Tag: NHS Lothian

New Skills Boost course guarantees jobs in health care

A new course, which launched this week, will provide people in the region with a direct progression route into a health care support worker role.

The three-week Skills Boost for Health Care course, delivered in partnership by Edinburgh College and NHS Lothian, is designed to equip people with the skills they need to become a health care support worker within the NHS and aims to provide employment opportunities for people in the Lothians who may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All course participants have undergone a values-based interview process with the College and NHS and will study a three-week intensive course to prepare them for the workplace.

The course includes college-based and NHS-based learning and will take a multi-disciplinary, measured and meaningful approach to help launch participants into a career in health care.

Subjects will include: Professionalism, reflection, legislation; Infection Control; Health and Safety; First Aid; Basic Life Support (Adult); and Public Protection. Participants will also learn about the career pathways available to them within the NHS.

The first cohort of future health care support workers began the three-week course on Monday 19 April 2021 and upon successful completion and compulsory employment checks, will undertake their new roles from Monday 10 May 2021.

Edinburgh College Head of Health, Wellbeing and Social Science Anne-Marie Sturrock said: “We are excited to launch the Skills Boost for Health Care course in collaboration with NHS Lothian.

“The course not only gives students an opportunity to learn new and valuable skills, it also guarantees them a health care support role within the NHS – providing education and employment hand-in-hand.

“Supporting the NHS and addressing unemployment in the region are key drivers behind the development of this course and partnership delivery. I hope that this will be the first step in successful careers in healthcare for all of our participants.” 

NHS Lothian Executive Director for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals Alex McMahon said: “We are always very keen to encourage and support the development of new routes to bring prospective health care professionals into NHS Lothian and we are delighted to be working with Edinburgh College to deliver this particular course.

“NHS Lothian aims to support staff to provide high quality care that is safe, effective and person-centred for every person every time. We know that whatever the future holds, our most valuable resource is our staff. It’s their enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to care that ensures we deliver that high-quality care.”

New testing centre at Edinburgh Napier in Craiglockhart

Walk-through testing is now available for people with #coronavirus symptoms at Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus Car Park.

Open 7 days a week – with appointments available from 8am to 8pm

Tests must be booked via http://nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by telephone on 0800 028 2816.

Free stop smoking service

Giving up smoking is not something you have to do on your own!

Contact Quit Your Way for free advice and support to help stub out the addiction. With specialist support and medication you are 4 times more likely to be successful in quitting.

Visit tinyurl.com/qywlothian and self-refer through the green “click to be contacted” button.

#NHSstopsmoking#GetSupportToQuit#DontWaitToQuit

Lift Off for NHS Lothian’s new helipad at New Sick Kids

NHS Lothian and the HELP Appeal are today (12 April) celebrating an important milestone as the new helipad located at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (RHCYP/DCN) officially opens.

The helipad, located above the fourth floor of the RHCYP/DCN will serve both the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the RHCYP/DCN giving direct access to child and adult emergency departments, as well as all other clinical departments based on site.

Hospital helipads play a critical role in trauma care by helping to minimise the time it takes to transfer critically ill patients. Without them, patient treatment can be delayed, which can have a devastating impact on survival rates.

Dr Jon McCormack, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Major Trauma, NHS Lothian explained that having access to a helipad plays an important role in optimising patient flow pathways for both planned and emergency transfers.

He said, “The helipad will provide access to hospital services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with three trained helideck responders being available to ensure safe landing and departure. This will help to enhance patient care by facilitating a seamless transition of patients from the air ambulance to in-patient services.”

The helipad was part funded through the HELP Appeal, which aims to ensure that patients who sustain life threatening critical injuries or illnesses are able to be flown directly by air ambulance to a Major Trauma Centre or key A&E hospital, where all the specialist clinical skills and medical equipment are immediately available, improving their chances of survival and recovery.

The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the country funding hospital helipads.

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal said, “The amazing RHCYP, DCN and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh treat some of the most seriously ill in Scotland. This lifesaving helipad will dramatically speed up the time it takes to transfer these patients from helicopter to hospital anytime of the day or night, giving them the best chance of survival and recovery.

“We had no hesitation in providing the £700,000 needed to ensure the hospitals had a state-of-the-art helipad – a crucial element in their emergency care offering – as it will save many lives.

“With brand new helipads opening in Applecross and Campbeltown, and the helipad opening in Edinburgh today, we are so pleased that the HELP Appeal is making a positive impact in emergency care across Scotland. We look forward to helping many more hospitals secure helipads in the future.”

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the HELP Appeal in part-funding our new helipad.

“It really will make a positive difference to our patients and will no doubt save many lives not just here in Lothian, but across Scotland.”

NHS Lothian: Covid appointments

NHS Scotland will contact you about your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination (jab, injection) appointment when it’s your turn.

We urge you to please make every effort to attend the appointment you have been allocated. This allows NHS Scotland to continue to vaccinate everyone as quickly as possible.  

Getting to your vaccination appointment is classed as an essential journey. This means you can:

  • travel by public transport
  • share a car with someone not from your household
  • travel outwith your local authority area

You are advised to follow the standard guidance to protect yourself and others – wear a mask, keep a couple of windows slightly ajar to allow fresh air to circulate and sanitise your hands before and after the journey.

However, if you are still unable to attend or cannot get to the venue, you can rearrange your appointment. Every effort will be made to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible however it is important to understand that this is likely to mean you may have to wait longer for your appointment. 

At the moment, vaccine supply is limited which in turn restricts our ability to reschedule appointments for people who wish to change the time or location of their appointments.

Call handlers on the national booking line and on NHS Lothian’s local helpline will do all they can to help you. Please be patient and treat them with respect.

There are cases when rearranging appointments is essential. You should rearrange your appointment if you:

  • are feeling unwell with symptoms of coronavirus
  • have recently tested positive for coronavirus
  • have been told by NHS Test and Protect that you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
  • live with someone who has recently tested positive for coronavirus
  • live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus

If you have recently tested positive for coronavirus, even if you have no symptoms, you should wait until 4 weeks after the date you were tested to get the vaccine.

National Covid Vaccination Helpline   – 0800 030 8013
NHS Lothian Covid Vaccination Helpline    – 0300 790 6296

NHS Lothian going greener

NHS Lothian is the first health board in Scotland to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the biodiversity of the green spaces in its estate. The move is part of an ambitious plan to reduce the health board’s overall carbon footprint and to use its green spaces to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.

Working with partners Greenspace Scotland, in a project funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, NHS Lothian commissioned research consultants Natural Capital Solutions to conduct a Biodiversity Audit and Climate Change Assessment.

This Audit will help NHS Lothian realise the full potential of its estate, not only as an environmental asset but also as an amenity offering heath benefits to the community.  

This work also provides NHS Lothian with a means of identifying how best to manage its green spaces to meet its ambitious sustainability goals and commitments.

Dr Jane Hopton, Programme Director and Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “Climate change affects not only our environment but also the health of our patients and communities. 

“Our green spaces make an important contribution to improving air quality, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air which in turn is better for our health. 

“Making the most of our green spaces is not simply  a ‘nice thing to do’, it is an important part of our sustainability plan and sits alongside other priorities such as  reducing emissions associated with medical gases, transport and travel, reducing waste and improving our energy-use.”

With 81 hectares of green space across 94 sites, NHS Lothian’s estate provides habitats for diverse species. The plants, trees, hedges and scrub that are grown on these green spaces capture carbon from the atmosphere, offsetting human emissions and cleaning the air of pollution from nearby roads and car parks.

The green landscape can also be used for nature-based health interventions such as gardening and walking activities, helping to improve the lives of NHS patients and staff.

Dr Hopton added: “There is growing evidence of the positive impact of green spaces and natural environments on our health.

“Research from the World Health Organisation and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence shows contact with nature and access to greenspace is particularly good for our mental health and wellbeing.

“This Biodiversity Audit provides a great opportunity to explore ways to unlock these benefits for more people.”

Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager at Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, said: “Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation was delighted to work together with NHS Lothian, Natural Capital Solutions and Greenspace Scotland on this Biodiversity Audit.

“The importance of biodiversity and natural capital in delivering health benefits is at the core of the Foundation’s Green Health Strategy.

“As a result of the pandemic, there has been a re-appreciation of outdoor space and the value it brings, and this report helps recognise how NHS Lothian’s estate can support a green recovery.”

Alison Holt, Director of Natural Capital Solutions, said: “This project has delivered the tools to predict how changes to the greenspaces and built environment of the NHS Lothian estate, impacts on its ability to reduce carbon emissions, clean the air and improve physical and mental health.

“A strategy on how to increase the provision of these important public benefits across the estate can now be created. The NHS Lothian has set a precedent for other health boards in Scotland, and beyond.”

New website launched to help people with mental health

People living in Lothian can now access a new website dedicated to helping them manage their own wellbeing and mental health and get information on available support and services.

The Wellbeing Lothian website (wellbeinglothian.scot) has been designed by an expert team of NHS Lothian psychologists and practitioners. It aims to help people navigate the range of online self-help advice by providing a hub of trusted information and resources, which are known to be effective.

Dr Belinda Hacking, Director of Psychology NHS Lothian and Consultant Clinical Psychologist explained: “The pandemic has been a source of worry and anxiety for most people. During these difficult times it’s vital that we take positive steps to look after ourselves. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and managing our wellbeing is a really good place to start.”

The website hosts a wide range of self-help resources on topics from managing weight and sleep to dealing with stress and anxiety. It also offers information on how to access online courses such as computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for those who are interested in learning more about these techniques.  All the resources are free.

Dr. Donna Gilroy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian who coordinated the development of the website said: “We know people use different things at different times to improve their mental health. That’s why we’ve created a resource people can access when they need and where they feel comfortable.

“You can search the website for support on different things, such as improving your mood or coping after a break-up and find out more about normal reactions to these situations, which can help to reassure people. You can also choose whether you want to learn, assess, manage or get support about an issue or condition.”

Wellbeing Lothian was designed with support from Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnerships.  It includes a section with links to relevant services and organisations in each regional area and beyond.

Dr Belinda Hacking added: “It was important we designed a credible website based on what we know works well. That’s why you’ll find bite size video and audio clips from health professionals and service users, as well as easy read guides and tutorials.

“We hope it will be a valuable resource for people, particularly during lockdown, and we encourage everyone to explore it.”

Scottish Conservative Edinburgh Southern candidate, Miles Briggs, said: “Wellbeing Lothian is an excellent initiative to provide practical mental health tools for people who are struggling.

“The past year has been incredibly tough, with the stress and uncertainty of Covid-19 being bad for many people’s mental health.

“This website is not a solution for the mental health challenges we are facing in Scotland, but part of the solution, providing access to resources for supporting people to maintain good mental health.”

Anyone can access the website online at wellbeinglothian.scot.

The resources will be reviewed regularly and updated to address people’s feedback and needs.

Giant Octopus surfaces at Sick Kids!

 
A giant octopus has taken up residence at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, leaving bosses bamboozled as to where it has come from and why it is here.

The super-sized squid, known by the children at the hospital as “Olly”, is showing no sign of relocating and therefore staff, children and families have decided the only solution is to move themselves.

Fortunately, the brand new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) at Little France is soon ready to open, providing a spotless, octopus-free home for children and families from Edinburgh and beyond.

Fiona Mitchell, Service Director, Women’s and Children’s Services, NHS Lothian said: “We don’t know where Olly came from but he’s extremely friendly and certainly seems to have made himself at home here at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

“We suspect he sensed just how much love, care and memories this building holds, got all warm and cosy and couldn’t bring himself to leave.

“Unfortunately, with eight legs to navigate around, he takes up a quite a lot of space. Luckily for us, we have the new state-of-the-art hospital just down the road at Little France, so we’re getting ready to move there instead.”

Chloe (11), a regular visitor to the hospital, said: “It’s been really lovely to have Olly’s company while staying at the Sick Kids, but I’ve heard the new hospital has a flying dragon, a bagpipe playing dog and a snoring giant, so I’m very excited to meet them. I can’t wait!”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), said: “Olly has obviously heard about the tremendous care that the hospital provides and all the fun and distraction provided by our charity. 

“However, we will soon have to bid him farewell as the time comes for us to move to our new home at the RHCYP. No child or young person wants to be in hospital, but for those who have to visit the new building, NHS Lothian and ECHC will be there to care for and support them to make their time there as positive as possible.

“For now, we’ll be leaving the wonderful Sick Kids hospital in Olly’s eight capable hands.” 
 
ECHC has partnered with NHS Lothian to install the inflatable octopus at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children to create excitement about the move to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and to reassure children, young people and families that this is a positive step for the city. 

The inflatable tentacles will appear from different windows of the hospital from Friday 19 March to Monday 22 March. It is hoped the extraordinary sight will bring laughter to children and young people preparing to be transferred and ease any anxieties. 

The new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will fully open on Tuesday (23 March). 

From this date, the remaining Children’s services presently located at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes, including A&E, will move to the stunning and world-class Royal Hospital for Children and Young People located next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France. 

From 8am on Tuesday 23 March, all patients and any child or young person requiring access to A&E, must go to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People at Little France. 

Blue do: Tory MSP slams NHS Lothian vaccination letters breakdown

NHS LOTHIAN: ‘THIS SHOULD BE RESOLVED VERY QUICKLY’

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has said that an urgent investigation is needed into the breakdown in communication between the Scottish Government and people in the Edinburgh and the Lothians expecting their first vaccination letters.

The target to have everyone over 50 in Scotland vaccinated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine by mid-April, is expected to be met. Lothian residents are however being told they won’t get their first vaccination until May.

Additionally some residents aged 60 and over are phoning the Covid-19 vaccine helpline, to be told their vaccination is due next week, but they haven’t received a letter.  

Yesterday (Thursday 11th March) the Lothian MSP raised the issue of vaccination letters with the First Minister:

‘I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are becoming increasingly concerned about the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Edinburgh and about the inconsistencies relating to people in different age groups being called to be vaccinated.

‘I have raised those concerns with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport. I appreciate that there will be some overlap within age groups, but there seems to be confusion about when those in the 60 to 65-year-old age group will receive their vaccination in Edinburgh.

‘I am sure that the First Minister agrees that it would be unacceptable for NHS Lothian residents to be behind those in other health board areas. What additional resources will NHS Lothian receive? Will she investigate the situation? Why is the Scottish Government not publishing age-specific vaccination uptake figures for health boards?

There has also been a delay to people hearing back from the online system where people submit a vaccination form if they think they should have had a vaccination appointment letter, due to the “high volume of enquiries”.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “It is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to distribute vaccination appointment letters to everyone in Scotland.

“This week something has obviously gone very wrong with people not receiving their letter, or being told their appointment is not until May.

“An urgent investigation is needed to give people clarity on when their appointment will be and they are not being forgotten about.

“The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination is too important to get wrong and we all want it to happen as quickly as possible so that restrictions can be lifted safely.

“SNP Ministers have to date refused to provide a breakdown of the numbers of people in age groups in each Health Board who have received the vaccination. It would be totally unacceptable for people in Lothian to be at the end of the queue.

“I would encourage people aged between 60-65, due for COVID-19 vaccine, who live in NHS Lothian and who have not received an appointment letter then phone 0800 030 8013.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman insisted there are no ‘systemic problems’ when she led the daily media briefing this afternoon.

NHS Lothian finally clarified the situation this evening:

.’We are vaccinating the “priority groups” of patients as fast as the vaccine supply allows. We are currently vaccinating group 6 and next week (week commencing March 15) will extend into group 7, which is patients aged 60 years and over.

‘Appointment letters are being distributed by a central system to patients across Scotland. We understand there has been a delay in sending out some appointment letters this week (March 12).

‘This should be resolved very quickly and the letters are expected to arrive by this weekend. However, if you are over 60 and have not received an appointment letter by Monday (March 15), please call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.’

Briggs: NHS Lothian has longest outpatient waiting times in Scotland

Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said: “Every health board in Scotland has been significantly impacted by Covid-19, but none more than NHS Lothian.

“Consecutive years of chronic underfunding for NHS Lothian by SNP Ministers has meant that the health boards was the least prepared for Covid-19, with lengthening waiting times pre Covid-19.

“A recovery plan to restore performance targets will be important across Scotland, but especially for NHS Lothian and the formula for funding health boards needs urgently reviewed.

“It is time for NHS Lothian to receive their fair share of funding, so that patients in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s don’t have to suffer exceptionally long waiting times for treatments.”

https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/healthcare-resources/waiting-times/nhs-waiting-times-stage-of-treatment/