Tag: NHS Lothian

Whitburn woman’s husband’s tragic death saves four lives

Sudden loss, lasting legacy: Whitburn woman urges Scots to discuss organ donation

Louise Johnstone (46) from West Lothian is calling on Scots to register their decision on organ and tissue donation following the sudden death of her husband.

Loving grandpa and postman, Jed Johnstone (53), was treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 2023 after suffering from a brain aneurysm and subsequent stroke but tragically passed away.

Speaking out for Organ and Tissue Donation Week, Louise said:“My husband Jed was full of fun – he was an amazing person. We’d met later in life and married just over a year before he died and we’d been looking forward to our future together.”

When medics confirmed Jed wouldn’t be able to recover, specialist nurses informed Louise that Jed had registered as an organ donor and supported her as transplant teams identified four patients in urgent need of a transplant.  

Louise said: “We’d talked about life after death so I knew that organ donation was what he wanted and I respected his wishes.

“I was asked if I wanted to turn the machine off to let his heart stop. I couldn’t do it because I knew that then there was a chance that it couldn’t be used and what a waste of a good heart because Jed had the most beautiful heart.

“He’s left a hero’s legacy – Jed’s wishes provided four other families with a chance at life. For me, that is something really special. Two years later, I’ve got this amazing feeling that Jed’s heart is living on.”

A short video of Louise’s story is available to download at: https://vimeo.com/1119753689/1b19e60b3f

People in Scotland aged 16 or over have the choice to be an organ and tissue donor, or to opt out. If you do nothing, it is assumed you agree to be a donor if you die in circumstances where donation is possible.

In Lothian, over 610,000 people have registered their decision already, which is 67.4% of the population.

Louise is urging others to register their decision on organ donation and make their wishes known to friends and family.

Professor John Casey, Clinical Director and Transplant Surgeon at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian said: “Jed’s decision to join the Organ Donor Register is a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have, and how important it is to discuss organ donation with loved ones.

“Although we have an opt-out policy, it is still important for individuals to make their wishes clear and have those conversations with their families.”

For details about organ donation and to register your decision, visit:

organdonationscotland.org.

NHS 24: Right Care, Right Place

🤔Confused about where to go when you or a loved one needs medical help?

It can be tricky to know where to get advice when you are ill or in pain, and choosing the wrong service can mean longer waits, more stress, and extra pressure on OUR NHS.

✅ Our #RightCareRightPlace guide can help you make the right choice, quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

📲 Share our #RightCareRightPlace guide with your friends, family, and community.

NHS Lothian: Right Care, right place

If you suddenly need urgent medical care, please contact NHS 24 on 111

If it’s a critical emergency, always call 999.

#RightCareRightPlace

🤔

Confused about where to go when you or a loved one needs medical help?

It can be tricky to know where to get advice when you are ill or in pain, and choosing the wrong service can mean longer waits, more stress, and extra pressure on our NHS.

✅

 Our #RightCareRightPlace guide can help you make the right choice, quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

📲

 Share our #RightCareRightPlace guide with your friends, family, and community.

Unacceptable Lothian gynaecology waits show women’s health being ignored, says local MP

 Tracy Gilbert MP has condemned the SNP Government over damning figures showing years long waits for vital gynaecological treatment, with NHS Lothian among the health boards  failing women across Scotland. 

New data obtained by Scottish Labour reveals that, despite repeated promises to prioritise  women’s health, the average wait for inpatient gynaecology treatment in NHS Lothian has  barely improved, in fact, it has fallen by just 12% since 2019/20, even as demand has  surged. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This data shows a staggering failure of leadership from the SNP. Women in Lothian are  being forced to wait far too long for care, often in pain, often in silence, while the  Government spins promises that never materialise. A 12% decrease over five years is not  progress: it’s complacency. Women deserve better.  

“They deserve a health system that works for them, not against them. Scottish Labour will  tackle waiting times head-on, because women’s health can’t wait.”

Lothian parents urged to check children are vaccinated as measles cases rise

NHS Lothian is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise in Scotland and the UK.

The health board has set up summer vaccination clinics in Edinburgh and across the Lothians to ensure children are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

Scotland recorded more cases of measles in the first five months of 2025 than were recorded in the whole of 2024. As of 9 July 2025, there were 27 laboratory-confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease. A significant rise compared to 2023, when there was only one case of measles in Scotland reported.

Public Health Scotland recommends that all young people get the MMR vaccine for protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These are highly infectious diseases that spread easily through coughs and sneezes and can be serious.

Young people should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for full, long-lasting protection. In Scotland, the first dose is offered between the age of 12 and 13 months, with the second dose offered before starting primary school. Children who have not received both doses may still be at risk.

Clinics will be held throughout Lothian. To book an appointment at one of the clinics, phone the NHS Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. First dose appointments will be available in July and August.

Ashley Goodfellow, Deputy Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, which is spread through coughs and sneezes. As cases increase across Scotland, we strongly urge people to check their children are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

“Extra clinics have been set up this summer to offer the vaccine to those who are not fully protected. The vaccines are free and are highly effective in fighting off the virus. Having two doses is the best way to avoid serious medical complications.”

If a parent is contacted to book an MMR appointment for their child but they have already had both doses, please contact 0300 790 6296 to update their medical records.

Visit the NHS Inform website for more information about the MMR vaccine: 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/mmr-vaccine/

mmr-leaflet-march2024-englishDownload

Scran Academy launches new youth-led café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People

North Edinburgh-based social enterprise Scran Academy has announced the official opening of its exciting new youth empowerment café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) – the New Sick Kids.  

Scran Academy is an Edinburgh youth work social enterprise on a mission to help young people realise their full potential in learning, work and life. Set within the Edinburgh children’s hospital, the new Scran Café is a key milestone in its drive to open doors for young people in the region.  

Building on four successful years running a popular café at NHS Lothian’s Comely Bank site, Scran Academy’s new café at RHCYP will provide employment and support for dozens of young people across Lothian, giving them opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and grow in confidence within a supportive work environment.

Initially employing six young people, the site will also provide a platform for hundreds of work placements and paid jobs. 

The RHCYP offers world-class healthcare facilities for children and adults both locally and nationally with 600,000 staff, patients and visitors coming through its doors every year. 

The bright youth-led space at Scran Café has been thoughtfully designed to offer a calm and comforting environment for both patients and their families navigating a hospital stay as well as staff taking a break from a busy shift. 

Commenting on the opening, Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy said: “Getting the keys to our Scran Café at the RHCYP is such huge step for us! We’ve got big plans to make this a brilliant, buzzing youth-led hub that brings young people’s voices and choices to life. 

“Over the next 3 years our café at the RHCYP will provide work and training for over two hundred young staff and volunteers. Every one of these young people will access the opportunities, relationships and experiences needed to help them build their own futures.  

 “We’ve demonstrated our model through our partnership with NHS Lothian in the Comely Bank Centre, where we see dozens of young people step out of their café experiences proud, capable and ready for what’s next. Now we are ready to step it up a gear – and we are so excited to be doing it at the RHCYP, one of the most important places in our city.” 

Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director for Women’s and Children’s at NHS Lothian said: ”We are thrilled to be welcoming Scran Café to RHCYP this summer. For our hard-working teams, patients and families alike, the new café will offer a bright and welcoming space to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the hospital.  

“NHS Lothian is proud to be an Anchor Institution. Our mission to deliver world class health and social care is complemented by our desire to make our buildings and service delivery work in ways that support community wealth building and stable, secure employment.

“Building on our partnership with Scran Academy’s successful café at our Comely Bank site, we look forward to working together to increase access to fair work opportunities for young people in the region.” 

Councillor Jane Meagher said “What makes Scran and this cafe unique, is that they really live the principle that every young person has the potential, and the power, to thrive when given the right support. The young staff team here today are shaping their own futures. 

“This is exactly the kind of innovative model we want to champion in Edinburgh, where employability goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing, and where young people are supported not just to work, but to feel happy, valued and confident while doing so. 

“I am especially proud to know that Scran is fully integrated into the Council’s Accredited Pathways Framework for Schools, which means they are a key delivery partner in offering meaningful learning routes that equips young people right across Edinburgh with real-life experience, accredited training, and a strong sense of purpose.”