay and Jura in the future. This will seek to bal- ance a person-centred approach in the most cost effective way. This development is supported by the LPG and will be monitored in the coming months. Feedback from the community will influence the ongoing wider review of the policy.

- 26 - DEPARTMENT PROFILE It’s all go at eHealth after major revamp eHealth within NHS Highland has under- gone a major revamp over the last year. Jim Docherty was appointed as the new clinical director of eHealth on a half-time basis. He has retired from his surgical practice but continues as an endoscopist in Raigmore. Being employed half-time in eHealth will allow him to have far greater time to link be- tween eHealth and the clinical teams across the whole of NHS Highland. Iain Ross was appointed head of eHealth following the retirement of Bill Reid and took up post on 1st January. Deborah Jones, chief operating officer, is the executive with responsibility for eHealth. The NHS Highland board, like other boards across the UK, sees the benefit of digital health; something that is particularly relevant for NHS Highland, given the geographical area that we work in. ABOVE: a com- Laptop Facility (CALF, which is essentially a The board has tasked eHealth with provid- puter Wheels little COW!). The initial plan is that Raigmore, ing an electronic patient record (EPR) by the (COW) Caithness General, Belford and Lorn & Isles will end of 2017. The EPR will cover all areas of get one COW for each ward and a CALF for ABOVE RIGHT: health care not just acute and primary care and each six-bedded room. A Clinical Applica- will entail recording clinical data, which is cur- tion Laptop Facility NHS Highland’s core system to support the rently recorded on paper, electronically ‘live’ at (CALF) EPR within the acute sector is TrakCare PMS. the time of clinical care. This was introduced in 2014 as mainly an ad- As part of the work within the acute sector ministration system; however, eHealth is now the eHealth department carried out a consulta- in the process of rolling out some of the clinical tion exercise which involved a demonstration functionality within the system. event in the Raigmore coffee lounge. This Again with wide consultation nursing hand- event was videoed and shared across NHS over documentation has been designed within Highland so staff from all areas could provide TrakCare PMS and the plan is to demonstrate feedback. this during the latter half of April with the The conclusion that came out of this consul- wards going ‘live’ from around May. tation was that specific devices were required Alongside this, SOPs are being developed to facilitate access to electronic medical re- for admitting, transferring and discharging pa- cords during a ward round. However, there tients which will allow staff to know where was also the requirement for devices to sup- every patient is in NHS Highland in real time. port one-to-one contact with a patient at their This functionality will be available in all hospitals bedside. across NHS Highland. The following devices have therefore been This work will be delivered over the next ordered: a Computer on Wheels (COW) to support ward rounds and a Clinical Application Continued on next page

- 27 - DEPARTMENT PROFILE: eHEALTH (Modified Early Warning Score) score to alert Continued from previous page clinical staff to try and intervene early in the few months. However, eHealth is already look- care of a deteriorating patient. ing to what additional clinical functionality can All of this means that the next few months be added to the TrakCare PMS and further are going to be a very exciting time for both work has just started to look at: eHealth and clinical staff. Options for supporting the nursing This whole process has been termed a assessment forms with a view to developing ‘paperlite' clinical environment. equivalent forms in TrakCare PMS which can This is going to happen in then be completed electronically using one of Please feel free to from late April and will then be rolled out to the CALFs at the patient’s bedside. contact Iain Ross, the rural general hospitals in the coming Systems which will support the real Head of eHealth (4237 months. [email protected]) or time recording of patient clinical observations The eHealth department will be arranging Jim Docherty, Clinical demonstration sessions for staff to drop in and which will mean no need for observation charts Director for eHealth, at the bottom of all patients’ beds. Once re- (8314 jamesdo- sample what is coming, please take advantage of corded electronically, the results will be avail- [email protected]) these sessions as they will allow you to see in able for everyone involved in the care of the about anything re- real life the devices and the new functionality individual patient. These systems also allow lated to eHealth is- and you will have a chance to try out the de- alerts to be set up depending on the MEWS sues. vices.

REVALIDATION It’s not as daunting as it may seem!

REVALIDATION for all registered “We have placed information on the portunity for professional development. nurses and midwives is required six steps required to complete revalida- Jonathan Davies, a network liaison from 1st April. tion on the NHS Highland intranet site. nurse with the child and adolescent Introduced by the Nursing and Mid- It seems like a lot of work, but both mental health team, said: “I found the wifery Council, revalidation is a process practice/care home education facilita- process to be surprisingly straightfor- that all nurses and midwives must en- tors are here to support staff through ward. I had great support from my man- gage with every three years to demon- the process. ager and supervisor, and I was able to strate that they practise safely and effec- “Revalidation will provide many revalidate without any problems. In fact, tively throughout their career. benefits for you as a healthcare profes- it has prompted me to be more proac- And, according to NHS Highland’s sional, as well as the people you care tively reflective.” revalidation project support lead, Elaine for. It encourages a culture of sharing, Raigmore staff nurse Nicole Mearns Dibden, the process isn’t as daunting as reflection and improvement, and will be added: “It was much less laborious than it may seem. an ongoing process throughout your I expected. It only took a few hours in “We have a revalidation working career.” total, from gathering old certificates and group which meets regularly and pro- A number of NHS Highland staff writing reflective accounts, to the final vides support and guidance for staff,” have already begun the revalidation stage with my charge nurse. she explained. process, and have praised the level of “The team provided me with sup- “My role involves working closely support provided by the team. They port and guidance throughout the proc- with staff to ensure they have com- also want to reassure colleagues that ess, so you don’t have to worry about pleted the necessary steps. the revalidation process is an ideal op- doing it alone.” - 28 - MULL AND IONA Island gets 24/7 paramedic cover THERE is now a second paramedic requests for NHS24 to visit the island a Nicky Abraham had recently started a in the Scottish Ambulance Service number of meetings for members of the Well Woman clinic based at Mull & Iona team on Mull as a member of staff public were held in the Ross of Mull, Community Hospital. The clinic will be has recently completed training. Craignure and Tobermory. Representa- held twice a month. This creates 24/7 paramedic cover tives of NHS Highland, the Scottish Am- Subsequent to the review group’s on the island in line with the commit- bulance Service and NHS24 were in meeting on 8th March, interviews were ment made to the community, the latest attendance. held for the two vacant GP posts on the meeting of Mull and Iona Health and There was a good attendance at island. Care Review Group was told. each venue and further visits are these interviews were successful and Meeting earlier this month, the planned to take place in the near future. it is hoped to announce a start date in group also noted that n response to The meeting was also told that Dr the near future.

TOWN AND COUNTY, WICK New group seeks help with garden redesign

A NEW group has been set up to help with the redesign of the gar- den space and Town and County Hospital, Wick, and they are look- ing for help. The Friends of Town and County Hospital Garden are considering ways the garden space at the hospital can be redesigned to make it a therapeutic, enjoyable, accessible space for patients, their relatives and friends. It is also hoped to build a summer- and vegetables, harvest them and pre- Iain McHardy, acting charge nurse, is house which patients and their families pare meals with their produce. leading on the project. He said: “Our can use on days when it is not suitable This will allow them to develop new plan is to have lots of areas of interest to be outdoors in the garden or to pro- skills and build confidence and be able within the garden that will reflect the vide a quiet area for reflection. to transfer these skills into other areas local heritage and history, such as fishing The garden will be suitable for all of their life and reduce social isolation. and crofting, including items that will mobility levels and patients, if they wish, “I’m looking forward to getting in- bring up memories, start conversations will also be able to participate in light volved and really hope this idea is em- and provide meaningful activity. gardening tasks or just use the garden as braced by the local community. It would “The group we have set up will help somewhere they can sit outdoors and be great to get local schools involved as us fundraise and hopefully recruit volun- enjoy the outside. well as building a relationship with the teers who can help with the changes we Iain said: “We have also agreed with pupils will greatly benefit our patient have planned. We have already been our local community health co- group.” donated a red post box but would really coordinator that we will provide an area If you would like to learn more like to match it with a red telephone suitable for the provision of raised allot- about the group or have any ideas about box if anyone knows where we can ac- ment beds for vulnerable groups in the fundraising or what can go in the garden quire one?” community where they can grow fruit please contact Iain on 01955 880389. - 29 - PRESENTATION Cheque-ing in TAIN Royal Academy have given a £3,000 cheque to the Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital. Four second-year pupils took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative and were successful in convincing the judging panel that SCBU was a worthy local charity. The cheque was presented to staff in the unit and will be used to buy covers for their Kanmed Babywarmers – warm water mattresses – which keep babies in the unit warm helping them gain weight. Alison Maclean, senior charge nurse, said: “The group have done so well and this is a fantastic sum of money which has been donated to the unit. “We are very grateful to them for Pictured are, from left, staff nurses Christine Mackenzie and Christine Graham, thinking of us and we really can’t thank pupils Alanna Shaw, Chloe Mackay, Mollie Lauriticin and Molly Mackay, and senior them enough.” charge nurse Alison Maclean

- 30 - ARGYLL AND BUTE Making change happen THE integration of health and so- team structure is now in place and will happier and independent lives – the cial care in Argyll and Bute goes provide operational leadership and sup- HSCP’s efforts will be focused on six live from 1st April. port. key priorities: And Christina West, chief officer of The Integration Joint Board (IJB) is To reduce avoidable emergency the new Argyll and Bute Health and the new governance board which will admissions to hospital and minimise Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said have responsibility for the planning, re- the time people are delayed that, while much had been done in rela- sourcing and overseeing the operational To support people to live fulfilling lives in their own homes for as long as tion to the integration, there was still delivery of integrated services. possible much more to do. Membership of the IJB comprises To support unpaid carers to re- She said: “By continuing to work in eight voting members (four elected duce the impact of their caring role on partnership with our local communities councillors from Argyll and Bute Coun- their own health and wellbeing we can transform health and social care cil and four NHS Highland board mem- To implement a continuous im- to achieve our vision that ‘People in bers) and a number of other members provement approach Argyll and Bute will live longer, health- from a range of sectors and stakeholder To support staff to continuously ier, happier and independent lives’.” groups including the third and independ- improve the information, support and The new HSCP includes all health ent sectors, patients/service users, staff care they deliver To efficiently and effectively man- services, including contracted services and carers. age all resources to deliver best value (those that are purchased from NHS The members of the senior manage- Christina acknowledged that some Greater Glasgow and Clyde), and all ment team and the IJB will be intro- of the key challenges facing the HSCP adult and children and families social duced in future editions of Highlights. lay in its geography and demography as work. To achieve its vision – People in Ar- well as in the difficult financial context The HSCP integrated management gyll and Bute will live longer, healthier, that we all operate in. Continuing to do more of the same HE strategic plan provides a road map on the actions that need to be is no longer an option, says Christina, T taken to assist the HSCP in the delivery of the transformation agenda and listed below is a vision of what services in Argyll and Bute will look like in and it is necessary to change in the way three years’ time: services are provides and accessed.  GP and other frontline services will continue to be provided locally The integration of health and social through local surgeries. However, it is expected that, through mergers and care provides this opportunity and is a federations, there will be fewer GP practices. This will provide a greater chance to put people at the heart of the choice to patients – e.g., a male or a female doctor – and offer a range of GPs process, focusing on the outcomes they and nurses with special interests and training. want, by operating as a single health and Most hospital treatments will not require a stay in hospital, with hos- social care team at a locality level. pital beds being used only for those needing more complex medical care The fundamental transformational  With more care delivered in the home, and with more support for change required is facilitating the shift of carers (especially family and friends), nursing and care home beds will be used our services and resources to ones for those who need a higher level of care which prioritise anticipatory care, pre-  After an episode of illness when a person’s ability decreases, health ventative measures and maintenance of and care services will work hard with that person to get back as much of their ability as possible health and wellbeing. There will be a single health and social care team which will provide Christina advised that to assist with more services in your home, all day, every day – and night this transformation process the HSCP You will only need to contact one person for all health and social care consulted at the end of 2015 with local in your community communities, stakeholders, staff and  More people will choose self-directed support to design and deliver patients/service users on its three-year services that meet their personal needs and objectives strategic plan. She thanked everyone There will be more support and referral for keeping yourself healthy who contributed to this consultation and using everyday social and leisure pursuits to live a good life in your com- and the strategic plan has now been munity updated to reflect the comments and We will become comfortable with using technology to support care at feedback received. home: for example, monitoring of long-term conditions on equipment at A copy of the plan can be accessed home and enabling consultations with trained staff by telephone or video on the integration website at  Your local hospital will continue to co-ordinate and deliver emergency www.healthytogetherargyllandbute.org.u medical care, with fast access to Glasgow hospitals when necessary. k - 31 - HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY The rich cycle of life: it’s all in the library...

LOSING a close family member through. Balanced against loss there is between and the Highland Health Sci- is not an experience that anyone the experience and appreciation of ences Library in Inverness support this wants to go through. new life. work by holding a large and diverse However, the reality of life means Health workers are at the fore- selection of materials on the whole that such events have to be lived front of birth, death and everything in cycle of life.

ABOVE: The obstetrics sec- ABOVE: Aspects of child- ABOVE: Material on the angst tion at WQ includes books like hood such as Why Love Mat- ABOVE: Adult nursing is of adolesence A Child is Born ters can be found in the WS is also in the covered in the WY section WS section section

LEFT AND RIGHT: A Titles on end of life care (Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing) are shelved at classmark WB 310 and those on death (Death, Dying and Bereavement Across Cultures) at BF 575.G7

ABOVE: A range of works on old age , including this interest- ing approach to old age, can be found at can be foundSod at 70 , WT

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). - 32 -

Ever wondered what our staff do in their spare time? OTHER LIVES ‘Other Lives’ reports on colleagues’ outside interests David Alston: busy challenging perceptions

A SEEMINGLY innocuous remark by which eventually became British Guiana and is Hugh Miller, one of the most significant now the Republic of Guyana.” men of letters in 19th-century Scotland But those who acted on the advice to go to and still Cromarty’s most famous son, led these colonies situated along South America’s incoming NHS Highland chair David Caribbean coast, north of Brazil, were perhaps Alston to spend much of his free time not fully aware of the risks: “During that same over the past 20 years unearthing a dark, From the year, 1800, 17 young men did go out. But by and up to now pretty much ignored, as- the next year, all but one of them were dead,” mid-1790s a pect of Highland and Scottish history. lot of High- he said. “It all started by accident,” said David, who Yet the extraordinarily high mortality rate takes over as chair in April. “I was running the ‘landers, es- did not seem to deter more fortune seekers. museum in Cromarty and doing some research pecially “It’s difficult to judge just how many died, on Hugh Miller. I was struck by the fact that but looking in Highland Archives there is a let- Miller had written that at school in Cromarty from the ter from a Donald Macintosh of Inverness, writ- he sat next to a black pupil.” east High- ten in Berbice, in which he says that ‘800 of my And wondering just why that was led David, lands, went acquaintance are dead’. That might have been a keen historian, to embark on a line of re- over a four or five year period. But the deaths search that has seen him become an acknowl- to Guyana in didn’t stop others going out to the colonies.” edged expert on Scotland’s extensive involve- the hope of Highland doctors also joined in, some even ment in the slave-worked plantations of the making important contributions to medical sci- Caribbean. making their ence. The extent of this involvement is so shock- fortunes David explained: “In Grenada, Dr Colin ing that it is challenges long cherished percep- Chisholm from Strathglass discovered through tions about the Scottish Enlightenment – a so- careful observation that yellow fever was a called ‘golden age’ of intellectual and scientific transmittable disease introduced from West accomplishment when the likes of Adam Smith, Africa through the slave trade. Thomas Carlyle, James Hutton and Robert “The irony was that while Africans had a Burns flourished. partial immunity to yellow fever, the white plan- For the past 20 years David had traced the tations owners did not.” involvement of Highland Scots with slavery, Chisholm himself survived and came back to particularly in the slave plantations of Guyana in Britain to run a successful medical practice in South America before the emancipation in Bath. slaves in 1834. “He left money to support students from “From the mid-1790s a lot of Highlanders, ’ Bristol studying in Aberdeen and gave money to especially from the east Highlands, went to help establish the ,” Guyana in the hope of making their fortunes,” said David. said Inverness-born David. “Let us be clear, doctors out there in the “In 1800 in Inverness, if you wanted to make Caribbean at that time were acting as vets money quickly, you were told to go out to the former Dutch colonies of Demerara or Berbice, Continued on next page

- 33 - OTHER LIVES DAVID ALSTON Continued from previous page changed the way in which we can do research. Because data can be gathered from a wider might today. They were, in effect, keeping en- range of sources than before, we can explore slaved Africans – who were regarded as work- the lives of more ordinary people, who have ing animals – alive and productive for as long as not left behind large personal archives but have possible.” left traces of their lives in many different “The fact that slave owners needed doctors places.” was one of the reasons why Scotland became a And with various new primary sources now major centre for medical training, producing far available David is currently involved with the more doctors than were needed at home,” said staff at the Highland Council Archive in another David. project: to produce a book of source material “We are proud to see our medical schools on slavery for schools. as a development which was part of the Scot- With all these projects in hand, one might tish Enlightenment, but there is this dark side to be forgiven for thinking that David was a desk- it.” bound historian. Far from it. He subscribes to And David also points out that the massive the view of the economic historian RH Tawney, wealth generated by involvement in the slave who believed that: “An historian needs a good trade helped to found public institutions, pair of boots.” schools and hospitals in the Highlands. On his travels around the Highlands, David He said: “The Royal Northern Infirmary has has found time to make a number of discover- a plaque acknowledging this but there are very ies that help to prove the point. few other acknowledgements on public build- “One of the joys of the Highlands is that ings in Scotland. The museum in Surgeons Hall This shocking image there is so much to be discovered,” said David. in Edinburgh recently re-opened following a by Highland artist “I have found a number of previously unre- major refurbishment. I haven’t had a chance to John McNaught is corded historic monuments: an Iron Age fort, a visit yet but my question will be: do they ac- based on an illustra- Neolithic long cairn and, last year, a Bronze Age tion by Joshua Bryant knowledge this aspect of the history of medi- for his Account of an round house. All of them were just there – cine in Scotland?” Insurrection of the waiting to be noticed.” David has two published peer review arti- Negro Slaves in the And if that isn’t enough, David, the former cles on the subject, and a chapter in Tom De- Colony of Demerara deputy chair of the Highland Council, also finds published in 1824. The vine’s recent book Recovering Scotland’s Slavery same scene was de- time to be a member of the Court of the Uni- Past , and has set up a website on the subject: scribed at the time by versity of the Highlands and Islands, and holds ‘Slaves & Highlanders’ (http:// John Castlefranc trusteeships for the Cromarty Harbour Trust, www.spanglefish.com/slavesandhighlanders). He Chevely, who wrote in the Craigie Urquhart Trust, the Middleton his diary: is currently working on a proposal for a book “[It was] a scene Trust and the Nigg Old Trust. A busy man in- on Highlanders and slavery. which none could well deed. With all this information coming to light, bear, the young men David passionately believes it only right that were getting bewildered with it, but one old Scotland acknowledges its past role in the des- Scotchman Donald picable trade. Young was as cool as if “The first stage is that, as a country, we he had been shooting a need to acknowledge that it happened,” he said. partridge . . . Orders were given [to other “That is only slowly beginning to happen and I slaves] to cut off the believe it is particularly difficult in the Highlands, heads of some of those One of the joys of where many people tend to see our ancestors shot; their own com- as the victims of history. It is uncomfortable to rades, who had just the Highlands is that realise that they were also victimisers.” seen them in life, were most inhumanely set to there is so much to be Helping David to uncover this dark truth mangle the bodies of ‘ over recent years had been the digitisation – those who had been discovered scanning onto computers – of public and private their friends, sawing off their heads with cane archives across the world. This has revolution- knives and screwing ised his research. them onto sharpened “Scanning documents has done two things,” long poles.” said David. “It has opened up archives and it has

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Q & What does your job involve? AIf you won £10 million in the lottery, what Derek Laidler, I provide professional guidance and strategic would you spend it on? direction for the physiotherapy service across professional Travelling the world – I already have it planned Argyll and Bute. I’m also the team lead for the lead physio- out for the day I win the lottery; I’ll turn up at Oban, Lorn and Islands physiotherapy team therapist, the nearest airport with nothing but the clothes managing the day-to-day running of the depart- Argyll and Bute I’m wearing, look at the departure board and ment and I still retain a small clinical caseload – choose a destination at random. I’d stay in that the part of the job that keeps me sane. destination until I got the urge to move on and then go to the nearest airport and repeat the Describe yourself process. I’d take my wife Paula and year-old son I’m a big softie at heart and I’m very loyal. I’m Ben but very little else. told that I’m not particularly diplomatic; I tend to say exactly what I think and I expect the What about a smaller sum; say £1,000? same honesty in return. I’m also a bit of a se- Possibly still travel but on a much smaller scale cret geek; my head is full of useless information that I’ve or maybe buy a marine fish tank to remind me of tropical picked up over the years. seas during our grey, wet weather.

Do you have any hobbies and interests? If you could have dinner with three people, dead or I played rugby all of my life until I simply couldn’t play on alive, who would they be and what would you cook? any more, I still miss playing and I’m always convinced I have Stephen Fry, Nelson Mandela and Robin Williams – I’d one final game in me – sadly, my old bones disagree. In an probably try to impress them with a trio of exotic meats effort to keep my weight down now I go to the gym and run such as llama, kudu or bison with root vegetables and a when I can but not with any great enthusiasm. red wine sauce – I’m a sucker for pretentious, overpriced food. What was the first single you ever bought? Anarchy in the UK by the Sex Pistols – I was 11 and desper- What are your pet hates? ately wanted to be a punk rocker which is difficult when Bad driving and dishonest people. your mum still buys your clothes and cuts your hair. What are the best and worst things about your job? What is your favourite food? There’s no feeling like helping someone recover from a seri- I really want to say something healthy like chicken salad but ous injury or illness. To see someone walk out of hospital I’m afraid I’m partial to anything beige or wrapped in pastry. only weeks after a debilitating stroke knowing that you That’s why I have to exercise so much. guided their rehabilitation or to help someone deal with a diagnosis of MS and to be positive about their future is one And how about your favourite film? of the best feelings in the world. The worst thing is the lack Pulp Fiction. I’m a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. of resources currently available to provide services. It’s sad that past years of heavy investment in the NHS wasn’t di- And TV programme? rected to front line services effectively. Now that finances The Big Bang Theory or QI. are incredibly tight it’s the ability to provide the compre- hensive services we would all like to deliver that we’re What’s your favourite book? struggling with. It takes away a lot of the fun and job satis- Stephen King is my favourite author but I actually prefer his faction. I find it very sad but it’s the situation we’re in and short story collections so probably Skeleton Crew. we have to try and make the best of it. - 35 -