Tag: NHS Lothian

More funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Support for children and young people with mental health issues

Funding of £10.83 million has been allocated for the remainder of this year to help improve access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The investment will also increase the numbers of trained professionals to support children and young people with neurodevelopmental support needs.

The allocation is part the of £120 million Mental Health Recovery and Renewal Fund announced in February 2021, and will help to deliver a number of improvements, including:
· improve access to CAMHS assessments out of hours
· help to put in place specialist regional CAMHS services including those with learning disabilities and those requiring secure care
· Help provide access to CAMHS Intensive Home Treatment Teams
· Support mental health liaison teams within paediatric services.

The Recovery and Renewal Fund supports many mental health measures contained in the Programme for Government.

Other policies include extra support for health and care staff, completion of the commitment to recruit 800 additional mental health workers this year and a pledge that at least 10% of frontline NHS spending will go towards mental health over this parliament.

Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart, who announced the allocation during a visit to the Young People’s Inpatient Unit at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh said: “I am pleased to announce the allocation of £10.83 million health boards to support children and young people with mental health issues, and those with neurodevelopmental support needs.

“This funding will lead to substantial improvements in the mental health care that children and young people receive in Scotland, ensuring that the right support is available in the right place at the right time.

“We know the pandemic has had a negative impact on many people’s mental health – whatever their age or circumstances. That is why we committed £120 million to the recovery and renewal of mental health services in this year’s Programme for Government. I hope that the allocation I have announced today makes a real and lasting difference to children, young people and their families.”

Joanna Barrett, Associate Head of Policy for the Devolved Nations, NSPCC Scotland, said: “Before the pandemic hit, thousands of children referred to mental health services in Scotland were having to wait unacceptable periods of time for treatment to begin.

“The profound impact of the conditions of the past 18 months on children has compounded this by increasing the need. Our Childline counsellors have heard from children struggling with loneliness and isolation, worries about education, abusive home environments and suicidal feelings.

“This funding by the Scottish Government to address young people’s mental health is therefore crucial. However, this investment must go alongside more preventative efforts, including the provision of mental health support in schools, to ensure children get the help they need before reaching crisis point.”

Next steps for new Eye Pavilion

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has confirmed that the outline business case for the new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion has been approved by the Scottish Government. NHS Lothian has now been invited to submit a full business case.

This will be part of a £10 billion investment in the NHS estate over the next 10 years, bringing about the renewal and replacement of health facilities across Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said: “I am delighted that we are a step closer to delivering improved specialised eye services for the city of Edinburgh and the wider region.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working closely with NHS Lothian to meet the demand for eye care, with improvements for patients and a more modernised service.”

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government asked NHS Lothian to carry out a review of eye care services, including redesigning pathways to enable patients to access care closer to home.

750 Nursing and Midwifery posts vacant in NHS Lothian

‘STAFFING LEVELS ARE REACHING CRISIS POINT’

Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair, said: “I wanted to highlight statistics which have been published today from NHS Education for Scotland, which show a worrying rise in NHS Nursing and Midwifery vacancies.

“Across Scotland a record high of 4,854 nursing and midwifery posts are vacant, which is 7.1% of posts, while in NHS Lothian, 750 nursing and midwifery posts are vacant, which is 6.9% of posts.

“Staffing levels are reaching crisis point across Scotland. As well as these vacancies, a significant number of nursing staff are on work related sick leave through stress and other mental health issues. Unless this is addressed, proposals to remobilise services and increase elective capacity are simply unachievable and the NHS Recovery Plan’s proposals to recruit 1,500 additional staff woefully inadequate.

“RCN Scotland members are clear about what needs to be done. Out of the 39% of members who have told us they are thinking of leaving the nursing profession, 73% of respondents said “improved pay” and 49% said “better staffing levels” would make them feel more valued.

“Implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019, fair pay for nursing staff in all settings and robust workforce planning are needed urgently to ensure Scotland has the nursing staff it needs to remobilise services as we continue to deal with Covid-19.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “The number of Nursing and Midwifery posts that we have vacant across NHS Lothian is extremely concerning.

“NHS Lothian staff work incredibly hard to care for everyone who comes through their door, but the current position is unsustainable. These vacancies need to be filled for health boards to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“SNP Ministers have failed to workforce plan pre-pandemic and we are seeing the consequences now, with many nurses considering leaving the profession.”

Delayed Discharge in NHS Lothian returns to pre Covid-19 levels

The number of days that patients who have been delayed from leaving hospital because of no appropriate place to go to has risen to 7,829 for July 2021, the latest month statistics are available for.

This is an increase of 2,004 from 5,825 delays throughout June and triple the number of bed days occupied from delayed discharge at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when 2,531 delays occurred.

At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic SNP Ministers made the decision to move hospital patients into care homes, to free up hospital space for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. It later emerged that patients being moved from hospitals to care homes where not tested for Covid-19 leading to higher rates of Covid-19 deaths in care homes than anywhere else in Scotland.

The level of delayed discharge in NHS Lothian has now returned to pre- pandemic levels with the number of bed days in hospital for delayed discharge being 11 higher than March 2020, 7,278, when hospital patients where moved to care homes.

Edinburgh and the Lothians were in the process of recovering from a Social Care crisis before the pandemic hit, with the peak of delayed discharge in hospitals being in October 2018, when 11,855 combined days when patients were not able to leave hospital, despite being back to health.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “These figures are very concerning, with the number of patients being stuck in hospital without a suitable destination, returning to pre pandemic levels.

“In Edinburgh and the Lothians there has been a long standing challenge to provide social care, which started to shift towards care in the community.

“We are now seeing increasing numbers of patients not able to leave hospital and the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board are planning on closing more care homes.

“Patients leaving hospital must have a suitable destination to go once recovered, so that we are not in a position where people are waiting days on end in hospital, when they don’t need to be there.”

Statement on historical links with Atlantic slave trade

A joint statement from NHS Lothian and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation:

We are aware that hospitals across Lothian have benefited from funds realised from the Atlantic slave trade.

With colonialism and slavery being central to the national economy from the 17th to the 19th centuries, both Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation and NHS Lothian can be considered as joint descendants of the legacies of these donations and endowments.

We do not believe that there is a limitation period on such contributions and have a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery and use this learning to help remove inequality and shape a positive future for all.

We have made a commitment to research, understand and acknowledge our history so that we can learn from it and act. We will:

  • create a consultative advisory group, with representation from staff, patient, and community groups, to help guide and shape the research, learning and related outputs.
  • fund a research post to review archive evidence and secondary sources to compile a thorough documented history of the links between the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Atlantic slave trade. (Funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation)
  • use the research to guide outcomes and outputs and make recommendations for action to the NHS Board
  • seek to work alongside other institutions (such as the University of Edinburgh) who are undertaking similar reflective exercises.   

The impact of the roots of the slave trade is evident in the inequalities that we see today, with COVID-19 exacerbating and giving a public spotlight to these inequalities.

As an employer and healthcare provider we state without reservation that all staff and patients must be treated equally, irrespective of skin colour, culture, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender.

We support the fundamental need for equality and inclusion at the heart of what we stand for. It is important that all staff and representatives of NHS Lothian, treat one another with care, compassion, dignity, and respect. These are a key part of our organisation values.

Working to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do

We believe better health for all is within our reach and in no way condone the actions of historical donors. Acknowledging and understanding this history and using this learning to inform our corporate objectives will support us to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation and help us to tackle racism, discrimination and inequality.

Though we have much to learn and more work to do, ongoing reviews of our internal processes and systems have already led to positive, practical changes in the way we work.

The following examples outline work that is already taking place:

  • Staff Networks
    We have established four Equalities Staff Networks, and committed to increasing support for them, and potentially further networks in the coming year.  At present we have vibrant groups as follows;
    • Black & Ethnic Minority Staff Network
    • Disabled Employee Network
    • LGBT+ Staff & Allies Network
    • Youth Staff Network
       
  • Corporate Objective and Workplans
    Our Corporate Objective 2021 – 22 on race ethnicity and diversity demonstrate our commitment to act now – starting with a facilitated series of one to one and group discussions involving our Corporate Management Team and Staff Network members
  • Our detailed Advancing Equality Action Plan 2021-22 was devised and agreed with members of all our staff networks over a series of workshops in Spring 2021
  • 360 Visions – Managed by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts programme, 360 Visions uses theatre, storytelling, music and filmmaking to understand NHS Lothian BME staff experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equalities perspective and explores the multi-faceted challenges faced not only by BME staff, but also by Disabled, LGBT+ and Youth staff members. The aim is to help open a door for all colleagues to gain awareness of the difficulties faced on a daily basis, both in and outside of work, and why change needs to happen. It bridges a gap to enable staff to further educate themselves about the daily struggles, in order to create a culture of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance which allows positive changes to be achieved. NHS Lothian has come a long way to improve culture and diversity, but COVID-19 has reinforced that there is still work to be done. As part of this ongoing work, the 360 Visions creative programme will help provide a platform for diverse viewpoints to be voiced and heard, celebrating the incredible work and diversity of NHS Lothian.
  • Reflecting Diversity in our Art Collection – Our Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,750 artworks displayed across over 40 NHS Lothian sites. We have undertaken a review of our collection to ensure this is reflective of a wide and diverse culture.
  • Review of EDI practices within our funded programmes
    Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts team is working with Knowledge Bridge to help embed EDI as a core part of the Tonic Arts programme. Knowledge Bridge is working with the Tonic Arts team to review the current programme and develop an inclusive strategy, advising on how to develop a more diverse and inclusive Arts in Health programme for NHS Lothian.  

Record high number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment in NHS Lothian

Lothian Tory MSP, Miles Briggs, has warned that NHS Lothian needs a record level of financial support to match a record number of patients waiting for treatments.

The number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment in NHS Lothian has risen to almost 75,000 people, 74,546. This is an increase of 19,873 patients from 54,673 at the end of June 2020, an increase of 36%. The number of patients waiting for an appointment has increased from 65,855 at the end of June 2019, pre the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last ten years, the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment in NHS Lothian has almost doubled, from 38,880 at the end of June 2011.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has repeatedly called for NHS Lothian to receive fairer funding from the Scottish Government with the health board receiving a lower percentage of funding than other health boards due to the formula used to work out allocations.

The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Spice) found the gap between the amount NHS Lothian should receive and its actual allocation added up to a total of £365.7m, over the last 10 years.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Under this SNP Government the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment has almost doubled.

“Over the last decade NHS Lothian has been underfunded by SNP Ministers and it is patients in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s who are suffering.

“NHS Lothian staff have made an incredible effort over the last year and a half and patients waiting numbers are still growing.

“Significant investment will be needed to return services to even where they were five years ago and this SNP/ Green government -who is independence first and recovery second – isn’t up to the job.”

End in sight to parking charges at Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

Talks at advanced stage to take over Edinburgh facility

Hospital parking charges are set to end permanently in Scotland after agreements were reached to buy out two car parks in Glasgow and Dundee operated through PFI (private finance initiative) schemes.

Negotiations are also progressing to take over the last remaining PFI car park in Scotland at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, with an agreement expected to be reached in the coming months.

Parking charges have been suspended at the three hospital PFI facilities since the start of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The agreements to take the car parks into public hands will mean this becomes permanent.

The new Scottish Government had pledged to take steps to end hospital parking charges permanently at PFI sites in Scotland during its first 100 days.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted to announce that these facilities will come into public hands and help phase out the legacy of PFI in hospital car parks in Scotland.

“We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to our NHS workforce for their heroic efforts throughout the pandemic and this will ensure that, along with patients and visitors using our hospitals, they will not face the prospect of parking charges returning.

“There are no car parking changes in place at any hospitals after this Scottish Government secured an arrangement to suspend these at the three PFI sites at the start of the pandemic. Charges at other NHS car parks had already been abolished by this Government.

“This announcement shows we are determined to ensure they will not return at any PFI site in Scotland. Talks are progressing well with the owners of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh site and I am hopeful of reaching an agreement in due course. As this progresses we will be keeping the car park at the hospital free while the final agreement is reached.”

NHS Lothian Deputy Chief Executive, Jim Crombie said: “We look forward to the completion of negotiations with our PFI provider to end parking charges on our sites permanently and are grateful for the funding that enables staff and patients to continue to park free of charge in the meantime.”

The Scottish Government has provided the funding for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to complete the buyout of the PFI car park contract at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for £26.3 million, taking over the facility. A similar arrangement has been reached for NHS Tayside to buyout of the PFI car park contract at Ninewells in Dundee for £9million.

NHS Tayside Director of Facilities, John Paterson said: “We know that the suspension of car parking charges at Ninewells Hospital has benefited patients, staff and visitors alike and it has made a real difference to those who have come on to our site since March 2020. 

“Today’s announcement of the permanent removal of parking charges at Ninewells is welcome news for everyone. We have worked closely with Scottish Government and car park operators Saba UK to achieve this and we are continuing to work with Saba UK to ensure car parks are managed effectively, enabling patients, staff and visitors to park safely at the hospital.“

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Director of Facilities and Estates, Tom Steele said: “We have been working closely with Scottish Government colleagues to remove parking charges for staff, patients and visitors from all of our hospital sites.

“It has been an aim of NHSGGC for some time that our staff can come to work and not be charged to use the parking facilities, so I am really pleased that this work has now concluded and we are able to offer free parking to all staff working at each of our hospitals as well as patients who will be attending to receive treatment and their loved ones who visit them.”

Car parking charges were suspended at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. 

Waiting times: what’s happening?

During the pandemic, patients have been seen and treated based on their clinical urgency and we will continue to do so whilst we remobilise our NHS.

Patients are being classified in the following groups:

  • Priority Level 1a Emergency – operation needed within 24 hours
  • Priority Level 1b Urgent – operation needed within 72 hours
  • Priority Level 2 Surgery – scheduled within 4 weeks
  • Priority Level 3 Surgery – scheduled within 12 weeks
  • Priority Level 4 Surgery – may be safely scheduled after 12 weeks

NHS Scotland is working hard to increase the services available as safely and as quickly as possible. Clinicians and Clinical Experts are continuously reviewing how they deliver services to provide additional appointments to support your care.

About your appointment

It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.

Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.

Keeping an eye on your condition

It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.

Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.

Self Help

If you require further advice on your condition, please contact the hospital team you are awaiting an appointment with.

If your condition or symptoms worsen while waiting, you should contact your GP Practice.

Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team can give you advice and provide over-the-counter medicine if needed.

Call NHS 24 on 111 for further advice on managing symptoms.

If you consider your condition or symptoms to be life-threatening, then you should call 999 immediately.

Other Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or that your mental health and well-being has been affected by the delay in your treatment, you can call:

  • NHS 24 on 111, 24 hours a day, and select the Mental Health option from the telephone prompts
  • Breathing space on 0800 83 85 87 is open weekdays Monday-Thursday, 6am to 2am, and weekends Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
  • Living Life on 0800 328 9655 is open Monday-Friday 1pm to 9pm

Your rights and responsibilities

Under the Charter of Patients Rights and Responsibilities, you have certain rights and responsibilities when using the NHS in Scotland.

For waiting times, It’s important that these be respected if patients are to receive treatment in the shortest time possible.

Your rights and responsibilities apply to waiting times in the following ways:

  • Availability
  • Appointments
  • Attendance

Find out more about how your rights and responsibilities apply to waiting times.