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Tea at three Winter’s coming Staff awards 2018
Patient feedback prompts Preparation for our busiest Nominations are open for
us to put the kettle on... (p8) season starts now (p16-17) our awards scheme. Let’s
hear it for our great staff (p20)
thepulse
November/December 2017
www.thepulse.scot.nhs.uk
CUTTING EDGE -
REACT NOW IN PLACE...
Smoother patient transition brings benefits (p13)
02 STAFF NEWS 03
thepulse BRINGING THE
Attendees at the Modernising
Outpatient launch event.
Excellence
Contents takes hard work
Changing delivery model 2 COMMUNITY NHS Lanarkshire has set out plans to turn its
TO THE CENTRE
healthcare strategy “Achieving Excellence” into
Dementia conference 4-5 reality.
Food & fluids 8-9 A number of key milestones have already been
achieved including: approval of the Initial
Monklands at 40 13 Agreement for Monklands Replacement/
Winter plan 16-17 Work to deliver a major shift of community healthcare Refurbishment Project; business Case approval
in the way outpatient care professionals with close links for LIMS and HEPMA IT systems; key capital
Retirals 19 is delivered is taking place to hospital departments. The projects including - Theatres ITU at MDGH, Same
Spotlight 20 across NHS Lanarkshire. NHS in Scotland will also take Day Surgery, Rapid Assessment at Monklands
The work is part of the action to reduce the number Emergency Department, Neonatal unit at Wishaw
national strategy ‘The Modern of unnecessary referrals. General, and Ophthalmology at Hairmyres; and
As part of this work, an consolidation of acute adult psychiatry at Wishaw
Outpatient: A Collaborative
‘advice-only’ referral option General.
16 WINTER PLANNING
Free flu vaccine
17
Approach 2017-2020’ in
The Acute Planned Care Short Life Working
Craig Cunningham:
was introduced in neurology
We have a well-
now available for all
GETTING ON TOP
developed approach
response to rising demand
which we improve
upon every year.
OF WINTER NOW
Many partners involved in plan to tackle seasonal challenges
Bad weather, colds, flu and norovirus
are just some of things we can all look
forward to in winter.
without having to go to their GP.
“We will also be focusing on making
sure people are redirected from our “This year we are running It only takes a minute and could prevent you, your family or patients, and aims to free up hospital services – meaning GPs Group (SLWG) is progressing five key work stream
priorities: Orthopaedics Phase 2; General Surgery
from suffering flu misery
can request advice for
And our GP surgeries and A&Es all get
busier over the winter months.
emergency departments (EDs) if there
are more appropriate places to be
a media campaign to Staff across NHS Lanarkshire are being urged to take up
highlight all the services
outpatient appointments by
But NHS Lanarkshire’s winter plan treated. For example, if you have had the offer of the annual free flu vaccine.
means patients continue to receive the an illness or condition for more than
high-quality care they need - when three days – or you have already seen we provide in the The call to action is being made to ensure that all
healthcare workers and their families, colleagues and
your GP you will be redirected back
they need it.
Head of commissioning and
to either NHS 24 or your GP practice. community” patients are safe from the harmful impact of flu.
Staff in hospitals, GP practices, pharmacies, dental
Often there is a more appropriate
performance for South Lanarkshire surgeries and other NHS Lanarkshire sites are
community health expert to manage
Health & Social Care Partnership, encouraged to get the vaccine annually as it provides
and Gastroenterology; Systemic Anti-Cancer
non emergency issues.
their patients from hospital
Craig Cunningham, who is NHS the best defence against flu.
Lanarkshire’s winter planning lead, “This ensures we have the capacity
All staff are eligible for the jab and it’s particularly
within our hospitals to deal with the
2020.
said: “We have a well-developed important for patient-facing colleagues to get
approach to winter planning in very sick and frail patients who need vaccinated, as they could pass the flu virus on to
Lanarkshire, which we improve every emergency care.” their patients and family even if they have very mild
year with innovative approaches to The winter plan has been developed symptoms.
ensure we can provide a rapid and with partners including North and Kay Japp, Principal Occupational Health Advisor, said:
effective response during the periods of South Lanarkshire councils, Scottish “The flu vaccine only takes a few minutes to receive but
greatest pressure.” Ambulance Service and NHS 24 to it will protect you for around 12 months and reduce the
Therapy (SACT); and Modernising Outpatients.
ensure we are all working together to
clinicians rather than
The winter plan involves all parts of potential spread of the virus to vulnerable patients.
NHS Lanarkshire and the health and keep the people of Lanarkshire healthy
“It is important to get vaccinated each year as the flu
social care partnerships, including and safe this winter.
virus can change. It is best to get the vaccine as early as
GP surgeries, the primary care out- This includes a transport hub which possible.
of-hours service, pharmacies, acute will be used to help patients get home “I encourage all NHS Lanarkshire staff to take up the offer
Graham Simpson, access
hospitals and staff partnership. following discharge from hospital of the free flu vaccine and play their part in ensuring
Craig added: “This year we are running and contingency plans for adverse Lanarkshire’s healthcare system remains healthy over
a media campaign to highlight all the weather to make sure patients who the busy winter flu season.”
services we provide in the community need to come to hospital, such as renal
Visit FirstPort for the full vaccination schedule, giving
which patients can access directly patients, are able to get there.
having to refer the patient
information on clinics, locations, dates and times.
Dealing with norovirus at home
If you have norovirus, here’s how to ease
your symptoms:
• stay away from work/school until
you have been free of symptoms for 48
Many teams have a part to play
Did you know there is a whole team of
healthcare experts near you who can offer
help, advice and treatment without needing
for advice and if they think you need to see a
physiotherapist they will refer you directly.
Keep it to yourself!
As the weather gets colder and viruses, like colds, flu and
norovirus become more common, there’s an easy way to
stop them spreading.
planning and performance The Building Community Capacity SLWG’s aim
to hospital for an
And don’t forget the best expert of all – you!
• drink plenty of water to avoid hours. to go to your GP first? Emer Shepherd, NHS Lanarkshire’s head of infection,
A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help
dehydration. Extra care should be taken to prevent prevention and control, is reminding people that frequent
is to focus on prevention and community-based
On the high street, your local pharmacy you through those common winter bugs
• take paracetamol for any fever, babies and small children from can offer advice on common illnesses - as and colds without the need for a lengthy hand washing and disposing of used tissues can be the
aches or pains. dehydrating by giving them plenty of well as your medicines. And your local stint in a waiting room. most effective way to prevent passing viruses on to family,
fluids. optometrist should be your first port of call friends and colleagues.
service manager, leads the
• eat foods that are easy to digest. For more advice on what services can
for eye problems such as red eye. help you this winter, as well as what you Emer said: “The best method is prevention and something
• don’t go to the doctor - norovirus is Don’t worry if you are pregnant and you
Dentists should be contacted both in hours should always have at home, go the as simple as washing your hands can go a long way in
contagious and there is nothing the get norovirus: there is no risk to your
and out-of-hours for dental emergencies. NHS Lanarkshire website http://www. preventing the spread of infections, particularly after
doctor can do for you while you have it. unborn child. visiting the toilet and before eating.”
And if you are experiencing any muscle or nhslanarkshire.org.uk/Services/Know-
appointment.
joint pain you can contact the MSK helpline Who-To-Turn-To/Pages/default.aspx
Modernising Outpatients interventions to support a shift in activity from
10 NHS NEWS
Face time: connecting people and
New HR system coming
A new HR system is scheduled for implementation in early 2018.
11
programme for NHS Heather Knox, director of hospital to community. Key priorities are: Primary
VIRTUAL SING-ALONGS
Care Transformation; Integrated Locality Teams;
bringing back a sense of community, all The Electronic Employee Support System (eESS) has been
acute services, said: “There
from the comfort of your armchair. developed on behalf of the Scottish Health Service and will be
adopted by all health boards in Scotland.
Earlier implementation was delayed in NHS Lanarkshire due to
LEAD TO IMPROVED
Lanarkshire.
some technical issues with the system.
These have now been rectified and the system has already been
introduced by several other health boards.
WELLBEING
Once functional in Lanarkshire, it will replace the existing HR
Empower system.
are a number of areas where Review of Community Hospitals; Unscheduled
Kenny Small, HR director, said: “eESS is expected to provide
numerous benefits to the organisation and staff alike by
electronically streamlining all current ‘Notification of Change’
New technology revives old pastimes processes and procedures and improve efficiency by eliminating
the need for paper documentation.
People in their golden years are “The widespread availability of TVs has “Staff will also have access to a self-service training facility which
Graham said: “Our outpatient
revelling in the magic of the silver often been blamed over the years for will allow them to view training opportunities and apply for them.
screen - as it forges vibrant, virtual the loss of that golden age. A note of any training request will then go automatically to the
communities across Lanarkshire. respective line manager for authorisation.
Care/Delayed Discharges and Palliative Care.
“But that all seems to have come full
clinical teams that are doing
The latest video conferencing circle - it’s the screen that’s bringing “The new system will also have benefits for managers as they will
technology is being used as part of an folk back together again. It’s just be able to view and monitor their staffs’ training requirements at
initiative at some local authority and magnificent!” a glance. This will enable them to make arrangements to plug any
independent sector care homes. Now Morag Hearty, NHS Lanarkshire’s training gaps.”
residents can link in with each other telehealth manager, explained: “The All the information provided will be held securely and meets
for online get-togethers, ranging from initiative is at its early stages but the organisational standards in relation to the Data Protection
services must continually
sing-alongs to group exercise. the results we’re seeing now bode Scotland Act.
The work is paving the way for virtual extremely well. All staff will be provided with electronic training on how to use
clinical consultations and support “As well as aiding staff training and the new eESS system and details on how to access the training
some excellent work at the
between residents and services like inter-home communications, one of resources and go-live dates will be circulated in due course.
dietetics, pharmacy, out-of-hours and the wider aims is to establish the links For further information visit the dedicated eESS page on FirsPort
Mental Health SLWG’s progress includes the
community mental health teams. between homes and clinical supports. at: http://firstport2/staff-support/electronic-employee-
Yet for most, who grew up without From some of the work we’ve carried support-system/default.aspx
television, the cutting-edge out so far, as with other established
developments are bringing a sense of areas of telehealth, we know benefits IMPORTANT:
evolve to meet the increasing
togetherness and fun into their lives – include ease of accessibility and
reminiscent of simpler times. helping residents maintain their Everyone is asked to complete the email task as it
Ian MacFarlane (74), a resident of independence without having to is essential to the operation of the new system.
moment to redesign the
Kirkton House Care Home in Blantyre, leave their homely setting for routines
said: “I come from a generation where checks, where safe and appropriate.”
All the information provided will be held securely
introduction of Distress Brief Interventions and
families would gather round in living Morag added: “The technology allows and meets the organisational standards in
rooms for a chat and perhaps a song people to remain connected and even
relation to the Data Protection Scotland Act.
before television was so accessible. forge new relationships.”
Pooling our strengths at Hunter CHC
demands they face.
Val keeping us in the picture Helping patients ‘Make Life Easier’
way they provide outpatient
Community members from across with a condition or are ill come to get
South Lanarkshire East Kilbride recently came together to treatment and/or medical advice. Over 300 people attended the first
establishing a Quality Improvement Group within
Health and Social Care join in on the World’s Biggest Coffee annual conference of Health and
“We want to use this as a hub where the
Partnership’s (SLH&SP) Morning event for Macmillan Cancer Social Care North Lanarkshire.
community can come together and
Director of health and Support. A major part of the event was the
pool its strengths.
social Care, Val de Souza, launch of ‘Making Life Easier’, an
The primary aim of the event, “Events like this show that by
posts regular blogs. online service which provides people
organised by South Lanarkshire Health
SLHSCP’s vision is collaborating, focusing and working with a gateway to a whole range of
and Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP)
working together together, a real difference can be made.” supports.
at Hunter Community Health Centre,
“Through our Modernising services.
to improve health was to raise vital funds for people Maria Docherty, SLHSCP nurse director Morag Dendy, said: “This expert app
and wellbeing in the affected by cancer. programme manager for BCC, said: provides help and support on a wide
all wards.
community. “Care and support isn’t just something variety of difficulties and concerns
The overall effort, which raised just over
Val’s blog provides examples of that sentiment in that’s delivered by statutory services. including mental health, financial
£1000, also reflected the partnership’s (l-r) Morag Dendy and Claire Farren,
practice, featuring an update on everything from wider programme of Building and “As the participation of members of concerns, difficulties with daily
the strategic direction of the partnership, links to activities or addiction issues. launching Making Life Easier .
Celebrating Communities (BCC) public and partnership staff at the East
important information, news and examples of health Kilbride coffee morning attests, this is “A self-assessment only takes around
Dr Nadia Ait-Hocine, SLH&SCP locality
and social care in action. something that’s woven into the very 10 minutes and the responses you give Visit the new Making Life Easier app
manager for East Kilbride, explained:
Read Val’s blog by visiting www.slhscp.org.uk fabric of community life.” will offer you possible solutions.” at: www.makinglifeeasier.org.uk
“The Hunter Community Health Centre Spread the word - community members enjoy a coffee
Outpatients programme, we
is not just a place where people living morning and all for a good cause.
“This work contributes to the The Maternity and Early Years SLWG has already
aim to ensure people are seen national strategy of shifting made significant progress to review and refine
by the most appropriate health the balance from acute to
“This work contributes to models of care and services.
Got a story? professional, often closer to
home, and avoid unnecessary
community and primary care,
something that everyone the national strategy of Progress with the Long Term Conditions SLWG has
included a range of work towards establishing of
trips to hospital.” agrees is vital to the future of
If you have any ideas, stories
or features you would like to The national strategy proposes our NHS. shifting the balance from LTC Service Improvement Groups.
see included, or would just like that some patients, particularly “The aim is for our community acute to community and The Frailty SLWG will initially focus on reaching a
clear consensus and shared ambition for services
those who are waiting for
to tell us what you think of the
Pulse, please get in touch... a routine check-up or test
and hospital professionals to
work more closely together,
primary care, something for adults with frailty and an understanding of the
population and the implications of demographic
results, may be emailed or reducing unnecessary waste that everyone agrees is vital change in order to develop models of care.
Fiona O’Dowd telephoned and if they do
Tel: 01698 858 108 need to be seen they may be
in the system and getting
people seen by the right
to the future of our NHS.“ For more information visit: www.nhslanarkshire.
Fiona.O’Dowd@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk seen closer to home by a team professional first time around.” org.uk/Involved/consultation/healthcare-strategy
Clinical and academic links strengthened
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and excellence in NHS Lanarkshire that helps deliver
Make sure you’re info secure
Editorial policy NHS Lanarkshire have established a strategic
partnership agreement.
new and improved ways of working for the people of
Lanarkshire.
All staff are reminded they should ensure
they have completed the NHS Lanarkshire
of every member of NHS Lanarkshire staff
to protect the information we hold.
As the staff newspaper of NHS
Lanarkshire,the Pulse aims to celebrate This formal partnership builds on NHS Lanarkshire’s “We are excited about the tremendous opportunities Safe Information Handling Awareness “It is a criminal offence to access personal
the work and achievements of staff strong commitment to research, development, this partnership with UWS will bring for patients, module on LearnPro. information, such as patient records,
and services. It also shares information learning and innovation, as well at its existing links
about the changes and issues that affect
NHS staff and staff and students at the university. By The module explores our duty to keep inappropriately. There have already been
staff at work. We would like to hear your with UWS and other universities. working together, we can make a real difference to personal and confidential information safe several cases in England where health
thoughts and suggestions about the people’s health and wellbeing.” and secure.
kind of stories you would like to see in
It will also see collaborative working to aid student “The University has close ties with health boards employees have been fined for accessing
the Pulse. Contact Fiona (above) with recruitment, employment and projects. Karen Wilson, dean of the university’s school throughout Scotland and this partnership formalises Information governance manager health records, including their own,
your stories, comments and ideas. Michelle Nobes said: “It is the responsibility without valid reason to do so.
Calum Campbell, chief executive, of NHS of health, nursing and midwifery, said: “We the strong links we enjoy with this important
Lanarkshire, said: “This is a further significant step are delighted to be establishing this important organisation, which plays such a key role in the health
towards our vision of creating a culture of academic partnership with NHS Lanarkshire. and wellbeing of people throughout Lanarkshire.”
04 CAMPAIGN UPDATES 05
JOHN’S CAMPAIGN
Routine screening picked up a problem for Jim Green.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
He says all 50-74-yr-olds should take this opportunity
to detect bowel cancer symptoms early. Pledges made for wellbeing of all
NHS Lanarkshire hosted the first ever national John’s Campaign
Jim reminds others conference.
Senior nurses and other senior staff from health and care providers
to take the test from around Scotland attended the event in Hamilton.
Gillian McAuley, chief of nursing services at Wishaw General
Hospital, said: “The event provided attendees with information
A Lanarkshire man is urging “After blood tests and a scope,
others to take up the offer of the they found a ‘blemish’ in my about John’s Campaign and the opportunity to make pledges on
free bowel screening test, after colon.” behalf of their organisation, service or department.
his routine bowel screening Every year, more than 500,000 “We had the pleasure of having presentations from a number of
picked up cancer. people do the life-saving bowel people with dementia and relatives. We also had the privilege of
Jim Green was diagnosed with screening test in Scotland. The hearing Julia Jones, who co-founded John’s Campaign, speak
bowel cancer earlier this year. about her journey.”
test, which is offered to people
Jim said: “I have done my aged 50-74 every two years, Julia Jones said: “It was humbling to think that the single small
bowel screening test religiously remains the most effective way change for which my friend Nicci Gerrard and I campaign, could
since I turned 50. At first I of finding the disease early. be so comprehensively and professionally implemented and affect
thought I would struggle. the lives of others in a way that is so inexpressibly profound.”
Bowel cancer is more common
However, when you sit and in those aged 50 and over, but ‘Musical Memories’, a choir made up of people with a dementia
think about it, it’s really easy diagnosis as well as carers, family or friends, entertained the
nine out of ten people survive
compared to the consequences bowel cancer if it’s caught early. audience with a musical interlude.
of not doing it. Julia added: “I am certain that the attendees at the NHS Lanarkshire
He said: “Without a shadow of
“In January this year, I did the conference went away with their personal pledges singing in their
a doubt, I would urge everyone
test again. I had experienced no hearts and minds and now to be turned into actions.”
to do their bowel screening test.
symptoms, however I was sent One of the speakers, Stewart Black, was diagnosed with vascular
another screening test with a “Some people may be scared dementia when he was 51.
cover note to say that they had about the results will say, but Stewart, a former aeronautical engineer, said: “If there is one thing
detected something. I wasn’t to I’m glad that I did mine. It’s that I would like you to take away from today is that dementia
panic but I was to give another common sense, it’s free of comes in many forms and it isn’t just something older people get.
sample. charge and you do it in the
Those of us who have been diagnosed can be at different stages of
“I sent the repeat test away and privacy of your own home. (Left to right) Speaker Zaria Sleith, Gillian McAuley, chief of our journey.
then received a letter saying “It’s a bodily function that we do nursing services at Wishaw General Hospital, Julia Jones, “In most cases, our carers are our rocks and it is vital that they are
that I had been referred to every day. I’ve said to everyone who co-founded John’s Campaign, Lorna Hart, Alzheimer given respect and support as our journey with dementia is their
Wishaw General Hospital for not to throw that test in the bin. Scotland, and speaker Stewart Black.
journey too, in more ways that anyone will ever understand.”
follow up tests. It’s so simple to do.”
Enjoy the festivities... Understanding your health and planning ahead External body on alert
in moderation A new national Anticipatory Care Plan you be more in control and manage any
changes in your health and wellbeing and
Staff in Scotland’s health service continue to
benefit from external support should they
(ACP) was launched in Lanarkshire at
As we approach the festive season, staff are being talking to those who matter to you helps have any concerns about patient safety or
the end of September.
reminded about the new low risk drinking guidelines. malpractice.
In common with the previous plan, it shape the right plan for you.
UK chief medical officers recommend that men The NHS Scotland Confidential Alert Line has
and women do not regularly drink more than 14 units allows people to take control of their “It allows older adults, carers and younger
people to plan for the future and to have expanded to become the Whistleblowing Alert
per week. future health care needs.
ownership of their own journey. and Advice Services for NHS Scotland (AALS).
Ashley Goodfellow, public health specialist, said: “Those A new ACP app is also now available
“People should also remember that they can The service, which is run, the charity Public
who regularly drink as much as this should spread their which allows ACPs to be completed
drinking evenly over three or more days. amend their ACP and change their mind at Concern at Work, helps callers consider their
online.
any time.” options if they are unsure about how or
“They should also have several drink-free days each Audrey Hillock, ACP project manager,
week.
whether to whistleblow.
said: “Anticipatory Care Planning The new app is available in both android
“The risk of developing a range of health problems For more information visit
(ACP) is about thinking ahead and services better and it helps you make and IOS from the app store and staff are
increases the more you drink on a regular basis and http://www.pcaw.org.uk/ or call 020 7404
understanding your health. choices about your future care.” encouraged to promote the new plan.
never drink alcohol when pregnant.” Ready to help everyone take control of their 6609 for whistleblowing advice.
health needs and make a plan for their care. “It’s about knowing how to use She added: “Planning ahead can help For more on ACP visit: www.myacp.scot
06 PCMHTP UPDATE 07
Encouraging progress is being made through our
Primary Care and Mental Health Transformation
A sign of the times
Over 200 receptionists from Lanarkshire GP
Programme since our last Pulse update in June. practices have taken part in ‘Receptionists
In this edition we look at the latest developments to Active Signposting’ training, provided
through the transformation programme.
in three key areas of the programme that are The course equips receptionists with the
improving patient access to general practice. knowledge and skills to signpost patients to
the most appropriate healthcare professional.
This includes community physiotherapists
RIGHT PERSON,
and pharmacists, local optometrists,
Advanced Nurse Practitioners and mental
health services.
Feedback from participants is extremely
positive with many now planning to train
FIRST TIME
their whole practice team.
Mental Health
and Wellbeing
General Practice and Community South Lanarkshire Health and Social
Redesign is exploring how a multi- Care Partnership said: “The role of
disciplinary team approach will the ANP is an extremely valuable
improve access for patients to one in terms of the contribution
health services, maximising the they can make to transforming
contribution of all health and social primary care. In order to deliver
care professionals in delivering the primary care services in future
‘right person, first time’ outcome for we will draw on the strengths of
patients. advanced practice across a number
This includes a team of nine trainee of disciplines including nursing,
Advanced Nurse Practitioners AHPs, Pharmacy.”
(ANPs) recently recruited by NHS “We have a great team here and
Lanarkshire to support primary care. we are developing their role in
ANPs are very experienced nurses partnership with general practice.
who are working towards completing We’re testing this concept and aim
a competency framework that will to change and improve to ensure
support and evidence their learning that we have an ANP model that
in an Advanced Nursing Practice. Six meets local needs in Lanarkshire
out the nine Lanarkshire trainees are and furthers our aim to provide
currently qualified to prescribe and innovative, person-centred care for
the remaining three will be qualified our communities.” Link workers will help GPs support patients
by February. with mental health issues.
Advanced Practitioner
The ANPs are working across general Physiotherapists (APPs) based Our mental health work stream is testing
practice, primary care out of hours within GP practices is another new new ways to support general practice with
centre, community hospitals and healthcare discipline currently A competent team: primary care services in
future will increasingly draw on the expertise
patients suffering mental health illness.
defining how their role can support being tested in East Kilbride. The
care homes within general practice. of Advanced Nurse Practitioners. From training pharmacy staff as mental
APP is the first point of contact for
GPs provide clinical supervision health champions to employing two mental
any patient with musculoskeletal
health nurses in the out-of-hours service,
Successful rollout of pharmacists
where required, supporting learning problems providing initial
of the appropriate clinical assessment positive steps are being taken to ensure the
assessment, advice, prescribing
skills of the trainees. right support is available in the heart of the
medication if required, and
community.
Maria Docherty, Director of Nursing, referring to other treatments.
And, in a partnership initiative with the
Over 30 additional pharmacists have been recruited “Having a pharmacist as part of the practice is a Scottish Association for Mental Health and
North Lanarkshire Council, seven Mental
Navigating transformation
to support general practice across Lanarkshire. great support to both clinical staff and the wider
The initiative is part of the Pharmacists in Practice practice team. As well as reviewing patients’ Health Link Workers are being funded to
medicine, our pharmacist here in Houldsworth support general practice.
workstream in a bid to test the impact of having
You can now find out more about the Primary Care and Mental Health pharmacy staff as part of the general practice team. liaises with care homes and community pharmacists Mental Health Link Workers help people to
Transformation Programme, its workstreams and the key movers and This includes pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. – all work previously done by either GPs, nurses identify positive wellbeing changes they
shakers on FirstPort. The new pages are in the ‘Programmes and Projects’ or reception staff. We really would love to see can make in their lives, working closely with
The Pharmacists in Practice role is a developing one this continue.”
section under ‘Resources’. external agencies to co-ordinate a support
which will work directly with GP practices in the plan to achieve identified wellbeing goals.
The aim is to ensure that all employees know what’s happening with As the role develops, the plan is to run pharmacist
support and care of patients with long-term conditions,
transforming primary care, when it’s happening and how, to determine clinics, including telephone consultations, to do The workstream is also exploring post-
medicines reconciliation and the clinical review of acute
the relevancy to their job and the work they do. medicine reviews with patients, including high risk diagnostic support for dementia with
medicines requests. This will enable GPs to spend more medication and polypharmacy. The clinics should a website for patients, families and
Look out for #TransformLanPC on social media for the latest updates. time with patients on the things only a GP can help with. result in greater patient knowledge of how to professionals, as well as providing Mental
Feedback from practices is extremely positive. Jacqueline use medication and better self-management Helping to relieve some of the pressure Health Liaison Nurses who directly support
Summers, Branchalwood Practice Manager, said: of long-term conditions. and providing clinical support. general practice.
08 NHS NEWS 09
Ready for their next
challenge - the team
who are taking part in
CURTAIN CALL
additional training.
Weigh to go –
helping patients
FOR THEATRE eat well
The Food, Fluid and Nutrition
Steering Group has introduced
SUPPORT
guidance documents to support staff
providing care to patients and their
families.
One of which is the Weigh Back
Ten clinical support workers the Borders. Home document. This supports
are taking part in an innovative people at home to make appropriate
Andries Fourie, Borders College choices to support weight gain in
training programme in vocational manager, said: “We people who have lost significant
partnership with Borders are thrilled to be signing up 10 amounts of weight due to a clinical
College. new modern apprentices who condition.
Once complete, they will will all be working within the
Frances Dodd, food, fluid and
become qualified theatre theatres.
nutrition steering group chair, said:
associate practitioners. “NHS Lanarkshire is very “Patients may have experienced
Fiona Cowan, senior forward-thinking, there is a weight loss and loss of appetite due
nurse, said: “We are excited real commitment to education to their illness, treatment or anxiety
to introduce associate and investment in the staff while in hospital.
practitioners to our theatre here. We are delighted to have a
“Their appetite might improve after
department at Wishaw General. switched-on and vibrant group
they return home as familiar foods
“These new posts are the first of people who are keen to
and home-cooked foods can be
cohort through our theatre commit to the course.”
more enjoyable.”
academy and they will boost the Chris King and Wendy Burrell,
Weigh Back Home includes tips to
number of scrub staff that we are two clinical support workers
help people regain their appetite and
have in our theatre. who have signed up to the
return to normal weight including:
“Offering existing experienced course after taking part in a
successful ‘test of change’. • Try to eat three meals a day with
theatre clinical support workers snacks in between
a chance to progress in their Chris said: “I wanted a new
challenge and I am really • A short walk before a meal can
role provides an opportunity
looking forward to the course.” stimulate appetite
for our own staff in Lanarkshire
to grow and develop. We are Wendy added: “I always wanted • Try and present the food in an
delighted to be taking this to further my career and this is attractive way
new initiative forward in an ideal opportunity.” • Try to have a pudding once or
collaboration with Borders Fiona McHugh, Wishaw twice a day.
College.” General Hospital theatre Frances added: “It is important that
Borders College is one of manager, said: “I am so proud patients who have been discharged
the few colleges that offer to see the staff progress. Their monitor their weight and appetite
this Scottish Vocational theatre knowledge is already at home. If their weight continues
Qualifications (SVQs) level excellent and to see them get to decrease, or they have a poor
seven award and this is the first a promotion and move on is appetite, then they should contact
course to take place out with fantastic. their GP.”
Nutritonal care policy Patients ask to be served ‘tea at three’ Sign of the times
many staff disciplines.
reminder for all
NHS Lanarkshire has made further improvements to the
provision of patient catering. The Infection Prevention and Control
The second snack was piloted in a number of wards and was
(IPC) team won an award for best poster
Inpatients across our three acute hospitals are now offered an widely appreciated by patients. It has since been rolled out
presentation at the Infection Prevention
NHS Lanarkshire has a food, fluid and nutritional care (FFNC) afternoon snack so that they can have something to eat between across the three acute hospitals.
Society in Manchester in September 2017.
policy which applies to all patients in both community and lunch and dinner. Frances, who chairs the NHS Lanarkshire food, fluid and
acute hospital setting. Frances Dodd, divisional nurse director for the acute division, IPC nurse Nicola McLean collected the
nutrition steering group, added: “A good meal time experience
Frances Dodd, food, fluid and nutrition steering group chair, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality, food, fluid award for the poster on the topic of
requires involvement of a range of staff, clinical and non-
said: “This policy seeks to drive quality and improvements and nutritional care to all our patients. ‘Vascular access device system assessment
clinical, such as catering, domestic staff, medical, nursing, allied
in the nutrition and hydration of patients. The policy aims health professional, portering and managerial staff. – a vital step before attempting system
“We have been speaking to patients to find out what they would
to support all staff involved at any stage of the process in Poster girl: Nicola improvement’.
like and the introduction of a snack reflects this feedback.” “We have been working closely with our own catering staff and
providing nutritional care to patients.” receives the award on Nicola received the award from Dr Evonne
NHS Lanarkshire recognises the importance and value of the catering staff of our partners, ISS at Hairmyres and Serco
For more information visit the food, fluid and nutritional effective nutrition and hydration as an essential part of clinical at Wishaw, to ensure that patients see a real difference to their behalf of the team. Curran and Professor Didier Pitter.
care FirstPort page. care, and recognises that it is an integral part of the work of experience of hospital food.
10 NHS NEWS 11
New HR system coming
Face time: connecting people and A new HR system is scheduled for implementation in early 2018.
VIRTUAL SING-ALONGS
bringing back a sense of community, all The Electronic Employee Support System (eESS) has been
from the comfort of your armchair. developed on behalf of the Scottish Health Service and will be
adopted by all health boards in Scotland.
Earlier implementation was delayed in NHS Lanarkshire due to
LEAD TO IMPROVED
some technical issues with the system.
These have now been rectified and the system has already been
introduced by several other health boards.
WELLBEING
Once functional in Lanarkshire, it will replace the existing HR
Empower system.
Kenny Small, HR director, said: “eESS is expected to provide
numerous benefits to the organisation and staff alike by
electronically streamlining all current ‘Notification of Change’
New technology revives old pastimes processes and procedures and improve efficiency by eliminating
the need for paper documentation.
People in their golden years are “The widespread availability of TVs has “Staff will also have access to a self-service training facility which
revelling in the magic of the silver often been blamed over the years for will allow them to view training opportunities and apply for them.
screen - as it forges vibrant, virtual the loss of that golden age. A note of any training request will then go automatically to the
communities across Lanarkshire. “But that all seems to have come full respective line manager for authorisation.
The latest video conferencing circle - it’s the screen that’s bringing “The new system will also have benefits for managers as they will
technology is being used as part of an folk back together again. It’s just be able to view and monitor their staffs’ training requirements at
initiative at some local authority and magnificent!” a glance. This will enable them to make arrangements to plug any
independent sector care homes. Now Morag Hearty, NHS Lanarkshire’s training gaps.”
residents can link in with each other telehealth manager, explained: “The All the information provided will be held securely and meets
for online get-togethers, ranging from initiative is at its early stages but the organisational standards in relation to the Data Protection
sing-alongs to group exercise. the results we’re seeing now bode Scotland Act.
The work is paving the way for virtual extremely well. All staff will be provided with electronic training on how to use
clinical consultations and support “As well as aiding staff training and the new eESS system and details on how to access the training
between residents and services like inter-home communications, one of resources and go-live dates will be circulated in due course.
dietetics, pharmacy, out-of-hours and the wider aims is to establish the links For further information visit the dedicated eESS page on FirsPort
community mental health teams. between homes and clinical supports. at: http://firstport2/staff-support/electronic-employee-
Yet for most, who grew up without From some of the work we’ve carried support-system/default.aspx
television, the cutting-edge out so far, as with other established
developments are bringing a sense of areas of telehealth, we know benefits IMPORTANT:
togetherness and fun into their lives – include ease of accessibility and
reminiscent of simpler times. helping residents maintain their Everyone is asked to complete the email task as it
Ian MacFarlane (74), a resident of independence without having to is essential to the operation of the new system.
Kirkton House Care Home in Blantyre, leave their homely setting for routines
said: “I come from a generation where checks, where safe and appropriate.”
All the information provided will be held securely
families would gather round in living Morag added: “The technology allows and meets the organisational standards in
rooms for a chat and perhaps a song people to remain connected and even
relation to the Data Protection Scotland Act.
before television was so accessible. forge new relationships.”
Val keeping us in the picture Pooling our strengths at Hunter CHC Helping patients ‘Make Life Easier’
South Lanarkshire Community members from across is not just a place where people living Over 300 people attended the first
Health and Social Care East Kilbride recently came together to with a condition or are ill come to get annual conference of Health and
Partnership’s (SLH&SP) join in on the World’s Biggest Coffee treatment and/or medical advice. Social Care North Lanarkshire.
Director of health and Morning event for Macmillan Cancer “We want to use this as a hub where the A major part of the event was the
social Care, Val de Souza, Support. community can come together and launch of ‘Making Life Easier’, an
posts regular blogs. The primary aim of the event, pool its strengths. online service which provides people
SLHSCP’s vision is organised by South Lanarkshire Health “Events like this show that by with a gateway to a whole range of
working together and Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP) collaborating, focusing and working supports.
to improve health at Hunter Community Health Centre, together, a real difference can be made.” Morag Dendy, said: “This expert app
and wellbeing in the was to raise vital funds for people provides help and support on a wide
Maria Docherty, SLHSCP nurse director
community. affected by cancer. variety of difficulties and concerns
programme manager for BCC, said:
Val’s blog provides examples of that sentiment in The overall effort, which raised just over “Care and support isn’t just something including mental health, financial
practice, featuring an update on everything from £1000, also reflected the partnership’s that’s delivered by statutory services. concerns, difficulties with daily (l-r) Morag Dendy and Claire Farren,
the strategic direction of the partnership, links to wider programme of Building and activities or addiction issues. launching Making Life Easier .
“As the participation of members of
important information, news and examples of health Celebrating Communities (BCC) “A self-assessment only takes around
public and partnership staff at the East
and social care in action. 10 minutes and the responses you give Visit the new Making Life Easier app
Dr Nadia Ait-Hocine, SLH&SCP locality Kilbride coffee morning attests, this is
Read Val’s blog by visiting www.slhscp.org.uk manager for East Kilbride, explained: something that’s woven into the very Spread the word - community members enjoy a coffee will offer you possible solutions.” at: www.makinglifeeasier.org.uk
“The Hunter Community Health Centre fabric of community life.” morning and all for a good cause.
12 MONKLANDS & MRRP 13
Option appraisal
event in 2018
40 YEARS OF
As part of the OBC, work
will take place to identify
the preferred option from
DEDICATED
CARE IS
those set out in the initial
agreement; do minimum,
full refurbishment of
current hospital, new-build
CELEBRATED
on current hospital site or
new-build on another site.
An option appraisal event,
involving a wide range of
stakeholders, will take place
during 2018 to identify the Staff past and present got together to Rita Gregg, who was her secretary, and
preferred option for either celebrate the 40th anniversary since the Helen Findlay who worked in nursing
refurbishment or rebuild. official opening of Monklands Hospital salaries.
in 1977.
The construction period Rita moved to the new hospital building
for the new development Back then the official opening was in 1976 before the first patients were
will be dependent on the performed by the then Prime Minister admitted in February 1977. She
preferred option. Jim Callaghan on 1 September. eventually retired in 1993.
Jessie Gartshore, who started on 1 Rita said: “I remember my first time in
January 1977, said: “I was the sister in
the canteen in 1976 and here I am again
ward four in the surgical unit which was
today over 40 years on. It is a lovely tea,
Ready for the the first ward to open. Jim Callaghan
actually went round my ward, I
the current staff have done well.”
21st century remember it like it was yesterday.”
An Airdrie native, Jessie was also born
Helen Findlay said: “It was lovely looking
round recognising many faces from the
in Airdrie House which was on the site past. There was a lot I didn’t recognise
before the hospital was built. but, given that I retired over 20 years ago,
Jessie, who went on to become the perhaps a lot of people didn’t recognise
nursing officer before retiring in 1992, me either.”
added: “It is a real privilege to be here. NHS Lanarkshire chair, Neena Mahal,
Standing on ceremony - It is wonderful to see old friends and said: “This 40th anniversary is a truly
colleagues from past and nursing colleagues who were here at momentous occasion, made even more
present celebrate Monklands the beginning too. I have lots of happy special as there is a family connection
Hospital’s 40th birthday. memories about Monklands Hospital.” with my uncle being one of the first
Jessie was joined by fellow colleagues trainee anaesthetists in 1977.”
Plan to make Monklands REACTing for better care
Calum Campbell, chief
executive, said: “Monklands
has been fabulous for the 40
‘fit-for-the-future’ The chair and chief executive cut the
ribbon on the new Rapid Emergency
journey through the department.
When it comes to elective cases, all
plus years it has been here. NHS Lanarkshire has been given the go-ahead whole of the population we serve.”
Assessment Care Team (REACT) area patients now go via the new SDA unit.
“It was a terrific maternity to develop an outline business case to rebuild or Health Secretary Shona Robison said: as well as the Same Day Admissions This improves the experience for the
hospital, it has been a refurbish Monklands Hospital. “Considerable investment has gone into (SDA) with the Planned Investigations patient and the emergency flow into
great general hospital but This is following Scottish Government approval Monklands Hospital in recent years and we Unit (PIU). inpatient beds. In addition, the PIU
times have moved on and for the Initial Agreement to seek a capital have now asked NHS Lanarkshire to produce an
Dr Gordon McNeish, consultant in delivers a variety of tests and infusions ‘Same Day’, different ribbon - Chair Neena Mahal does
healthcare has advanced in allocation for the project. outline business case that considers the needs of
emergency medicine, said: “REACT is for patients who would previously the honours.
the last four decades. This Colin Sloey, NHS Lanarkshire director of the population right across the West of Scotland
a new way of treating people as they have had these tests in an inpatient
is why we need to bring strategic planning and performance, said: “We and delivers excellent care and value for money.
present at the emergency department. bed.
Monklands Hospital into the are delighted that the Scottish Government has “The level of potential investment involved in this
“This gives us a more robust approach Calum Campbell, chief executive, said:
21st Century. formally approved the Initial Agreement and that programme is significant, so any final decision
to how we see and treat patients and “Everyone knows Monklands is a great
we can begin the process of creating an outline will be subject to future Scottish Government
“A clinically led programme enables everything to work more hospital but it is an old hospital.
business case. budgets and will be taken in the context of
is underway to put together smoothly.” “The new areas improve the
“The development of the outline business case will improving the quality of clinical service provision
a business case to either The REACT area improves patient time experience for our patients and enable
be undertaken in the broader context of achieving right across Scotland.”
fully refurbish or build a to first assessment. Diagnostics are staff to continue to provide excellent
replacement Monklands the aims of the Health and Social Care Delivery The whole business case process will take
also carried out quicker which means care in a much better working
Hospital.” Plan. In doing so, we recognise the need to work between two to three years to complete and
all patients should have a shorter environment.” Open for business in the new REACT area.
collaboratively with other health boards in the this has to be finalised before any building
region to ensure the benefit is maximised for the work can start.
14 PATIENT NEWS 15
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE –
GBV VIDEO PAVES WAY
Helping adults to cope with childhood experiences
A powerful new animated video has been produced
by our gender-based violence (GBV) services
You can ‘Stick
(formerly EVA services) for professionals working
with survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
The moving eight-minute animation, ’Never
Your Labels’
too late to tell: understanding childhood sexual
abuse’, follows the story of Moira, through her
experience of CSA and its impact on her as a
NHS Lanarkshire supported director of public health, who teenager and a young mother.
Challenge Poverty Week which oversaw the campaign in The story, based on research evidence and the
fell in October. NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We real-life experiences of women who have been
The annual awareness raising were delighted to support helped by GBV services, ends with Moira taking
campaign aims to remind people the campaign and raise the step of seeking professional support following
that poverty exists in Scotland awareness among our own staff her experience of CSA.
and affects us all. encouraging them not to pass
GBV services manager Ann Hayne said: “The
judgement on those in poverty.
NHS Lanarkshire chair Neena video is available online and we have a number
Mahal used the opportunity to “This included sharing myth- of DVD copies available. There are also detailed “The animation shows
busting information and
sign a ‘Stick Your Labels’ pledge
which challenges negative personal testimonies from
training notes that professionals should use
when showing it.
professionals how best to
perceptions, attitudes and
behaviours towards people in
people who have and still do
experience poverty.”
“The animation shows how perpetrators of CSA support adult survivors
use grooming and coercion to gain control and
poverty. Challenge Poverty Week was silence children and young people, and how they of CSA by helping them
organised by the Poverty
Neena said: “The campaign was
about encouraging us all not to Alliance and aimed to:
manipulate other adults around a child or young
person, including non-abusing parents.
to understand that the
accept the stigmatising language
used to describe poverty and
• Highlight the reality of poverty
and challenge the stereotypes
“It also illustrates the impact on children and perpetrator was to blame”
young people, the power imbalance between the
those who live on low incomes. that exist about it.
perpetrator and children, the long-term impact of
“And as chair of NHS • Demonstrate what is being CSA on adults and ways in which adult survivors content that some viewers may find upsetting.
Lanarkshire, I was more than done across Scotland to address blame themselves for not realising what is It is available to view or download at
happy to give this commitment. poverty. happening and not being able to stop it. www.vimeo.com/232827805.
“Attitudes matter. The way we • Increase public support for At the launch of the video (from left) – North Lanarkshire Council service “The animation shows professionals how best to The training notes are available on FirstPort
talk about poverty and those more action to solve poverty. coordinator for domestic abuse Helen Sneddon, NHS Lanarkshire interim support adult survivors of CSA by helping them
director of public health Gabe Docherty, GBV services manager Ann Hayne,
under GBV services and are on the disc as a PDF
affected by it can make a For more on the campaign to understand that the perpetrator was to blame
NHS Lanarkshire blood-borne virus networks manager Trish Tougher, NHS file. Contact GBVTraining@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.
difference.” visit: www.povertyalliance.org/ and support is available even many years later.”
Lanarkshire assistant health promotion manager Gillian Lindsay. uk for discs, training notes or an input for teams
Gabe Docherty interim challenge_poverty Ann advises that the animation has sensitive who may use the resource regularly.
Refugees benefit from video aid It was a real page-turner… A consistent approach
Clinical staff can watch an important training fit with their overall prognosis and the patient’s
Staff who participated in this year’s The review of school it is applied more
video and also help the refugee crisis in Yemen. wishes. It is also designed to provide continuity of Reading Ahead challenge were joined nursing teams in North consistently across all
care, especially out of hours, so that staff feel secure by chief executive Calum Campbell at Lanarkshire continues. school nursing teams.
The video provides a good grasp of the Hospital The new service model – The redesign will ensure
about treatment escalation or limitation if things Wishaw General as they collected their
Anticipatory Care Plan (HACP) and its benefits which started in August the service:
become unstable. certificates of achievement.
for patients, relatives and colleagues. – offers an opportunity to • builds on and shares good
Robin added: “As well as the rewards of watching Reading Ahead is part of a national build on the experience of practice
Professor Robin Taylor, respiratory consultant
the video, for everyone who watches the video, we programme that encourages adults school nurses and enable • implements the key
who helped create the video, said: “The aim will send a £5 donation to the Disasters Emergency
is to enable staff to be more confident about to develop literacy skills and an them to assist in the on- components of the national
Committee for the refugee crisis in Yemen.” going development of their School Nursing Review
engaging in prognostic conversations enjoyment of reading by choosing
Go to the FirstPort ‘HACP’ page for more practice. • ensures children see the
and making clinical decisions that are and rating six reads.
information, resources, and access to the teaching The review has already right clinician at the right
appropriate for patients who are seriously ill Knowledge Services spearheads identified that while there time.
video: ‘Treatment Escalation and Limitation’. You
with the possibility of deterioration.” can email Robin.Taylor1@nhs.net to confirm you is good practice in the The contact number for
Reading Ahead, with generous
The HACP encourages shared decision-making have watched the video and the donation will be support from Unison and Healthy service, improvements North school nursing team
so that medical interventions are realistic and made. Working Lives. This year 113 staff could be made to ensure is 01236 772200.
members signed up to take part.
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