NHS Lothian have confirmed that they are not going to renew their contract with entertainment provider Hospedia, who have come under criticism due their expensive fees for patients to watch television in hospital.
At the ERI patients are charged £5.00 for two hours of television or £17.50 for two days. Continue reading End in sight to rip off TV charges at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
A Senior Programme Director, who will report directly to the Scottish Government, has been appointed to work with NHS Lothian on the delivery of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).
Mary Morgan (above), who is currently Director of Strategy, Performance and Service Transformation at NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) will take up post today.
The appointment has been made by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman following the publication of KPMG’s independent review of governance arrangements and NSS’s assessment of compliance of all building systems at the new hospital. Following these reports, NHS Lothian has been escalated to level 4 in the NHS Board Performance Framework for this specific issue.
The new Senior Programme Director will oversee actions to ensure the safe delivery of RHCYP and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
Ms Freeman said: “I am pleased to have swiftly appointed Mary Morgan to the role of Senior Programme Director. Mary comes with a wealth of experience within NHS Scotland, leading on major change programmes, and will bring extensive expertise and knowledge to this role.
“Mary will work closely with both the Scottish Government and senior management at NHS Lothian and will oversee the safe delivery of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
“Our overriding priority is that the children and families who depend on these hospital services can receive them in the safest way possible. The current situation is not one anyone would choose – but it is one I am determined to resolve.”
Mary Morgan joined the National Health Service in Scotland in 1982 and subsequently pursued her career in nursing and NHS management. Ms Morgan joined NHS National Services Scotland as the Director of Health Protection Scotland in 2008 and prior to her current role she was the Director for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) and led the successful completion of the award winning new SNBTS facility (Jack Copland Centre)..
Ms Morgan said: “I recognise the importance and the challenge of the task ahead, whilst acknowledging the large amount of work that has been already undertaken.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues in NHS Lothian in order to ensure that the new site for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences is fully compliant and safe, ensuring the successful completion and move of services to the new premises.”
People who have experienced difficulty registering with a doctor’s surgery are to be given additional guidance through the launch of new information cards.
The Access to Healthcare cards are designed to offer support to vulnerable groups including those experiencing homelessness, people seeking asylum, refugees and the Gypsy/Traveller community.
The information, which highlights an individual’s right to register, is written in a way that is clear, simple and easy to access.
The cards will also assist reception staff in identifying a patient’s need for an interpreter or assistance in filling out forms.
Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am proud to be launching the Access to Healthcare information card which will ensure some of the most vulnerable groups in society can access the support and treatment they need.
“They will be distributed via the groups who work with Gypsy/Travellers, people seeking asylum, refugees and those people experiencing homelessness.
“The information provided on these cards will ensure good communication between patients and reception staff from the outset, leading to a more positive experience for everyone involved.”
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I welcome the introduction of these information cards.
“By removing barriers to access we are demonstrating a practical approach to tackling discrimination and delivering equality. These cards represent a significant step towards improving access to public services for people.”
Katie Hawkins, a GP who works with homeless people at Edinburgh’s Access Practice, said: “I believe the cards are an extremely useful way of informing patients and front line staff of the right everyone has to primary care.
“As a GP working with those experiencing homelessness I see the direct consequences of a lack of access to primary care.
“I hope the cards will help more of the most marginalised in society to address their basic health needs.”
More than eight million free sanitary products were provided to school, college and university students across Scotland in the first six months of a world-leading new scheme.
The Scottish Government was the first government in the world to provide free access to sanitary products in schools colleges and universities.
Continue reading Eight million free period products delivered
Saturday 21st September 1 – 4pm
Leith Community Croft, John’s Place
All Welcome
Over 100,000 jobs could be at risk with many employers unaware of the extent to which their organization may be at risk Continue reading No Deal Brexit will heap more pressure on social care industry
The Scottish Conservatives have proposed the trial of the Red Bag Scheme in NHS Lothian. Continue reading Scottish Tories propose Red Bag trial
More young sufferers and their families will benefit from Beat’s vital support as the UK’s eating disorder charity has been awarded more than £1 million in National Lottery funding. Continue reading More people to be trained to spot eating disorders thanks to the National Lottery
FASD* AWARENESS DAY – 9th September
*Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Every day is FASD awareness day. Or at least it is for many adoptive parents (writes Adoption UK’s chief executive SUE ARMSTRONG BROWN). Continue reading Every day is FASD Awareness Day
NHS Lothian lowest funded health board per head of population.
NHS Lothian have not hit a single one of their performance targets and have the lowest funding per head of population, with £1,540 based on mid 2018 population estimates. Continue reading NHS Lothian needs more government support, says Briggs
