Winter 2011

www.nhsforthvalley.comStaffKeeping News NHS Forth Valley staff informed Giving Voice with Gareth

Behind Closed Doors Pages 6-7 Hospital Histories Make Walk This Way Great Gifts Page 5 Page 13 TREAT YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS PAGES with our fantastic competition 8 & 9 Our People Our People READY STEADY EDDIE - GO NORMAN PEDEN – Dozens of staff turned up at a farewell the best possible taste of course! THIS IS YOUR LIFE MARATHON RISING TO THE tea at Carseview House to celebrate Eddie’s other achievements included Eddie Macdonald’s retirement after qualifying as an accountant. In MAN 36 years service. Eddie was General l983 he became District Financial Manager of Community It was a tough challenge – 30 half CHALLENGE Accountant, in 1986 Budgeting marathons in 30 days! But oncology Health Partnership and had held a A 16 mile run and a 39 Accountant and by 1993 was pharmacist Alastair McMurray achieved number of posts during his health mile cycle was the goal Acting Deputy Director of Finance. his goal, and raised more than £20,000 service career, starting as a general facing Staff Nurse Fiona Also in the 1990’s he undertook pounds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma administration assistant in Gladstone Mowbray, who took part a management role at the Royal Research. His gruelling schedule was Place. in the Martin Currie Rob Scottish National Hospital. arranged as a tribute to his close friend Indeed Eddie was Roy Challenge which Golf plays a significant part Pat Beausang, a consultant with NHS interviewed in the very started at Drymen and in Eddie’s life and he was Forth Valley, who lost his battle with room that finally ended finished in Kenmore. a whizz at badminton leukaemia when he was just 43. up as his office and winning no less than 13 Fiona, who works in the became familiar to Alastair’s epic challenge ended on the championships Eddie Day Surgery Unit at Forth staff as a Marilyn Esplanade at Stirling Castle where he also liked life in the Valley Royal Hospital, was Monroe shrine, Associate Medical Director Dr downed a well-earned beer. But two fast lane with a series in a team of four who were complete with Norman Peden was given the red days later, and he was pounding the of high-spec cars, the first ladies team to Marilyn clocks, carpet treatment on his retiral streets again, this time in the Denny yet colleagues say finish coming 11th out of calendars, picture, when he received that famous 10k. He was joined by more than 60 of he was still late for 82 teams. Her result as an posters and desk book This is Your Life. Compiled Pat’s family and friends, and the team everything! individual competitor was ornaments – all in by Administrator Lorraine Dougan effort raised around another £10,000. it was testimony to his colourful 178th out of nearly 700. Alastair is also urging people under character which includes more The team managed to raise 40 to register for bone marrow than 30 years of angling – for just over £600 which will donation. For more details check out fish! - and more than a passing be divided between the anthonynolan.org JIM SINCLAIR RETIRES reference to his other great three charities supported NHS Forth Valley has said goodbye to hobby, skiing. by the event, namely one of its most popular members of Dr Peden, a Cambridge graduate, Scottish Alzheimers, the staff, Jim Sinclair, General Manager for subsequently attended Middlesex NSPCC and Sightsavers. Surgical and Cancer Services, who has Hospital Medical School, retired after almost 40 years with the University of London. He began NHS. working in Forth Valley in l984 Jim trained as a radiographer in and had previously been a lecturer the early l970s and held a number in pharmacology and therapeutics WHAT A of related posts across several at the University of and health boards before moving into Honorary Senior Registrar in management with Ayrshire and Arran Medicine at Tayside Health Board. Pictures Health Board in l991. He joined NHS During his time in NHS Forth courtesy NHS Forth Valley Chief Operating Forth Valley 10 years later, first leading Valley, Dr Peden has cared for of Central KNOCKOUT!Getting soaked with buckets Hospice. They were taking Officer, Margaret Duffy, presenting Clinical Facilities and then extending 25,000 people in hospital… but is News of freezing cold water, tackling part in It’s A Knockout” held at retirement gifts to Jim Sinclair Agency this to include the Surgical and Cancer unable to put an estimate on how huge inflatable obstacle courses, the Scottish Police College at Services Unit. many cups of tea he has drunk leaping through giant puddles, Tulliallan. in the past 27 years. Among his and fighting their way Jim made an invaluable contribution, particularly in relation to staff and The team, which included Ewan retirement gifts was a letter from through slippery foam, all in team development. He was always keen to recognise people’s abilities Murray, Margaret MacKinnon, Rangers manager Ally McCoist wet and windy weather! Not and provide opportunities for professional and personal improvement. Derek Blues, Lesley White, Laura and a signed and framed Rangers to mention having to take His popularity was reflected in the significant number of gifts he Crockert, Scott Urquhart and top. shoes and socks off for one received at a retiral tea in Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Janette Fraser, raised around game when it was so cold £1,450 – well ahead of their that standing on grass £1,000 target. They finished the with bare feet was almost day in fifth place. JANET SWAPS STORY impossible! Not everyone’s cup TIME FOR COFFEE TIME of tea but a valiant team from NHS Speech and Language Therapy off after 29 years service in the Forth Valley put colleagues and friends from many NHS. Janet began her career as a themselves through other departments joined Senior domestic in RSNH, was promoted this to raise money Clinical support worker Janet to supervisor and joined Speech and for Strathcarron Donnelly to ensure a lovely send Language Therapy in 1994.

2 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 3 Our People Our People Alter Ego SERVICE ROLL UP WITH A YOUR SLEEVES WALK THIS WAY Kim and Aggie – eat your hearts areas, fixtures and fittings, curtains, Health Promotion Officer Ann McArthur spent out! Members of the public are now glass work and kitchen areas. Items six days battling the hot sun, torrential wind SMILE involved in checking which could be picked up might and rain as well as the dreaded Scottish midge. whether Forth Valley Royal range from a speck of dust in a She lost four toe nails, suffered from aching Hospital is maintaining corridor to a faulty temperature legs, scarred heels and blisters - all in aid of its sparkle. Working with setting on kitchen equipment. Each the facilities provider area, ward or department is assigned Breast Cancer Campaign, a cause very close to Serco, representatives a code, depending on risk with her heart. from the Patient Public high risk areas coming under more Panel (PPP) are helping intensive scrutiny. In December 2009, Ann’s youngest if they could to carry out domestic Ann’s family who went under the name ‘Hackett Hikers’ To help maintain top standards at sister Denise was diagnosed with carry on. Ann said: audits, inspecting wards Forth Valley Royal Hospital several breast cancer. Ann and her sister and observing general “On day three I set out wearing a finishing line, 96 miles and 6 days advanced cleaning systems have Helen were advised to visit Falkirk standards of cleanliness. pair of white toeless sandals. I had so since we eagerly set out, my sisters, been introduced by Serco. The and District Royal Infirmary for a many bandages on my feet I couldn’t our husbands and myself put our The audit covers all hospital has been praised for its routine mammogram. This resulted get into my walking shoes. Other areas highlighted in the innovative approach which includes in Helen also being diagnosed with arms around each other lifted our walkers, dressed for the occasion, NHS National Cleaning an ozone laundry and robotic the condition, three months after her leg and crossed the finishing line were looking at me as if I was crazy. Specifications, for example equipment to help clean the 16 high- sister Denise’s diagnosis. Both girls together. We had all conquered the I was delighted when I reached the checking floors, toilet tech operating theatres. embarked on two years of intensive challenge and to finish like that was treatment. Green Welly Shop at Tyndrum where wonderful.” A welcome and familiar sight I bought a new pair of boots a size on hospital wards – the WRVS As the sisters began to recover, bigger, ah that was bliss! We trained The family has now raised trolley – has begun making Denise suggested that the entire hard for our walk, we thought we approximately £4,000 for Breast rounds at Forth Valley Royal family walk the West Highland Way were ready, but the terrain was so Cancer Campaign, and would like Hospital. The well-loved service and raise money for Breast Cancer hard on our inexperienced feet. to thank all family, friends and work has been introduced following Campaign. colleagues for their financial support discussions with representatives “A couple of times I felt like giving and encouragement. They would of the Patient Public Panel - Ann said: “Denise did a brilliant job up, it was so hard, particularly who help develop local health researching the route and booking walking downhill in the driving rain. also like in a special way to thank services - and through patient our accommodation way in advance But then I would look at my sisters and praise the Oncology staff who feedback. guaranteeing we had a comfortable who had come through so much, treated and cared for them. bed each night. There were thirteen they were so determined, they gave The new service not only Ann says, “Would you believe it, our of us along with my Mum and Dad me inspiration to complete the provides patients with the who were a great support; they Denise is at it again, she has us all challenge.” opportunity to purchase a drove a packed car each day which training for the Marathon range of popular newspapers lessened our load, all we carried Despite the pain, Ann claims walking in May!!! and magazines, as well as items was a small backpack with the day’s the West Highland Way was a Ann will be happy to share her such as tissues, fruit squash essentials.” very uplifting experience, one the experience with anyone who would and healthy snacks, but also whole family will never forget. She Walking approximately 20 miles a like to attempt the 96 mile challenge provides a valuable opportunity remembers with tears in her eyes: for people to have a chat with day took its toll on their feet, and and be one of 15,000 people who friendly volunteers. there were many times they doubted “Seconds before we crossed the complete it every year. The service is provided Monday to Friday and starts in the renal unit before moving to all the inpatient wards.

4 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 5 sectionOur People heading Our People Prison Healthcare Staff Join the Team BEHIND opportunities as other health professionals to develop their skills and their careers. It will also be easier for them to call on CLOSED the wider NHS for complex or challenging conditions.” Dr Iain Wallace, Medical Director for NHS Forth Valley, said “The RESPONSIBILITY for health care and/or alcohol use. DOORS transfer will also provide greater in Scottish prisons has passed Staff and prisoners will notice continuity of care for prisoners, Rosemary Duffy arrives early to start her 7am shift. As a from the Scottish Prison Service very little change as a result of especially those with drug and to local NHS Boards across Clinical Manager at a rather unusual health centre, she the transfer as it’s very much alcohol issues.” Scotland. This is an important ‘business as usual’. In fact, the responsibility, especially for Prison healthcare services across knows she has a busy and challenging day ahead of her. majority of staff will continue to NHS Forth Valley as not only do Forth Valley will be managed on work as normal in their current we have three of Scotland’s 15 an interim basis by Sue Dow, Rosemary doesn’t arrive early so she issue of some form. For the majority, nurse-led clinics, well woman clinics, workplace, unless they have prisons within our health board General Manager for Falkirk can grab a morning cup of coffee. this will be depression, although diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic opted for a change. In the long area, all three are also national Community Health Partnership, She needs the extra time to surrender I see some women with severe disease management, wound care term, however, it’s hoped that centres. supported by Prison Health her mobile phone and be issued with mental health problems including and sexual health clinics. Since the move will bring a number Centre Managers. Dr Craig a large set of keys and a radio. For personality disorders. The transfer, which involved many of the women were previously of benefits to both staff and Sayers, who currently works at her health centre is in Cornton Vale around 80 staff from Cornton “Sixty eight per cent also have reluctant to access healthcare, many prisoners. Cornton Vale, will provide clinical prison near Stirling – Scotland’s only Vale in Stirling, Polmont a history of abuse, which is an prisoners receive care that they Dr Andrew Fraser, Scottish leadership and support. women’s prison. Young Offenders Institution in underlying issue in their ability to wouldn’t have received outside. Prison Service Falkirk and Glenochil Prison in Locking each door carefully behind cope in prison. Many people take Director A lot of health problems are also Clackmannanshire, took place her, her first task of the day is to drugs to block out their problems, of Health directly related to the woman’s drug on 1st November 2011. The distribute medicines to the prisoners. meaning that 98% of the women and Care, history: “Heroin can act as a powerful majority of staff who transferred This takes almost two hours and also have an addiction to drugs.” said: “One across are nurses who provide plays a vital role in the smooth pain killer. So, for example, a woman advantage for Health centre staff are often called a wide range of services in each running of the entire prison. If there with dental problems will not be staff is that to emergencies within the prison. of the prison health centres. is a delay in medicating, all other aware of the pain until they start to they will be This can range from tending to These include chronic disease regimes are held up. come off the drug. joining the women if they have been in a fight, management, dental services mainstream Many of Rosemary’s patients have to providing immediate treatment “This is the same situation and a wide range of health of healthcare complex needs, and mental health for those who have self harmed or throughout the whole body. We are clinics. Many prisoners also in Scotland. issues which keeps her hands full. attempted suicide. treating young people for vascular require support and treatment They will have for ongoing wound health care, She explained: “Seventy per cent runs a wide variety of problems that you would usually the same mental health problems or drug of prisoners have a mental health clinics throughout the day including expect in an 80 year old.”

6 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 7 Competition Competition

To enter the competition just match up Answers should be emailed to FV-UHB. the pictures of our cheery Santa’s with [email protected] before Treat Yourself their ‘usual attire’ (Example A=1) Monday 19th December 2011. The person with the highest number of Or post your answers to: Communications correct answers will win the prize. The Department, Carseview House, Castle winner will be selected at random if a Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4SW. This Winter number of correct entries are received. 1st Prize: WIN A A B C D BIKE WORTH £250

Staff News has teamed up with possible; talking you through GW Smith in Falkirk to offer how it works and even filling in one lucky reader a free bike for the forms for you. work. Winning Answers Cycling to work not only saves With its unique folding action, you money in travelling costs, Last edition’s ‘Guess the Treatment’ the unisex Gekko micro it burns calories and also helps competition was our most popular folding bike is the ultimate the environment. healthy way to get to work. competition to date. To find out more about GW E F G H The lucky winner of the day at the GW Smith’s has also signed Smith’s cycle to work scheme, up to the NHS cycle to work call 01324 621227 or visit the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa was scheme, meaning that all shop at the east end of Falkirk Julie Mitchell, Recruitment staff can take advantage of High Street, opposite the bus Services Manager. their wide range of bikes at station. a reduced price. Further information on the cycle The correct answers were:Hot Stone Therapy Based in Falkirk’s town to work scheme is available on Tattooers hyphen - Reflexology centre for over 100 years, the Staff Benefits section of the Freely go lox – Aromatherapy the knowledgeable staff Staff Intranet. A rampage hates Massage can take you through mayors - Indian Head their extensive range of 1 2 3 A seaman said hinged - bikes and help you select MassageManicure the bike that best suits A nice rum – Tai Foot Massage your needs. BENEFITS Images oaf toast - Leg Wax Staff will make the Gel wax - scheme as simple as FOR STAFF

All NHS Forth Valley staff can with a relaxing 4 benefit from discounts on beauty treatment, NHS Staff 5 6 everything from servicing Benefits can save you money. 2nd Prize: THE PERFECT PAMPER your car to bargain prices The NHS Staff Benefits website at your favourite high Sonas Boutique Beauty Spa is customised and effective therapies. allows you to register for free to street stores. see all the discounts available. offering one reader the ultimate They use products that contain Sonas also offer 15% off winter treat. only the finest ingredients available Now you can find the You can also search by category from eco-safe sources. all treatments to NHS full range of discounts all so you can quickly find the deal The unique Stirling spa offers staff, when you present in one place: the NHS Staff that you are most interested in. exceptional customer service, The fantastic prize consists of: Benefits website. giving a high quality personalised your staff ID badge. To You can access the website experience in a welcoming, vibrant a 45 minute Hot Stone find out more about 7 Whether you are planning a from the ‘Staff Benefits’ tab and chic environment. Therapy Back, Neck and Sonas, visit 8 well earned break, having on the homepage of the Shoulder Massage www.simplysonas.com a meal out with friends Staff Intranet. All of the staff are qualified or spoiling yourself advanced skin therapists who Diamond Microdermabrasion or call 01786 469777. are passionate about delivering Treatment

8 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 9 Service Development & Innovations Servicesection Development heading & Innovations SOMEONE SEE YOUR GP –

VIA THE be orderedTV through the channel in Dunblane Medical Practice is taking part in an innovative pilot scheme which allows patients to book and cancel future. It is now possible to check Sandra Campbell, Nurse Consultant for Cancer and Palliative Care is a mother TOEvery day around two people TALK TO on your alcohol intake through your routine appointments via digital TV. The EMIS Access service who has had to come to terms with the grief of losing her son. This is her story. remote and soon a full health check in Scotland take their own lives is being developed in partnership with NHS 24 and can be and NHS Forth Valley Nurse Both my life and my husbands’ life have been destroyed by the death of may be available. particularly useful during times when the practice is closed, Practitioner Rhona Mackie our son Craig which we largely attribute to him taking cannabis. We “The NHS doesn’t stand still. This is acutely aware that when believe that cannabis, which some choose to believe is safe and harmless, telephone lines are busy or if people are away from home. is a fantastic example of how we someone is feeling suicidal they resulted in serious mental illness. He was twenty-four years old when he Patients interested in making The television pilot is part of a wider are constantly updating the way need a shoulder to lean on. took his own life. appointments are being asked to digital TV channel which NHS 24 has that patients interact with the NHS But it’s a sensitive subject to As his coffin lay at the front of the experiences such as our middle son’s register at reception where they can launched to improve patients’ access to make sure that we deliver a top approach so, as part of Suicide church, I wanted to scream, “there wedding five months later, for us choose the media they wish to use. to health information and advice quality service.” Awareness Week, Rhona decided is nothing recreational about this!” as parents, tinged with immense Not only can they access through from the comfort of their own home. to arrange practical skills courses Dunblane patients who are interested How do we have such a ridiculous sadness. Sky and Virgin, but they can also opt Heath Secretary Nicola Sturgeon in making appointments are being at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. phrase to describe something that I wish I could describe my grief - I to book appointments through Wii said: “We are piloting booking asked to register at reception where has the power to destroy life and The final course is on 14/15 can’t - there aren’t the words to and Pc or through any web-enabled GP appointments and looking at they can choose the media they wish families? December and will show people describe the intensity of it. It is a mobile phone. whether repeat prescriptions can to use. how to watch out for signs Craig was our eldest son with his pain that envelopes your whole that someone they know may death also having a profound effect being – it overwhelms you – it can be feeling suicidal, invite that on his two younger brothers, they dominate every waking moment on person to talk to them about were all so close. He was a likeable some days, especially in the early how they are feeling and – character and very popular with days following the death. For me, I crucially – ask them directly if many, many friends, most of whom will never forget the moment when I they are feeling suicidal. he had known from school. They too learned of Craig’s death. I will never While suicide continues to affect were deeply affected by his death forget the tormented look on my people living in more deprived and I get so much comfort from husband’s grief stricken face as he areas, and young men are them – I feel each time I meet any of said the words – them, they bring a little of Craig to particularly vulnerable, suicide “they’ve found a body…” is a complex issue and suicidal me. Since that moment, we have walked feelings can impact on anybody Suicide leaves a grief that is different a different path through life. My at any point in time. Suicide – emotions such as guilt can torture coping and living with loss, is due also leaves a lasting impact on – with the added dimension of to the love and support of family, families, friends and carers. unanswered questions that can tear friends and colleagues, all of whom you apart forever. Alongside that is listen to me when I need to talk the tremendous loss of wonderful about Craig. Thank you! For information on what to do if things Craig could have experienced. you are worried someone is feeling This makes all potentially good suicidal, and to download ‘The Art of Conversation’, a free guide on spotting the signs, starting a conversation and being a good listener visit www.chooselife.net If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide, contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours) or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thurs (6pm-2am; weekends Fri 6pm-Mon 6am).

10 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 11 Service Development & Innovations Service Development & Innovations A VERY PREGNANT PAUSE POETRY Playing “statues” with a balloon under your clothes to simulate pregnancy proved very successful to drive home the message that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix! The ‘freeze’ moments – at Forth Valley PLEASE Royal Hospital, the Thistles Centre in Stirling and outside Asda in Alloa Two doctors from China recently certainly attracted attention from onlookers, clearly puzzled at the sight Many patients spend their time visited NHS Forth Valley to of both women and MEN sporting bumps! in hospital either reading or gain first hand knowledge of watching TV. But one 92 year old The message was delivered by rehabilitation techniques. During who spent two weeks in Ward the Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug their two week stay they were A31 at Forth Valley Royal was Partnership to remind people that able to observe rehabilitation inspired to write poetry whilst stopping drinking for nine months in the community through recuperating. will protect their baby from alcohol- ReACH Forth Valley. They also related birth defects. These include visited stroke wards at Forth Ward Manager Rosario Walshe brain damage which can lead to Valley Royal and Bannockburn said: “He was one of those learning difficulties and behavioural Hospitals, plus Unit 1 at Falkirk unique people who had a real problems.In Scotland, 10,000 children Community Hospital and the gift for writing. Staff thought are estimated to be affected by Foetal Talking Mats research and he was fantastic and his skills Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. development centre in Stirling. remarkable for a nonagenarian”. Surprisingly China has no qualified Rosario thought readers would therapists, and physiotherapists, like to share one of his poems.

occupational therapy and speech NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR NURSES and language therapy is delivered Ba Fang and Professor Zhang with members of ReACH Forth Valley LARBERT – Around a thousand nurses at Forth can download information within 20 by assistants under instruction trip to Shenyang last year by NHS Margaret College, Professor Zhang Valley Royal Hospital have been seconds of being placed in a docking from doctors, who often have little Forth Valley speech and language is now considering the possibility A CLINICAL trained to use new blood glucose station. Information is relayed knowledge of the rehabilitation monitors which provide a more electronically and can be viewed therapists Sally Boa and Joan of setting up an undergraduate ASSESSMENT process. training programme for comprehensive picture of blood on a computer screen. It details the Murphy. glucose levels and improve patient The visit by Professor Zhang and rehabilitation professionals in If you’re asked to design a hospital patient’s name, which nurse took the Dr Ba Fang was a follow-up to a Through a link with Queen China. An architect needs to be at his peak safety. test, the time the test was taken and It really is an important job Describing the mammoth training the result, all of which can be easily You have to be on a winning streak exercise, Lead Diabetes Nurse Hilary viewed at any time by the diabetes It’s also wise to take good care Whitty explained: “ As the machines team or other clinicians with access OLYMPIC EFFORTS there’s been proper public have to be quality controlled every to the system. FORTH VALLEY HELPS The Olympic games consultation 24 hours patients can be reassured Nurses are issued with their own measure sporting The design should recognise that they are accurate and there will barcode once they have completed performance on the it will deal be no misleading results which could training and each nurse has to LEAD THE WAY world stage but how do with an ageing population lead to inappropriate treatment.” undergo a refresher course every FORTH VALLEY is one of five pilot areas of Scotland which has been you measure nursing care In the strategy for Larbert hospital The new meters, which were year. The monitor alerts them 90 chosen to take part in a research and development programme that in Forth Valley? A comprehensive scheme was introduced to all areas last month, days before this is due. will see up to £10m invested in finding innovative solutions that could That was the conundrum prepared improve the lives of millions of people with long term conditions. which was given to Barry Lowe in IT. To make sure that everyone’s The aim is to encourage 10,000 conditions needs were met Barry is a highly experienced Systems or more older adults living in in their With the provision of total care HOSPITAL HISTORIES the pilot areas to take part in own Developer and worked in partnership the DALLAS (Delivering Assisted homes is with a range of nursing professionals Who can deny that the final result Lifestyles At Scale) initiative. The the way to build a performance database which Is a tribute to the architect’s skill MAKE GREAT GIFTS allows frontline staff to chart their programme will examine the use of the It looks good; and a good place Looking for a stocking filler pulling in the medieval performance on a range of key measures. of new technologies to support future - for to be this Christmas – then look towns, the poorhouses This functionality means ward and dept people in their own homes example if you suffer poor health or you’re ill no further. Just published and the isolation hospitals. staff can see where issues may lie and and find out which innovative patients are two books tracing the Recognise some of the target improvement themselves. products, systems and services with history of healthcare in Falkirk doughty figures who ran work best. diabetes Comments from several Senior Charge and Stirling, from humble the wards with clockwork being able Nurses include ‘easy to access’, ‘user beginnings to the £300 precision. Indulge in a little NHS Forth Valley Chief Operating to check their own blood samples friendly’ and ‘results and data appears in million pound Forth Valley nostalgia with staff memories. Officer Margaret Duffy welcomed electronically. a flash.’ Royal Hospital at Larbert, one the announcement. She said: The books retail at £9.99 but of the most modern and well- “NHS Forth Valley is delighted to The three-year research and Nursing staff say they are very grateful are available to staff at the equipped in Europe. be chosen as one of the five pilot development project, is part of for Barry’s expertise in understanding special price of £7. For your areas for this project. There is no a UK-wide scheme run by the issues and developing a user-friendly Read about barber surgeons copy contact Craig Holden doubt that the use of technology UK’s innovation agency, The rapid reporting database. who did a little primitive on 01324 566081 or email to support patients with long-term Technology Strategy Board. bloodletting and tooth [email protected] 12 Staff News 13 Awards and Achievements Awards and Achievements GIVING VOICE IS A WINNER WINNING WAYS Speech and language therapists from NHS Forth The use of SIMPLY THE BEST Valley have been voted the best team in Scotland for robots to fetch Groundbreaking ideas from NHS been in years. the way they supported the national Giving Voice Forth Valley staff scooped two of and deliver at The second NHS Forth campaign. It earned them a £1,000 prize from the Forth Valley the four poster awards at a national Valley submission to win a Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Royal Hospital NHS event to showcase quality plaudit was the infrastructure and gave them the chance to meet up with Pop Idol helped Serco, and innovation. They included an award which went to Liam finalist Gareth Gates, who was attending the awards NHS Forth education programme for Type 1 Coughlan and Chi kong ceremony. Gareth was happy to pose with the team Valley and diabetes patients to give them the skills Cham for their work to for a memorable photograph! Forth Health and confidence to self manage their introduce touch-screen win a coveted condition, including adjusting their patient whiteboards into The Giving Voice UK award from the British Institute of own insulin doses. acute wards. campaign showcased Facilities Management. They were up against stiff competition including the Eileen Sharp and Kathryn Fraser who Large touch-screens provide how speech and Co-operative, and KPMG, international developed the diabetes project said the wards with an electronic language therapy tax and audit advisers. patients had described the results as ward map, replacing the in recording patient transfers and makes a difference not life-changing and some reported their manually maintained map, which tracking where they have moved to. It only to people who The award “Facilities Management blood sugar levels as the best they had has resulted in a huge improvement also helps staff identify bed capacity. have communication Excellence in a Major Project” recognised difficulties but to their the hospital had achieved its primary families and wider aim – patient privacy and dignity – by society as well. The implementing a ‘no frills’ plan that will stay the course for at least 30 years. RECORD FIRSTS Forth Valley event Serco, NHS Forth Valley and Forth Health Proof that working in Health Records is more than simply included a series of were also “highly commended” in the pulling and filing case notes has come in a raft of exam road shows and was Innovation in Technology and Systems successes. Thirteen staff have now been presented with supported by local category. a Certificate of Technical Competence gained through politicians including their professional body, the Institute of Health Records Health Minister and Information Management (IHRIM). Michael Matheson, They are Michelle McLean, Brenda McHardy, Helen MSP for Falkirk West, SCOTTISH HEALTH Young, Jillian Watson, Siobhan Holmes, Sarah Lauder, who met some of the Mary Ann Pender, Elaine Loggie, Lorraine Fergus, Arlene service users. AWARDS FINALISTS McMahon, Claire Kerr, Sandra Watson and Rosie Martin. course, are awaiting their certificates, and more training Six finalists A further 19 staff who have successfully completed the sessions are under way. from NHS Forth Valley have LOSING POUNDS been shortlisted for this year’s GAINS TOP AWARD Scottish Health VOLUNTEERS REWARDED After being slim her whole was three months Awards. This is life, practice nurse Lorna old, I went a tremendous The army of volunteers who work tirelessly McLeod found that two straight back achievement and double the number of throughout NHS Forth Valley were thanked for pregnancies changed to Scottish Forth Valley finalists last year! their efforts at a special presentation at Stirling her beyond recognition, Slimmers.” Community Hospital. Chairman Ian Mullen is “I put on five and a half Lorna’s efforts to Top Team Award pictured with staff and volunteers after accepting stone when I was pregnant shed the pounds Dr Dan Beckett & Acute Admissions an Investing in Volunteers Award on their behalf with my oldest daughter, were encouraged Unit Team, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, from George Thomson, Chief Executive Volunteer Mirren,” she admits. I by her sister Leigh, Communications Team, NHS Forth Valley Development Scotland. managed to lose weight who also attended then, when I fell pregnant After Care for Children Award Assessors from Investing in Volunteers said the classes. Now, after for the second time, I Anne Vallance, Senior Sister Neonatal Unit, vast majority of those they spoke to felt very well losing almost seven gained too Forth Valley Royal Hospital supported and a range of training opportunities stone, Lorna, who much included the opportunity to learn British sign works at Dunblane Care at Home Award weight language, the European Computer Driving Licence Health Centre has Fiona Burton, Health Visitor Camelon once and infection control. walked off with the Health Clinic, more. They also helped shape the design of Forth Valley Looking Good prize at Falkirk Community Nursing and Paediatric The volunteers work in a number of areas including I felt Royal Hospital. The Investing in Volunteers Award is the Scottish Slimmers Team, Meadowbank Health Centre, Falkirk assisting with patients in the oncology unit, carrying frumpy. held for three years and then re-assessed. Slimmer of the Year outpatient surveys and working with disabled people. So when Volunteer Award awards. Rowen, So Precious, Forth Valley Royal Hospital Before 14 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 15 In the Spotlight

How did you become a PPF co-ordinator? I originally started with Forth Valley Health Board in 1976 (I was five at the time!). But it wasn’t until 2006 that I applied for the post of Patient Public JESSIE-ANNE MALCOLM Forum Development Co-ordinator. It was a newly established post as the PPF DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR PPFs only started in 2005. I have to say it did not come with a DANGER sign, but reading between the lines of the job description there was a hint of “beware of the unknown!” How challenging the public and have done on many I could then teach the children to care occasions throughout my life without for the animals and become happy in is your job? shattering too many windows on themselves. My job is very challenging, but it has reaching a Top “C”. I also used to its rewarding moments too. I meet enjoy playing the piano but when Secret to staying many different people on a daily basis practising at home my husband happy from all walks of life, all with different constantly asks me if I went to the Les views on the NHS and how it should Dawson school of music !!! Having a husband who always makes be run by them! me laugh when he doesn’t really What’s usually in mean to! I call him “Victor Meldrew” Two children and now two beautiful Most surreal moment your fridge? grandchildren. A boy and a girl in I was invited to attend the Scottish So much food it could feed the whole both categories Health Council AGM in Delta House of Denny! I tend to forget there are a couple of years ago and only three adults living in my house. What’s your biggest met with Nicola Sturgeon. On arrival I have to admit that there have been regret in life? I got in the lift and was checking my occasions in the past when you hair and makeup - as you do- in the opened my fridge and were faced with If you were to ask my husband of shiny panels on the wall, when who a box of maggots. Not rotten food, nearly 27 years this question he would got in beside me but Nicola Sturgeon! just bait for my husband and son’s tell you, “A video of our wedding so he I went weak at the knees as I had only fishing trips! could play it back in slow motion for ever seen her on the TV prior to this a happy ending !!! “ My true answer brief encounter and when she smiled How would you spend would be that I didn’t carry on to be at me and said “hello” I blurted out, a professional singer when I had the “I am Jessie-Anne Malcolm from NHS one million pounds? chance! Forth Valley and I am here to meet On my family first, to give them all a with you today and I am terrified !!!!” secure future, then my close friends One wish - what She was so lovely and just laughed and and then my Church. It could also said “I know how you feel!” would it be? allow me to fulfil my ultimate dream which has always been to adopt a To always have the love and support of my family and friends – even though I Hidden talents load of children from orphanages and drive them all to distraction at times! I would like to say I was gifted with a open up an animal sanctuary to rescue beautiful voice and enjoy singing to animals that have been badly treated.

16 Staff News www.nhsforthvalley.com 16