health – Page 25 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

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.

New guidance issued during National Diabetes Week

Type 1 Diabetes cases continue to rise

New guidance will be issued to schools and parents from this week to help them support children with Type 1 diabetes. It comes as the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey, published this weekend, shows the number of cases of Type 1 diabetes continues to rise. The number of people with Type 1 diabetes has increased from 26,294 in 2006 to 29,251 in 2014 – an increase of 11.3 per cent.

The new guidelines – ‘Supporting Children and Young People with Type 1 Diabetes in Education’ – set out the responsibilities of local councils, schools, parents and young people. It includes advice on exam planning, injecting and storing insulin, blood glucose monitoring, eating, and physical activity in school.

The guidance brings together, for the first time, some of the best policies that are in place around Scotland. It has been produced in collaboration with teachers, parents, young people and healthcare professionals, and will be distributed to schools and colleges throughout Scotland. It will also be available online.

The booklet has been produced by the Childhood & Adolescent Subgroup of the Scottish Diabetes Group and Diabetes Scotland, with funding from the Scottish Government.

According to the Scottish Diabetes Survey there were 3,733 under 20s with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland at the end of 2013, and 1,860 under 15. The total number of people with diabetes is 268,154, of which 29,261 have type 1, 10.9 per cent of the total.

The increase of Type 1 cases reflects the rising incidence in children, and that people with the condition are now living longer. Type 1 is primarily an inherited condition.

The Scottish Government is taking a number of steps to deal with the increased cases of Type 1 diabetes, mainly focused on early diagnosis and improving access to insulin treatments.

Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, said: “This new set of guidelines is a clear and accessible way for teachers and parents to get the information they need about how to care for children with Type 1 diabetes.

“There’s no reason why a child with diabetes shouldn’t play a full and active role in school life. However, it’s vital that teachers, parents and young people know how to prevent any problems, and that’s why these guidelines will be so useful.

“Cases of Type 1 diabetes are rising in most western countries, and Scotland is no exception. That’s why this document, and all our other work in this area, is so important in improving the health of people living with type 1 diabetes in Scotland.

Claire Judson, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, said “It is a human right for children to be able to access education and not miss a day’s school. The care of children with Type 1 diabetes is a team effort, which requires all participants to play an active part in ensuring that that the child or young person has the best possible start in life and can succeed for the future. This document highlights the responsibilities of each of the partners involved to give a complete picture of what is needed so that children and young people with Type 1 diabetes are healthy and safe.

“I hope that all schools and local authorities will use this guidance in collaboration with children, parents and paediatric diabetes teams, so that children can manage their condition and receive the appropriate provision of care. Education is the gateway to a healthier adult life and creating opportunities for the future.”

Letter: More funding needed to protect our parents

Tony Delahoy on the final part of a deeply troubling BBC documentary …

Dear Editor

The third and final part of the BBC television programme ‘Protecting our Parents’ (Thursday 2 May) further illustrated the total inadequacy of the available resources – both staffing and funding – in addressing the human needs of frail individuals who are trying to understand the position they are in, at the same time being asked to decide their future accommodation needs.

Relatives, if available to help, are usually elderly themselves, with limited physical ability and torn by guilt.

One lady, who had dementia and at times could be aggressive, was a changed person after having one-to-one care: it was discovered in these one-to-one sessions that music was very comforting to her.

The extension of one-to-one care will need many more staff, more funding and more training. All authorities, national and local, say money is scarce so it is worth reminding them that all wealth is produced in the first place by people, and that money extracted from that wealth in various taxes still belongs to the people, who in turn elect others to manage to fund what the people need.

The Protecting our Parents series has shown the problems that exist now; the offloading of the elderly from hospital (to prevent ‘bed blocking’) to a sparse choice of expensive care homes, or a home care package which is inadequate, not only for essential needs but for mental inclusion in life.

A rapid increase in building NHS ‘halfway hospitals’ with fully trained staff is urgently needed to cater for the elderly who are in need of other care or accommodation.

Much more funding must be allocated to recruit, fully train and deploy staff to enable all round caring be given in Protecting our Parents.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Free and easy: dial 111 for NHS 24

New free and easy-to-remember telephone number for NHS 24

A new free and easy to remember number for NHS 24 in Scotland is now up and running. People looking for medical help and advice can, from today (Tuesday 29 April), contact NHS 24 by calling 111.

It means callers in Scotland will no longer be charged when calling NHS 24 from a landline or mobile.

NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period until their GP surgery reopens.

It previously cost the price of a local phone call from a BT landline, with calls from other landline service providers and mobile providers often costing more.

Health Secretary, Alex Neil, said: “I strongly believe that our NHS should be free at the point of care for all, and this new number will help to protect these founding principles of the NHS.

“The new number is easy to remember, and free to call, which will ensure everyone across Scotland can access support and advice from NHS 24 whenever they need it.

“NHS 24 already provides a valuable service to patients across Scotland when their GP surgery is closed, and there will be absolutely no change to the high quality service provided through this new number.

“By introducing the 111 number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice out of hours. “This will help to ensure people have access to health information and support, including access to a GP, when they really need it.

“In Scotland, the 111 number will be run by NHS 24 as a public service, in public hands – serving the needs of patients.”

“This is in complete contrast to the approach adopted by the NHS in England, where different organisations, including private sector providers, are contracted to provide the number in different regions.”

Mother-of-two Lee Armstrong, from Edinburgh, supports the change to the new number. Lee, 37, has a seven-year-old daughter Charlotte who has type one diabetes. Charlotte, who is a pupil at Wardie Primary School, was diagnosed with the condition when she was four and now uses an insulin pump.

Lee has contacted NHS 24 on several occasions looking for advice and reassurance when she is worried about her daughter’s blood sugar levels.

Lee said: “As a parent, I have always found it useful to have someone at the end of the telephone when GP surgeries are not open at the weekend or in the evenings. I have always been impressed that information about Charlotte and her condition is passed on quickly by NHS 24 to out-of-hours staff. On several occasions, staff have gone above and beyond to make sure Charlotte receives the right treatment or that I am given the correct advice as a parent.

“I think the move to the free telephone number will make it even easier for parents like me to contact the service in what is a positive development .”

NHS 24 Chief Executive John Turner said: “By dialling 111, patients throughout Scotland will receive the same high quality, trusted service that NHS 24 has delivered for more than ten years. We will continue to work with our partners across Scotland to provide high quality support to patients and their families on the new number, which is easy to remember and free to call.”

“NHS 24 has been serving the people of Scotland for more than ten years now and the move to a freephone number represents the next stage in the development of the country’s provider of telehealth and telecare services.”

Welcoming the introduction of the new free phone number, Dr Andrew Buist, Deputy Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, added: “Creating a new free phone number for NHS 24 will remove barriers to accessing this important part of our out of hours service. Patients will no longer have to worry about the cost of a phone call when seeking urgent health advice.

“NHS 24 provides an important service to patients at evenings and weekends for medical problems that can’t wait until the GP surgery reopens, with healthcare advice and, if necessary, access to a GP.”

More information on NHS 24 is available at www.nhs24.com

Letter: Protecting our Parents – who cares?

Dear Editor

Part two of the BBC programme Protecting our Parents, shown on 24 April, revealed the inadequacy of all-round care provision for the elderly.

All staff shown were indeed caring but handicapped by having to work within existing rules and funding constraints.

A disturbing feature was the ‘test’ by a psychologist to determine the patients’ capacity to make decisions (in other words removing decision-making from them) with questions such as: ‘what day is it?’; I would imagine most people after being in hospital for weeks would hesitate before answering. There were of course other similar questions, and on their answers a decision is made on the patients capacity of doing so, with all that it implies.

The ‘test’ came across as inadequate and faulty, needing radical appraisal.

The second part of of the programme reinforced the first – that provision of care in all forms, from rapidly building NHS Hospitals for the elderly run by fully qualified staff, that care at home visiting time should be greatly expanded – if necessary to 24 hour caring operated by fully qualified staff.

This can be at least a start in showing we do care about protecting our parents.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

hayfever advice

Did you know that next week is Allergy UK’s Awareness Week? Me neither, but what better time for some seasonal advice from NHS Inform …?

Scots are being urged to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk for tips and advice on managing the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

With Allergy UK’s Awareness Week running from 28th April to 4th May and the arrival of spring, this also means for many people the onset of the hay fever season. According to Allergy UK, one-in-four people in the UK suffers from an allergy at some time in their lives and 20% of the population is affected by hayfever in particular.

Professor George Crooks, NHS 24’s Medical Director, advises people that by following a few simple tips they can help minimise the effects of the condition.

He said: “Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees and grass, and can cause irritations of the eyes, nose and throat. In an ideal world, the most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it’s very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.

“Avoiding cutting grass, walking in grassy areas, and camping may reduce your exposure to grass pollens. When you are outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes and change your clothes and take a shower when you come back inside.

“If you get hay fever symptoms even when taking care, there are a number of over the counter medicines available from your local pharmacy. I would also remind people that NHS inform provides a wide range of information on the symptoms of the condition, as well as advice on minimising their effects. The site also helpful and quality assured information about other allergies, their prevention and treatment.”

The specific allergies section at NHS inform can be accessed at: www.nhsinform.co.uk/allergies

Are you ready for Easter?

PEOPLE across Scotland are being offered a final reminder to plan ahead as part of this year’s Be Ready for Easter campaign.

With coughs and colds still common during Easter, NHS Scotland wants Scots to take a few simple steps to look after their health this month.

By knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their medicine cabinet and making sure they order any repeat prescriptions they need for themselves and those they look after ahead of Easter, people can ensure they make the most of the holiday weekend.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks, said: “With many GP surgeries across Scotland closed for up to four days over the Easter holiday weekend, it’s vital to plan ahead and ensure you and your family stay well this spring.

“We are advising people to keep remedies for common ailments available, to make sure they have enough medication to see them through the holidays and to know when they can get an appointment at their GP surgery.”

The four key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:

Restock your medicine cabinet if needed

Common ailments such as colds can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine such as pain relief, cough mixture and cold remedies. Parents are also reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies.

Use your local pharmacy

Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication. First aid treatments for minor accidents such as plasters and antiseptic creams can also be obtained from the pharmacy.

Make sure you have enough repeat prescription

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend, from 18th April to 21st April.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.