Highlights

MONTHLY November 2013

MEET THE BOARD: Alasdair Lawton How I chose to live in the Highlands: ‘We literally took out a map in a pub and decided where we wanted to go’

NHS HIGHLAND staff are being en- couraged to join the new Scottish Health Research Register (SHARE) and to promote it as widely as pos- sible. By joining the reg- ister, individuals agree to provide se- cure access to their medical records and in doing so give per- mission to be con- tacted to see if they wish to take part in particular research studies. Professor Angus Watson, NHS High- land R&D consultant, said: “Currently, we have a system which makes it difficult to give the staff and Nurse Morag’s public opportunities to take part in re- search, especially to monster swims those living in more remote regions such Loch Maree’s been ticked off ... as those served by Loch Morar’s next. See page 4. Continued on page 2 BOOK REVIEW: Professor lauches medical drama. Page 8 -- Big boost for health research Continued from front NHS Highland. SHARE gives everyone the chance to opt-in to a confidential and secure regis- ter. It has the potential to revolu- tionise the way we run clinical research in Scotland. “To be successful, however, it depends on enough of us getting on board. The target for Highland by the end of this year is around 1,000 but at the moment we only have 79 people registered. It would be great to see as many staff as possible leading the way by joining and also recruiting oth- ers to join.” To join, simply visit the SHARE website at pleting a form contact Mhairi new scheme aimed at combining www.registerforshare.org and Robertson on 01463 255087 / specialist nursing skills with the enter your name, date of birth [email protected] latest smartphone technology to and postcode – no information on R&D team on the look-out help improve the quality of life of medical history is required. for good ideas: see page 17. people with Crohn’s disease: see If you would like join by com- NHS Highland is piloting a page 22.

NHS High- land chief executive Elaine Mead launching SHARE in Highland at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness - 2 - COLLEAGUES have bid a fond farewell to Malcolm Iredale, former NHS High- land director of finance and latterly the head of procurement, as he started his retirement. Colleagues Having joined NHS Highland in 1991, d Malcolm warned those attending his say a fon farewell tea party that in 22 years he well to had not given a witty speech and he fare wasn’t about to start now! Malcolm Malcolm said he has been very lucky to work for NHS Highland, attributing that on his to the people he has worked with and ent what they do. retirem He said: “When you’re walking the corri- dors and see everyone and their smiling faces. It helps you and it helps the pa- tients. Make sure you keep that. “I’m leaving with a lot of memories of people and their kindness. I am going to miss it. Malcolm is pictured left with director of finance Nick Kenton.

CASH SUPPORT: Up to £3,000 available for individual projects Applications now sought for endowment funding APPLICATIONS for 2013 - 2014 lands, and which are likely to re- your application form contact R&D endowment funding can sult in publications and submis- Frances Hines, R&D Manager. now be submitted. sion for larger funding. You will require two peer reviews A sum of £20,000 has been There is also the possibility of for your application otherwise it granted for this year's endow- funding for attendance at a con- will not be considered by the ment, and projects will be funded ference but only where a paper is R&D Committee. up to £3,000. being given and NHS Highland is The closing date for applica- The main applicant should be the employer of the delegate. tions for endowment funding is 6th from the National Health Service, The endowment does not pay December. but collaborative projects with for student fees, travel to univer- Application forms and guid- universities or other organisations sity to see academic supervisor, ance notes can be found on the are welcomed. educational training, training for R&D page on the NHS intranet The primary function of the service improvement or other (Staff>Research and Develop- endowment is to support small- such activity. Rather, it is for re- ment). If you do not have access scale research studies, pilot stud- search activities and costs. to the intranet, email ies or feasibility studies that may If you want to discuss this fur- [email protected]. She have a direct impact for the High- ther or want help in completing will forward a copy to you. - 3 - IN THE SWIM: Morag pictured above tackling Loch Maree and, below, finishing the challenge Another monster swim beckons for nurse Morag

A LOCHABER-BASED nurse who this year became probably the first person to swim the 12.5- long and, like Loch Maree, I 31st August, was part of a chal- mile length of Loch Maree says don't think it's been swum be- lenge to raise funds for the she's looking forward to her next fore, so it will be a good one to Wester Ross-based social enter- big challenge – swimming Loch tick off. I'll do it in August, when prise project Good for All, which Morar from end to end. the water will be warmer, and helps adults with physical and And Morag Hughes (57), who will be raising money for the res- learning disabilities integrate swam the English Channel in toration fund for St Mary and St within their communities around 2010, said she may well also Finnan Church at Glenfinnan. Gairloch, Aultbea and Poolewe. consider tackling Loch Ness, “Hopefully, I won't meet up A learning disability nurse, which is 22.6 miles long. with my namesake Morag, the Morag says she was inspired to “Loch Morar will be my next monster they say lives in the take part in the challenge – big one,” said Morag, who lives loch!” which also featured a relay team in Fort William. “It's 12 miles Morag's Loch Maree swim, on Continued on page 5

- 4 - Another monster swim ahead Continued from page 4 of 13 swimmers – after visiting the Good for Ewe scheme, a community growing project on the shores of Loch Ewe. “It's such a good scheme that I thought I would raise some money for it by doing the swim,” she said. But little did Morag know when she signed up to swim Scotland's fourth largest fresh- water loch that it would be quite as challenging. She explained: “It was nearly called off because the weather was so bad. It was really wet and windy, with white tops on the water. However, a lot of preparation had gone into it so we decided to carry on.” Morag usually takes drink and food, such as a piece of banana or some jelly babies, every hour during one of her endurance swims but on this occasion the swell was so great that it was too dangerous to get close to her support boat. “The water temperature was nine degrees and I'd never swam for so long in water as cold before,” she added. Describing herself as “not a fast swimmer”, Morag completed Cartoon by Ian Thomson the swim in nine hours eight min- utes – a little under half the time week, even in winter. Barbara Andrews, community it took her to swim the English  In the Good for Ewe project learning disability nurse in Channel. That swim, too, didn't which inspired the Loch Maree Wester Ross, has been instru- go quite according to plan, as swim, volunteers work alongside mental in supporting families and Morag was pushed eight miles adults with physical and learning adults with learning disabilities to off course by the tide. disabilities utilising growing plots use the project and her work has “It was the hardest thing I both outside and under cover. been recognised nationally in the have ever done,” she said. The group now feels able to Scottish Learning Disability Morag's been a keen swim- build their own social enterprise, Nursing Network awards for mer all her life and tries to get in providing a long-term resource 2013. She was one of the three the open water – usually Loch for disadvantaged adults in this nominees in the 'Across the Life- Linnhe or Loch Shiel – once a remote community. span' award category.

- 5 - WEIGHT LOSS: Sacrifices worthwhile in 90-day ‘transformation challenge’ Julie aims to be a winning loser!

GAINING three stone in a mat- a lot of rubbish, like two of three ter of months would be a cause packets of crisps a day. for concern for anybody. “All that’s off limits now. For But trying to lose that weight the challenge I take shakes as while under the full glare of pub- replacement meals twice a day, licity might be a step too far for I have a healthy eating plan and some people. I must do three nights of really Not Julie Hamilton, though. intensive training. An NHS Highland clinical gov- “I found the exercise a bit of a ernance assistant based in the struggle at first, and I am miss- John Dewar Building, Inverness, ing my Chinese meal once a has signed up for a weight-loss week and the bottle of wine I’d challenge being covered by the buy for when X Factor is on the Inverness Courier. telly. Still, I’m going to stick with Julie started the ‘90-Day it.” Transformation Challenge’ – in Julie, who lives in Culloden, which she aims to raise at least signed up for the Transformation £250 through sponsorship for Challenge after coming across it the charity Diabetes UK – earlier on Facebook, and is one of four this month, and hopes to shed people – two per team – taking at least a couple of stone by part. Christmas Eve. And while losing weight is her And she’ll reveal to the world of the challenge, and that’s en- prime motivation, Julie sees how she’s fared at a special couraged me to go on. Losing raising awareness of diabetes ‘Reveal Day’ to be held in the three stone would be great, but as a key part of the challenge. Crown Court Hotel, Inverness, I’ll be happy if I lose two.” “My father is one of seven on 8th January. Julie’s amazing weight gain siblings and six of them have She’ll be given a make-up came about after she was diag- diabetes,” she said. “I wouldn’t and clothing make-over for the nosed with a skin condition and want to be the next person in my event, and is determined that put on steroids in January this family to have it.” she’ll have a figure to match. year. Anyone interested in helping “It’s a great motivating factor “I was warned that I would Julie to raise money for Sugar for me,” said Julie, whose gain weight – and I certainly Rush – an Inverness-based weight rocketed to 12st 10lbs. did,” said Julie. team of Diabetes UK fund- “I reckon I’ve lost four or five “I was off work for six weeks raisers – can contact her at kilos in the first couple of weeks and I sat around at home eating [email protected]

- 6 - Community WARNING: Advice on combating web-based risks mental health team moves Beware those to new base THE Cowal community mental health team has moved from Dochas Lodge links in emails to a new base in Cowal Community Hospital. TO combat the rise in web-based password over the phone, via email Di Langley, team lead security risks including phishing or into any other website apart for community mental attacks (where emails either at- from www.nhs.net as detailed in health services in Cowal tempt to convince the recipient to the following NHS Mail acceptable and Bute, said: “Our new click on a link that is malicious or use policy: base allows the community reveal usernames and pass- 3.1.5. You must ensure your dementia team and the words) NHS Mail are implementing password and answers to your se- community mental health a new alerting capability. curity questions for the NHSmail team to be located under If an email from the internet is system are kept confidential and one roof. sent to *.nhs.net or *.nhs.uk email secure at all times. You should no- “This will mean that we addresses and contains a web link, tify your Local Organisation Admin- have social workers, a con- the link will be checked against a istrator (LOA) if you become aware sultant psychiatrist, com- malicious web link database. of any unauthorised access to munity mental health If the email contains either an your NHSmail account. You should nurses, Alzheimers Scot- unknown or potentially malicious never input your NHSmail pass- land link workers and sup- web link, the following message will word into any other website other port workers all based to- be inserted into the top of the than www.nhs.net. You will never gether. email: be asked for your NHSmail pass- “Mental health provision "Warning this message contains word. has also been enhanced by links that it has not been possible Contacts for further help: a range of specialist staff to verify as safe. You should only LOA for Northern NHS High- who provide psychological click on the links if you are sure land: 01463 704999 / ser- therapy interventions such they are from a trusted source." [email protected] as guided self help, high If you are unable verify that a LOA for Argyll & Bute: Contact intensity cognitive behav- link is from a trusted source, you Local eHealth Support ioural therapy, specialist should forward a copy of the email NHSmail helpdesk: 0333 200 occupational therapy and to the national helpdesk 1133 / [email protected] specialist psychology.” ([email protected]) – this will help NHSmail Training and Guid- The team’s telephone to improve the effectiveness of the ance pages: https://web.nhs.net/ number has changed to service. public/ 01369 708716. Remember, you will not be InformationGuidanceServices/ asked to supply your NHSmail DefaultPage.aspx Workshops to develop greater awareness of living with dementia ONE-DAY dementia workshops are to be held in line workers, particularly those providing close and Inverness next year. intimate care. The workshops, on 17th February and 10th April, There is no charge for NHS Highland employ- have been designed to help develop an in-depth ees. understanding of the ‘lived’ experience of people For further details phone 01463 703050 or email with dementia. [email protected] or The course has been designed to benefit front- [email protected] - 7 - Facts and fiction Getting MS prompted David to think again about medical thriller IT was partly as a result of hav- had. I thought that I could write ing multiple sclerosis that Pro- anything – unlike in scientific fessor David Godden retired in writing, I didn’t need five refer- 2011 as director of the Centre ences for everything I wrote. for Rural Health and research However, I came to realise that and development director for there’s a whole set of other dis- NHS Highland. ciplines needed in writing fic- But his MS did more than tion.” change the direction of his life: it With one medical thriller un- caused him to change the direc- der his belt, David is now plan- tion of the book he had started ning another in the same genre many years earlier. (working title, The Privacy For the book, a piece of Thieves, about the appropriation medical fiction, coincidentally of data). had MS as its central theme, He explained: “TV is awash and David found himself unable with medical fiction – there’s a to continue to follow the course long history of medical drama in the work was taking. film and television. Yet, with a He explained: “The book was few notable exceptions, there’s going to be very bleak, with no tant to help people understand not a lot of medical fiction in lit- redemption at the end, but when how research works and fiction erature. I see scope for more I developed the disease I found is an excellent medium for doing work in this genre.” that I simply could not make it that.” Originally from Kilmacolm, as dark. For obvious personal In ‘The Cure’, a laboratory David went to school in Paisley reasons, I needed to find a note accident reveals a potential and studied Medicine in Edin- of optimism.” miracle treatment for MS, but burgh University. Having changed tack, David attempts to treat patients are He has taken jobs in Inver- set about completing the book, dogged by unpredictable side ness three times in his career: and ‘The Cure’ will be formally effects and research fraud. in 1980 as a medical registrar; launched in the Centre for David tapped his own vast in 1984 as senior registrar and Health Science, Inverness, on clinical experience in writing the Aberdeen University lecturer; 4th December. book, but he found the process and in 2000, as director of the Naturally, David hopes read- of producing a work of fiction a Centre for Rural Health. Aged ers will find it entertaining, but, refreshing change from anything 59, he lives near Nairn. as a medical professor with ex- he did professionally.  ‘The Cure’ (£8.99) is pub- tensive experience of laboratory “Writing fiction is completely lished by Matador. You can studies and clinical trials, he different from writing science,” read a synopsis of the book at hopes it will give real insights he said. “In the ‘80s I did a sci- www.troubador.co.uk/ into the consequences of medi- entific writing course in Canada book_info.asp?bookid=2410 cal research, good and bad. and I remember being told that  If you want to attend the He explained: “I wanted to scientific writing was the antithe- book launch, have a few nib- tell a good story but I also sis of creative. That certainly bles, meet friends and take the wanted to reassure people of proved to be the case. opportunity to buy the book, get the integrity of research projects “When I started this book I in touch with David at in medicine. I felt it was impor- was struck by the freedom I to [email protected]

- 8 - WELCOMED: High Life Highland supports NHS Highland initiative Baby Friendly sticker scheme re-launched A CELEBRATION of everything as Everything Baby, and there fers protection against numerous mum and baby was held last was a variety of information childhood illnesses including month to mark NHS Highland’s re stalls, including NHS Highland’s chest, stomach and ear infec- -launch of the Baby Friendly Wel- own Baby Friendly information tions, and diabetes and childhood come Sticker Scheme. stand. obesity. There are also benefits The event, held at Hilton Com- Karen Mackay, NHS Highland for mums who breastfeed includ- munity Centre in Inverness, infant feeding advisor, explained ing lowering their risk of breast brought together a host of groups that the Baby Friendly Welcome cancer, ovarian cancer and hip which support mothers and their Sticker Scheme was for busi- fractures in later life. infants offering help and advice. nesses across Highland who “We want to change attitudes High Life Highland was there wished to make their premises to breastfeeding to make it the with their ‘Bookbug’ sessions, baby friendly, and was delighted norm and I am thrilled that High telling some Hallowe’en-themed that High Life Highland had Life Highland are supporting the stories. The Highland Nappy Net- pledged to support the scheme. scheme in all their premises work was in attendance, as well She said: “Breastfeeding of- across the area.” Karen explained that by promi- nently displaying the sticker busi- nesses are advising a breast- Delegates get to the feeding mother that she will be made welcome, giving her the confidence to feed her baby with- out fear of interruption or criti- Heart of the Matter cism. Staff will be positive, sup- portive and non-judgemental and OVER 120 delegates from Nicole Mearns, cardiac educa- the premises will provide an ac- across the country attended NHS tion co-ordinator for NHS High- ceptable standard of cleanliness, Highland’s ‘Heart of the Matter’ land, organised the event. warmth and comfort and there annual cardiac education sympo- She said: “We see it as a fan- will be some clean, dry, basic sium, which was organised by tastic way to showcase cardiol- baby changing facilities. the staff from Raigmore Hospi- ogy in Highland and to bring Linda Kirkland, chair of High tal’s Coronary Care Unit. GPs, paramedics, nurses and Life Highland’s board of directors, This year the annual event, many other health care profes- welcomed the initiative and said: which is over a decade old, in- sional’s together for a great day "Breastfeeding mums can be as- cluded presentations on risk of education and networking.” sured of a warm welcome at all management, cardiomyopathy, Consultant cardiologist Pro- High Life Highland facilities. Help- cardiac rehabilitation, renal impli- fessor Steve Leslie added: “This ing parents give their children the cations and cath lab case stud- was definitely the annual jewel in best start in life is a key aspect of ies. The event also saw NHS the crown for our coronary care the services we provide; from fun Highland’s consultant cardiolo- staff.” activities to encourage coordina- gists under the spotlight as they The event was held on 13th tion and creativity to library Book- answered questions during November at the Drumossie Ho- bug sessions which help develop ‘Consultant Question Time’. tel, Inverness. early language and literacy." - 9 - INTERNSHIP: Trainer from Scandinavia paves the way for compatriots Swedes gain insight into fire safety work at NHS Highland SWEDISH firefighters have been and it led me to being offered and the Scottish Fire Service College getting the lowdown on NHS getting my present job. in Gullane, East Lothian, has also Highland’s fire safety work – “That’s why I approached my been organised for the Swedes. thanks to a compatriot who now old school in Sweden to ask if Petra said: “I have found it works for the health board. anyone doing the same fire- very interesting and it will be use- Emil Carlsson got his job as fighting course I took wanted to ful experience for me.” fire safety trainer based at Raig- do what I did and take up an in- Emil explained that a key part more Hospital 18 months ago, ternship with NHS Highland.” of the internship is learning about after completing an internship The result is that Petra Johns- the NHS Firecode, which governs with NHS Highland that counted son (27), from Gothenburg, and fire safety in healthcare establish- towards his studies to be a fire- Daniel Johansson (20), from ments in the UK and of which fighter. Umeå, are currently on a five- there is no direct equivalent in Now, Emil is being shadowed week, self-funded visit to Inver- Sweden. by two Swedes who are doing the ness. They are both shadowing He added: “It’s been great to same firefighting course. Emil and doing practical work as show these people around. He explained: “My 10-week he carries out fire training and Hopefully, they will learn some- internship with NHS Highland evacuation exercises throughout thing which will be useful to them was good work experience for me the NHS Highland area. A trip to when they go back to Sweden.” Coffee morning results in funding boost for charities THE Mid Argyll Hospital in Lochgilphead recently vice soon to be opened at Mid Argyll Hospital. held a coffee morning to raise funds for Wear It A competition for the best decorated cake was Pink Breast Cancer. held, with lots of magnificent entries received. Staff This year’s funds were equally split between this are grateful to everyone who supported the day in cause and Macmillan Cancer Support, and the total any way. raised at the coffee morning was £2,100. This event has been run at the Mid Argyll Hospi- The Macmillan money has been earmarked to tal now for the past seven years and to date fund items required for the new chemotherapy ser- £13,803 has been raised. - 10 - LOCHABER COURSES: Community mental health team initiative New course to help people counter stress

AROUND 2,000 people in the classes without being re- Lochaber, out of a total popula- ferred, and those who have al- tion of around 20,000, would be ready been referred to the com- expected to be identified as hav- munity mental health team can Under pressure: This person is ing a mental health problem each also attend as part of their treat- among the 40 per cent of the year. ment. population who encounter de- Now, NHS Highland is to Mr Davies said: “It will be like pression and anxiety at some tackle part of the problem head- an evening class, and won’t in- point in their lives on by introducing a rolling series volve group therapy – no-one will of stress control courses. be invited to talk about their par- one therapy session with a psy- The free classes are an at- ticular situation in front of others. chologist.” tempt by NHS Highland to ad- And there will be no writing in- Members of NHS Highland’s dress what’s seen as a significant volved in the class. Instead, all mental health team have com- issue in the area. people need to do is to sit back pleted their training to deliver the “Every year we see about 300- and learn some ways to control six-week course, which will take 400 people who have been re- stress and how to handle com- place in Kilmallie Hall, Corpach, ferred to us,” said Jonathan Da- mon problems such as anxiety, over six weeks from 8th January, vies, NHS Highland’s community low mood, loss of confidence, and then continue on a rolling mental health team leader in sleep issues and panic attacks.” basis. The classes will be held Lochaber. “Some of these people He continued: “These courses from 6pm-7.30pm. have mental health conditions have been held very effectively Mr Davies said: “We have no such as schizophrenia, and many elsewhere in the UK and Ireland. reason to believe that stress is a are coming through our door with Partly because they offer greater more significant problem in depression and anxiety. anonymity and help to reduce the Lochaber than elsewhere, but it is “But we are also concerned stigma that may otherwise be in- still a major issue here. Four in about the huge numbers of peo- volved, they have been success- 10 people will encounter depres- ple who chose, for whatever rea- ful in attracting people who would sion and anxiety at some point in son, not to seek help with stress. not ordinarily seek help. their lives, and it is the biggest “Many people in Lochaber en- “And they do help. In Glasgow, category of work encountered by counter stress and feel that they where the courses have been GPs, exceeding cancer and heart are under pressure, but they can held, research has found that disease. be helped. We see this course as most of the people who attend “Evidence from elsewhere has something that will help to pre- were not referred by the NHS, convinced us that this course will vent sadness and worry develop- and a higher proportion of men make a significant contribution to ing into more serious problems.” found it easy to attend them than the health and wellbeing of folk in People will be able to attend seek, say, a traditional one-to- Lochaber.” - 11 - Certified Lean training programme

A CERTIFIED Lean training pro- Successful candidates are Attendance at all days of the gramme is to start within NHS likely to be those who have man- programme is mandatory. Highland on Tuesday, 14th Janu- agement experience, have a ‘can The first training day will be ary. -do’ attitude and experience of held on 14th January, with others Applicants will require the sup- delivering change/quality im- following on 15th, 28th and 29th port of their line manager and provement successfully. January. places will then be allocated after There are 12 places on the There will be a catch-up on a panel discussion and possible programme and it is anticipated 25th February and a ‘module interview. that the demand will be high. marathon’ the following day.

VIDEO: Film details man’s experiences of oncology services Cancer patient tells his story on YouTube

NHS HIGHLAND has produced a tions with his friends, any fears or personal experiences and the short video of a patient’s experi- anxiety he had before visiting aim of the production is to help ence of the oncology services at Raigmore were greatly reduced. ease any concerns other people Raigmore Hospital. He said: “Brian was excellent may have before they come into Gordon Harrison (71), from with me; we had a very long chat hospital for treatment. Laide in Ross-shire, was diag- about my diagnosis and what the It is the latest in a line of digital nosed with prostate cancer in possible outcomes could be. I productions from NHS Highland. February. He had been moni- knew nothing about radiotherapy With the ever-changing face of tored since September 2012 after treatment and Brian and his col- healthcare technology, NHS visiting the toilet more regularly leagues gave me wonderful in- Highland is at the forefront of in- than usual during the night and sight into what happens. teracting with patients and poten- admits his diagnosis didn’t come “I spoke with a few of my tial staff – indicated by the recent as too much of a surprise. friends who had gone through release of a recruitment video for “I had mentally prepared my- similar procedures at Raigmore the oncology department. self for the news,” said Gordon. Hospital and they were full of To view Gordon’s story of his “Brian Corr, NHS Highland’s urol- praise for the staff and the facili- personal care at Raigmore, check ogy clinical nurse specialist, ties on offer. out the following website: phoned me with the results and “I have to say that they were http://www.youtube.com/watch? was very friendly, informative and right – the expertise of the staff v=H4DcnF96QiE&feature=c4- understanding.” throughout my treatment at Raig- overview&list=UUgn8CNQ4qIe- This clear explanation of the more was second to none.” muTCuGTl_oQ procedures that lay ahead was Prostate cancer is the most To watch NHS Highland’s re- welcomed by Gordon and his common cancer in men across cruitment video, check out family – which includes his wife, the UK, with over 400,000 new http://www.youtube.com/watch? four children and seven grand- cases diagnosed every year. v=aZw62YwKkGI&list=UUgn8CN children – and after conversa- The video details Gordon’s Q4qIe-muTCuGTl_oQ - 12 - IN THE RUNNING: Woman with Parkinson’s in ‘best female presenter’ section Award chance for hospital radio presenter Liz

A ROSS-SHIRE woman with doing it – and as someone with was wrong with her health when Parkinson’s disease is in the Parkinson’s, it’s good for me. I she found doing things like fas- running for a national award – used to sing in Gaelic and tening buttons or doing up zips as a radio presenter. church choirs but since I got more challenging than they Liz Nicol, of Curling Court, Parkinson’s my voice has be- should be. Muir of Ord, has been listed in come a bit weak. Doing hospital “Parkinson’s is not a good the ‘best female presenter’ cate- radio has helped my voice a lot.” thing to have and, like many gory of the Hospital Broadcast- Liz (60), who is originally from people, I have good days and ing Association’s annual awards Renfrewshire is no stranger to bad days. But I get a lot of sup- scheme, the winners of which broadcasting. port from Parkinson’s nurse spe- will be announced at the asso- She worked on hospital radio cialist Sharon Sutherland and ciation’s annual conference in at a home for handicapped consultant physician Martin Wil- March next year. adults in Erskine and delivered son. They have been a great With the tag name ‘Dizzy road traffic reports for AA Road- help and source of encourage- Miss Lizzie’, Liz presents The watch on local and national ra- ment.” Musicality Show – “a pick ‘n’ mix dio stations, including BBC Ra- Sharon said: “Liz should be a of music of all genres and chat” dio Scotland. real source of encouragement to – on Inverness Hospital Radio “I love music of any descrip- other people with Parkinson’s. from 3-5pm on Saturdays. tion,” said Liz, who occasionally She has shown that, despite She’s been working with the dips into her large and eclectic having Parkinson’s, she is able Raigmore-based station for the music collection for her hospital to do something that she is pas- past two years, despite having radio show. sionate about. been diagnosed with Parkin- “We play requests but if we “Everyone at NHS Highland son’s disease more than three don’t get many requests I simply will be wishing her well for the years ago. play whatever I want.” awards. She deserves all the She said: “I absolutely love Liz first noticed something credit she can get.” Ante-natal scanning by Argyll & Bute midwives put on hold RECENT national guidance outlines that health pro- As the training they were given no longer meets fessionals carrying out scans on pregnant women the national requirements it has been recom- need to undertake a one-year accredited post- mended that all ante-natal scanning should cease graduate certificated course. in Argyll and Bute until it can be carried out by a Until recently midwives in Argyll and Bute have trained obstetric ultrasonographer. carried out an ante-natal scan on pregnant women This means that midwives in Argyll and Bute will to confirm the pregnancy and estimate the date of no longer carry out any scanning until they have delivery. received the appropriate training. - 13 - Volunteers plant 3,000 symbols of optimism MORE than 3,000 daffodils were planted outside Mid Argyll Community Hospital, Lochgilphead, by volunteers in October as local people create a ‘Field of Hope’. Members of the Mid Argyll Marie Curie fund- raising group, with the help of local people, planted bulbs to mark their second birthday. People who have lost a loved one can have one of the daffodils dedicated to their memory. They can sponsor a bulb and have the name of their loved one recorded in the ‘Field of Hope Book’ which will accompany the Lochgilphead project. As a nationwide initiative, Marie Curie Fields of Hope are found throughout the UK, with the daffodils acting as a symbol of renewal and opti- mism.

Judy Preston, chair-woman of the fundraising Picture courtesy of the Argyllshire Advertiser group, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to do Pictured from left are Jane McArthur, president of the this as it draws attention to the work that Marie Rotary Club of Mid Argyll, and Frances Flemming, treas- Curie Cancer Care do for the community. urer of the Mid Argyll Marie Curie Fundraising group Festival puts focus on mental health issues THE Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival good work that takes place locally and a display in is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural events, the Phoenix Cinema in Oban of various charities covering everything from music, film and visual art and events that were taking place around the festi- to theatre, dance and literature and is now one of val. the largest social justice festivals in the world. The festival drew to a close with the SMHAFF The annual festival took place in venues across International Film Awards Ceremony. The only Scotland throughout October, aiming to support the award of its kind, the SMHAFF film submission arts and challenging preconceived ideas about gives filmmakers from around the globe the plat- mental health. form to address issues of mental health and wellbe- A variety of events took place, including a play ing using the accessibility and creativity of film in all about the highs and lows of a caring relationship, its forms. an exhibition about caring by carers through recol- Alison McGrory, health improvement principal, lections and artefacts and a play by the Walking said: ‘’We all need to look after our mental health in Theatre Company staged in Duchess Woods in the same way we look after our physical health. Helensburgh. “The festival is an excellent way to raise aware- Other events in the festival programme included ness of mental health and give people the opportu- an exhibition on Bute which showcased some of the nity to take part in something they enjoy.’’ - 14 - AWARDS: ‘Wonderful recognition’ of good work in Highland Success at the double in patient safety event NHS HIGHLAND’S focus on im- tionally for their excellent work on proving patient safety – espe- QUOTE making the taking of medications cially around medicines – has that bit safer. been awarded first and second “There is much to be done, but place at two national awards. It is encouraging that the it is encouraging that the work A poster describing the work being undertaken in being undertaken in Highland board’s work to deliver the Scot- Highland finds such finds such favour from colleagues tish Patient Safety Programme across the country.” (SPSP) in primary care picked up favour from colleagues Clare’s team was also first prize at a SPSP national across the country awarded second prize for a wider event. medicines safety project at the The work included projects Scottish Prescribing Advisers’ aimed at improving medicines running in the hospital service for Association annual conference. safety, use of ‘medicine sick day some years now and more re- The project focused on the five rules’ cards and a series of learn- cently, the SPSP techniques and per cent of hospital admissions ing events. approaches have been adapted that are caused by adverse drug NHS Highland lead pharmacist for use in general practices reactions. (north) Clare Morrison explained: across Scotland. It involved NHS Highland pre- “It is wonderful recognition of all “Building on the learning from scribing support pharmacist the good work currently being local pilot work in three Highland Yvonne MacRae systematically done by so many people in pri- GP practices, we are now rolling reviewing all patients prescribed mary care in Highland to improve out the SPSP programme to all of a ‘high risk’ medicine and making patient safety. our 100 practices in the area. recommendations to GPs. “But we aren’t stopping here: “Patient safety is such an im- Clare said: “The aim was to we have a lot more work planned portant subject; that includes pre- develop a long-term intervention over the next few years to try to scribing, dispensing and taking of for our prescribing support phar- make health care as safe as pos- medicines. Only by working macists to carry out regularly to sible.” closely together can our teams of reduce the risks associated with Associate medical director professionals really make things medicines. Ken Proctor is the executive safer for patients. “We have started to roll-out sponsor of this project and be- “It’s heartening to see our en- some of this work Highland-wide lieves the work can only help thusiastic pharmacy team, work- already and we are in the final make things safer for patients. ing closely with those GP prac- stages of evaluating other parts He said: “The SPSP has been tices, have been recognised na- of the project.” Highland organisations link up at major networking event in Inverness THE Centre for Health Sciences nity groups and provided an ideal across Highland have grown from at Raigmore Hospital played host opportunity for networking. an event held in March to support to a special Link-Up Highland The Link-Up Lunches is a joint the potential of communities to event on 25th November. venture between the Highland respond creatively to changes The event featured social en- Council, NHS Highland and the which challenge traditional mod- terprises, activities and commu- third sector. Monthly sessions els for service delivery. - 15 - 100 reasons to celebrate at Highland day centre

The McKenzie day centre, Inverness,, celebrated a very special birthday recently when Jen Snodgrass turned 100 years old. Jen is pictured with the staff at the centre. She thanked them for their hard-work and friendship over the years. Roll up to join the Queen’s Baton Relay THE Queen’s Baton Relay will officially be cele- full day visiting towns and communities in the region brated in The Highlands on Friday 11th July 2014, as it travels southwards. but this will not be the only day of activity in the re- It will then rest overnight and depart on Saturday gion. 12th July 2014. There is an opportunity for over 100 local people Over this period the baton will transit the full to carry the baton in approximately 15 different length of the Highlands from north to south and it towns across the Highlands so organisers are will visit numerous towns en-route. spreading the message that “The Queen’s Baton In addition to this the Queen’s Baton Relay will Relay is ‘relay, relay’ coming to a town near you” to also stop to visit communities in in the East as it encourage local communities to get involved and travels from Moray to Perth and Kinross on Friday nominate local baton bearers. 4th July 2014, and again will visit villages in the On Friday 11th July the Queen’s Baton Relay will West as it travels from The Western Isles to Orkney arrive on the mainland from Orkney, then spend a by road and ferry on Wednesday 9th July 2014. - 16 - R&D: Department on the look-out for innovations Advocacy review NHS HIGHLAND has been seeking help from members of staff with its review of the plan for the provision of independ- Wanted: good ent advocacy services. A questionnaire has been available on the intranet in which members of staff could ideas (or comment on any experiences they may have had of inde- pendent advocacy services provided by professional of voluntary organisations. even those Plea for members THE Disability Access Group for Ross & Cromarty is seek- that might be ing new members. The group works to pro- mote the importance of inclu- sive environment for all peo- ple. For further information, a bit fanciful) visit the group’s website: www.rc-access.org.uk NHS HIGHLAND’S R&D Depart- The R&D Department ment has put out a call to staff can assist with business plans, who may have any new inven- patent applications and market Universal Credit tions or innovations that can be analysis to see if there is mileage NEW claims to Universal developed for potential commer- in taking ideas forward. Credit began in Inverness Job- cialisation or that may lead to pa- And it is currently trying to in- centre on 25th November. tient benefit or cost saving. crease its portfolio of disclosures Initially it is only be a small This, says the department, from inventors, and would like to group of specific jobseekers can lead to benefits for the inven- hear from anyone with any ideas who will be able to claim Uni- tor: clinical, academic and finan- about any aspect of health, medi- versal Credit. cial through NHS Highland intel- cine, surgery or patient benefit. To help increase awareness lectual property agreements and Additionally, if there are com- of Universal Credit, an infor- the Rewards to Inventors scheme panies whose products staff mation leaflet has been pro- that has recently been put into members regularly use or com- duced by Highland Council place. One way the department panies that they have contacts which has been accepted by tries to promote this kind of activ- with that might be useful, the de- the Department of Work and ity is through interaction with partment would like to find out Pensions. medical technology companies about those as well. and events. No idea big or small The department regularly has is unacceptable, and doesn't Boiler delivery presence at conferences and matter how unlikely it seems. DELIVERY of the new boiler events where it talks to compa- “If you would like to have a plant for the biomass installa- nies to see if they would be inter- discussion please email or call tion at Raigmore Hospital be- ested in NHS Highland disclosing me and we will fix up a time,” gan in the week commencing to them under confidentiality said research and development 25th November and will con- agreement any new ideas that manager Frances Hines clude Sunday, 1st December. members of staff may have come ([email protected], 01463 up with. 255822). - 17 - FLU: Lochaber practice uses new technology to hold Saturday sessions

NEW technology has allowed a GP practice in Lochaber to hold two “hugely successful” mass flu vaccination clinics, each one at- 104-year-old tracting around 300 people. And, through another piece of modern technology, the Tweed- dale Medical Practice in Fort Wil- among hundreds liam used the clinics to raise awareness of another medical issue – bowel screening. The mass vaccination clinics, th th vaccinated at held on 9 November and 19 October, were made possible largely through the use of com- puter software called Smart Imms Clinic, which allows staff to re- mass clinics cord information on each immuni- sation with only a couple of key- Sisters Morag board clicks. Previously, this in- Cameron (104) formation was recorded manually and Joan Cooper – a time-consuming process. (96) pictured at “It meant that having mass one of the clinics clinics was much more manage- with health care able,” said practice manager assistant Ashley Diane Falconer. “And it halved, to Allan (19), the just four minutes, the appoint- youngest member ment time necessary for a vacci- of the practice’s nation.” team. Practice GP Dr James Doug- throughout the country have been Dr Douglas, who chairs the De- las added: “The Tweeddale team asked to improve uptake of the war Group, a think tank which gave up their own Saturdays for Scottish Bowel Screening Pro- seeks to learn lessons from the these ‘jab-and-go’ clinics, and gramme and we thought we past in formulating plans for the they proved good for us and our would try to do so using the very effective delivery of health ser- patients. We saw many families latest technology. vices in remote and rural areas. come in with, for example, grand- “Patients could use their The group is named after Sir mothers helping babies get the smartphones to scan a QR code John Dewar, who in 1912 led a new nasal flu vaccine and other which linked them to a page on committee which looked at people bringing in older relatives our website which encourages healthcare in the Highlands and more easily because the clinics uptake of bowel screening.” Islands. Its findings led to the for- were held on Saturdays. We also Dr Douglas added: “It attracted mation of the Highlands and Is- had more young, at-risk people a lot of interest and helped our lands Medical Service, a forerun- than we would otherwise have green agenda by saving on post- ner of the NHS seen.” ers and leaflets!” “Morag Cameron was a three With so many people at the Two of the people who at- years old when Dewar gathered practice’s surgery in Forth Wil- tended the vaccination clinics evidence in 1912 and she was liam Health Centre, the team de- were 104-year-old Morag Cam- nine at the time of the world’s cided to use the opportunity to eron and her 96-year-old sister worst flu pandemic,” said Dr promote NHS bowel screening Joan Cooper, of Roy Bridge. Douglas. “How times change! using smart phone scan technol- “Their presence was for me a Now, we can hold mass vaccina- ogy. tangible reminder of just how far tions thanks in part to amazing Diane explained: “Practices the healthcare has come,” said new technologies.” - 18 - Coming soon... TRIBUTE: Colleagues join ’exclusive club’ THE OneSign Single Sign On software application is due to be phased in for all NHS Highland IT users from the beginning of De- Pharmacy cember. This product will be able to learn your user name and password for a range of applications that you trio gains UK use and then input these credentials automatically on subsequent selection of each application - essen- tially removing the need to remember all the different recognition user names and pass- words. THREE of NHS Highland’s phar- work towards Faculty membership NHS Mail will be the first macists have received UK-wide in the future.” activated application with professional recognition. Fellow Faculty member Evelyn others following in due In October, 75 pharmacists from Cromarty was just as pleased to course. across Britain were made the first become a part of such an exclusive members of the new Royal Phar- club and hopes the successes of maceutical Society Faculty. The Highland pharmacists will continue Taking the pledge Faculty programme recognises for years to come. THIS year’s European Anti- specific levels of professional She said: “I’m delighted to be biotics Awareness Day achievement, development and one of the first pharmacists in the (EAAD) saw people across experience. whole of Great Britain to become a Highland being asked to Clare Morrison, Sandra Melville Faculty member. take the pledge that they and Evelyn Cromarty were the “I hope that my RPSF member- will not expect antibiotics three representatives from NHS ship will encourage younger phar- and instead seek advice on Highland, meaning one-third of macists to consider their profes- symptoms. Scotland’s nine new Royal Phar- sional development and start build- EAAD, on 18th Novem- maceutical Society Faculty mem- ing their Faculty portfolios.” ber, was an opportunity to bers come from Highland – a fitting Sandra Melville echoed that look at how we use antibiot- tribute to the quality of work under- sentiment. ics and the damage we do taken across the health-board’s She said: “I am absolutely de- when we use them inappro- pharmaceutical services. lighted to have achieved Fellow- priately, and to raise aware- This was the culmination of ship of the RPS Faculty – a fantas- ness on using them respon- months of hard work for the trio, tic development by our professional sibly. having had to submit their portfo- body which has provided a univer- lios and undergo peer review and sal system of professional recogni- AIDS event credentialing to be recognised as tion for pharmacists across all sec- A COMMUNITY gathering advanced pharmacy practitioners. tors of practice in a way that has to mark World AIDS Day “We are delighted to be recog- never been possible before. will be held in St Andrew’s nised for our hard work,” said “Although daunting at first, I Cathedral, Inverness, on Clare. “To become one of the first would encourage all pharmacists to 1st December. The free pharmacists across the UK to be- start their own journey towards event will start at 3.30pm come a Faculty member is a huge Faculty membership. and will feature music, personal achievement. “It encourages us all to aspire to speakers and refreshments. “I hope to encourage and sup- excellence and, ultimately, to pro- port other pharmacist colleagues to vide the best care to our patients.” - 19 - FROM BARCELONA TO WICK Sara finds Caithness to her taste (but don’t ask the locum consultant from Spain about the food)

LET’S get the negatives out of lar Del Saz Cano feel that she aspect of her new position – so the way first – and they are all made a wise choice in leaving often such a challenge for NHS food related. a large hospital in Spain to Highland when it comes to re- She can’t stand British milk, work as a locum consultant cruiting and retaining staff – she says she hasn’t had a de- physician in Caithness General that particularly appeals to Dr cent cup of coffee since she Hospital, Wick. Sara. came to the UK, she can’t cook “It’s true, the food here is a She explained: “I love to paella because she can’t get problem for me,” she said, “but learn, and here I am improving the ingredients, her home- I am really happy with what I my skills all the time. I am al- made tortilla aren’t as good as have found here. I love the ready feeling much more confi- those she made in Spain be- place.” dent as a doctor. cause she can’t find the right Dr Sara took up her year- “A lot of people want to get a potatoes and she is amazed long locum post a few months job, do it and go home at 5pm. that it’s so hard to get fresh fish ago, having decided that she Not me – I like to be chal- in Wick. wanted a fresh challenge. lenged. The plus points, staying on “Going to work in Madrid “There are consultants who the food theme, are that she would not have been a big like to publish papers and, finds Scottish fry-up breakfasts enough change for me,” she while I know that is important, I to be “gorgeous – although you said at the time. don't have the time or re- can’t eat them every day” and “I wanted something very sources to do that just now. the meat she buys in her local different. Wick is very different And it's not the kind of doctor I butchers is “fantastic”. – and I have never worked in a want to be here – I want to help But there’s more than tasty small rural hospital before.” patients. sausages to make Dr Sara Vil- And it’s the remote and rural Continued on page 21

- 20 - FROM BARCELONA TO WICK Locum consultant happy with life in Caithness

Continued from page 20 line – today [mid-October; cool QUOTE but not cold] it's freezing!” “I am now dealing with pa- And while she's not looked tients with illnesses I have at her future beyond her year's never had to face before. In People here stint in Caithness, she has Spain, I may have made a diag- clearly developed an affection nosis and the patient would want to know for her new home. then be seen by a specialist. It everything about “I have a little flat with a gor- doesn’t always happen like that geous garden. I brought my two here, where we don’t have the their health, dogs with me from Spain and kind of resources I had when I they love it here – there are was working in Barcelona. and I love that lovely places to walk. I love the Here, if it's 2am and someone cliffs and I love the sky, which comes into hospital with a is always gorgeous. The stars stroke, I have to deal with it. I to tell the patient first. That’s a are amazing; in Barcelona, if have to manage the situation. much better way, and I have you see a light in the sky, it's a It’s part of being in a remote learned I have to be more sen- plane.” and rural area. Of course, I do sitive and really clear when giv- As a consultant in a busy have to ask for help sometimes, ing someone bad news. People hospital, however, there isn't but I realise that it is important here want to know everything always a great deal of time for that I learn when to ask for about their health, and I love leisure pursuits – one reason help.” that. And they are so friendly.” why she's looking forward to If that’s been one of the key There are, of course, reser- returning home for the first differences Dr Sara has faced vations. Dr Sara will be in post time. at work since coming to Scot- as a locum for one year, and “I'm going back in January land, it’s by no means the only she is concerned about how for my niece's birthday,” she one. she'll cope with the worst of the said. “She doesn't know about it She explained: “In Spain, if a winter's weather. – I'm the surprise present.” patient had to get bad news, I “I didn't bring winter clothes And what's the first thing would have to speak to the pa- with me,” she said. “I thought I she'll do back in Barcelona? tient’s family first and the family would wait to see what I need “Eat”, she replied, without a would decide when and how to when I'm here. It is clear I will moment's thought. The food pass that news on. Here, I have need to buy more clothes on here is killing me!” Taking annual leave as per entitlement would help board’s finances, staff and managers told NHS HIGHLAND’S chief execu- utilise their entitlement to annual “An assessment of the cost of tive, Elaine Mead, has issued a leave during the holiday year in annual leave untaken must be reminder to staff and managers which it is accrued therefore staff shown in Annual Accounts (in about their responsibilities in rela- and managers should plan ac- 2012/13 this was £1,985,000). If tion to requests for and allocation cordingly. annual leave is taken as per enti- and management of annual “Managers are asked to en- tlements, this would reduce this leave. sure that annual leave is only car- figure for 2013/14 and release a She said: “We expect that ried forward where there are ex- saving to assist our overall finan- every member of staff will fully ceptional circumstances. cial position.” - 21 - Smile please!

AS part of National Smile Month the importance of eating healthy and had a great time being pho- in Argyll and Bute CHP, oral snacks to help protect their teeth tographed with the wedding party health improvement practitioner against tooth decay, brushing and guests and sitting in the Mary Stewart helped to promote twice a day with fluoride tooth- flower bowl, watching everyone the importance of looking after paste and visiting the dentist. having fun and, most importantly, your smile with local children in Pete not only attended the smiling through the whole event. Stepping Stones Nursery, Hel- nursery but was VIP at a special Pictured above left are Chris ensburgh, with the help of Pete event. Jo Butler, owner of the es- Butler, Pete the Dragon and An- the Dragon. tablishment, had a very important drea Butler. Pictured above right During the month, Pete was event – the wedding of Jo’s son, are nursery nurse Jody Hopper, looked after by the children of the Chris, to his fiancée, Andrea. nursery owner Jo Butler and nursery to help teach them about Pete was the guest of honour nursery nurse Mo King. Phone apps aid Crohn’s patients NHS HIGHLAND is piloting a new scheme aimed at my computer and I am able to look at their results. I combining specialist nursing skills with the latest look at how well they tell us they feel; look at their smartphone technology to help improve the quality bowel movements and I can message them with of life of people with Crohn’s disease. any advice or support.” The project allows specialist nurses to interact The pilot has received the financial backing of with patients on a daily basis to help them keep up Crohn’s and Colitis UK – the leading British charity to date with latest treatments, track their health and for those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. potentially predict when they might become unwell. The pilot will run for six months once 40 patients “The patients fill in a diary every night,” said NHS have been recruited and Lesley and her team hope Highland nurse practitioner Lesley Mann. “Patients they can reduce clinic time by keeping well patients tick boxes on the app answering questions around at home. their general health every day such as how many She said: “The aim is to keep it quick and simple times have they been to the toilet or how they are and at the end of the day, they have a specialist feeling and so on. It can be done really quickly – it nurse at the end of the phone who can look after doesn’t even take two minutes. them and prescribe any medication or treatment “From that information, I have a dashboard on they require.” - 22 - ON HER WAY: Bignold stalwart Marjorie set to bow out Nurse to retire after 46 years A NURSE whose hospital career in Wick spans a remarkable 42 years is set to retire. Marjorie Moodie, acting charge nurse at Caithness Gen- eral, has worked all that time in either the hospital's Bignold Wing Marjorie outside the Bignold Wing and (insert) as a young nurse or the town's Bignold Hospital, a place in a pre-nursing college in changed. These days, there's a which closed in 1986. Elgin.” lot more paper work, which is “I have loved my work,” said Marjorie described her time in necessary but takes up a lot of Marjorie, “and I'm very proud of Elgin as “quite an experience” time. the hospital and the wing.” and from there she started her “Another big difference is the Marjorie added: “The hospital nursing training at Inverness length of time patients stay in has just had some negative pub- School of Nursing in Eden Court. hospital. In the old days, some- licity following a Healthcare Envi- She started training on the wards one who came in to get a gall ronment Inspectorate report. I at the Royal Northern Infirmary bladder removed would be in for think that's a great shame. The and Raigmore Hospital. two weeks. Now, it can be done report was right to pick up on one “I enjoyed my time there,” she laparoscopically and the patient or two issues, but these related to recalled. “It was very different in can be out the same day.” a one-off inspection. those days. No first names were Looking forward to her retiral “Day in, day out, staff work ever used, and the discipline was “with mixed feelings”, Marjorie very hard to ensure that the hos- very strict – you did what you said she and her husband Innes, pital is clean and safe. were told. who retired as a security officer a “I genuinely believe the Caith- “All the nurses wore capes in year ago, planned to spend more ness General is a hospital every- those days and indoors or out, if time with her family – her daugh- one in the area should be proud ever you met the matron you had ter Pauline is a cook in Castle- to have on their doorstep.” to take your cape off.” town Hotel and her son Sean, Born in Shetland, Marjorie In 1971, Marjorie moved back who is married and has two chil- moved to Castletown, where she north to work as a staff nurse in dren – and in their garden. still lives, when she was six. the Bignold Hospital, transferring Marjorie, whose last working Marjorie explained that she had to the Bignold Wing when the day will be 20th December, no real career ambition, beyond Caithness General was opened added: “This will be my first assuming she would get a job in in 1986. Christmas off for I don't know a shop, until she was firmly put in She's remained there ever how many years. That will be her place by her headteacher. since, latterly as senior staff strange.” “The headmaster, who was nurse and, more recently, acting Pam Garbe, associate lead the brother of the author Neil charge nurse. nurse, said: “Marjorie is a highly Gunn, gave me a row for saying I “I've never thought for a min- valued member of staff and she would work in a shop. He said ute that I would leave the hospi- will be greatly missed for her un- there was no way I would do that tal,” she said. “You have good wavering dedication, commitment and asked me if I ever thought of days and bad, but it's always and support she has given to pa- going into nursing. When I said been a great place to work. tients, families and staff over the 'No sir”, he said he could get my “Of course, times have years.” - 23 - RAIGMORE: OPAC inspection report Support from the Patients praise Highland Health Sciences Library KEEPING Mum (WT 155 TAL) is the title of a very moving book by the Ox- hospital staff ford philosopher Marianne Talbot. In it she describes the journey herself STAFF at Raigmore Hospital ing a positive impact on pa- and her mother had with dementia. have been commended by tient care. The Highland Health Sciences Li- national inspectors for the “There was also good evi- brary holds a collection of other mate- care they provide to older dence of family involvement rials relating to dementia ranging from people. with family members being the popular to the practical: Finding The findings are part of a encouraged to be actively in- meaning in the experience of demen- national review of Older Peo- volved in their relatives’ care tia (WT 155 MAC) and: Social work ple in Acute Care (OPAC) such as helping them at meal- and dementia (WT 155 MOR). which has been taking place times.” LEAN methodology has been cho- across acute hospitals in While its report was gener- sen by NHS Highland to develop its Scotland. ally very positive, the inspec- Quality Approach and the library has a The visit to Raigmore was tion team highlighted some growing collection of materials to sup- held over three days (24th- areas for improvement, in- port this work. 26th September), with de- cluding around the hospital For background to the methodol- mentia and cognitive impair- environment, and NHS High- ogy it has: On the mend (WA 540 ment being one area of focus. land said work was ongoing to TOU) and: Transforming healthcare The inspection report included meet the report’s recommen- (WA 540 KEN). For application of feedback from patients, with dations. LEAN consider consulting: Applying all of those who completed a Doreen Bell, associate LEAN in healthcare (WA 540 AHE) questionnaire reporting that clinical director for surgical and: Lean for practitioners (WA 540 the quality of the care was specialities at Raigmore, ex- EAT). good. plained: “We are aware that Qualitative research provides a Ruth Mantle, dementia everything is not ideal at the powerful way of capturing how people nurse consultant, said: “I am moment. Work is under way feel and think about things. A number pleased that patients were as the fire upgrade work pro- of techniques including the five ap- positive about the care and gresses which will see a more proaches (Qualitative inquiry and re- the assistance they had re- dementia friendly environment search design (H 62 CRE) have been ceived. The inspectors found in place. Work on Ward 7C is developed. older people were being already completed and work Other titles covering qualitative re- treated with compassion, dig- continues on Ward 5C as part search include: Qualitative data analy- nity and respect. It is so im- of a rolling programme of im- sis (H 62 MIL) and Social research portant to us to know that we provement.” methods (H 62 BRY). are getting this right. Brenda Wilson, who re- The intricacies of managing staff “During the inspection our cently took up post as lead and your rights at work can some- staff were able to show how nurse at Raigmore, has been times be difficult to get to grips with. they work with the dementia impressed by what she has Again, the Library may be able to as- champions and myself to im- seen since her arrival. sist with its collection. People man- prove the experience of care She said: “We welcome agement (HF 5549 THO) and for of people with dementia. the report as it shows we are Painless performance conversations “Our nursing assistants performing well in most areas (HF 5549 GRE) may provide some have also carried out the ‘best and reflects a huge amount of useful start off points to exploring practice in dementia care’ effort from staff day in and these subjects. training course, which is hav- day out.” - 24 - MY name is Kathryn Bell and I’ve worked for the health ser- vice in Argyll and Bute for 20 years. I’m currently PA to Pat Why I am Tyrrell, lead nurse for the CHP, and am based in Lochgilphead. One of the areas of responsi- bility that Pat has is for Chil- dren’s Services in Argyll and a volunteer Bute and this overlaps with one of my interests and a voluntary organisation I’ve been involved with for about 15 years. befriender Befrienders, or Argyll and Bute Children’s Befriending ferred to the project from social part of her life and it feels as Scheme as it used to be known, work, education, health, reporter though she is very much a part has been in existence for 25 to the children’s panel or a pa- of the family now. years. The group held its AGM st rental referral. on 1 October and was fortunate We were asked to be in- to have Sir Harry Burns, chief The referral can be for a vari- volved with the Listening Project medical officer, as a guest ety of reasons. The common that was broadcast on Radio 4 speaker. Sir Harry spoke of the factor is that time is spent with and Radio Scotland to talk about importance of early years inter- the child in an environment that ‘friendship’. The project recorded vention and nurturing as well as allows them to spend time with a conversations between two peo- factors necessary to develop supportive adult, outwith the ple on a whole range of topics. resilience. area where there may be difficul- Our day out to the BBC studios ties. was great fun and after our initial The organisation matches I have been a volunteer be- nerves we were soon chatting as children aged from six to from 16 friender for a number of years though nobody else was there. (although there is flexibility with now and the matches I have I hope to be involved for the age range depending on the been involved in have lasted for many more years with this in- individual situation) with adult differing time periods, from two credibly important and enriching volunteers who build up a friend- to 10 years! I have remained in project and hope that the infor- ship through shared interests contact with a child – now adult mation I have provided might and simply spending time to- – who I have been friends with make more people want to find gether. for 12 years now. out more – volunteers are al- The children are often re- It has been a privilege to be ways been sought. Use of NHSmail on the increase ALMOST 47,000 people re- Health Professionals and manag- the service on a daily basis – up sponded to NHSmail’s user sur- ers/senior managers. on last year’s figure of 72 per vey this year. Some of the main Two-thirds of respondents cent. This was also demonstrated findings were: said that NHSmail was the only by 65 per cent of respondents  The largest group of re- email service they used at work – stating they used NHSmail to spondents were secretarial and a figure unchanged from last send clinical or sensitive data – admin staff, who accounted for year’s response. up from 57 per cent last year 21% of responses. Qualified  Use of the service is  As was expected, the nursing, midwifery and health vis- growing though and staff are in- number of users who access their iting staff were the second largest creasingly relying on NHSmail to account via a mobile device in- group of respondents, followed communicate, with 85% of re- creased from 16 per cent last by other non-medical staff, Allied spondents saying that they used year to 25 per cent in 2013. - 25 - WHO WE ARE: Tweets catch the eye of judges Climb was aborted but NHS Highland charity still benefits Twitter campaign AN NHS Highland em- ployee and her friend have raised £3,200 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust through a fund- in awards scheme raising challenge in the A GROUND-BREAKING Twitter cam- working in an area like Highland, with Atlas Mountains. paign by NHS Highland has been rec- the fantastic individuals and teams Yet pharmacy ad- ognised in a national awards scheme. and their ability to embrace new ideas ministration assistant In the 'Who We Are' campaign, and different ways of working. ‘Who Aileen Trappitt and pal NHS Highland employees tweet about We Are’ lets those with an interest in Kirsteen McCourt were- their work over the course of a week. health and social care services get a n’t able to complete Since it was launched over a year behind-the-scenes glimpse into some their planned task – ago, the campaign has featured con- of the demands and challenges faced climbing one of the tributions from staff and how they are re- highest mountains in members ranging QUOTE solved.” North Africa. from medics to cooks. Karen added: “In Kirsteen became ill At the UK Public just over the year with altitude sickness Sector Communica- ‘Since the cam- since the campaign and she and Aileen had tions Awards cere- started we have fea- to go back down the mony in Manchester paign started we tured many different 4,167m Jebel Toubkal. on 19th November, people who are the Aileen, who works in 'Who We Are' was have featured backbone of NHS the John Dewar Build- highly shortlisted in Highland from chap- ing in Inverness, had the social media cam- many different lains and estate work- originally planned to paign of the year cate- people who are ers, cooks, account- tackle Mount Etna in gory. ants and administra- Sicily but the company NHS Highland was the backbone of tors, healthcare sci- she was travelling with the only Scottish entists, allied health called that trip off be- health board to re- NHS Highland’ professionals and re- cause not enough peo- ceive an award nomi- searchers, as well as ple had signed up for it. nation and 'Who We more familiar staff Aileen and Kirsteen Are' was one of eight nominees for the such as doctors, nurses, receptionists took up the offer of an social media campaign title. and porters. With around 10,000 staff alternative challenge, Karen Burnett, of NHS Highland's and more than 250 professions, the Jebel Toubkal. communications team, organises the scope is enormous.” Aileen said: “We’re Twitter campaign. The UK Public Sector Communica- disappointed but still She said: “In the past we’ve taken tions Awards celebrate and reward raised money for a some criticism for using Twitter like communication campaigns, teams good cause and I this. Perhaps this shortlisting is vindi- and individuals from the public sector would like to thank eve- cation for us continuing with it. from all across the UK. rybody sponsored us.” “We’ve always seen 'Who We Are' To follow 'Who We Are' visit She added: “I would as an original and creative way to give https://twitter.com/NHSHWhoWeAr like to go back and an insight into what it can be like e have another go .” - 26 - ALL NHS Highland employees are being encouraged to join the Highland Sports and Social Club. And to sell the benefits the Join gym will be “On show” to every- one, including prospective new members, on 10th and 11th De- cember (4pm to 7pm). The facilities, which are on our the Raigmore campus, have benefited from a boost of over £12,000 upgrade. New gym equipment includes five Precor upper and lower body strength- club ening machines. This adds to the existing treadmills, orbital, rowing, skiing and cycles. The investment has also seen the existing gym room been refurbished, including painting and installation of a new 42 inch plasma screen. Stephen Davison said: “The club committee has worked really hard at cleaning and paint- ing the gym, and sourcing and financing top of the range weights equipment. “The gym now looks superb and I hope many more people will join and make use of the fa- cilities. “At just £4 per month, I hope everyone will agree that this represents outstanding value, especially in these hard financial time. “Membership includes access to qualified fitness instructor in Jason Hastings, who will provide the New Year with a new fitness restaurants. an extensive induction. Jason is regime.” It is also possible to join just also available as a personal Additional benefits of the so- the social part of the club for un- trainer at preferential rates for cial club include free use of the der £1 a month. NHS staff. Recreation Hall, monthly prize If the dates for the preview “With the festive season ap- draw, subsidised trips to places are not convenient, contact Ali proaching, what better time to such as IKEA, plus a discount Dibden on 01463 70 4351 to ar- get signed up and ready to hit scheme with local shops and range a viewing. DID YOU KNOW? The gym opened in 1999 with the help of the endowments fund ... It is now fully funded by membership fees ... Equipment has been renewed over the years as funding has become available ... This year’s refit is the biggest single investment since opening ... Highland Health Sports and Social Club is run by a small committee of eight - 27 - room flavour). I love Italian food Specialist the most. Favourite meal has to the roast beef and Yorkshire occupational pudding.

therapist Rachel And how about your favourite film? Hince answers Lord of the Rings Trilogy. the questions And TV programme? Masterchef. What’s your job? My job is a split post. I am em- What about your favourite ployed by NHS Highland and book? contracted by Highland Council I know this is sad and totally to carry out assessments on ‘nerdy’ but I really like reading those people applying for the dictionaries! I find words inter- disabled ‘Blue Badge’ parking esting. permits. I am Highland Coun- cil’s designated Independent If you won £10 million in the Mobility Assessor. The other lottery, what would you spend part of my post is carrying out it on? medical assessments for Mainly on my family, my friends, those people who have ap- charities that are close to my plied for re-housing and have heart. I would do a lot of travel- a health condition. I prioritise ling and exploring the world, a their level of need and award sporty car, a Land Rover De- the appropriate number of medi- fender, a motorbike, a really cal points which along with other nice villa in Tuscany with pool points determine where that per- and well stocked wine cellar, son is on the accessible housing lots and lots of new clothes waiting list. I also provide rec- (especially shoes) and defi- ommendations as to what that nitely throw a big party! person will require in terms of property type and/or any specific What about a smaller sum, requirements. I am based in the say £1,000? Occupational Therapy Depart- I’d give half to my family – the ment at Raigmore. However, I rest I’d buy either a television or do travel to places such as Fort I enjoy running (mostly 10ks an Apple Ipad (and if any money William, Thurso and Skye, and half marathons), road cy- left over then a pair of nice where I hold mobility assess- cling, walking my Labrador leather boots for the winter). ment clinics for my Blue Badge (Jasper), cinema, socialising, work. eating out and drinking copious If you could have dinner with amounts of wine. three people, dead or alive, Describe yourself. who would they be and what Short with brown hair! I’m lively, What was the first single you would you cook them? energetic, outgoing, fun, witty, ever bought? ‘Baker Street’ by Probably Ewan McGregor, Clint cheeky and mischievous. Gerry Rafferty. Eastwood and Johnny Depp. I Known as the “office splooter” would cook my ‘signature dish’: and can be a bit of an ‘eejit’ at What is your favourite food? Lasagne with Caesar salad and times. Crisps and cheese! My guilty garlic bread. And ‘Gypsy Tart’ pleasure is ‘Pot Noodles for pudding (Gary Rhodes rec- Hobbies and interests? (especially chicken and mush- ipe).

- 28 - Bringing it all Together in Inverness THE Living It Up project – the George Crooks, medical di- Scottish Dallas project covering rector of NHS 24, was the key- five health board areas, including note speaker. He said that Living Highland – recently held a stake- It Up was “the way forward for holder event in Inverness. delivery of Health and Social Dallas, which stands for digi- Care in Scotland”. vative ways that really benefits tally assisted living and lifestyles He encouraged those present patients. at scale, is based on a co- to consider engaging with people "Technology like this will help production model and project in different ways to help them to us do exactly that. Importantly, it manager Maggie Clark has been meet the demand on services, looks at care in a rounded way – busy talking to communities, run- and said they should not be com- not just treating people as pa- ning workshops and pop-up placent about the power of social tients but linking them into their events throughout Highland, find- media. local community and helping ing out what services could be The afternoon workshops gen- them to pursue interests that developed to support people. The erated significant outputs that will keep them healthy." project aims to use familiar tech- be reviewed by the Living It Up The official Highland launch nology, TVs, mobile phones, PCs project board and turned into a will be in the New Year. and tablets. service improvement plan which However, the Highlands Living At the ‘Bringing it All Together’ will help to ensure that Living it It up website is now live and NHS event there was real positivity Up is embedded into relevant Highland staff are urged to regis- about how Living It Up could sup- service improvement work in ter at www.livingitup.org.uk to port the delivery of health and Highland. see how it could benefit their role social care and in particular con- Alex Neil, the Cabinet Minister as well as their patients and car- nect people to their communities. for Health and Wellbeing, at- ers. The event was also about making tended the Forth Valley launch on The project, which is keen to links to other work currently going 14th November and said: "I am have feedback on the website as on in Highland and looking at determined that Scotland's health this is very much work in pro- how the project could join some service should lead the way in gress, can be contacted of it up. delivering care in new and inno- at [email protected]

What’s your story? Keep Highlights informed

Do you know of something you think for it. Please send your articles for should be featured in Highlights? An Highlights to [email protected] award, an achievement, a piece of (01463 704903) or visit the Staff research, an appointment, a retrial … Dropbox on the NHS Highland intra- you name it, Highlights has a place nent home page. - 29 - PMS UPDATE ‘Significant’ progress being made in setting up new system

THE NHS Highland Patient Man- transferred from the two existing tive processes that will be under- agement System (PMS) is due to PAS. This testing will continue in taken by PMS users is almost ‘go live’ on 3rd March 2014. phases until February 2014. complete. Work is progressing well and The building of clinics in the Once signed off, these will be significant progress continues to new system is necessary in order located in a specific section of the be achieved to date. that clinics can commence safely Intranet so that all relevant staff Extensive data migration work from ‘go live’ and this is now 80 can have full access. is taking place to merge the pa- per cent complete. This will also ensure that staff tient data from the existing Pa- The process of building the use the correct and current NHS tient Administration Systems letter templates that need to be Highland agreed procedures. (PAS) into the new and unified created for communication with Comprehensive training pack- PMS. patients is about to start and is ages are being created which will “Super users” have been iden- scheduled to be completed by be used to train all of our staff. tified who will be available on an January 2014. Training will be delivered during ongoing basis to offer advice The creation of standardised January and February 2014. once training is complete. business process maps and cor- Training will be delivered using Work is continuing to rigor- responding training procedural an innovative blend of physical ously test all data that will be instructions for all the administra- training courses and training via WebEx facilities. STAFF TRAINING SESSIONS Significant work is continuing to ensure that all the technical STAFF will be provided with training prior to ‘go live’ and it is components required by the sys- important that staff attend these sessions. tem are in place. These include: To supplement the training the PMS programme is arranging for printing facilities available the following additional resources to be available: in all appropriate locations;  Booklets with advice on how to use the new PMS will be interfaces to 3rd party sys- available for all staff to refer to; tems e.g. cancer tracking, theatre training materials will be available on the website; etc are in place for the go live demonstration videos will be available on the website; date;  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be available on the all the necessary central website; and infrastructure in place and tested; users will be able to log calls with the Service Desk and these and will be routed to the appropriate people. speed of access to the The training calendars will be on the intranet for staff to book new system is appropriate on all into during December 2013. sites across NHS Highland. - 30 - PMS UPDATE Monthly presentations on progress of implementation REGULAR presentations on the progress being The eHealth Department has also created a made in relation to implementation of the Patient number of recorded demonstrations so that you can Management System (PMS) programme are deliv- review the functionality of new PMS. ered on a monthly basis at the following locations: These demonstrations are available on the PMS Inverness website which is housed on the NHS High- Wick land Intranet under “eHealth Projects”. Fort William Alternatively, you can click on the following Lochgilphead link: http://intranet.nhsh.scot.nhs.uk/Projects/ Dates of these important presentations are de- tailed on the PMS intranet page, please make every eHealth/PatientManagementSystem/Pages/ effort to attend. Default.aspx ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GO-LIVE PERIOD The PMS is due to ‘go live’ on 3rd March 2014. While a detailed plan for these few days is not complete the high level plan is as shown below. Monday 6 January to Friday 28 Staff training. February 2014 Friday 28 February 2014 The current iSoft and Helix Patient Administration Systems will be switched off and will be unavailable for staff to use.

The exact time of switch off will be notified in advance, however, it is expected to be some time in the afternoon.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 Clinical activity will continue as normal during the weekend, however, March 2014 paper records will need to be kept and clinics scheduled for this weekend will have to be manually recorded and entered into the PMS when live. Monday 3 March 2014 Staff will commence using the new PMS.

Monday 3 to Friday 7 March Trainers, super users and PMS team available to answer questions 2014 and provide general support.

Monday 10 March 2014 on- Super users will be available to answer questions and assist with day wards to day queries.

Training will continue with courses available for staff who were unable to attend training due to leave commitments.

If you have any questions about any aspect of the PMS programme please get in touch via the PMS mailbox [email protected] - 31 - MEETMEET THE THE BOARD BOARD: : ALASDAIR ALASDAIR LAWTON LAWTON Non-exec on NHS Highland’s big project:

HE once worked for Asian PGA can’t resist applying his profes- Highland Quality Approach as a Golf Tour – even though he read- sional experience to offering a new broom, it won’t clean up eve- ily admits he’s no golfer. personal appraisal of one of NHS rything, it’s not a panacea and Now, he serves on the board Highland’s ongoing major pro- nobody should think that it alone of NHS Highland – even though jects, the implementation of the will deliver the positive changes he has absolutely no background Highland Quality Approach, the the board is seeking. In addition, in healthcare. management strategy which there is no real end game in the “I didn’t need to have a par- “puts quality first to deliver better Highland Quality Approach. As a ticular interest in healthcare to health, better care and better management technique, it will realise that I could be of service value”. evolve, as other things evolve. to the NHS Highland board, any “I think its introduction has We constantly face changes in, more than I needed to be a golfer gone very well,” Alasdair told for example, medicine and legis- to work for a golf tour,” said Alas- Highlights, “but like many man- lation, and I think the Highland dair Lawton. agement techniques the Highland Quality Approach must adapt ac- For his particular skill set is Quality Approach is not rocket cordingly.” accountancy and, perhaps more science. Rather, it pulls together And Alasdair believes that key relevant in his board role, project lots of common-sense ideas that to the successful introduction of management consultancy. have been around for some time the HQA is staff buy-in. “It’s im- The Strathpeffer resident has and puts them in a single frame- portant that everyone under- a small business, MacWilliams work. stands it and embraces it, and Consulting Ltd, which provides “It is a good tool. People get I’ve no doubt a few quick wins for independent reviews of projects stuck in their ways and some- the HQA would help with that.” in both the public and private sec- times tend not to ask the obvious If he views the bedding-in of tors. questions. Why is that there? the HQA positively, he’s equally And as someone with a seat in What needs to be done? Can this positive about other aspects of the boardroom at Assynt House be done better? since July last year, Alasdair “But while we can see the Continued on page 33 - 32 - MEET THE BOARD: ALASDAIR LAWTON

Continued from page 32 University before taking the less- than-obvious move into chartered the board’s work. accountancy. “I have really enjoyed my time “I took languages because I here,” he said, “and the way the enjoyed it,” he said. “As for ac- board operates has impressed countancy, well, the qualifications me. We have lots of people put I gained in it got me jobs I would- together in a room, each with dif- n’t have got otherwise and I ferent backgrounds and different wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing agendas, and it takes strong now.” leadership to manage that effec- After working for a number of tively. I think we have that strong motor parts factors, he secured a leadership.” finance job at the National Exhibi- Alasdair, who says he was tion Centre in Birmingham before attracted to the role by board accepting a short-term contract chair Garry Coutts, is chair of the (three months, though he stayed board’s asset management and for more than a year) as chief staff governance committees, finance officer for the Asian PGA and also serves on the clinical Golf Tour, based in Singapore. governance committee and staff “It was fun in a lot of ways, renumeration sub-committee. and I travelled a quite a bit, but it It’s a pretty full commitment, was also pretty challenging,” he but as a self-employed business- recalled. “I came back from the man he feels able to juggle his Far East far more robust than I time between his company, board was before.” and other commitments. Cycling Club (his son Sam was in His move from Singapore to And there’s no shortage of the team which won the Scottish Strathpeffer was a curious one. other commitments. Besides Cross-country Championships His wife Linda (now human re- MacWilliams Consulting, Alasdair last year). Oh, and he manages sources director for Lifescan) had runs a business called Handson- to squeeze in three 10K runs accepted voluntary redundancy events – “the organisers of Scot- every week. from Scottish & Newcastle and land’s best adventures”, including “I have always been busy,” he his time in the Far East was the Highlander Mountain Mara- said. “Sometimes I think I am do- drawing to a close. thon and a series of cycling spo- ing too much. In fact, I’ve “We literally took out a map in tives. He also runs Strathpuffer dropped some things because I a pub and decided where we Ltd, which organises endurance want to do the things I do to the wanted to go,” he said. “We both mountain biking events. best of my ability and that’s not like the outdoors, and opted for A keen walker and good navi- always possible if you are over- either the Lake District or the gator, he is a member of the Tor- committed.” Highlands. But property in the ridon and Kinlochewe Mountain Originally from near Doncaster Lake District was expensive, Rescue Team. A cycling enthusi- in South Yorkshire, Alasdair took while it was relatively cheap in ast, he’s chairman of Ben Wyvis a languages degree at Coventry the Highlands. Because of that, and the fact that there’s a grow- QUOTE ing economy here, we opted for the Highlands. “I flew up, looked at a lot of We literally took out a map houses and successfully made an offer on one my wife hadn’t in a pub and decided where we seen. It was the school in Strath- peffer that won me over, but it’s a wanted to go great place to live. I’m happy here.” - 33 -