Tag: NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian nurses praised for exceptional care of Scottish Rugby international player

Match ball ‘honour’ for RIE nurses

A team of nurses from NHS Lothian has been praised for the exceptional care and support provided to Scottish Rugby international, Emma Wassell, during her health challenges earlier this season.

In recognition of the high-class care Emma received, five nurses from the cardiothoracic ward at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were invited to deliver the match ball at Scotland’s victorious Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.

Speaking of their experience, Eilidh Wynne, Senior Charge Nurse said: “It was such an honour for us to be asked to present the match ball – we got a big cheer from the crowd and felt like superstars. We were pitch side for the national anthem and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It really was such a special moment and it’s one we’ll remember forever.

“The whole team in ward 102 works incredibly hard and this is a reminder that we should all feel immensely proud of the work we’re doing day in day out.

“It’s always nice to see patients getting back to their norm and it was fantastic to see Emma looking so well – that’s really what makes the job worthwhile.”

The team presented the match ball and were treated to hospitality at the event at Hive Stadium Edinburgh, which drew over 6000 spectators (the second largest crowd in the team’s history).

Emma Wassell, who is on the road to recovery after emergency surgery to remove a chest tumour, said: “It was really special to have some of the nurses that looked after me at our last home game of the Guinness Six Nations. A real full circle moment where they could get recognised for what they do when they are a big part of the reason that I can get back to what I do.

“I have nothing but gratitude for the care I received by all NHS staff while going through some personally tough circumstances – they really are there for you morning, noon and night. Whether it’s providing your medication, taking your blood samples, bringing you a coffee or simply allowing a constant stream of rugby players in to sit by my bedside!

“They made my time in hospital a whole lot easier and I am so glad we could give them some recognition, in what turned out to be a very special game!

“I have spoken a lot about my rugby family and one of the first nurses to introduce themselves to me was Kirsty Stewart – who was none other than one of my teammates, Alex’s mum.

“This was a huge level of comfort for me, and even though rugby wasn’t my main priority when I was in hospital, it was so nice to have someone that could truly understand how I was feeling around missing it.”

Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group

Eligible? Get your Covid vacccination

Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

Protection against COVID-19 reduces over time, so it’s important to get vaccinated when offered.

For more information, visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine #SpringTopUp

Eligible? Get Vaccinated!

Evidence shows that the vaccine can help prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death in older adults and those with a weakened immune system.

If you’re eligible, it’s important to take up the offer of an additional dose.

Visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine for more information.

NHS Lothian Staff Recognised as Finalists in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.

Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.

Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.

Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.

The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.

Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland.

Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.

“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”

Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025.

Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards

Parent Club: Exam support

Got a teen who is prepping for exams?

It can be a challenging time! Especially if they are sitting them for the first time.

For tips on helping them cope with the challenges of exam time, check out the Parent Club website, here – http://parentclub.scot/articles/how-cope-exam-stress

NHS Lothian receptionist Cathie retires at 90 after 58 years of service

A treasured receptionist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) will retire this week – at the remarkable age of 90!

Cathie Lackie will move on to her next chapter after nearly six decades of dedicated service to NHS Lothian.

She began working at the old Sick Kids hospital in 1966, where one of her duties was operating the switchboard, manually connecting calls by plugging cords into the right socket for the caller to be put through to the correct department.

Cathie initially retired 30 years ago when mandatory retirement rules were in place. However, her expertise and dedication were so valued that she was quickly asked to return – and she’s been a fixture at the hospital ever since for the last 58 years.

Cathie said: “When I first started and was on the switchboard, it was very different to how it is here now. I’m definitely going to miss the company and all the chats.

“I used to get to know the doctors quite well – that’s been one of the best things about working here, to see them progress from junior doctors all the way to consultants – then they retire, and I see their children become doctors.”

Allister Short, Service Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, NHS Lothian, said Cathie’s warmth and professionalism made her a familiar and comforting presence for staff, patients, and families alike throughout her service.

“Cathie is an institution for us here at the RHCYP. When you walked through the front door, especially at the old site, Cathie was always there with a warm smile.

“For children who were regular visitors, seeing her familiar face made a huge difference. Hospitals can be intimidating places, but Cathie’s welcome brought comfort to so many families.

“When you have that many years of experience you almost become part of the furniture. Even though we’ve moved buildings, Cathie became the reception at the RHCYP. We’re all going to miss that and there will always be a special space for Cathie in our hearts.”

Staff who have been touched by her kindness over the years came together recently for a farewell event to celebrate Cathie’s incredible achievements at the RHCYP.

They shared memories and wished Cathie well in her new adventures.

Cathie intends to swap her reception desk and phone for her garden and spending time with her family, including daughter Susan Burns.

Susan said: “Working at the Children’s Hospital has been such a huge part of Mum’s life.

“When we were younger, Mum and Dad shared childcare—when Mum was working, Dad would watch us, and vice versa. Later, when we had our own families, Mum would care for the grandchildren during the day, then head off to work in the evening.

“Her work family was so important to her. Even when she was meant to retire at 60 and reduce her hours, we quickly realised she was going in seven days a week!”

Lothian MSP secures timetable confirmation for new Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack has secured confirmation over the timetable for the new eye pavilion.

Deputy Chief Exec of NHS Lothian, Jim Crosbie revealed that the new eye pavilion would be delivered in 6 years during a roundtable hosted by Ms Boyack.

Ms Boyack secured the meeting following her open letter to Scottish Health Secretary, Neil Gray on the lack of clarity over the new hospital’s progress.

The roundtable was attended by MSPs from across Edinburgh and the Lothians as well as stakeholders from sight loss organisations and patient groups.

NHS Lothian promised to continue to keep MSPs and stakeholders updated about progress and the health board also committed to proper consultation with the sight loss community.

The current Eye Pavilion has been shut since last year since asbestos was discovered in the building. This has caused major disruption for those in the sight loss community who rely on the hospital.

An organisation of patients supporting a new hospital, KEEP, were present at the roundtable and highlighted some of the difficulties for patients trying to access basic facilities since the closure of the current pavilion.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Boyack said: “I am glad to finally have some clarity of when Edinburgh will finally see a new eye hospital.

“However, I can’t shake the feeling that this facility is way overdue.

“The current facility has not been fit for purpose since 2014, on the current timetable patients will be waiting another 6 before getting the standard of services they deserve.

“I will continue to hold the Scottish Government’s feet to the fire over this until the Eye Pavilion has been delivered.”

Charter award for NHS Lothian’s Bereavement Service

The NHS Lothian Bereavement Service has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).

The service works to improve the experience and support available for patients, families and staff after a bereavement by being a single point of contact for any bereavement related issues. 

They are here to compliment the support routinely given by hospital staff, which can be anything from what happens next, enquiries about the policy, providing training or looking to see what emotional support is available. 

This accreditation is a testament to our organisation’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, human rights-based bereavement care and support. It highlights the team’s dedication to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.

The recognition comes in light of the exceptional person-centred care, education, and support that the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service consistently delivers. Effective, equitable, and compassionate bereavement care has always been at the heart of their service provision, and the Charter Mark is a well-deserved acknowledgment of these efforts.

One of the key initiatives that contributed to this achievement was the team’s focus on better support for NHS Lothian staff who have experienced bereavement.

This comprehensive project included conducting a staff survey, collaborating closely with Line Managers, and developing valuable resources and training programs. These efforts will help to ensure that staff members receive the support they need when they return to work and beyond after experiencing the loss of a loved one.

The Charter accreditation holds significant meaning for the team, reflecting their dedication and hard work. Looking ahead, the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service is now focused on the next steps: supporting other teams, wards, and departments within NHS Lothian to work towards achieving the Charter Mark.

This initiative aims to empower the wider workforce to practice excellent bereavement care across Lothian, further enhancing the organisation’s commitment to compassionate care.

Congratulations to NHS Lothian Bereavement Service on this outstanding achievement. Their dedication to providing high-quality bereavement care and support is truly inspiring and sets a benchmark for others to follow.