Tag: NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian’s Spiritual Care Services awarded Bereavement Charter for Scotland

NHS Lothian Spiritual Care Services has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).

Bereavement can have a profound and long-term effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Within health settings, Spiritual Care Teams support bereavement services and are key in providing specialist spiritual support as part of end-of-life care to both the patient and their family. They support staff and service users to explore a person’s values, beliefs and preferences in relation to end of life care and following a bereavement.

This accreditation is a testament to the services dedication to providing high-quality, human rights-based spiritual and bereavement care. It highlights the team’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.

Over the past few months, the Spiritual Care team attended several training events to support their learning and journey as a service to support people in bereavement.

The award of the Charter mark recognises the unique skills and insights Registered Chaplains can offer to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they are committed to offering support and care particularly for staff who may have experienced a bereavement in their personal life or at work.

Mark Evans, Head of Spiritual Care said: “This is a real testament to the amazing work my colleagues all do to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they bring unique skills and insights to support people who are bereaved and who are coming to terms with the grief they carry.

“This work also supports the organisations objectives of delivering excellent person-centred care and ensuring our workforce feel valued and supported.” 

NHS Lothian launches Action Plan to develop and protect Green Areas

NHS Lothian are very proud of the many green spaces we own and manage. The vital connection between outdoor spaces and both physical and mental well-being is now well understood.

To support this, NHS Lothian have now launched a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to create a thriving natural environment across our estate. This plan will guide our efforts for the next 10 years, making our hospitals and facilities more welcoming for wildlife and people alike. It will also help to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

Mr George Gordon, Sustainability Champion, Non executive Board Member for NHS Lothian said: “This plan outlines the development of the greenspaces within the NHS Lothian estate and builds upon successful projects that have already positively impacted patients, staff, and the wider community.

“We prioritise enhancing our teams’ skills in managing diverse grasslands, collaborating with experts, and partnering to improve key sites.

“Witnessing the dedication of our staff has been inspiring. We share a collective responsibility to create a sustainable future, and I urge everyone to engage with this plan.”

A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is a program designed to protect and enhance the biodiversity of environments. 

This plan has been supported by the NHS Lothian Charity.

You can read the full plan on org.nhslothian.scot/sustainability/biodiversity-action-plan/

Edinburgh Partnership launches review of longer-term support for the city’s third sector

The Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh.

The review into the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh seeks to improve funding certainty in future years. This includes how grant funding and commissioning is delivered, how third sector organisations monitor and report on their work, and what in-kind support is provided.

Third sector organisations of all types – voluntary, social enterprises and charities – are being asked to share their views through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub survey or by attending a workshop.

The results will be reported to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said: “The third sector provides vital support to local communities, with many giving direct support to the most vulnerable in our city. 

“We know that they, like the Council, are under significant financial pressure and that there needs to be longer-term change in how they are supported by us and our partners.

“We want to hear about how we can make it simpler, provide more stability, and work better together to help vulnerable people. You can share your views through the council’s consultation hub webpage, or by attending one of the workshops.”

Workshops run from Monday 19 May until Thursday 5 June. Details are available on the Consultation Hub and booking is required.

As part of the city’s commitment to help the sector, the council has dedicated £3.5m this year to help organisations impacted by unexpected loss of grant funding or reduced commissioning.

Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Resilience Fund.

NHS Lothian nurses praised for exceptional care of Scottish Rugby international player

Match ball ‘honour’ for RIE nurses

A team of nurses from NHS Lothian has been praised for the exceptional care and support provided to Scottish Rugby international, Emma Wassell, during her health challenges earlier this season.

In recognition of the high-class care Emma received, five nurses from the cardiothoracic ward at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were invited to deliver the match ball at Scotland’s victorious Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.

Speaking of their experience, Eilidh Wynne, Senior Charge Nurse said: “It was such an honour for us to be asked to present the match ball – we got a big cheer from the crowd and felt like superstars. We were pitch side for the national anthem and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It really was such a special moment and it’s one we’ll remember forever.

“The whole team in ward 102 works incredibly hard and this is a reminder that we should all feel immensely proud of the work we’re doing day in day out.

“It’s always nice to see patients getting back to their norm and it was fantastic to see Emma looking so well – that’s really what makes the job worthwhile.”

The team presented the match ball and were treated to hospitality at the event at Hive Stadium Edinburgh, which drew over 6000 spectators (the second largest crowd in the team’s history).

Emma Wassell, who is on the road to recovery after emergency surgery to remove a chest tumour, said: “It was really special to have some of the nurses that looked after me at our last home game of the Guinness Six Nations. A real full circle moment where they could get recognised for what they do when they are a big part of the reason that I can get back to what I do.

“I have nothing but gratitude for the care I received by all NHS staff while going through some personally tough circumstances – they really are there for you morning, noon and night. Whether it’s providing your medication, taking your blood samples, bringing you a coffee or simply allowing a constant stream of rugby players in to sit by my bedside!

“They made my time in hospital a whole lot easier and I am so glad we could give them some recognition, in what turned out to be a very special game!

“I have spoken a lot about my rugby family and one of the first nurses to introduce themselves to me was Kirsty Stewart – who was none other than one of my teammates, Alex’s mum.

“This was a huge level of comfort for me, and even though rugby wasn’t my main priority when I was in hospital, it was so nice to have someone that could truly understand how I was feeling around missing it.”

Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group

Eligible? Get your Covid vacccination

Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

Protection against COVID-19 reduces over time, so it’s important to get vaccinated when offered.

For more information, visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine #SpringTopUp

Eligible? Get Vaccinated!

Evidence shows that the vaccine can help prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death in older adults and those with a weakened immune system.

If you’re eligible, it’s important to take up the offer of an additional dose.

Visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine for more information.

NHS Lothian Staff Recognised as Finalists in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.

Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.

Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.

Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.

The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.

Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland.

Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.

“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”

Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025.

Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards