A staff member with NHSGGC has been named Midwife of the Year 2024 at The Mariposa Trust Awards.
The Mariposa Trust exists to ensure that each baby who has died during pregnancy or early in life is recognised and that the parents, extended family, and friends receive the support they need for as long as they need it.
The awards recognise midwives, nurses, bereavement midwives, doctors and community members who have gone above and beyond in the care and support they have provided for people who have experienced baby loss.
Caroline Judge is a Charge Midwife at the Royal Alexandra Maternity Unit in Paisley, and she was recognised by the charity for her important role in caring for women across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and their families when they experience loss in their pregnancy and birth journey.
In addition to her current charge midwife role Caroline has worked with women and families to provide resources for special memory making during this very emotional and difficult time in the labour ward.
She has introduced sibling boxes for brothers and sisters with the support of various charities, and she is passionate about progressing the service that provides follow-up care and support for women once they leave the hospital.
Caroline was honoured to receive a nomination for Midwife of the Year and in shock when they announced her name as the winner. She explained: “I was aware that the event had received a record number of nominations for this award, so I was very surprised when my name was called.
“I found the night inspirational being surrounded by so many incredible people who care for families with bereavement and do such an amazing job.
“I am forever grateful to the person who nominated me.”
Laura Flynn, Lead Midwife (Clyde) for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Supporting families through their loss in pregnancy is a hugely important part of our work.
“Caroline leading the charge on many of our initiatives, to provide the level of care that our women and families need, is something that is worth recognising.
“Caroline has been a dedicated midwife in the RAH for many years and the team are so proud that she has been commended for the amazing work she does.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is among the second wave of health boards within Scotland to implement the National Bereavement Care Pathways (Scotland) which aim to improve bereavement care for parents after pregnancy or baby loss.
Members of the public are being urged not to visit hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone who is unwell.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) issued the advice to those who are planning to visit loved ones in hospital.
The health board said anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms, or anyone who has been in recent contact with someone with these symptoms, should not visit until they feel better.
It comes amid a rise in winter related illnesses including Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu across Scotland.
Visitors are also reminded to practice good hygiene by ensuring they regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of viruses.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of these illnesses, along with headaches, fever and muscle or limb pain.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis include:
Suddenly feeling sick
Projectile vomiting
Watery diarrhoea
Slight fever
Headaches
Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Continuous cough
High temperature, fever or chills
Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick or being sick
Symptoms of flu include:
A sudden fever
A dry, chesty cough
A headache
Tiredness and weakness
Chills
Aching muscles
Limb or joint pain
Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
Nausea and vomiting
A sore throat
A runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
In recent years, taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our daily life and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of viruses and practicing good hygiene.
You can protect yourself and others by staying at home if you are unwell and by cleaning hands and surfaces regularly.
Dr Aleksandra Marek, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, said: “We are asking anyone with symptoms including vomiting or diarrhoea, or anyone who has been in contact with someone who has these symptoms, not to visit our hospitals.
“During the winter months, illnesses such as Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu, can add to the pressures that staff face across our sites.
“To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses.
“We are also asking anyone who does attend a site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly.”
NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Departments (A&E) if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.
Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to walk like penguins to help avoid slips and trips in the icy conditions this week.
Adopting a penguin walk is a safer way to get about in the cold weather as it could help keep you more stable and minimise the risk of losing balance or slipping on the ice.
Top tips to walk like a penguin:
· Bend slightly and keep your knees loose.
· Point your feet out slightly.
· Extend your arms at your sides.
· Walk flat-footed, taking short steps.
· Keep your centre of gravity over your feet.
In the event of a slip, trip or fall which requires medical attention, but is not very urgent or life-threatening, the health board is advising people not to go straight to A&E but instead to call NHS24 on 111.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:“At this time of year – and especially in icy spells like this one – slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents that result in injury.
“While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital. Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you’re out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.
“During this time we should also make sure we’re supporting our elderly family members and neighbours by making journeys on their behalf to avoid them having to go out in icy conditions.”
Dr Crighton also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.
She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.
“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”
This winter, NHSGGC has launched a campaign to help people know where to go to access the care they need.
Care for a wide range of injuries is available without going to A&E – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep – and the health board is encouraging everyone to familiarise themselves with these alternatives, just in case.
Accessing the right care is as easy as A,B,C:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Unless it’s an emergency,please think ABC before going to A&E.
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website
A woman who was given just a 0.5% chance of survival after a catastrophic car crash has now committed her life to helping others following a remarkable four-year recovery with the help of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Lauren Feeney, 29, from Glasgow, suffered a horrific catalogue of injuries including 26 broken bones, eye injuries, internal bleeding and brain damage when the car she was a passenger in collided with a 32-tonne truck on New Year’s Eve, 2019.
Her injuries were so bad that when the police officer who was first on the scene pulled her from the car, her body was “like jelly”, and she spent a month in a coma. All three other occupants of the car died in the crash.
But despite living with a brain injury, sight problems, reduced function in one leg which means she needs a brace, and other permanent injuries, Lauren now volunteers two days a week helping staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, runs regularly, swims five days a week and is in training with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.
To top it all off, she wants to become a motivational speaker so she can inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Lauren had moved to London to complete her training as Cabin Crew for British Airways and was a month into her dream job jetting around the world, when the accident happened.
“I can’t remember anything,” she said. “When I hear about what happened, it’s like listening to a story about someone else, or watching a TV show. It was horrible, so maybe it’s better that way.”
Lauren spent two months in hospital in London before being transferred back to Glasgow just as COVID struck, and she spent four months in the QEUH, first in the orthopaedic department and then in the Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Unit (now called the Neurorehabilitation Unit). She then continued her rehabilitation at home with her mum Pauline and dad Kevin.
“I spent two years receiving a range of therapies,” Lauren said. “Mum and dad had been told not to get their hopes up, that my life would be severely limited. They were planning for a life of care.
“But the staff who cared for me were just fantastic. They were such an amazing support for me that I’m not sure where I’d be without them.”
As Lauren got better, she started contemplating what to do with her life. She knew she couldn’t go back to the job she loved, but rather than sitting feeling sorry for herself, she got up and got active.
“I started volunteering at the QEUH R&R Hub just over a year ago and, to be honest, I feel so lucky to be here. Before cabin crew I worked in hospitality, and I just love being around people and helping them, so being here is perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong – it’s not easy. The aftermath of the accident means as soon as I get stressed or overwhelmed, it gets really tough. Plus I can’t walk as well as I used to, and I’ve got constant problems with my sight, so days can be a bit of a challenge.
“But I don’t want sympathy, or to make a big deal of things.”
Lauren praised her workmate Caroline Maxwell (above) – paired together because managers knew they would be a good fit – for the support she has provided.
“She’s just brilliant, and gives me exactly the amount of help I need, stepping in when I need it, but usually just leaving me to get on with it. We have our way and work brilliantly together – we really are the dream team!”
However, volunteering with NHSGGC is only the start for Lauren. She’s also resurrected her teenage hobby of swimming – and she’s so good she now trains regularly with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.
She’s also taken up running, recently completing her first 5K and with the ultimate goal of taking part in duathlons – even though she can’t feel her leg unless weight is going through it.
“It’s difficult right now,” she said. “I have to concentrate really hard on where my foot is going to land and with my sight issue it can be a real challenge. But I’m stubborn so I won’t give up, and I’m learning to manage pretty well.”
With a story as inspiring as this, it’s little wonder that Lauren has her eyes set on helping others who face challenges in their lives.
“I was offered the chance to speak at a conference recently, and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “People like me wouldn’t normally be able to speak, but that has made me even more determined to share my story. In fact, it feels like I have a responsibility to make the most of that to help others who have been through similar.”
Dr Teng Cheng Khoo, Lead Clinician and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the NRU (formerly PDRU), paid tribute to Lauren and the work she has put into her recovery.
He said: “It is amazing how far Lauren has come. She sustained significant traumatic injuries from her accident, and not every person who went through what she did would be able to bounce back in such a way.
“One of the main reasons for Lauren’s phenomenal recovery and re-integration is her ongoing motivation and the hard work that she has put in over the years. Staff at the then PDRU found her a joy to work with despite the challenges she had to face at that time. She worked with staff to set goals that consistently pushed the boundaries of her recovery and what she was able to achieve.
“We also have to remember that this happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”
Dr Khoo praised the way a range of services have collaborated in Lauren’s ongoing recovery. He said: “From community rehabilitation services and ophthalmology to orthopaedics and the chronic pain service, all services have worked well together to achieve the best possible outcomes, and to help Lauren live a full, independent life, despite the ongoing challenges she experiences on a daily basis.
“We all wish Lauren well, and have no doubt that she will go on to achieve the goals she has set herself.”
Mary Nolan (above), Interim Volunteer Manager (South Sector) with NHSGGC, described Lauren as “an amazing person – quick, funny, sharp, and always smiling.
She added: “Lauren started volunteering at the beginning of December 2022, and from the word go I had a feeling she would be a success. It is a credit to her that we make no particular adaptations or allowances for her significant residual disability. The HUB is a place for our staff to come to relax and have a coffee, and Lauren is so friendly and helpful – all the HUB users love her.
“Lauren has so much potential, and we are delighted that this volunteer role has been able to play a part in her ongoing recovery.”
Caroline Maxwell added her own tribute: “It’s a pleasure volunteering alongside Lauren. We bounce off each other and the hours just fly by. Lauren likes to ensure that the front-line staff are well looked after, and always makes time for a chat.
“Oh, and she makes a great coffee!”
But the final word must go to Lauren, who is only looking forward in her life.
“I bear no ill will. I am where I am and my life’s great now. I just want to be the best person I can be and to help others.
“In fact, if you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me – don’t let anything hold you back. In fact, I’d say even more that you should go for it.
A public health consultant from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has warned New Year revellers to stay in and stay safe this weekend, amid great concern over recent very large increases in cases linked to the new variant of coronavirus.
Normally at this time of year, thousands of party-goers would be heading out on to the town and to house parties to celebrate New Year and the final weekend of the festive season, but in an attempt to prevent an explosion of cases, people are being asked not to even think about this.
Dr Daniel Carter, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHSGGC, said staying in this weekend was of critical importance, now more than ever. “There are very large increases in cases across GGC and particularly in areas such as Inverclyde which previously had relatively low levels,” he said.
“This is due to people still mixing together and the new variant of the virus that spreads more easily. We urge everyone not to mix with anyone other than their own household at this time of such sharp increases in cases.”
He went on to remind people that we will soon be able to be vaccinated and so this harsh warning is also at time when we can say it won’t be for much longer.
“Whilst these constraints are hard on everyone, they are there for a good reason – to protect you, your friends and your family.”
Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that the new variant – thought to spread much faster than the virus which first appeared in Scotland in the Spring – was quickly becoming the dominant COVID strain, and said Scottish Government advice to stay home, save lives and protect the NHS was more important than ever.
Dr Carter added: ““We are all painfully aware of the huge human cost that the virus has inflicted on the people across Scotland, and of all the important events which we have missed this year. With vaccination now being rolled out there really is some light at the end of the tunnel – but we are not there yet.
“Please keep that – and the safety of the most vulnerable in our society – in mind when you are deciding whether to go out or stay in this New Year.”
Dr Carter reminded people that, in addition to the current restrictions, the most effective way to keep us all safe from the virus was to follow the FACTS advice – wear a Face covering in enclosed spaces, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands and surfaces regularly, Two-metre distancing, and Self-isolate and seek a test immediately if you display symptoms.
Over 100 patients are taking part in a clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Patients in Glasgow have started receiving potential treatment for COVID-19 as part of a clinical trial at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with 120 patients recruited so far. The RECOVERY clinical trial is one of the fastest growing trials looking at potential treatment of COVID-19.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde anaesthetists, respiratory physicians, emergency medicine consultants, pharmacy teams and nurses are leading the board’s involvement in this UK-wide study, funded by the UK government.
The RECOVERY trial aims to find effective treatment for coronavirus patients by testing pre-existing medicine. This includes steroids, antivirals and antimalarial agents. Antibiotics may also be added at a future amendment.
The trial is adaptive in design so treatments that show promise will be used more frequently.
All patients with COVID-19 that are treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, IRH and RAH will be offered to take part in the clinical trial. It is a randomised-controlled trial where patients are given an active drug or standard care.
This is part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s efforts to move forward research and development related to COVID-19 as fast as possible.
Dr Jennifer Armstrong, Medical Director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, welcomed the move and said: “Our teams have been incredible in rising up to the challenge of COVID-19.
“Not just in the care and treatment of patients but also their dedication to improving our knowledge of the virus through clinical trials. This means our patients are receiving the most up to date treatment available.”
Professor Julie Brittenden, Research and Development Director, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “I want to thank all of our staff for their efforts during this incredibly challenging time.
“Our research, development and innovation teams are working hard to improve the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.
“We’ve been able to rapidly mobilise our teams to take part in clinical trials like RECOVERY and this is a testament to their dedication to the cause.”
Dr Kathryn Puxty, Intensive Care Consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: “As we care for more and more patients with COVID-19, we are seeing first-hand the need for effective treatment.
“We will be asking patients with COVID-19 who we treat in hospital, if they want to be involved in this study in the hope that we can improve care as quickly as possible.”
Working with partners across UK, Scotland is leading, enabling and delivering world-class COVID-19 research as part of coordinated efforts to gather reliable evidence.
Facilitated through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government and NHS Research Scotland, a single, national prioritisation process for COVID-19 research draws on expert advice across the UK. This prioritises studies which hold the most potential, prevents duplication of effort and ensures the resources and capacity of the health care system are not exceeded.
Charles Weller, General Manager, NHS Research Scotland said: “RECOVERY has been the fastest growing clinical trial in medical history; and a crucial part of our efforts to better understand and tackle COVID-19. I want to thank all teams for their commitment and professionalism to this national priority study.”
