NHS24: Breathing Space in Dunbar

Friday was a good day for our Breathing Space service – the sun was shining and we unveiled a new Breathing Space bench in Dunbar! ☀️

The ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench initiative is designed to be physical reminders for people to pause, reflect, and find comfort. Breathing Space benches are dotted all over Scotland, with the latest being unveiled in Dunbar train station in East Lothian.

Our Breathing Space team work in partnership with organisations, charities, and local groups to secure sites for new benches. The Dunbar bench was installed with support from Samaritans, Scotland’s Railway, and Dunbar Rotary.

Managed by NHS 24, Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.

Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, explains why the benches are important symbols to prioritise mental health: “We’re proud to work alongside other mental health champions such as Samaritans and Scotland’s Railway to promote mental well-being within communities throughout Scotland.

“The installation of our newest Breathing Space Bench at Dunbar Train Station will serve as a powerful reminder to everyone that taking time to think, reflect, and chat about mental health is essential, especially during life’s busy moments.”

Nurse to cycle from London to Amsterdam with patient families

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY – 12 MAY 2024

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is celebrating International Nurses Day, highlighting inspirational team members who have made a significant impact on the service.

Janice Heggie, Lead Nurse for the Neonatal Service at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, is one nurse who definitely falls into this category.

This month, Janice won Leader of the Year at the service’s Women and Children Awards and, next year, will mark 35 years of service with NHSGGC.

Before she hits that milestone – and her 60th birthday – Janice is taking on her biggest challenge yet.

In June, she will cycle almost 400 miles from London to Amsterdam across four days to raise funds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“I wanted to set myself a challenge for my 60th birthday and when the charity announced a call for people to make this cycle, I signed up right away.

“For years, I’ve watched the charity giving to the hospital, and I have seen the impact that their work has on people’s lives. This is my chance to do something for them.

“I started training in October last year and I average about 100 miles per week. Cycling has become a huge part of my life now. I even cycle indoors. I have more than one bike – let’s just say that,” Janice said.

Janice will cycle with another colleague and 16 patient family members who also want to give back to the hospital and charity. The team will meet with five other children’s hospitals from across the UK too.

Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing explained that she isn’t surprised that Janice has taken on such a challenge. “All of our nurses are inspirational in one way or another, but we find great strength in leaders like Janice.

“We’re so proud of the work that she gives and the care that she delivers to patients. For the past 35 years, she has dedicated her time to caring for children, often in very complicated cases.

“Janice sets a goal and works hard towards it so it isn’t a surprise that she has signed up for this journey and I can guarantee that she will be an amazing motivator to those cycling with her. A huge thanks to Janice and to all our nurses that are inspiring others,” she said.

International Nurses Day is today – Sunday, 12th of May 2024.

You can donate to Janice’s cycle here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/janice-heggie-1714069981263

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is delighted to support staff marking International Nurses Day 2024

May 12 is Florence Nightingale’s birthday and begins a week-long celebration of the profession of nursing.

Each year the International Council of Nurses (ICN) have a theme, with this’s theme being “Our Nurses, Our Future, The Economic Power of care.”

Nurses are often the first members of staff that patients meet and are the constant in their care. Nurses give care with empathy and compassion throughout a patient’s life which can be challenging and rewarding daily.

Professor Angela Wallace, NHSGGC Executive Director of Nursing, said: “When I speak to our nursing colleagues across the organisation, I see a dedication and passion to ensure the patient receives the best care possible and how the patient is always central to how our nurses deliver care.

“These conversations are so important to me, as I get the chance to speak and listen to fellow nursing colleagues.

“Nurses play a vital role in the care of our patients and loved ones which can be sometimes in difficult circumstances. I want to take this opportunity on International Nurses Day to thank you today and every day for the invaluable care you give with dedication and professionalism.

“I hope you enjoy celebrating International Nurses Day.”

NHS 24: Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies need to be assessed and treated quickly to avoid the risk of permanent damage they include:

🔹abscess and swellings in and around the mouth

🔹bleeding

🔹trauma such as a knocked out a tooth

If you’re registered with a dentist and think you have a dental emergency during the in hours period, phone your dental practice.

If you’re not registered with a dentist follow the advice on NHS inform – https://nhs24.info/dental-emergencies

If you think you’ve a dental emergency during the out of hours period phone the 111 service.

Chalmers Dental Centre*
3 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9EW  Tel: 0131 536 4800.

Dental triage and advice service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Dental treatment service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

*Please note, Chalmers is not a walk-in service. If you require an urgent appointment, you must call the number.

NHS 24: Insect Bites and Stings

🐝 Insect bites and stings 🐝

There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid being bitten or stung by insects: ⤵️⤵️

1️⃣ Move away slowly, don’t panic.

2️⃣Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers.

3️⃣ Wear shoes outdoors.

4️⃣ Apply DEET-based insect repellent.

5️⃣ Avoid flowering plants, food areas, rubbish.

6️⃣ Remove fallen fruit, use lids on dustbins.

7️⃣ Camp away from water sources.

8️⃣ Keep food and drink covered.

9️⃣ Use netting on doors and windows.

🔟 Keep doors and windows closed.

Protect yourself from stings and bites! 🚫🐜🐝

https://nhs24.info/bites-and-stings

Summer health advice from NHS24

It’s summer!  ☀️

We have some health advice to keep you and your loved ones well over the summer months.

Need advice on …
👩‍⚕️ Medicine and first aid?
💊Prescribed medicine and travel?
🍗BBQ food preparation advice?
🧼Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors?
🤕Bumps, bruises and other accidents?
🥵Heat related illnesses?

Check out our summer resources on NHS inform!