Western General Hospital – The NEN

Upgraded oncology services at Western General’s Edinburgh Cancer Centre now delivering care

Two units which provide vital care and treatment to some of the most unwell patients in Scotland have been transformed by NHS Lothian as part of a multi-million pound investment.

A new Cancer Assessment Unit (CAU) and an oncology ward for systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) are now open and delivering care to patients at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC).

The ECC, based in the Western General Hospital, supports an average of 7,000 inpatient admissions, 25,000 day-cases and 100,000 outpatient attendances each year from across the Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife and Dumfries and Galloway.

The demand for treatment and services has significantly outgrown facilities and available space in recent times, but the new refurbishments have enabled significant modernisation to improve the care and overall experience for patients.

Chris Stirling, Site Director for the Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great step forward to upgrade our existing infrastructure.

“We know how important and reassuring a welcoming environment is at a worrying time, and we’re delighted that our current patients have access to better facilities.

“This is an important step in our ambition toward a new centre for the future of the southeast of Scotland to enable us to meet the rising demand of a growing population.”

The upgrades are part of a £24 million package of enabling works within oncology services, funded by the Scottish Government, which are due to be completed in 2024.

This is in advance of a longer-term plan for the full reprovision of the Edinburgh Cancer Centre which has been proposed by NHS Lothian in response to the population growth in the region and constraints of the existing ECC.

The refurbished SACT ward, which is where treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are administered to patients, has seen an extensive programme of work – including new flooring, ceilings, paintwork, lighting, bed head services, fire safety upgrades and a new reception area.

There is now a dedicated space for patients to be assessed and prepped for their therapy, and comfortable chairs for patients to begin their treatment while awaiting a bed.

Four-bedded bays have been reconfigured into two-bedded bays, giving patients greater privacy. Where eight patients previously shared a bathroom, there is now an ensuite facility for every two beds.

The new CAU provides a fresh, purpose-built environment for patients to attend for assessment or diagnostic tests prior to potential admission to an inpatient hospital bed.

The CAU also has a dedicated family room with a double sofa bed and its own ensuite facility for relatives who may need to stay close to their loved one overnight.

Mrs McLean, 61 from Edinburgh, said: “Following a sudden and unexpected reaction to my treatment, I was taken to the new Cancer Assessment Unit. I was so grateful to be welcomed immediately by the medical team there.

“At such a worrying time for me, the nurses and doctor were not only reassuring, friendly and kind, but their professional clinical care was exceptional. Their thoughtfulness extended to my family sitting in the waiting area close to my treatment bay who were soon invited to join me.

“I really appreciated being in such a modern, comfortable facility and my experience of the CAU could not have been better or more positive. I can’t thank the medical staff enough for their excellent care of me in the new unit.”

Western General team introduces reusable surgical hats to reduce waste

A team at the Western General Hospital is significantly reducing operating room waste and saving money after introducing reusable surgical hats.

Generally, staff working in surgical theatres use hats as part of infection control measures and at the Western General alone they get through over 30,000 disposable hats a year.

The Breast Theatres team, eager to make their practices more sustainable, applied to NHS Lothian Charity to secure grant funding for washable hats.

Erica Revie, Consultant Surgeon in the Breast Theatres who led the project, said: “We had seen that there was a Climate Challenge Grant available from NHS Lothian Charity so we put together a proposal to try out reusable hats.

“We contacted NHS Fife, which is already using reusable hats, to discuss the practicalities of implementation, and contacted their supplier about our needs in order to undertake a trial. The Infection Prevention and Control Team and Laundry Service were also consulted to ensure we could still ensure the highest standard of cleanliness.”

Beyond cutting waste, the hats are also embroidered with individuals’ names and roles which has improved communication during emergencies when new staff enter the operating room.

Theatre Sister Lorraine Murray, who was also integral to the trial, was called to support a cardiac arrest not long after the introduction of the hats. A staff member who did not know her was able to ask her for specific help by name and instantly understand her role within the team.

“It’s an easy change to make with dual benefits – environmental savings and improved communication,” said Erica. “We encourage other departments and hospitals to embrace it.”

By switching to reusables, the Breast Theatre operating rooms have significantly reduced discarded hats. Once rolled out to the rest of the Western General, it will save the hospital over £6,000 as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

Although it would not be logistically possible to provide hats with names for all theatre staff across the health board, NHS Lothian are looking to roll out generic versions and an initial set of samples are on their way for feedback.

Dr Jane Hopton, Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great example of another team in Lothian wanting to make a difference in their area.

“They applied for the Climate Challenge Grant and used that funding to drastically reduce the waste caused by disposable surgical hats. Well done to Erica, Lorraine and everyone else involved in making this happen.

“Providing reusable surgical hats across all theatres in NHS Lothian is an important next step in reducing waste and our environmental impact.”

Jane Greenacre, Head of Programmes at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “The Charity is delighted to be able to support staff across NHS Lothian to take forward innovative projects like this.

“The aim of our Climate Challenge Grants is to enable staff to explore initiatives that help them embed green practices into day-to-day activities and reduce the impact of healthcare on the environment.”

Have you seen this man?

Police Scotland is appealing for information on the whereabouts of 34-year-old Ryan Gandy who went missing from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh yesterday at around 5pm (Wednesday, 22 November, 2023).

He was last seen at Crewe Road South.

Ryan is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build with dark receding hair.

He was wearing a blue Nike dry-fit top, black jogging bottoms, dark-coloured trainers, and a black Hoodrich gilet.

He has a tattoo with the word “Katy” on his right arm and scars on both sides of his face.

Officers are carrying out extensive searches and reviewing CCTV in an effort to trace him.

Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Gandy if they see him but to contact police immediately.

Anyone who knows of his present whereabouts should contact Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency on 999. Please quote incident number 2515 of Wednesday, 22 November, 2023.

Information can also be passed via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Western General’s Cancer Navigation Hub is one year old

The Cancer Navigation Hub, based in Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital, recently celebrated one year of the service launching.

The team helps patients and healthcare professionals to navigate cancer pathways, ensuring enquiries are directed to the appropriate care team in a timely and efficient way.

The team is made up of Cancer Pathway Coordinators and acts as a single point of contact for patients who’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Coordinators are also trained to assist healthcare professionals and helps to alleviate the pressure on clinical teams.

Katie Seville, Assistant Service Manager in Cancer Performance, said: “In just one year we’ve seen the hub make such a difference to the ease with which patients and staff can access the information and support they need.

“The team is in high demand and we’re looking to further expand and grow the service into new areas, providing more personalised and holistic support for patients throughout their diagnosis and treatment.”

The Cancer Navigation Hub initially served five tumour groups – lung, melanoma, head and neck, gynaecology, and urology. In April 2023, the hub expanded to cover the neuroendocrine tumour group followed by breast in August 2023.

During the first five months of the service (October 2022 to February 2023) the team handled on average over 1,100 calls per month, 38% of which were administrative queries or issues that could be resolved by the Cancer Pathway Coordinators.

In the month after incorporating the breast service, the team handled just over 1,900 calls across all tumour groups, with 44% of all calls being dealt with by the coordinators.

Since January 2023, the Cancer Navigation Hub has also been proactively calling newly diagnosed patients to introduce the hub and direct patients to support services.

In June 2023, during the launch of the new Cancer Strategy, the team was among those to meet Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.

Congratulations to the team for a brilliant first year.

Wonderful Western General workers celebrate success

Local healthcare workers at the Western General Hospital (WGH) in Edinburgh have been honoured for their exceptional work at a prestigious ceremony.

The annual NHS Lothian Celebrating Success Awards 2023 are nominated by staff working across the healthcare system.

Among the winners are the Same Day Emergency Care Team (SDEC) who scooped the coveted Team of the Year Award for the work they do helping patients get the right care in the right place.

The team are helping to reduce waiting times and pressure on the front doors by assessing, diagnosing, treating and discharging patients with specific conditions without admission to a ward.

Michael Shek, Lead Advance Nurse Practitioner for SDEC said: “We’ve put in so much work to make SDEC a successful service and we continue to expand.

“It’s not just the SDEC team but everyone wider. None of this would have been possible without everyone in NHS Lothian’s help. This award is recognition of that hard work and it will help drive the team forward to provide even better care.”

Kirsten Smith, a Senior Charge Nurse for Acute Medicine who won the cherished Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award in memory of the former Chief Nurse for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

Kirsten was recognised for leading her team on a huge change journey from specialising in Medicine for the Elderly to providing care to acute medical admissions and her commitment to working with student nurses.

Finally, Zakariya Vansoh (18), won the Voluntary Service Award for the hundreds of hours he’s clocked up connecting with patients, helping to entertain, comfort and reassure them, or just lend a friendly ear.

Celebrating with his Gran at the ceremony Zak said: “I’m speechless, I had my granny record it, but I didn’t think I was going to win so speechless!

“The fact that I was even nominated for the award is already more than I could ever have imagined. Events like this one today are so important to let people feel really appreciated. It’s simple but so valuable.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board said: “It’s been a very special year as we celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the NHS. We’re incredibly proud of our staff achievements over the decades and their commitment to caring for others.

“These awards ensure we recognise those who’re not just upholding the NHS values but also helping us evolve and transform for the future.”

The awards were presented on Thursday 7 September at a special Ceremony at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, added: “Many of our staff feel like they’re just doing their job and don’t want recognition, which is why these awards are so important.

“I want to thank all our finalists for their hard work, resilience and professionalism and extend a warm congratulations to them all for their achievements.”

The NHS Lothian awards are also supported by Ernst & Young, Intersystems, RMF Health (a partnership between Robertson and FES Group), Royal College of Nursing Scotland, Unison and NHS Staff Benefits.

For the full list of all of NHS Lothian’s award winners please visit:

news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists.

Legionella bacteria at Western General: Investigations underway

Investigations are being carried out at the Western General Hospital following detection of Legionella bacteria in water supplying parts of the radiotherapy treatment area.

The source has been isolated and there have been no cases of infection in patients or staff. The type of Legionella detected does not usually cause infection in humans.

In line with national guidance, a thorough programme of disinfection and cleaning is being carried out and services temporarily relocated to minimise any potential risk.

Essential patient services are continuing to be provided in other areas of the building.

Two specialist radiotherapy treatment machines (Linacs) have been temporarily closed while remedial works continue. Patients who are normally treated on these Linacs will be reallocated to one of the other five treatment machines at the Western General Hospital which are not affected.

The remaining radiotherapy machines will be run for extended hours to ensure patient appointments continue to be allocated and carried out as quickly as possible.

Alison MacDonald, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian said: “Legionella bacteria was detected during routine water sampling as part of our building monitoring and hygiene vigilance measures.”

“The risk to patients and staff is low but we’ve enhanced infection and control measures across the building as a precaution.

“We assure patients that radiotherapy treatments will continue to be carried out as quickly as possible and apologise to anyone who has been affected or had their appointment rescheduled.”

The situation is being closely monitored and continuously assessed. Patients will be kept informed of any changes and should speak to their treatment team if they have any concerns.

999 Anniversary: Strachan House says thanks to local emergency services

Residents from Strachan House care home in Blackhall hit the road and made some surprise visits to its local emergency service responders this week, armed with goodie boxes and letters of appreciation for everything they do.

It comes as the 999 emergency number reached its 86^th birthday on the 30^th June.

The care home staff and residents took to the roads and visited police, fire and ambulance in the Blackhall area to show their appreciation for everything our heroes do in our hour of need when the well-known number is dialled.

Drylaw police officers, Telford Road fire station and paramedics at the Western General were all very surprised when they received our hampers of thanks!

Mandy Burgen, Head of Wellbeing and Lifestyle for Strachan House, said: “Behind every emergency number dialled it’s important to know there is a team of people who respond without hesitation. It has been an honour for staff and residents to deliver these boxes of goodies to say thank you.

“Our local emergency services do so much, so to surprise them with a little gift of kindness was amazing. Our residents loved being able to say thank you, as well as meet and chat with local police, fire personnel and paramedics”

Louise Abraham, a resident at the home, said: “It was lovely to be able to meet so many of our emergency services and show our appreciation for all their hard work they do.”

Strachan House has built up excellent reputations within its local community, regularly holding community events and activities for residents and surrounding neighbours.

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to our local services and 999 day was the perfect day to demonstrate how much appreciate all their hard work and dedication”.

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Artist Bill Drummond gifts painting to Western General Hospital

Staff, patients and visitors at the Western General Hospital welcomed conceptual artist, Bill Drummond, to officially commence the loan of his ‘The Boy Friends’ Painting’ for the next year. As part of the event, guests also heard the artist speak about the inspiration for and background to the work.

Bill created The Boy Friends’ Painting to support local Portobello poet and author, Michael Pedersen’s memoir, Boy Friends, about losing a friend before their time. In 2018, Michael lost his cherished friend, Scott Hutchison, to suicide.

Scott was the genius singer song writer of Frightened Rabbit, whose back catalogue has influenced music makers for years and touched the lives of music lovers all over the world.

Michael asked Bill to do a painting for the launch of the book and he created a large 190 x 130cm canvas with the text “The Boy Friends’ Painting”. He has invited others to paint some of the painting and then, on the back of the canvas, add the name of the person they have lost too soon. By doing so, they become immortalised as part of Bill Drummond’s art for evermore.

Dr Catherine Quinn, Consultant, Medicine of the Elderly and POPS at the Western General, became aware of the painting while attending the Boy Friends book launch in The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh.

She said: “When Bill invited people to offer to take the painting for a year to use it wherever they thought it may improve the wellbeing of others, a few other hospital consultants and I thought this would be such an amazing piece to have at the Western General.

“Bill was really keen on the idea of it being displayed where patients, staff and visitors could view it and hopefully gain some benefit from interacting with it, so has gifted it to us for a year.

“We are delighted that he made a special visit to Edinburgh this week to explain the background to the painting and invite others to be part of this journey celebrating the lives of the friends we loved and lost. During its time with us, the canvas is likely to change significantly, but that’s part of the aim.”

The team at the Western General is working with NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts team to support the display and sharing of the work.

Susan Grant, Tonic Arts Manager, said: “This is such a generous gesture by artist Bill Drummond. Loans and events like this really help to reinforce how important art and creativity are in healthcare settings.

“Art can help take you out of yourself, sometimes providing relief and distraction from what is happening to you; sometimes providing a therapeutic process. What may seem like the simple act of contributing the name of a loved one to a piece of art can help honour a memory and can help in some small way towards healing. That’s the beauty of art, it can support so many people in such a variety of ways.”

Bill Drummond said: “I’m very pleased, it sounds pretentious, but I’m honoured to have the painting at the Western General with the NHS being under so much pressure.”

Bill Drummond has had a prodigious and eclectic art career that, since 1976, has taken on a multitude of forms including writing and performing music (he’s a founding member of the KLF), managing bands (Echo and the Bunnymen), running record labels, forming art foundations, writing, publishing, lecturing, and painting. He has supported countless other artists in their creative journeys.

Michael Pederson wrote the very moving Boy Friends book as a means of confronting the bewildering process of grief. What starts as a love letter to his best friend, becomes a celebration of friendship and an exploration of the gap that is left when someone you love leaves this world before their time.

The painting will be displayed in the Anne Ferguson café area of the Western General Hospital.

New ten year cancer strategy launched

A new 10-year Cancer Strategy aims to significantly cut the number of people diagnosed with later stage cancer and to reduce the health inequalities associated with the disease.

Currently around 42% of cancers are diagnosed at the later stages but through continued investment in the Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) Programme the ambition is to reduce the number diagnosed at stages III and IV in year 10 of the plan to 24%. That would mean around 5,000 fewer people diagnosed with later stage disease in the year 2033.

The strategy is underpinned by a three-year Cancer Action Plan that contains 136 actions. Both documents focus on improving all areas of cancer services, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care, with a particular focus on the currently less-survivable cancers.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson, launched the plan at the Cancer Centre at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, where he met staff delivering the Single Point of Contact service, which helps ensure patients have dedicated person-centred support throughout their treatment.

Mr Matheson said: “Our absolute focus is to improve cancer survival and make sure everyone gets excellent and accessible care. The pandemic had a significant impact on all aspects of health and social care, and cancer services were no exception. This Cancer Strategy will make sure we are properly delivering these vital services and clearly directing future investments.

“The strategy takes a strong public health approach, which means more cancers will be prevented. Those who require diagnostics and treatment will have prompt access to quality services. As well as being able to cure more people, we also recognise the importance of treatment to extend good quality life and the provision of excellent palliative care.

“The Scottish Cancer Network will be at the heart of our strategic ambitions, setting out agreed best clinical practice and assuring people with cancer of common standards of care, no matter where they live.

“We will continue to work closely alongside the NHS, third sector, and industry to deliver quality cancer services for the people of Scotland. The new Scottish Cancer Strategic Board will provide oversight of the strategy and action plan.”

Chair of the Scottish Cancer Coalition and Public Affairs Manager for Cancer Research UK in Scotland Dr Sorcha Hume said: “The Scottish Cancer Coalition works with the Scottish Government to ensure that the voice of cancer charities and patients is heard. We therefore welcome the publication of the new Cancer Strategy for Scotland 2023-2033.

“Our NHS is under more pressure than ever, and it is our sincere hope that this strategy is the first step towards better cancer services for the people of Scotland. It is vital however that implementation is swift, and that the strategy is adequately funded.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to realise our shared ambition of improving cancer outcomes for everyone in Scotland.”

Lorraine Dallas, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce Scotland and Director of Information, Prevention and Support at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “The new Cancer Strategy for Scotland is a big step in the right direction for people diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers.

“Those include cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, liver, brain and oesophagus (the less survivable cancers) which have an average five-year survival of just 16% from diagnosis. Lung cancer remains Scotland’s single biggest cause of cancer death and a continued focus and action to address this should be an urgent priority.

“We’re encouraged to see a clear commitment to taking action on those cancer types that have the poorest survival. We now need significant investment in research and action to improve cancer diagnostic and treatment services.

“Early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to cancer survival. We know that less survivable cancers are far more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease and this has a significant impact on treatment options.

“We will work closely with the Government, patients and clinicians to ensure that we now see action to give people who are diagnosed with these cancers a better chance of survival.”

Cancer strategy – https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781805255444

Cancer action plan – https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781805255451

Western General makes significant strides in reducing the environmental harm caused by theatre gases

NHS Lothian’s Western General Hospital has significantly reduced its carbon emissions thanks to a team of environmentally conscious anaesthetists.

By replacing the use of one medical gas alone with an eco-friendlier alternative, the Department of Anaesthetic’s carbon footprint has decreased by over 125 tonnes annually.

Anaesthetic gases have a significant impact on the environment and account for around 5% of the overall carbon footprint of health services.

Desflurane and Nitrous Oxide are two of the most environmentally harmful gases used in operating theatres, with Desflurane having a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide.

The team at the Western stopped using Desflurane in April 2022, switching to eco-friendlier alternatives, which reduced the carbon emissions of their anaesthetic gases by 73%.

Dr Matthew Royds, Clinical Director of Anaesthetics & Theatres at the Western, said: “Operating theatres are significant contributors to the carbon emissions generated by healthcare. A lot of this is due to the gases and techniques which have long been used in anaesthesia.

“Our team feel that, as professionals, we have a moral obligation to find more sustainable alternatives, while continuing to deliver the same high level of patient care.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see the real and measurable reduction in our environmental impact, which has been achieved through a passionate team effort and a long-term commitment to more sustainable practices, which will ultimately benefit us all.”

Withdrawing desflurane is the first action of the Scottish Government’s National Green Theatres Programme, part of the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability strategy.

Carbon emissions due to Nitrous Oxide at the Western last year were also less than 25% of previous levels due to a change in the way this is used and delivered.

In the next two years, the aim is to reduce these emissions to zero at the Western, with piped Nitrous Oxide at two other Lothian hospitals awaiting decommissioning.

Jane Hopton, Programme Director and Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “The changes being driven by Dr Royds and his colleagues are essential if we are to achieve our Net Zero goals.

“The support and commitment of the staff in anaesthetics and theatres has a had huge impact on making this work a success, as well as creating financial and environmental savings for NHS Lothian without compromising patient care.

“In the Royal Infirmary and St John’s hospitals, the teams have also been hard at work to safely reduce the environmental impact of these gases.

“In late 2021, St John’s became the first hospital in Scotland to use a new technology during labour which breaks down exhaled Nitrous Oxide into harmless Nitrogen and Oxygen.

“We are proud to support the increasing number of professionals across NHS Lothian who are taking action to reduce the impact of health care on the environment.”