Tag: NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian neurosurgeon featured on CNN for pioneering live brain tissue donation initiative

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Little France recently welcomed a news crew from CNN International to highlight a world‑leading partnership between the neurosurgery team and researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Spearheaded by neurosurgeon Paul Brennan and Race Against Dementia Fellow Dr Claire Durrant, the programme involves keeping living human brain tissue – removed during routine neurosurgery – alive for study in the laboratory.

This pioneering research has enabled scientists to show, for the first time, how a toxic form of a protein linked to Alzheimer’s can attach to and damage the connections between brain cells.

The team hopes the discovery will help identify medications with the greatest potential to prevent the loss of synapses—the vital connections that allow messages to flow between brain cells and support healthy brain function.

Paul Brennan said: “During neurosurgery, there is always a small amount of healthy brain tissue that must be removed in order to reach, for example, a tumour and typically that tissue would be thrown away. Our partnership with Claire and her team means we can package up that healthy, living tissue and send it to the lab for testing.

“Even the tiniest piece “contains thousands of cells, and we can learn a great deal from it. Research of this type has been underway for some time, but this collaboration allows us to study living human brain tissue in a way that hasn’t routinely been possible before.”

The tissue is collected with the patient’s consent, in a process similar to organ donation. Aidan McAllister (28) chose to donate his healthy brain tissue during an operation to remove a tumour. He said: “My grandad passed away from Alzheimer’s a few years ago. We were really close – he lived just across the road and we saw each other every day. His dementia became so severe that he didn’t know who he was or who we were.

“It’s a really brutal disease. When Paul asked if I’d consider donating some of my brain tissue during surgery, I thought if it could help people like my grandad, then I wanted to do it.”

Dr Claire Durrant said: “We believe this research could accelerate the journey from lab findings to patient treatments, bringing us one step closer to a world free from the heartbreak of dementia.

“It was fantastic to be able to show the CNN team what we do and to highlight the vital, world-leading research taking place in Edinburgh.”

NHS Lothian provides update on hot water issue in maternity services

NHS Lothian has put a series of temporary, proactive measures in place within maternity services at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) following the identification of an issue with hot water quality in the department.

Medical and infection prevention and control teams have assessed that any risk to mothers, babies, visitors or staff is very low and maternity services continue to operate with some short-term precautions in place.

NHS Lothian’s maternity services operate over two hospital sites and, as per the usual process, patients may be treated at either the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or St John’s Hospital depending upon clinical need and capacity.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, discolouration was identified in hot water at a number of outlets within the maternity unit and investigations are currently underway to confirm the cause. Cold and drinking water is not affected.

Precautionary safety measures were quickly introduced and will remain in place while further assessments and actions are carried out. Following a risk assessment, the neonatal unit has temporarily paused external admissions and the birthing pools are currently out of use. These measures follow nationally recognised best practice.

Existing infection prevention and control measures – already standard across all maternity departments – remain firmly in place.

Michelle Carr, Chief Officer – Acute Services, NHS Lothian said: “We understand that this situation may cause concern and want to reassure patients, families and staff that health and safety is our highest priority and we are taking a highly precautionary approach while we work through this issue.

“Both NHS Lothian and our estates contractor are working hard to resolve the issue swiftly and the situation is being closely monitored. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures are also in place.

“We are grateful to our patients and visitors for their understanding and cooperation.”

An expert multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team – made up of infection control, water engineers, microbiological and clinical teams – has been established to oversee the investigation and ensure prompt resolution.

NHS Lothian: Investigation works in ward at New Sick Kids

Investigations are underway in a ward of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh after a defect was identified in some patient bathrooms.

An environmental review identified the presence of mould behind a wallcovering in bathrooms in the Lochranza ward, which looks after oncology and haematology patients.

As a result, immediate precautionary measures were put in place to protect those patients who are more vulnerable to infections because of weakened immune systems while investigative works take place.

A works update meeting held on Monday heard that other bathrooms are currently being checked to ensure that no more are affected.

The ward has a number of rooms which are not used routinely, meaning the available cubicles have not been reduced, allowing the ward to function as normal and remain open.

It must be stressed that no patients are unwell as a result, and patients and families have been made aware.

There are also no concerns about the way the ward ventilation is functioning or maintained. It is believed the mould was caused by a defective join between wall and floor coverings, which allowed shower water ingress.

Walls in the bedrooms and bathrooms are intact, and the waterproof wall covering has provided a physical barrier between patients and the water damage.

Other aspects of the ward environment are also in place help to protect vulnerable patients from infection, including the provision of filtered ultraclean air into the room.

Alison Macdonald, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said on Tuesday: “We know this will be worrying for some families. We need to reassure them that our clinical, microbiological and infection control teams have assessed the situation as “low” risk.

“Nevertheless, this is being treated extremely seriously. Infection control measures have been enhanced and the situation is being monitored very closely.

“Patients may need to be moved into a new room while the investigation and remedial work is carried out, but families are being kept up to date.”

An expert multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team, made up of infection control, microbiological and clinical teams, has been established to oversee and direct the urgent programme of investigation and remedial works which will be carried out by the maintenance contractor.

NHS Lothian: Building a modern travel health service

International travel has changed significantly over the past decade, increasing the need for accessible, high-quality travel health advice and vaccination services. In NHS Lothian, we have worked to develop a modern service that provides safe, comprehensive care before people travel abroad.

As part of Scotland’s Vaccination Transformation Programme, which came into effect in 2022, responsibility for travel vaccinations moved from GP practices to health boards. In Lothian, we used this opportunity not simply to replace the previous system, but to create a more comprehensive service.

Our model brings together NHS travel vaccinations, expert travel health advice, private vaccinations, antimalarial prescriptions and an individual travel health assessment in one place. Previously, many patients received NHS vaccines from their GP but then had to attend other providers for additional vaccines or malaria prevention. By offering a more holistic service, we can reduce the number of places patients need to visit and help them prepare more effectively for their travels.

A travel clinic has existed within the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit for more than three decades, but the service has expanded significantly in recent years. Activity has risen from around 1,600 new appointments each year to around 12,000 annually, reflecting both growing demand and the value patients place on a comprehensive service.

With such high demand on the service, we know that access to appointments has sometimes been challenging. We have listened carefully to feedback and introduced an online booking system to improve accessibility, although we recognise there have been some issues as the new system is being embedded. As an NHS service, our digital systems meet strict standards for IT governance and patient data protection.

Feedback from patients who attend the clinic has been extremely positive. Our team works incredibly hard to deliver high-quality care and expert advice, and we are proud of the service that has been built.

We also want people to know there are other travel health providers across Lothian. Most travel vaccines and antimalarial medicines are not funded by the NHS and can also be accessed privately through pharmacies and travel clinics. Travellers can also check in advance what they may need by visiting TravelHealthPro: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk

We want the NHS Lothian Travel Health Service to continue evolving so that we can provide accessible, high-quality and comprehensive care. We are grateful for the patience, support and feedback of the public as we continue to improve the service.

If you need to arrange an appointment with our Travel Clinic go to: 

https://services.nhslothian.scot/travelclinics/find-an-nhs-lothian-travel-clinic/ and select ‘Book Online’

Edinburgh Hospital Radio Volunteer Honoured with MBE

A volunteer who has been at the heart of hospital radio in Edinburgh for over 50 years has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospital broadcasting. 

Malcolm Kirby – the current Chair received that award from HRH The Princess Royal at an Investiture held in Windsor Castle on Tuesday March 10 2026.

chairmanMBE

Malcolm has been involved since 1969 when he moved to Edinburgh to study electrical engineering at Heriot Watt. 

He became technical director in 1972, a post he has held for most of his time with the radio. 

Malcolm has been instrumental in the design and construction of the red dot radio studios from the early days in Hanover Street to the old Royal Infirmary  and finally to the current location in the Western General Hospital. 

He designed and manufactured the studio furniture, customised electronics and wrote special software to aid in programming. 

When the pandemic hit he was instrumental in keeping the station going and wrote additional custom software to enable the radio to be streamed online.

His determination to provide a bespoke, personal service for hospital patients has lasted to this day and has been appreciated by hundreds of hospital patients and their families and friends.

Malcolm was previously recognised by the National Hospital Broadcasting Association in 2012 when he received the John Whitney Award for an outstanding contribution to hospital radio.

Malcolm said: “It’s a real privilege being involved in a service that’s entertained hospital patients for 60 years. It seems that today, just as in the past, there is a real need for this sort of personal service for people who find themselves alone in a strange environment. 

“It’s particularly gratifying that we were able to continue throughout the pandemic with our new online service providing an invaluable link between the patients and their family and friends at home – let’s hope this continues for many more years.” 

NHS Lothian launches Neurodiversity website

Neurodiversity recognises that there’s no single ‘right’ way for a brain to think, learn or experience the world.

Explore support, services and practical guidance available across Lothian and the wider community on our newly launched website:

https://services.nhslothian.scot/neurodiversity/

St John’s Hospital opens annual volunteer recruitment drive

NHS Lothian is now accepting applications for volunteers to join its team at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

New volunteers, of all ages, will join a team of over 100 at the hospital who support patients through a variety of roles including Ward Helpers, Ward Visitors, Welcome Guides, Meaningful Activity Volunteers, Outpatient Department (OPD) Assistant Volunteers, Volunteer Drivers for Marie Curie, Therapet Visit Support Volunteers and more. 

Agnes Ritchie, Associate Nurse Director in St John’s Hospital, said: “Volunteers are a valued part of the St John’s team – they provide incredible support to both staff and patients, making a difference to people’s lives through their daily acts of kindness, care and compassion.”  

Claire Garton, Voluntary Services Manager, West Lothian said: “Volunteering offers a chance to build your skills, knowledge and experience while also giving back to your community.

“Our volunteers always tell us that their roles are fulfilling, and they make great friends along the way. We are looking for volunteers from many ages and backgrounds and look forward to welcoming you to ‘Team St John’s’.”

Ola, who is originally from Nigeria, moved to the UK in 2023 and started volunteering as a Ward Helper in St John’s. She explains: “I became a volunteer because I wanted to learn more and gain experience in healthcare.

“NHS Lothian felt like the right place to start because of its strong values and commitment to patient care. Volunteering has helped me grow in confidence and strengthen my communication and teamwork skills. I’m proud to play a small part in supporting patient recovery.”

Joe, from West Lothian has been in post as a Ward Visitor Volunteer since June 2023 alongside his full time role. He said: “I came into this role wanting to help others, but I didn’t expect how much it would change me.

“Sitting at the bedside of patients from all walks of life has fostered a deeper sense of empathy, patience, and gratitude. Each conversation, whether light-hearted or deeply personal, serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection.”

To find out more about the volunteer opportunities available across West Lothian visit: https://www.nhslothian.scot/getinvolved/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/

Recruitment opened on Wednesday 25 February and close on Monday 9 March. For an informal chat and to find out more, contact Claire Garton, Voluntary Services Manager at St John’s Hospital on 01506 523 588.

It’s OK to Ask – empowering people to get the most out of every healthcare appointment

THIS month NHS Scotland relaunched its ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign for 2026, encouraging people across Scotland to feel confident asking questions about their health, care and treatment options.

The campaign aims to support patients to take an active role in decisions about their health. Whether attending a GP, physiotherapist, dentist, pharmacist, hospital appointment, or any other healthcare setting, ‘It’s OK to Ask’ reminds people that asking questions helps them understand their options and make choices that feel right for them. 

A key focus of the campaign is encouraging people to prepare for their appointment by thinking ahead about what they want to know. To help get the most out of every discussion, patients are encouraged to consider asking these four questions whenever a treatment, procedure, tablet, or test is suggested, no matter how routine it may seem: 

  • What are the benefits of this treatment? 
  • What are the risks? 
  • Are there any alternative treatments I can try? 
  • What happens if I do nothing? 
Dr John McAnaw, Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24

Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy and Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24 says the campaign helps remove the pressure or worry some people feel when speaking with healthcare professionals: “Asking questions in a healthcare setting can feel overwhelming, and many people are unsure what to say or how to ask. 

“The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign reassures people that healthcare teams welcome questions as it provides a good basis for shared decision making. It’s important that you fully understand your treatment options and feel comfortable with any decisions about your care. 

“No matter how simple or serious your condition may seem, if you’re unclear about anything, remember – ‘It’s OK to Ask’. These questions can help you make informed choices about what will work best for you.”

NHS Lothian staff are Finalists in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

Two NHS Lothian nurses have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2026, which celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication within the nursing profession across Scotland.

Mike Spall-Hancy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Sexual Health & HIV), Chalmers Centre, NHS Lothian, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award in recognition of his transformative impact on health advising and Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) nursing.

Through innovative, patient centred service redesign, he modernised STI diagnosis, treatment, and partner notification by introducing digital booking systems, online results management, and pharmacy treatment vouchers, improvements that have received national recognition.

Mike also led early planning for the rollout of DoxyPEP (a pill taken after sex to help prevent sexually transmitted infections), developing efficient delivery pathways with minimal resource impact. This work led to his appointment as British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) Scotland Nurse Lead.

As a clinical leader, he reintroduced nationally recognised STIF training, supported non-medical prescribers, delivered extensive education across the wider workforce, and strengthened service sustainability while improving staff satisfaction, clinical capacity, and integration with health and social care partners.

Daisy Sandeman, Clinical Nurse Manager – Advanced Practice, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian has also been named a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence, Nursing Innovation and Research Award, recognising her exceptional contribution to delirium care and advanced nursing practice in cardiothoracic surgery.

Alongside a full time clinical role, Daisy completed a PhD on postoperative delirium, which directly informed the development of a new pre operative risk assessment and support pathway. This reduced delirium rates from around 40% to 18%, significantly improving patient recovery, experience, and length of stay. In her leadership role, she champions research led innovation across nine specialist nursing teams, building a research active workforce and embedding audit and quality improvement into professional development.

Her work extends nationally and internationally and includes collaborative research that reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation rates, contributions to national delirium guidelines, and regular teaching, mentoring, and conference presentations.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to congratulate our staff that have been shortlisted for these awards.

“Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the exceptional care, compassion, and commitment our nurses show to patients every day.

“I would like to wish them the very best of luck.”

The winners will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony on 30 April at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Find out more about the awards at Scotland Nurse Of The Year Awards 2026 | Royal College of Nursing Scotland | Royal College of Nursing