ONLY 38% of Type 1 diabetics in NHS Lothian have aces to a Flash Glucose Monitor, compared to 51.8% across Scotland – and only a quarter of paediatric patients in NHS Lothian have access to a Flash Glucose Monitor compared with 35.5% across Scotland.
Commenting on the figures, Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: ““Diabetes patients in NHS Lothian are simply not getting the same level of treatment that they would be if they lived in other parts of Scotland.
“We know that this technology is really significant for a person’s quality of life and we need to improve access to Flash Glucose Monitors across the health board.
“Children in particular are not receiving the same level of care as they would get in other parts of Scotland.
“Years of underfunding of the health boards by SNP Minister has led to a position were NHS Lothian are cutting services that they do not want to cut.
“We need to see a review of the wording to treatment guarantees in Scotland.
“Flash Glucose Monitors count as equipment, rather than medicine, which mean that diabetes patients are not automatically entitled to the technology.”
As this week is National Volunteers Week, NHS Lothian are putting out a call for new volunteers, particularly for St John’s Hospital, Midlothian Community Hospital, in our Patient Experience Team or at the Western General Hospital.
Next Tuesday 28th of May at 1pm Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) will be hosting a COPD workshop. If you have COPD, researchers from NHS Lothian and The University of Edinburgh, want to hear about your experience of having COPD, so they can design their research to meet you needs.
You can expect nice and welcoming atmosphere, a warm cup of tea and £20 voucher for you time.
If you are struggling to get to PCHP, transport can be provided too.
To sign up for workshop please fill in a form https://bit.ly/3WS3VCZ or use a QR code on a poster or Call Sammy Waite Patient and Community involvement in research officer 07385347040
NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health has published a new annual report which provides an in-depth analysis into the health of the population of Lothian.
The Director of Public Health Report this year highlights how the early years of a child’s life lay the foundations for their physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development.
Work to improve the health of children and young people should focus on prevention, early identification of need and early intervention, ensuring that we focus our support on people identified as having the greatest need.
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said the health board was committed to helping to create a society where people have access to the right building blocks for a healthy life – a stable job, good pay, quality housing and good education.
She added: “In Lothian there are huge differences in life expectancy, and other health outcomes, that can be seen from very early in babies’ lives. All children and young people should be able to grow up in healthy and safe environments.
“Children and young people need environments where they are protected from harms such as air pollution, traffic danger, the impacts of poor-quality housing, as well as environments that allow them to realise their right to play, connect with nature, learn and be physically active.
“This report reaffirms our commitment to tackling poverty and improving the health and wellbeing of children and families in Lothian.”
The Lothian Strategic Development Framework sets out a five-year strategy for the Lothian Health and Care system working alongside local partners. Improving maternal, children and young people’s health and wellbeing is a key part of the framework.
Partnership Groups are established in each of the four Lothian local authority areas and involve a range of community planning partners working collaboratively to develop strategic plans and deliver on identified priorities which aim to improve children and young people’s health and wellbeing.
This report provides an update on some of the evidence about what influences the wellbeing of children and young people, and we hope it will be useful in shaping local partnership plans in the future.
Two units which provide vital care and treatment to some of the most unwell patients in Scotland have been transformed by NHS Lothian as part of a multi-million pound investment.
A new Cancer Assessment Unit (CAU) and an oncology ward for systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) are now open and delivering care to patients at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC).
The ECC, based in the Western General Hospital, supports an average of 7,000 inpatient admissions, 25,000 day-cases and 100,000 outpatient attendances each year from across the Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife and Dumfries and Galloway.
The demand for treatment and services has significantly outgrown facilities and available space in recent times, but the new refurbishments have enabled significant modernisation to improve the care and overall experience for patients.
Chris Stirling, Site Director for the Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great step forward to upgrade our existing infrastructure.
“We know how important and reassuring a welcoming environment is at a worrying time, and we’re delighted that our current patients have access to better facilities.
“This is an important step in our ambition toward a new centre for the future of the southeast of Scotland to enable us to meet the rising demand of a growing population.”
The upgrades are part of a £24 million package of enabling works within oncology services, funded by the Scottish Government, which are due to be completed in 2024.
This is in advance of a longer-term plan for the full reprovision of the Edinburgh Cancer Centre which has been proposed by NHS Lothian in response to the population growth in the region and constraints of the existing ECC.
The refurbished SACT ward, which is where treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are administered to patients, has seen an extensive programme of work – including new flooring, ceilings, paintwork, lighting, bed head services, fire safety upgrades and a new reception area.
There is now a dedicated space for patients to be assessed and prepped for their therapy, and comfortable chairs for patients to begin their treatment while awaiting a bed.
Four-bedded bays have been reconfigured into two-bedded bays, giving patients greater privacy. Where eight patients previously shared a bathroom, there is now an ensuite facility for every two beds.
The new CAU provides a fresh, purpose-built environment for patients to attend for assessment or diagnostic tests prior to potential admission to an inpatient hospital bed.
The CAU also has a dedicated family room with a double sofa bed and its own ensuite facility for relatives who may need to stay close to their loved one overnight.
Mrs McLean, 61 from Edinburgh, said: “Following a sudden and unexpected reaction to my treatment, I was taken to the new Cancer Assessment Unit. I was so grateful to be welcomed immediately by the medical team there.
“At such a worrying time for me, the nurses and doctor were not only reassuring, friendly and kind, but their professional clinical care was exceptional. Their thoughtfulness extended to my family sitting in the waiting area close to my treatment bay who were soon invited to join me.
“I really appreciated being in such a modern, comfortable facility and my experience of the CAU could not have been better or more positive. I can’t thank the medical staff enough for their excellent care of me in the new unit.”
An Edinburgh based diabetic patient has been told she will be not given the new closed loop diabetic pump technology, despite the fact that she has been testing the system, for the NHS since last year.
Megan Ormond, who has had diabetes for all her teenage and adult life, contacted Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack to raise her situation.
Ms Ormond was taking part in a study of the closed loop system and was told partaking in this study would likely secure her the technology faster.
However, at her last meeting, she was told, due to budget cuts, the closed loop system would not be made available to her after the study.
While using this closed loop system, her HBA1C which is used by doctors to test a patient’s glucose levels over the last 3 months, has been the lowest it has been for her entire time with diabetes.
The Scottish Government’s Diabetic Improvement Plan cites rolling out the closed loop system, as quickly as possible as a key target.
However, due to budget cuts and required savings, NHS Lothian is unable to carry out their rollout of the system at their expected rate.
NHS England began rolling out the closed loop system on the 1st April 2024.
Commenting on Megan’s case, Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack, said: “Megan’s case shows the absolutely shocking state the SNP Government has allowed NHS Lothian to fall into.
“Life changing technology and treatment are being denied to patients due to a lack of funding. That is unacceptable anywhere in Scotland, never mind our nation’s capital.
“The Scottish Government must act to ensure Megan and other diabetics are able to access this ground-breaking treatment as they were promised.
“There is real opportunity to improve the quality of life for diabetes patients in Edinburgh, but that opportunity isn’t just being denied to my constituents its being snatched away.”
A closed loop system is a game changer for T1 diabetics. One of my constituents tested this system for the NHS However, due to budget cuts the system can’t be rolled out as planned and she must revert to her old insulin pump. The SNP's cuts are rolling back these opportunities pic.twitter.com/P7i40rNDc8
Four NHS Lothian nurses, along with a Lothian nursing team, have been announced as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2024.
The awards showcase the very best of nursing across Scotland, highlighting, and celebrating the unwavering commitment and remarkable professional care provided by nursing staff.
Elaine Wilson, Community Staff Nurse, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Nursing & Midwifery Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication in delivering high-quality vaccination services in Midlothian.
In her job, Elaine has innovatively addressed the challenges faced by vaccination teams, including declining vaccination rates, often thinking creatively. She has organised flexible clinics in unique locations, increasing vaccination rates.
She has also overcome barriers to reach underserved communities, like the travelling community. Additionally, she has also secured funding for child-friendly resources to improve the vaccination experience for children and their families.
Fiona Hunt, Team Lead for Organ Perfusion and Preservation, has been named as one of the finalists for the Clinical Leadership Award.
Fiona’s leadership has led to remarkable improvements in transplant outcomes, evidenced by increased liver transplant graft survival rates and reduced complications.
Fiona also contributes to the development of innovative transplantation protocols and technologies and plays a key role in education and research, directing masterclasses and actively participating in clinical studies.
Professor Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse Research and Development, has made the shortlist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing innovation and Research Award.
In partnership with colleagues, Juliet has been nominated for being instrumental in advancing clinical academic careers and research partnerships in various health care disciplines across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
One of Juliet’s projects focuses on nursing and midwifery candidates in the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards scheme.
The scheme aims to build research capacity across clinical teams by providing funding for NHS professionals to participate in research development opportunities.
Frances Aitken, Dementia Nurse Specialist, has been named as a finalist for the Mental Health Nursing Award.
Frances was nominated for her work to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital. Frances has led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme and run’s training for staff which has helped reduce the need for one-to-one nursing, sedation, emergency calls, and has improved pain management for patients.
NHS Lothian’s Strathaird team are shortlisted for the Learning Disability Nursing Award.
The team have been nominated for their exceptional dedication, courage, and compassion in their work for patients in a challenging behaviour unit.
The team managed to successfully transition a complex patient journey to a personalised, nurturing environment, improving both patient and staff safety.
The teams innovative approaches and commitment to positive interaction with patients has garnered impressive results, including increased patient trust and engagement.
Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to congratulate to all our staff that have been shortlisted for an award.
“Being a finalist is a huge achievement and it really highlights the high quality care and compassion our nurses are giving to patients day in, day out.
A hub is available for people in East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing.Set up in East Lothian Community Hospital, it aims to help people find out about the wide range of services that are available in the local community.
Any adult who is concerned about their own mental health and wellbeing, or supporting someone else’s, can drop in to pick up information or speak to an advisor.
The Hub is run by a team of psychologists at the hospital who are regularly joined by representatives from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, East Lothian Works, Changes East Lothian, and Community Link Workers from Penumbra.
Dr Alison Wells, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian, explains: “We started this hub to help signpost patients and visitors to the wide range of therapeutic, wellbeing, practical or social support available.
“Anyone can struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, feel anxious, low or down, particularly during these challenging times. There’s an abundance of services which can help so we encourage anyone who is worried to pop along for a private chat or just to pick up some information.”
The Hub runs every Wednesday between 12noon and 2pm in the foyer just off the main entrance to East Lothian Community Hospital.
It provides access to a range of materials including those from the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and local third-party organisations.
NHS clinicians are on hand to help direct people to the information and support available. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau Adviser is also available to help with queries about housing, finances and benefits and other questions.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this open-door mental health support to the people of East Lothian.
“Taking the first step and seeking advice can often be the hardest. We hope this resource will encourage people to come forward, no matter how big or small they think the problem may be, and look after their mental health, just as they would their physical health.”
NHS Lothian has the longest patients waiting times for treatment, with 69.1% of total patients waiting over 12 weeks.2382 out of 3448 paediatric patients in NHS Lothian waited over 12 weeks for treatment.
In NHS Highland 48.9% of patients were waiting over 12 weeks at that time. This is in comparison to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde where over 12 week waits made up only 19.2%, and NHS Grampian which stood at 12.9%.
The report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Worried and waiting: A review of paediatric waiting times in Scotland 2024, stated that –
‘It is worrying that children and young people are waiting longer than 12 weeks to be seen in paediatrics. However, what is the most concerning is that in September 2023, 13 out of 14 health boards in Scotland were experiencing very high waits over 12 weeks, with only NHS Western Isles achieving the national standard rate.‘
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“It is extremely concerning that young people in Lothian are waiting over 12 weeks for treatment.
“Over two thirds of young people are now waiting over the 12 week waiting target which is unacceptable.
“SNP mismanagement of our NHS means that hundreds of children are not being seen a quickly as they should be, nowhere more so than in NHS Lothian.
“We urgently need to see our health service properly run.
“It is also important that NHS Lothian receives funding parity with other health boards.
“This tired SNP Government has had no answers for years.”
TWO council-run care homes – Clovenstone and Ford’s Road – will close and third sector projects will see their funding cut by 10 per cent – £1.4 million – following yesterday’s Edinburgh Integration Joint Board meeting.
Board members were faced with a stark choice – accept the swingeing package of cuts tabled or leave the officers to do it themselves. The meeting heard there was no realistic alternative – no Plan B.
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch secretary David Harrold told EIJB board members: “Each and every one of you is presiding over the silent slaughter of Edinburgh’s essential care services. Yet each and every one of you has the ability to stop this by speaking out.”
But despite impassioned pleas from a succession of delegations urging a rethink, board members voted without dissent to accept officer recommendations to slash costs by almost £60 MILLION in an attempt to balance their books.
As ever, it’s the most vulnerable that will suffer most – the poorest communities, carers, older people … all will feel the effects of cuts of this magnitude.
The cuts will see projects cutting back the services they currently provide and in some cases will make redundancies inevitable.
Cuts to core funding will also limit match funding opportunities, and voluntary boards and management committees now face some dreadful decisions with the start of the new financial year less than two weeks away.
Other health and social care partnerships across the country are facing the same financial challenges:
