health – Page 25 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Police target stores selling ‘legal highs’

Shop raids mark start of ‘legal highs’ campaign

Police in Edinburgh yesterday executed search warrants at three premises following intelligence that New Psychoactive Substances – so-called ‘legal highs’ – were being sold there.

Around 70 officers from across the city were involved in the activity, which took place in the Leith Walk, Newington and Wester Hailes areas as part of a national operation to stem the sales of these items and to raise awareness as to their risks.

Representatives from Scotland Fire and Rescue, City of Edinburgh Council Trading Standards and Environmental Health also carried out visits to a further eight premises to provide appropriate guidance on legislation and licensing issues relating to NPS.

Over 3,000 sachets of substances were seized from the three stores and have been sent for further analysis.

The operation is being backed by a two-week nationwide campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers of taking New Psychoactive Substances.

The campaign is aimed at young people aged 11-18 year-old as well as their parents and teachers. It also targets young professionals aged 25-35 years and will include a national radio commercial.

Posters and screens highlighting this issue will also be on display in train stations and on local buses across the country.

Furthermore, a range of initiatives are taking place with local community officers visiting schools, youth groups and community events to help raise awareness and educate young people on the dangers of NPS.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston, who led yesterday’s activity said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and to stopping the sale of any substances, which may cause harm to our communities.

“The items seized during the operation will now be subject to detailed analysis and we will be continuing to engage with our various partner agencies throughout.

“Enforcement, however, is only a small part of this operation and we are keen to educate the public on all the associated risks of NPS so that less people are inclined to buy and consume them.

“School Liaison Officers and Community Policing Teams will be engaging heavily with the public in the coming weeks in relation to the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances.

“I would strongly urge our communities never to consume any of the NPS material currently being sold at premises across the country. They may contain extremely harmful chemicals, which could seriously impact upon your long-term health.”

Further information on NPS can be found at:

If you have any information about NPS, or indeed any drug activity, contact the police on 101 or, in an emergency by dialling 999.

Information can also be reported anonymously and in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are a young person, information can also be reported anonymously atFearless.org.

Health advice for freshers

Health advice for students from NHS 24

STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead byNHS 24, Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks reminds students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk

He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to use NHS inform for information on healthcare.

“During Freshers’ week, I would advise students to take the time to register with a GP in their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can search by postcode at NHS inform.
“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.

“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”

For further health advice and information go to http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-in-Focus/Campaigns/freshers-health

The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.

The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. The Common Health Questions section includes areas dedicated to sexual health, women’s and men’s health and food safety. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.

Click on link (below) for an Audioboo clip of NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks discussing the subject:

https://audioboo.fm/boos/2125592-advice-from-nhs-24-for-students-starting-university

Childrens’ health advice from NHS24

As children return to school this week, NHS24 – Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation – is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year …

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school this week, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead.

“NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types.
“There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have in your first aid kit at home.

“It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.”

For further health advice and information go to www.nhsinform.co.uk

The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years.

The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.

NHS Lothian: Looking after our visitors

Western’s Minor Injuries Clinic: help for holidaymakers

They say Edinburgh’s population more than doubles at this time of year, and NHS Lothian is in the middle of another busy August as thousands of tourists have arrived in the city for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Festival Practice has been created to treat the influx of tourists who are not registered with a GP in the city and is designed to ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Dr Sian Tucker, Clinical Director, Lothian Unscheduled Care Service, said: “Visitors should contact NHS 24 on 111 if they feel unwell. This phone number is available 24 hours a day. Patients will be directed to the most appropriate place for their medical needs. The NHS Inform website also provides advice and information on a range of medical conditions.

“Patients may be directed to a pharmacy, dentist, the out of hours GP service or a local GP practice and can treat a range of non-emergency conditions. This will help to relieve some of the pressure on our A&E departments which are normally busier at this time of year.”

NHS Lothian is also encouraging more people to visit the Minor Injuries Clinic, rather than attending the Emergency Department.

The clinic, based at the Western General Hospital, offers assessment and treatment as required and patients with less serious injuries can often be seen quicker, without an appointment.

If patients require non-emergency medical treatment, such as a sprain, cut or burn then they can receive swift treatment in the clinic, which is open seven days at week from 8.00am to 9.00pm.

Festival focus for mouth cancer campaign

Health professionals took to the Fringe to raise mouth cancer awareness at the weekend …

Dental and oral health experts gathered in Edinburgh at the weekend as part of the campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

The “Let’s Talk About Mouth Cancer” campaign has been set up to provide information and support to tackle the oral disease, which is increasing in the UK. The main goal of the campaign is to improve survival through early diagnosis of disease.

The team raised awareness among festival-goers, holiday makers and locals at the Meadows over the weekend, offering a 24 hours screening service from a marquee on Middle Meadoww Walk.

NHS postgraduate trainees from the Edinburgh Dental Institute also delivered oral health messages at various sites in Edinburgh and used social media and their website to make sure they get their point across – and one daring duo even braved the elements for 24 hours on a tandem to raise awareness of mouth cancer symptoms!

The campaign is a collaborative project between NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University and urges people: ‘If in doubt, check it out’.

Professor Victor Lopes, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Early detection and timely treatment of mouth cancer is vital and can lead to a significantly improved survival rate. It cannot be stressed enough – the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the treatment options and outcome.

“Remember, most mouth conditions are not cancerous. If you are in any doubt, check it out with a dentist, doctor or pharmacist – also make sure you have regular dental checks and look after your health.”

Mouth cancer affects all age groups – with a significant rise among people under 45 years – and there are now more cases of mouth cancer in the UK each year than cases of cervical cancer in women and testicular cancer in men put together.

The campaign has important messages for people of all ages, but organisers are keen to target specific groups, including young people and people from ethnic minorities.

Common risk factors include:

Regular high alcohol intake
Smoking
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. World-wide, HPV is the most widespread sexually transmitted virus
Poor diet
Poor oral hygiene.

People who combine smoking and regular high alcohol intake increase by 40 times their risk of developing mouth cancer. But some younger patients with the disease have none of these risk factors, which is why it’s important to check regularly for signs of mouth cancer.

Signs to look out for include:

Oral lumps that grow
Oral ulcers that do not heal after two weeks
Red, white or mixed patches in the mouth
Persistent soreness in the mouth
Bleeding in the mouth
Lump in your neck.

A week on Ward 72: new exhibition at Western General

LOCAL arts and disability organisation, Artlink, is pleased to present an exhibition of drawings by Mark Kirkham – ‘The Edinburgh Sketcher’- documenting his observations as an artist-in-residence at the Royal Victoria Building at the Western General on Ward 72. The exhibition also shows Mark’s perspective – as a parent – of time spent in Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Mark is an Edinburgh-based illustrator who produces an almost daily sketch blog of life in and around Scotland’s beautiful capital; an online sketchbook of scribbles and observations of daily life.

Impressed with his work, Artlink invited Mark in to become an artist in residence in the care of the elderly wards, documenting situations and stories from patients and staff on the ward. These observational drawings begin to explore how we communicate different healthcare experiences and contribute to a growing body of work which explores the positive relationship between the arts and healthcare in supporting recovery.

Mark said: “I would like to thank all the staff and patients for making me feel so welcome during my week on Ward 72. I drifted in and out, sketched from the corners of the room and tried to stay out of the way of the busy staff’. In the patients rooms it was a different experience, I was in their personal space and was welcomed in and given time and an insight into their lives. Through our chats and my drawing we connected and shared our individual stories and discussed what brings people into hospital.”

Over many years Artlink has worked with patients and staff to encourage their involvement in cultural and arts activity throughout NHS Lothian. We realise that this work not only creates positive involvement, we also know that it supports better communication and contributes positively to recovery. We are delighted with the response to Mark’s drawings so far.

Kirsten Smith, senior charge nurse, said: “It was great having Mark on the wards it was a positive experience for staff and patients. The patients were happy to talk about something else other than their illness and other routine matters for a while. Mark through his sketches has captured the person not the patient, you really see a person that is valued and respected and their story.”

A patient from North Berwick added: “I really enjoyed meeting Mark he came across as a very intelligent and interesting young man who obviously loves to draw. I liked his drawings and the amount of detail he has put, he’s captured North Berwick beautifully although he’s aged me by one year as i’m 90 not 91 but I am in my 91st year so I will let him off. I’ve showed it to some friends and they really like it too. I ended up being in hospital for three months and it was lovely to chat to Mark about other things and for someone from outside to come in to the ward.”

“I’m pretty sure we both benefited, I know how long days can be when in hospital and to have a friendly visit, which some of these patients aren’t lucky enough to have daily, it can be a great lift emotionally – which hopefully leads to a lift physically too,” said Mark.

The other part of the exhibition features Mark’s observations at the Sick Kids Hospital.

In 2011, Mark’s wife gave birth to twins, James and Zoe. James has Haemophilia A and consequently the family have had several visits to Edinburgh’s Sick Children’s Hospital. Whilst there, Mark continued to draw and most of the sketches shown here were made during the time James was in hospital. For Mark, drawing was a welcome distraction from all the things he was powerless to help with, and they have become a visual diary of a most terrifying, depressing and uplifting and amazing time in their lives, something that is being replayed many times over in a hospital ward right now.

We all have different ways in which we document our experiences. Some of us – like Mark – will draw, others write, and many of us will take pictures and now more often than not we will share these on Facebook or Twitter. In essence the arts are a tool of communication, both in terms of what we can make sense of and what we can’t. The arts can give us a new perspective on our experiences and provide new opportunities for understanding. Over many years Artlink have worked with patients and staff to encourage their involvement in cultural and arts activity throughout NHS Lothian. We realise that this work not only creates positive involvement, we also know that it supports better communication and contributes positively to recovery.

‘The twins were born on 9th March 2011 at just past 10pm at the Simpsons Memorial ward at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary. James arrived first weighing 4lb 15.5oz with his sister Zoe (5lb 5oz) following close behind”, said Mark. “We discovered James had Haemophilia A early, thankfully, when a routine heel prick on the maternity ward failed to stop bleeding. A genetic disorder which impairs the body’s ability to control blood clotting, Haemophilia A can cause even minor injuries to result in a severe bleed, either externally or internally. Such a bleed can last much longer and frequently require medication to stop.”

The Edinburgh Sketcher exhibition can be viewed from 1 August –November 2014 at

The Western General Gallery

Link Corridor between Alexander Donald building and Anne Ferguson Building

Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South.

You can see more examples of Mark’s work at www.edinburghsketcher.com

Arts and disability organisation Artlink celebrate their thirtieth anniversary this year. For more information about Artlink visit www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Health and social care hub plans ‘progressing well’

North West Partnership Centre planning application submitted

Plans for two new health and social care hubs in Edinburgh are ‘progressing well’, according to city leaders.

The new £12-million North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre submitted a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council last month, while plans for the £7-million Firrhill Partnership Centre have now been approved.

The development of the new centres is being carried out in partnership between NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council and once completed will bring increased health and social care services to Muirhouse, Firrhill and their surrounding communities.

Peter Gabbitas, Joint Director, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “The plans for the North West Edinburgh Partnership centre and Firrhill Partnership Centre are progressing well.

“These are excellent examples of the benefits of bringing health and social care services together on one site and in so doing putting children’s health and welfare at the forefront of our services.”

Cllr Ricky Henderson, Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, said: “We are committed to providing high quality health and social care within communities, and working in partnership with organisations such as NHS Lothian on projects like the North West Partnership Centre is a great way to ensure this happens.”

Hub South East Scotland Ltd, the Council and NHS Lothian’s development partner, is delivering the projects, having appointed GRAHAM Construction as the contractor to build the new centres.

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive, Hub South East Scotland Ltd said: “These key planning milestones mark an exciting step forward in the development of the Partnership Centres, which will make a real difference to local communities. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh, to make these plans a reality.”

The NHS Lothian-led Partnership Centre will bring Council and NHS services into one location on Pennywell Gardens, behind the Pennywell shopping centre. It is anticipated that the following new services will be available within the new centre:

General Practice
District Nursing and Health Visitor
Dentistry
Dietetics
Podiatry
Physiotherapy
Child and Adolescense Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Speech and Language
Community Paediatrics
Edinburgh Council, Children and Families
North West Carers and other Voluntary Sector

There are also plans to situate a mental health and substance misuse recovery hub in Craigroyston Health Clinic following completion of the new partnership centre.

It is anticipated that the Scottish Government will approve the Outline Business Case for both projects in the next few months. If that happens, construction of the new Centres is scheduled to start by next summer and they will open to the public in autumn 2016.

Gerry’s ‘joie de vivre’ impresses Maggie’s judges

Gerry’s designcreates a ‘calming, open and uplifting space’

Gerry Reid, a fifth year pupil at Culloden Academy, has won Maggie’s Schools’ Architecture Competition. Gerry’s design was inspired by the shape and structure of a leaf, and judges clearly thought it was tree-mendous (sorry)!

Maggie’s Schools’ Architecture Competition was developed by Maggie’s and The Lighthouse with the aim of introducing secondary school students to ideas around how architecture can impact health and well-being, and of giving them an insight into architecture, design and technology. The students were asked to come up with their own plan for a new Maggie’s Centre.

Competition judge Kirsty Wark, an Honorary Patron of Maggie’s said: “Students worked to the same brief as the architects who have designed real Maggie’s Centres, to design a healing space for people affected by cancer. There were some great ideas and the young people really understood the brief and what we needed from them.”

“Gerry’s design stood out: she showed an impressive grasp of the way that architecture and design can create hopeful, joyous places where people can find calm during a critical time in their lives.”

Gerry’s prize is a week’s work experience at Richard Murphy Architects, the creators of the first Maggie’s Centre which opened in Edinburgh in 1996.

Gerry was inspired by a visit to Maggie’s Highlands with her classmates where staff explained about the Maggie’s programme of support and discussed the design of the building and how it made staff and visitors feel. She said: “This has been a great experience for me as it has given me the chance to come as close as possible to working in the way that a practising architect would. The whole project has enabled me to push myself as far as possible and to work in an area of design about which I am passionate.

“From the start, I knew that my design had to be calming, safe and aesthetically strong. With this in mind, I linked the theme of nature to my design. My aim was to transport people from the clinical hospital environment into a calming, open and uplifting space.

“I am really excited about gaining experience at Richard Murphy Architects. I have never been in an architects’ practice let alone worked alongside them! I know that the insight and experience which I gain will be invaluable for my future pathway which I aim to take into the incredible world of architecture.

“I’d like to thank Maggie’s Centre, Inverness for allowing me to visit and pick their brains as to the very specific requirements of such a building!”

All the short-listed designs will be exhibited at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, and Maggie’s will keep the students’ design sketches as inspiration for design teams working on Maggie’s Centres in the future.

Ian Elder, manager of The Lighthouse, said: “We worked with Maggie’s to develop a concept to present architecture into schools, introducing creativity, innovation and the wider idea of how this can be applied through design to buildings. The fact that schools design their submissions to the same brief as architects gives real-life experience and students get the chance to practise research and presentation skills, adding value to the current school curriculum.”

Richard Murphy, of Richard Murphy Architects, added: “Gerry’s design has fantastic joie de vivre. It makes a whole series of alcove-like places on the inside which responds directly to my thinking as to how a Maggie’s Centre might be inhabited. On the outside, the building is a fantastic agglomeration of rooms giving it both a domestic appropriateness but also a slightly fantastical and intriguing appearance. I thought the idea of basing it on a leaf plan and developing it into an attractive building showed remarkable sophistication.”

Some healthy advice for festivalgoers

T in the Park Health Advice

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is urging music lovers going to T in the Park next week to think ahead and look after their health. NHS 24 is advising festival goers to be prepared by taking a few essential items in case they become unwell.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said, “Summer festivals are great places to meet people and enjoy music with friends but try and remember to pack a few small items with you in case you do become unwell. Take some over the counter medication with you for stomach upsets or diarrhoea and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is also really important to have sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and antiseptic hand gel is always handy to have at outdoor events.”

He added: “Plan ahead and take some condoms with you to protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Also, tampons, wet wipes and hay fever medication – if you are a sufferer – will always come in handy over the weekend. Don’t forget to take your asthma inhaler or any prescription medicine you need with you and keep it handy.”

Festival goers are reminded not to ruin the weekend for themselves and others by drinking far too much too quickly. Try alternating soft drinks or water for alcoholic ones on a regular basis over the day and don’t forget to eat regularly. You don’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite bands by feeling unwell with the effects of too much alcohol.

Professor Crooks advised: “If you do become ill, go with a friend to the nearest First Aid area. Remember there is safety in numbers. Never leave your drink unattended, never leave friends on their own and don’t wander off by yourself. Organise a meeting point if you get split up and stay with people you know. “

“By taking simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your weekend. Stay safe and have a happy and healthy time at T in the Park.”

For further summer health advice go to www.nhsinform.co.uk

NHS24 offers summer holiday health advice

WITH the school summer holidays fast approaching, Scots are being urged to prepare ahead to ensure they have a safe and healthy holiday, whether at home or abroad.

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service, NHS 24, is advising people to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk to get helpful tips and advice on summer holiday health issues, from sunburn and stings to travel sickness and heat exhaustion.

A dedicated ‘Safe Summer in Scotland’ section provides advice on how to stay safe in the heat and sun, as well as information on how to avoid outdoor hazards, travel tips and the safe preparation of food.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “It is always a good idea to be prepared whether on holiday at home or abroad and the wide range of information available at www.nhsinform.co.uk can help you do just that. Whether it is finding out what vaccinations to have before travelling, what to do when an upset tummy strikes or how to deal with insect bites, the information is readily available.

“If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for your whole trip. Remember to order and pick up your repeat prescription in plenty of time before your departure to prevent any last minute delays or unnecessary panic.

“It is essential to always wear sunscreen when out in the sun, even in the UK. I would urge everyone to use a high factor sunscreen to protect themselves against the sun’s harmful rays. And if you are planning any picnics or barbecues in the coming weeks, it is important to keep food refrigerated until you leave home and use a cool box or bag to transport fresh food, particularly if you are taking meats or dairy products.

“By taking these simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your holiday.”

NHS 24 is now available on the free phone number 111. By dialling 111, people across Scotland can continue to access the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period when their GP surgery is closed.