Tag: Health and wellbeing

Caregiver recovers from major surgery with support from her team

Thanks to colleagues who looked after me following my hip replacement

AN EXPERIENCED care home nurse with more than 43 years of service is back at work post-hip replacement – after a being cared for by her own colleagues.

Eileen Crawford, 64, who currently works as the Charge Nurse at luxury care home Cramond Residence underwent the treatment earlier this year after years of arthritic pain.

Upon hearing about her need for surgery, her colleagues and managers immediately offered to help her with her post-operative care, including a stay at the home.

Following the operation, they provided her with a week-inclusive stay, including intensive physiotherapy and wound care, before Eileen continued her recuperation at her home in Edinburgh.

Eileen, who has worked at Cramond Residence for three years said: “I’m incredibly grateful that during my recovery process, I was being treated by my friends and colleagues at Cramond Residence. 

“As soon as the team learned about my surgery, they instantly offered me support including transport to and from the hospital as well as post-operative physiotherapy care.

“I’ve seen many patients previously go through these procedures; I was quite anxious about my recovery. However, knowing that I would be receiving this care instantly put my mind at ease, as I knew from working with my colleagues just how professional they are in providing care.”

Eileen was discharged from the Spire Hospital two days after the procedure and transferred to Cramond, where she received five days of intensive physiotherapy and wound care.

The team went above and beyond by offering a tailored plan, ensuring Eileen’s recovery was comfortable and well-supported by familiar staff.

She returned home with improved mobility, and following a period of recuperation has successfully returned to work.

Eileen added: “Cramond Residence made what could have been a daunting recovery process so much easier. Their support allowed me to get back on my feet and return to work much sooner than I expected.

“The care I received was exceptional. From the moment they picked me up from the hospital, I felt completely supported and in good hands, I really can’t thank them enough.”

Ross Bijak, General Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Eileen does a great job looking after the community here. I’m so glad we were able to pay that back and support her when she needed it.

“It’s brilliant to have her back and to know the team here played a role in her swift recovery.”

Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.

With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialized services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.

For more information about Cramond Residence, visit: 

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Thousands of heart valve disease patients may be undiagnosed, ERI specialists warn

FREE HEART SCREENING SERVICE AT ASDA CHESSER ON THURSDAY

  • Heart valve disease (HVD) is a leading cause of death in Scotland – affecting 73,000 people – but many have the condition without knowing it
  • Scottish cardiologist is concerned that almost 30,000 people may not know they have HVD which can be life threatening
  • A free heart check truck is coming to Edinburgh – and hopes to screen over 200 people in just one day!

In Scotland it is estimated that 73,000 people have heart valve disease, but studies suggest that 1 in 3 patients (~26,000) are unaware of it and are undiagnosed.

Disease that affects the valves in the heart, such as aortic stenosis, place individuals at high risk of heart failure and if left untreated could lead to sudden, unexpected death. While HVD can cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced energy levels, and chest pains, it can be symptomless.

This is why the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Glasgow Jubilee Hospital will be offering the people of Scotland free heart checks this week (Thursday 19th September) at the ‘Your Heart Matters’ Truck which will be in Asda Chesser Supercentre, Edinburgh. The truck hopes to check the hearts of over 200 members of the public completely free of charge.

“We would welcome any members of the public aged over 50 to come down and have a free heart check whether they are experiencing symptoms or not,” urges Louise Axten, TAVI and Structural Heart Nurse, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 

“We can estimate that in Scotland alone there are almost 30,000 people living with heart valve disease who don’t know it. Undiagnosed and untreated heart conditions like aortic stenosis can be fatal.”

Despite the serious risks associated with heart valve disease, treatment rates remain worryingly low. Scotland has two of the best cardiac units in the world, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow, which perform pioneering heart treatments such as TAVI and TEER and keyhole surgeries like SAVR.

Recent data suggests that less than 2,000 people in Scotland are having the most effective treatments (heart valve procedures and surgery) in the country’s specialist cardiology centres. This is just a fraction of the total number of HVD patients who could benefit.

  • There are ~600 TAVI procedures performed annually in Scotland. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis by enhancing blood flow in the heart by replacing an aortic valve that fails to open completely. During TAVI, a new valve is inserted via a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin (transfemoral approach) or chest (transapical approach). Initially, TAVI was an alternative for patients too frail for open-heart surgery to replace their aortic valves. Now, it’s also used for those at lower risk of complications from heart surgery, as research shows its equally effective as traditional surgery after one year.
  • In Scotland, there are ~ 200 Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedures performed per year. TEER is used to treat mitral regurgitation (TR), a condition where the mitral valve in the heart doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. During TEER, a small clip is attached to the mitral valve via a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg. This clip helps the valve close more completely, reducing the backward flow of blood.
  • Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is a traditional open-heart surgery used to treat severe aortic stenosis. There are less than 1,000 SAVR performed annually in Scotland. SAVR is typically recommended for patients who are suitable for surgery, including those who are at high risk for complications from less invasive procedures like TAVI. During SAVR, an incision is made along the breastbone to access the heart and the damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological one.

Dr Stuart Watkins, Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital, said: “We believe a significant number of individuals with this potentially life-threatening condition may be undiagnosed.

“Considering the estimated prevalence of heart valve disease and the fact that fewer than 2,000 people in Scotland are receiving the most effective treatments, there appears to be a critical gap in diagnosis, awareness, or access to healthcare—putting many lives at serious risk.”

Dr Jonathan Byrne, UK Lead of the UK’s Valve for Life programme and a Consultant Cardiologist at King’s College Hospital, explained: “There is capacity in Scotland to undertake thousands more procedures and keyhole surgeries annually for people with moderate and severe heart valve disease, but underdiagnosed patients represent a huge challenge for us as they will remain undertreated“,

According to the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP), complication and mortality rates associated with TAVI remain very low. In 2022/23, there were 575 TAVI procedures performed in Scotland, marking a 17.8% increase from the previous year.

Despite the rise in procedures, the safety and effectiveness of TAVI continue to be affirmed by these low complication and mortality rates.

Friday: Coffee at the Rose Garden

Enjoy a cup of coffee, have a chat, meet new people, and take in the beauty of a rose garden – all for a great cause!

Join Macmillan’s coffee morning from 11am to 2pm on Friday, 20 September at Saughton Parks’ Rose Garden to help raise money for charity.

Here For You: Wellbeing at St. Columba’s

Learn to self-manage symptoms and improve your physical and emotional wellbeing at the same time.

Our Wellbeing Team is now running over 20 sessions, from techniques to help you manage your breathing to ‘A Wee Blether and Brew’, we can help you build confidence and take back control of your life.

Support is also available to family, friends, carers and those who are recently bereaved.

Find out more and book online today: https://bit.ly/SCHCwellbeing

Meningitis Now concerned by sharp rise in meningitis cases

Meningitis Now, the UK’s leading meningitis charity, says it is concerned following the release of new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing a significant rise in cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) across England over the past 12 months.

According to the report, there were 396 confirmed cases of IMD during 2022/23, compared to 205 cases in 2021/22—an increase that includes 33 deaths.

The charity says the near doubling of cases of the disease in England in one year has brought the figures close to pre-pandemic levels.

In light of the rising cases, Meningitis Now is urging the public to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to ensure they and their loved ones are protected by up-to-date vaccinations. The charity says early recognition and treatment are crucial in saving lives and preventing long-term complications.

The report, which presents laboratory-confirmed data, reveals the majority of the cases are caused by the MenB strain, which remains the most prevalent form of meningococcal disease.

These figures reveal that the highest number of cases of IMD were found among 15–19-year-olds and 45–65-year-olds. The next highest age groups affected were the over 65s, 20–24-year-olds and 25–44-year-olds.

Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive at Meningitis Now said, “While the decrease in cases during the pandemic provided some respite, this recent surge is a clear reminder that meningitis remains a critical health threat.

“We want to stress the importance of vigilance and vaccination. We urge everyone, particularly those in unvaccinated age groups, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to act swiftly if they suspect meningitis.”

Figures collated by the charity from all available data show the number of cases across the UK has more than doubled in a year, with 497 cases of IMD in 2022/23, compared to 242 cases in the previous year.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe form.

The disease can progress rapidly, leading to serious health complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures. Infants and young children, teenagers, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to meningitis.

Founded in 1986, Meningitis Now is the first and leading meningitis charity in the UK, driven by the vision of a future where no one loses their life to meningitis and where everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. The charity’s work includes:

– Support: Providing dedicated support to individuals and families affected by meningitis, including financial aid, counselling, and peer support networks.

– Awareness: Conducting nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of meningitis, ensuring that more people are informed and able to act quickly in the face of this disease.

– Research: Funding groundbreaking research to develop better vaccines, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure for meningitis.

– Advocacy: Working closely with healthcare providers, government bodies, and communities to advocate for better meningitis prevention and treatment policies.

Dr Nutt added, “If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Call 111 or your GP. In an emergency dial 999.”

For more information about meningitis or the work of Meningitis Now please visit our website at meningitisnow.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @meningitisnow.

Dramatherapy at St Columba’s: Express Yourself!

Join us for an exciting new Dramatherapy group starting next Wednesday 18 September. Block one explores the theme of ‘origins’ over 6 weeks and provides a safe space for you to explore what this theme means to you, using a range of creative techniques.

Find out more and book online today https://bit.ly/SCHCwellbeing

Edinburgh City FC announces sponsor partnership with Nuffield Health

Edinburgh City Football Club (ECFC) of the Scottish Professional League (SPL) League 2, has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest trading charity.

The partnership spotlights Nuffield Health’s comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing which spans physical and mental health — from personal training, health assessments, GP services, and physiotherapy to providing mental health support or hospital treatments for serious conditions.

The arrangement provides both health and wellbeing and traditional medical services to players and staff of ECFC and hopes to raise awareness for its network of services among Edinburgh community members and football fans.

In addition to working to promote the partnership through traditional and social media activations, Nuffield Health will be the ECFC First Team Jersey Sleeve sponsor and Headline sponsor of the ECFC Under 18 Academy Team for the 2024 / 2025 season.

“This is a momentous day for Edinburgh City Football Club as we work with one of the most recognized and respected names in healthcare in Scotland and the UK,” says John Dickson, Chairman of ECFC of the partnership.

“Giving our athletes access to Nuffield Health’s fitness and well-being will make the difference as we work toward a winning season in League 2.”

The Director of Wellbeing, Scotland of Nuffield Health, Naomi McMinn, believes “Edinburgh City FC is deeply entrenched in the local community and will serve to exemplify the value of a focus on wellbeing as it relates to health.

“We are confident that this partnership will help us positively impact the health outcomes for many more people in Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Football Club is a semi-professional senior Scottish football club which plays in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League.

ECFC made SPFL history in 2016, by becoming the first team to progress to league football, via the pyramid system and becoming the first “third” senior football club in Edinburgh. ECFC currently plays its home games at Meadowbank Stadium.

Helping disabled people into work

Support to be rolled out across Scotland

People seeking work who are disabled or have long-term health conditions are to be offered help from a dedicated employability adviser.

The initiative will be in place by next summer and involve advisers working with employers to develop roles suited to an individual’s needs.

Included as part of last week’s Programme for Government, it is designed to support people into work, boosting Scotland’s workforce and helping to drive economic growth. It will also help to deliver the Scottish Government’s ambition of creating a fairer labour market and halving the disability employment gap by 2038.

The Scottish Government will partner with local authorities and others including health and voluntary organisations to implement the measures. They build on the existing No-one Left Behind approach which has supported 61,930 people since April 2019, 19% of whom reported having a disability.

Employment Minister Tom Arthur visited the Routes to Work South, Cook and Learn Café in Cambuslang to find out how people facing challenges in getting back to work are currently being helped.

Mr Arthur said: “Our commitment to deliver specialist employability support from summer 2025 will ensure that more disabled people are able to secure fulfilling jobs.

“Tackling discrimination and stigma faced by those with disabilities and long-term health conditions is key to building a diverse workforce and creating a more prosperous and resilient economy.

“The project that I am visiting today demonstrates how supporting those furthest away from employment into work helps us to address labour market inequality and provide people with a better of quality-of-life.”

This support is being brought forward as part of the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind Strategic Plan launched earlier today.

no-one-left-behind-employability-strategic-plan-2024-2027Download

Charity marks World Sepsis Day with viral petition urging action in light of Lord Darzi’s NHS investigation

  • The findings of Lord Darzi’s independent review of the National Health Service echo a national sepsis charity’s calls for action
  • The UK Sepsis Trust’s petition calling for Government to ‘step up’ its act on sepsis has accumulated over 35,000 signatures since launch at start of September for sepsis awareness month
  • The charity has three key asks to help improve sepsis outcomes and reduce the total number of deaths each year in the UK from 48,000  

TODAY, on World Sepsis Day, 13th September 2024, the UK Sepsis Trust is calling for urgent action to address health inequalities, prevent avoidable infections, and integrate advanced diagnostics into NHS clinical systems to improve sepsis care.  

Recent reports from the National Child Mortality Database and research from the University of Manchester, have shed light on the critical role health inequalities play in sepsis outcomes; these findings underscore the need for equitable access to healthcare services, particularly in sepsis cases, where delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to 48,000 deaths in the UK each year.  

As highlighted in Lord Darzi’s Independent Review of the NHS, published yesterday, there are stark regional variations in access to GP services—an issue mirrored in the management of sepsis across the country. 

UK Sepsis Trust’s Founder & Joint CEO Dr Ron Daniels said: “To further strengthen our health system’s ability to respond to sepsis, we need to urgently integrate diagnostics into clinical systems, enabling healthcare professionals to make rapid, targeted decisions.

“This forms one of the three key demands in our charity’s petition to the Government, which has gathered over 35,000 signatures since the start of September. Our petition calls for sepsis to be prioritised alongside heart attacks and strokes, ensuring that rapid diagnostics are available at every patient touchpoint within the NHS.  

“Sepsis has far-reaching economic impacts. As highlighted in Lord Darzi’s report, the NHS has struggled to support individuals in their recovery from critical illness, often failing to help them return to work.

“This is not only a health issue but an economic one. On World Sepsis Day, we renew our call for the Government and the NHS to take immediate action. Sepsis is an emergency. Let’s prioritise its prevention and treatment to save lives, improve outcomes for survivors, and safeguard the future of our health system.” 

Even when sepsis outcomes do not result in tragic loss of life, many survivors and their families continue to suffer from long-term health issues and challenges. Around 40% of survivors have one or more of cognitive, psychological or physical sequelae, with nearly 80,000 people each year suffering with potentially life-changing after effects.

UKST provides free, Support Nurse-led services to survivors, many of whom find their ability to function is impacted by Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) – with symptoms reported by sepsis survivors including fatigue (80%), anxiety (53%), and trouble concentrating (47%). 37% report difficulty performing tasks they could previously, while 34% suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s easy to see how this affects peoples’ ability to work.  

In a survey conducted in August 2024, UKST found that 83% survivors were not told about PSS by healthcare professionals, and 68% of survivors and 64% of caregivers of survivors, weren’t given information about support resources and services after sepsis.

To help improve sepsis outcomes, The UK Sepsis Trust is calling for the government to:  

  • Measure and publish performance data on the sepsis care pathway. Reliable data are needed to understand the quality of NHS sepsis care, identify opportunities for improvement and provide targeted support where needed. 
  • Empower frontline decision-making with better integration of rapid diagnostics. There is no single test to diagnose sepsis, but diagnostics help doctors make important decisions about the types of treatment to use. Diagnostic tests are typically done in centralised laboratories, which means clinicians have to wait for the results. Time is of the essence when treating sepsis, so health professionals need access to fast and reliable tests to reduce preventable deaths. 
  • Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and signpost rehabilitation services to reduce pressures on the NHS. Empowering the public to ‘Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?” can help save lives, and ensuring survivors have access to ongoing care and support will help keep them well and out of hospital. 

Sign and support the charity’s petition here: Make Sepsis a Priority in the NHS.