THE NHS STAFF NEWSPAPER March 2017 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY Board endorses strategic plan

The NHS Highland board has approved a plan that sets out its strategic direction for the next few years. Presented by its chief executive Elaine Mead, the NHS High- land Strategic Quality and Sustainability Plan: 2017/18 to 2019/20 was endorsed at the meeting on Tuesday 28th March 2017. The intention is that the plan will provide the blueprint by which the board will meet the ‘unprecedented’ saving targets of around £100 million over the next three years. Aside from the financial pressures, Elaine told the board that there are more compelling reasons why its models of care must change. She said that an ageing population, changing workforce, difficulties with recruitment, staffing pressures, as well as rising costs and demands, all signal that NHS Highland must acceler- ate changes to the way it delivers its services. She said:“It is clear that our current model of health and social care is not sustainable and as pressures grow, we are going to have to provide services in a different way.” Her report outlined both the challenges and some of the Find out more solutions - including new models of care - that will help sustain Lovely about Hazel the board’s services between now and 2020. Jane’s lovely Over the next three years it is estimated that NHS High- gesture to the land will need to deliver efficiencies of around £100 million, gesture... SCBU on page with around £47million in 2017/18 (around 7 per cent of the 25 Continued on page 2 - - Board approves strategic plan... Contents Continued from front

board’s annual budget that year). 4 Breaking the rules campaign 7 Migdale award Elaine Mead said: “Our Quality and Sustainability Plan describes the 8 Commuters’ corner national and local strategic context, 9 Ehealth award and sets out a compelling case for 12 Office redesign furniture change as well as NHS Highland’s 15 book launch approach to addressing some of the 17 Care home report challenges. “The plan sets out the vision and 18 HQA award strategy through which to deliver the 22 Rural GP training project board’s corporate objectives. We 23 PhD ambition come true are putting in place seven initiatives 24 Austrian nurses’ visit that relate back to people, quality 27 Q&A: Demi Velzian and care. “These will support the reduction of waste, harm and unwarranted She said: “Although NHS High- Keep us informed variation, allow new models of care land is well placed to deliver the new to be further developed and intro- approaches, this will be challenging. Do you know of something you duced and, in turn, will be more The biggest hurdle is how best to think should be featured in High- sustainable.” speed up the pace of change while at lights? An award, an achievement, These seven initiatives identified the same time taking staff, communi- a piece of research, an appoint- are themed under the following main ties and partners with us. ment, a retiral … you name it, headings: Adult care, Flow, New “Providing ‘more of the same Highlights has a place for it. Please models of care, Realistic medicine, approach’ is not going to be suffi- send your articles to Drug costs, Remodelling assets and cient.” [email protected] (01463 Continuous Quality Improvement/ Detailed plans setting out specific Local Initiatives. initiatives for each of the operational 704876). Yet while she warned that meet- units and corporate services will be ing the challenges ahead will not be brought back to the board in May. easy, Elaine Mead pointed to the As well as raising awareness good work that board has already about the plan in general, communi- You can follow done in these areas. cations and engagement plans will be NHS Highland on... She said: “Significant redesign on put in place for specific pieces of

models of care are ongoing from work. WEBSITE previous years such as out-of-hours, Meanwhile, the board also ap- www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk transforming out-patients, an office proved a list of projects, worth redesign and major service redesign about £235 million, over the next FACEBOOK and elements of these will be com- five years. Subject to approval from https://www.facebook.com/ pleted during 2017/18.” the , this in- NHSHighland And she said NHS Highland has a cludes the refurbishment of the TWITTER good track record of realising savings Grantown health Centre, an exten- www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or through initiatives related to pro- sion to General Hospital, @NHSHighland curement, prescribing and quality the redevelopment of Hos- improvement. pital, and new facilities on Skye. COMMUTERS’ CORNER For Lizbeth Collie’s commute : See page 8 - 2 - CAITHNESS Ambulance investment plans Plans to increase ambulance provi- “Working with our staff, community Highland to develop our service in sion in Caithness have been an- partners and NHS Highland, we identi- Caithness both in the short term and as nounced by the Scottish Ambu- fied the need for additional ambulance we put additional staff in place. lance Service and NHS Highland. resources in Caithness, in particular to “We will be advertising for new and The £400,000 investment follows a respond to the growing number of pa- qualified ambulance staff in the following review showing an increase in inter- tients whose healthcare needs mean weeks, with the additional staff going hospital transfers between Caithness they require to be transported to Raig- through a period of training following General Hospital and Raigmore Hospital more. the recruitment process.” in Inverness. “We will announce the full detail of Elaine Mead, NHS Highland’s chief Scottish Ambulance Service chief the resources following further work executive said: “I am grateful to col- executive Pauline Howie said: “We are with local staff and partners and would leagues for carrying out a review of delighted to have agreed significant in- like to thank NHS Highland for their transfers and for working up this fund- vestment with NHS Highland to in- support in reaching this agreement.” ing proposal. The additional investment crease our resources in Caithness and Milne Weir, general manager for the will mean local people can access spe- help ensure patients receive access to Scottish Ambulance Service’s North cialist care in Raigmore in a timely man- the highest possible levels of care. Division, said: “Our staff are busier than ner while ensuring there is appropriate “This funding complements wider ever and providing excellent care to ambulance cover in Caithness. investment across the North of Scot- patients across Caithness. “It is really important that we make land in response to changing patient “This investment is very welcome the best use of this resource and I wel- needs and access to more specialist and we will continue to work with our come input of staff and local stake- health service delivery. staff, their representatives and NHS holders to support this going forward.”

SKYE, LOCHALSH & SOUTH WEST ROSS Researchers begin redesign work Work on research about the impact on transport and about how in-patients and their visitors access the hospitals.” access to healthcare services has started as part of After the week-long field work, the assessment is to be NHS Highland’s Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross completed by the end of May and then presented to NHS redesign process. Highland as well as the Transport and Access Group chaired Dr Richard Mounce and Dr Steve Wright, research fellows by Councillor Hamish Fraser. at the Centre for Transport Research at the University of Welcoming this research, Cllr Fraser said: “I hope the Aberdeen, will begin their research on Skye on Monday 3rd outcome will potentially enhance the transport services avail- April 2017. able presently. The geography of the Skye, Lochalsh and This work is a key requirement of the redesign process. It Wester Ross catchment area, makes the area difficult to will look at the impact (positive or negative) of any changes to serve, particularly within the limits of the present public trans- healthcare services the board provides in the area. port provision at all levels. The Aberdeen team will assess this impact by reviewing “The work of the Transport and Access Group has been activity data, questionnaires from local transport providers difficult to date and this professionally led research will hope- and hospital patient surveys. fully find a way round those difficulties and allow the redesign The field work will involve Dr Mounce and Dr Wright of Health and Social Care services to move on to provide a meeting various representatives from local community trans- sustainable service for the locality for many years to come.” port providers, NHS Highland staff, and conducting in-patient Dr Mounce and Dr Wright have considerable experience and visitor surveys. in this field and have already conducted another similar study Dr Mounce said: “We have already done some of the for NHS Highland on its and Strathspey Community ground work for the project to take place, with help from Transport redesign. NHS Highland. Questionnaires have been distributed to local Dr Mounce said: “We will be doing an assessment of the transport operators on Skye in order to gather information implications of changes to health provision on transport. In about what transport options are available to people who particular, we will be focusing on the impacts of moving all in- need to access the Portree and Broadford hospitals. In-patient patient care to Broadford, such as how people in the north of surveys have also recently been initiated to gather information Skye who don’t have a car will access the hospital.” - 3 - BREAKING THE RULES FOR BETTER CARE Week-long campaign plans to improve care NHS HIGHLAND staff, patients, Announcing the initiative, chief ex- and visitors were asked to take ecutive, Elaine Mead, said: “We have part in a ground breaking initia- been invited to participate in “Breaking tive called “Breaking the Rules for the Rules for Better Care” Week as Better Care”. one of a number of organisations Run by the European arm of the across Europe who want their staff to Institute of Healthcare Improvement, help improve the healthcare they pro- the idea behind “Breaking the Rules for vide.” Better Care” Week was to let the “The reason that we are participat- board’s management know about “non- ing is because we need, now more than sensical” or “silly” rules that hinder the ever, to be able to highlight the well- delivery of high quality care. intentioned rules, habits, policies and The first-ever “Breaking the Rules procedure that sometimes get in the for Better Care” Week run by the way of our staff delivering high quality Health Improvement Alliance Europe care in a timely way. th (HIAE) took place from Monday 27 “During this week, I asked our staff March to Friday 31st March. to think about the rules that they feel During the week in all the board’s get in the way of them and their teams care settings, staff and students were It is hoped the providing great healthcare. Or rules asked to highlight what rules related to collective re- that compromise the experience of workflow and processes they would care for both them and our service like to change - and why. The aim is to sponse will users. start the conversation to provide bet- prove to be a “Be clear, I don’t want our staff to ter healthcare for patients. break the rules just yet. I just wanted In addition, patients, friends, families powerful tool them, and our patients and visitors, to and visitors were also asked to identify ‘ take a few moments to send their what rules relating to the patient and to help pro- thoughts to this email address: high- family experience they would like mote policy [email protected]. changed. We will then collate all of the com- Nothing was considered sacred. If changes that ments into themes.” people think the rules ‘just don’t make will lead to Elaine said that after the week, all sense’ or ‘get in the way of patient- the views expressed with be collated centred care’, then the board wanted better care at and posted on the board’s website. to know - whether they are big ideas She added: “The idea is that we will or just small little changes. NHS Highland. then have rules that we now believe During “Breaking the Rules for Bet- should be broken and will start work ter Care” Week, suggestions were in- immediately on removing them. vited about things like waiting times or “I know that this might be a strange visiting hours, when to cancel patient request, but it is an opportunity for our procedures, or even what type of During the week, people were en- staff – and our patients and visitors - to drinks were available in hospital shops. couraged to send their thoughts ’ and clearly flag, directly to me, some of the By staff, patients and visitors ques- suggestions to a dedicated email ad- things that they believe hold us back tioning ‘why things are done in certain dress. from delivering great healthcare. ways’ - whether because of habit, age It is hoped the collective response “I look forward to hearing about old and outdated policies or proce- will prove to be a powerful tool to help the rules that the staff, patients or rela- dures - the board hopes to sweep away promote policy changes that will lead tives would like me to ‘break or make’ barriers to high quality care. to better care at NHS Highland. for better care.” - 4 - CONTRACTS New arrangements made for Caithness day care services NHS HIGHLAND has confirmed that local care pro- looking after individuals with adults with dementia and other vider Laurandy has been awarded the contract to de- physical and mental conditions. The company will take on the liver its day care services in Wick, taking over from running of the Longberry Unit in Pulteney House, and this will the current provider Alzheimer . include the staff transferring over from Alzheimer Scotland. In addition, the service run by Alzheimer Scotland in Commenting on the new arrangements Michelle Johns- Thurso will now be run by NHS Highland. The new arrange- tone, NHS Highland’s area manager covering Caithness and ments will take effect from the beginning of May 2017. , said: “As the contract for day care was up for a Laurandy is a well-established day care service provider in review, we took the chance to consider what care and sup- Wick with skilled staff who have many years’ experience in port is required going forward.”

DEMENTIA CHAMPIONS Graduates’ capital event EIGHT MEMBERS of staff from NHS Highland joined health and social services professionals from across Scotland as graduates of a pioneering programme that aims to improve the care of people with dementia in hospital. Five graduates of the Dementia Champions programme - Paul Dillon, staff nurse, County Community Hospi- tal, Invergordon, Ashley MacLennan, healthcare support worker, Raigmore Hospital, Catriona Mandica, staff nurse, Raigmore, Karen Thurgo, staff nurse, Ian Charles Memorial Hospital, Grantown on Spey, and Rachel Whelan, staff nurse, – attended a gradua- tion ceremony last month. . Three other staff members, – Helen Craig, staff nurse, and Claire Mac- Donald, staff nurse, from Raigmore Hospital, and Chrisann O’Halloran, sen- Pictured left to right are: Ruth Mantle; Paul Dillon; Ashley MacLennan; Catriona ior charge nurse, at the Portree and Mandica; Karen Thurgo; Rachel Whelan; and Pat Tyrrell Broadford Hospitals on Skye – also graduated, but were unfortunately un- work in fulfilling that role.” of training, Cohort 8, which will start able to attend on the day. The graduates were part of a group this month. Scotland has had a national The event was held at Edinburgh’s - or cohort - of around 130 health pro- Dementia Strategy in place since 2010 Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday 15th fessionals that graduated this year. This and the third Strategy for 2017 to 2020 March 2017. seventh cohort will bring the number of is expected to be launched in May. Pat Tyrrell, NHS Highland’s deputy Dementia Champions in Scotland to Ruth Mantle, the Alzheimer Scotland director of nursing said: “All of our De- over 700 since the programme began in dementia nurse consultant for NHS mentia Champions are working to im- 2010. The idea of the training is to give Highland said: “The dementia champion prove the care and support for people each champion the necessary tools to programme continues to utilise the with dementia across the acute and bring about improvements in the ex- most-up-to-date evidence and research community hospitals in Highland. Our periences and outcomes of care and to support practice with caregivers and new graduates will join the existing treatment for people with dementia. people with dementia contributing to group of champions and I am delighted A further nine participants from the teaching. The board now has over to say that they are doing really valuable NHS Highland for the next programme 45 Dementia Champions.” - 5 - - 6 - RAIGMORE SUTHERLAND

Weekend dining Migdale awarded top

FROM THE end of April the dining room at Raigmore Hospital will no marks for environment longer be open for sit-in meals and/ or takeaway over Saturdays and Sundays. THE VERY good quality environ- spects their privacy and dignity, sup- The main entrance coffee bar in ment offered to cancer and pallia- ports their comfort and well-being, the hospital will now have extended tive care patients at a Sutherland gives them choice and personal control, hours over the weekends opening Hospital has been recognised with and listens to their voice’. from 8am until 6pm meaning staff a prestigious UK award. Before the assessment, Migdale’s and visitors can still get hot break- The in Bonar senior charge nurse Debbie Sutherland, fast rolls in the morning and there Bridge, which treats many types of can- collected a significant portfolio of evi- will also be a hot dish served at cers for local patients, received the dence including information regarding lunchtime for those who require it. Macmillan Quality Environment Mark engagement with people visiting and These changes will take place from 29th April 2017. (MQEM) after a rigorous assessment of using the hospital. its services and facilities in February. She said: “We are so delighted with The inspection by assessors from this news following our inspection. All ADULT PROTECTION the Macmillan Cancer Support charity of us at Migdale work hard to ensure gave the hospital a 4 ‘very good’ grade. that we provide the best possible envi- Focused training The award - valid for three years - ronment for cancer patients while being is part of the charity’s scheme that as- treated in our care. TWO NHS Highland staff led spe- sesses whether facilities meet the stan- “And I’d like to thank everyone cialist adult support and protection dards it believes is required by people here at the Migdale who have done so training for social care professionals living with cancer to provide enhanced much to help us be recognised for cre- from across Scotland last month. Les Hood, the health board’s outcomes for patients. ating such a ‘homely’, welcoming and training officer for adult support and The hospital will now be presented supportive environment for our pa- protection, and senior social worker with a MQEM award plaque that it can tients.” Kirsty Stobo, provided a Highland display in its reception area. The award aims to ensure that peo- perspective at a two-day event in The plaque signifies that patients at ple affected by cancer are treated and Stirling. the Migdale can expect a place that is supported in physical environments of The event focused on Adult Sup- ‘welcoming and accessible to all, re- uniformly high quality. port and Protection Banning Orders and Les and Kirsty’s training centred on Banning Orders and evidencing WICK TOWN & COUNTY undue pressure.

NATIONAL AUDIT Cancer diagnosis

DATA COLLECTION is now open for the national cancer diagnosis audit run by joint Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Royal College of General Practitio- ners, and supported by NHS Scot- land in the 2016 Scottish cancer strategy. The deadline for data col- lection is 31st May 2017. Participating practices will re- ceive analysis feedback to support ick branch of Royal British Legion Scotland have donated £400 to the quality improvement activity for W memory garden fund at the Wick Town and County Hospital. The appraisal, revalidation and quality cheque was handed over by branch treasurer Bev McPhee to charge nurse Iain improvement activity. Health McHardy. Looking on are, from left, branch committee members: Tommy Boards with a significant number of Harper, Ken Swanson, John Mackenzie, and Alex Paterson, along with student participating practices can also re- nurse Julia Szewczyk, bank auxiliary nurse Edell Durrand, domestic assistant Ann ceive analysis feedback. Wilson and auxiliary nurse Carol Duncan. - 7 - We continue our regu- COMMUTERS’ CORNER lar series about how our staff travel to transport routes were a bit of a mys- tery if I’m honest. work. This month, one “Coming into this part of town of NHS Highland’s three or four times a week has been interesting. I’ve been experimenting new travel arrange- with ways of commuting including lift ment officers Lizbeth -sharing with both my husband and a neighbour, and catching the train. Collie reflects on her “I have been jumping on the train daily commute from to Inverness, then cycling to Assynt House, I have walked between the Muir of Ord. station and the office and made use of the 10-minute bus service to Raig- more. I like variety in my life and my commute to work is no different.” Variety is Lizbeth was recently appointed alongside colleague Sheila Wickens to inform NHS Highland’s active travel policies and support staff to make the ‘spice behaviour changes in commuting and business travel. And she is keen to encourage of life’ to colleagues to think differently about their daily commute. “Many people don’t have the time to exercise with modern life and keep your pressures,” she said. “However I would encourage people to ask themselves if they can get their exer- commute cise as part of their commute or I would en- business travel. “After I travel to work in the courage col- morning I feel refreshed and ener- interesting leagues to gised and ready for the day and I can ‘ unwind on the way home. Whether THEY SAY that variety is the leave the car cycling, walking, using public trans- spice of life and that is some- port or lift-sharing, I am more re- thing Lizbeth Collie would agree at home, laxed having not spent most of the with – especially when it comes morning stuck in traffic or trying to to commuting to work. even one or find a parking space. For the NHS Highland active “What I enjoy the most is the travel engagement officer uses a two days a spectacular view the train journey range of methods of transport to get offers me each day. The other day to and from work each day in Inver- week. You’ll there was snow on Ben Wyvis and ness. the sun was shining – it was glorious. And she said that she is using her be surprised I was also able to chat to friends, daily commute to get to know more read the paper and catch up on some about the Highland capital. how much work ahead of getting into the office. She said: “I live two-miles up a “There are so many benefits to steep hill in Muir of Ord and I travel you enjoy it active travel. I would encourage col- to work in different ways. I’ve lived in leagues to leave the car at home, the Highlands for 20 years but I’ve even one or two days a week. You’ll never worked in Inverness before, so be surprised how much you enjoy it.”

- 8 -

’ AWARDS PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICE

Shining example eHealth award win for Patricia A REMOTE pharmaceutical ser- community which included vice from an office base in Ding- care homes, GP surgeries and commu- wall that services GP practices in nity pharmacies as well as working with Lochaber has been recognised at NHS Highland’s own eHealth depart- this year’s Scottish Pharmacist ment and the Scottish Government Awards winning the eHealth and allowing us to set up remote access to Innovation in Pharmacy Practice GP practice systems.” Award. A primary N H S care clinical Highland’s pharmacist North and performs six West Op- - m o n t h l y A SOCIAL WORKER from NHS High- e r a t i o n a l medication land has been recognised at this year’s Unit were reviews, a Scottish Association of Social Work the brains critical ex- awards. behind this amination of Diana Morrow (pictured above) a p r o j e c t a patient’s social worker with the NHS High- which took medications, land’s Easter Ross Community Mental two years to for care Health Team received a Special Award for Recognition by Users of set up. home resi- Services. Pat r icia dents in NHS Highland’s director of adult H a n n a m , L o c h a b e r . social care Joanna MacDonald said: primary care This helps “On behalf of NHS Highland I would clinical phar- optimise the like to congratulate Diana and thank macist, ex- impact of her for all her hard work. plained that medicines, “Diana is a shining example of eve- delivering Patricia Hannam receiving her award from sponsors m i n i m i s e s rything that a social worker should care close to the number aspire to be. She is friendly, approach- of the Scottish Pharmacist Awards able, compassionate and dedicated to the person’s of medica- the people she works with. Diana al- own home in a remote and rural area tion-related problems and reduces ways treats people with dignity and like the Highlands had encouraged them waste. respect and she is held in very high to look at different ways of delivering The pilot project conducted by regard by colleagues and service users. the service. Patricia showed that pharmaceutical “I am delighted that Diana has She said: “Remote delivery of care, care can be delivered remotely via re- been recognised for her contribution using information and communication mote medication review clinics. It also to social work and the wider Easter technologies, was seen as a solution showed that that having pharmaceutical Ross community.” that could enable sustainable pharma- care delivered in this way is acceptable One service user said: “Every time we meet up she has been very polite, ceutical care to be provided to these to both patients and carers in the care respectful of how I feel, supports me remote and rural communities. home setting. to make realistic goals and encourages “In 2015 as a direct follow-on from Patricia added: “Establishing a re- me to meet them. I believe we need previous NHS 24 work with a dementia mote pharmacy service gives us a level thousands more like her.” outreach service we created a pharma- of sustainability and a way in which we Meanwhile, another Highland so- cist post to set-up and deliver a remote can provide pharmaceutical cover at cial worker, Ailsa Rainnie, from the medication review service to four care short notice or for extended staff leave Highland Council’s family team in Fort homes in Lochaber from an office base and also ease the pressure felt with William, was named Social Worker of in Dingwall. difficulties of recruitment and retention the Year. “We engaged with the local to these remote and rural areas.”

- 9 - CAITHNESS SVQ ASSESSORS Liaison role Business manager makes THE CAITHNESS Maternity and Gynaecology Group confirmed that renewed efforts to recruit they had put in place arrangements to pilot a new role of liaison officer NHS HIGHLAND is making a at Raigmore Hospital. renewed effort to encourage staff The liaison officer will begin work on to become assessors and internal Monday 3rd April and the role will be verifiers to enable the delivery of shaped by the group members, which Scottish Vocational Qualifications The SVQ as- includes ex-midwife and current Caith- (SVQs) across a range of clinical ness Health Action Team (CHAT) mem- and non-clinical services through- sessor qualifi- ber Liz More. out Highland. Members of the group also volun- This month, we talk to newly quali- cation is a fied assessor Lynn Lawrence, business teered to lead work streams to improve access to accommodation at Raigmore; manager of Raigmore Hospital’s phar- ‘great addition provide better transport arrangements, macy department about why she and improve the ‘care experience’ for signed up to become an SVQ assessor to your C.V. expectant mums and their families. and the benefits for her staff. Linda Malik, secretary of Tannach and Q. What made you decide to District Community Council and the As- complete the training to be an SVQ coming an assessor to your col- sociation of Community Councils agreed assessor? leagues? to be one of the co-leads to spearhead A. It became clear that there were A. Definitely. Staff should always influencing improvements in transport few known opportunities for admin have the opportunity to enhance their arrangements. and clerical colleagues in terms of pro- personal and professional develop-’ She said: “I was delighted to hear the fessional development. I had com- ment should they wish. I believe that announcement yesterday about the addi- pleted three SVQ qualifications start- further training and education should- tional investment to support transport. It ing in 2005 and I asked my admin and n’t be restricted because of your job will be important that we make the best clerical colleagues within pharmacy if or career. The only thing that was use this additional resource. they would be interested in finding out initially preventing my colleagues from “I am keen that we look at all our more about the business and admini- undertaking their award was the lack transport resources and not just the am- stration SVQ qualifications, which are of trained assessors. bulance service to make sure we improve nationally recognised. The SVQ assessor qualification is a our local options.” At the time, NHS Highland had great addition to your C.V. but most The meeting heard that work is also just taken the business and administra- importantly for me it was about giving underway on a Patient Group Directive tion SVQ qualifications in-house, how- my colleagues in pharmacy an oppor- (a protocol that allows nurses and mid- ever there was a shortage of work- tunity to gain an award as a recogni- wives to give some prescription medi- based assessors available to assess, so tion of the job they are undertaking. cines) for the use of pain relief medica- anyone who was interested in starting Q. And what would you say to tion during labour. their SVQ would be put on a waiting staff who may be interested in under- The makeup of the group include list. I was very keen to get colleagues taking SVQ training? representatives from community councils, in pharmacy started with their qualifi- A. I think its worthwhile speaking CHAT, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS cations as soon as possible, so I volun- to your line manager about the proc- Highland staff, Breast Feeding peer volun- teered my services. ess of applying to undertake an SVQ. teers and members of the public. Q. What is involved in becoming There are a wide variety of different Dr Lucy Caird, consultant obstetrician an SVQ assessor? SVQ awards available. The work in- from Raigmore Hospital who will provide A. I had to guide two colleagues volved in achieving the award can medical leadership for the Caithness Ma- through their SVQ units in addition to mostly be undertaken during working ternity Unit and local GP Alison Brooks completing my own individual SVQ hours as the evidence you are provid- were also in attendance and answered unit to gain my assessor award. It is ing links-in with your day-to-day job clinical queries at the meeting. additional work on top of your own roles and responsibilities. This is then An independent chair is still being day-to-day work schedule, however I clearly evidenced and documented to sought. To find out more, contact Maimie believed a lot of managers would be enabled assessors to evaluate your Thompson, head of PR and engagement keen to help colleagues get started progress. SVQ training provides a ro- at [email protected] or 01463 with their SVQ. bust, educational background and is a 704722. Q. Would you recommend be- recognised qualification. - 10 - - 11 - OFFICE REDESIGN PROJECT Office furniture recycled as part of redesign plans The Office Redesign Project in amount of furniture will be displaced. north Highland has reached a This furniture is of good quality but un- key stage. Here, project direc- fortunately of the wrong size and shape to allow a different working office envi- tor Gordon MacDonald ex- ronment, and larger occupancy, of the plains how staff can get in- remaining buildings. tify their needs for replacements. They volved to help recycle un- A prioritised approach will be taken are asked then to put their requests on to meet our intentions to recycle at Warp-It as this will ensure the highest wanted furniture. priority of being met. The Office Redesign Project is well least 50 per cent of the 2,000 or more items being displaced. Teams across the Staff based at Raigmore Hospital underway towards achieving the goals of have already received an email to estab- reducing our estate and costs. whole organisation are asked to look at their current office furnishings and iden- lish a level of demand and to allow us to As part of this project, a large gauge the range of items sought. So far, many items have been put on order and NORTH COAST REDESIGN we are delivering these as they become available. As word of the furniture displace- ment has spread we have seen an in- Next steps set out crease in staff requesting access to fur- niture for either working of studying at NHS HIGHLAND management met in Strathy with the steering group over- home, or on behalf of friends, family and seeing the redesign of services across the north coast of Sutherland this neighbours. We are still working on the month. The meeting on 24th March was the first since the board of NHS Highland final details but we are recommending a approved plans to develop a community 'Hub' in the Kyle of Tongue area in donation of £5 per item. January. Once the new arrangements are in place NHS Highland would no NHS Highland seeks to support and longer provide residential care home services currently provided at Caladh be part of the communities we serve. Sona (Talmine near Melness) or Melvich Community Care Unit, Sinclair To this end we are hopeful that staff Court. spread the word to local businesses, At the meeting the next steps in the Business Case process were set out. good causes, churches, charities and There was further discussion around what facilities and services would be co- schools to keep our communities thriv- located with the Hub, as well as the key components. It was confirmed this ing. Every item we can put to continued would include beds, treatment room, and a capability to allow telemedicine There was recognition that while it was important to be ambitious about good use is a success – please help us to the facility this would need to be balanced with realism including the desire help others within your wider contacts to progress as quickly as possible. and recycle as much as possible. Area Manager for Caithness & Sutherland Michelle Johnstone who came This is a great opportunity to utilise into the role in June 2016 said she would be overseeing the redesign which good quality furniture across a variety of will be delivered in partnership with the Highland Council. locations and needs She added: “Once we confirm the specification for the ‘Hub’ this will de- So far we have delivered a number fine the workforce, site requirements and costs.” of items both internally to the business When asked about the how many beds the unit would have, Michelle re- and have entered discussions to provide sponded: “We are working with our public health colleagues to look at the future needs to serve the local population. This will model a number of sce- furniture to organisations as diverse as narios and allow the implications for costs and workforce to be considered. In national charities, local schools and the part it will depend on the level of care at home, community services and local Guiding Association. housing solutions available.” For further information contact [email protected] - 12 - CAITHNESS GENERAL SUPPORT GROUP Specsavers Social media success came to us for secondary breast instead cancer group’s video A VIDEO about the launch of a new group for people in Highland diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has proved a great success on social media. So far it has been viewed more than five thousand times on Facebook alone. The new group is a collaboration between NHS Highland and charity Breast Cancer Care. NHS Highland Macmillan breast care The video was made to promote the nurses Karen Daltrey (left) and Ange- group’s first meeting in the Highlands on line MacLeod discussing the launch Tuesday 28th March 2017 in the Centre CAITHNESS GENERAL Hospital for Health Science in Inverness. an open mind to see what the group can has received ten pairs of test specs from a local opticians to help staff Angeline MacLeod, NHS Highland offer.” conduct children’s eye tests. Macmillan breast care nurse and one of Another of the organisers, NHS Specsavers in Wick donated ten the organisers, said: “Hearing that sev- Highland Macmillan breast care nurse, pairs of the special frames, which eral women have registered through Karen Daltrey added: “We are looking are used during eye examinations to watching the video has made putting the forward to meeting everyone on the test different lenses on patients to video together all worthwhile.” day. These sessions will allow you to talk help determine the correct prescrip- One of the group’s new members, openly to others who have had a secon- tion. Jane Steven, from Inverness, has been dary diagnosis, and to get information The glasses come in a range of living with secondary breast cancer for and support in a relaxed environment. sizes depending on the age of the child and will better fit the hospital’s eight years. For several of those years “Although it can’t be cured, secon- younger patients. she has been travelling down to attend dary breast cancer can be treated and as Ian Morris, store director of sessions at a similar group based in Glas- treatments have improved, more and Specsavers in Wick, said: “We were gow. more people are living longer after being contacted by staff at the hospital She said: “I am delighted that there is diagnosed so being able to have a group who wanted to find out where we to be a new group for people in High- like this for people in Highland will be a purchased our test specs after one land. The bottom line is you get the di- great support.” of its optometrists had visited our agnosis and you are told it is incurable To register your interest in the store. and your heart sinks, but here I am eight group with Breast Cancer Care, and/or “Rather than just refer them on, we decided to assist by donating the years further on. if you know anyone who is affected by glasses to the hospital. We work “You realise there are a number of secondary breast cancer, contact: 0345 closely with the team there and people in a similar situation who are 077 1893 or email: secondaryser- were only too happy to help out.” living with the diagnosis. I’m not nor- [email protected] Stanley Keys, optometrist at mally one of those people who join Caithness General Hospital, pic- groups but for some reason after a cou- tured above left, added: “We’d like ple of years I realised I had not spoken to thank Specsavers for its very kind to anybody facing the same issues. donation. “As you live in such a limbo land to Video “The trial frames will be a huge help when conducting children’s eye be able to hear from oncologists about Watch the video on the new tests – as well as being smaller, they new treatments or clinical research trials Highland group for people with are brightly coloured which will as- or to learn relaxation techniques you secondary breast cancer here: sist us in holding youngsters’ atten- appreciate that people are ‘living’ and it https://www.youtube.com/watch? tion and making the experience encourages you. v=P1hW-TE_o-Y more fun for them.” “I’d say to anyone come along with - 13 - - 14 - BOOK LAUNCH Origin of Inverness hospitals

explored Left to right– Jim Leslie, Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, David Alston, and Steve Leslie THE ORIGIN and development of Professor Steve Leslie, consultant He said: “As an historian I have a par- hospitals in Inverness was the sub- cardiologist for NHS Highland, said: ticular interest in the social history of the ject of a book launch held in Inver- “Since we started the project researching Highlands. Steve and Jim’s continuing ness this month (March). the history of Highland hospitals over 60 history of Highland hospitals is not only The History of Highland Hospitals institutions have been rediscovered in about the buildings and the services they Project, which was set up by father and the area through local and national ar- provided but takes a broad approach, son Jim and Steve Leslie in 2008, chives, local knowledge and newspapers. illuminating many aspects of life in the launched their latest book “The Hospitals “We’re hoping as many people as Highlands. It is a pleasure to be able to of Inverness” to a capacity crowd in the possible engage with the book and re- combine my role as chair of NHS High- city’s Town House. spond with information that we might land with that of an historian in writing The book, which is the fourth in the not have which we could use to find out an introduction to this volume.” series, gives a fascinating insight into a more about the area.” For further information contact Jim number of institutions that used to pro- David Alston, chair of NHS Highland, Leslie on [email protected] or on 01381 vide healthcare across the Highlands in spoke at the event and also wrote the 620412 / 07754123994; or Steve Leslie days gone by. foreword for the book. on [email protected].

DUNBAR HOSPITAL Staffing level concerns affect unit THE MINOR INJURIES UNIT at Dunbar Hospital in recruit qualified nursing staff and so, until that happens, we Thurso had to close temporarily because of staffing shall be carefully monitoring staffing levels to ensure that we pressures. always provide a safe service. The shutdown of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) on the “I would like to remind the public that the MIU at Dunbar weekend starting Saturday 18th March was because of safety does not deal with anything serious or life threatening. That concerns over the lack of qualified nursing staff. level of care is, and always has been, provided at Caithness The unit – comprising the MIU and the Out-of- Hours GP General Hospital.” service at the hospital – resumed a restricted hours service She added: “I am grateful to the staff at unit for helping us from 8am - 8pm the following Monday morning before re- to fully re-open so quickly, and I apologise to all concerned starting full operations on Wednesday 23rd March. for any inconvenience.” Michelle Johnstone, NHS Highland’s area manager cover- Despite advertising the posts since before Christmas, ing Caithness and Sutherland, said: “I can confirm that, as of there have been problems recruiting staff with the necessary Wednesday, we have been able to return the MIU at Dunbar qualifications. The board has renewed its efforts by re- back to its normal 24/7 service. However, we still need to advertising the posts. - 15 - MEDICAL EDUCATION WICK Conference success Residents to DELEGATES FROM across the portunity to learn from our colleagues in be settled North of Scotland attended a Europe. We also shared information on packed NHS Highland Medical Edu- the Longitudinal Clerkship, a pilot pro- cation Conference. gramme educating fourth year medical in community The conference, held in Inverness at students primarily in the community – RESIDENTS OF a learning disability on Friday 31st March was aimed at those flipping medical education on its head as care home in Wick are to be settled delivering medical education at under- the students don’t rotate through tradi- within the community in order to graduate and postgraduate level with a tional blocks but learn-based on the pa- provide them with a future in a wide variety of sessions and workshops tients they encounter over the year.” more sustainable ‘homely’ environ- held throughout the day. Dr Watson added: “The aim of the ment. The move follows an assessment Dr Emma Watson, director of medi- clerkship is to produce doctors who are of the Grant Street home by NHS cal education for NHS Highland ex- more empathetic, better at managing Highland senior health & social care plained the theme of the conference – risk but also more comfortable working professionals and management. high quality medical education support- in general practice and rural areas. The recommendation to move ing the right people to deliver high qual- Other workshops on the day in- the four residents recognises that ity care – had proved to be very popu- cluded ‘mentoring’, ‘what does it mean the home is failing to meet both lar, with a waiting list for places. to be a doctor?’ and ‘supporting medical government and NHS Highland She said: “We had a full programme students’. There was also a session wel- policies on person-centred accom- showcasing the breadth of medical edu- coming the future of medical education modation for people with complex learning and behavioural needs. cation activity here in the Highlands and in honour of Miss Sarah Prince, a former The move into community ac- I was delighted to also have international consultant at Belford Hospital in Fort commodation is aligned with the guests this year from Norway and William who sadly passed away last year. goals of the NHS Scotland Health Finland and Roger Strasser from the Emma said: “Sarah was deeply com- Care Quality Strategy. The strategy Northern Ontario School of Medicine in mitted to the support and development has a greater focus on addressing Canada. of trainees and colleagues and it seems the health inequalities experienced “We had a number of workshops on fitting that six medical students and doc- by people with learning disabilities the day delivered by our partners in tors in training used this session to pre- and calls for a cultural shift in the education delivery from the University sent to the audience. way they are supported by services and society. of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, the “We were also delighted to welcome Mike Flavell, NHS Highland’s University of Glasgow and the University Dr Roger Strasser as our key note district manager for Caithness, said: of the Highlands and Islands as well as speaker at the conference. Roger is the “We accept that the resident and NHS Education for Scotland, our own Professor of Rural Health and Dean of staff accommodation and support- faculty and international guests. Northern Ontario School of Medicine ing facilities are too cramped and “The workshops included a review of and has a wealth of knowledge and ex- that the layout of the facility was medical education in Norway and Ice- perience which he will be able to share not conducive to providing a land that provided us with a great op- with us.” ‘homely’ environment for resi- dents.” One of Grant Street’s primary HE SMART charity - which works roles is to prepare service users for T in partnership with the Highland community living. The home had Alcohol and Drug Partnership – trained proved successful in this, providing the eight volunteers alongside 12 other a programme geared to the needs participants from across Highland to of the service user and aimed at become SMART peer facilitators. developing life skills such as food SMART Recovery is a science-based preparation, personal hygiene main- programme to help people manage tenance and budgeting etc. their recovery from any type of addic- Lately the unit had been used to tive behaviour. This includes addictive home people with longer-term care behaviour with substances such as alco- needs. hol, nicotine or drugs, or compulsive The Caithness N&W Operation behaviours such as gambling, sex, eat- Unit recently moved 21 residents ing, shopping, self-harming and so on. livered by Trish Allen, national co- from Forse House learning disabil- This was the second time that HMP ordinator SMART Scotland (Back row ity residential unit into community Inverness hosted the Self-Managing right) and Frank Bodde, national co- settings and successfully integrated And Recover Training (SMART) peer ordinator SMART Denmark (Back row the residents into community life. facilitator event. The training was de- left). - 16 - ULLAPOOL Staff praised for high quality care at home LOCHBROOM HOUSE received a Manager Lisa glowing report from the Care In- Macdonald spectorate (CI) highlighting the (front row sec- consistent provision of high quality ond from the care at the Ullapool care home right) with some after an unannounced visit earlier of the staff of this year. Lochbroom A spot check on 2nd February 2017 House, Ullapool in two categories - Quality of care and support; and Quality of management and leadership – saw the home for up to 11 residents receive ‘very good’ grades 5’s across the board. This matched ‘very good’ grades in the same categories following a previous visit by the independent regulator of social care and social work services a HEALTH PROMOTION year earlier in February 2016. Lochbroom House manager, Lisa Macdonald, said: “We are absolutely delighted. All the staff very much de- Staff thanked for help serve the recognition of these ‘very AN NHS Highland health promo- make a big difference and every health- good’ grades. tion specialist has thanked staff for care contact is a health improvement “We are a dedicated team in every- their hard work in contributing to opportunity. This was the overall thing we do here at Lochbroom House, the Health Promoting Health Ser- theme from the HPHS chief medical which enhances the care and wellbeing vice Annual Report for 2015/16. officer’s letter to boards in 2015, which for each of our residents. The staff take The Health Promotion Health Ser- included a monitoring framework en- pride in providing a warm and friendly vice (HPHS) aims to create hospital compassing hospital policy that is re- environment, something which we are settings that enable and promote good ported to the Scottish Government all very proud of.” health through a range of actions that each year.” NHS Highland’s area manager, Kate enhance patient clinical care, support Beverley continued: “The HPHS Earnshaw, said: “We have a fantastic staff health and wellbeing and influence annual report from all NHS boards in team of staff who are really dedicated the physical hospital environment. Scotland contributed to national policy. and provide excellent care.” NHS Highland’s health improve- We are very grateful to everyone in The CI report said: “We found that ment specialist, Beverley Green, said: NHS Highland for all their hard work a good standard of care and support “On behalf of NHS Highland I want to and support. was being provided. People looked well thank everyone for all their hard work “I would encourage colleagues who cared for, and those we spoke with felt in contributing to the HPHS Annual have been involved in innovative prac- that staff responded appropriately to Report. tice in Highland, or if they’re planning any unmet needs or requests for assis- “The report captured innovative any programmes of work, to get in tance.” practice carried out throughout NHS touch with me to capture your hard There were no recommendations or Highland and the board received posi- work.” requirements made as a result of the tive feedback from the Scottish Gov- To find out more contact Beverley visit and two categories: the Quality of ernment. Green on [email protected] or staffing; and Quality of environment; “It’s clear that a small change can [email protected]. were not inspected this time. For the full report go to the CI website. - 17 - HIGHLAND QUALITY APPROACH Award recognises Aaron’s ‘exceptional customer care’

A STAFF member from Raigmore Family celebration: Hospital in Inverness described as Aaron Habberley “a beacon of light” is the latest (second from left) recipient of a Highland Quality Ap- pictured here with proach award. his mum, brother Barista assistant, Aaron Habberley, and gran who has worked at Raigmore since 2011 in the hospital’s main entrance coffee bar, has been praised by both staff and members of the public for con- tinually going that extra mile. Nominated by line manager hotel services manager Crawford Howat, Aaron has been described as a “very friendly, approachable and helpful per- son who does everything with a smile”, doing what he can to “ensure people are treated with dignity, respect and feel at ease in his company”.

The nomination continues: “in the MACKENZIE CENTRE NHS it takes staff from all departments to make up the dedicated team of health care professionals who will have Weekly cafe started to an input in the lives of all those who pass through our door. Aaron epito- mises how important customer care is provide carers with and the impact it has on individuals”. Members of the public have also noticed the exceptional customer care their own chill out area delivered by Aaron, especially as he recognises that some visitors are at a THE MACKENZIE Centre together with Connecting Carers opened a cafe in the Inverness-based resource centre this month. vulnerable time in their life. The More About Carers (MAC’s) Cafe provides an ideal platform for those Aaron has been described as who care for a loved one to relax, meet fellow carers and take some time to “extremely helpful, polite and warm, in focus on themselves. what can be a very trying time for cus- Centre manager Kathy Martin said: “We have been working closely with tomers” and “a credit to the establish- Connecting Carers to develop MAC’s and we are delighted to be able to sup- ment”. Through his attitude and manner port carers to have some time to unwind, meet friends and enjoy some light he has been described as “a beacon of refreshment. light during what started off as a dark “We held an open day for all carers to come along and sample MAC’s. The time”. cafe will feature a warm, friendly atmosphere for carers to take a well earned break for a couple of hours. A programme of events will be arranged based on One member of the public praised what carers would like to do while they are at MAC’s. Aaron’s “exceptional customer care” “The added bonus is that if the person who is being cared for is aged over especially for dealing with one sensitive 60 they can attend day services while the carer has a break in the cafe. How- situation “in a very sympathetic way”. ever, I would encourage carers to book a space in advance as numbers to at- Nominations for HQA awards can tend day services are limited.” be made by staff, patients, carers and rd The open day at MAC’s was held on Thursday, 23 March. The cafe will the wider public for an individual or open every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12pm. team employed by NHS Highland. - 18 - NEWS IN BRIEF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE Scottish Health Council issues David wins ‘nurse new newsletter

THE FIRST issue of the Scottish Health Council’s (SHC) e-Connect of the year’ award newsletter for 2017 is an ‘Our Voice’ special. A NURSE from NHS Highland has ‘Our Voice’ is all about engaging been named IBD nurse of the year the people of Scotland to make at this year’s final of the British health and social care better and is Journal of Nursing (BJN) Awards. for everyone who wants to get in- David Armour, lead advanced nurse volved. IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) for The SHC will be launching a brand new ‘Our Voice’ website in NHS Highland, was nominated by the next couple of months. Crohn’s and Colitis UK. It will be a platform for sharing The awards recognise and celebrate information and good practice from the individuals who go above and beyond across Scotland and there will also in delivering care and were held earlier be lots of opportunities to get in- this month, volved and share patient stories and Speaking before the awards in Lon- feedback through interactive tools don, Isobel Mason from Crohn’s and such as questionnaires, forums and Colitis UK said that the charity initially IBD, said: “I am absolutely honoured and quick polls. Read more in the news- letter here. encouraged members of the public to delighted to receive this award. What contact their local health board explain- we do is very much a team effort and Return plea for ing the value of the IBD Specialist nurs- this highlights the excellent IBD team ing role and, if they liked, why their local that we have here in NHS Highland. walking aids service was so important to them. “It’s great to hear such complimen- Isobel said: “The IBD nursing service tary things said about you and it is good MEMBERS OF the public are being at Raigmore Hospital received more to know that the work we all do is both asked to look around their house, responses than any other service in the appreciated and recognised by our pa- garage and loft for any crutches, zimmer walking frames or walking UK, highlighting just how valued it is by tients.” sticks that they have been given by those who use it. Iona McGauran, lead nurse for Raig- the NHS that are now no longer “In the comments received David has more Hospital, said: “I am delighted to needed. been described as ‘amazing’ with one hear that David has been awarded such a Dr Susan MacGregor, occupa- patient saying they ‘would never had prestigious award which acknowledges tional therapy and physiotherapy made it through the hardest time of my the fantastic work he does every day service manager at Raigmore Hospi- life without him’. It’s a fantastic achieve- with patients. tal, is urging people who no longer ment and recognises the quality and in- “There is no one more deserving of use this equipment to return them novative nature of the work he is doing. such an award and David epitomises the to the hospital. She said: “Walking aids are fre- He really deserves it.” real meaning of person centred care in quently lent out to patients to use David Armour, lead advanced nurse every sense.” during their rehabilitation but they should be returned to us once they are no longer needed, so that we OCCUPATION HEALTH can give them to other patients who need them. We know from previous experi- Mythbusting back pain ence that when patients need to use crutches or other equipment they Back pain is not caused by bones or Find out more by booking her Myth don’t let it out of their sight but as soon as they’re back on their feet joints being 'out of place' or 'your Busting Back Pain Campaign Presentation. again they forget that they’ve still pelvis being out of alignment'. For more information contact Lesley got these things. Some people stum- Physiotherapist Lesley Marshall says Marshall OH Physio l e s - ble over them when they’re moving for the vast majority of people with back [email protected] or Michelle Smith house and some people just never pain, scans do not show any evidence of OH Physio [email protected] xtn get round to bringing them back. discs or joints being 'out of place'. 4499. - 19 - WARP-IT RESEARCH

Searching course Going green proves NHS Highland’s Research, Develop- ment and Innovation department is to hold a one day course on to be great success “Searching for, Retrieving and Man- aging Research Literature”. The course will be held in the NHS HIGHLAND adopted innova- careful about what they’re ordering. I think people are quite savvy with what Library Training Room in the Cen- tive sharing platform Warp-It in tre for Health Science, Old Perth they do now to make the resources th October last year. Road, Inverness, on Thursday 27 Dubbed an “internal eBay” the stretch a little bit further. April 2017 from 10 am to 4 pm. Q. Have you seen a change in men- service enables staff to place items Course presenter, Frances Hines, of equipment they don’t need onto tality during your time at NHS Highland? Research, Development & Innova- A. I think people want to recycle/ tion (RD&I) Manager, said: “This the website, and interested parties reuse now and there are websites like one day literature searching course can get in touch once they have is designed to help provide medical registered. Gumtree and eBay and others that peo- ple are generally comfortable and familiar staff, nurses, pharmacists, allied So far, NHS Highland has made with. Perhaps the attitude used to be health professionals, and health ser- a saving on over £35,000 and saved vice researchers with the knowledge shoving old items in the skip or taking it over 3,000 kilograms of waste and and skills to conduct and manage do the dump, but I think people are 10,000 kilograms of Co2. focused searches of a variety of more aware and better educated now. The team at Warp-It caught up healthcare literature databases. with NHS Highland’s environ- People don’t want to be wasteful “A particular focus of this course these days and the majority of our staff will be making use of the literature mental and sustainability support are very loyal to NHS Highland’s mission search facilities available via the manager, Ruth Innes, to ask why NHS Knowledge Network. Hands-on the service has proved so popular and don’t want to be wasting money on new equipment when they don’t have to. experience will allow participants to in the north of Scotland. Q. Do you have any tips or advice for have the opportunity to construct, run and manage a search for specific people who are rolling out the Warp-It literature pertinent to their current Q. How did you raise awareness of system? needs and interest on the Warp-It internally? A. I think it’s a good idea to go through day. Previous literature searching A. I approached our communications the whole process in stages. It’s very experience is not required. team and they were keen to help spread dependent on what your organisation is “The NHS has procured a num- a good news story. I asked if they could like, and if you’ve got a good feel for ber of resources available to all NHS do an initial story about the Warp-It what staff will think of it. I know our staff staff via the NHS Knowledge Net- reuse system and they were very sup- are really good at recycling and are really work. This service provides access to portive. That’s just over a year now. We behind the idea – so we were confident a number of different services via the Dialog interface. These include weren’t sure how it would go and I said the system would work. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and at the time if we saved £12,000 in our Q. Do you have a delivery team on site PsycINFO, with links to full-text first year we would be absolutely de- for moving assets? articles available via Proquest and lighted. We’ve completely smashed that A. Our transport team have been a mas- Ebsco. target; we’re sitting at £38,000 as we sive help, it simply wouldn’t have worked “As an NHS employee, you speak. We are delighted with the re- without them. They have been absolutely should have free access to the sponse from our staff, who have really fantastic and our guys are shipping stuff Knowledge Network and, therefore, got involved in reuse. around as part of their normal run. Be- be in possession of a user name and Q. How have you managed to get so fore I did anything else, I spoke to the password, it is essential that you have this prior to attending the many staff interested? transport manager and told him what we training. login A. Word of mouth, really. We have a wanted to do and asked his opinion – is also required, for this reason we waste management steering group and a the team were right behind it from the will need to know if you would like carbon sustainability group that meet start. to attend this course by 13th April quarterly, and we use these groups to Q. Did you have any other departments 2017 to allow time to create logins. promote the system further. on board from day one? If you would like to apply for this I think our staff are very aware of the A. We took advice from health and course and have access to the NHS financial restrictions placed on every safety on staff moving furniture and also Intranet, an application form can be board right now. Obviously there’s pres- procurement were involved in the begin- found on the RD & I page which is under the heading ‘Staff’. Otherwise sure on every department to save ning and continue to encourage staff to email [email protected] money and I think people are far more use Warp-It before ordering. - 20 - - 21 - CONFERENCE Glasgow venue for Thrombosis week THROMBOSIS UK is holding a professionals to attend. postpartum, women’s health, hospital series of conferences across the The conference, chaired by Dr Julia patients, cancer associated thrombosis UK to mark National Thrombosis Anderson, will be held in the Light and management of therapies and pa- Week. House in Glasgow and provides a full tient psychological health. The Scottish conference will take day of learning, discussion and update The conference will have local and place in Glasgow on Tuesday, 2nd May across the broad spectrum of thrombo- national experts presenting and will be and feature presentations from NHS sis care. interactive to encourage sharing, ques- Scotland patient safety representatives This includes prevention and man- tions and discussion. and is free of charge for all healthcare agement of thrombosis in pregnancy and Click here to find out more.

GP CLERKSHIP Rural project interests MSP

FOURTH YEAR medical students met with MSP David Stewart this month to talk about their experi- ence of a pilot project between NHS Highland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and the University of Dundee. The longitudinal clerkship is looking at delivering a significant change in medi- cal education to promote general prac- tice and ensure these new doctors are comfortable both in community and hospital settings. This partnership sees fourth year medical students based in general prac- tice for five to six sessions a week and spending the rest of the week in secon- dary care or other community settings. Pictured left to right are: David Stewart MSP; Iona Robertson; Jordan Dr Emma Watson, director of medi- Wardrope; Lewis Mundell; Blair Wallace; and Lean-Lik Ng cal education for NHS Highland and Dr Penny Lockwood, honorary senior clini- and provide them with a positive com- their GP attachments are more likely to cal lecturer for Dundee University ex- munity-based educational experience.” choose that speciality as a career.” plained the clerkship has been devel- Dr Lockwood added: “Longitudinal Mr Stewart, who represents the oped mainly due to its educational value clerkships have been successfully deliv- Highlands and Islands, said he was keen in creating excellent doctors but also to ered in Australia, Canada and the USA to find out more about the new project. help address recruitment issues in Gen- and have been shown to enable stu- He said: “The fact that they get a eral Practice and rural areas. dents to become more involved in pa- taste of general practice, as well as sec- Dr Watson said: “What we are aim- tient care and lead to a more patient ondary care and community settings, is ing to do is match the education of centred approach. really excellent. I am acutely aware of medical students to where healthcare is “There is evidence that students GP recruitment problems and this is delivered and create a better under- who have attachments in rural areas are another way of bringing home to stu- standing of healthcare in rural areas. more likely to work in these settings. dents what could be on offer to them “We want to increase the students’ There is also good evidence that stu- when it comes to healthcare in our interest in General Practice as a career dents who have a positive experience in communities.” - 22 - CAREER DEVELOPMENT Pharmacist given support to realise long-held ambition An NHS Highland pharmacist has Alison is quick to acknowledge the realised a long held ambition after support she had throughout her re- successfully completing a PhD in search such as Dr Frances Hines, High- Palliative Care. land research and development manager Alison MacRobbie, (pictured) who was sponsor for the research. She Macmillan palliative and community care is also incredibly grateful to participants pharmacist, self-funded her PhD which who agreed to be interviewed for this she started in June 2010 at Lancaster study and to the GPs and specialist University. She was one of the first nurses who recruited patient partici- groups of students to take part in this pants to the research. new programme. Alison added: “My thanks also to She said: “This was something I had professional colleagues who participated wanted to do for a while and I’m obvi- in the deliberative panel and to specialist ously delighted that all the hard work conferences both on an international colleagues from the Scottish Palliative put in has been worth it.” basis and locally. Care Pharmacy Association who re- Alison completed her studies, re- Findings from the research also viewed and piloted questionnaires and search and write up in her own time helped Alison with exploratory research processes. and her research into her chosen field she was leading during this time within “A special commendation should has resulted in poster presentations at her substantive role in Skye and Lo- also go to my daughter Catherine, a chalsh looking at ‘Developing a Model medical and botanical artist, who pro- for Pharmaceutical Palliative Care in vided specially commissioned illustra- Rural Areas—Experience from Scotland’ tions for the thesis and to family and and the work also extends findings gath- friends for tolerating my absence.” ered from Alison’s own research idea “I haven’t quite got to the bit about which resulted in a collaboration with feeling a sense of achievement yet. It This was Robert Gordon University on ‘Access was hard work so I’m currently quite to medicines in remote and rural areas: relieved at having completed and look- something I a survey of residents in the Scottish ing to regain some spare time and bal- had wanted Highlands & Western Isles’. ance back into my life.”

‘to do for a KINGSMILL HOTEL while and I’m District nursing obviously de- lighted that ‘heroines’ author all the hard at book signing work put in THERE IS to be a book signing of Hebrid- ean Heroes by Catherine M Morrison - a has been history of district nurses in the Western Isles during the mid 20th century – at the worth it Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thurs- day13th April, 13:30-16:30. This book will be of particular interest to district nurses.

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’ STUDENT EXCHANGE ‘Flying visit’ for Austrian nurses NHS HIGHLAND and the Univer- sity of Stirling Highland Campus welcomed four nursing students from Austria this month giving them an opportunity to compare and contrast their own healthcare system with that of Scotland. The students from the Paracelsus University in Salzburg were here for two weeks and participated in a programme of lectures, discussions and observations. They also had the chance to explore research activities on the Highland Cam- pus. Irene Murray, lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the Uni- Pictured left to right are: Melanie Kaltenbrunner; Kathrin Keck; Julia Carbonari; versity of Stirling, explained the full pro- and Marina Habersatter gramme for the group not only allowed them to meet local nursing students but two universities and visits to clinical ar- Department as well as the Highland Hos- also gave them an insight into some of eas within Raigmore have been arranged pice.” the clinical care innovations being made as part of their programme. The students also got to meet up at Raigmore Hospital. “Following a general induction they with local nursing students during their She said: “We were encouraging the were able to move on to insight visits in two week stay and a visit to Paracelsus students to expand their knowledge in ward areas which included the Stroke University has already been arranged for the field of nursing by comparing the Unit, Macmillan Suite, Pre-assessment four students from Stirling University, differences and similarities between the Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Emergency including one from the Highland Campus.

MUIR OF ORD Volunteers needed to raise awareness of vital health screening programmes

NHS HIGHLAND is to run a pilot “Early detection enables early treat- manning information stands throughout project to recruit volunteers in and ment which can make a real difference to the local area. around Muir of Ord to help raise people’s chance of survival. Mrs Chandler continued: “Volunteers awareness of the importance of “On top of that, the pilot is looking do not need any medical knowledge or health screening programmes. to recruit volunteers living in the Muir of experience; we just ask that they are In addition, the board is actively en- Ord area to help us find out more about enthusiastic, committed and willing to couraging people to take part in four recruiting in a typical Highland commu- learn. Volunteers will receive training, adult screening programmes: bowel, nity. information and support to help carry breast cervical and abdominal aortic an- “I would encourage anyone who en- out the role effectively. NHS Highland eurysm (AAA), joys meeting new people and has some will also pay travel expenses to any activi- NHS Highland’s health improvement time to spare to please get in touch ties that volunteers may attend, and vol- specialist Jane Chandler, said: “Screening about becoming a Screening Awareness unteers can opt out at any time.” aims to identify people who are at risk of Volunteer.” For a full role description and more having a particular disease or medical The role will involve attending events, information contact Jane Chandler on: condition before they show any signs of clubs and community groups to pass on [email protected]. Further infor- having it. key messages about cancer screening and mation is available here. - 24 - HELENSBURGH Kindness is contagious BIG HEARTED volunteers took to the streets of Helensburgh to high- light the theme for Scotland's Breathing Space Day - '52 weeks of Kindness'. All ages in the community got in- volved - from the Helensburgh Youth Forum to Grey Matters, the senior citi- zen organisation, as well as volunteers from the Dementia Resource Centre, the Welcome In and Visiting Friends - to encourage members of the public to carry out acts of kindness, and to con- tinue to do this every week of the year. The initiative was launched on Na- tional Breathing Space Day (1st Febru- Grey Matters, the senior citizens organisation, show their support—with T- ary), an annual awareness day which shirt—for the ‘52 weeks of Kindness’ campaign during a recent meeting in Hel- urges people in Scotland to take some ensburgh 'breathing space' and look after their mental wellbeing. Breathing Space, Scotland's mental (TSI) and other organisations across the The ’52 weeks of Kindness’ is part of health helpline, in partnership with the country. a year-long programme of events led by Third Sector Interface It aims to highlight that little acts of kindness can have positive effects on your own mental health, and the mental DONATION health of others. Glenn Heritage, Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute TSI, said: “We work Hazel with thousands of volunteers across Argyll and Bute and we know that the work they do is good not just for their communities but for them as well be- makes cause volunteering really promotes good mental health. “So we are delighted to be involved in this campaign to inspire people to lovely carry out random acts of kindness – it’s like volunteering in miniature. “Whether it's checking in on elderly neighbours over the winter months, gesture SCBU’s Cathy MacKay and Mary Law with Hazel Jane passing along a good book you've read, MacDonald (centre) or smiling and saying ‘Hello’ to someone new, we can all make that little bit of HAZEL JANE MACDONALD from Inverness marked her 21st Birthday last month by paying a visit to the Special Care Baby Unit where she was born and effort to brighten someone's day. handed over a gift. “Research shows that being kind to Hazel was born in the Raigmore Hospital unit back in 1996 and for her 21st others also has positive effects on our celebrations requested that people give donations to SCBU in lieu of presents. own mental health too.” Such was the generosity of her friends and family, Hazel was delighted to Breathing Space is a free telephone be able to visit the unit and hand over a cheque for £685. service where advisors offer care, com- Mary Law, senior charge nurse for the unit, said: “It’s always good when passion and advice over the phone to our former patients come back to see us. This is a lovely gesture by Hazel and anyone feeling low, depressed or anx- we really can’t thank her enough. We will put this donation to good use ious. The service is open evenings and through our developmental care group.” weekends on 0800 83 85 87. - 25 -

HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY Whisky, the NHS and the KN AS REGULAR column read- lands. The Librarian would have ers know the Librarian, de- been quite at home in this illustri- spite his bulky exterior is an ous company and surroundings. outdoors type. Out on a re- The work of the Commission led cent bike spin he discovered to the creation of the Highlands an interesting route linking and Islands Medical Service which the UHI Campus with the was itself a forerunner of the Retail Park. NHS in the UK. Out here he discovered a The northern area is not the first suite of buildings with interesting to be at the cutting edge of names – the NHS one bore the health developments. In the early name John Dewar House. As ‘a 1990s the Highland Health Sci- loon from a small north east toon’ ences Library was at the fore- the Librarian is a bit of a nosy front of making a case for 24/7 parker and he likes to find out information access for all Scottish The Dewar Committeee (Sir John Dewar front left) in what looks like a about everything. He also likes to corner of the Library office - Image courtesy: Iain Beaton NHS staff (Enabling access to the think of himself as a bit of a poly- knowledge base of healthcare: li- math. Both these traits, in his eyes, anyway, brary and information provision for the NHS in give him licence to speir (for the uninitiated - Scotland). It was all very well having a network Doric for ask). Who then was John Dewar and of health libraries in Scotland but these were what is his relevance to NHS Highland? not much good if their resources were only The Librarian also likes a tipple - he was accessible by person. brought up on peat from the teat. Early experi- What was needed was an electronic re- ences with blended whisky for teething put him John Dewar House – Image cour- source which made information accessible to of the stuff for life - he much prefers malts. As tesy: department of medical illus- all no matter what time of day, day of the he eased himself down on one of his office tration, NHS Highland week, or where you were located in Scotland. Harris Tweed Mackenzie Chairs (Barker and These proposals went to the Scottish Gov- Stonehouse: £1598.99) for his afternoon cigar ernment and the outcome was the NHS Scot- and dram he mused - was Dewar perchance land eLibrary – which has developed into the something to do with the distilling industry? current Knowledge Network (KN). Keen fol- A Christmas present of a book on malt lowers of the KN will note that from 27th whiskies led him to do a bit of delving and ex- March this is going to look slightly different as perimenting with various beverages over the it moves into a new phase of development. holiday period. He found out from his festive This provides an improved electronic suite tome that Dewars whisky was a blend of whis- of resources for all NHS and social care staff kies from various distilleries including Aber- so they can keep their practice up to date feldy. Co-incidentally, on one of his rare forays Desk furniture in “The Office” - through a range of educational and informa- out to the supermarkets he found a bottle of Image courtesy: Pete tional resources. this brew on offer over at Tesco’s but was not Thus in the Knowledge Network you can too impressed by it. find full text articles and books, course details, Anyway back to John Dewar who the Li- on-line courses and a range of clinical decision brarian found out was indeed a bastion of the support tools. whisky industry. How did he get involved in The range is almost endless and for items health? Dewar at one stage of his career was that are not on the Network there is a docu- an MP and represented Inverness-shire in the ment delivery service which will scour the Commons for seventeen years between 1900 country to try to locate what you need. and 1917. Local library services are the key to joining In 1912 he chaired the Dewar Commission The new look Knowledge Net- all these resources together and the Highland work - Image courtesy: NES (pictured) which examined the state of health Knowledge Health Sciences Library is proud to be part of care and its provision in the Highlands and Is- this network and one of its originators.

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). - 26 -

Q & What’s your job description, Amy parents, get a nice wee cottage in

Demi? THIS MONTH: the countryside for myself, and - in I work part time within the keeping with the Italian theme - I would “Supporting Self Management Service” New Craigs-based purchase a farmhouse to renovate in which aims to equip people with skills mental health practitioner Tuscany complete with an olive grove to better self manage their mental and vineyard, for the whole family to health. I am also a staff nurse in Clava and staff nurse enjoy for years to come! Ward at New Craigs Hospital, which is a dementia assessment ward. Demi Velzian What about a smaller sum; £1,000? How would you describe yourself? Idealistically, I would holiday some- I am a warm and open-minded person where lovely, but realistically I should with an empathetic nature and a love really stick it in my savings! for learning and growing both person- ally and professionally. What are you pet hates? When you are finishing packing your Do you have any hobbies and in- bags in a shop, trying to receive your terests? change and receipt from the cashier to Sports (mainly hockey), exploring the put away safely in your purse and the great Highland wilderness with my next person is standing on top of you, Labrador, Madden, and taking photos. all at the same time. I am currently attempting to learn Italian. If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who What was the first single you would they be and what would you ever bought? cook them? Beyonce - Crazy in Love Dalai Lama, Jim Carrey and Sherlock Holmes played by Bene- dict Cumberbatch! I make a pretty mean chicken and cho- Your favourite food? rizo risotto so it would have to be that and a chocolate Homemade wood-fired pizza praline tart for dessert.

And your favourite film? What are the best and worst parts of your job? About Time In the Supporting Self Management Service, I have loved being involved in developing starting up a whole new ser- What about your favourite T.V. programme? vice. It’s also great to be providing an intervention that is BBC’s Sherlock unlike anything in Scotland. In my job in the ward, I like working with older adults and speaking to them and their Do you have a favourite book? family about their lives as they have so much knowledge and Yes. ‘The Shepherdess of Siena’ by Linda Lafferty wisdom to pass on. It’s also a great opportunity to be work- ing across such a variety of mental health services. The If you won £10 million in the lottery, what would you worst part would be not always being able to provide full, spend it on? comprehensive treatment packages for individuals who have I would donate a sum to charities, buy a VW campervan for complex needs. - 27 -