NHS Lothian – Page 18 – The NEN

NHS Lothian launches vaccination clinics for 5-11-year-old children

Children in Lothian at risk from COVID-19, along with children living with an immunosuppressed person, are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Launched yesterday, dedicated clinics especially designed for to cater for children will operate across the region. They will be open between 8.30am – 4.30pm, seven days a week, for pre-booked appointments only.

Jane McNulty, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “We are delighted to offer these clinics to the youngest people in our community.

“These clinics will be operated by specially trained paediatric vaccinators in a clinical environment, which will allow children, parents and guardians to discuss the vaccination process in a calm environment.”

The vaccination will first be offered to children with a higher COVID-19 risk factor and children living in the household of an immunosuppressed person, it will then be offered to the wider child population in due course.

Those eligible for the vaccination will receive a letter from NHS Lothian in the coming days with details about how to book an appointment through the National Vaccination Helpline. Parents and guardian do not need to actively contact NHS Lothian to arrange an appointment.

The clinics are opening their doors following the publication and government acceptance of the advice of the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to offer two doses of the Pfizer childhood COVID-19 vaccine.

All children will receive two doses eight weeks apart. A third primary dose is also being offered to children aged 5-11 years with a severely weakened immune system. The third primary dose will be offered from 8 weeks after the second dose.

Ms McNulty added: “We recognise that parents and guardians may have questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination and we encourage them to visit the pages on NHS Inform where there is a range of information available.

“Alongside this, our paediatric vaccinators are one hand to answer any questions people may have when they attend their child’s vaccination appointment.

“Vaccination remains critically important in the continued fight against COVID-19 and we welcome the further expansion of the vaccination programme across Lothian.”

Established vaccination clinics for over 12s will continue to operate separately from these clinics, with NHS Lothian still encouraging all over 12s to get any outstanding vaccinations.

Over 18s can receive their 1st, 2nd and booster vaccinations at all drop-in clinics. Those aged 12-17 can also attend for their second dose if it has been at least 12 weeks since their first dose and they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.

More information on the 5-11 vaccination programme is available on NHS Inform:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/the-vaccines/vaccinating-children-aged-5-to-11-years/

Information on clinic locations and opening times for over 12s is also available on NHS Lothian’s website:

https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx

NHS Lothian: Choose the right care in the right place

Get the right care in the right place:

Self-help guides: NHS Inform

Advice about minor illnesses, treatments and medication: Pharmacy

Non-urgent treatment: GP

Urgent, but not life-threatening, help: NHS24 at 111

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.

Stephen receives his MBE at last!

An NHS Lothian staff member has received his MBE at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for his voluntary work with mountain rescue teams.

Stephen Penny, 61, has worked with NHS Lothian as a training advisor and lead for volunteer responders within the Lifelines team at the Rivers Centre since 2021. Lifelines helps support the physical and mental wellbeing of volunteer and emergency responders.

Stephen, who is married to Sarah and is a dad of three, lives in the Scottish Borders and has been a mountain rescue volunteer for over 30 years with Scottish Mountain Rescue and Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team.

Stephen said: “You can’t volunteer as a responder without the support of your family and at yesterday’s MBE investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Sarah was beside me all the way through – just like over the years of volunteering.

“I grew up in a rural area and it’s always been important for me to give something to my community. I was inspired to join mountain rescue after meeting some volunteers at an emergency services open day.

“My greatest sense of achievement comes from knowing you’ve helped someone in their time of need. I’ve found that the skills you learn from being a mountain rescue volunteer also have a lot of value in other aspects of your life, including in your day job.”

Stephen was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List in 2019 but, due to pandemic restrictions, was not able to receive this until now.

Sixty years before, in 1959, Stephen’s grandfather received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts during and after World War Two, as well as his voluntary work as a special constable.

Stephen said: “Community was really important to my dad and grandfather, and they instilled this in me. It was an honour to be given an MBE, especially sixty years after my grandfather received his.”

Gill Moreton, Lifelines lead for NHS Lothian, said: “Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Lifelines, including his lengthy and extensive volunteering experience with mountain rescue. The Lifelines and Rivers teams are delighted for Stephen as he finally receives his MBE.”

All hands on deck: Students drafted in to aid Scotland’s pandemic response

Around 12,000 students will assist in the safe delivery of health and social care as services continue to respond to the pandemic.

More than 3,000 nursing and midwifery students are heading out on placements this month. A further 7,000 students will be placed across the service in February, complemented by around 1,500 Allied Health Professional students and more than 500 paramedic students who will also be involved in the delivery of care via supervised practice.

The practical component of student learning remains centred on supervised involvement in the frontline delivery of patient care as part of accruing the hours necessary for registration as a healthcare professional. It is an integral part of the ongoing work to respond to the challenges of COVID-19, and is greatly valued by the workforce.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As part of their professional programme of education, and throughout the pandemic, these students have worked tirelessly to support our NHS, making an invaluable contribution to the delivery of care as part of their supervised practice in health and social care environments.

“As we go into a third year facing up to the challenges of COVID, we are fortunate to combine good quality learning attained by students as part of their supervised practice with the positive impact these students have on the delivery of safe, effective patient care and their ongoing support of our NHS. And I wholeheartedly thank them for their hard work during this difficult time.”

Senior Charge Nurse for Critical Care at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Steve Walls said: “As part of their learning experience, students have adapted to what has been very challenging time, providing the highest quality of care as valued members of clinical teams across a broad range of services, from our hospitals to the community.

“For me it has been fantastic to see how they have developed while providing an extra pair of hands, eyes and ears to make sure our patients are safely cared for as we respond to the pandemic. They also bring with them an enthusiasm that can lift the mood of a shift.”

Honours nursing student at Glasgow Caledonian University and mother-of-three Natalie Elliott, from Lanarkshire, was one of the first students to go out on supervised hospital placements in April 2020. She said: “ I learned so much. The experience has helped boost my confidence and improved my performance.

“It was a real privilege to be part of the pandemic response and to feel that you’ve made that little bit of a difference. There was a sense of camaraderie on the wards and I really felt part of the team.

“It has also helped me develop more self-awareness. Nursing can be stressful but I’ve learned to look after myself and be more resilient when I feel overwhelmed with the challenges I face, particularly when wards are short staffed and there are difficult cases to deal with.”

COVID vaccine for 12-15 year olds

Bringing forward second dose for young people

Families are being urged to get young people aged 12-15 their second dose of the COVID vaccine as early as possible in the New Year.

Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from January 3 2022, while those who have already been given a date for their second jag can call a helpline to bring their appointment forward and get protection from the virus earlier.

Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose. NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Additional vaccinator capacity across Scotland means we are now in a position to offer second doses to the 12-15 age group earlier than previously planned.

“Eligible young people can get their second doses from next week, and before they return to school in many cases. I would urge them to take up the offer as early as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus.

“The festive season saw a major effort to get adults boosted by the bells. But we need to keep up momentum and make sure everyone is protected from the virus, particularly with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.”

Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.

If you’re eligible, you can drop in for your booster at clinics all over Lothian. Learn whether you’re eligible, and find the closest clinic to you, at:

https://www.nhslothian.scot/…/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx

Celebrate safely this Hogmanay

Council Leaders and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health echo Scottish Government guidance:

Ahead of the midnight moment on Friday, 31 December, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health Dona Milne are reminding residents to adhere to ongoing public safety guidance and to bring in the bells safely and responsibly.

On Thursday, 30 December a further 16,857 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, by far the highest daily case number of the pandemic so far.

The latest public health guidance, which was effective from 26 December, limits the numbers at outdoor public events to 500, resulting in the cancellation of the live events planned for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay including the Torchlight Procession, Party at the Bells, midnight fireworks and the Loony Dook.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “As we approach Hogmanay, case numbers are continuing to increase significantly and I want to echo the First Minister’s advice to stay at home as much as possible in the coming days in a bid to slow down the spread. And if we do get together with friends and family, please limit this to no more than three households.

“Large gatherings at Hogmanay risk increasing further transmissions in our communities and put further pressure on our NHS staff and other vital services. I can’t stress enough the importance of following the rules around handwashing, mask-wearing and ventilation and testing. Visit our website for details of community testing sites or to order a home testing kit.

“As 2021 comes to an end, and with more people getting vaccinated and boosted, we can look more positively towards 2022. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance and keep yourself and your family safe and protect our NHS.”

Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: The safety of Edinburgh’s residents remains our priority as we continue the battle against Covid-19 and the latest Omicron variant. This has meant that sadly no live events, including the midnight fireworks, will be taking place this year.

“Following the cancellation, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the release of a new film, ‘Journey Home’, which pays tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel when celebrating Hogmanay with those that matter most after such a challenging year, whilst expressing a positive look forward to the future.

“I would encourage you all to tune in as we bid farewell to 2021 – and look forward to a better and more positive 2022.”

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay film can be found at: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: We know that everyone wants to welcome in 2022 and enjoy the festivities, however we would ask people to do so responsibly following public health guidance.

“Please do not mix in groups of more than three households and take a Lateral Flow Test before you go out or have people round. If you have not already done so, please make getting your booster your first priority of 2022.

“By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.

“Remember, the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. Although a smaller percentage of infected people may need hospital care, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.

So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before. “

Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.

NHS Lothian urges everyone to “get boosted by the Bells”

As 2021 draws to a close NHS Lothian is urging all remaining over-18s to visit their local drop-in vaccination clinic or book an appointment for their COVID-19 vaccine booster.

Those aged 12-17 are also welcome to attend any of the local drop-in clinics for their second dose if it has been at least 12 weeks since their first dose and they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.

Over 76,920 people were vaccinated across Lothian in the run up to Christmas, however appointments still remain across the region, allowing people the opportunity to receive their vaccination as soon as possible.

Pat Wynne, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has come forward for vaccination so far, every vaccination counts towards making our region safer.

“Getting a booster doesn’t mean you won’t get COVID-19, but it reduces the chances of it and significantly enhances your protection against serious illness – it could literally save your, or someone else’s, life.”

In recent weeks there has been a huge increase in appointments in Lothian, with 71% of those eligible for a booster having now received one. While this is excellent progress, we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. We want to get to, or as close as possible to, having 80% of eligible adults boosted by the Bells.

NHS Lothian has increased its vaccination capacity hugely in December with the reopening of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh City Centre. It has never been easier for members of the public to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster.

There has been a rise in the number of missed appointments over the festive period, with 17% of people not attending their appointments..

This has resulted in 9,951 available appointments going unused in the Lothian region over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (27, 28 and 29 December).

Mr Wynne added: “We know that missed appointments are in part due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the area, which is in turn making people ineligible for their vaccination. But it’s not the whole story and, if I’m honest, it’s a little disappointing. We have a huge amount of extra capacity across Lothian with teams of vaccinators standing ready to ensure as many people as possible can get boosted by the Bells.

“We know people are really busy at this time of year, but we urge you to make time for it. If you haven’t been boosted but could be, because it is 12 weeks since your second dose, please book an appointment now or go along to a drop-in clinic. If you have an appointment for January, you can drop in now and your later appointment will be cancelled for you. There are plenty of slots available and our centres are running very efficiently with very low queue times.

“Please don’t delay. Every booster administered is a step on the road back to normality.”

The vaccination programme has been stepped up in recent weeks as part of its campaign to halt the spread of the Omicron variant across the region. Due to the highly transmissible nature of the new variant, NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health, Dona Milne, is urging the public to act quickly as they welcome in 2022.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. This means that although a smaller percentage of infected people may require hospitalisation, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.

So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before.

“I would ask everyone celebrating the new year to do so whilst following the public health guidance and be responsible as they enjoy the festivities. Please prioritise getting your vaccine and do not mix with more than three households and undertake a Lateral Flow Test before you mix with people. By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.”

Those wishing to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can do so by calling National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visit NHS Inform’s website to book online. A list of vaccination centres can also be found on NHS Lothian’s website.

Lothian’s Christmas babies

Parents in Lothian are celebrating after they received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped.

They welcomed their very special delivery into the world during the small hours of the morning.

The first baby, a little girl named Sophie Elizabeth Bird, was born at NHS Lothian’s St John’s Hospital. She was born to parents Karen (37) and Craig Bird (39) from Linlithgow at 1.45am.

Sophie was followed closely by baby Skye Rose Irving (top) who was born at 2.18am also at St John’s Hospital weighing 7lb 2oz. Parents Lisa Playfair (35) and Adam Irving (30) are from Craigshill in Livingston.

The first baby born at NHS Lothian’s Birth Centre, part of the Simpson’s Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, was a little boy at 5.10am this morning weighing 8lb 8oz.

He was born to parents Elohu Egwowa (28) and Oghenekome Otame (31) from Edinburgh. Mum and Dad have not fully decided on a name, so at the moment he is known as Baby Otame.