Tag: NHS Lothian

Total-body scanner set to unlock disease insights

Scotland is set to receive its first total-body scanner in a boost to clinical research that aims to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex, multi-organ diseases.

The Total-Body Positron Emission Tomography (PET) facility, due to be operational in 2024, will capture images of patients’ entire bodies quicker, in more detail and use less radiation than existing scanners.

In combination with data from the other new scanner in London, the Scotland scanner forms part of a new National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP) which experts believe will accelerate the development of new drugs and diagnostics.

The platform, a partnership between Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Innovate UK, aims to advance healthcare research and clinical trials, and unlock new treatments for complex diseases like cancer as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

The NPIP Scotland Total-Body PET facility will allow academics to connect to the new platform to share data and collaborate on research.

The scanners are part of a £32 million investment into the ground-breaking technology by the UK Government, through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Infrastructure Fund.

The facility, based at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, will be jointly managed by the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

NPIP’s Total-Body PET scanners have higher sensitivity than current technology and will reveal new insights into biology and disease.

PET scanning is a non-invasive imaging technique that can detect diseases’ early onset.

Current PET technology leaves large sections of the human body out of the field of view, requiring the patient to be repositioned multiple times to achieve a full-body view.

Supplied by Siemens Healthineers, the two Total-Body PET scanners will capture superior images of a patient’s entire body in near real-time.

The new scanners are also faster, exposing patients to much lower doses of radiation, meaning more patients – including children – can participate in clinical trials to improve understanding of diseases.

The speed of Total-Body PET scanners mean that NPIP will be able to facilitate more patient scans, enhancing the scale and impact of clinical research projects.

This richer picture of human health will help researchers to develop new diagnostics, improve the quality and speed of drug discovery, and bring them to market quicker to benefit patients.

NPIP’s network of infrastructure and intelligence will provide a complete picture of patients and how they respond to new drugs and treatments.

Uniquely, it will also connect insights from many research programmes and trials. In doing so, it will begin to build a rich bank of data that the PET community can access for the benefit of patients.

Professor David Newby, The University of Edinburgh, Co-Director of the NPIP Scotland Centre, said: “The Scotland Total-Body PET facility will bring together academics, industry and clinicians to create an integrated and accessible national PET facility for the benefit of patients across Scotland and the north of England.

“The Total-Body PET scanner will allow us to examine patients in ways that haven’t been possible before, propelling medical innovation and discovery, and ultimately improving the detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases, including cancer.”

Dr David Lewis, University of Glasgow, Co-Director of the NPIP Scotland Centre, said: “Total-Body PET scanners are a quantum leap forward in the technology of body scanning, and we are proud that a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow will jointly manage one of the first of these cutting-edge scanners in the UK.

“The Scotland Total-Body PET scanner will be a catalyst for innovative new research and cross-sector collaboration, ultimately benefitting patients by improving our understanding of complex diseases.”

Dr Juliana Maynard, Director of Operations and Engagement for the National PET Imaging Platform and Head of Translational Imaging at Medicines Discovery Catapult, said: “PET scanning is nothing short of transformational for patients who need it the most.

“Total-Body PET scanners can detect serious diseases with unprecedented speed and accuracy. NPIP will allow the kind of collaboration in imaging research the likes of which the UK has never seen before. It means that, collectively, we can power forward drug discovery with renewed confidence and drive world-leading capabilities in detection, diagnosis, and treatment.”

More support for people with neurological conditions

Eight projects supporting people with neurological conditions are receiving a total of almost £440,000 to enable them to enhance and expand the services they provide.

NHS Lothian is one of the recipients. They have been awarded £58,763 to fund a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) clinical network for NHS Lothian.

The project will establish an FND network which will: create an integrated clinical network for people with FND; provide education, training and support to health professionals involved in FND; and to provide a relapse service for people with to ensure a consistent point of contact for patients.

The Scottish Government funding is the fourth round of awards made as part of a five-year action plan to improve support for people living with neurological conditions.

A joint initiative by the Care Inspectorate and NHS Ayrshire & Arran is one of the successful bids – £35,000 will be used to develop a national care network for care at home staff who would use it to share their experiences of looking after people with different neurological conditions and how best to meet their needs.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “One million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition which is why we are committed to the neurological action plan as it supports various organisations to help these people to live well and on their own terms regardless of where they stay.

“The Framework contains £4.5 million investment over five years, and this latest allocation of funding will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with a number of conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Functional Neurological Disorder. 

“All of these innovative projects seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Care Inspectorate Allied Health Professional Consultant Heather Edwards said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding to establish a neurological care network for people experiencing care at home.

“This collaboration in Ayrshire and Arran will provide a co-ordinated approach to enable opportunities for shared discussions and learning for staff across health and social care and importantly with people and their families”

Funding recipients

NHS Lothian to make amends for historic links with slavery

NHS Lothian yesterday (Thursday) said it would make amends for its historical links with slavery, following publication of new research.

Although the health board cannot provide any traditional financial reparation, it has agreed to raise awareness, provide education and forge new relationships as part of a bid to begin acknowledging its legacy and making amends for the past.

Board members have agreed to implement a series of recommendations provided by an independent advisory group following a two-year research project.

The research, which was funded and conducted by the NHS Lothian Charity following engagement with staff and local public, began investigating historical links, particularly with the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Initial research found that an estimated modern-day equivalent of £39.1m in funding provided to the RIE came from its ownership of an estate in Jamaica and the enslaved people of African descent attached to it, and from donations from people with connections to slavery.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said: “This important work was carried out to help give us a greater understanding of the history that has shaped our society and institutions.

“Tackling racism helps us reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for our diverse population and ensures a better experience for everyone who works with and for us. This work is vital to delivering this ambition.

“We have a duty to use this understanding to take action that will create meaningful change.

“We will now begin work to plan how we will implement the recommendations to ensure they have an impact.

“The timing of this research is particularly important as we, in NHS Lothian, recognise Black History Month to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. It is an opportunity for Black and Minority Ethnic staff and their allies to share their experiences and to collaboratively bring change to the organisation.

“It also provides us with a further opportunity to reflect on the past, as well as look forward and opens up conversations about how we tackle racism, rising health inequalities and modern slavery.”

The research, which began in 2021, was presented to board members of NHS Lothian at a meeting on October 4, alongside a series of eight recommendations.

It found that in 1750, 39 enslaved people of African descent on Red Hill pen, a small estate in St-Thomas-in-the-East in Jamaica, came into the ownership of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh through the will of a Scottish surgeon in Jamaica, Dr Archibald Kerr.

The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh owned Red Hill pen for 143 years. For almost 90 of those years, the exploited labour of the people who worked on Red Hill pen – generations of enslaved people – provided considerable wealth for the Infirmary.

The hospital relied on this money to enable it to buy medicines, construct a new building, employ staff, and heal Edinburgh’s ‘sick poor,’ and did so for longer than the NHS has currently existed.

The recommendations accepted by the board said NHS Lothian should publish an apology and create an Implementation Group to deliver anti-racist interventions to tackle current racial inequalities in employment and health.

It is also proposed that commemorative works should be commissioned, via the NHS Lothian Charity, a review of its current arts and culture activity be carried out and work to share the findings of the research.

The recommendations urged NHS Lothian to explore partnerships with organisations in Jamaica and West Africa and undertake further research into the health board’s connections with slavery.

Finally, NHS Lothian should also encourage research partnerships on the impact of slavery on British medicine and healthcare systems.

Work is now underway to develop the recommendations into a work programme.

NHS Lothian urges the public to get involved ahead of Annual Review

NHS Lothian is encouraging the public to get involved ahead of the Health Board’s Annual Review, by submitting questions relating to healthcare in Lothian.

The Annual Review is the formal process through which the Scottish Government assesses the performance of each Health Board. NHS Lothian’s annual review will be held on 18 October, with the public invited to attend the public session from 1-2pm, either online or at the Carrington Suite, Inverleith Building, Western General Hospital, EH4 2LF. 


The review is an opportunity for a Government minister to meet clinicians, colleagues, and representatives of patients, carers and communities, and to hear about the work and performance of NHS Lothian over the past 12 months. This year the Review will be chaired by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health & Social Care.

NHS Lothian Chair John Connaghan said, “We are delighted to be able to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to NHS Lothian, and to invite the public to join us either in person or virtually.

“This will be an opportunity for us to set out the progress we have made in developing our strategy in the aftermath of the pandemic, and to outline some of the challenges faced by NHS Lothian as we plan our services for the future Please send in your questions for NHS Lothian. The Minister will ask a selection of these at the public meeting.”

Questions can be emailed to get.involved@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk with Annual Review in the subject line, by 22 September 2023. 

Alternatively, you can post your questions to NHS Lothian using the following address:  

FAO Georgia Sherratt
Chair and Chief Executive’s Office
NHS Lothian
Waverley Gate
2-4 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3EG

If you are able, please let us know if you wish to attend the Annual Review in person and if you require any additional support. You can do this using the email address above.

Details of how to watch the online livestream of the meeting will be shared with the media, and on NHS Lothian’s social media channels and website  – https://org.nhslothian.scot/keydocuments/annual-reviews/ nearer the time.

Wonderful Western General workers celebrate success

Local healthcare workers at the Western General Hospital (WGH) in Edinburgh have been honoured for their exceptional work at a prestigious ceremony.

The annual NHS Lothian Celebrating Success Awards 2023 are nominated by staff working across the healthcare system.

Among the winners are the Same Day Emergency Care Team (SDEC) who scooped the coveted Team of the Year Award for the work they do helping patients get the right care in the right place.

The team are helping to reduce waiting times and pressure on the front doors by assessing, diagnosing, treating and discharging patients with specific conditions without admission to a ward.

Michael Shek, Lead Advance Nurse Practitioner for SDEC said: “We’ve put in so much work to make SDEC a successful service and we continue to expand.

“It’s not just the SDEC team but everyone wider. None of this would have been possible without everyone in NHS Lothian’s help. This award is recognition of that hard work and it will help drive the team forward to provide even better care.”

Kirsten Smith, a Senior Charge Nurse for Acute Medicine who won the cherished Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award in memory of the former Chief Nurse for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

Kirsten was recognised for leading her team on a huge change journey from specialising in Medicine for the Elderly to providing care to acute medical admissions and her commitment to working with student nurses.

Finally, Zakariya Vansoh (18), won the Voluntary Service Award for the hundreds of hours he’s clocked up connecting with patients, helping to entertain, comfort and reassure them, or just lend a friendly ear.

Celebrating with his Gran at the ceremony Zak said: “I’m speechless, I had my granny record it, but I didn’t think I was going to win so speechless!

“The fact that I was even nominated for the award is already more than I could ever have imagined.  Events like this one today are so important to let people feel really appreciated. It’s simple but so valuable.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board said: “It’s been a very special year as we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the NHS. We’re incredibly proud of our staff achievements over the decades and their commitment to caring for others.

“These awards ensure we recognise those who’re not just upholding the NHS values but also helping us evolve and transform for the future.”

The awards were presented on Thursday 7 September at a special Ceremony at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, added: “Many of our staff feel like they’re just doing their job and don’t want recognition, which is why these awards are so important.

“I want to thank all our finalists for their hard work, resilience and professionalism and extend a warm congratulations to them all for their achievements.” 

The NHS Lothian awards are also supported by Ernst & Young, Intersystems, RMF Health (a partnership between Robertson and FES Group), Royal College of Nursing Scotland, Unison and NHS Staff Benefits.

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

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

Lothian’s winter vaccination programme gets under way

Scotland’s winter vaccination programme has started in Lothian with over 3,500 people getting their flu vaccine on the first day (Monday 4th September).

Invitations to book or attend an appointment have already been sent to those eligible for a flu vaccine by post in a white NHS Scotland envelope, or by email or text depending on communication preferences.

Flu is serious and even healthy people can become very ill from it. Flu cases were at their highest since 2018/19 last year, with over 14,000 confirmed cases in Scotland.

The flu virus is always changing and vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. NHS Lothian is strongly encouraging those eligible to take up the vaccination offer when it comes. 

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time. Eligible groups will be invited for vaccination as the programme progresses through the autumn and winter.

To prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19, the advice remains to stay home with any respiratory symptoms and to wash hands regularly.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme in Lothian, said: “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and flu this winter. Flu vaccines are available to 50 to 64s, people aged 18 to 49 with an eligible health condition and health and social care workers now.

“There are a variety of clinics across Lothian covering evenings and weekends, and we strongly encourage you to book or attend your appointment when invited. 

“Coming forward as soon as you’re invited will ensure you’re protected and help alleviate pressures on the NHS over the challenging winter months.”

More information can be found at NHS Informopens a new window or NHS Lothian’s Vaccine Hubopens a new window.

RAAC in NHS Lothian: ‘discovery surveys’ to follow desktop exercise

There have been reports in the media that some buildings in the NHS Estate across Scotland may have been constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). This material, which was widely in use between 1960 and 1980, was used mainly for components such as roof and floor planks. It is known to be weaker than other forms of concrete and its use was phased out in the 1990’s.

Work is underway at a national level to check and risk assess all NHS buildings which may potentially contain RAAC.

As part of that work, NHS Lothian has identified those candidate buildings in our Estate and supplied the information to NHS Scotland Assure. We have identified the following buildings as requiring investigation:

• Bonnyrigg Health Centre

• Lauriston Building

• Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

• Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Cullen/River Centre Extension

• Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Link Corridor/X-Ray

• Stoneyburn Health Centre

• Tranent Medical Practice

• Western General Hospital – Gas Store

It is worth noting that the risk assessment that took place by NHS Scotland Assure was based on a desktop exercise and does not confirm the presence of RAAC within our buildings.

The next stage of the process will be for discovery surveys to be undertaken by an independent contractor appointed by NHS Assure to confirm or rule out the presence of RAAC within our buildings. This is a national process and the surveys are scheduled to be carried out in Lothian in the Autumn.

The output of these surveys will provide further information on any recommended remedial actions. This work is precautionary and not the result of any known issues in any of our buildings.

Women Supporting Women: Tiny Plates programme starts tomorrow

Do you have a little one(s) aged 6 months – 3 years? Would you like to learn more about encouraging positive behaviours around food in a safe and supportive environment?

Why not join Sally and Jules this Wednesday from 10am-11am Pilton Community Health Project , we’d love to welcome you and your wee one(s).

Booking is essential and these sessions run each week for a total of 4 weeks. Please register using the link below or by contacting us via email (details on poster).

Link: https://forms.office.com/e/PnCrjDLJLA

Hope to see you soon!

#womensupportingwomen

#healthyfoods

#infantnutrition

#beststart

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Tiny Plates is back next week at Pilton Community Health Project

Tiny Plates will be back on Wednesday mornings from 10am to 11am at Pilton Community Health Project

Suitable for mums (or grans) who live in the area with their little ones, aged 6 months up to 3 years.

We will cover topics such as weaning, introducing first foods or new foods, introducing allergens, and advice on fussy eaters. Little ones will also get the chance to try all sorts of delicious and nutritious foods.

This will be a four-week closed group so booking is essential. We also ask that you can come to all 4 sessions.

• 23rd and 30th August, 6th and 13th September

You can sign up using this link https://forms.office.com/e/HhQBBChNYf

NHS Lothian donates ophthalmic equipment to Ukraine

An NHS Lothian doctor has set his sights on distributing donations to his counterparts in war-torn Ukraine.

Dr Peter Cackett, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, set about trying to gather Ophthalmic equipment and supplies that could be delivered to the country. Other organisations, along with NHS Lothian, rallied round to pull together a list of items to help both children and adults alike in Ukraine.

Items included specialist lights and cameras for ophthalmic examinations and vision tests for testing the sharpness of vision in young children who cannot yet read. The equipment was distributed to all three hundred and twenty paediatric ophthalmology departments in Ukraine, as requested by Professor Sergiy Rykov, President of the Association of Paediatric Ophthalmologists of Ukraine, Kyiv.

Also a trustee of the charity Ophthalmic Aid to Eastern Europe (OAEE), Dr Cackett stored the equipment in his home, arranging for heavier items to be collected during the journey to Medyka, a village at the Polish/Ukrainian border for handover of the donations to ophthalmologists from Lviv.

OAEE was established over 30 years ago, after the fall of the Berlin wall, and helps centres in Eastern Europe with ophthalmic equipment, whilst also supporting teaching and training initiatives for ophthalmologists in Eastern and Central Europe.

The donations were delivered to Ukraine overland, by van, by two final year medical students from Edinburgh and Dundee Universities, Wesley McLoughlin and Doireann Hughes, following in the footsteps of a group of medical students that delivered ophthalmic aid to Lviv 30 years ago in 1993.

Dr Cackett, Consultant Ophthalmologist, NHS Lothian said: “I felt that it is was important to help the Ukrainian ophthalmologists as I had previously helped take ophthalmic aid to Lviv, Ukraine in 1993, whilst I was a medical student. Dr Andriy Hudz, the junior doctor in Lviv, who we delivered the aid to in 1993 is now Professor of the department there.

“The Ukrainian ophthalmologists are delighted with the equipment which has been sent. I have started collecting equipment again to deliver more ophthalmic aid to Ukraine and have been trying to source financial donations to help pay for the transportation.

“We are also looking into potentially providing some assistance to Iasi, a city in Romania where Ukrainian refugees have been arriving and also Moldova. We also want to re-establish observerships for Ukrainian ophthalmologists to come to Edinburgh to receive further training.”