If you have a cold or cold-like symptoms, the best thing you can do for yourself and others is stay home and rest
If you have a sore throat, but can eat and drink and don’t have a very high temperature, it’s likely to be a common virus.
For advice: http://ow.ly/nmh250MfoU0
A team at the Western General Hospital is significantly reducing operating room waste and saving money after introducing reusable surgical hats.
Generally, staff working in surgical theatres use hats as part of infection control measures and at the Western General alone they get through over 30,000 disposable hats a year.
The Breast Theatres team, eager to make their practices more sustainable, applied to NHS Lothian Charity to secure grant funding for washable hats.
Erica Revie, Consultant Surgeon in the Breast Theatres who led the project, said: “We had seen that there was a Climate Challenge Grant available from NHS Lothian Charity so we put together a proposal to try out reusable hats.
“We contacted NHS Fife, which is already using reusable hats, to discuss the practicalities of implementation, and contacted their supplier about our needs in order to undertake a trial. The Infection Prevention and Control Team and Laundry Service were also consulted to ensure we could still ensure the highest standard of cleanliness.”
Beyond cutting waste, the hats are also embroidered with individuals’ names and roles which has improved communication during emergencies when new staff enter the operating room.
Theatre Sister Lorraine Murray, who was also integral to the trial, was called to support a cardiac arrest not long after the introduction of the hats. A staff member who did not know her was able to ask her for specific help by name and instantly understand her role within the team.
“It’s an easy change to make with dual benefits – environmental savings and improved communication,” said Erica. “We encourage other departments and hospitals to embrace it.”
By switching to reusables, the Breast Theatre operating rooms have significantly reduced discarded hats. Once rolled out to the rest of the Western General, it will save the hospital over £6,000 as well as reducing their carbon footprint.
Although it would not be logistically possible to provide hats with names for all theatre staff across the health board, NHS Lothian are looking to roll out generic versions and an initial set of samples are on their way for feedback.
Dr Jane Hopton, Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great example of another team in Lothian wanting to make a difference in their area.
“They applied for the Climate Challenge Grant and used that funding to drastically reduce the waste caused by disposable surgical hats. Well done to Erica, Lorraine and everyone else involved in making this happen.
“Providing reusable surgical hats across all theatres in NHS Lothian is an important next step in reducing waste and our environmental impact.”
Jane Greenacre, Head of Programmes at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “The Charity is delighted to be able to support staff across NHS Lothian to take forward innovative projects like this.
“The aim of our Climate Challenge Grants is to enable staff to explore initiatives that help them embed green practices into day-to-day activities and reduce the impact of healthcare on the environment.”
Keep festive anxiety in check!
Daylight is a free app for people living in Scotland. It’s designed to help people who are experiencing symptoms of worry and anxiety. Try it out by going to
https://onboarding.trydaylight.com/daylight/nhs/144#1/1
Healthcare Improvement Scotland has published a report relating to an unannounced follow-up inspection visit to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian. The inspection took place in September 2023.
The purpose of the follow-up inspection was to assess progress and provide assurance on NHS Lothian’s improvement actions in response to serious patient safety concerns that were identified and escalated during a previous inspection of the hospital in February 2023.
To provide assurance of improvement following the concerns previously identified, the main focus of the follow-up inspection was the emergency department. Inspectors also visited a number of wards and the medical assessment unit.
Donna Maclean, Chief Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: ““Serious concerns raised in our previous inspection related specifically to the safe delivery of care and to potential patient safety risks. During this follow-up inspection we observed that considerable progress has been made in responding to these concerns.
“The delivery of fundamental care has improved with the addition of care and mealtime coordinators in the emergency department. Improvements have also been achieved in supporting patient care, dignity and leadership and in the coordination of care within the department.
“Implementation of a new continuous flow model has improved the flow of patients through the hospital during weekdays. However, further work is needed to support the timely flow of patients from the emergency department to an appropriate care area out of hours and at weekends.”
Six of the previous 13 requirements have now been met and progress has been made with four requirements, with further work to be undertaken.
Three requirements have not been met. These include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment and the management of intravenous fluids.
One new additional requirement has been added with regard to the safe management of cleaning products. One new recommendation has been added in relation to the timeframes for the completion of significant adverse event reviews.
An improvement action plan has been developed by NHS Lothian in order to meet the requirements.
The full inspection report is available to view at:
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (healthcareimprovementscotland.org)
NHS Lothian is urging those who have not yet had their flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines to top up their protection ahead of the festive period, with maximum protection taking around 10 days following vaccination.
Last winter in Scotland, hospital admissions for flu and COVID-19 peaked on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day respectively.
Those who are most at risk from flu and COVID-19 are being invited for vaccination this winter. That includes people who are older, are pregnant, have an underlying health condition, provide vital face-to-face care for someone or who work in certain roles.
People can check which vaccinations they are eligible for, book online or rearrange an appointment by visiting NHS Inform or calling 0800 030 8013.
You can also drop-in to a clinic of your choice across Lothian, including Waverley Mall, The Gyle and Ocean Terminal, open 9am to 7pm seven days a week. More clinic details are available at NHS Lothian, including arrangements for school children and clinics for pre-schoolers.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “As people socialise with family and friends over the festive period, the chances of catching viruses increase. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu and COVID-19.
“We expect another challenging winter for the NHS, and getting vaccinated can also help to alleviate pressures on the system and keep our staff well.
“The flu virus is always changing and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so it’s important that those eligible keep their protection levels topped up by getting their vaccines now.
“To help make it as easy as possible for you to get your vaccine(s), you can drop-in to a number of clinics or book an appointment if preferable.”
Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack, has criticised the Scottish Government’s failure to address woeful waiting times at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
The latest figures published by Public Health Scotland, show that only 46% of A&E Patients at the Royal Infirmary, are seen within 4 hours. This is compared to 62% across the whole of NHS Lothian Health Board, and 68% across the whole of Scotland.
The number of patients seen within 4 hours, has plummeted almost 10% since July – falling from 55%.
The Royal Infirmary figures are well short of the Scottish Government’s target of 95% of people seen and discharged within 4 hours of arrival in A&E.
Commenting on the statistics, Sarah Boyack said: “The latest A&E wait time figures illustrate that patients at Edinburgh’s largest hospital are left waiting by the SNP/Green Government.
“Royal Infirmary staff work incredibly hard to deliver services for patients, but the Scottish Government has not provided the resources to ensure local hospitals can deliver the care and treatment local residents deserve.
“Edinburgh residents need the Scottish Government to step up its game and provide the Royal Infirmary with the support it needs reduce waiting times rapidly.”
Join us for the NHS Facilities Information Event, where you can meet some of the hiring managers from various departments.
The event will be held on Wednesday 6 December 2023 and is your chance to discover a range of roles available within NHS Facilities.
We look forward to seeing you there. Please note you must have tickets for the event as we are limited to how many people we can accommodate at each session.
You can book your place here:
A dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward has been established at East Lothian Community Hospital helping to support individuals across Lothian to get ‘back on their feet’ following orthopaedic surgery at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.
The development of the in-patient orthopaedic rehabilitation provision in East Lothian is part of NHS Lothian’s Orthopaedic Recovery Plan to reduce waiting times for elective surgical cases.
The pandemic significantly impacted waiting lists across NHS Scotland due to postponements and cancellations. By ring-fencing dedicated orthopaedic recovery beds at East Lothian Community Hospital, NHS Lothian can increase the number of elective arthroplasty surgeries (hips and knees) that can be performed at the Royal Infirmary, knowing there is ample post-surgery and rehabilitation care available for patients.
Reducing waiting times helps to prevent patients’ conditions deteriorating and health and social care needs escalating whilst awaiting surgery. As a result, this delivers better outcomes for individuals, as well as preventing further growth of pressure on community resources, including care at home services.
It also enables East Lothian patients to benefit from post operative in-patient rehabilitation closer to home, making access and visiting, easier, and supporting local planning and provision for discharge.
Aris Tyrothoulakis, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Site Director, said: “We are delighted that East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) has been able to extend their provision and create this dedicated rehabilitation ward to support Lothian residents following orthopaedic surgery.
“With the Haddington-based hospital featuring an extensive rehabilitation service, it was the obvious venue of choice for this service provision, and it is very much hoped this initiative will pave the way for the hospital to become a ‘centre for excellence’ in orthopaedic rehabilitation.”
Patients who have spent time within the dedicated ward have only praise for the staff and quality of care: “It’s so lovely, it doesn’t feel like a hospital. I’m already well on my way to recovery. The staff are always on hand, to back you up and give you confidence. It’s a very special place, and everyone in it is special.”
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer for ELHSCP, added: “We were incredibly grateful to NHS Lothian for the opportunity to establish this dedicated service and support the people of East Lothian and beyond to receive post-surgery rehabilitation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks, admiration and appreciation to the incredible teams within the East Lothian Community Hospital, the Rehabilitation Service, and our colleagues at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for the extensive planning and organisation that has gone into the set-up of this dedicated ward.
“It has been an amazing team effort, delivered in a very short timescale, and I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved to date. I’m sure this will pave the way for further success to come.”
One of NHS Lothian’s healthcare heroes was celebrated at this year’s Scottish Health Awards 2023, scooping the Care for Mental Health Award.
Claire Bashford, who works in the Mental Health Team at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Major Trauma unit was named the winner of the Care for Mental Health Award.
Described as providing invaluable care through her training and support, Claire is known to support patients long after their initial injuries as her dedication to helping recovery is second to none.
As well as leading the Mental Health Team as part of the Major Trauma Service during the Covid pandemic, Claire developed an initiative for patients in Critical Care which is still used to this day. She is said to have ‘established a support network for staff and ensure co-ordinated, exceptional care is always available’.
Run by the Daily Record and in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, the annual awards celebrate the NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to patients and their families.
Patients, families, work colleagues and members of the public were invited to nominate a local hero across one of the sixteen award categories with over 900 nominations and 51 finalists named.
David Dick, editor in chief of Daily Record and Sunday Mail, said: “Congratulations to Claire for winning the Care for Mental Health Award. With over 900 nominations, the judging panel had a difficult task in picking the winner for each category this year.
“Every winner should be extremely proud of their hard work and dedication in making a difference to their patients, families and communities. It’s with their support that we are able to celebrate 75 years of our National Health Service as a country and it is an honour for us to continue running these awards.”
Winners were named at an awards ceremony at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh on 2 November.
For more information visit https://scottishhealthawards.com
The Cancer Navigation Hub, based in Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital, recently celebrated one year of the service launching.
The team helps patients and healthcare professionals to navigate cancer pathways, ensuring enquiries are directed to the appropriate care team in a timely and efficient way.
The team is made up of Cancer Pathway Coordinators and acts as a single point of contact for patients who’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Coordinators are also trained to assist healthcare professionals and helps to alleviate the pressure on clinical teams.
Katie Seville, Assistant Service Manager in Cancer Performance, said: “In just one year we’ve seen the hub make such a difference to the ease with which patients and staff can access the information and support they need.
“The team is in high demand and we’re looking to further expand and grow the service into new areas, providing more personalised and holistic support for patients throughout their diagnosis and treatment.”
The Cancer Navigation Hub initially served five tumour groups – lung, melanoma, head and neck, gynaecology, and urology. In April 2023, the hub expanded to cover the neuroendocrine tumour group followed by breast in August 2023.
During the first five months of the service (October 2022 to February 2023) the team handled on average over 1,100 calls per month, 38% of which were administrative queries or issues that could be resolved by the Cancer Pathway Coordinators.
In the month after incorporating the breast service, the team handled just over 1,900 calls across all tumour groups, with 44% of all calls being dealt with by the coordinators.
Since January 2023, the Cancer Navigation Hub has also been proactively calling newly diagnosed patients to introduce the hub and direct patients to support services.
In June 2023, during the launch of the new Cancer Strategy, the team was among those to meet Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
Congratulations to the team for a brilliant first year.
