PAGES 10-11 Celebrate the partnership success stories the in Lanarkshire

PAGE 15 Innovative text messaging service Pulse gives reassurance MAY/JUNE 2015 NHS LANARKSHIRE NEWS www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk

Hello my name is… STAFF across NHS Lanarkshire are getting behind the #hellomynameis campaign to help further improve patient care. The campaign was launched by Dr Kate Granger, who is a terminally ill cancer patient. She started the campaign after a hospital stay in England last year when she observed that many staff looking after her did not introduce themselves before delivering care. Frances Dodd, divisional director of nursing, said: “Introducing yourself to every patient is fundamental in providing patient-centred care. “We all know that the little things make a massive impact on patients. By introducing yourself, you can help establish a friendly and trusting relationship with your patients. Compassion is central to great healthcare.” You can support Dr Granger’s campaign on Twitter by sending her a message at @GrangerKate including your name and the phrase #hellomynameis

octors are calling on SMOKERSsmokers to support the NHS LANARKSHIRE APPEALS CAN TO SMOKERS TO SUPPORTHELP BAN AND ban on smoking on NHS SET A GOOD EXAMPLE BY NOT LIGHTING UP ON HOSPITAL GROUNDS premises. DRespiratory consultant Dr Soong Tan and we want to set a good example to the next “All we’re asking is that they help us to consultant paediatrician with special generation so they do not see smoking discourage other people from smoking on interest in respiratory paediatrics, Dr Carol as normal. the grounds by not smoking themselves. Dryden, say the support of smokers could “We know that more than 70 per cent of “We also want to make them aware that help reduce the number of people who will people who smoke wish they had never although it might only be one cigarette for develop a respiratory illness in the future. started, which is why we’re appealing to them, others before and after them will also They made their appeal to promote NHS them to help us set a good example to the have had just one which means that for Lanarkshire’s no smoking policy which bans next generation and prevent them from patients and staff in the hospital, there is a smoking on its grounds. The policy aims to starting an addiction which they will constant presence of cigarette smoke protect people from second-hand smoke, later regret. hanging around the entrances. prevent future generations from starting and “By simply not smoking on health “It makes what is supposed to be a offers services to those who wish to stop. premises, they can help us do that.” healthcare environment, unhealthy and Dr Dryden said: “I can appreciate why a Dr Soong Tan added: “As someone who’s unpleasant.” smoker may believe they are not doing any well aware of the damage smoking can do, I For advice on how to stop, call 0300 303 0242 harm to others by having one cigarette l STUB IT OUT: Dr Carol Dryden and Dr Soong would obviously prefer people to give it up outside in an open space. altogether. But we’re aware not everyone is (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), text ‘advice’ to 81066 or visit Tan ask smokers to show their support for www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/HealthyLiving/StopSmoking “But as a health-promoting organisation, smoke-free hospital grounds ready or wants to stop.

ALSO INSIDE l NEWS ACROSS THE DIVISIONS l YOUR SUCCESSES l YOUR STORIES l YOUR HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE 2 News MAY/JUNE 2015

Welcome to the Pulse COMMITTED TO THE BEST CARE NEW ACUTE SERVICES DIRECTOR HEATHER KNOX IS DELIGHTED TO JOIN NHS LANARKSHIRE TEAM

HS Lanarkshire’s new director of acute services has an ambition to I TRY TO SEE SERVICES FROM THE Hospital at Nprovide the best person- CARE IN COMFORT: PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE AND YOU WILL Home service to be expanded to care centred patient care. for more older people. Page 14 Heather Knox was born in the OFTEN FIND ME CHATTING TO PATIENTS” Borders and grew up in Fife. She joined NHS Lanarkshire after to IVF, examining people’s views university, I decided that I moving from her post as director and ethical issues. wanted to get back to operational NEWS STAFF BENEFITS of acute services in Fife and was “I then completed a management as I really enjoy Hairmyres gears Win free hot yoga previously employed as director postgraduate degree in health being in the hospital up to accept classes to get you of regional planning for the west research, which was sponsored environment. I took a extra patients; in shape of Scotland. by the Medical Research Council. secondment to NHS Fife as their 2-9 16 The director, who is also a As part of that, I undertook a director of acute services for 18 activity club helps ACHIEVEMENTS personal coach, has identical twin course on health management. months before applying to my the elderly; absence daughters who are 19 years old. I really enjoyed it and joined current post in Lanarkshire.” management service Staff secure skills Heather said: “I completed a the graduate management Heather continued: “When I improves to support staff and showcase degree in sociology. I was really training scheme.” worked in the west of Scotland, I their achievements FEATURE 17 interested in medical politics and The training scheme saw always wanted to work in at events did my dissertation on attitudes Heather move to London, where Lanarkshire. I worked with a lot Achievements RETIREMENTS she became the youngest general of the directors very closely and in integrating manager of a London NHS was struck by how strong the 10-11 health and Farewells to hospital at the age of 27. team was. It was this that drove social care long-standing Heather then moved to me to apply for this job. Glasgow Health Board, where “I try to see the services from NEWS 18-19 staff members she held a general manager role the patient’s perspective and you ACHIEVEMENTS Copyright over seven sites in north Glasgow will often find me sitting chatting before accepting the role of to patients to hear their views. I rules; service Project scoops top director of regional planning for often start meetings with a 12-15 meets therapy award; staff nurse the west of Scotland. patient story and I will ask my target; text messaging 20 takes on cycling Heather added: “I stayed in the team when they last spoke to service challenge of a lifetime west of Scotland planning role their patients and what for approximately eight years. they learned. My daughters were young “I am committed to improving and I wanted to see as the quality of healthcare for

PAGES 10-11 Celebrate the Editorial Policy the partnership much of them as I could patients and I intend to build on success stories in Lanarkshire PAGE 15 and in the planning job, the successes of Lanarkshire’s Innovative text Pulse messaging service gives reassurance MAY/JUNE 2015 NHS LANARKSHIRE NEWS As the staff newspaper of NHS Lanarkshire, www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk the hours were more existing services to ensure they Heather joins NHS Hello my QUALITY: the Pulse aims to celebrate the work and name is… manageable. meet the needs of patients now STAFF across NHS Lanarkshire are getting behind the #hellomynameis campaign to help Lanarkshire from NHS Fife further improve patient care. The campaign was launched by Dr Kate Granger, who is a terminally ill cancer patient. She started the campaign after a hospital achievements of staff and services. It also stay in England last year when she observed “When they went to and into the future.” that many staff looking after her did not introduce themselves before delivering care. Frances Dodd, divisional director of nursing, said: “Introducing yourself to every patient is fundamental in providing patient-centred care. “We all know that the little things make a massive impact on patients. By introducing yourself, you can help establish a friendly and shares information about the changes and trusting relationship with your patients. Compassion is central to great healthcare.” You can support Dr Granger’s campaign on Twitter by sending her a message at @GrangerKate issues that affect staff at work. We would like including your name and the phrase #hellomynameis

octors are calling on SMOKERSsmokers to support the CAN HELP NHS LANARKSHIRE APPEALS TO SMOKERS TO SUPPORT BAN AND ban on smoking on NHS premises. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE BY NOT LIGHTING UP ON HOSPITAL GROUNDS to hear your thoughts and suggestions about DRespiratory consultant Dr Soong Tan and consultant paediatrician with special interest in respiratory paediatrics, Dr Carol we want to set a good example to the next Dryden, say the support of smokers could generation so they do not see smoking “All we’re asking is that they help us to help reduce the number of people who will as normal. discourage other people from smoking on develop a respiratory illness in the future. “We know that more than 70 per cent of the grounds by not smoking themselves. They made their appeal to promote NHS people who smoke wish they had never “We also want to make them aware that Lanarkshire’s no smoking policy which bans started, which is why we’re appealing to although it might only be one cigarette for smoking on its grounds. The policy aims to them to help us set a good example to the them, others before and after them will also the kind of stories you would like to see in protect people from second-hand smoke, next generation and prevent them from have had just one which means that for prevent future generations from starting and starting an addiction which they will patients and staff in the hospital, there is a offers services to those who wish to stop. later regret. constant presence of cigarette smoke Dr Dryden said: “I can appreciate why a “By simply not smoking on health hanging around the entrances. smoker may believe they are not doing any premises, they can help us do that.” “It makes what is supposed to be a harm to others by having one cigarette Dr Soong Tan added: “As someone who’s healthcare environment, unhealthy and outside in an open space. well aware of the damage smoking can do, I unpleasant.” l STUB IT OUT: Dr Carol Dryden and Dr Soong “But as a health-promoting organisation, Tan ask smokers to show their support for would obviously prefer people to give it up altogether. But we’re aware not everyone is For advice on how to stop, call 0300 303 0242 the Pulse. Contact Fiona (below) with your smoke-free hospital grounds (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), text ‘advice’ to 81066 or visit ready or wants to stop. www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/HealthyLiving/StopSmoking ALSO INSIDE l NEWS ACROSS THE DIVISIONS l YOUR SUCCESSES stories, comments and ideas. l YOUR STORIES l YOUR HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE Death of PPF’s Felix Mulholland THE former chair of the North Lanarkshire Public GOT A STORY? Partnership Forum (PPF), Felix Mulholland, sadly passed away in April. If you have any ideas, stories or features you would like to see Stephen Kerr, head of north Lanarkshire CHP included, or would just like to tell us what you think of the Pulse, (Interim), said: “Felix stepped down from his role as please get in touch... chair due to ill health but he continued to be actively involved in the work of the PPF. Fiona O’Dowd “Felix was not only a well-respected and valued Telephone: 01698 858 108 member of the PPF due to his level of commitment Email: fiona.o’[email protected] through his years of involvement, but was also very well-liked and highly thought of by his fellow Felix members and those who worked with him. Felix RESPECTED: The deadline for contributions to the next issue of the Pulse will be sadly missed is Friday 5 June. will be a huge loss and our condolences go out to his family.” News 3 MAY/JUNE 2015

DID YOU KNOW? You can tour the new lab on Wednesday 13 May. To book, call 01698 366391 or email heather.hunt@ lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

TESTERS: Claire Cullen, biomedical scientist, and (far right) Pamela Alexander, biomedical scientist

WISHAW’S BLOOD LABORATORY ISFAB NOW FULLY AUTOMATED, LABGIVING FASTER RESULTS ISHAW General Hospital Jacqueline McGuire, consultant piece of equipment we now have is store them within an online cold room is now home to one of biochemist for NHS Lanarkshire, said: through one supplier, Roche. after completion. These were all laborious the largest automated “Previously, each hospital laboratory “We now have a ‘tracked analyser tasks that previously had to be completed blood science laboratories would manually process its own system’ at Wishaw laboratory. On a daily manually and were prone to error.” Win all of Scotland. samples from its inpatients, outpatients basis, thousands of specimens are booked The system has helped to reduce Thanks to a service redesign, the new and GP population. We had different into the system with a unique barcode. turnaround times and increase the fully automated laboratory analyses and procedures and practices on each site This barcode allows the system to know consistency of quality results. diagnoses all samples from primary care due to the different equipment that exactly what to do with each specimen Jacqueline added: “The staff have been as well as all Wishaw inpatient and was used.” and will prioritise emergency requests. dedicated in transforming the service outpatient blood samples. “Centralising primary care samples This includes fully automated specimen provided by the laboratories. They have It now carries out more than ten million together on one site allowed us to employ sorting, centrifugation and aliquoting. embraced all the changes and we now investigations, with a further four million state-of-the-art technologies to provide a “The track transports the samples have a fabulous laboratory service, which at the Monklands and Hairmyres labs. more efficient and effective service. Every around between the analysers and will we are all very proud of.”

£7.8m Kilsyth Community Health Centre is open THE new Kilsyth Community Health centre has been positive with Centre is now open. everyone appreciating the new Construction of the £7.8 million state-of-the-art premises.” centre was completed at the start of Next to open is the new Hunter April and it opened to patients at the Community Health Centre which will end of that month. open its doors to new patients at the General manager of the North end of May. West Unit Owen Watters said: “The General manager of the South migration process of moving all the West Unit Tom Bryce said: “The staff – healthcare workers, GPs and migration process to the new centre support staff – from the existing is about to get under way. centre to the new one went well and “Some staff have already visited I would like to thank everyone for their new base with everyone else ON SITE: Calum Campbell (third their co-operation and support kept informed and updated. from right) and Colin Sloey (fifth during this process. “All are looking forward to the from right) visit the new centre “The feedback we’ve had from move and to treating patients in the everyone who has used the new new centre.” 4 News MAY/JUNE 2015

ERVICES at Hairmyres have been enhanced to cope with any HAIRMYRES HOSPITAL GEARS UP TO COPE WITH EXTRA PATIENTS WE’REadditional patients who come ONCE VICTORIA HOSPITAL’S READY A&E DEPARTMENT CLOSES IN MAY to the hospital once the A&E Sdepartment at the Victoria Infirmary However, as with any change in services, Service, to assess the numbers and case AHPs and CPNs, who will deliver in Glasgow closes in May. it is important to have contingency plans in mix of patients that could potentially specialist, co-ordinated and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is place for unplanned patient activity and we attend Hairmyres Hospital once the comprehensive assessment and care for planning public awareness activity to are planning to augment our services at Victoria Infirmary emergency frail older adults in their own homes. advise people which services they should Hairmyres in order to help facilitate department closes. It will initially be offered to patients in use following the opening of the new the change. “Capacity plans linked to these East Kilbride and Strathaven and will South Glasgow University Hospital and Colin Sloey, director of strategic scenarios have been prepared to ensure incrementally roll out to cover the full the closure of the A&E at the Victoria. The planning and performance, said: “We have that the site can accommodate additional hospital catchment area. Board will also ensure that GPs in the area been working with NHS Greater Glasgow patient activity. This includes changes to Colin added: “We will be assessing any are aware of referral procedures to and Clyde, Scottish Ambulance the staffing levels and physical changes in attendance rates, including a Glasgow hospitals. Service and senior clinicians in NHS environment such as increasing capacity regular monitoring process with NHS There will be no changes to the referral Lanarkshire regarding the arrangements within the emergency department and Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the pathways for planned care: Lanarkshire for the management of unplanned intensive care.” Scottish Ambulance Service in the first GPs who normally refer into Glasgow’s patient activity. A new Hospital at Home service will also few months following the closure of the hospitals (largely the Camglen practices) “As part of our planning process we be rolled out in the Hairmyres catchment Victoria Infirmary. This data will be used will continue to do so when services move have completed a detailed analysis, using area. This is a multidisciplinary acute care to inform longer-term developments at from the Victoria Infirmary to the South data provided by NHS Greater Glasgow team, made up of NHS Lanarkshire Hairmyres to meet any changing patterns Glasgow University Hospital. and Clyde and the Scottish Ambulance consultants, advanced assessment nurses, of demand.”

Staff praised for helping identify places of violence NHS Lanarkshire staff have been praised for their efforts in helping to reduce violent assaults. VISION TO REALITY: how the new intensive The plaudits have come from the violence reduction care unit at Monklands Hospital will look unit (VRU) of Police Scotland following A&E reception staff in Monklands, Hairmyres and Wishaw General hospitals’ ongoing support for a programme which records when a patient presents at A&E as the result of a violent assault. Building work gets the The Lanarkshire Assault Injury Surveillance Programme (LAISP) involves NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland and the VRU and sees A&E reception staff green light at hospital gather information within a care plan, such as when and where an incident occurred and whether a weapon PLANS to expand and refurbish the aspirations of both patients and staff.” was involved. This anonymised information is then operating theatres and intensive care Under plans, the seven existing given to the police to help them: unit (ICU) at Monklands Hospital have theatres would undergo an extensive • identify licensed premises where violence/assaults taken a major step forward. refurbishment programme alongside have taken place The Scottish Government Capital the construction of a new build 10-bed • inform Lanarkshire ‘campus cops’ when it involves Investment Group has approved the ICU. This will be located on the ground SURVEILLANCE SUCCESS: Members of the LAISP a school met recently to celebrate the work of the programme full business case for the £19 million floor between the main building and • use in Lanarkshire police division tactical meetings and thank A&E reception staff for their support investment programme. renal/infectious diseases unit. • compare police violent incident reports with A&E Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire head The Monklands Hospital site has department information. year, we’ve been delighted with the number of care of planning and development, said: been subject to a lot of improvement Karen McGuigan, assault injury surveillance plans which have been completed for patients who “We are delighted that the Scottish works and continued investment. In programme manager, said: “This information doesn’t have been assaulted. Government has approved the full addition to the theatre and ICU contain any patient identifiable details but what we do “It was for this reason that we and the police business case. upgrade, work is ongoing to create a collect allows the police to identify possible trouble wanted to go on record to thank them for their efforts “Monklands Hospital is the subject new pathology laboratory (£1.8 spots such as clubs or bars where violence occurs so which are indirectly helping to make individuals and of ongoing investment through the million) and the Lanarkshire Beatson they can monitor it and take any action which they feel communities safer.” NHS Lanarkshire Board to ensure that (£22 million) will open later this year. is appropriate. all facilities are able to support the This is on top of the new Maggie’s “We appreciate that collecting the assault injury For more information on LAISP, see the dedicated page on ever-increasing levels of demand for Centre which opened last year and the surveillance data can be challenging for A&E reception FirstPort at: http://firstport2/resources/programme specialist acute clinical care. investment of over £30 million in staff working in busy departments and, over the past s-projects/assault-injury-surveillance/default.aspx “This investment shows our maintaining the infrastructure at commitment to meeting the needs and Monklands over the last six years. News 5 MAY/JUNE 2015

LISTEN: feedback from patients can help identify improvements

OPEN INVITATION: all staff are welcome to join the forum Meet up for latest news at Monklands STAFF at Monklands Hospital share the information with others have the opportunity to attend a in their department or ward area series of open forum meetings. to help keep all staff informed.” The meetings are designed to Each meeting will provide keep staff fully informed and to updates on all Monklands related give them the chance to ask any business from performance questions they may have. against targets and developments Andrea Fyfe, director of in clinical practice to subjects hospital services at Monklands such as car parking, the smoking Hospital, said: “The meetings are policy and improvement works. open to all staff, from estates, Staff can also submit questions porters, domestic and catering or topics ahead of the meeting by KEEP YOUR EAR staff to pharmacy, nurses, doctors, emailing Lisa Elliot, personal clerical and administration staff. secretary to Andrea Fyfe, via the “If you work at Monklands and global email address or by calling want to know about recent 01236 712305. developments or you would like The dates and times for the to ask any questions then this is meetings for 2015, held in the TO THE GROUND the meeting for you. lecture theatre, are: “I appreciate that we all have l Tuesday 5 May: 2pm–3.30pm busy jobs, however, I would like l Friday 19 June: 11am–12.30pm managers and senior staff to give l Friday 31 July: 11am–12.30pm their staff the opportunity to l Tuesday 22 September: FOR GOOD IDEAS attend. Staff do not have to stay 3.30pm–5pm for the duration of the meeting. l Tuesday 3 November: FEEDBACK HELPS US DISCOVER IMPROVEMENTS – Those who do attend can then 2pm–3.30pm. SUCH AS KEEPING NOISE TO A MINIMUM IN WARDS

ISTENING to feedback we have introduced the ‘Shhh… especially during rest periods and is really important to initiative’ onto some of our wards.” throughout the night. We have help identify any areas Posters have been placed around also asked families and friends to Help is at hand with for improvement. the ward as a reminder to keep help us reduce noise during LPatients and visitors who share noise to a minimum. There are also visiting times. their experiences and views allow “You are now entering a quiet “This initiative certainly seems information pack NHS Lanarkshire to respond, learn zone” posters at the ward entrance. to be making a difference and the and, where required, make any ‘Chatter trackers’ have also wards are calmer and quieter as A RESOURCE pack for families members and carers need to look necessary changes. been installed in the main a result. and carers affected by drugs or after themselves too. Ruth Thompson, chief of corridors of the ward. These “This is just one of many alcohol has been launched by the “This is what this pack aims to nursing services at Monklands traffic light systems work as a changes and improvements we are Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug address by providing families and Hospital, said: “We invite patients visual reminder that the level of introducing to enhance our Partnership (LADP). carers with a range of in each of our wards to tell us noise is reaching, or exceeding, an patients’ journey. I am very proud Titled Help is at Hand, the pack information, including the basics about their experience during unacceptable level. of the efforts of the staff and I am aims to support families in of knowing where to start. their stay in hospital. Ruth added: “All our staff are also grateful for the support we recognising they are not alone “Since we launched it at the “One of the issues raised was about committed to reducing noise, have received from the public.” when supporting those with drug David Livingston Centre in the noise levels on the ward. A noisy and/or alcohol problems. Blantyre back in March, the local environment can affect Eleanor McDermott, response from family members communication, create negative development officer (North) from and staff has been fantastic.” feelings and cause interruptions LADP said: “While the person to care and treatment. We also WE INVITE PATIENTS IN EACH OF OUR with the drug or alcohol problem For a copy of the pack, contact recognise the importance of rest WARDS TO TELL US ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE needs care and support to get Pamela at pamela.stewart@ during treatment and recuperation. their life back on track, family lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or 01236 707583. “Since receiving this feedback DURING THEIR STAY IN HOSPITAL” 6 News MAY/JUNE 2015 FEEL BETTER RESPONSIBLE: staff called on to look out for the best interests of looked after children AT THE CLUB and young people New corporate parenting role NHS Lanarkshire has a corporate Children and young people in parenting responsibility for all care or who are looked after have children and young people who some of the poorest outcomes of are looked after in Lanarkshire. all children and young people in A corporate parent is an Scotland. organisation or person in power Evidence suggests that: who has special responsibilities l 50 per cent of the adult prison ON THE MOVE: (from left) daughters of patients to care for looked after children population were looked after Kathleen Harbinson and Anne-Marie Chiswell, and young people. This includes l 60 per cent of looked after clinical support workers Shelley Bishop and Gail children who are looked after: children become homeless in Neilson, and Karen Wilson, senior charge nurse l in residential care adulthood l in foster care l 50 per cent of looked after l in kinship care, who live with a children have a mental health family member other than a parent issue, including higher rates of ARERS and relatives l at home. self-harm and suicide are seeing a real ACTIVITY CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY IS Wendy Mitchell, nurse l 25 per cent of looked after difference in their REALLY HELPING WISHAW PATIENTS consultant for child and adult young women become pregnant loved ones, thanks to protection and vulnerable within 18 months of leaving care innovativeC work taking place in films and TV footage, listening to Kathleen Harbinson added: families, said: “A corporate parent l Only four per cent of those Wishaw General Hospital. music and singing. Visitors can “When I came to The Club to visit is expected to carry out many of who have been looked after go Karen Wilson, acting senior attend and suggest activities that my mum, it was like seeing a the roles a parent would. onto higher education. charge nurse, said: “Through our could be included. different person – it was like I had “They, of course, will not be Wendy continued: “We want to dementia work, we know that Feedback from relatives and my mother back. I could spend able to provide everything a try and improve these outcomes. many of the stress and distress carers has been really positive. longer with her at visiting time as loving parent can, but they should “We want all staff to help by symptoms shown by some of our They are finding that their relatives she was more interactive. I went still be able to provide the considering their wellbeing, elderly patients can be related to are much more interactive during out of here skipping after seeing children and young people assessing their needs, inactivity and social isolation. visiting times. my mum in The Club.” with the best possible promoting their best “To address this issue and Anne-Marie Chiswell, whose Janice Miles, senior nurse for support and care. interests, making sure their provide greater stimulation and father was in hospital and attended older people, said: “Staff and “The concept is intended to voices and opinions are interaction, the care of the elderly The Club, said: “When your parent visitors are really seeing the benefits encourage people and heard, providing team at the hospital introduced is in hospital you are really worried of The Club and our patients are organisations to do as opportunities for ‘The Club’, an area in the day that they are stuck in a bed feeling the difference, too. much as they can to them, providing hospital where patients could undergoing medical treatment. “Since the introduction of The make sure children advice and come to and take part in social When my dad was taken out of the Club, three out of the four wards and young people assistance when activities. It is a great example of ward and put in among people I have seen a significant reduction feel in control of they’re needed person-centred care.” could see a real difference in him. I in falls. One ward had 61 falls in their lives and and making sure The activities that take place can’t thank the staff enough. My 2013/14. Since The Club has been overcome the services are easy within The Club include bingo, dad got his appetite back and he operating, falls in the same ward barriers they face.” to access for them.” reminiscence boxes, watching old was sleeping better at night too.” has reduced to 16.”

Campaign promotes alternative communication A RECENT event has highlighted the pointing to more complex techniques Lanarkshire, said: “A person’s However, it takes more than a piece “Over the next few months, successes of NHS Lanarkshire’s involving powerful technology and communication may be impaired of equipment or a communication the AAC team will be promoting the campaign to improve services for synthetic voices. due to lifelong conditions such system. People who use AAC need to now hear me campaign and telling those who use augmentative and The ‘now hear me’ campaign as cerebral palsy and autism or it live in communities that understand people how they can support those alternative communication (AAC). encourages people to find out what may be as a result of an acquired and can respond to their needs. who use AAC.” AAC helps get around problems an they can do to support the estimated condition such as dementia, “In Lanarkshire, we have been individual might have with speaking 26,500 people across Scotland who motor neurone disease, stroke or working hard to support individuals To find out more about the campaign, or understanding information. These require AAC. head injury. who use AAC in schools, colleges, visit www.nowhearme.co.uk or find range from pictures, gestures and Pauline Downie, AAC Lead for “AAC can transform people’s lives. hospitals and out in the community. AAC Lanarkshire on Facebook and Twitter. News 7 MAY/JUNE 2015

Stand up and walk away from your desk… for a little while STAFF in Cambuslang Health Clinic physical inactivity is the fourth biggest have taken a stand to encourage folk TOP TIPS TO STAY ACTIVE killer in Britain, and that more than 50 to get fitter. EASY WAYS TO GET AWAY FROM YOUR DESK AND AVOID SITTING DOWN ALL DAY per cent of adults spend five hours or They did so as part of the national more per work day sitting, there’s a Stand Up for Britain campaign on l Leave your desk at regular intervals l Get outside for a breath of fresh need to get people away from their 24 April, which encouraged people to air during your break l Speak directly to colleagues l Do not eat lunch at desk for a spell. spend less time sitting at their desk. your desk l Use distant water coolers l Use a printer in another location “It’s important that people move It is estimated that if you spend l Go to further away toilets l Stand up when you’re on the phone l Have about more during their working day. more than four hours a day sitting you walk and talk meetings l Stand and stretch at least once per hour. “Even standing can help as you lose the benefits achieved from burn more calories standing than ON YOUR FEET: (from left) Jennifer Newman, Anne Watson and meeting physical activity targets. when sitting down.” Margaret Porter want other staff to Prolonged sitting increases the risk Jennifer Newman, senior health really quickly when you consider the take a stand and get moving during of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, improvement officer based in school run, commuting, sitting at work For more information, go to: their working day obesity, cancer, depression, high blood Cambuslang Health Clinic, said: “The and watching TV. https://getbritainstanding.org/ pressure and neck or back pain. hours you spend sitting can add up “When you also consider that onyourfeet-britain

Online tips TAEKWONDO INSTRUCTOR IS FULL OF PRAISE FOR HOSPITAL STAFF to eat well A NEW website is helping families make simple changes to the way they shop, cook and eat. The Eat Better Feel Better website includes recipes, offers, handy hints and cook- along videos. ANDREW IS It also features a useful tool to help create your weekly shopping list. Research shows that less than half of Scotland’s mums are happy to cook a meal using fresh or frozen ingredients, without the use of a recipe. ONLOCAL taekwondo instructorTHE I haven’t been able to run, MENDcycle or do However, more than a third of has praised healthcare staff for martial arts, so it does get you down a bit. families are eating takeaway helping him to get back on his “I love cycling and would often go away for food at least once a week and feet after suffering a freak hours on my bike. I hope to be able to do around one third of families are Aaccident, which left him in pain for that again as it is not a load-bearing sport. I eating ready meals at least three years. have also completed a marathon and lots of three times a week. Andrew Chesworth, a fitness fanatic from half marathons, which I don’t think I will be Public Health Minister Airdrie, jumped to the assistance of a able to do again. Maureen Watt said: “For many colleague who was suffering a heart attack. “My two daughters are also both black families across Scotland, buying, As he ran to help, he slid down a flight of belts in taekwondo, so my older one has cooking and eating healthy stairs, badly damaging his knee and taken over running the club. I often go and food can be a real challenge. breaking his wrist in three places. watch the action from the sidelines. However, there are many quick Andrew said: “My wrist was in so much “I am looking forward to not being in pain and cheap changes that we pain at the time that I didn’t really bother any more, getting back to normality and can make which can lead to about my knee. I just thought that it had going for a cycle.” significant improvements in taken a bit of a bump when I fell. Andrew is full of praise for the staff who our daily diets. “By the time I got my plaster off after cared for him throughout his hospital stays. “From dealing with fussy surgery on my wrist, my knee was starting He said: “The staff couldn’t have been eaters and shopping on a to swell and it would give way. I had nicer. From the consultants to the budget to planning your meals no strength in it and I needed to domestics, every single person who and finding time to cook, Eat hold myself up or I would fall on came into my room introduced Better Feel Better aims to the floor. I went to the hospital themselves to me. They all took the SURGERY: Andrew address the various challenges and was told that I had torn the time to speak to me, which was had four operations to repair his knee faced by families by providing ligaments in my knee. really nice. lots of practical hints, tips and “I have now had a total of four “I have received a total of ten recipes to help families eat operations on my knee over three operations in hospital and more healthily.” years to rectify the damage that never had a bad restaurant where you have one waiter for The site provides practical was caused.” experience. Nothing one table. They believe you should have one and easy to follow guides to Andrew holds a black belt was a problem for doctor treating only one patient. People cooking healthier family in taekwondo, karate, them; they even don’t realise how hard these people work favourites such as spaghetti kung fu and judo as made my wife a and they have more than one patient to care bolognese, homemade burgers well as being a cup of coffee. for. They do extremely well. and chicken curry. keen cyclist. “Lots of “If you don’t work in the emergency He said: “Being people think services, you don’t realise how hard it is. It’s For further information, visit: unable to stay active that the NHS not the easiest job in the world and the staff www.eatbetterfeelbetter.co.uk drives you nuts. is like a do it really well.” 8 News MAY/JUNE 2015 RETURNING TO

WORKABSENCE MANAGEMENT SERVICE IS TO BETTEREASY SUPPORT STAFF HS Lanarkshire’s Get training occupational health service is changing to reduce staff absence in research Nby one per cent this year. TRAINING has been made available Thanks to the high work ethic for staff who are undertaking and professionalism of staff across further study or who have an NHS Lanarkshire, short-term interest in research and wish to absences have been consistently improve their information skills. low. However, over the past two The training courses also provide years, the sickness absence rate help in searching for and appraising has increased. research in literature reviews and To help staff return to work teach attendees how to manage early after an absence, NHS references, insert citations and Lanarkshire’s absence management create bibliographies. service, Early Access to Support for The sessions include: You (EASY), was evaluated by the l Introduction to the knowledge University of Glasgow. network Gillian Archibald, absence l Advanced knowledge network management co-ordinator, said: l Critical appraisal “The benefits of staff being present l Manage your citations, create at work are considerable in terms bibliographies, insert citations as of better patient care, reduced staff EASY: the occupational you type up your research workload and increased morale. health service is aiming to l Carrying out a literature review – reduce staff absences “The independent review of the search effectively, use tools to service illustrated that it had been focus your research question, effective in assisting to reduce build your search strategy, sickness absence. It highlighted Gillian added: “In order to help absence for their condition and and provide details for the synthesise your findings, that the absentees who contacted support staff to return to work, the signpost them to appropriate employee counselling service. It advanced searching techniques EASY on the first day of their EASY service is changing. The information. will also continue to promote self- l Grey literature – finding the absence were more likely to return service will now inform staff of “In addition, managers will referrals to occupational health unpublished research. to work than those who called on their previous absences in the last continue to support staff by and encourage staff to engage with subsequent days.” six months and remind them of making immediate referrals to case management services. For dates, times and to book onto As a result of the review, the the sickness absence policy EASY and timely referrals to Human resources will continue one or more of the training sessions, EASY service has been reviewed thresholds. occupational health.” to support managers and staff email [email protected] in order to meet the needs of the “Staff will also be advised of the The EASY service will also refer throughout the sickness absence or call 01698 377601. year ahead. typical average duration of to physiotherapy when required management process. Death certification changes NEW arrangements for the certification and l mean that all deaths must be registered before Healthcare Improvement Scotland has registration of death come into force in Scotland either a burial or cremation can take place. prepared information guides on the death on Wednesday 13 May. Medical director Dr Iain Wallace said: “It is certification and registration changes and The arrangements will improve the quality important that all certifying doctors and other on the review process. and accuracy of Medical Certificates Cause of relevant staff are fully aware of all the changes. An information booklet entitled “When Death (MCCDs) and will provide improved While certifying doctors are already completing Someone Dies” will also be available public health information about causes of the new MCCD, also known as Form 11, from in ward areas for staff to discuss with death in Scotland. 13 May 2014 cremation forms will no longer bereaved relatives. The changes to the current system will: be required. l introduce a new national review system to “Training packages have been prepared and provide independent checks on the quality all certifying doctors need to ensure that they Frequently asked questions have been prepared by and accuracy of MCCDs are fully familiar with the certification and Healthcare Improvement Scotland and can be l end additional paperwork and fees for review process. Information for relatives has accessed at www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/ cremations to make the process the same also been produced to provide details of the our_work/governance_and_assurance/death_certification/ for everyone new arrangements.” death_certification_faqs.aspx News 9 MAY/JUNE 2015

ON CALL: The grounds maintenance team was available 24 /7 during the cold weather

Staff have true grit around the clock during cold snap DURING the last cold snap, a group of 14 Sandy Allan, grounds supervisor, said: “Most be out for 12 hours ensuring that healthcare equipment including tractors and gritters. members of staff worked around the clock to people expect to open their blinds in the premises are safe and accessible. To give the John Paterson, general manager for ensure that health premises were safe and morning and find that the gritters have already team rest periods, we also use contractors to property and support services division (PSSD), accessible for patients, visitors and staff. been out. We have high expectations to meet. assist us. said: “This PSSD team braves some horrible Every winter, the grounds maintenance “During cold spells, the managers on site “We maintain 49 sites over 900 square weather and unsociable hours, so that all team use approximately 500 tonnes of gritting will initiate a call for us to grit the areas miles. During the winter we can get through NHS Lanarkshire staff and patients are safe salt, the equivalent of 550,000 bags of sugar. required. During the winter, our call outs 500 tonnes of grit. This can increase to 700 and can access our properties. They each The team operate on a 24 hour basis, including increase. tonnes if we get a really bad spell of weather.” deserve our warmest gratitude and respect on-call from 3pm to 7am, seven days a week. “We can get a call at any time and we can The team are provided with the best for doing so.”

New room Heart disease is for trials in the spotlight NHS Lanarkshire’s health around heart disease. in Wishaw improvement service has helped to “Research shows that being THE opportunities for patients to access raise awareness of the risk factors overweight or obese can raise your new and innovative treatments as part around heart disease at a local blood cholesterol levels, increase of leading-edge clinical trials received fundraising event. your blood pressure and increase a boost with the opening of a new, TRIALS: Dedicated space helps Staff from Airdrie Locality Support your risk of developing Type 2 dedicated clinical trials room in staff carry out clinical assessments Service and the Lanarkshire Carers diabetes. Because these are risk Wishaw General Hospital. and deliver study treatments Centre joined forces to raise money factors for coronary heart disease, The facility, situated in ward 15, for the British Heart Foundation. your weight can have a big impact on allows consultants and clinical trials The fundraising event, which your long-term health. nurses to support patients who are marked heart month, saw staff “Even if you don’t have any of participating in research studies in us to open this fantastic facility.” agreed R&D strategy. It is great that we wearing red for the day to raise these conditions, it’s important to respiratory medicine, rheumatology Respiratory consultants Manish Patel now have a dedicated facility that will awareness of heart disease. keep to a healthy weight so you don’t and diabetes. and Andrew Smith are already making allow more of our patients to take part Wendy Kennedy, health develop them in future. Raymond Hamill, the corporate R&D use of the facility, with patients being in important research.” improvement practitioner, said: “The “Stopping smoking is also manager, said: “One of the biggest enrolled in clinical trials looking at new NHS Lanarkshire staff are staff were encouraged to pull out all important for your heart health, and challenges in giving patients the chance treatments for asthma and chronic increasingly involved in research, with the red items from their wardrobes, the good news is that the risk to your to participate in clinical trials is the obstructive pulmonary disease. studies in a wide range of specialties including ties, scarves, red noses, heart health decreases significantly availability of dedicated space to carry Dr Patel said: “Increasing patient from neonatology to older peoples caps, sweaters, wigs, boots, fancy soon after you stop.” out clinical assessments and deliver treatment options through participation services, and encompassing small-scale dress costumes, T-shirts and even The event raised £71.66 and study treatments. in clinical trials is a principle that is educational projects through to large Santa suits. was donated to the British Heart “We are therefore very grateful to endorsed by the Chief Scientist Office in multi-national clinical trials of new “I attended the fundraiser with a Foundation to help fund lifesaving everyone who collaborated to enable Scotland, and supports the Board’s medicines. range of information and visual aids research and develop vital to raise awareness of the risk factors treatments. 10 Feature MAY/JUNE 2015

AWARD WINNING: The ASSET team provides Hospital at Home services, reducing admissions WELLBEING Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) aimed to improve the long-term health of communities

BEST START: Vulnerable first-time SUCCESS: Dental decay among children has been mothers and their babies have been greatly reduced by the Community Dental Service helped by the First Steps programme

NINEHIS year marks a AS SERVICESYEARS INTEGRATE, WE LOOK OFScotland. The work hasCHP not only cent of parents said the programmes milestone in the delivery attracted global interest but has had increased their child’s interest in of health and social care BACK ON ACHIEVEMENTS BY CHPs helped inform future versions of being active. Other high points services as integration Scotland’s Dementia Strategy. include 50,000 people signing up to Ttakes effect. involved through Lanarkshire’s community-based services. Work in a stop smoking campaign. Integration is focused on person- Public Partnership Forums (PPFs). local areas was also reinforced by the PAEDIATRICS: Among a raft of Integrated Day Services have been centred planning and delivery, so Services provided by CHPs have opening of Lanarkshire’s first improvements, including the established in various locations as that people get the right advice, included community nursing, child Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit smoother transition of children have Integrated Addiction Services support and care in the right place and young people’s services, (Wishaw) in 2014. moving to adult services when they and Integrated Equipment and and at the right time. community dental services, turn 16, a range of sub specialities Adaptation Services. Yet as integration begins – and as community hospitals, audiology, DEMENTIA: Partnership working have been developed, removing the The award-winning Hospital at the respective North and South drug and alcohol services, health and helped make Motherwell the nation’s need to travel to Yorkhill. Home Team, ASSET, was piloted in Lanarkshire Health and Social Care homeless, health improvement and first official dementia-friendly town some areas, reducing the rate of Partnerships (H&SCPs) supersede allied health professions, mental in 2012. The initiative was one of HEALTH IMPROVEMENT: Achievements increasing hospital admissions Lanarkshire’s North and South health and pharmacy services. many taken forward by North have ranged from a literacy and play among over 75s. The model is now Community Health Partnerships Crucially, partnership working has Lanarkshire in its role as one of three project (Play Talk Read) to the Mini being expanded to other areas in (CHPs) – 1 April 2015 marked the been key to everything the CHPs Dementia Demonstrator Sites across Movers Nursery Programme – 91 per Lanarkshire. conclusion of a highly successful era have carried out and delivered. in the delivery of health services in Strong links have been consolidated South Lanarkshire CHP Lanarkshire. with local authorities, unpaid carers The award-winning Integrated The CHPs were introduced on and the third and independent sectors. Community Support Team was 1 April 2006 to manage community Indeed, the integration agenda is piloted in East Kilbride and health services and develop closer perhaps the final leg of a journey that Strathaven, bringing together staff partnerships between health, social began many years ago – with the from NHS Lanarkshire with social care and hospital-based services. foundations firmly set by CHPs. workers, home care workers and Their principal aim was to improve Accordingly, we reflect on just occupational therapists from South the long-term health and wellbeing of some of the many key achievements Lanarkshire Council. The focus has communities and enhance the quality of North and South Lanarkshire’s been on supporting discharge from of health and social care services. CHPs – and their legacy. hospital and prevention of INFLUENCE: Public Partnership CHPs also strengthened staff and Forums have seen members of the admission. The model has now been public influence in the development North Lanarkshire CHP public help to shape services rolled out across South Lanarkshire. and planning of services. Members of MENTAL HEALTH: Shifting the balance of The Community Dental Service has the public have been able to get care and developing award-winning been hugely successful in reducing Feature 11 MAY/JUNE 2015

SUPPORT AND CARE AT HOME RESHAPING CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE (RCOP) Positive living in the community

TV STARS: Walking football captured the imagination What is the legacy of the CHPs? on teatime TV Joint statement from Craig Suffice to say, the CHPs would not Cunningham, Head of South have been as successful as they were Lanarkshire CHP (Interim) and if it wasn’t for this joined-up Stephen, Kerr Head of North approach. POSTER BOY: Ex-boxer Lanarkshire CHP (Interim): Continuing to develop and John McCluskey became NINE YEARS OF CHPcent of parents said the programmes build on these arrangements known across the nation had increased their child’s interest in “THE success of the CHPs has will be key to the future being active. Other high points been founded on effective joint successes of the H&SCPs as we include 50,000 people signing up to working with partners. While the enter integration. That includes a stop smoking campaign. most obvious have been with local continuing the focus on unlocking Integrated Day Services have been authorities, many other local potential across all established in various locations as successful partnerships have partners – be they in the have Integrated Addiction Services been forged. public sector, carer, voluntary and Integrated Equipment and These have ranged from sector or independent sector Adaptation Services. Public Partnership Forums – to plan, design and deliver The award-winning Hospital at in both North and South services relevant to local need. Home Team, ASSET, was piloted in Lanarkshire, to carers organisations, There are many challenges ahead some areas, reducing the rate of the voluntary and the independent but the work of the CHPs has put us increasing hospital admissions care sector. all in a strong position to meet them.” among over 75s. The model is now being expanded to other areas in Lanarkshire. the rate of dental decay among provided local access for urgent and children in Lanarkshire and routine eye conditions previously South Lanarkshire CHP exceeded their target in having the seen in GP surgeries or referred to The award-winning Integrated Fluoride Varnish programme rolled hospital. Community Support Team was out to local children. The First Steps programme has THE RCOP programme across Lanarkshire, became a piloted in East Kilbride and There’s been significant aimed to secure the best possible North and South Lanarkshire national poster boy in Strathaven, bringing together staff refurbishment or replacement of start in life for vulnerable first-time has strived to make positive recognition of the ICST’s from NHS Lanarkshire with social community dental facilities. mothers and their babies. living a reality to growing exemplary service. Former workers, home care workers and Under the Palliative Care Strategy, Health improvement achievements numbers of older people by painter and decorator to the occupational therapists from South a community nursing team in East have ranged from a literacy and play providing more support and Royal family Matt Muircroft’s Lanarkshire Council. The focus has Kilbride developed the Palliative project (Play Talk Read) to the Mini care in the community, at (pictured left) tale of caring been on supporting discharge from Care Assessment Tool, which aims to Movers Nursery Programme. Stress home or in homely settings. for his late wife, who latterly hospital and prevention of improve the quality of life for Control sessions have been delivered Some of the many lived with dementia, touched admission. The model has now been patients as well as families at every to nearly 2500 people. partnership projects captured hearts over the globe after rolled out across South Lanarkshire. stage of the end-of-life process from The integrated discharge hub at the imagination of the 65s made the teatime TV making headlines worldwide. The Community Dental Service has diagnosis onwards. Hairmyres Hospital has been national – and even news, while ex-Army boxer Matt’s story showcased the been hugely successful in reducing Community Optometry Service has established to streamline discharge. international – media. For John McCluskey, a patient of sterling supports put in place example, a walking football the Integrated Community across Lanarkshire for carers team in Motherwell for over Support Team (ICST) in South during the CHPs’ tenure. 12 News MAY/JUNE 2015

A clinical answer is a call away KNOWLEDGE services has launched a new clinical enquiry helpline to help any member of staff find answers to their clinical questions. By calling the dedicated enquiries number, 01236 713 700, with your clinical query, the knowledge services team will be able to provide summaries of the most up-to-date treatments, aetiology, diagnosis and prognosis evidence taken from PLAYTAFF who use clinical BY THE RULES national guidance and evidence tools in their role are MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT BREACHING COPYRIGHT summaries. being urged to ensure This service is open to all that they are using them LAW WHEN USING CLINICAL TOOLS IN YOUR WORK staff across Lanarkshire, but Swithin copyright law. will be particularly useful for Each tool or assessment used “Knowledge services has the costs or limitations to using the for permission to do this. community staff who may must be purchased or expertise to seek permission for tools that you need.” l Changing the font, order of have limited access to downloaded with an appropriate you. Don’t worry about tracing When using clinical tools, it is questions and adding the NHS knowledge services. licence. the permissions yourself if you important to remember: Lanarkshire logo does not make Amanda Minns, knowledge are not sure where they come l In copyright law, NHS the tool the property of NHS services manager, said: “Most from or who owns the rights to Lanarkshire is seen as a business. Lanarkshire. For further information, publishers are open and willing to the clinical tool you want to use. l Tools purchased in print cannot call the helpline on give permission for their tools and “Knowledge services can find automatically be used 01236 713 700 or email assessments, but they do want to the copyright holders, negotiate electronically, scanned or uploaded To contact knowledge services, email [email protected] be asked. for you and try to reduce any to an intranet site. You need to ask [email protected] Go with the flow to create or update policies A HANDY flow chart has been introduced to help authors of policies Is this a new policy? No Is this a new policy? Yes stay on track and ensure that they get their policy through the appropriate Does this still need to be a policy – could it be guidance instead? Does this need to be a policy – is it relevant to stages on time. all staff? Could it be guidance? Amanda Minns, knowledge services Can you fast track this policy? manager, said: “The first thing you need Who is your endorsing committee – when do they next meet? to do is to check if a policy on your topic Do you know who your endorsing committees already exists. If it does, consider adding are and when they meet? to that by contacting the responsible Find out the dates of your endorsing committee and work author rather than create a whole new backwards – this will help you work out how much time you policy. If a new policy is needed, find have to write, amend and get your policy through the relevant Have you accessed all of the supporting documents on out who the endorsing bodies are and committees before you breach the six-month limit FirstPort to help you write your policy? when they meet. These dates will dictate your ability to get your policy renewed Have you advertised the updated policy in the staff Have you completed the EDIA? on time. “If there is an existing policy you can brief/The Pulse/other sources consider the fast-track process, which Have you referred to other relevant can be used for policies with minimal Have you completed the EDIA and ensured your policy is in policies in your new policy? changes such as updating names the correct format? and titles.” Have you sent the final document to corporatepolicies@ Make sure you send your completed policy to lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk? [email protected] For further information, visit the policies section on FirstPort or email [email protected] Congratulations – you’re done for another three years Congratulations – you’re done for another three years News 13 MAY/JUNE 2015 TIME TARGETS MET PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES TEAM EXCEEDS GOVERNMENT TREATMENT TARGETS

HS Lanarkshire is getting quicker access to our one of only three psychological service which is health boards in among the best in the country. Scotland to have met a “The average across Scotland NScottish Government target to was just over 85 per cent so the fact start treating patients within we’ve also exceeded that is also 18 weeks. very satisfying.” In 2011, the Scottish Government Patients referred for established an access HEAT target psychological therapy can benefit stating that, by December 2014, a from a range of evidence-based minimum of 90 per cent of patients treatments which include group- referred for psychological therapy based stress/anxiety control should start their treatment within programmes, online cognitive 18 weeks of referral. behavioural therapy programmes, At the end of 2014, in such as Beating the Blues which Lanarkshire more than 93 per cent was launched at the end of 2015, of patients – including children, as well as individual and group- adolescents, and adults – referred based psychological therapies. ON TARGET: NHS Lanarkshire’s psychology therapy service is among the best in the country to the service had started their There is also telephone guided treatment. self-help and cognitive behaviour Dr Gary Tanner, head of therapy which are also available psychological services, said: “We’re via NHS 24. delighted with these figures and I Gary continued: “While we’re all “As such, we remain committed health across Lanarkshire. We aim of need with appropriate treatment want to thank all the staff in the very pleased with this, we realise to providing timely access to to do this by working with our and support.” service who have helped us reach it’s a constant effort to continue to efficient and effective partners to increase access to these targets. It is their hard work meet and exceed our targets for the psychological therapies, to mental health services and For more information on psychological and effort which means patients are benefit of patients. support and improve mental matching each individual’s level services, visit FirstPort.

VALUED: input from those who attended the event has been appreciated Don’t ignore hate crime A NUMBER of ‘third-party reporting centres’ have been established across Lanarkshire to encourage those affected by hate crime to speak out. The move has seen staff from a number of statutory agencies being trained to support people in reporting hate crime. A hate incident is any incident which is perceived to be motivated by prejudice or hate based upon party logo on their window to make it disability, gender, race, skin colour, clear that you can report a crime there.” nationality, ethnicity, heritage, In an addition to third party Event explores better bereavement care religion, faith, or sexual orientation. reporting, there are several other NHS Lanarkshire Bereavement Care “The death of someone you have Presentations were given by Grant Wilson, police liaison officer ways for victims or witnesses to Steering Group held an event looking been caring for, or who is close to you, healthcare, hospice and spiritual care from Police Scotland, said: “For a report a hate crime. This includes: at shaping bereavement care in NHS can be overwhelming. You may be staff, and in a combined session by a variety of reasons, many victims and l Calling 999 in an emergency Lanarkshire. unsure what to do, even if you are researcher from Stirling University and witnesses of hate crime find it difficult l Contacting the police directly and in The event, which was funded by the responsible for making arrangements. carers involved as part of that study. to report incidents to the police. confidence (www.scotland.police.uk) Ronald Miller Foundations Endowment “There is lots of information available Noreen added: “The aim of the event “To help make this easier, they Fund, was attended by more than 100 and people who can offer practical was to improve bereavement care in can now speak to a ‘third party’ l Locating a third-party delegates, including nurses, midwives, advice and support to help you manage.” NHS Lanarkshire and we really value who they may feel more familiar reporting centre allied health professionals, doctors, The event included updates on and appreciate the input from those who with. They also provide a positive, l Reporting online at www.scotland. public partnership and third sector developments in bereavement care attended the event. confidential and supportive police.uk/contact-us/hate-crime-third- representatives. within NHS Lanarkshire and covered “The NHS Lanarkshire Bereavement environment for the individual and party-reporting Noreen Kent, chair, NHS Lanarkshire topics from the family’s perspective – Care Steering Group members would provide a link between the victim bereavement care steering group, said: listening to and learning from the also like to express their thanks and police. l Contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 “We aim to support the care of relatives experiences of bereaved families and to the Ronald Miller Endowment “Premises which support third- 555111 (or via www.crimestoppers-uk. and staff in relation to death and ‘Addressing the Great Taboo’ – talking Foundation for their funding support party reporting will display the third org). All calls are confidential. bereavement in NHS. about dying, death and bereavement. for this important event.” 14 News MAY/JUNE 2015 MORE CARE AT HOME HOSPITAL AT HOME SERVICE EXPANDED TO CARE FOR MORE OLDER PEOPLE

TEAM of specialist Work Resources to provide emergency additional community support to healthcare workers patients, when required. that provide Calum Campbell, NHS Ahospital-level care in older Lanarkshire’s Chief Executive, people’s own homes has been explained that the main aim is to expanded in Lanarkshire. improve patient experience and The Hospital at Home service, outcomes. which will deliver rapid response “Hospital at Home will assessment and care, consists become an integral part of a range of healthcare of services already available professionals including NHS in the communities where Lanarkshire consultants we’re launching. and nurses. “The key aim is to have the Based on an award-winning right care in the right place at the model currently operational in right time. some areas of North Lanarkshire, “Sometimes that will be an RAPID RESPONSE: the Hospital the service launched in East admission to hospital – but at Home service was launched in Kilbride and Strathaven on increasingly care can be East Kilbride and Strathaven Monday 20 April. provided appropriately at home.” In the coming months, The service will be based on Hospital at Home will extend to the same model as the Age other areas in the Hairmyres Specialist Service Emergency health boards and local and Social Care Partnership, that we are fully focused on Hospital catchment including Team (ASSET) currently authorities to integrate their said: “This is the latest in a making a real difference to the Hamilton, Uddingston, Larkhall, operational in some areas of adult health and social number of partnership initiatives lives of people throughout area.” Blantyre and Bothwell. North Lanarkshire. care services. aimed at supporting older people The team will also work with The expansion comes at a Harry Stevenson, Chief Officer at home. For more info on Hospital at Home, South Lanarkshire Council Social crucial time. A new Act requires of the South Lanarkshire Health “Work like this demonstrates visit our FAQ: http://goo.gl/3Go456

Residents tell their stories THE ancient art of storytelling is being harnessed to improve the lives of older people living in care homes. The Live Literature project, which is being piloted across Lanarkshire, involves a series of storytelling sessions around the theme of ‘looking back’. And improving the wellbeing of care home residents is a central theme. “The initiative is about the transformational power of the written and the spoken word – and taking that to Listen Lanarkshire launch the very heart of care,” explained Carol Hallesy, A RADIO station geared to enriching the “We recently issued an appeal to the Assistant Knowledge Services Manager at NHS lives of older people across Lanarkshire has wider community and local schools to Lanarkshire, who has played a key role in the project. unveiled its new logo and brand. create the logo and name and it’s brought “The aim is to engage residents and provide them “My job is to listen and to help them share – this is a ‘Listen Lanarkshire’, a community online out the very best in creativity.” with a creative outlet to relate their life experiences in a two-way process and about bringing out memories of station, has been launched as part of the Sarah Quinn, 14, of St Aidan’s High group situation. The benefits are immense. This is a the past. nationwide Reshaping Care for Older School, won the prize for the station’s stimulating, fun and very social experience – which is “Themes have included a good night out, dancing People (RCOP) programme. new name – Listen Lanarkshire – and vital to wellbeing.” days, domestic life, fashion, working life and holidays And the new station has already designing a secondary logo. Ross Adamson The sessions, which have been backed by funding and it’s wonderful to see how relating these tales brings captured imaginations across the area, with and Samantha McLean won the main from The Scottish Book Trust and delivered by out an instant sparkle in people.” many answering an appeal for a new logo logo design. professional storyteller Allison Galbraith, have included Participating care homes take turns to host the and name. Radio station organiser Iain Iain added: “These designs and songs, poetry, stories and – crucially – the opportunity sessions, giving residents the chance to meet new Whyte, of Shotts-based charity Getting branding have really consolidated the for residents to share their own stories and experiences. people which heightens the social experience. Partners Better Together, which has played a lead radio station’s identity.” Allison explained: “Storytelling is an ancient human are now planning to use the storytelling workshop to role in setting up the station, explained: art form and everyone is a storyteller. Older people in help establish book groups or local history groups in the “This is a project we’re very keen for To tune in, visit www.listenlanarkshire.com particular are brimming with stories. care homes and surrounding communities. people, regardless of age, to take real or call the studio on 01501 825 800 if you ownership of and we’ve seen that in action. wish to contribute. News 15 MAY/JUNE 2015

MESSAGING SERVICE HELPS PEOPLE RECOVER Heart patient Bill: ‘With Florence, help is only a text away’ FORMER charity worker who dedicated layer of reassurance and a sense of regaining his life to helping others has revealed control. Help and advice is only a text away.” how the power of text has offered him The system is known as Florence and can help reassurance in his own time of need. patients, like Bill, who have had hospital ABill Alcorn (63), from Biggar in South Lanarkshire, treatment for heart failure over the previous managed a Befriending Project for Bethany Christian six-month period. Trust in Edinburgh, which was geared to keeping older The free service, arranged by the specialist people connected to their communities. nursing staff, helps the user take a more active role in But a severe heart attack in 2011, followed by a their own health care. series of related problems which led to Bill facing Patients send details such as weight and blood the possibility of a heart transplant, put an early end to pressure, in a text message, and receive texts back his career. with advice, all based on the latest readings. Now Bill, who is recovering in his own home, has The specialist nurses can add reminders or explained how an innovative new text message system information to suit the individual patients and their care. – which links patients directly to NHS Lanarkshire Traditional care is still available. The Florence Heart Failure Nurses to help manage their condition – system, however, means that Bill isn’t always tied to has given him a crucial boost. visits to clinic or hospital. “When something like this happens it affects your PHONE HELP: Bill receives text messages confidence profoundly. You can feel at the mercy of A similar system has been set up for patients living with chronic giving advice based on his latest details the condition. obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For more information, “But the text message system has given me an extra contact Morag Hearty on [email protected]

Inspection for older people’s services Newsletters map out the The Care Inspectorate NHS Lanarkshire will and Healthcare be working with Improvement Scotland partners to undertake milestones for integration are currently in the a self-assessment of process of undertaking the quality of services THE latest newsletters on the care of residents and administering multi-agency inspections provided to older people integration of adult health and medications. of older peoples services using the national social care services have now been Yet there were no sugar-coated across Scotland. standards. published. questions from the panel that put six The methodology used “In undertaking this As well as the latest developments, candidates through their paces. is similar to that utilised self-assessment we will be the respective editions for North and Meanwhile, in North Lanarkshire’s within the multi-agency working closely with our South Lanarkshire map out edition, a national health boss praises inspection of front line practitioners to milestones as integration takes effect. the good work of the hospital at children’s services. identify good practise as Integration is focused on person- home team. This involves a process well as areas that can be centred planning and delivery, so Professor Jason Leitch, National of self-assessment further improved. that people get the right advice, Clinical Director of The Quality Unit at against national “As always, the main support and care in the right place The Scottish Government – tasked with standards supported by driver is to continuously and at the right time. improving the national delivery of evidence, a review of improve our services and But what happens next, why is health and social care – said he was both health and social ensure they are person change necessary, what are the key ‘encouraged and inspired’ after a recent work case files and centred, safe and effective.” dates, deadlines and what is the visit to The Age Specialist Service speaking to staff and ultimate destination? Emergency Team (ASSET). people using the services. For more information on In essence, integration is perhaps the The newsletters also feature Deputy nursing inspections of older final leg of a journey that began many a 71-year-old referee’s recommendation director Anne Armstrong peoples services, contact years ago involving many other partners, newsletter tells the story of a care home for staying in top shape, with the help of a said: “We are committed Marjorie McGinty, programme including unpaid carers, the third and interviewing panel including a sprightly new web platform based on partnership to provide high quality manager for multi-agency independent sector. centenarian. working. care to people using our inspection of adult and older Accordingly, the new editions map out McClymont House in Lanark, which is services. Therefore over peoples services, on the road ahead, providing answers to the run by South Lanarkshire Council, was You can read the digital versions of the the next few months 01698 858343. above questions along with much more. recently recruiting for a new Social Care newsletters here: www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/ In South Lanarkshire, for example, the Worker. Responsibilities include personal About/HSCP/Pages/newsletters.aspx 16 Staff benefits MAY/JUNE 2015

COMPETITION TIME WIN FIVE CLASSES AT INIFINITY HOT YOGA GLASGOW

CHOICE: With ten different classes on offer, there’s something to suit everyone

Time for a treat at The Pink Turban SUSAN Reed, an administration preparation and presentation assistant based at Law House, which you would expect to see at has won a £40 voucher from high-class restaurants in India. The Pink Turban. The experienced chefs use only the BREATHE IN Susan correctly answered finest, freshest ingredients to create that the Pink Turban is at specialities which will enchant you. 157 Wishaw Road, Wishaw. The Pink Turban offers a variety To find out more about the of authentic Indian cuisine. It Pink Turban, please visit: encompasses traditional dishes www.pinkturbancuisine.com or call and age-old methods of 01698 375 566. THEONE LUCKY READER HEAT CAN WIN FIVE CLASSES AT INFINITY HOT YOGA GLASGOW WORTH £45

NHS Lanarkshire has teamed up yoga sequence including l PILATES – This class aims with Infinity Hot Yoga Glasgow to standing and floor postures to correct and improve offer one lucky reader five classes l HOT FLOW – A traditional posture by strengthening the worth £45. system composed of a series of weaker muscle groups and Infinity Yoga in the Merchant postures linked together to lengthening the overused PULSE SUDOKU City was created by Colette Ward, create a powerful flow. The muscles in your body. an established yoga and pilates practice combines breath, l HOT PILATES – This is an ENTER digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must teacher with more than 14 years of energy locks, focus and a intermediate level class, not contain one of each digit. So must every column and every 3x3 square. teaching experience. flow of postures to create a suitable for beginners. Get the solution on FirstPort. Infinity offers ten different moving meditation. l VINYASA TO YIN – A varieties of high-quality hot yoga l YIN – a quiet practice non-heated vinyasa/restorative- in the heart of the city: originating in the east via the style class. To flow with the l HOT A – A blend of Ashtanga disciplines of Kung-Fu. This breath and finish in stillness. and Bikram created by Absolute class will improve your l MOKSHA – Perfect for every Yoga Thailand, combining flexibility and concentration. level of student. Builds a firm standing and floor postures. You will focus on ligaments and foundation with emphasis on l HOT B – From your bones to tendons to open and relieve alignment and breathing. your skin – the original Birkram muscular tension and stress sequence with 26 postures and l HATHA – A non-heated class. For more information on Infinity two breathing exercises. Each week focuses on a Hot Yoga Glasgow, visit: l HOT BLAST – A 60-minute hot different area of the body www.infinityhotyogaglasgow.co.uk

Here’s how you can enter… To enter the competition, just answer the following simple question: How many varieties of hot yoga does Infinity Yoga offer? Please send your competition answers – including your name, location and contact number to – Alison McCutcheon, Communications, NHS Lanarkshire Headquarters, Kirklands Hospital, Fallside Road, Bothwell, G71 8BB. Or email you answer to [email protected] with ‘Infinity Yoga’ in the subject line. The deadline for entries is Friday 29 May. Achievements 17 MAY/JUNE 2015

SUCCESS AT CLINICAL RESEARCH AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE Trainers trained STAFF from NHS Lanarkshire are among 25 graduates of a national training programme A SHOWCASE OF to support those with a learning disability. Support workers Brian Feighan and Leslie Kane completed the train the trainers programme. It supports the roll- out of an educational resource for support staff who work with ACHIEVEMENTS those whose behaviour is perceived as challenging. Training programme manager Elaine Kwiatek, of NHS National Services Scotland, said: “Staff have an invaluable role in supporting people in these situations. The right support is key to enabling people to live meaningful and fulfilled lives. Having the right skills, attitudes, knowledge and confidence are central to getting that support right. “We had developed an earlier programme in positive behavioural support for staff BEST POSTER: Lorraine Falconer, left, received BEST ORAL PRESENTATION: Dr Calum McGregor and the award from Neena Mahal for a project aimed colleagues won for their project on lumbar puncture in whose job sees them working at improving communication and effectiveness investigating subarachnoid haemorrhage with people with various types of learning disability. “Those who took part in the course found it invaluable and TAFF throughout NHS presentations and 24 poster the conference through the oral by Dr Calum McGregor and we decided to roll out the Lanarkshire showcased presentations being shortlisted to and poster presentations that colleagues for their project on the programme by training their achievements at exhibit on the day. were made. use of lumbar puncture in the experienced learning disability the fourth annual Neena Mahal, chair of NHS “The work that has been investigation of subarachnoid nurses in NHS Scotland to SClinical Research and Quality Lanarkshire, said: “This demonstrated at the event has haemorrhage. deliver it within their own board Improvement Conference. conference is a great way to made me feel very proud to be part The award for best poster area, in hospitals and in The event provides clinicians highlight the creative and of NHS Lanarkshire. The work of presentation was won by community settings.” with the opportunity to present the innovative work that is carried out our staff demonstrates our Lorraine Falconer and colleagues An important feature of the results of research, audit and by NHS Lanarkshire staff to commitment to driving a quality for their project aimed at training programme is that each quality improvement activity that improve the quality of healthcare improvement culture in this improving the communication participant has a support worker they have been involved in. that is provided to our patients. organisation.” and effectiveness of clinical with whom they can test out For the event, 60 submissions “I am really impressed with the The Ken Corsar Quality Award handover within Monklands their training at every stage. were received, with 14 oral work that has been showcased at for best oral presentation was won Hospital. Awards for administration and support staff NHS Lanarkshire employees have going on to study for HNC in for employees to consider further had their achievements recognised Administration and IT, or HNC in opportunities to enhance their in a special awards ceremony at Management. career options. New College Lanarkshire. Event host Linda McAllister, “The learners greatly enjoyed Administrative and support head of the Faculty of Business, the experience and recognised staff picked up certificates at the Social Science and Sport, said: the support of New College event held recently at the “The faculty was delighted to host Lanarkshire in helping them to Motherwell Campus. this awards ceremony, which has achieve their goals.” The workers have all completed now become an annual celebration A Scottish Vocational SVQ (Level 2 or 3) or Modern to acknowledge the achievement Qualification (SVQ) in Business Apprenticeship qualifications in of NHS employees. and Administration is designed Business and Administration. “As these are work-based to equip those working at The partnership between qualifications, the event gives different levels of business and New College Lanarkshire and participants the opportunity to administration with the skills ANNUAL CELEBRATION: Staff completed SVQ or Modern Apprenticeship qualifications NHS Lanarkshire encourages visit the college and experience and knowledge they need to those involved to learn about college life. demonstrate competence in their progression opportunities, such as “It also provides the opportunity job role. 18 Retirements MAY/JUNE 2015

FONDWE SAY GOODBYE TO STAFF WHO TAKE FAREWELLS A WELL-EARNED BREAK TO RETIRE AFTER DECADES OF DEDICATED WORK

Kenny Cushley Catherine Wright

FRIENDS and colleagues bid a fond farewell to post in which he remained until his retirement. AFTER a remarkable 42 years’ service, Catherine Catherine lives in Newmains and in her spare Kenneth Cushley who retired from NHS Kenneth lives in Lanark and in his Wright retired from NHS Lanarkshire in March. time carries out some sessional work with Lanarkshire in March after 35 years’ service. spare time is a gym enthusiast and The charge nurse, who was based within the Alzheimer Scotland, as well as enjoying walking. The senior charge nurse/OAP liaison nurse, keen cyclist. community mental health team at Udston Hospital, She also caters for events and functions, a hobby who was based within the community mental Jennifer Russell, service manager, said: joined the NHS in 1973 when she was appointed as she wishes to continue on a more professional health team at Udston Hospital, Hamilton, “In the three years I have worked with Kenny, nursing assistant at Hartwood Hospital. She basis. Catherine would also like to continue her began his nursing career in 1979 when he I have been impressed by his continuing thereafter undertook nursing training in 1974. love of travel by visiting family in England and trained as an enrolled nurse. dedication, enthusiasm and passion for After a spell living in England, Catherine Australia. After completing his first-level qualification his role. returned to Scotland in 1978, where she worked in Team leader, Ann Michelle Skilling, said: “Cathy at Paisley University, Kenneth joined NHS “He is entirely committed to supporting the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, a post she held for has been a valued member of our team. This is not Lanarkshire, where he worked within acute colleagues in acute to develop their skills in two years. In 1985, Catherine joined NHS only for her nursing skills and personality, but her admissions at Hairmyres Hospital. mental healthcare and has played a key part Lanarkshire, working in Cleland Hospital before management of finance and household matters, In 2007, Kenneth took up his present post in in the development of the OAP acute liaison moving to Udston Hospital, a post she held until especially the tea money and social fund. We wish the old age psychiatry acute liaison service, a service in Lanarkshire.” her retirement. Cathy well in any future plans she has.”

David Doyle Cindy McLean

DAVID Doyle, minister of St Mary’s FRIENDS and colleagues bid a fond farewell to Cindy Parish Church in Motherwell, retired McLean, who retired from NHS Lanarkshire in January as hospital chaplain in April after a after 16 years’ service. career spanning 28 years. The medical secretary, who was attached to the care for David was well known in the the elderly team at Hairmyres Hospital, joined NHS Strathclyde Suite at Park Springs Care Lanarkshire in January 1999 when she was appointed as a Home, Motherwell, where he provided typist with the x-ray department at Hairmyres Hospital, a spiritual support and guidance to post she held until July 2005. Cindy then joined the care of many residents. He has followed the the elderly team on a job-share basis, where she provided Strathclyde Suite in all new wards and support to Drs Martin, Yip and McGurn, a position she held has continued to provide patients and until her retirement. relatives with a church service. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys craftwork, yoga, travel, He was also chaplain of Strathclyde keeping fit and singing in a choir – activities she will Hospital in Motherwell, which closed continue to enjoy in her retirement. in 2005. Angela Smith, business support manager, said: “Cindy David’s father was also a hospital was a big part of the team and played an invaluable role. chaplain for the Strathclyde Suite so it I know everyone who worked with Cindy was very sad to has been well and truly a part of the hear she was leaving, but we wish her all the best in the Doyle family. next chapter of her life.” Retirements 19 MAY/JUNE 2015 GET IN TOUCH Elaine Whyte If you would like to feature a retirement in The Pulse Alison McCutcheon,, contact Communications Department, on alison.mccutcheon@ lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or 01698 858111. FONDWE SAY GOODBYE TO STAFF WHO TAKE FAREWELLS A WELL-EARNED BREAK TO RETIRE AFTER DECADES OF DEDICATED WORK

COLLEAGUES in emergency care at Wishaw General Colleague Janet McKay said: “Elaine will be sadly missed Hospital waved a fond farewell to sister Elaine Whyte, who due to her caring and knowledgeable expertise and retired from the NHS in October 2014 following a career in lovable nature. nursing spanning more than four decades. “Her retirement was celebrated with her colleagues and After qualifying as a nurse, Elaine worked in paediatrics at friends at Wishaw Golf Club and a great night was had by all. Yorkhill and Law hospitals, followed by a period in surgical We are sure she will be kept busy with all her grandchildren and medical receiving at Wishaw General Hospital. and lots of holidays.”

Dr Clifford Godley

AFTER 37 years’ service, general practitioner Dr Clifford Pauline Bell (Cliff) Godley retired from the NHS in February. Dr Clifford, who was based in the Avondale Medical AFTER 34 years’ service, charge nurse In 2011, Pauline joined the integrated Practice at Strathaven Health Centre, gained his Pauline Bell retired from NHS addiction service at Airdrie Community Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in Lanarkshire in February. Health Centre, a post she held until her 1981 and worked as a respiratory registrar at Glasgow Pauline, who was based in the retirement. Royal Infirmary before entering into general practice. integrated addiction service at Airdrie Pauline, who lives in Kilsyth, is an In 1982, Cliff joined NHS Lanarkshire, where he initially Community Health Centre, joined the animal enthusiast, being the owner of practiced in Wishaw before moving to Dunlop Street NHS in 1981 when she was appointed two dogs, two cockatiels and two Surgery in Strathaven in 1985. as nursing assistant with the learning guinea pigs. In her spare time, she Quickly flourishing in practice, Cliff maintained his disability team at Lennox Castle enjoys relaxing with her Kindle and interest in respiratory medicine with a weekly hospital- Hospital in Lennoxtown. Pauline holidaying in Florida where she spends based respiratory clinic until 2009. Cliff was one of the thereafter undertook nurse training and time with her sister. Pauline likes to be founders of the Avondale Medical Practice, which became qualified as a staff nurse in 1984. kept busy and will no doubt seek a training practice in 1993. as doctors. Cheryl is set to follow in her father’s footsteps In 1985, Pauline moved to Woodilee further employment or join the Cliff has always been interested in medical education into a career in general practice. Cliff has been a church Hospital in Lennoxtown where she voluntary sector on her retirement. To and has willingly shared his knowledge and expertise. In elder for many years and is a long-suffering (this season) trained as a mental health nurse. mark her retirement, Pauline will soon recognition of his contributions, he is a fellow of both the Motherwell football fan. Pauline joined NHS Lanarkshire in travel to Florida to visit her sister. Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal Yvonne Gilmour, practice manager, said: “Dr Godley 1986 when she was appointed as charge Brian Norton, team manager, said: College of Physicians (Glasgow and Edinburgh). has always been willing to go the extra mile to help nurse at Kirklands Hospital, Bothwell, a “After 34 years of public service, we Cliff has lived in Strathaven throughout his career in his patients and has been an unfailing advocate and position she held until 2006. She then wish Pauline a bon voyage as she general practice. He is married to Jane, and they are both support for patients particularly those with more moved into the community to work with sails off into her retirement. Her keen skiers and competitive golfers. They have one son complex problems.” the condition management programme organisational skills and big personality Keith and a daughter Cheryl, both of whom have qualified Pictured are (right) Dr Cliff Godley and Dr Bill Campbell. through Salus. will be missed by all.”

Karen Stokoe

AFTER 26 years’ service, health visitor Karen Stokoe, who was based at the Alison Lea Health Centre in East Kilbride, retired from NHS Lanarkshire in February. In 1974, Karen undertook a year’s training at Victoria Infirmary before Diane McGilvray becoming a staff nurse in orthopaedics. In 1978, Karen moved to Simpson’s AFTER 37 years’ service, community promoted to Band ‘B’ in the day Memorial Maternity Pavilion to train as support worker Diane McGilvray hospital. a midwife. After completing her training, touring New Zealand before joining After completing a health visitor retired from NHS Lanarkshire The day hospital staff initially Karen moved to Glasgow Royal London Chase Farm Hospital in course at the then Bell College, Karen in March. covered the community and when the Infirmary, where she worked within Middlesex in 1984. joined NHS Lanarkshire in 1989. She Diane, who was attached to the community developed, Diane covered accident and emergency (A&E). In 1986, Karen decided again to move was initially based at Hunter Health community mental health team at the Motherwell/Clydesdale area. She In 1981, Karen decided to leave abroad and travelled to Australia, where Centre and, in 2009, moved to Alison Airbles Road, Motherwell, joined NHS settled in the Motherwell team where Scotland and moved to Saudi Arabia, she worked as a specialist registrar Lea Health Centre, where she remained Lanarkshire in 1978 where she was she remained as a valued member where she worked with the Riyadh within A&E in Adelaide. until her retirement. based with older people with complex until her retirement. military in A&E for two years. In 1987, Karen returned to Scotland In her spare time, Karen enjoys care needs at Cleland Hospital. Alison Drinnan, team leader, said: It was at this time that Karen decided joining Bangour Hospital as a specialist walking, skiing, going to the gym, In 1990, Diane moved to the Airbles “Diane and I have worked together for to take a year out and spent her time registrar within A&E. cooking, baking and reading. Road Centre when it officially opened the last 20 years and the place will be and, in 1993, was successful in being quiet without her presence.” 20 News MAY/JUNE 2015 DID YOU KNOW? Laura will cycle 350km in Africa – the equivalent of cycling from Glasgow to Liverpool. A cycle down in Africa... STAFF NURSE TO UNDERTAKE CYCLE FOR CANCER CHARITIES N EMERGENCY cycle will be divided equally care staff nurse is between three charities: set to undertake Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s the cycling Cervical Cancer Trust and Achallenge of a lifetime. Ovarian Cancer Action. Laura Curivan, who works at “All competitors are asked Wishaw General’s emergency to raise a minimum of £3,000 care unit, will travel to Africa to in donations to take part.” cycle 350km over seven days. The challenge will see Laura The challenge, which will fly to Tanzania, where she will take place in October, will see travel close to Mount Laura attempt to raise more Kilimanjaro. From there, she than £4,000 for women’s will cycle to Maasai Village cancers. then through the volcanic Laura said: “Women’s cancer landscape to Arusha, the main is a cause very close to my town in northern Tanzania. heart as my mum is a survivor From Arusha, Laura will cycle of cervical cancer. In the through the countryside to nursing profession, you care Tarangire National Park, Mto for patients who have cancer Wa Mbu Lake Manyara National and provide the best treatment Park and the Ngorongoro that you can. However, by Crater Conservation Area. raising money, I hope that I will be able to fund research into If you would like to help Laura providing even better beat her fundraising target, visit: treatment methods. www.justgiving.com/Laura-Curivan “The funds raised by the Or text CUR179 £amount to 70070.

SADDLE UP: Raising money to tackle cancer is a cause BY RAISING MONEY I HOPE THAT I close to Laura’s heart as her mum is a cancer survivor WILL BE ABLE TO FUND RESEARCH INTO PROVIDING EVEN BETTER TREATMENTS”

Award for improving lives A PROJECT which is improving the Maureen said: “The project unmet health and wellbeing needs.” lives of looked after children has originates from work that has been The project included a ‘feel scooped an award. tried and tested by psychologists in bag’, where each toy in the bag The ‘My Health, My Voice’ project therapy sessions and other settings. represents one of the GIRFEC won the best quality improvement “The interactive tools are showing SHANARRI indicators. It also project category at the NHS to be invaluable in encouraging includes touch point emotion cards. Education for Scotland (NES) Best looked after children and young Ellen said: ‘‘The emotion cards Start Leadership Celebration event. people to participate in their health allows the looked after child or young Looked after children’s nurses needs assessment in a meaningful person to find the word or emotion WINNERS: Maureen and Maureen Allan and Ellen McDonald way. The tools are helping them to that best match their feelings and go Ellen pick up the award developed the tools during the NES get in touch with their deep and beyond bland statements such as Best Start Leadership Programme. difficult emotions and to identify their ‘I don’t feel healthy’.’’