Tag: NHS Lothian

Almost 1000 people sit on waiting list for ‘life changing’ diabetes technology in NHS Lothian

New figures have revealed that almost 1000 people within the NHS Lothian region are waiting for life changing hybrid closed loop (HCL) system.

This is a devastating blow for diabetic patients who face extensive wait times to receive the technology.

Hybrid closed loop systems work to automatically adjust glucose levels depending on a patient’s blood sugar.

This is in stark contrast to the current system where the patient must manually adjust and administer the insulin themselves.

Paul Hughes, who works for Edinburgh Council and has had diabetes for 24 years, finds himself stuck on the waiting list for a HCL system.

Mr Hughes originally requested to be added to the waiting list in 2021 but found out, after inquiry, that he had not been added until 2023.

He is concerned that the ‘postcode lottery’ will mean he is not able to access an HCL system for the foreseeable future.

Mr Hughes has previously suffered a broken cheek and elbow from collapsing due to his blood sugar levels dropping too low.

He believes an HCL system is critical to improving his diabetes control and avoiding similar incidents in the future.

These figures were first revealed via FOI, by Labour MSP for Lothian, Sarah Boyack.

Ms Boyack has written an open letter (above) to Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray to ask what actions the Scottish Government is taking to urgently reduce these waiting lists.

Earlier this year, Ms Boyack hosted a roundtable of diabetic constituents who raised access to diabetes technology as a critical issue.

Commenting on these figures, Ms Boyack said: “The size of the waiting list is extremely alarming. This is life changing technology and patients across Lothian are in limbo waiting to receive it.

“I have had many constituents contact me, anxious about the lack of clarity for when they will receive an HCL system.

“The Scottish Government have announced funding to expand the HCL rollout, but it means nothing if it is not reaching people on the ground. That is why I have written to Neil Gray to ensure that type 1s across NHS Lothian are not left out in the cold when it comes to getting a HCL system”.

Paul Hughes added: “This technology would be life changing for me. I would no longer have to worry about my blood sugar dropping during the night, which currently keeps me awake.

“I am incredibly concerned about the long waiting list for those in NHS Lothian.

“I have sustained serious injury from collapsing due to low blood sugar so this technology cannot come soon enough.”

RHCYP Memorial Service

GREYFRIARS CHARTERIS CENTRE. THE PLEASANCE on 24th NOVEMBER

The RHCYP’s Memorial Service in Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR, offers space for personal or shared reflection for those who’ve experienced the death of a child.

People of all ages, all beliefs or none, are most welcome:

https://ow.ly/f1o750TJzT5

NHS Lothian: Veterans First Point service to be closed down

NHS Lothian has taken the difficult decision to withdraw joint funding from a service that provides support to veterans in Lothian, following a stark financial review.

The health board has told Veterans First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its share – £214,778 – of the total budget required, to maintain the service amid the significant financial challenge facing health boards.

Veterans First Point Lothian was jointly funded by Scottish Government and NHS Lothian as a “one-stop shop” offering support, advice and mental health care for veterans. It is a multi-award-winning service that has provided support to over 2500 different veterans throughout the last 15 years.

By April 2025, the service will cease to exist in its current form and a significant redesign and move of premises is planned by March 2025.

It comes as NHS Lothian is forced to review all services and departments in a bid to make efficiency savings of seven per cent following the budget allocation made earlier this year.

Further reductions in part of the mental health budget of 4.6 per cent means that the health board can no longer continue to find its share of this service.

Tracey McKigen, Director of Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services, NHS Lothian, said: “This has been a really difficult decision and we apologise to all of our patients and staff who are affected. We would like to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to supporting our veterans over the years.

“This is no reflection on the quality of the Veterans First Point Lothian service, but it does serve as a stark reminder of the extremely difficult choices that we are facing every day as we balance the need to provide safe and effective healthcare while meeting the severe financial challenges facing health board and other public sector organisations.”

Scottish Government will allocate its 40 per cent share of the funding and NHS Lothian is currently reviewing the future service provision possible within the remaining budget.

However it does mean that Veterans First Point Lothian will no longer be able to accept new referrals or commence any new episodes of treatment. Veterans, who are impacted by the change, are urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support.

If veterans feel they need help or support and are not already part of Veterans First Point Lothian, they should contact their GP during the day, and at evenings and weekends they should contact NHS 24 on 111.

NHS Lothian outlines key moves for Eye Pavilion Services

Letters for new eye clinic appointments will begin “landing on doorsteps” in Lothian in two weeks’ time

NHS Lothian said it was making progress with plans for the continued delivery of services normally housed at the Princes Alexandra Eye Pavilion, while the facility is closed for urgent repair work.

It comes after the health board announced two weeks ago that the specialist eye hospital would have to be temporarily vacated for around six months to allow for extensive work.

All appointments scheduled to take place from October 28 are being moved in the interim to other NHS Lothian facilities while the work on the plumbing system is carried out.

Services will be distributed across five locations in NHS Lothian – St John’s Hospital, Livingston, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, East Lothian Community Hospital and the Lauriston Building which is adjacent to the Eye Pavilion.

Inpatient services and day surgery appointments will be located at St John’s, while referrals for emergency ophthalmology cases will be treated at the Lauriston Building, a major outpatient centre which will also serve as temporary home to many of the Eye Pavilion’s clinics.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said great care was being taken to keep disruption to a minimum, but said there is likely to be some knock-on impact of such a busy facility being relocated.

He added: “We are devising a plan that allows us to vacate the PAEP building during this essential work, while ensuring that patients can continue to be seen and treated throughout.

“So far, we have identified five locations with the necessary clinically appropriate facilities where we can relocate outpatient clinics, however we are still working through the complex logistics this will involve.

“Patient and staff safety are always our chief consideration, and our teams are working hard to minimise disruption. Please be assured, patients will be given the details of their new appointment with updated times and locations as soon as we can, and we expect that to be within the next fortnight. They can expect to receive physical letters or electronic letters on the e-comms portal.

“However, the PAEP was our busiest location for outpatient appointments, with up to 1,600 slots every week, as well as more than 130 inpatient appointments. There is likely to be an impact on waiting times in ophthalmology, but also in other specialties where the new clinics are being relocated.

“Our migration plan has tried to spread the numbers evenly across our facilities and our clinical teams are working to prioritise patients with the most urgent need for treatment soonest.

“I would like to thank our patients for their understanding and patience and our teams at the Eye Pavilion and in other services which will also be affected for their hard work and co-operation.  Moving a hospital is a massive logistical exercise and I want to acknowledge that this is a whole system effort that reaches far beyond ophthalmology.”

The extensive work will begin at the end of October and will involve the removal of two waste pipes as well as asbestos material from a sealed cavity where the pipework is located.

Contractors have advised that the work can be carried out more quickly and safely if the building is vacant for the duration.

The vast majority of patients due to be seen at the PAEP between now and Friday October 26are unaffected.

A small number of appointments due to take place before then will also need to be rescheduled in order to begin preparations for the temporary closure of the Eye Pavilion. These patients will be contacted individually by their clinical teams at least two weeks in advance, and do not need to do anything.

Those who already have appointments booked for dates from Monday October 28 will be contacted by letter, text or both in good time to arrange their new appointments, starting with patients who have appointments in the week beginning October 28. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WHY SCREENING IS SO IMPORTANT

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, NHS Lothian spoke with Carrie Murdoch, Health Promotion Specialist for SE Scotland Breast Screening, to learn more about the vital role of breast screening and what to expect during a screening appointment:

Why is Breast screening so important?

In Scotland, breast screening saves around 130 lives each year.

Mammograms can detect tiny cancers when they are at an early stage, often when they are too small to see or feel. The earlier Breast Cancer is found the easier it is to treat.

How do you prepare for a Breast Screening Appointment?

It’s best to wear a skirt or trousers as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.

Please do not wear talcum powder or spray or deodorant before the screening as this can interfere with the image.

What happens during a Breast Screening Appointment?

Breast Screening uses x-rays called Mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

A female mammographer will position one breast at a time between two plates and the machine will take two x-rays of each.

Having your breast pressed between the plates can be uncomfortable, but it is only for a very short time. You can ask to stop at any point if you feel too much discomfort, and the mammographer will work with you to adjust your position.

The breast screening appointment usually takes around 10 minutes from start to finish and the mammogram x-ray itself takes barely a minute.

What age and when will you be invited for your breast screening appointment?

We screen women from 50-70 years old. Don’t worry if your appointment doesn’t arrive on your 50th birthday as each GP practice takes part in a screening programme every 3 years. Because of this you may not receive an invitation until you are 53.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being able to connect to our clients and offer support to participate in the screening service. It’s rewarding to work with colleagues to promote breast screening and inform women about how they can look after their health. 

Healthcare Heroes honoured at annual Celebrating Success Awards

Healthcare workers, support staff and volunteers who have gone the ‘extra mile’ have been recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.

Hundreds of nominations were received over 12 categories, with the winners announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday evening (26 September).

The Emergency Department Frailty Service picked up the Team of the Year award, recognising their collaborative efforts in supporting frail older people who attend the Emergency Department.

The multidisciplinary team was established in February 2023 and works to deliver safe alternatives to hospital admission and care closer to home.

Dr Amy Armstrong, Consultant, ED Frailty Team, NHS Lothian said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Team of the Year award. It’s really nice recognition of everyone’s hard work.

“We are lucky to meet lovely patients who are often very grateful for our input on the day, but it’s nice to have that recognised at an organisational level.”

The Staff Member of the Year award was scooped up by Kate Farquharson, Unit Co-ordinator, Anaesthetic Department, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.

Kate has been in her role for 30 years and coordinates over 120 anaesthetists who work across the department, ensuring safe cover to multiple clinical areas across three different hospital sites. She was commended by her colleagues for ensuring the smooth running of an incredibly complex ship with warmth, kindness and fun.

Kate said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win Staff Member of the Year. I was really emotional and overwhelmed; it was really lovely. I’m nearing the end of my NHS career and I’m so proud and privileged to have been part of it all.”

Competition for the prestigious Health Hero award, nominated by the public, was tough with three outstanding candidates. The winner was Susanne Crichton, Team Lead Occupational Therapist & Disability Case Manager.

Susanne was nominated by Marika Komori, who she has been supporting for over two years.

Marika said: “Susanne has been instrumental in supporting me and helping me to manage my condition within the workplace. Susanne has gone above and beyond her role to give me the support, the expertise, and the advice I have needed.

“I can honestly say she has saved my life. She’s absolutely my Health Hero.”

Susanne said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and a little embarrassed. It’s so lovely that someone, who was dealing with their own challenges, has taken the time to make this nomination.

“To have the opportunity to share the impact that vocational rehabilitation can have on someone’s life is brilliant. I love my job and winning this award is the icing on the cake, but I was already truly flattered and proud just to have been nominated.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board explained: “The Celebrating Success Awards are an important event in our calendar. They are an opportunity to recognise and honour the people working across all areas of our local health service for their tremendous contribution in helping others.

“Our finalists were chosen by their fellow colleagues, or the public, because of the invaluable role they play. They have been shortlisted from hundreds of award entries and should be incredibly proud of their amazing achievements.”

The 2024 Awards are the first for NHS Lothian Chief Executive Caroline Hiscox, who said: “The NHS is undoubtedly facing some of its most challenging times, however it is still incredibly important that we celebrate our collective achievements and honour colleagues for the exceptional things they have done.

“It was fantastic to see so many staff coming together to watch this year’s virtual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony. Thank you for making the night so special for all those who were nominated.”

For the full list of NHS Lothian’s award winners please visit: 

https://news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/

Grieving mother urges families to discuss organ donation after son saves three lives

A bereaved mother is calling on families to talk about organ and tissue donation after her “kind” son saved the lives of three people.

Lynn Campbell, 55, from Bathgate, lost her son Robbie, 30, in 2023 after a sudden fall. He suffered a brain bleed and tragically never regained consciousness.

However big-hearted Robbie had already registered as an organ donor which meant he was able to give the gift of life to three other people.

Lynn said: “Three people are still alive because of my son and I feel so proud of Robbie for saving their lives.

“Robbie was the most kind and caring person I’ve ever known. He would always buy me really thoughtful gifts for birthdays and Christmas and people often said to me that ‘everyone needs a Robbie in their life’.

“He was such an active guy, always running and golfing and he had a real zest for life. He was football mad and was a loyal supporter of Scotland and Falkirk football teams – he had watched their matches all over the world with the whole family.”

Robbie was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital after his fall, but the medical teams confirmed that there was no brain activity.

Despite the devastating loss of their son, Robbie’s family was informed that he had registered as an organ donor and could potentially be a match for patients on the transplant waiting list.

Specialist nurses supported Robbie’s family as transplant teams identified three patients in urgent need of a transplant, whose lives were saved by Robbie’s heart and kidneys.

One year on, Lynn a Director of a Recruitment company and mum of two, is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her son and is considering setting up a charity to support grieving families.

“After Robbie passed, my husband and I went to Loch Lomond for a break. When we asked for the bill, the waiter said our son had already paid for it. Robbie knew we were going before he died and wanted to treat us. That’s the kind of person he was, and I want to honour his kindness by helping other families.

“We were so grateful to receive so much support from Robbie’s colleagues, friends, and family but there are families out there who don’t have the same level of support. I recently gave a talk to families at The Order of St John’s Awards in Glasgow, and I wanted them to know that I’ve been where you are and that things do get better.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, with over 571,000 people in Lothian – approximately 63% of the population – registered as organ donors.

Lynn is urging others to consider what organs they would be happy to donate and to ensure that this decision is recorded on the organ donor register and shared with their family.

She added: “Every day I feel like I wake up in a nightmare but then I remember that Robbie’s heart still beats in someone else and that brings me so much comfort.

“I would really encourage everyone to register their organ donor selections online and to speak to their loved ones about this decision.”

James Powell, Associate Medical Director Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Although we have an opt-out policy, it is still vital for individuals to make their wishes clear and have those conversations with their families.

“Robbie’s decision to join the Organ Donor Register is a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have, and how important it is to discuss organ donation with loved ones.”

For details about organ donation and to register your decision, visit:  

organdonationscotland.org.

NHS Lothian offers new support to Scottish Prison Staff

NHS Lothian’s Lifelines Scotland project, a dedicated service to promote resilience and wellbeing for emergency responders, has today (25 September) expanded its reach. The service will now also be available to all Scottish Prison Service staff, recognising the challenges and particular stresses that these individuals face through their work.

The Lifelines Scotland project was established in 2016 by NHS Lothian’s specialist trauma service, the Rivers Centre, to provide support to voluntary emergency responders.

In 2020, the project was extended to Scotland’s blue light services and has been working with ambulance, fire and police to embed an understanding of responder resilience and wellbeing at the heart of these organisations.

Gill Moreton, Lifelines Scotland, Project Lead explained: “The NHS Lothian Rivers Centre team has a wealth of experience working with blue light colleagues and we are delighted that we can use this knowledge and expertise to help support other sectors where similarly challenging working environments are experienced.”

In doing their jobs, prison staff face uncertainty, risk, and challenge on a daily basis. Tensions can build in an instant, and it is their professionalism and dedication which is often the tempering factor. It is therefore vital that resources such as Lifelines are available, to help them care for their mental health.

Gill added: “Prison staff can face a range of challenges because of the environment they work in. Their roles can be physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding.

“Ensuring these individuals have the tools available to support their own wellbeing, as well as information should they become unwell is vital to boosting resilience amongst this workforce. I am delighted that Lifelines Scotland will now be available for Scottish Prison Service staff.”

Prison staff are welcomed to the project on national Hidden Heroes Day; an awareness day launched by the Butler Trust to recognise and thank prison, probation, and other Justice sector staff who deliver a critical public service.

The dedicated resource will provide additional support for all prison staff, who work in complex and demanding environments. They are responsible for the care of a largely vulnerable population, who are known to have high rates of trauma and mental ill-health.

Lifelines Scotland is unique in providing a single point of access for all of Scotland’s emergency responders, whether they’re employed, volunteer or have retired, and for their family, friends and other supporters. This access will now be expanded to all staff working within the Scottish Prison Service, with dedicated content available to them.

Adam Jobson, Director of Organisational Development for the Scottish Prison Service said, “We are delighted to be working alongside NHS Lothian to extend Lifelines Scotland resources to all our staff.

“Our staff go above and beyond every day, supporting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in society, and doing their bit in keeping Scotland’s communities safe.

“We recognise the importance of providing wellbeing services appropriate to their specific needs. This resource will provide a valuable tool for supporting their self-care, resilience, and recovery, while also signposting to other wellbeing services that are available to them.”

The Lifelines Scotland project works upstream, taking a preventative, early intervention approach. It provides valuable information to ensure that people have access to support if they become unwell, but its principal focus is on helping people to stay well in the first place.

The Lifelines website is based on the Lifelines 10 Essentials, which recognise that emergency service staff, volunteers and prison service staff are at risk of psychological injury because of their roles, but that injury isn’t inevitable and that there are lots of things that can help to keep people well.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Scottish Government said, “The everyday stresses and strains of a job can have an impact on staff.

“Lifelines is exactly that – a lifeline providing resources and tools to help people manage their mental health and resilience when it comes to the physical, emotional and psychological demands of their job.

“I welcome this initiative being made available to all staff in the Scottish Prison Service. It is vital that we keep the people safe, who are keeping our communities safe.”

The Lifelines Scotland website can be accessed at https://www.lifelines.scot/

NHS Lothian: Students urged to ensure their vaccines are up to date before the new semester starts

Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.

Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.

Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases.  Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.    

Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.

 Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.

“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.

“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.

“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”

There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.  It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections.  Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25. 

To find out about more information about these vaccines, please visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents

If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296.  If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice.  They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.

International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.

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