Board Urged to Step up Care Delivery Changes

THE NHS HIGHLAND STAFF NEWSPAPER January 2017 HighNOVEMBERlights 2015

FINANCE REPORT Board urged to step up care delivery changes

The NHS Highland board has to Scottish Government’s draft budget is make ‘unprecedented’ reductions likely to be in the region of £100 mil- in costs of around £100 million lion. over the next three years to meet He said: “This is an unprecedented efficiency saving targets. scale of change and it is clear that a During the 31st January board meet- ‘more of the same’ approach is not going, finance director Nick Kenton said ing to deliver a balanced plan and, that a “more of the same approach” is therefore, the model of care needs to not going to be sustainable and, there- be changed. fore, that the current model of care “There needs to be a mindset that that NHS Highland delivers needs to focuses on delivering maximum value change, and change urgently. within our total £800 million resources Both NHS Highland chief executive rather than focussing on the margins. Elaine Mead and employee director “Although the scale of the challenge Adam Palmer said that NHS Highland is daunting the changes required across The Maggie’s Centre, staff and management will have to work NHS Highland are consistent with the Raigmore Hospital, hand-in-hand together to help trans- Scottish Government’s recently pub- form healthcare delivery to ensure it is lished Health and Social Care Delivery Inverness, at night ‘fit for purpose’ in the future. Plan, which builds on the National Clini- Aside from financial challenges some cal Strategy (February 2016) and the Maggie’s provides support to people of the current models cannot be staffed move towards realistic medicine as set with cancer and their family and friends, without significant locum costs and out in the Chief Medical Officer’s An- following the ideas about cancer care there is an over-reliance on costly hos- nual Report for 2014/15.” developed by Maggie Keswick Jencks. pital and institutional care. NHS Highland chief executive Elaine The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Previously Nick Kenton had outlined Mead sent an email to staff recently Edinburgh in 1996. Since then Maggie’s that the board needed to reduce costs about the need to fundamentally change has grown with 19 Centres at major of around £20 million in 2017/2018. the models of care NHS cancer hospitals in the UK, online However, this target has now been She said: “More of the same’ is no and abroad. Visit NHS Highland’s face- revised to £50 million. And over the book page. Courtesy: Maggie’s Highland next three financial years from 2017 to Continued on page 3 2020 the requirement outlined by the - - CAITHNESS GENERAL HOSPITAL Midwives begin Help us to fight loneliness and social isolation. Check out: http://www.reachout.scot.nhs.uk Contents on-call service

5 Social media advice Letters have been sent to expec- trician at Raigmore and interim lead 6 Kintyre dialysis unit success tant mums to update them of the North Highland Maternity Ser- 7 At your service about changes to the Caithness vice, said: “During the last two 10 Campbeltown charity events maternity service. months we have tested these new As of Monday 30th January 2017, arrangements and they are working 14 Brora hub’s fantastic report midwifery staff based at the Hender- as planned.” 15 Comings & Goings son Wing at Caithness General Hos- The letter comes on the back of a 18 Midwife of the year award pital (CGH) will provide an on-call number of broad-ranging health talks 19 Review of the year service from 8pm to 8am. in recent weeks involving NHS High- 34 E-Frailty project for Caithness Explaining how the on-call system land’s chief executive Elaine Mead, will work, NHS Highland’s North & board chair David Alston, local coun- 37 Q&A: David Ross Mackay West Operational Unit lead midwife cillors, MSP and MPs, Margaret Mary Burnside, said: “This means if Davidson, the Highland Council someone needs to speak with a mid- leader, representatives from the wife between 8pm and 8am they will Caithness Health Action Team Keep us informed contact the midwife on duty in the (CHAT), community councils and Labour Suite in Raigmore Hospital. allied healthcare organisations such Do you know of something you “They will provide advice but if as Scottish Ambulance Service. think should be featured in High- local assessment is required they will One result of the talks was an lights? An award, an achievement, contact the local ‘on-call’ midwife and agreement to set up a local working a piece of research, an appoint- arrange for this to happen at Caith- group to strengthen better co- ment, a retiral … you name it, ness General in a timely manner. ordination and communication during Highlights has a place for it. Please “The reason for this change is the transition period and beyond. send your articles to mark. that the number of calls and assess- As well as a letter, women on the [email protected] (01463 704876). ment overnight is very low or nil. By CMU’s caseload were also sent a moving to on-call, midwives will be specially prepared ‘who to contact, able to provide a better service dur- when’ sheet that includes all the rele- ing the day and therefore make the vant telephone contact details for best use of their skills to provide ease of reference. greater ante natal and post natal And an updated ‘Caithness Mater- You can follow care.” nity Information Leaflet’ was en- NHS Highland on... Also from Monday 30th January closed which provides more informa-

the consultant obstetricians covering tion about the Caithness service and WEBSITE Caithness General will no longer be the local midwifery team. www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk on-call overnight or available after 5 Mary Burnside said: “The team

FACEBOOK pm and at weekends. are really keen to work with every- https://www.facebook.com/ Instead if the local midwife re- one to ensure their experience of quires advice when the local obstetri- NHS Highland Maternity services is a NHSHighland cian is not on duty they will contact positive one. We welcome feedback TWITTER the duty consultant obstetrician at and suggestions at all times.” www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or Raigmore Hospital. For further information and @NHSHighland The move is the next step in the detals, or to find out how to become transition to move to fully imple- more involved in the ongoing devel- menting a midwife-led Community opment of the Community Maternity Maternity Unit (CMU) by 1st April Unit at Caithness General Hospital, 2017. contact: Mary Burnside on Tel: 01408 Dr Lucy Caird, consultant obste- 664035.

- 2 - BOARD MEETING Pace of change to accelerate Palmer, said while the challenges from He said: “This excludes a wide range Continued from front these efficiency targets appear formida- of other allocations such as primary longer an option. While it is true that ble they are not insurmountable. He care funding which are allocated sepa- we have had uplift in our funding in this says current employment frameworks in rately. This is £1.7 million lower than and previous years, our increasing costs place and a willingness to co-operate on we had originally planned on; across and demands mean that we will need to both sides should help enable the neces- Scotland, boards had been planning on a significantly reshape the way that we sary changes required. 1.8 per cent uplift.” deliver services. We have already He said: “We are all becoming While NHS Highland has taken sig- started this, and I do believe we are well aware of the fact that the future is in- nificant strides in recent years to imple- placed to now radically transform our creasingly challenging for NHS Highland. ment new models of care to address services. Not only is there is a financial gap to the increasing demand and a changing “Our current complex, expensive bridge - both as this financial year closes workforce, such as redesigns in Bade- and often institutional based models of and for next year - but the board also noch & Strathspey, Skye, Lochalsh and care can no longer deliver the timely has to deal with the pressing problem of South West Ross, the north coast of high quality of care that we all rightly changing demographics in our area and Sutherland and Out of Hours, the pace aspire to provide. Therefore, it is clear an ageing workforce.” of change has been slow. that we will need to change, and change Meanwhile, Nick Kenton told the At the meeting the board set a clear quickly to meet the needs of our aging board that the baseline uplift in re- direction of travel. The real challenge population. sources for 2017/18 is 1.5 per cent, an now is how quickly can changes be NHS Highland employee director increase of £8.7 million on the board’s made in partnership with all stake- and UNISON representative, Adam baseline allocation. holders. Conditional north coast approval The board of NHS Highland ap- Gill McVicar, the board’s director of “We would like to see what else proved plans to develop a new sin- operations north and west operational could be provided such as purpose-built gle health and social care ‘hub’ fa- unit, said: “We need to have confidence housing - along the lines of the ‘Fit cility on the north coast of Suther- that the Kyle of Tongue area can pro- Home’ project - for elderly residents land, subject to further work to vide a sustainable workforce. so they can live independently in their check the viability of the project. “There is a lot of concern about the own homes for longer.” The move followed a three-month viability of staffing anywhere along that Maimie Thompson, NHS Highland’s consultation of local residents where north coast, not just for NHS Highland. head of public relations and engage- almost two thirds of the people sur- “We have been struggling to staff ment, told the board that during the veyed supported the board’s preferred the two homes on the north coast, but consultation there seemed to be an option of a dual ‘residential and nursing we are moving the two homes into one, acceptance that the current model had care’ facility to be built in the Kyle of so it ought to be achievable. to change. Tongue area. “But we do not want to build the “There was nothing wrong with the In addition, it is planned that the facility and not be able to staff it. So we care in these much loved homes, it was ‘hub’ will improve the co-ordination of need to do more work to gather evi- just they were no longer fit for purpose care in the area through the co-location dence on the viability of the model.” and we need to change to reflect the of some healthcare services and staff. She acknowledged that more work wider challenges around staffing. If the further work shows the pro- was also needed to flesh out what else NHS Highland chair, David Alston, ject is viable, it will mean that NHS could be located alongside the hub and said: “The approval is conditional. If we Highland would no longer provide resi- in the community. do further work and we find that the dential care home services at Caladh “What we have in mind is to build a model is not viable then we will have to Sona (Talmine near Melness) and Mel- home for around 12 residents at the look again.” vich Community Care Unit (Melvich). facility, but we would like to further With the wider challenges now fac- During the meeting on Tuesday 31st describe what else could be provided. ing NHS Highland about current models January 2017, the report authors raised “For example, we feel we can im- of care, the north coast redesign is a some concerns about staff recruitment prove the provision of ‘end of life’ care good example of working with staff and and retention and other factors which on the north coast and reduce local communities to design one that will could affect the hub’s viability. residents having to move. meet future needs. - 3 - WORKFORCE CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Telecare pilot

Helping to deliver change ARGYLL AND BUTE HSCP is cur- NHS Highland staff and manage- pose. We need to design a new model rently piloting an overnight response ment will have to work hand-in- quickly to meet these changing de- service in Ross of Mull to service users who would benefit from a hand together to help transform mands.” Telecare alarm. healthcare delivery to ensure it is Adam stressed that while helping to The equipment will cover a wide ‘fit for purpose’ in the future. deliver these changes, it was important range of different alarms and sen- ‘Unprecedented’ cuts of £100 million to note that there are rights and respon- sors as well as a pendant. This ser- forecast over the next three years cou- sibilities both for staff on the one hand, vice can also provide falls detectors, pled with an aging population means and NHS Highland on the other. bed sensors, door exit sensors, both the board and its employees face He said: “We’ve run out of time to smoke alarms and a range of other considerable challenges. cover this, this month, as a full explana- equipment depending on what is But NHS Highland employee director tion of the processes around these areas required. The pilot will run for six months and UNISON representative, Adam needs to be provided. But there are very and will cover the Ross of Mull up to Palmer, believes while these challenges significant protections and opportunities Pennyghael/Carsaig and will be appear formidable they are not insur- afforded staff at NHS Highland. For ex- staffed by the social work team mountable. He says current employment ample, through the Organisational based in the Ross of Mull. Two frameworks in place and a willingness to Change Policy and the Staff Governance members of staff will be on call co-operate on both sides should help Standard. every night and the service will op- enable the necessary changes required. “However, with these come expecta- erate from 10 pm through to 7 am in the morning. He said: “We are all becoming aware tions that as members of staff we will be of the fact that the future is increasingly reasonable, flexible and outward-looking Cancer service challenging for NHS Highland. Not only in terms of taking on new ways of work- is there is a financial gap to bridge - both ing, or perhaps entirely new roles. NHS HIGHLAND and Breast Can- as this financial year closes and for next “We definitely know that the cer Care are collaborating to provide a new service to support people year - but the board also has to deal with amount of change required is not going who have a diagnosis of secondary the pressing problem of changing demo- to happen, or work, unless staff are fully breast cancer. graphics in our area. involved. Perhaps for some people this is ‘Living with Secondary Breast “It is clear to me that the pressures exciting, and for others it might be a Cancer’ is a well established pro- from both mean that no amount of concern, or maybe you are somewhere gramme which is available in various money is going to get us out of this posi- in the middle. parts of the country and we are now tion. The only way that this will be “Look out for coverage in next pleased to offer this excellent sup- achieved is through significantly changing month’s ‘Highlights’ for a further explo- port to people in the Highlands. the way we do things now. The bottom ration of what you can expect from NHS An information day will be held in the Centre for Health Science on line is that our current model of health Highland – and what the organisation can the Raigmore Hospital Campus in and care is no longer fit for pur- expect of you in return.” Inverness on Tuesday, 28th March 2017 between 10.45am-3pm. Video BELFORD HOSPITAL conferencing facilities are also available. The service is free; however booking is required for planning. For further information please Positive inspection praised contact Karen Daltrey, Eilidh Wilson and Angeline Macleod (NHS High- THE HEALTHCARE Environment She said: “The inspection team found land Breast Care Nurses) on 01463 Inspectorate (HEI) published a very that the hospital was clean and well 705605. positive report following an unan- maintained and staff were able to show Accessible info nounced inspection visit to Belford their knowledge on a number of infec- Hospital in Fort William. tion control precautions and procedures. The Scottish Accessible Information The report published in January high- Anne Boyd-Mackay, the board’s rural Forum will run two courses on 23rd lighted a number of areas of good prac- general hospital manager, commended and 23rd March called 'Hidden Ac- cessibility: how to create accessible tice within the hospital and has been the hard work and commitment of all documents' and 'Accessible Informa- welcomed by NHS Highland. staff to achieve such a positive report. tion - How to get your message across' Alison Hudson, lead nurse for North There was only one requirement and For course details and further and West Highland, is delighted that the one recommendation in the report. information contact: David Hughes hard work put in by all staff across the Work has already begun on the areas at [email protected] hospital has been reflected in the report. identified. - 4 - SOCIAL MEDIA Mind your Netiquette and avoid the pitfalls

SOCIAL MEDIA has the potential wouldn’t say it in the canteen, i.e. to some- media to look through your social me- to be really helpful throughout one’s face, then don’t post it online. dia posts – screen shots are easy to your career. take. Google yourself – what do you Making connections and sharing Top tips on keeping it professional: find? Is the image one that you want knowledge with online networks can colleagues, potential employers and Read the NHS Highland social media help you learn, reflect and keep in patients to see? protocol (http:// touch with like-minded people across intranet.nhsh.scot.nhs.uk/ Always take a moment to think be- the NHS and beyond. PoliciesLibrary/Documents/Social% fore you post – is it in line with your Unfortunately the openness and 20Media%20Protocol.pdf ) and read values and your profession’s reputa- accessibility which makes it so powerful your profession’s social media guidance. tion? Show respect. is also what is its potential pitfall if you post the wrong things. Or as social Check the privacy settings on your Never, ever drink and post! Ban the media blogger Jure Klepic, said: “What social media profiles – you may want to updates when you are drinking. happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, what have separate personal and professional Don’t lose your personality but do happens on Twitter stays on Google profiles. However, remember even remember when you join the NHS you forever.” private, personal profiles can come un- are in a public role and have signed a The good news is there’s an easy der scrutiny. code of conduct with a responsibility to rule to remember to help avoid damag- It is easy for organisations or the behave in a professional way. ing your career and reputation: if you INTEGRATED STAFF BANK TEAM Bank shift booking process changed WORK is underway to remove the abil- priate training. Clearly these matters Practice for a period of one month ity to book retrospective bank shifts for need to be checked in advance to en- from 1 February 2017 any retrospec- Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Pro- sure the shift is OK to be worked. tive shifts will be required to be esca- fessionals and Care at Home. Bank shifts can be booked and related for approval. A retrospective shift is where it is corded at short notice by contacting Going forward, managers have worked as bank but the Integrated 01463 706666 (available 24 hours) and been asked to ensure that that they Staff Bank Team are not made the authorisation code noted to ensure have clear escalation plans in place to aware until after the shift has been prompt payment. Therefore, from 1st manage any exceptions. worked. March 2017 the Integrated Staff Bank If you are unsure about any arrange- Staff in the Integrated Staff Bank will not process retrospective claims. ments for booking shifts at short notice carry out critical checks around compli- Anyone who has been asked to including during out of hours, then con- ance with Working Time regulations, work a shift will always be paid and tact the Integrated Staff Bank Team on registration requirements, and appro- so in order to manage this change in 01463 706666.

- 5 - CAMPBELTOWN HOSPITAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Uniform laundry Dialysis unit makes service restricted

A NUMBER of Facilities Services Reviews are underway and are at various stages within NHSScotland. ‘a great difference’ However, this has proven to be a A YEAR-LONG evaluation of a Kintyre and agreed to expand the catch- slow process and there is a need to community kidney dialysis pilot ment area to residents within the Mid make service change much more quickly. project in Kintyre has been deemed Argyll locality. Therefore, the Chief Executive’s such a success the development is The HSCP also agreed to a scoping Group has agreed a programme to be expanded to provide a service exercise to look at the viability of a dialy- where all health boards must accel- for residents across the whole of sis unit on Bute where there is also a erate specific objectives. mid-Argyll. significant local need for a service. One of the programmes being The idea to introduce the service at Kristin Gillies, Senior Service Planning accelerated is the national move to Campbeltown Hospital was first mooted Manager for the HSCP, said: “I am de- restrict the laundering of staff uni- in 2014. lighted that the evaluation of the Kintyre forms to infectious uniforms (i.e. At the time Kintyre residents were Community Dialysis Unit highlighted the uniforms which have been contami- nated by body fluids) and scrub suits having difficulties accessing treatment as success of the project and that it has alone. Several health boards across they had to undergo a six hour round made a great difference to the quality of Scotland implemented this restric- trip to Glasgow three times a week for life of patients accessing the service. tion some time ago. dialysis. “They no longer have to travel to Now the Highland Partnership So an innovative hub and spoke out- Glasgow three times a week and access- Forum has agreed to align NHS reach community dialysis unit was set up ing dialysis services locally has also had a Highland with the national policy in the Campbeltown hospital with the positive effect on their health and well- and the laundering of uniforms support of a specialist team from NHS being. across all services will be phased out Greater Glasgow and Clyde. “I would also like to put on record from 31 January 2017. It is recognised that for various With the aid of the local Kintyre my thanks to the local community in reasons staff may not be able to community and a number of kidney dialy- Kintyre for their financial support. The make alternative arrangements by sis voluntary groups/charities, funding staff working in the unit have also been that date and therefore in these was agreed for the capital and staff train- extremely dedicated, especially the five cases the existing laundry service ing costs to establish the unit. nurses who spent months in Glasgow will cease completely from 1st And senior managers in Argyll and training as dialysis nurses, and the sup- March 2017. Bute Health and Social Care Partnership port from NHS Greater Glasgow and With the exception of any infec- agreed to support the proposal. Clyde has also been excellent. tious uniform, staff should therefore They decided to undertake a one “The decision by the HSCP to con- make arrangements to launder uniforms at home according to the in- year pilot within the hospital and this tinue to provide the service in Kintyre is structions found at Section 3.2: home started in August 2015 when the Kintyre very welcome as is their agreement to laundering of uniforms of this CEL. Community Dialysis Unit started treating expand the catchment area for the Kin- Infectious uniforms must con- patients. tyre service to patients living in the Mid tinue to be sent to the laundry in red An evaluation of the pilot was carried Argyll area.” soluble alginate bags, inside a clear out in Autumn 2016. This evaluation She added that the HSCP has also plastic bag and placed in a red linen assessed a number of key areas including: agreed to look at the expansion of dialy- bag, just as at present. demand; accessibility; sustainability of sis services in other areas where there is Also the Highland Health Board staffing; clinical outcomes for patients; a local need. Policy continues to be that – with the obvious exception of staff work- and financial implications. She said: “We will, therefore, be ing in the community - staff should The evaluation demonstrated that the starting a scoping exercise on Bute to not wear uniforms whilst travelling unit has operated successfully and safely look at the viability of a Dialysis Unit on to and from work. and met clinical outcomes and patient the island and I recently met with repre- Staff may be able to claim tax needs. It also significantly reduced the sentatives from the Bute Kidney Patients relief on the cost of laundering uni- travelling required for dialysis as well as Support Group to discuss this further. forms. Please see the following link. improving the health and wellbeing of “This whole project has proved that Any questions? Call Alistair Wil- patients. with the support of the community and son, professional lead for Facilities As a result of this successful evalua- experienced dedicated staff we can make Soft Services on 01463 704359 or Morag Drew, assistant facilities sup- tion, Argyll and Bute HSCP approved the a real difference to the lives of people port manager, 01463 705417. continuation of the dialysis service in within Argyll and Bute.” - 6 - AT YOUR SERVICE Hayley Duncan: Mental health practitioner with the newly-established supporting self management service NHS Highland runs a series of articles for local media which puts the spot- light on people who work in healthcare across our area. Answering the questions this month is Hayley Duncan Q. What is the supporting self manage- We need to change the culture in relation to ment service? mental health and one of the best ways of doing A. We’re a new service based at New Craigs that is through education. I think there should Hospital in Inverness that delivers short, time- be a dedicated programme rolled-out through limited interventions for people with any mental schools to teach youngsters that mental ill- health diagnosis. We deliver four skills-based health can happen to anyone and that there is groups over a two-week period that are fo- support available.

cused on learning and developing life and self- Q. What attracted you to work in the management skills such as activities of daily liv- supporting self management service? ing, the Stress Response. There is also a range A. The job was advertised internally and I was of ‘Decider’ skills designed to equip people with looking for a new challenge. I felt that I had skills to lead a less impulsive life. Individuals achieved all the goals I had set myself before I who use the service will also create a self- started working in a ward, and I wanted to try management plan, including a crisis plan to use something new. This job allows me to be in times of future distress. autonomous and creative. It’s a very exciting Q. What is your background? opportunity to develop a service that can be a A. I completed my mental health nursing train- real benefit to patients and their families.

ing at the University of Stirling’s Stirling campus Q. Is there such a thing as a typical work- three years ago. I have spent two-and-a-half ing week for you? years working in acute mental health wards at A. I wouldn’t say so because the job has so New Craigs and six months in this service. many roles within it, as well as the self manage- Q. Why did you decide to become a men- ment service we dip into the personality disor- tal health nurse? We need to der service I spend a lot of time working with A. I initially studied psychology at Strathclyde change the different groups as well as handling referrals, University in Glasgow, however I realised that I team meetings and completing training and de- prefer a much more hands-on style of working. culture in velopment. I love the variety this job provides I had briefly worked in a social care setting for relation to as it contributes to my professional develop- those with mental health problems and decided ‘ ment and it provides various opportunities to this was the route I wanted to take. mental learn.

Q. What is your favourite part of mental health and Q. What is the long-term aim for the ser- health nursing? vice? A. Talking to people. My role enables me to one of the A.We have made a very positive start to the provide empathy and emotional support for service, with great feedback from patients and someone when they’re opening up their deep- best ways of colleagues. We want to keep building that mo- est feelings and thoughts to me. It’s a privileged doing that is mentum and gain more referrals to the service position to be in. and roll-out training to staff across Highland. through Q. Is there still a stigma attached to men- Q. How do you relax away from your tal health? education work?

A. I would say that there is a huge stigma at- A. I love going for walks, photography and spending time with family and friends. tached to people who have mental ill-health. I think that we need to educate people on the Q. Describe your role in three words... issues and raise awareness of mental health. A. Rewarding, challenging and stimulating.

- 7 - ’ CRITICAL CARE UPGRADE ARGYLL AND BUTE Investment in services

Temporary ward move ALMOST £2 million was invested in Argyll and Bute Health and Social THE CRITICAL care upgrade at “The upgrade will bring all critical Care Partnership last year in order to Raigmore Hospital took a step for- care services, which includes the Acute transform its services. ward in January as Ward 1A, which Medical Assessment Unit, the Intensive The Integrated Care Fund (ICF) is cares for daycase patients and is Care Unit, Surgical High Dependency a source of three-year funding (2015- also the common admission Unit, Cardiac Care Unit, Cardiology and 2018) provided by the Scottish Gov- lounge, was moved temporarily to Theatre suite, together over two floors. ernment to help HSCP’s support in- the ground floor. “The operating theatres at the hos- vestment in integrated services. The key purpose of the ICF is to This move will now allow work to pital will be refurbished and an addi- act as a catalyst for transforming start on the first floor to move the in- tional theatre will be added to bring the health and social care services tensive care and surgical high depend- total number of theatres in the suite to through focusing on anticipation, pre- ency units into the vacated area at the 10, seven of which will be equipped with vention and early intervention and end of 2017. specialist laminar air flow, ensuring the maintaining people’s health and well Approval and funding to upgrade the air within the theatre environment is at being. hospitals critical care service was given the cleanest possible standard.” The HSCP received £1.84 million by the Scottish Government in March Katherine Sutton, deputy director of of ICF in the first year (2015/16). Of last year with an investment of £28 mil- operations for Raigmore Hospital, said: this, £1.04 million was directed to health and social care services across lion. “Having critical care services over the Argyll and Bute. Doreen Bell, clinical advisor for the two floors will not only allow best use The HSCP wide funding continues tower block upgrade explained that of space and staff but it will also im- for 2016/17 and supports a range of work on the first floor will see the start prove patient flow in the hospital and exciting work such as: of critical care services coming together. the privacy and dignity of our patients. She said: “Ward 1A will be housed “This work and investment will Management and prevention of falls in Ward GC for approximately 28 greatly improve the facilities and also - preventing people ending up in hos- months allowing work to start on the provide an opportunity to co-locate pital first floor as we look to upgrade our wards and ensure that first-class health- Self management - assisting and critical care services. Work on the first care can be delivered in modern facili- empowering patients to manage their floor will take about 10 months. ties for years to come.” condition

Reablement - helping people to MID ARGYLL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL regain the ability to look after them- selves.

Integrated Equipment Store/Care Work plans on schedule and Repair Team - enhancing the PLANS TO temporarily move the Donald Watt, mental health man- scale and range of equipment and in-patient mental health services ager, thanked everyone who attended response time to support people in their own homes and facilitate safe from Argyll and Bute Hospital in the events and he hoped they found the discharge from hospital. Lochgilphead to the Mid Argyll events informative and that they took Community Hospital and Inte- the opportunity to discuss the plans for The remaining £800,000 was de- grated Care Centre in Lochgil- mental health services with HSCP rep- volved directly to local communities phead are on schedule, Highlights resentatives who were present. across Argyll and Bute. This local reports. He added that representatives were funding was allocated using the Scot- The Argyll and Bute Health and So- also continuing to work closely with tish Government’s NRAC (National cial Care Partnership (HSCP) anticipates other agencies including Argyll and Bute Resource Allocation Committee) for- that the building improvement work to Council, Police Scotland and Scottish mula which takes account of factors like demographics and rurality. relocate the services to the ground Ambulance Service and that this multi The following allocations were floor of the Mid Argyll will be com- agency approach will continue as the approved by the HSCP: pleted by the end of March 2017. services across Argyll and Bute are de- The HSCP recently held a series of veloped. Bute and Cowal £220,832 drop-in events to provide the public Once the building works are com- with an opportunity to view the plans pleted by March, the HSCP will then be Helensburgh and Lomond £196,066 for the Mid Argyll hospital unit and dis- able to provide the service within a facil- cuss the move with representatives ity that is more suitable for the needs of Mid Argyll, Kintyre & Islay £200,754 from the Mental Health service. patients. Oban, Lorn & the Islands £182,348

- 8 - ANNOUNCEMENTS ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS Weight workshops

NHS HIGHLAND’S health im- Schools win poster provement team is to run three workshops over the next couple of months offering weight management training. These workshops will be jointly run by Dr Lucy Aphramor, an inter- design competition nationally recognised dietitian. The first workshop called ’Introduction to Healthy Weight: adults’, will be held on 23rd February 2017 at the Scottish Natural Heri- tage office in Inverness. The second workshop, ‘Intuitive Eating’, will be held on 24th Febru- ary 2017, again at the Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness. The third and final workshop, ‘Introduction to Healthy Weight: children and families’, will be held at the Culloden/Balloch Baptist Church Inverness on 24th March 2017. All the workshops run from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Above: Dingwall Acad- For further information, con- emy’s prize winners tact: [email protected] on 01463 704905 or v a l - [email protected] on 01463 Inset (left): Balloch 704875. Primary School poster Inset (right): Dingwall Reviewer sessions Academy poster

TRAINING SESSIONS are being provided for managers and review- As part of European Antibiotic because before I didn’t know very much ers for the Knowledge and Skill Awareness Day (18 November) pri- about them”; “I found doing the compe- Framework (KSF) and Personal mary and secondary school pupils tition very exciting and I know a lot Development Plans and Review across Highland were asked to de- more about antibiotics now”; and “I liked (PDP&R) process next month. There is no need to book to at- sign a poster highlighting the theme doing the poster competition because I tend but the location and start of stopping antibiotic resistance. know what antibiotics are used for”. times are as follows: Just under 60 posters were entered Local GP surgeries close to each Tuesday 7th February, 10:30 to with winners being chosen from both school are now displaying the winning 11:30 at the Centre for Health Sci- primary and secondary school entries. posters for the winter period when anti- ences (CfHS), Meeting room 2 The winning schools - Balloch Pri- biotic use is highest. (N109) and from 14:30 to 15:30 in mary and Dingwall Academy - were vis- Throughout the board, NHS High- the same room. th ited by members of NHS Highland’s an- land staff were encouraged to sign up as Wednesday 8 February, 10:30 timicrobial management team to present antibiotic guardians through a link on the to 11:30 at the CfHS, Seminar room 3A (W010) and Friday 10th them with their prizes. intranet home page and the October February, 10:30 to 11:30 at CfHS, Dingwall Academy teacher, Sarah Public Health newsletter. Seminar room 2 (W005). Canham, said: “The pupils thoroughly The Royal College of General Practi- If you are unable to attend but enjoyed learning about antibiotics in tioners (RCGP) ran a lunchtime webinar require information or guidance, more depth and learnt a great deal about series on targeting appropriate antibiotic then contact Iain MacDiarmid, the importance of taking them cau- use throughout November and Decem- learning & development advisor, tiously.” ber. Tel: 01463 706721 email: Jacqueline Kennedy, from Balloch The series promoted ways of ad- [email protected] or Paul Primary School said the pupils certainly dressing patient expectation and this Simmons, learning & development facilitator, Tel: 01463 706885 enjoyed entering the competition with resource was shared with medical and email: [email protected]. some of the comments including “It was dental practices as a useful review before very interesting learning about antibiotics the winter cold and ‘flu season.

- 9 - ANNOUNCEMENTS CAMPBELTOWN

Conference date Hospital staff dig deep for

NHS HIGHLAND staff are being encouraged to “save the date” for the second annual Veterans First charities over Christmas Point Scotland conference later this year. Veterans First Point is a service designed by veterans to meet the needs of veterans. It is based on the expressed needs from veterans to have more coordinated, credible and accessible services for ex- service personnel. The model has been developed and implemented in eight health board areas across Scotland, including in Highland. The event is being held in Edin- burgh Napier University on Thurs- day, 11th May 2017 to celebrate this network of Veteran First Point services for veterans and their families in Scotland. Sarah Muir, NHS Highland’s Veterans First Point project lead, said: “At this stage we would ask all potential delegates to mark the dates in their diaries. We will contact you again in early February A MONTHLY Lucky Number Draw eson, who chose the Men’s Shed for the when the applications for attendees open.” for Campbeltown Health & Social £50 donation. To find out more about the type of Care Partnership Staff has started Meanwhile, staff, pictured above, were services that Veterans First Point recently. busy raising funds for charity over the provide visit As part of the monthly draw, the festive period. They entered a float in www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk . winner chooses a local cause of their the Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade choice to donate £50 towards. on 28th November and collected £204.89 The first draw was on the 1st Novem- for the town’s Christmas Lights Group. One day course ber and the first winner was Marjorie And some staff, pictured below, put on A FREE one day course on Leighton, who chose Shopper-Aide - a their Christmas Jumpers/T-Shirts on 16th ‘Working with Groups to Promote help service for older people in Kintyre - December for Christmas Jumper Day Health’ is planned on 7th March for the £50 donation. 2016 and raised £170.00 for the charity 0930 am -1630 pm at the Merkinch The 2nd draw winner was John Mathi- Save the Children. Community Centre in Inverness . The course aims to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to work effectively with groups. The course will be useful for anyone wishing to use active learning methods to promote health. To book a place complete the form at the link below and return to the course administrator. Places will be confirmed as soon as possible upon receipt of application forms. http://intranet.nhsh.scot.nhs.uk/ Well%20Informed/Lists/Staff% 20Events/Dispform.aspx?ID=371

- 10 - MEDICAL HUMANITIES STUDIES Rural projects encourage students FOUR 3rd year medical students students found their time here enjoy- have completed the first-ever able and useful. My hope is that more individual projects as part of the students will return encouraging more Medical Humanities portion of senior medical students and doctors to their studies. choose the Highlands as a place to study Medical Humanities gives students and work.” a different perspective on medicine, Emma Foster, a third year medical taking them away from the scientific student based in Aberdeen, said: angle and exposing them to aspects of “Undertaking my humanities project in their chosen career which they may Inverness gave me the perfect opportu- not have previously considered. nity to get a true flavour of remote and Professor Steve Leslie, consultant rural healthcare and reminded me of cardiologist for NHS Highland and some of the reasons why I wanted to associate director of research has a pursue a career in medicine in the first remit to support junior doctor and place. medical student research in NHS “All of the professionals I encoun- Highland. tered were so encouraging and passion- He explained that students are ate about providing us with the best encouraged to reflect on the proc- Professor Steve Leslie learning experience possible and were esses of teaching and learning and to clearly very dedicated to both clinical understand the experiences of medi- verness Men’s Shed’; ‘The rise and fall of and academic medicine. I have been so cine, health, sickness and disability hospital beds in Highland’; ‘Risk taking inspired by them that I am intending to from different perspectives. behaviour in mountain users’; and ‘The return to Inverness to carry out my He said: “At the end of last year origin and development of the hospitals of intercalated degree." four of our Medical Humanities stu- Lewis’. If anyone is interested in supporting dents completed project work. “I am very impressed with the work research in junior staff in NHS Highland, The group looked at a number of they presented which showed their contact Professor Steve Leslie on topics including ‘The impact of the In- dedication and hard work. All of the [email protected].

MENTAL HEALTH Decider skills training brings benefits MENTAL HEALTH professionals management skills to promote good -management between patients, their from across NHS Highland at- mental health for everyone.” families and health professionals.” tended specialist training designed Developed by cognitive behavioural NHS Highland’s community mental to support people to manage their therapists Michelle Ayres and Carol health services manager Michael Perera emotions and overall health more Vivyan, it compromises a set of 32 skills said: “We were delighted to welcome effectively recently. drawn from standard cognitive behav- the trainers to NHS Highland, and the The ‘Decider’ skills training package ioural therapy and third wave cognitive staff who attended gained a lot from the was developed by Guernsey-based cog- behavioural therapies. week. nitive behavioural therapists to improve The two trainers spent a week in “This opportunity will lead to un- communication about emotions and self Inverness with over 250 enthusiastic precedented improvements in patient -management between patients, family staff and services user volunteers from outcomes, staff motivation, service co- and staff. across the health board’s mental health hesion and the patients we care for in NHS Highland’s consultant psychia- services and independent and third sec- the mental health services. trist and psychotherapist, Dr Tim tor partner organisations. “A number of services have already Agnew, said: “The ‘Decider’ skills can Dr Agnew said: “As well as teaching embedded the ‘Decider’ skills package be used for patients with a range of practitioners how to train patients to into their working practice, and we mental health issues, but is also useful as manage their emotions and health, the have already seen the positive effect this a means of helping everyone enhance ‘Decider’ training provides a way of method of working has on both staff their emotion management and health communicating about emotions and self and patients.”

- 11 - - 12 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ‘Eye opening’ experience for Leah

A THIRD YEAR occupational ther- buying a stamp I felt extremely ostra- apy student has seen the world cised and was shocked when the shop from a service user’s perspective assistant did not even acknowledge that after she was asked to complete a I was in front of her and instead spoke number of tasks whilst using a self- to my companion. propelled wheelchair. “I also felt that many people were Leah Hill, a student at Robert staring at me as I was self-propelling in Gordon University, was accompanied the chair. Some people did smile and by an occupational therapy assistant move out of my way while others just (OTA) during the task and explains that stared. It was very off putting.” it has certainly opened her eyes. Leah added: “I feel fortunate enough She said: “While in the wheelchair I that I was given this opportunity to had to do a number of things including view the perspective of a wheelchair getting a bus into town; buying a first user’s point of view. It was an eye open- class stamp, gather information from ing experience and has dramatically the tourist information centre regarding increased my empathy for wheelchair bed and breakfast facilities within Inver- users. I now have a better understand- ness as well as going to a cafe and having of the difficulties they can face which ing a drink. will help me in my future career.” “I felt like a burden when travelling Mary Scoular, occupational therapist by bus as the driver appeared reluctant for NHS Highland, said: “We encour- to take the ramp out to allow me to get people off going out into the commu- age all third and fourth year students, as on, it made me feel like my needs did nity.” well as new staff to experience what it not matter. “It has also opened my eyes into is like to be a wheelchair user. Many of “If this is what wheelchair users go how wheelchair users could feel ig- them have certainly found it to be an through on a daily basis it could put nored in social circumstances. When eye opener.” ALTERNATIVE THERAPY Embrace your inner child with yoga EVERYONE HAS heard the tation and exercises to increase energy phrase “laughter is the best medi- levels and activate pressure points in cine”, and an NHS Highland social 10 minutes of your body.” worker wants to put that theory to The Laughter Yoga movement began the test. in India in the 1990s and has spread Natalie Thomson, a social worker prolonged across the world. Dr Madan Kataria, based at the Corbett Centre in Inver- also known as the “laughter guru”, cre- ness, is holding a series of Laughter laughter will ated a process designed to trigger spon- Yoga classes, which encourage partici- taneous, real laughter. pants to embrace their inner child and provide wide- Ms Thomson said: “Real laughter is reap the physical and mental health ‘ contagious, and laughter yoga is all benefits. ranging health about creating social interactions with She said: “As children, we laugh un- those around us. I completed my train- conditionally throughout the day, how- benefits ing to lead laughter yoga sessions, and ever we don’t do that as adults. part of the training is to give back to “The core idea behind Laughter the community. Yoga is that 10 minutes of prolonged “The session involves exercises such The free hour-long Laughter Yoga laughter will provide wide-ranging as forced laughter and breathing, as our sessions will be held in the Corbett health benefits including reduced stress body doesn’t know the difference be- Centre in Inverness on Monday, 6th levels, building resilience and improving tween forced and real laughter. We’ also February at 7pm and Wednesday, 22nd our mood. have a period of peaceful, guided medi- February at 6pm.

- 13 - CARE INSPECTORATE REPORT Brora hub receives fantastic grades A Sutherland support service Pictured (left based at the Brora ‘Hub’ received to right) are very high grades in a report follow- Esther Brown ing an unannounced visit by the (Engaging Care Inspectorate, the organisa- with Activ- tion that monitors care service ity), Lindsey standards. Tennent (Beachview The Beachview Lodge support ser- Lodge sup- vice, located within the Hub, received port service grades of five - meaning ‘very good’ – in manager), all four of the inspection’s categories and Rhona during the visit conducted on 15th No- Walker (NHS vember 2016. Highland So- The NHS Highland-run service for cial Work up to 20 adults with learning difficulties Service). impressed inspectors in four categories: quality of care and support; quality of a village hub concept to offer a wide Support Service’s manager Lindsey environment; quality of staffing; and range of service not just to people with Tennent, said: “We are all delighted quality of management and leadership. learning disabilities, but also other peo- with the Care Inspectorate’s findings, Lorraine Coe, NHS Highland’s dis- ple in the community who could benefit which reflect the dedication and com- trict manager for Sutherland, said: from the facilities and activities on offer mitment of all our staff. And we are also “These are fantastic results for a great at Beachview Lodge. It said it was pleased that our partners’ ‘Engaging support service. When it was last in- “especially impressed with the inter- with Activity’ have been highlighted in spected in July 2015, the service generational work being done to include their report for their fantastic work in achieved one ‘good’ (grade 4) and three children in the life of the service and making the Brora hub initiative such a ‘adequates’ (grade 3s).” those people who use it. We strongly success.” The report states that the service believe the innovative Beachview Lodge The report made just one recom- has undergone a remarkable transfor- support service ‘village hub’ could act as mendation for an upgrade of one of the mation in recent times and was adopting an exemplar for other care providers.” toilet areas. SUTHERLAND Malcolm flies out to help refugees SUTHERLAND DENTIST Malcolm We’ll be doing mainly extractions and Hamiltion plans to fly to northern where possible simple basic treat- Greece for five days to provide emer- ments such as pain relief and simple gency dental care in refugee camps in fillings.” the area. Malcolm added that the trip is self Malcolm, senior dental officer funded and he has already done some based at Golspie Special Care Dental fundraising to cover the £500 it will Unit, explained that in the past he had cost for flights and accommodation. given money to support those helping He said: “I’ve been able to fund this in the refugee camps but felt that he trip but I’ve not ruled out going back. wanted to do more. “I’ll have a better idea when I’m Travelling as part of a group with out there as I have heard some of it UK charity Dentaid, he said: “I feel I can be quite harrowing but if I do not have a particular skill set that will be go back any excess funding will be useful and it gives me the opportunity given to the charity Dentaid so they to give my time and energy rather can continue their work.” than finance. If you’d like to know more about “There are about 15,000 refugees where we will set up a mobile clinic. Malcolm’s trip or to donate to the spread across 12 different camps. One These are refugees from the war in fund then visit h t t p s : / / camp has a dental clinic store and then Syria who are used to having good www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ we will travel to the other camps dentistry and now they have nothing. Highland-dentist-to-greece

- 14 - COMINGS & GOINGS Pharmacy service head retires MARY MORTON will retire from She was one of the original members the post of Head of Community of the Highland Formulary Sub Group Pharmaceutical Services, NHS which was instrumental in producing the Highland next month (February). first Highland Joint Formulary in 2004. Mary joined the then Highland Pri- Mary has retained a keen interest in mary Care NHS Trust in February 2000, medicines safety throughout her career Before that she was a community phar- and took on the role of professional macist providing prescribing support to secretary to the Medicines Safety sub- one of the Inverness GP practices. group of the Area Drug and Therapeu- Starting as a pharmacist prescribing tics Committee in 2008. adviser for the trust she achieved a Di- Outwith work, Mary married her ploma in Prescribing Sciences in Decem- long time partner Andy Sked in 2003. ber 2001. Her thesis for the Diploma She became a grandmother in 2016 and was a pilot study into prescribing for she is looking forward to spending more patients in residential care homes. time with all her family after retiring. In 2004, Mary became acting chief Friends and colleagues within phar- pharmacist for Primary Care and then in macy and in the wider NHS, in Highland 2006, following the establishment of and beyond, will greatly miss Mary's NHS Highland, she was appointed head has overseen a revolutionary change in breadth of knowledge, skills and open of community pharmaceutical services. the NHS contract with community manner and we wish her well in the During her time in this post Mary pharmacies. future. Active travel champions engaged NHS HIGHLAND has joined forces with UK charity Sustrans to appoint Lizbeth Collie two active travel engagement officers. (left) and Sheila Sheila Wickens and Lizbeth Collie Wickens are the will be based in Inverness and work board’s first active with the health board for one year to travel engagement inform NHS Highland’s active travel officers. policies and encourage staff to make a behaviour changes in commuting and business travel. NHS Highland’s health promotion specialist Dan Jenkins said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is of the upmost priority to NHS Highland, and we have been encouraging staff to think about how they might commute to work, and between meetings. “The appointment of Sheila and or public transport for more of the and knowledge to make active travel Lizbeth really strengthens our com- journeys they make every day. a part of their life, and I’m looking mitment to support staff to be as Sheila Wickens said: “I’m de- forward to the challenge of doing so. healthy as they can be. lighted to be joining at what is an ex- “We want to empower staff to “They bring with them a wealth of citing time for the health board. support each other to think about experience in active travel and will “NHS Highland has been forward different ways of commuting to work play a key role in informing NHS thinking in their approach to active and meetings, and we want to open a Highland policies on how we can sup- travel, and I look forward to working dialogue with those who already cy- port staff to make healthier lifestyle with the board to help staff to make cle, walk or use public transport for choices, and reduce our carbon foot- more sustainable and healthy travel business travel or commuting to be- print.” choices.” come Active Travel champions and Sustrans is a leading UK charity Lizbeth Collie said: “It’s important support their colleagues to change enabling people to travel by foot, bike that we provide staff with the skills their choices.”

- 15 - BADENOCH & STRATHSPEY Transfer sees start of redesign plans The first of a number of planned “Over the last 12 months audits week on the work being progressed to changes to support the redesign of have shown that half of the patients support the redesign. health and social care in Badenoch who have been admitted are not local For instance, future catering ar- and Strathspey is set to take place and the transfer to Inverness will im- rangements for the new hospital will by the end of March 2017. prove quality of care and access for either be an onsite production kitchen And it could be that the older adult more people. The benefits include 24/7 or a cook-freeze facility. specialist mental health services, cur- access to specialist staff and services.” There are advantages in both op- rently provided in the Lynwilg ward at The changes required in New tions and considerations will be around St Vincent’s Hospital, Kingussie, will Craigs to accommodate the transfer which service offer best quality and transfer to New Craigs Psychiatric will be complete shortly and this will choice as well as sustainability in terms Hospital in Inverness even earlier. allow the move to take place. of staffing. There are currently only three pa- He said: “A plan for each of the In addition, a working group has tients in the unit and NHS Highland has patients has been agreed and discussed been set up to plan for the future of the already confirmed that no more pa- with families. I am confident that alter- Teresa J Burall Legacy after St Vincent’s tients will be admitted. native arrangements will be in place Hospital closes. The transfer is happening slightly before the end of March, or sooner if The group will include local commu- earlier than originally planned partly possible.” nity representatives and staff, as well a because of difficulties staffing the unit. NHS Highland confirmed that no trustee of the NHS Highland Endow- Dr Boyd Peters, associate medical staff will be made redundant and will be ment Committee. director for mental health and clinical offered various immediate choices such If anyone is interested in finding out lead for the redesign of service across as to work in new community posts more or being involved in the any of Badenoch and Strathspey said: “The funded from the redesigned older adult the working groups, contact older adult specialist mental health beds service or in the new hospital once it [email protected] 01463 will transfer to the acute mental health opens. 704722 or NHS Highland, Assynt unit at New Craigs Psychiatric Hospital The move is just one of a number of House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 in Inverness at the end of March. updates NHS Highland announced this 3BW STRUAN & COWAL COMMUNITY ‘Pause’ helps highlight feedback THE ‘PAUSE’ in the Struan and To see more promotion of good that the HSCP was only part of the Cowal Community resign plans an- health and well being and support to way through the engagement period. nounced last November has provided maintain independence at home for He thanked everyone who has the board with some constructive as long as possible provided feedback so far and encour- feedback, Highlights reports. aged as many people as possible to Argyll and Bute Health and Social To see improved services for peo- take part as their views and feedback Care Partnership (HSCP) is now well ple with mental ill health, in particu- were extremely important and would into the period of involvement and lar people with a diagnosis of demen- greatly assist in the development of engagement in relation to the Struan tia services so they are fit for the future.

and Cowal Community Redesign. More support for carers including The engagement period runs until A number of events have already respite care the end of February and provides lo- been held for local communities to cal staff and communities across come along and find out more about More done to tackle loneliness Cowal with the opportunity to share the proposals. their views on the proposed changes And the HSCP has also been en- More provision of day care services to local services. couraging people to share their views The results of the community and to help with the redesign and the im- There has also been very positive staff feedback will assist the HSCP as provement of local services so they feedback on the range of services it looks forward to how health and are fit for the future. provided by Befrienders and Cross- social care services might be organ- The HSCP has already received roads and the public would like to see ised in the future for the Cowal. The feedback from the local community these services expanded. feedback report will also be publicly which has highlighted that the public Allen Stevenson, head of adult available at the end of the engage- would like: services (East) for the HSCP, said ment process.

- 16 - CAITHNESS GENERAL HOSPITAL Rotation proves a success THE CONSULTANT rotation tient session and operative work de- from Raigmore Hospital in Inver- pending on what is required. ness to Caithness General Hospital “The rotation has allowed us to look in Wick has now been running for after patients with sub speciality condi- a year. tions near their own home and offer Here, two of our consultants tell of operative procedures that would not how they have found this new way of have been offered routinely before in working during that time. Wick. It also allows us to offer support Dr Grant Franklin is a consultant to the team based there including assist- physician who, along with three of his ing with advanced laparoscopic proce- colleagues, takes part in a one in four dures or colorectal procedures that rotation to Wick, 52 weeks of the year. would have routinely been done in Raig- Dr Franklin said: “Caithness may be more previously. We are also on hand over 100 miles way from our base but to help with emergency endoscopy or we are NHS Highland consultants and operative interventions if required” our duty of care is to everyone in High- Mr Grant explained that as a group land. Dr Grant Franklin - “right direction” the rotating surgeons share responsibil- “Being solely based in Wick can ity for the patients with information and make you feel separate from Raigmore can just tell them, as they are in the handovers from previous visits and they but we get the full advantage of both, room with me. Local consultants have also help support other staff. and with our experience and knowledge played a key part in making that work. He said: “The hospital currently has we know exactly what can be done in “The rest of the local team have also one permanent surgeon and a locum Raigmore and what can be done in made it easy for us. It was a bit daunting position. If we weren’t going up there Caithness General, making very rapid to try something completely new but would be a significant shortfall in elec- referrals if required. We also have a we have been welcomed with open tive procedures but we’re also learning good idea of when people should stay arms. It is a very professional small hos- from the rotation as well. local or when it is time for them to be pital making it easy for us as visiting “It’s combined healthcare with joint transferred to Inverness.” consultants to get to grips with. It is medical and surgical specialities and I While locum physicians are still evident that the nursing staff take pride regularly attend handover meetings working out of Wick, the feedback is in the hospital as do the community, which gives you an opportunity to inter- that seeing the same consultant every even down to the ward names which all act with the rest of the team. We’re fourth week is welcomed. mean something locally. also doing things we weren’t doing be- Dr Franklin and his colleagues are in “I do believe that while we still have fore as surgeons at Raigmore and have Wick from Monday to Wednesday, in- more work to do, this is a step in the been involved in working and training cluding being on-call overnight. They right direction for a sustainable service with the rural practitioners. also deal with Caithness-related issues for the hospital.” Mr Grant continued: “The hospital while working in Raigmore. Dr Franklin’s surgical colleagues also always seems busy and the junior staff Dr Franklin explains they work with visit Caithness General on a rotational are also very enthusiastic. The surgical trainees to ensure training is on a par basis. rotation to Wick will continue and has with elsewhere as well with nursing Mr Alan Grant, is one of ten con- now been worked into our job plan colleagues to ensure they are sup- sultant general surgeons based at Raig- which means any new posts will auto- ported. Again, feedback has been very more who make the trip up the A9 fifty matically have that in their role. positive and he and his colleagues are weeks of the year. This means each of “I look forward to my trip up north. very keen to develop relationships with them is there five times a year from The staff are great to work with and the local community and GPs. Tuesday to Thursday, although there is always happy to help and the patients He said: “There is a synergy of no on call participation. we meet do seem genuinely appreciative working with Raigmore and Caithness Mr Grant said: “As consultant gen- that we’ve travelled to see them. We General. We’re learning things there eral surgeons we have a varied caseload want to ensure that patients have opti- that we are taking back to Raigmore and when we are there. Some of us stop off mal care wherever they are and that there is more interaction between sur- in Golspie on the way up for a clinic and we’re not transferring patients due to a gical and medical teams in Wick. If I minor operating list. While in Wick we lack of surgical skills and this has cer- need to refer a patient to a surgeon I undertake endoscopy sessions, outpa- tainly helped.”

- 17 - EMMA’S DIARY ANNOUNCEMENTS Staff cylinder checks

NHS Highland staff across the board Midwife named are being asked to check all medical gas cylinders to ensure that the contents are not out of date. The contract for the supply of medical gases throughout NHS ‘best in Scotland’ Highland (Highland Council area) changed to BOC from January 2014. All cylinders A NHS Highland midwife has been were changed over at the time with recognised in the Royal College of an expiry of approximately three Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery years which means many or the Awards. original cylinders supplied are close Raigmore-based Claire MacPhee was to going out of date. the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the The majority of cylinders will Year 2017 for the Scottish region. have been used within the last three years and replaced. However, it is Claire said: “I’m extremely touched, likely that there are a number of however I am very much part of a team cylinders throughout the Highlands all doing the same job in caring and sup- that have never been used and are porting mums throughout their preg- therefore going out of date. nancy, birth and beyond.” So procurement staff are asking Debbie McDonnell, who nominated that cylinders held at all locations Claire for the award, said: “As an older should be checked for an expiry mum, I was more anxious with this preg- date. nancy compared to the previous three. If replacement is needed the following action is required: requests My youngest child was born 18 years for replacements from locations old, and at 44-years-old, the pregnancy within Raigmore should be made via was regarded a higher risk and involved Pharmacy stores staff on extension closer monitoring. (Left to right) Raigmore midwife 4486. Hospitals outwith Raigmore “However, having Claire’s support Claire MacPhee with Debbie McDon- should contact Procurement staff on throughout the journey made me feel nell and baby Finn. 01463 704285/6. respected, empowered and special. She is an angel, the perfect midwife. Claire is The RCM’s Annual Awards, now in eHealth event an incredibly competent medical profes- its 15th year, will be hosted for the third sional, but more importantly a lovely consecutive year by popular news and NHS HIGHLAND plans to hold an person. She was born to do this job and TV presenter and mother-of-two, Kate ehealth event in February to high- th the profession is richer for having her.” Silverton, on 7 March 2017. Claire will light IT systems Used to improve Midwives play such a positive role in join the six other regional winners at a health care delivery in remote and so many mum’s lives and the Emma’s central London awards ceremony, rural locations. Diary Mum’s Midwife of the Year award where Claire will collect her trophy and The event is to be held on Thurs- nd gives mums the opportunity to express find out who will be awarded the overall day 2 February afternoon between their gratitude and pay a heartfelt tribute national winner. 2pm to 5pm at the Centre for Health Science on the Raigmore to their own special midwife whose Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of Campus, Inverness. kindness and support went above and the Royal College of Midwives, said: The event will especially appeal beyond what was expected of them. “What is so important about winning to those involved in the Badenoch Emma’s Diary, the UK’s essential sup- this award is that it comes from the and Strathspey and the Skye, Lo- port resource for mums to be and new mothers that midwives have cared for. chalsh and South West Ross service parents, and the RCM received a record “There is no better indication of the redesigns, but attendance is wel- 747 nominations from mums across the quality of care than that of the mother, comed from all those involved in UK, highlighting just how important the so Claire should be hugely proud of this health care delivery. midwife’s role is. achievement. Claire has gone above and To confirm attendance or We- bEx into this event, contact: Mairi All entries were put through a rigor- beyond to deliver high quality, woman Simpson-Taylor, project administra- ous judging process by a panel of repre- centred care and I congratulate her for tor, NHS Highland, e m a il: sentatives from both the RCM and her commitment and dedication and for [email protected] or tele- Emma’s Diary, resulting in seven regional caring so much about the care she phone: 01463 70674. winners. gives.” - 18 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JANUARY

REMEMBER the storms of last winter? The severe CAITHNESS Drug and Alcohol Forum is weather of 10th and 11th January 2015 resulted in working with people in recovery to organise a large-scale power loss throughout Highland. Ulti- community-wide ‘conversation café’ event. mately, it led to NHS Highland’s estates depart- The forum, in partnership with the Scot- ment’s maintenance team receiving the Highland tish Recovery Consortium, the Community Quality Award. Alcohol and Drug Service and Highland Alco- hol and Drugs Partnership (HADP), plans to THE steering group looking into the redesign host the event in April. of health and adult social care services across the north coast of Sutherland recommended MEMBERS of NHS Highland’s board were told that that a single care ‘hub’ facility be built in the work on the new children’s unit at Raigmore Hospi- area. tal was progressing well, with completion anticipated in March. THE Scottish Patient Safety Programme changed the Meanwhile, the Full Business Case for the pro- way a ward in Raigmore Hospital tackles day-to-day posed upgrade of critical care services to the hospi- duties, benefiting both patients tal will be presented to the Capi- nd and staff. tal Investment Group on 2 Feb- Staff in Ward 7A, a medical ruary. Subject to approval, it is ward, believe the programme is hoped that the project would get the reason why the ward has not under way in April, with a com- had a death from an unexpected pletion date of December 2018. cardiac arrest in over a year. SCOTLAND’S oldest woman THE Macmillan cancer infor- passed away in an NHS High- mation and support service lands care home just before which has been rolled out to Christmas. Irene (Rene) a number of libraries across Chapman, who was 109 when Argyll and Bute is going from she died on 18th December strength to strength. 2015. Rene, who was born in The pilot project was set HIGHLIGHTS reported that a pio- Twickenham, London, on up in Campbeltown and neering NHS Highland patient safety Saturday 9th June 1906, Rothesay by Argyll and Bute initiative team and an innovative Islay moved to the 10-bedroomed Council's libraries service in pharmacist were both in the running Telford Centre in September 2013, in partnership with for 2016 Scottish Pharmacist Awards. 2012. Nominated alongside the Scottish Macmillan Cancer Support, Patient Safety Programme – Pharmacy NHS Highland and Argyll in Primary Care team was CA- ROBERT Gordon University and Bute Third Sector Inter- TRIONA BRODIE, pictured above, (RGU) has teamed up with NHS face. Due to its success the from the Islay Pharmacy. Highland to establish a new phar- service has since macy academic research centre in been expanded to Helensburgh and Oban, Inverness. Lecturers from RGU’s School of Phar- with a new service planned for Dunoon in the macy and Life Sciences have worked with colleagues spring. in the Highland capital to create the Highland Phar- macy Education and Research Centre (HPERC). A KEY part of the redesign of health and social care Based in the Centre for Health Science in Inver- services in Badenoch and Strathspey will begin to ness, HPERC was officially opened in November by take shape with a start to £1 million upgrade work Professor Rose Marie Parr, chief pharmaceutical offi- at the Wade Centre in Kingussie. cer for the Scottish Government.

- 19 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: FEBRUARY

STAFF recently went that extra mile and truly carers. A partnership agreement between shown what patient-centred care is by organising NHS Highland, Connecting Carers and High- not one but two weddings at hospitals in Highland. Life Highland has enabled people who care Ward GC at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and for a loved one for more than 35-hours per the Newton Wing at Wick’s Town and County Hos- week to access leisure facilities in the north of pital have both been praised for the excellent way in Scotland at affordable prices. which they both handled requests HIGHLIGHTS reported that more than 70 NHS HIGHLIGHTS reported that an event is to be Highland staff recently achieved nationally recog- held in the Centre for Health Science on 8th nised qualifications. March, to provide an update on ‘Our Voice’, In total, 71 candidates from health & social care which seeks to improve participation and em- and business & administration departments across power people to be equal partners in their Highland attained Scottish Vocation Qualifications care and in the design and delivery of ser- (SVQ), Personal Development Awards (PDA) or vices. Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) development awards.

THREE student nurses from Aus- tria found out about healthcare in DUNBAR Hospital has Scotland while on a two-week gained a new service as part study visit to Inverness. of a plan to improve patient They said they would leave care and reduce waiting with one abiding memory: of times by streamlining NHS teamwork between healthcare Highland health and social professionals that they say they care provision in Thurso. don’t often see in Austria. The West Caithness podia- The third-year students ob- try service has been relo- served care in various wards at cated from the community Raigmore Hospital and attending health centre on Davidsons classes in the Centre for Health A LOCHABER care home was suc- Lane, to new, bigger facilities Science. cessful in its search for a new canine at the hospital’s out-patient companion for its residents. NHS department on Ormlie Road, YASMIN YARRICK will be Highland’s Invernevis House in Fort Thurso. onstage with Lulu at the William sent out an appeal after Eden Court on Friday 18th Henry, a dog that belonged to one the NHS HIGHLAND staff tested a March singing with the 15- residents, passed away. Now the resi- prototype body-length ‘blanket’ strong Inverness Military dents are preparing to welcome WIL- that keeps patients warm during Wives Choir. LIAM (above), a spaniel donated by a surgery and helps to reduce their lady from Keith. chances of infection after an op- NATIONAL Breathing Space Day eration. took place and marked the launch Called the ‘Cozynorm’, the spe- of Scotland’s Year of Listening. cially-designed fleece blanket has sealable openings The annual awareness day, which urges people in that allow surgical teams access to different parts of Scotland to take some ‘breathing space’ to look after the body. their mental wellbeing, was intended to encourage By being able to open and close the blanket over us to take time to listen. a specific area, the surgical team is able to keep the rest of the patient’s body warm – a crucial element NHS HIGHLAND welcomed a new High-Life in ensuring that the patients avoid harmful post- Highland scheme which provides respite for operative complications.

- 20 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: MARCH

HIGHLIGHTS reports that staff were seeing for newborn babies in Malawi. red for a day at Campbeltown Hospital. Clients at Bruce Gardens, an NHS High- To mark Wear Red Day, a campaign or- land community mental health service, got ganised by the British Heart Foundation, staff their knitting needles out to help the High- at the hospital did just that and raised £168.10 land Malawi Trust, a charity based in the for the charity by doing so. In addition to staff Highland capital which helps families in the members wearing red clothes, the hospital’s African nation. canteen served up appropriately coloured food, such as stuffed red peppers and spicy NHS HIGHLAND urged its staff to switch off their red lentil soup, as well as heart-shaped em- lights at home for an hour on 19th March, as part of pire biscuits. a demonstration for action on climate change. The board emailed its employees suggesting that SIGNS outside four NHS Highland hospitals were they signed up for Earth Hour 2016 – ‘the world’s changed to address inconsistencies in signage, par- biggest annual celebration for our planet’. ticularly relating to hospital minor injury units. At 8.30pm on the 19th, people across the world Changes are being made to signs switched off their lights for Earth at four sites: Dunbar Hospital in Hour. Landmarks such as Inver- Thurso; Ian Charles Hospital in ness Castle and the Forth Bridge Grantown-on-Spey; Town and were plunged into darkness – and County Hospital in Nairn; and NHS Highland staff were asked to Portree Hospital on Skye. do their bit.

A TURF-CUTTING cere- HIGHLIGHTS reports that mony to mark the start of an the integration of health and ambitious £500,000 green- social care in Argyll and Bute space initiative took place in goes live from 1st April. a move that will transform Christina West, chief officer the grounds of the New of the new Argyll and Bute Craigs Hospital in Inverness Health and Social Care Part- for patients, staff and visitors nership (HSCP), said that, alike. while much had been done in relation to the integration, THE use of a national patient WILLIE CROWE, storeman/driver at there was still much more to safety initiative by nursing teams the integrated equipment store in Ar- do. has helped to reduce the inci- gyll and Bute Health and Social Care The new HSCP includes all dence of pressure ulcers (bed Partnership, was awarded a British Em- health services, including sores) for patients at NHS High- pire Medal in the New Years Honours contracted services (those land hospitals. List in recognition of his charity and that are purchased from Frontline staff on wards in voluntary work. NHS Greater Glasgow and three hospitals across NHS High- Clyde), and all adult and chil- land – Caithness General in Wick, County Commu- dren and families social work. nity Hospital in Invergordon and Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban – have made a significant impact on STAFF who had an NHS Highland social media ac- bed sore cases by using methods advocated by the count or network (Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc) Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP). used for work purposes were warned that the pre- election period – purdah - for the Scottish Parlia- PEOPLE attending an Inverness drop-in cen- ment election started on Thursday 24th March. The tre have been busy knitting hats and jumpers Scottish Government issued guidelines.

- 21 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: APRIL

NHS HIGHLAND launched the biggest cam- A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl made an extraordi- paign of its kind the area has seen, targeting nary gesture to the children’s ward at Raig- loneliness and social isolation. more Hospital. The campaign, named ‘Reach Out – Make Lana Munro, from Nairn, took part in the a difference to someone who’s lonely’, will British Heart Foundation’s ‘dechox’ in March invite residents of and organisations in north and donated all her Easter chocolate to the Highland and Argyll and Bute to complete a ward. As part of the British Heart Foundation ‘pledge’ form in which they undertake to run event she raised £4,500. carry out a task of their choosing to address loneliness. NHS HIGHLAND appointed a senior nurse, Joyce Macleod, to lead a project designed to create a NHS HIGHLAND’S health visiting team leader at more supportive environment for carers when their Campbeltown Hospital, Fiona Semple, was congratu- loved ones are patients at Raigmore Hospital. lated in the House of Commons on her success in a national awards scheme. SERVICES are due to transfer into the new Fiona was named the 2016 UK Highland children’s unit at

Universal Health Visitor of the Raigmore Hospital at the end Year. And an Early Day Motion in of April, board members the House of Commons, of which were told at their meeting Argyll and Bute MP Brendan earlier this month. O’Hara was primary sponsor, The £3.4 million unit was congratulated Fiona on her delivered with some £2 mil- achievement. lion having been raised via the Archie Foundation – rep- NHS HIGHLAND announced resenting “significant gener- the creation of two new sen- osity of local people and busi- ior clinical roles at its board nesses across Highland”. meeting earlier this month. Highlights reported that NHS HIGHLAND introduced a Dr Paul Davidson was to take new staffing model for consultant the new role of associate physicians that should help to im- medical director (primary TWO NHS Highland innovators won a prove the continuity of healthcare care/optometry) and Dr prestigious UK healthcare award for services at Caithness General Boyd Peters that of associate their ’Right Call for a Fall’ programme. Hospital. medical director (mental DR CHRISTINE MCARTHUR The move follows the expan- health) (above) received the Advancing Health- sion of the acute medicine con- care Award in London on behalf of her sultant team at Raigmore Hospital NHS HIGHLAND is collaborating colleague Lynne Siddiqui and their NHS that now allows a four-strong with a hi-tech company to de- Highland team. team of consultant physicians to velop healthcare applications for rotate to Caithness General, pro- state-of-the-art ‘smart glasses’. viding weekday cover in a similar way to the Wick The smart glasses are effectively a wearable com- hospital’s current surgical consultant model. puter with various self-contained mobile apps. Inter- net connected, they project images onto the lens AFTER 12 years as NHS Highland chair, while allowing the user to function – and see – as Garry Coutts retired this month, Highlights normal. They also have a high-resolution camera as reports. well as voice recognition software which turns Garry was succeeded as chair by David speech into text. Alston.

- 22 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: MAY

HIGHLIGHTS reports that the Cabinet Secretary ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ to be aired next year. for Health and Wellbeing endorsed NHS Highland’s campaign against loneliness and social isolation. PLANS for the redesign of the garden space at the ‘Reach Out – make a difference to someone Town and County Hospital in Wick took a step for- who’s lonely’ was officially launched in Inverness on ward after Morrison Construction cleared a large 20th May. Shona Robison said she welcomed the ini- central bed area which had become overgrown. tiative, explaining: “These days people in Scotland The Friends of Town and County Hospital Gar- are living longer, healthier and more independent den had appealed for help in making the garden lives thanks to improvements in health and social space at the hospital a therapeutic, enjoyable, acces- care. However, this means that loneliness and social sible space for patients, their relatives and friends. isolation has become an increasingly important issue.” ARGYLL and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, through its Technology Enabled NHS HIGHLAND became the first health au- Care (TEC) team, introduced a range of new thority in the UK to provide an innovative technology to help assist with the support and birthing programme care of patients and service throughout its area. users. The Wise Hippo pro- One of the most recent de- gramme uses self-hypnosis, velopments has been the in- relaxation and massage tech- troduction of Florence, or niques to help remove fear Flo. Flo is a telehealth text and anxiety of giving birth so monitoring system which is that couples actually look already assisting people to forward to the experience. understand how to better manage a range of conditions A NEW service, based in Raig- such as asthma, diabetes, hy- more Hospital was set up to offer pertension and IBS. It can emotional and practical support also remind people to take to people across all the Highlands their medications. who have been diagnosed with sight loss. HIGHLIGHTS reports that as The Vision Support Service, part of a national initiative, NHS established by sight loss charity Highland undertook a review of RNIB Scotland in partnership the roles and responsibilities of all with NHS Highland, provides vital AMY SMYTH, employment services staff on Agenda for Change Band help and encouragement to allow officer for NHS Highland, was awarded 1 with a view to advancing the people to come to terms with best student from the Chartered Insti- low pay agenda in NHS Scotland. losing their vision tute of Personnel and Development The aim is to remove Band 1 Highland and Islands Group posts from the structure wher- NHS HIGHLAND’S growing ever possible. reputation as a research and development organisation was underlined by the BBC’s de- NHS Highland’s procurement department cision to work with the health board on an made it even easier for staff ordering equip- “exacting” scientific study, Highlights re- ment and medical supplies to ensure they are ported. following protocol by increasing its online The board has helped to organise a month- presence – with a new section on the NHS long trial into the effectiveness of probiotic Highland website, updated intranet pages and yoghurt-style drinks for the BBC TV series a Knowledge Hub webpage.

- 23 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JUNE

FOUR pupils of Drakies Primary School, In- Coaches, players and spectators of the Inverness verness, provided the highlight of the NHS Street League took part in the project, and signed a Highland’s board, when they gave a talk on pledge to avoid smoking while on official club duty. the school’s recently launched community café and on how it is helping to address the RESIDENTS of the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, wider issue of loneliness and social isolation. Rum and Canna have a new health centre., Highlights reported. SAMPLE exercise events organised for NHS High- A team from NHS Highland had been land staff as part of a UK-wide workplace health working on the conversion of the former doc- week proved such a success that several of them tor’s house on Eigg to a health and wellbeing were still going strong. centre. Co-ordinator Dan Jenkins said some of the taster initiatives set up for the week-long events proved so NHS HIGHLAND’S gastroenterology team won the popular staff just kept on doing them. top prize from the Shires Award for Gastrointestinal Excellence. A CAITHNESS care home The team won £10,000 which will resident, 85-year-old David go towards developing psychologi- Bruce, was asked to be the cal support for their younger pa- residents’ representative and tients who are transitioning into apply his considerable life skills adult services. to help select and appoint staff at the 18-resident Pulteney NHS HIGHLAND became the House in Wick. first territorial board to sign up as a diversity champion A WORLD-RENOWNED geriatri- through the charity Stonewall. cian and bestselling author spent By signing up Highlights re- time meeting healthcare profession- ported that the board now has als across the north of Scotland, access to a package of support Highlights reported. and resources and will also be Dr Allen Power spoke to staff able to share and learn from from NHS Highland, Alzheimer BIG-HEARTED Skye midwife best practice. Scotland and members of the High- NATALIE SCOTT travelled to land Dementia Working Group Africa to raise money for charity. EXPERTS in healthcare, housing about exploring ways to enhance Seen running above, Natalie and home design from across High- the wellbeing aimed to raise £3,000 in the land have come together to form a Women V Cancer cycling chal- unique partnership to build sustain- THE campaign launched by lenge in Tanzania. able homes for people with assisted NHS Highland to tackle loneli- living needs. ness and social isolation had an Led by NHS Highland, Albyn Hous- “extraordinary” offer of help – from an 88- ing Society and Carbon Dynamic, its aim is to create year-old woman in Spain. highly adaptable homes which can support people to live independently in their homes for longer through NHS HIGHLAND joined forces with Inverness technology and remote monitoring by social care Street League in a bid to create smoke-free environ- agencies. ments for youngsters to play sport. The board relaunched its Smokefree Sports initia- SCOTLAND’S first graduate medical pro- tive to prevent young people from starting to gramme will work closely with the board and smoke, and encourage people to quit. the University of the Highlands and Islands.

- 24 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JULY

WORK representing the biggest single investment STAFF in the intensive care unit at Raigmore Hospi- Raigmore Hospital since it was built 75 years ago tal tried a new angle to reduce dramatically the began this month. number of patients with ventilator acquired pneu- Approval to upgrade the hospital’s critical care monia. service was given by the Scottish Government in Research into the condition, which occurs in March, with an investment of £28 million over the people who are on breathing machines in hospital, next three years. suggested that the head of the bed should be fixed at The upgrade, which will be carried out by Gra- a 30 degree angle to prevent it developing. ham Construction, will bring all critical care services, which includes the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, TWO NHS Highland doctors were selected the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical High Dependency to accompany the Team GB athletes for the Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Cardiology and Theatre Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. suite, adjacent to each other over two floors. Dr Jonathan Hanson and Dr Derick Macleod have been chosen to serve as medi- HIGHLIGHTS reports that nearly nine out of cal officers for the performance services team ten consultants employed during the games, which th by NHS Highland say tak- will take place from 5 - ing a job with the health 21st August. board was a lifestyle choice. More than half say they A NINE-STRONG group of were attracted by NHS NHS Highland staff on Skye Highland’s clinical reputa- really embraced the idea of tion, having heard that it doing more exercise during was “a good place to the Health at Work awareness work”. week, Highlights reports. The members of the Broad- WORK is continuing on the ford Step Count Challenge transfer of pre-registration enjoyed the week-long event nurse training from Stirling Uni- so much they extended it by versity to the University of the two weeks. Highlands and Islands (UHI). A HIGHLAND doctor filmed himself re- Accredited Educational Insti- moving a tick from his arm in his campaign NHS HIGHLAND wel- tute status is being recom- to raise awareness of Lyme disease. comed the first two groups mended for UHI – a require- Dr James Douglas, of Tweeddale Medi- of secondary school pupils ment to provide pre- cal Practice in Fort William, demonstrates for this year’s Doctors at registration nurse training. The how to remove a tick safely using a special Work programme, which is next step is to obtain the Pre- plastic tick removal device. He advises to going from strength to registration Nurse Programme avoid using fingernails, tweezers or Vase- strength. approval from the Nursing and line, as they risk squeezing infected ticks Since 2012, 125 pupils have Midwifery Council. and transmitting the Lyme disease bacteria. taken part in the programme. This does not FIVE student nurses from Israel took part in a include the record 40 pupils taking part this three-week exchange visit arranged by the year. Highland campus of University of Stirling in A recent survey showed that of those who partnership with NHS Highland. did apply for medical school 63 per cent got This is the fourth year in a row that pre- in and are continuing their studies in Aber- registration student nurses from the Naz- deen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St areth School of Nursing have visited. Andrews.

- 25 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: AUGUST

NHS HIGHLAND chair David Alston paid The nursing students and their professors tribute to Caroline Thomson, a former chair were from the University of Louisville, and of the health board, who died in a two-car their visit was part of the university’s pro- crash near Dingwall on 17th August. gramme to enable its students to experience different healthcare services around the WORK is continuing this month on the upgrade to world. Raigmore Hospital, which equates to the single biggest investment the Inverness hospital has had since AN NHS HIGHLAND rehabilitation assistant played it was built. a part in the Royal College of Nursing’s centenary Highlights reports that approval and funding to celebrations. upgrade the hospital’s critical care service was given Inverness-based Daniel Gibson (27) featured in a by the Scottish Government in March with an in- film exploring the modern-day face of mental health vestment of £28 million over the next three years. nursing. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) marked its centenary year with a series of short THE PUBLIC consultation on the proposed films detailing how nursing has changed in the last redesign of health and so- century. cial care services along the north coast of Sutherland SCOTTISH international began. footballer Gemma Fay was A 12-page green- in Dundee to open a new coloured summary consul- purpose-built facility for tation document and feed- young people with mental back form was distributed health problems, Highlight throughout the area. The reports. consultation will run for The £8 million Young Peo- three months and re- ple’s Unit (YPU), which is sponses should be submit- based on the site of the ted no later than 25th Oc- previous YPU at Dudhope tober. Terrace. The YPU is part of the North of Scotland WRISTBANDS which will al- RESIDENTS of Lochaber care homes can Regional Child and Adoles- low unpaid carers visiting Raig- now have their medications reviewed by an cent Mental Health Service more Hospital to benefit from NHS Highland pharmacist located many (NoS CAMHS) project, a a 50 per cent discount in the miles away thanks to new video technology partnership between Tay- hospital’s dining room are now – and there are plans to extend the scheme side, Highland, Grampian, available to all wards. to people’s own homes. Orkney and Shetland NHS This is an extension to the Project lead PATRICIA HANNAM was boards. system which has been in op- able to work from the board’s Larachan eration in the children’s unit House office in Dingwall by establishing ROSS COUNTY Football Club, for a number of years and will video-conferencing (VC) links with the care a Ross-shire councillor and a give that extra bit of support homes almost 100 miles away. local charity joined forces to to unpaid carers on their visits help further launch a major to Raigmore. campaign by NHS Highland to tackle loneliness and social isolation, Highlights reported. SIXTEEN nursing students from Kentucky The Ross-shire launch of ‘Reach Out – Make a USA visited Argyll’s Cowal Community Hos- difference for someone who’s lonely’ was held this pital and Lochgoilhead Medical Centre as part month at the football club’s Global Energy Stadium of a global education programme. in Dingwall.

- 26 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: SEPTEMBER

HIGHLIGHTS reported that patients are more satis- cessfully took part in a local horticultural show ear- fied with the level of care they receive in an NHS lier this month. Highland hospital than are hospital patients through- They entered the "garden on a plate"; "flower out Scotland. arrangement"; and "greetings card" competitions in A major new survey has found that 93 per cent the Strontian village hall and swept the boards with of NHS Highland patients rated the care and treat- five first place rosettes and one second place. ment they received while in hospital as good or excellent, compared with 90 per cent across Scotland EARLIER this month staff in the intensive as a whole. therapy unit at Raigmore Hospital reached the milestone of having gone 1,000 days since THE NHS Highland board approved a range they last had a patient with ventilator ac- of necessary plans to change the way urgent quired pneumonia (VAP). out of hours services are delivered across VAP is a type of lung infection that affects Highland on Tuesday 27th September. critically ill patients. Patients who contract Board members were asked to consider the disease tend to stay in the unit for longer. proposals designed to ensure the stability of urgent HIGHLIGHTS reported this out-of-hours services and, month that a malicious email in light of a nationwide was being circulated with a title shortage of GPs which is such as “Accounts Documenta- hitting Highland particu- tion – Invoices” from an email larly hard, to reduce the address such as creditcon- heavy dependency on doc- [email protected] and also what tors. appears to be from nhs.net ad- dresses. HIGHLIGHTS reported that September saw Raigmore Hos- A GAME called Food, Mood pital reach its diamond anniver- & Health, created by two sary as the hospital celebrated Highland public health die- 75 years of being open on 5th titians with help from a September. A STUDENT from Mallaig was the first re- specialist play-based educa- cipient of an award recognising the skills and tion company and de- ON AVERAGE, two people qualities valued in integrated health and so- signed to be a fun way of die by suicide every day in cial care. getting kids to develop sen- Scotland states a report in Rita Yost (29) completed an HNC in sible, healthy attitudes to- Highlights. Social Care at the University of the High- wards food, was launched Each suicide is a tragedy lands and Islands. She was awared the Ina across the UK. that has a far reaching im- Maciver Award for her passion for social pact on family, friends and care, her practical and academic perform- NHS HIGHLAND staff based the community long after a ance and her dedication to her studies. in the West Highlands stepped person has died. And NHS up efforts to raise awareness of Highland professionals the bowel screening test and used Suicide Prevention Week this month (5th the symptoms of bowel cancer as part of a national -9th September) to encourage people to talk campaign to improve survival rates. someone if they’re feeling low or having Held at the Lochalsh Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh, on thoughts of suicide. 15th September, the first-ever West Highlands’ event highlighted the need to return bowel screening tests Residents of Dail Mhor care home, Strontian, suc- to help find bowel cancer early.

- 27 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: OCTOBER

THE HEALTHCARE Environment Inspector- ior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, and was ate (HEI) published a positive report this funded by the National Institute for Health Re- month giving Caithness General Hospital search. (CGH) a clean bill of health. NHS Highland welcomed the publication A SOUTH UIST couple who are regular visi- of the report which has highlighted a number tors to Raigmore Hospital said “I do” in front of areas of good practice within the hospital of NHS Highland staff they have praised for during a two-day inspection in Wick on 8th - 9th looking after them so well. August 2016. Iain and Shona MacFarlane (nee Macin- tyre) got engaged earlier this year in June PATIENTS RECEIVING treatment for cancer will while staying at Kyle Court, the patient ac- benefit from a national cancer treatment helpline commodation at Raigmore Hospital. which was launched this month. The 24-hour national cancer treatment helpline – THE PRACTICE administrator on the Small Isles 0800 917 7711 - provides a triage assessment to was recognised for going “above and beyond” her patients who are receiving or duties with a Highland Quality have received specific cancer Award. treatment when they feel un- Sheena Kean works in the well, ensuring access to the Small Isles Medical Practice and most appropriate, effective and has played a key role in the timely care if their condition is development of the new model deteriorating. of healthcare on islands of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna since it HIGHLIGHTS reported started in January 2015. that since March care home staff from both NHS POLICE SCOTLAND and the independent sec- teamed up with NHS High- tor in Highland have been land in Sutherland to raise working on a pilot pro- awareness of a UK-wide gramme focussed on im- scheme designed to trigger proving food, fluid and nu- a quick community re- tritional care. sponse should a vulnerable Altogether, 15 homes A NHS HIGHLAND manager won a top person go missing. across Highland partici- healthcare award for her work in signifi- ‘Herbert’s protocol’ is a pated with members of cantly improving patient safety in the board’s system that provides staff been given the oppor- hospitals. timely information to the tunity to become ‘nutrition MARYANNE GILLIES won the ‘Top police about people with champions’ as part of the Healthcare Manager Scotland 2016’ award at cognitive impairments - programme. the Institute of Healthcare Management’s such as dementia or Alz- (IHM) annual conference on 6th October. heimer’s - should they go RESULTS OF a five year trial missing from their homes, on haemorrhoids, sponsored hospitals or care homes. by NHS Highland and the University of Aberdeen, was published in The Lancet, one of the oldest and THE PENROSE ENQUIRY report recommended best known medical journals. that Hepatitis C testing be offered to individuals The trial, which is the largest of its kind, was run who may have been exposed to Hepatitis C via by Professor Angus Watson, consultant colorectal blood or blood products before September 1991, surgeon for NHS Highland and honorary clinical sen- who have not already been tested.

- 28 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: NOVEMBER

MATERNITY services at Caithness General tion was established in Highland. Hospital in Wick will now operate as a mid- The Supporting Self-Management Service wife-led community maternity unit, following is made up of a team of mental health practi- a unanimous agreement of the board of NHS tioners with regular input from a consultant Highland. psychiatrist at New Craigs Hospital in Inver- At the meeting the board agreed to rec- ness. ommendations made by NHS Highland’s medical director Dr Roderick Harvey de- MENTAL HEALTH services received a boost after a signed to improve the safety of neonatal ser- new facility was officially opened in Helensburgh by vices at the Wick hospital. Maureen Watt MSP, the Scottish Government Minis- ter for Mental Health. HIGHLIGHTS reported the impact of loneliness as a The facility combines services for unpaid carers, significant public health issue will be a key focus next specialist support for children and young people year after the NHS Highland board approved the with mental health issues and support for families. director of public health’s annual report. In his annual report to the THE MENTAL Welfare board Professor Hugo van Commission for Scotland Woerden made a number of gave the Dementia Ser- recommendations to help vices in Mid Argyll Hospital tackle the issue across the in Lochgilphead a clean bill Highland region. of health after a recent unannounced inspection. NHS Highland is set to use £2.5m of its capital funds as SUTHERLAND patients leav- part of a plan to balance its ing hospital after treatment will books this financial be offered help to keep their year. The budget has al- homes warm thanks to a pilot ready been exceeded by NHS Highland initiative in part- £4.9m so far (based on fig- nership with Home Energy ures to October). Scotland. Patients leaving Migdale Hospi- GETTING OUT for a 30- tal in Bonar Bridge and Lawson minute walk during office Memorial Hospital in Golspie hours can improve your mental A STEP IT UP Highland volunteer was rec- will be asked by NHS staff if and physical health and wellbe- ognised for his efforts in leading health walks they’d like professional cost- ing and also boost productivity, in Inverness. effective advice. according to NHS Highland TJ RATTRAY (right) was named as vice-chair Melanie Newdick. ‘Health Walk Volunteer of the Year’ at the A PHARMACEUTICAL Speaking at a Health Pro- ‘Paths for All 20th birthday celebration and team from NHS Highland motion Health Service event to volunteer awards’ in Edinburgh. was awarded funding from ignite discussion around staff healthcare charity for an health and wellbeing, Ms innovative telehealth pro- Newdick said it’s vital colleagues are encouraged to ject. get away from their desk or ward during their work- The team received £74,300 from the Lon- ing day. don-based Health Foundation for a 15-month project designed to help improve patients’ A NEW SERVICE to support individuals with access to pharmaceutical care across the re- mental ill-health to self manage their condi- gion.

- 29 - REVIEW OF THE YEAR: DECEMBER

THE FIRST Minister made a festive visit to NHS HIGHLAND pledged support for a na- the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore tional campaign to help make Scotland to- Hospital. bacco-free. During her visit Nicola Sturgeon was able The board signed up to Scotland’s Charter to get a tour of the unit that opened in May for a Tobacco-free Generation, an initiative de- last year. veloped by campaign group Action on Smok- ing and Health (ASH) Scotland on 12th De- THE T BAR at the Belford Hospital presented a cember. cheque for £5,000 towards purchasing equipment for patients during their stay in hospital. Betty SUTHERLAND’S MIDWIFERY team was shortlisted Campbell and her team raised the money through for a prestigious national award to be announced their work in the Fort William Hospital cafe. next year. Mary Burnside, midwifery manager for NHS High- A FACEBOOK campaign by a Sutherland land’s North and West Operational Unit was de- nurse calling for local people with knitting lighted the team has been shortlisted for the Royal skills to help out patients College of Midwifery’s Team of with dementia proved a the Year. great success. Audrey Hepburn - one SIX NURSES on the Isle of of Lawson Memorial Hos- Skye were honoured with pital’s dementia champions awards from Queen’s – was so impressed when Nursing Institute Scotland the family of a patient for their long service and brought in a knitted hand dedication to the local warmer known as Twiddle- community. muff, she launched an ap- Lesley MacDonald, Com- peal on her social media munity Nurse (CN); Carol page for more to be made. Urbanowicz (CN); Rhona Beaton (CN); Moira NHS HIGHLAND had remark- MacLeod (Community Psy- able success in treating young AN NHS Highland care home raised thou- chiatric Nurse – CPN); patients with eating disorders sands of pounds to allow a special resident Morag Redshaw (CPN); in remote and rural locations to undergo a hip operation. Susan Robinson – Public through an innovative project Invernevis House in Fort William wel- Health Nurse (Schools); that saw them being cared for comed a canine companion named WILLIAM and Kate Earnshaw, NHS in their own homes. after a social media campaign to find a four- Highland’s District Man- legged friend for the residents. He settled in To overcome the challenge to his new surroundings and has become a ager (Skye, Lochalsh and of the area it covers, NHS firm favourite with the residents and staff West Ross) Highland’s Child and Adoles- who have raised £8,000 to enable him to cent Mental Health Service have his operation in this year. TWO NURSES from NHS (CAMHS) combined family- Highland were recognised for based treatment (FBT) for ano- their dedication to community rexia nervosa with quick responses to referrals to nursing and received academic awards from the treat far more children at home over the past two Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland. years. As a result, CAMHS saw monthly bed usage Highlights reports that awards are given to out- fall from an average of over 100 days in August 2014 standing students Patricia Thomas and Tony Clap- to an average below ten days in October 2016. ham for promoting excellence in community nursing.

- 30 - - 31 - FUNDRAISER Lana raises more money to help CCU BIG-HEARTED Lana Munro has raised a further £500 for charity to help people with heart problems after raising close to £5,000 for the British Heart Foundation last year. With help from her mother Marie, ten-year-old Lana raised £500 for the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Raig- more Hospital by making scented candles she then sold on social media. Lana, from Nairn, donated the money to the CCU’s Emma’s fund to thank staff at the Inverness Hospital for taking such good care of her granddad, 84-year-old Peter Whyte when he was a patient of the unit last year. Her mum Marie, said: “We made candles for a month, but I have to admit the house did smell wonderful.” Pictured (left to right) are Lynne Warden, CCU staff nurse, Lana’s granddad Charlie Bloe, the CCU’s charge Peter Whyte, Lana and Charlie Bloe, CCU’s charge nurse nurse said: “Delivering specialist cardiac care to patients requires a high level of is heartening when that is formally ac- from which she donated to £500 to clinical knowledge and expertise. We, knowledged by patients and their fami- CCU. This young lady is a real inspira- therefore, invest a lot in staff training lies. tion to others and she and her parents and development. “Young Lana has been inspired by should feel very proud indeed that her “Our CCU strives to provide the the care that her grandfather received efforts will go towards further improv- highest quality of care to our patients. It and embarked on a fundraising campaign ing staff skills and patient care."

CARE AND REPAIR 5,000th customer for handyman service CAIRN’S CARE and Repair team has tions for older people and individuals celebrated almost ten years of provid- with a disability. The Care and Repair ing a Handyperson service in Inver- team also carry out larger projects ness, Nairn and Badenoch and Strath- such as disabled wet rooms, stair lifts spey with their 5000th customer. and even house extensions. Norman Gillies, Cairn’s handyper- Care and Repair Scotland estimate son, and Michael Cuthbertson, an oc- that for every £1 spent on Care and cupational therapist with NHS High- Repair services the NHS saves £4.50. land, presented Mr and Mrs Ross from Tony Orr, Cairn’s Care and Repair Inverness, with a bouquet of flowers Manager, said: “This is a fantastic and a gift voucher after completing a achievement for our team and we’re job to fit grab rails to their front and proud to have helped so many people back doors. Pictured (left to right) are Norman Gillies, continue to live safely and independ- (Cairn’s handyperson), Mrs Ross, Michael Mrs Ross said: “We just moved Cuthbertson, (NHS Highland occupation thera- ently in their own homes. The Handy- over to Inverness from Skye to live pist) and Mr Ross person Service is a much needed and closer to our family and it was a lovely appreciated service for our communi- surprise to be the 5000th client. We range of affordable housing and re- ties in the Highlands.” really appreciate what Norman has lated services. It has over 3,500 homes For more information about the done for us, he did a great job.” under management Cairn Handyperson visit please visit Cairn Housing Association oper- The Cairn Handyperson service www.cairnha.com or contact Tony ates throughout Scotland offering a carries out small repairs and adapta- Orr on 0800 990 3405.

- 32 - ARGYLL AND BUTE Diabetes course roll out A course designed to help type 2 “We also tend to deliver the course diabetes patients better manage in small groups of around ten people as their condition has been rolled out feedback has shown us that most people across Argyll and Bute. like to have the opportunity to talk to The Argyll and Bute Health and So- others who are living with diabetes.” cial Care Partnership (HSCP) free X- One of those living with Type 2 dia- PERT course is currently available in betes who attended the X-PERT course Helensburgh, Oban, Lochgilphead, is Kenneth Smith, from Helensburgh. Dunoon, Rothesay and will soon be Kenneth said: "I have been living introduced on Islay. with type 2 diabetes since 2008. At the The six-week course is designed to time I was living in Dubai and was suf- Kenneth Smith, from Helensburgh let people make informed decisions fering some discomfort passing urine about how best to improve their condi- and my physician carried out some tests my walking ever since and to my frus- tion through healthier lifestyle choices. and advised me that my blood glucose tration I also found that I was unable to The move follows 2015 figures that was too high, almost double the safe control my blood glucose levels within report that 88 per cent of the 284,000 limit. acceptable levels. people in Scotland registered with dia- “Within two days I had seen the “At this point I attended a one day betes had type 2 diabetes. endocrinologist and dietitian, had my course on diabetes control but this was Juliet Finnie, diabetes specialist dieti- organs examined and was prescribed still not enough to resolve all the prob- tian for the HSCP, said: “When people medication, diet and exercise. I took up lems and I was put on the list for the X- find out they have been diagnosed with walking every evening around the dis- PERT 6 week course. This course was diabetes they are often confused about trict where we lived and was very care- a revelation. By sharing my problems how to deal with it. Our aim is to help ful about my diet. The result was very with others, understanding their prob- them manage the condition as people positive and within three months my lems, and by frequent repetition of the who learn how to manage their diabetes blood glucose level was well within lim- X-PERT teaching I started to improve are healthier and cope better. its. my understanding of the dietary proc- “This free X-PERT diabetes course “In 2009 I returned to Scotland and esses involved and ceased to feel so is for members of the public with Type kept up a steady regime of fast walking alone. 2 diabetes as this type of diabetes usu- and some care over my food, although “The camaraderie involved in the X- ally responds well to healthy changes in it proved much more difficult to control PERT course is also a marvellous ex- lifestyle. The course is for one day a my diet than when I was in Dubai. perience which I would recommend to week over a six week period and covers “In 2010 I suddenly found that I had anyone. I can only thank Juliet for the all aspects of living with diabetes such as severe osteoarthritis in the big toe of reduction of my blood glucose levels to healthy eating, managing their weight, my left foot and this caused great pain safe limits at my last test and hope to understanding food labels and under- as I walked and prevented any meaning- maintain that at my next diabetes clinic standing blood tests and clinic visits. ful exercise. I have had a speed limit on tests."

OBAN Excellent report for residential home The Eadar Glinn residential home and quality of staffing. to identify any major areas for improve- in Oban received some excellent The report stated that: “Eadar Glinn ment and that there were no require- grades when the Care Inspectorate provides a safe, individual, person- ments or recommendations. carried out an unannounced visit centred service to each resident. Annie Macleod, manager for the on the 22nd September 2016. “Health professionals visit when Oban, Lorn & Isles Locality, said: “It was The inspection report has recently required, and one GP told us that he an excellent report and highlighted all been published and highlighted ex- wished his mother lived in the Oban the good work that is carried out in the tremely positive grades for the home. area and could be admitted to the home home on a daily basis. I’d like to thank Out of the four categories looked at, as, in his opinion, it was one of the best the staff and management for their hard the home received two six –excellent – he has ever known.” work and dedication to making a real grades for quality of care and support The Care Inspectorate was unable difference to the lives of the residents.” - 33 - E-FRAILTY PROJECT Call for volunteers RESEARCHERS ARE looking for Pictured here is volunteers from Thurso and Wick some of the technol- for a healthcare project that aims ogy: a ‘dedicated’ to allow older people to live inde- smart phone (top); a pendently for longer in their own ‘wearable’ activity homes. bracelet (on wrist); The year-long trial, known as the E- and a grip strength meter (bottom) – Frailty project, is planned to start early that will be used to this year. The aim is monitor the volun- monitor volunteer’s teers’ vital health signs 24/7 to help de- health signs velop a tool that will predict the likelihood of falls. By doing so, NHS Highland hope it will help support Caithness residents over 65 to remain living at home for as long as possible. The project will use the latest wearable technology linked to a dedicated smart phone – just like systems currently being advertised on television. It is hoped that this level of care, normally only available in a hospital or care home setting or during a visit to a GP, will alert health professionals to potential adverse health developments and allow them to intervene to prevent fall can be many days and we know that heart rate monitor are linked via Blue- falls in a timely manner. people lose independence while in hos- tooth to a dedicated smart phone car- In addition, carers will do additional pital despite the best efforts of staff to ried by the participants. tests during their routine Care at Home enable patients. The trial is also great During Care at Home visits, carers visits that will help provide even more for our Care at Home team as it is pro- will also use scales to weigh participants information about the volunteers in active, positive and puts the carer’s at as well as get them to use grip strength their care. the forefront of technology-enabled meters. All the data will then be sent over a anticipatory care.” The carers will also help clients man- computer network to be analysed by Around one in three adults over 65 age the Polar Loop and HRM monitors researchers at Edinburgh’s Napier Uni- who live at home have at least one fall a and smart phone, ensuring that the bat- versity (ENU). year, and around half of these have teries are charged and changed if neces- Mike Flavell, NHS Highland’s Caith- more frequent falls. sary. ness district manager, said the project The project, which will run over an At Napier, they have created an would build on recent work to reduce 11-month period, will involve around 90 algorithm that predicts the likelihood of falls in the elderly like the introduction participants from Caithness who will falls in the home. It is anticipated that of the board’s “Right Call for a Fall” use the smart tech for about two the state-of-the-art technology will help strategy. And he hopes it will bring fur- months each. create a tool that will improve wellbeing ther benefits. Each participant will agree to wear a and quality of life. And the potential to He said: “The potential to reduce waterproof Polar Loop activity bracelet generate vast savings by reducing hospi- falls in the elderly using the system around the clock that will track their tal admissions. would reduce hospital admissions and movements during the day and also Adrian Smales, a Research Fellow at free up ambulance capacity at a time their sleep patterns at night. ENU said: “We have a long-term vision when pressure on both services is con- They will also wear a heart rate of using data to detect the early signs of siderable. monitor during waking hours that they illness, and apply new methods that “The benefit for fallers is immense as strap around the chest. should lead to improved care and better the length of stay in hospital following a Both the wrist bracelet and chest outcomes for all.” - 34 - HIGHLAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY Multimedia approach developed WORKING WITH the Librarian and his uting a wide range of material. Initially this was team is an experience that can be lik- books, but one day a trembling user accosted ened to being involved in a ploughing the Great Man with the request – “was he in- match and a fireworks display both at terested in receiving DVDs for the Library?” the same time. They have the build, te- His equine-like forehead, broad and flat, nacity and thrawness of Clydesdale twitched as if to dissuade a landing fly and the horses allied with pyrotechnic minds that enquirer stepped backwards expecting a bray- continuously throw out ideas – some The Librar- ing. However the visage of the deity broke into shoot straight like rockets and others a broad grin as the idea of the addition of whole explode into shards - once an idea ian is keen set of new media to the collection dawned. emerges and it is viable it is doggedly ‘that all Thus, there is now a small, but growing, pursued to a conclusion. DVD section within the Honesty Library; cur- forms of rently about 60 titles ranging from the adven- tures of Borat, the Railway Children, through to a media are zombie take over to the fantasy of Narnia. Another user dared suggest that CDs could represented be added to the collection which again met with an enthusiastic response. To date about 20 CDs in the Hon- can be borrowed. You will find much more than that which is on the X Factor or on the esty collec- general radio here. The Library is blessed with tion. an international clientele and the CD collection reflects this with material from the Prince Ed- ward Island dance combo Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys and the Lebanese singer Yasmine Hamdan.

Sir William Osler image courtesy: Wellcome Library ’ One of these recent ideas is the Honesty Library which is being further developed and expanded. In a world of clinical and practical texts it was good to get some “real” books on Ploughing the shelves. The Librarian rarely goes in for image courtesy: Bernard Spragg heroes but one such is Sir William Osler (John Examples of DVDs (left) and CDs Hopkins, McGill, and Oxford Universities) who available (above and below) used to holiday in Lochinver. Sir William recommended a bedside table library for medical students. Titles on the list included the Bible and the works of Montaigne and Don Quixote. The list was not prescriptive though – as long as students read widely. Since the time of Osler media types have moved on but the basics of storytelling remain the same. The Librarian is keen that all forms of media are represented in the Honesty col- Fireworks lection. Folks have been very kind in contrib- image courtesy: Duncan Brown

Remember, whatever your needs the Highland Health Sciences Library exists to help you. Save time and money. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on a problem you may be having – contact the library instead. To find out more about the library call 01463 255600 (x7600). - 35 - RAIGMORE Patients and ward staff have asked for this to go into Highlights

A poem from a former patient, Margaret Faith Rose, from Muir of Ord.

Left, Right, Left!

One minute at home, not feeling well, fainted collapsed in a heap John running around, the paramedics, the pitter, patter of their feet! Rushed to Raigmore A and E where they checked me out, All sorted by nurses and doctors and all prodded about! Got home my heart fine but my knee not right, Tried to keep going, moving around with all my might, No use in the end and had to give in and come back for another review, My leg so unbearable what on Earth should I do? Back in 6c lots more tests and to make a decision, How to get my leg better a few thoughts were given, So here I am sitting and being given a drip, Full of antibiotics let’s hope they take a grip, Family visits, and friends and getting lots of texts, Wondering what will happen, it’s all such a vex, Waiting on a CT scan result and whatever else the Doctors can find, Everyone, all the staff, so helpful and kind, A different world in here many people are sick, All working as a team to get us better quick, Bed pans, commodes, hoists and mattresses of special healing stuff, Bed to lie on, so cosy and smooth and not rough, Cleaning and hoovering and changing each bed, Doing all they can not a bad word is said, Let’s give thanks for the connections far and wide, From The Rheumatology, Doctors and nurses in Dingwall to Raigmore where lots of staff work inside! Fran and her merry team, The Health Centre and Raigmore, where also there are marvellous cleaners, Marion, Danuta and there is a is a special man, Who runs about and multitasks, his name is Vilnis, he makes me laugh and he is Latvian! If you have got something wrong sometimes a CT scan, a machine that looks like a biscuit, The Radiographers, ultrasound nurses Val and Isobelle, excellent at their job and often they can fix it! All angels in disguise and they have certainly have been helping me, And lots of other people so plain to see! Not forgetting the nurse practitioner who fits you with a cannula, He does it with such ease, And then there is the Royal nurse Gary, who will do anything to help and please, To top my stay in 6c, half a pint of fluid, Dr Miller, removed from my leg today, The relief it really was tremendous, more than words can say! I thank God for each one he knows and loves them all by name, We just celebrated Jesus’s birthday, I pray everyone will realise why he came, He died because he loved us and when he hung and suffered on the cross, I’m thankful in my time of need I have never been at a loss, A cup of water, a biscuit, a meal, showers, toilet facilities to make us refreshed and clean, The nurses are angels in and out of every screen, We are so blessed to have such a place where there is help is at hand, And right now for me Raigmore hospital, is the best place in the land!!!

- 36 -

Q & What does your job involve? A And TV programme? Poldark, out- I have to ensure that Raigmore Hos- THIS MONTH: standing. pital remains clean and healthy and that all patients, visitors and staff Raigmore -based Finally, what’s your favourite arrive safe in the knowledge that this Service manager for environ- book? Henry Kissinger, 1923 – 1968 is the case. The Idealist. A love of cleaning and people is a mental cleaning and hygiene key part of the job. We aim for 100 David Ross Mackay If you won £10 million in the lot- per cent all the time and this must be tery, what would you spend it the main effort of the department no on? matter what the day throws at us. Family and friends, and some very fine Cleaning services are an essential wine. I would also give a good chunk part of the multidisciplinary approach to help unfortunate folks who have in improving patients, public and staff fallen on hard times. safety, for the prevention and control of infection within the care set- What about a smaller sum; say ting. I spend a lot of time ensuring £1,000? we have the correct staffing levels in Holiday to see my sister in Canada’s all areas. North West territories We pride ourselves within Raig- (YellowKnife). more of our approach to maintain safe and clean hospital and we all If you could have dinner with know that we are as only as good as three people, dead or alive, who our last clean and the task within the they be and what would you hospital is 24 hours a day and seven cook them? days a week. Immanuel Kant, David Hume, and- Plato. I’d serve up haggis, neeps and Describe yourself? tatties. Big, hard working, fully dedicated chap. What are your pet hates? Do you have and hobbies and interests? I do not have any; nothing really gets me that annoyed to Country walks with the family. say I hate it.

What was the first single you ever bought? What are the best and worst things about your job? I have never bought a single (how old do you think I am?). The best bit about my job is coming to my job and knowing that I have a very challenging day ahead and this will require What is your favourite food? a lot of concentration and hard work to solve. Curry, any curry, I just love them. Experience structures the mind, and I have had a very gifted life to have worked some of the finest on this earth. And how about your favourite film? Live every day for the day, so I suppose the worst part of American Sniper, if you see past the glorification of war, a the job is failing to achieve your day’s tasks due to unfore- man who struggled with his conscience. seen circumstances.

- 37 -