Page 1 June 2008

AWARD WINNING

NURSE INVITED TO

DOWNING STREET

Improving health and health services throughout the Western Isles

Page 2 June 2008

On the 60th anniversary year of theNHS, I am delighted to present thesummer 2008 edition of Slainte – whichoutlines some of the things we have tocelebrate about our health service herein the Western Isles.

National celebrations for the 60th

anniversary are already taking place allover the country as we count down tothe special day on 5th July, and a localgroup has also been set up to organiseevents across the Western Isles to markthe occasion. Details of these will becirculated and publicised as they becameavailable.

The next edition of Slainte will be aspecial commemorative 60th

anniversary issue, which will includeold photographs, memories, anecdotesand details of the local celebrationevents, so please send us in anythingthat you think may be of interest.

In this edition, we congratulateCatherine Morrison (pictured on thefront page with Edwina Currie) forwinning the ‘Nursing Standard’

EDITOR

Maggie FraserMaggie FraserMaggie FraserMaggie FraserMaggie FraserMaggie.Fraser@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 708060

DTP LAYOUT/DESIGN

Marissa MacLennanMarissa MacLennanMarissa MacLennanMarissa MacLennanMarissa MacLennanMarissa.Maclennan@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 701545

PUBLIC HEALTH

Angela GrantAngela GrantAngela GrantAngela GrantAngela GrantAngela.Grant@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 708033

COMMUNITY

Sheila MacLeodSheila MacLeodSheila MacLeodSheila MacLeodSheila MacLeodSheila.Macleod@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 703545

HOSPITAL

Jane BainJane BainJane BainJane BainJane BainJane.Bain@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 704704

Catherine HannawayCatherine HannawayCatherine HannawayCatherine HannawayCatherine HannawayCatherine.Hannaway@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01851 704704

HOTEL SERVICES

Maggie MartinMaggie MartinMaggie MartinMaggie MartinMaggie MartinMags-martin@hotmail.com

07909 841 611

UISTS

Isabelle PritchardIsabelle PritchardIsabelle PritchardIsabelle PritchardIsabelle PritchardIsabelle.Pritchard@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01870 603603

BARRA

Frances MacNeilFrances MacNeilFrances MacNeilFrances MacNeilFrances MacNeilFrances.Macneil@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

01871 810282

EDITORIAL TEAM

E-MAIL slainte@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

TEL 01851 708060

DISCLAIMERThe views represented within

‘Slainte’ ‘Slainte’ ‘Slainte’ ‘Slainte’ ‘Slainte’ may not necessarily

represent the views of Western

Isles NHS Board.

Please send items for the next issue

by 11th August.11th August.11th August.11th August.11th August.

Deadlines for 2008 issues of

‘Slainte’ are as follows:

September Issue: 11th August

December Issue: 11th November

The ‘Slainte’ editorial team reserves

the right to adapt as appropriate any

contributions.

SUBMISSIONS

CONTACT US

Editorial

Health BoardHealth BoardHealth BoardHealth BoardHealth BoardBreaks EvenBreaks EvenBreaks EvenBreaks EvenBreaks Even

Acting Chief Executive John Turner is delighted to inform staff thatthe Board has achieved financial break even for the year 2007 – 2008,subject to confirmation by Audit Scotland.

Mr Turner said: “This is a very encouraging position and the firsttime in five years that the Board has met its financial responsibilities.I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hardwork and contribution towards this important achievement. Whilstthis is very positive news there can be no room for complacency asthere remain some difficult financial challenges ahead, and we mustcontinue to sustain our efforts to meet these challenges successfully.”

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil commented: “Those who work forNHS Western Isles at all levels are to be praised for this turnaround.We can now look forward to a more secure future.”

MSP Alasdair Allan also said: “This news that the Western IslesNHS Board anticipates breaking even in this financial year is positivenews indeed. This news underlines the commitment of everyoneworking for the NHS in the Western Isles and their determination toprovide a great service for the future.”

Community and General Nursing Award.This award is well-deserved, and Catherineplans to use her £1000 prize to set up aspecial connection between the WesternIsles and Malawi.

We also detail various serviceimprovements and new equipmentpurchased which will have a direct impacton patient care and safety; positiveprogress on the development of a ClinicalStrategy and Property Strategy; and newmethods being used by staff – such as theinnovative use of technology to supportand rehabilitate stroke patients.

Meanwhile, we’ve also noted thepublication of the report by the ScottishParliament’s Audit Committee, and theChairman has confirmed that necessaryactions, as a result of the report, are beingconsidered.

Finally, on behalf of the EditorialCommittee, I’d like to remind all staff thatwe require your support to ensure thecontinued success of Slainte – news,photos, updates and anecdotes are alwayswelcome!

MaggieMaggieMaggieMaggieMaggie Fraser Fraser Fraser Fraser Fraser

EditorEditorEditorEditorEditor

Page 3 June 2008

Plans for national and local celebrationsto mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS(5th July 2008) are currently beingarranged, with the programme to celebratethe milestone having already commenced.

National events will include a prestigiousoccasion at Glasgow’s SECC to recognisethose who have made a uniquecontribution to the development of theHealth Service, as well as a Ministerial

Celebrating the 60th

anniversaryReception at Edinburgh Castle for front-line NHS staff, and patients who havebenefited from NHS treatment.

NHS Western Isles is also planning aseries of events to mark the occasionincluding tea parties, photographicexhibitions, talks, walks, and a family funday. Details of these will be made availableto staff when they have been firmed up.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Day

Walk the Western Isles Way (see Pg15)

NHS ‘Through the Years’ Display(by Stornoway Historical Society)

NHS Scotland 60th Roadshow

Poster Event (2 NHSWI posters)

Anniversary Edition of Slainte

Charity Dance

Afternoon tea for retired staff

Museum Exhibitions across the Isles

Talks across the Isles, with various speakers

Western Isles Football Challenge(part of Men & Health Week)

Art competition with primary schools

60th Anniversary Stall at local Shows.

60th Anniversary Clisham GardenCelebration.

Publication of anecdotes - ongoing

JUNEFriday 13th June

Saturday 14th June

TBC

Friday 20th June11am - 5pm

Tuesday 24th &Wednesday 25th June

SEPTEMBER1st September

TO BE CONFIRMEDTBC

TBC

TBC

TBC

TBC

TBC

TBC

TBC

Ongoing

Western Isles Hospital

Various Islands

League of Friends Tea Bar,Western Isles Hospital

Stornoway - Location to bedecided

SECC, Glasgow

Western Isles Hospital, Uist& Barra Hospital, and St.Brendan’s Hospital

Page 4 June 2008

MarMarMarMarMary MacLeany MacLeany MacLeany MacLeany MacLeanMary MacLean recently retired from NHS Western Isles,after 37 years with the organisation. Mary spent 26 yearsworking in MaternityServices. Mary trained asa midwife at Braeholm,Helensburgh and Overton,Dunbarton and alsoEastern District Hospitalat Duke Street - all of thesehospitals no longerfunction as midwiferyunits.

Mary’s colleagues all wishher a happy and healthyretirement.

Retirement s and Dep artures

Dr Oladapo ErinleDr Oladapo ErinleDr Oladapo ErinleDr Oladapo ErinleDr Oladapo Erinle

Dr Oladapo Erinle left NHS Western Isles in February. DrErinle had been the long-term locum with the Board’sMaternity and Specials Wards for three years, and nowworks in Wishaw Hospital.

Brenda MacDonaldBrenda MacDonaldBrenda MacDonaldBrenda MacDonaldBrenda MacDonaldSister Brenda Macdonald recently retired from ErisortWard at Western Isles Hospital, after 24 years working forthe health service.

Brenda had been a Sister in the Stroke Unit for the pastnine years.

Pictured above is Brenda (centre) being presented withflowers and gifts by staff and colleagues. We would liketo wish Brenda all the best in her retirement.

Joey MacAskillJoey MacAskillJoey MacAskillJoey MacAskillJoey MacAskill

Joey MacAskill recently retired after 26 years as anAuxiliary Nurse in Medical Ward 1, after starting in theLewis Hospital and transferring to the Western IslesHospital.

Pictured below is Joey (left) being presented with flowersand gifts by Ward Managers Kay Graham and Donna Clarkat her leaving party held in the Woodlands Centre.

Page 5 June 2008

Retirement s and Dep artures

Helen MacIverrecently retiredfrom MedicalWard 1.

Helen started inMedical 1 as aHealthcare Assis-tant in 1990, afterworking in Surgi-cal for 10 years. Helen and her husband will be remaining on the island, andplan to spend some time travelling in their new camper van. Helen is pic-tured (centre) with Veronica MacRitchie and Chrisanne Campbell, and wewould like to wish her all the best in her retirement.

HelenHelenHelenHelenHelen

MacIverMacIverMacIverMacIverMacIverShakeel Ahmed (Medical Staffing);Michelle Campbell (Hotel Services/Domestics); Gautam Choudhury(Medical Staffing); SuzanneFerguson (Clisham); HelenGallacher (Hotel Services/Catering); Anne Mary MacAulay(Outpatients); Carol MacDonald(Public Health & Health Strategy);Margaret MacDonald (Erisort);Margaret MacIver (Clisham);Donna MacLennan (Hotel Services/Catering); Maureen MacLeod (ChiefExecutive Office); MargaretMacNeil (St Brendan’s); SathishParasuraman (Medical Staffing).

Other staff who have recentlyretired or departed:

A retirement function was held on May8th in Western Isles Hospital for formerDirector of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPsJane Adams.

Speaking at the event, Acting ChiefExecutive John Turner stated: “I hopeyou feel an immense amount of pride inwhat you have achieved in your career. Iknow the Health Board has had difficulttimes recently, but one of the things Iwas immediately impressed with was thequality of staff and quality of careprovided day in day out across the Isles.In your various roles, you must have hada very significant hand in that.

Jane spoke of the ‘unbelievablecommitment of everyone here in theWestern Isles to wellbeing and care’.

“It has never changed in all the time I’vebeen here,” she said. “In all the places Ihave worked in my career, this is probablythe best in terms of the way everybodypulls together and takes ownership of it– good or bad. People are determined towork through things and see themthrough. It’s a terrific aspect and I hopeit never changes. This organisation gaveme 13 tremendous years through to theend of my career.”

Jane was presented with a voucher for alocal handmade bench, champagne, adigital photo frame and flowers.

Jane AdamsJane AdamsJane AdamsJane AdamsJane Adams

Gift presented to Jane by John Turner

Flowers presented to Jane by MaryMcElligott

S

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S W

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Isl

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Sta

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ag

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Page 6 June 2008

Anne MacLeodAnne MacLeodAnne MacLeodAnne MacLeodAnne MacLeod

Anne MacLeod recently joined the Scottish HealthCouncil after leaving NHS Western Isles.

Anne was previously Public Partnership Forum’sProject Co-ordinator before joining the PublicHealth Division as ADAT Information & ResourceOfficer. Anne’s predecessor Carmen Morrison isnow Local Officer for the Western Isles.

The Scottish Health Council’s function is to helpimprove the way that people are involved indecisions about health services. Pictured below(L-R): Carmen Morrison and Anne MacLeod.

Kathleen MacSweenKathleen MacSweenKathleen MacSweenKathleen MacSweenKathleen MacSween

Kathleen MacSween recently joined theCommunity Nursing Team covering Uig &Bernera. Kathleen, originally from Lochs,previously worked in Ospadal Uibhist &Bharraigh mainly in Acute Medical.

Kathleen successfully completed a non medicalprescribing course whilst in Ospadal Uibhistagus Bharraigh. Kathleen has also recentlycommenced a diabetes course.

Moving on Up

I was once told by my old Chemistryteacher as I left school with just twolow grade ‘A’ Levels to my name,“don’t worry about the destination,just enjoy the journey”. I was neverquite sure whether that was his wayof saying I was a hopeless case andwho knows where I will end up, orwhether it was a piece of profoundadvice (I naturally prefer to think thelatter).

I have had an enjoyable and interestingjourney so far, but now intend to takea further step along the path - yes insome ways as a result of sadcircumstances, but also an opportunityto start a new chapter, gain newinsights and just chill! (As friends keeptelling me to do).

Just to give my late wife and friends agiggle, at the end of May, I have bookedmyself onto a course which helps you touse positive thinking derived throughmeditation and quiet reflection (somethingI am really good at!) to help focus yourenergy.

In July, I have booked myself onto to ashort course in photography so thathopefully I will be able to use my camerato get some great photos to remind me ofmy trip. Shortly followed by a course inSea Kayaking at a centre in Anglesey,North Wales.

Although my travel plans are still‘evolving’ (i.e. Stephen hasn’t bookedthem all yet!) August will hopefully seeme heading off to Canada (RockyMountains and Labrador); late Septemberinto October the Inca Trail in Peru;November – December trekking in NewZealand and visiting some parts ofAustralia; January 2009 off to do some

hiking inC h i l e ;February2009 on acruise toAntarctica,Falklandsand SouthGeorgia;M a r c hhiking inPatagonia; April hopefully some crosscountry skiing (Scandinavia); Maypossibly back to Canada to canoe downthe Yukon; leaving the rest of thesummer to visit Spitzbergen, Icelandand Greenland. And in between timessee family, friends and my dog Harvey.

Life is an adventure…….Who knowswhere I will actually end up!

Stephen Moore

Life is one longadventure….

Norman Morrison has been appointedto the temporary Post of BuildingSupervisor for a period of six months.

Norman has been employed with usfor approximately 10 years, and beforethat worked substantially with thecontractors who built the WesternIsles Hospital.

He will have a major role in co-ordinating both PPM and theBuilding aspects of the Maintenance Program, Minor Worksand Capital Program.

Norman MorrisonNorman MorrisonNorman MorrisonNorman MorrisonNorman Morrison

Page 7 June 2008

New Recruit s

Penny Holmes joinedBayhead Dental Practice inMarch as a Salaried Gen-eral Dental Practitioner.Penny, from Manchester,joins us from ManchesterPrimary Care Trust.

PennyPennyPennyPennyPenny

HolmesHolmesHolmesHolmesHolmes

Janet MarshallJanet MarshallJanet MarshallJanet MarshallJanet Marshall

Martin Jones joined NHSWestern Isles in April asDeputy Director ofFinance.

Before joining the HealthBoard, Martin worked forComhairle nan Eilean Siarfor 15 years, both asPrincipal Accountantlooking after the FinancialManagement System andsupporting variouscommittees; and latterly asHead of ExchequerServices, responsible forPayroll, CreditorPayments, Debt Collectionand Benefits.

Martin’s role with NHSWestern Isles is to supportthe Director of Finance inensuring that the Boardhas a robust financialmanagement system inplace, and also managingthe Finance and PatientTravel functions on a dayto day basis.

MarMarMarMarMartin Jonestin Jonestin Jonestin Jonestin Jones

“I’ll be working closely withmanagers across the Boardto help them to manage theirbudgets effectively, andlooking to develop financialsystems that will provideadded value to theorganisation,” said Martin.

“I’ve been very impressedwith the positive attitudeshown by the staff I’ve metso far, both in Finance andelsewhere in theorganisation, and I’m reallylooking forward to doingwhat I can to help theorganisation provide thebest possible health servicesto people in the WesternIsles.”

Jacqueline Campbell (HotelServices/Domestics); IsazaFernando (MedicalStaffing); Penelope Holmes(Dental Bayhead); EwaAlicja Jucha (DentalBayhead); Louise Kelly(Hotel Services/Domestics); Ashfaq A.Khattak (Medical Staffing);Joanne MacDonald (DentalBayhead); Jaime Morris(Dental Bayhead); SheenaMurdoch (Medical StaffingJunior); Richard Myles(Medical Staffing).

Janet Marshall started asan Admin Assistant(temporary) with the ChiefExecutive Office on 2ndApril.

Janet is well known for herwork as a FreelanceIllustrator/Designer, and asProduction Manager withTheatre Hebrides. She hasalso managed a smallbuilding company with her husband. Janet has lived onthe island for 23 years and recently was Lews CastleCollege’s first Honours Graduate when she gainedBSc(Hons) Rural Development Studies.

Welcome to thefollowing new

members of staff:Following additional funding from theBritish Heart Foundation, the HeartFailure Nurse Servicehas recently grown tothree Specialist Nurses,with the recentappointments of JaneMacaulay (pictured).

Jane works part timecovering Lewis andHarris, and MargaretPaterson, also workspart time, covering theUists and Barra. Janeand Margaret join DebraVickers, BHF Heart Failure NurseSpecialist, who has been in post for oneyear.

WWWWWelcome appointments telcome appointments telcome appointments telcome appointments telcome appointments to Hearo Hearo Hearo Hearo Hearttttt

FFFFFailure Nailure Nailure Nailure Nailure Nurururururse Serse Serse Serse Serse Servicevicevicevicevice

The aim of the Heart Failure NurseService in the Western Isles is to

improve themanagement ofpatients with ChronicHeart Failure andreducing unnecessaryhospital re-admissionand to provideseamless care betweenthe patient’s GP andhospital care. Theyalso educate localprofessionals topromote the improvedcare of heart failure

patients, and encourage patients to beactively involved in managing andmonitoring their own care.

Page 8 June 2008

Debra Vickers, who has now been in postfor 12 months as British Heart FoundationHeart Failure Specialist Nurse, has recentlycompleted the Chronic Heart Failure courseat Glasgow Caledonian University.

Debra is also currently undertaking theC l i n i c a lAssessmentCourse, to bef o l l o w e dshortly byNon MedicalPrescr ib inga n dA d v a n c e dCommunicationcourses.

Congratulations toGeorge and AnnelineMacKenzie who weremarried on 29th Februaryat Kinloch Free Church.

George is the Acting WardManager in SpecialsWard, Western IslesHospital, and we wouldlike to wish them all thebest for the future.

George andGeorge andGeorge andGeorge andGeorge and

AnnelineAnnelineAnnelineAnnelineAnneline

MacKMacKMacKMacKMacKenzieenzieenzieenzieenzie

Debra VickDebra VickDebra VickDebra VickDebra Vickererererersssss

Other News

Donna Macleod went on MaternityLeave on May 7th in preparation for thebirth of her first child, due on 28th July.

Donna has worked for the Board for 10years, between the Works Department,Hospital Switchboard and Health BoardReception.

We’d like to wish Donna and her husband Calum all the best with theirforthcoming bundle of joy!

Donna MacLeodDonna MacLeodDonna MacLeodDonna MacLeodDonna MacLeod

The Primary Care office has recently relo-cated from the Health Board Offices to theStornoway Health Centre on SpringfieldRoad. Christine McKee, ChrisannMacKenzie, Erica MacLeod and Liz Fowlerare now contactable through the switchboardtel. 01851 703545.

PrimarPrimarPrimarPrimarPrimary Carey Carey Carey Carey Care

RelocationRelocationRelocationRelocationRelocation

A Promoting Healthy Working Lives Day is set tobe held on the following date (look out for posters)

13th June 2008

In addition to this, Betty Beaton will be organising a walk forthe British Heart Foundation on the Saturday 14th June2008. Betty is keen to get as many people as involved aspossible in the walk (Rodel to the Butt). (See Page 17)

Promoting HealthyWorking Lives Day 2008

Page 9 June 2008

NHS Western Isles is developing a new PropertyStrategy to help underpin the work that iscurrently being undertaken to develop a ClinicalStrategy.

David Foreman, who is leading the developmentof a Property Strategy, has been meeting staffthroughout the organisation since January 2008,to explain the reasons behind this piece of work.To develop a Property Strategy, the followingwill be considered:

• The condition and suitability of the Board’spresent properties – ‘where are we now?’

• How well those properties will support aredeveloped clinical strategy – ‘where dowe want to be?’

• What plans and business cases need to beprepared to change those things that needto be changed – ‘how do we get there?’

Development of aDevelopment of aDevelopment of aDevelopment of aDevelopment of a

PrPrPrPrProperoperoperoperoperty Stratty Stratty Stratty Stratty Strategyegyegyegyegy

A detailed review of the Board’s properties is now taking place by ateam of professional surveyors from a firm called Atisreal.

The survey will appraise and record five different aspects of eachproperty managed or leased by the Board. Those five aspects are:

• Its physical condition

• Its use of energy and its environmental performance

• How well it complies with statutory and other standards (suchas fire precautions and Disability Discrimination Act)

• Its functional suitability

• The use of space in the building

Record funding of £25million fortackling alcohol misuse was recentlyannounced by Minister for PublicHealth Shona Robison - with NHSWestern Isles receiving more than£390,000.

Over the last four years the ScottishExecutive has provided funds to theWestern Isles to support localtreatment, support and preventionactivities which have resulted in arange of services throughout theWestern Isles. These includecounselling services, a supportedaccommodation project, intensive daycare programmes, supportedemployment projects, an AlcoholLiaison Nurse, training events forstatutory and voluntary agencies, anAlcohol Health Needs Assessmentand campaigns within the media andat community events.

Tackling

alcohol

misuse

In all nine new services and initiativeshave been set up since 2004 and afurther eight supported. All aretargeted at reducing alcohol-relatedharm through relevant preventionand treatment services andencouraging safe and sensibleattitudes to alcohol by the promotionof personal and communityresponsibility throughout theWestern Isles.

Director of Public Health Dr SheilaScott commented: “NHS WesternIsles welcomes the allocation of£390,621 to the Western Isles whichwill help in further developing directservices to those with alcoholproblems (as identified in the AlcoholHealth Needs Assessment).”

Would you like help logging on to and/or using the e-Library?

Do you think you could do with some help using email?

Do you need help with basic computer skills?

If so please contact Lindsay Bradley, Information Literacy & Learning Facilitator,Education Unit Library, Western Isles Hospital. Tel: 01851 708236

E-mail Lindsay.Bradley@wihb.scot.nhs.uk

Computer Skills & E-Library

Page 10 June 2008

A UK First forOutpatientsDepartment

Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway has become the firsthospital in the UK to take delivery of a state of the artnew colposcopy unit.

An Atmos S41 Gyne Unit has been delivered to theOutpatients Department for colposcopy procedures.

The new £55,000 machine is made up of an adjustablechair for comfort, a powerful microscope, its owncomputer and an integrated screen so that images can bestored electronically on a database.

Occupational Health and Safety Extra(OHSxtra) is an NHS service designedto help NHS employees who areexperiencing on-going health andwelfare problems to get support andtreatment that will help a return towork or avoid taking sick leave. Theservice will be introduced in NHSWestern Isles this summer.

OHSxtra provides NHS staff with adedicated professional who willidentify what support is needed, andhelp staff to rapidly access additionalservices - which could include

Nurse Director/Chief Operating Officer Gordon Jamiesonstated: “The new unit is another important step forward inraising the standard of the quality of care and servicesexperienced by the people of the Western Isles.”

OHSXTRA TO BE INTRODUCED FOR NHS WESTERN ISLES STAFF

physiotherapy, occupational therapyand mental health support if required.Your assigned professional will helpyou through the treatment processand support you when you are readyto go back to work if you have beenoff.

OHSxtra aims to reduce long-termsickness absence by improving thehealth, welfare and wellbeing of NHSstaff. As a result, it will also improvethe quality and continuity of patientcare.

Jean Davis,O c c u p a t i o n a lPhysician said:“We are verypleased to have received funding fromthe Scottish Government to allow theintroduction of OHSxtra which willenhance the services to staff offeredby Occupational Health.

OH staff underwent the necessarytraining to deliver the service in Mayand we plan to launch the service inJuly.”

An estimated 11,000 people in the Western Isles are set to benefit from reducedprescription charges introduced by the Scottish Government on April 1st.

The cost of a single prescription item has been lowered from £6.85 to £5 and thecost of a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC) is 51% cheaper.

The announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing NicolaSturgeon is the first of further annual reductions planned to abolish chargesaltogether by April 1, 2011.

The cost of a PPC has been lowered from £98.70 to £48 for a 12-month period andfrom £35.85 to £17 for a four-month period.

People in Western Isles to benefit fromPeople in Western Isles to benefit fromPeople in Western Isles to benefit fromPeople in Western Isles to benefit fromPeople in Western Isles to benefit from

reduced prescription chargesreduced prescription chargesreduced prescription chargesreduced prescription chargesreduced prescription charges

Page 11 June 2008

Western Isles nurse Catherine Morrison was dueto meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street asSlainte went to press in May, after winning the‘Nursing Standard’ UK Community and GeneralNursing Award.

Catherine, who set up the overnight communitynursing service in 2006, won the prestigious awardafter being was nominated by members of theovernight community nursing team.

Catherine was accompanied to the awardsceremony in London by Acting Chief ExecutiveJohn Turner, Employee Director Elenor MacLeay,and Overnight Community Nurse Mairi Smith,where she was announced as winner.

Catherine, who retired as Senior Community Nursein October 2007 after nursing for more than 20years, won £1,000 plus a trophy and certificate.

Award-winning

Nurse Invited to

Downing Street

She plans to use the £1,000 tostart up a fund to twin theWestern Isles with a hospital inMalawi, to enable staff to assistwith projects out there.

Following on from her successat the awards ceremony,Catherine was invited to attend

an occasion at 10 DowningStreet, together with the otheraward winners, where she willmeet with Prime MinisterGordon Brown.

Pictured above (L-R): MairiSmith, Catherine Morrison andElenor MacLeay.

Lochmaddy Hospital wassold on 17th April 2008 toLondon Shetland SecuritiesLtd.

The purchasers are a privateinvestment company whoseplans are to ‘revitalise theproperty to its former glory’.

Following on from the successfulClinical Strategy Event in February, anumber of events have been heldwith a Clinical Reference Group (withwide clinical membership), and theBoard’s Executive Directors, to takeforward the development of a ClinicalStrategy.

Through these events, we are startingto formulate the framework foroptions. Details of further events willappear on the website:

www.seurbeatha.org

The Clinical Strategy ProgrammeBoard is leading this project, and aProject Team has been put in place todrive this work.

The Team consists of Martin Hill(Clinical Strategy Programme

Director); Stephen Moore (ActingClinical Strategy Project Manager);Debbie Bozkurt (ManagementAccountant); Eddy Yates(Information Governance); LynseyHutchison (StaffsideRepresentative); Maggie Fraser

(Communications Manager); MalcolmMcNinch (Service ImprovementProgramme Manager); MartinMalcolm (Public Health Specialist –Health Informatics); Mary McElligott(Professional Practice DevelopmentManager); Phil Tilley (Planning andDevelopment Manager); andAnthony Clements (PFPIDevelopment Officer).

Your input into this development isimportant, and an email addressClinical.Strategy@wihb.scot.nhs.ukhas been set up for comments, viewsand feedback to inform this process.

Update on progress

with Clinical Strategy

Page 12 June 2008

Various training sessions have been taking place throughout the organisation,before the Board’s new defibrillators are circulated.

NHS Western Isles took delivery of 22 new defibrillators in February – which willensure that staff and patients of the Western Isles receive up to date and safecare in the event of a cardiac arrest.

All of the devices can be used with an automatic function which ensures that theuser, no matter what level of experience they hold, can operate the device as itspeaks to you and tells you what to do.

To date, the staff that have attended training have been extremely positive aboutthe devices – and have been particularly impressed by heir ease of use and hefact that they are lightweight.

Staff also appear to be more confident in the prospect of performing defibrillationsafely.

DefibrillatorTraining

For some of us the CHaSCP is nowjust that – a title, the structurewithin which we work – no differentfrom the Community Division orWIHB! Or is it?

I believe it is different. There is avery different feel to the way wework now. The Joint FuturesAgenda intended to draw Healthand Social Services together butthe CHaSCP has strengthenedthese links and given them a muchgreater value. However thequestion is - has the CHaSCP madea difference to the staff providing

What’s in a title?services? And are thepatients and public noticingany difference?

This will be the challenge for this year. Thecontinued development of the Health &Social Care Teams is imperative to theimprovement of co-ordinated service topatients and clients. There are many areasin which we can improve – one of thesebeing the Community Equipment Service.

The other development which is ofparamount importance is the strengtheningof the Locality Planning Groups - the directlink from the community to the CHaSCP

strategic committee. Each grouphas a representative on theCHaSCP Committee and throughthem opinion, suggestions andrequests from the community canbe presented while at the sametime ensuring that the work withinthe CHaSCP is disseminated backto the community.

Finella MorrisonLead Nurse, Community

Forty new McKinley T34 syringedrivers have been purchased by theBoard, replacing the MS26 syringedrivers previously in use across theWestern Isles.

The McKinley T34 syringe drivershave a very good safety record andare simple to use. Training has beenprovided to the appropriate staff.

Gill Chadwick, Macmillan LeadCancer Nurse, stated: “Having theuse of these new syringe driversbrings us into line with our partnerBoards on the mainland, in particularHighland and Greater Glasgow &Clyde. This will further improvepatient safety and reduce risks.”

Syringe DriversCabinet Secretary for Health andWellbeing Nicola Sturgeon haspraised the dedication of NHS stafffor their hard work in meeting newwaiting time standards.

All Boards delivered against anumber of key national waitingtimes targets on December 31, 2007.

• No patient had waited morethan 18 weeks for a firstoutpatient consultationfollowing a GP referral

• No patient had waited morethan 18 weeks for inpatient/daycase treatment

• It is estimated thatNHSScotland delivered the

Waiting Times Targetsstandard waiting times targetfor key diagnostic tests

• Main hospital A&EDepartments achieved the fourhours target for admission,discharge or transfer duringDecember 2007

• The cataract treatment wholejourney target of 18 weeks wasmet

• The whole journey target of 16weeks for cardiac interventionwas met

• The target that no patientwould wait more than 24 hoursfor hip surgery followingadmission to a specialist unitfollowing fracture was met.

Page 13 June 2008

NHS Western Isles has set a new top standard – with thehighest level of retinal screening undertaken over the pastyear, of all NHS Boards in Scotland.

In March 2007 NHS Western Isles contracted with R. DoigLtd. to provide a retinal screening service to replace themobile unit that once visited from NHS Tayside. One yearafter the launch of the new service, the programme isreporting that record numbers of people have used theservice.

More than 95% of people with diabetes were screenedduring the first year - with the majority of people visitingone of the practices in Stornoway or Benbecula, andadditional mobile screening being provided at GP practicesin more remote areas, including Barra, Harris, Uig and SouthLochs. Twenty domiciliary visits were carried out for peopleunable to leave their homes.

A delegation from the National Retinal Screening Executivevisited the Western Isles in January for an informal reviewof the service, when the opinion was expressed that NHSWestern Isles is providing a ‘Rolls Royce (standard) service’that it would be ‘very difficult to find elsewhere’.

A ‘Rolls Royce’ Standard Service

A survey will be run during 2008 to assess the impact ofthe service and provide the opportunity for users of theservice to give their views. A full report will be publishedin the near future.

A Mental Health ‘Drop in Day’ held by NHSWestern Isles on February 29th was well attended,with a number of people giving views throughoutthe course of the day.

The purpose of the event, held at An Lanntair,was to look at the patient journey for bipolardisorder, schizophrenia, depression, dementia andborderline personality disorder. A large numberof comments on the present service were received.The information received will be collated and usedto inform and improve the care pathways in MentalHealth Services of NHS Western Isles.

Mental Health‘Drop in’ Day

Pictured above are Anne Hutchison, Planning and DevelopmentManager; Joan Tilley, Child and Adolescent Mental HealthServices Lead Nurse; Dr Steven Welsh, Consultant Psychiatrist;and Martin Anderson, Vice-Chair WIAMH (Western IslesAssociation for Mental Health).

The new Code for nurses and midwives waslaunched in April to celebrate World Health Day.

The launch of the new Code aims to clarifyexpectations; setting out for nurses andmidwives what is expected of them asprofessionals, and showing members of thepublic what standard of care they can expect toreceive.

New Code for Nurses

and Midwives

Instead of the Code setting out pages of rules,which would be unsuitable considering thevaried roles and individual patient needs, thepocket-sized Code provides a broad set ofprinciples that nurses and midwives can applyto their own area of practise and the diverseenvironments in which patients receive care.

The NMC Code came into effect on 1 May 2008.The Code is now available on the intranethomepage.

Page 14 June 2008

Improving Oral Health

NHS Western Isles is currentlypromoting National Smile Month –which takes place between 18th Mayand 17th June. This year’s campaignis focusing on the link between oralhealth and general health.

There is a growing body of evidencesuggesting that people with gumdisease are more at risk of developingheart disease, heart attacks, strokes,diabetes and, in the case of pregnantwomen, giving birth to underweightbabies.

Gum disease may be caused by poororal healthcare and is, therefore,totally preventable. Around 19 outof 20 people suffer from gum diseaseat some point in their lives, but withgood oral healthcare routines, thiscan easily be prevented.

For good Oral Health:

• Brush twice a day withfluoridated toothpaste

• Cut down on how often youhave sugary foods and drinks

• Visit your dentist regularly

You should also clean between theteeth, once a day using dental flossor interdental brushes.

Change your toothbrush every threemonths and check your mouthregularly for lumps, non healing ulcersor red/white patches in the mouth - asthese can all be early signs of mouthcancer.

If in doubt, contact your Dentist orG.P.

NHS Western Isles staff are to be congratulated for considerable progressmade in relation to compliance with hand hygiene rules.

Thanks to the continued efforts of staff, NHS Western Isles has reached94% hand hygiene compliance, according to Health Protection Scotland’smost recent report.

NHS Western Isles is now one of the top three Boards for hand hygienecompliance (together with NHS Forth Valley and NHS Ayrshire & Arran),and one of only four Boards that have exceeded the 90% hand hygienetarget.

NHS Western Isles’ Public Health Consultant/Infection Control ManagerJulie Yates stated: “NHS Western Isles staff have all done extremely well– not just doctors and nurses but all healthcare workers within theorganisation.

“Everyone has made huge efforts to reach 94% hand hygiene compliance,and we are continuing to make progress. The Infection Control Teamwould like to thank all staff for making this happen.”

Hand Hygiene

Compliance

Organised by the Uist Men’s Health Forum,a Quiz Night took place in the Borrodale Hotel,Lochboisdale on 14th March.

Eight teams participated battling against eachother to answer questions - with one rounddedicated to raising awareness of alcoholissues.

Health information was circulated throughoutthe venue and all participants were given theopportunity to have a healthcheck and takepart in a “beer goggle” activity for extrapoints. There was also a separate smokingquiz with additional prizes.

Uist Quiz Night

A number of staff including Smoking Cessation, Paths to Health,Community Nursing Service and the Men’s Health Co-ordinator werealso on hand to offer advice and healthchecks. Funds raised at theevent will be donated to charity.

Page 15 June 2008

The unique partnership between NHS Western Isles andComhairle nan Eilean Siar hasnow been officially sealed.

All community health servicescame on board the CHaSCP lastyear, and, from April 1st 2008,the Comhairle delegated SocialCare to the CHaSCP – makingit the first organisation inScotland to have such widejoint responsibilities forlooking after the localpopulation.

Chairman of the CHaSCPCommittee Angus McCormacksaid: “It is very encouragingto see the Comhairle and NHS Western Isles workingtogether on behalf of the people of the Outer Hebrides. Ilook forward to enhancing the engagement with thoserepresentatives of community and volunteers on theCHaSCP committee.”

Unique Partnership sealed between Health Board and Comhairle

A Joint Planning Team has been set up and has identified18 areas where moreintegrated workingwould benefit thepatients and clientsacross the WesternIsles. They are lookingat how services can bedelivered closer tohome, what servicesthose should be andhow to further improvecommunication andpublic involvement.Visit chascp.org forfurther details.

Pictured: NHS WesternIsles Chairman John Angus MacKay and ComhairleConvener Alex MacDonald sign the letter to CabinetSecretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon,informing her that services have now come togetherthrough the CHaSCP.

It was with great sadness thatcolleagues throughout NHSWestern Isles heard news of thedeath of Annie Mary MacDonaldon 25th April 2008, following along illness, which she faced withbravery and good humour.

Annie Mary was well known as themanager of Specials Ward in theLewis Hospital and MixedSpecialty Ward in the WesternIsles Hospital.

During her tenure in this post shesuccessfully managed thetransition from the originalspecialities which weregynaecology, ENT, dental, generalsurgery and care of the terminallyill to the current specialities whichhave changed considerably overthe intervening years.

Annie MarAnnie MarAnnie MarAnnie MarAnnie Mary Macdonaldy Macdonaldy Macdonaldy Macdonaldy Macdonald

1948 - 20081948 - 20081948 - 20081948 - 20081948 - 2008There can be no greater tribute toher excellence and professionalismas a nurse than the well establishedward which exists today.

Time and again Annie Mary guidedher staff through some turbulenttimes when demands for changecould be overwhelming, and it is atestament to her leadership thatdespite whatever difficulties aroseshe managed to support her staff,yet never lose sight of her toppriority which was the care andwelfare of her patients.

There are many patients andfamilies throughout the islandswho remember with fondness andgratitude her care and support ofthem during distressing times.

Annie Mary will be remembered byher peers as a trusted friend andgreat company on social

occasions, sharing her stories and hergood sense of humour with all.

Above all Annie Mary was a devotedmother to Annice, wife to Coinneachand sister to Domhnall Iain and tothem and all her family and closefriends our profound sympathy isoffered at this difficult time.

The latest report from HealthProtection Scotland reveals that four

Reduction in casesof C-dif

health boards – including NHSWestern Isles – have reported areduction in cases of Clostridiumdifficile in the space of threemonths. Nationally, the figures forOctober to December 2007 show atotal of 1608 cases in the 65-plus

age group to which surveillance testingis applied. This compares with 1459 casesfrom July to September 2007. However,Ayrshire and Arran, Highland, Shetlandand Western Isles reported a reductionfrom the previous quarter.

Page 16 June 2008

Patients in Western Isles Hospital’sStroke Unit are already benefiting from awelcome donation in memory of a formerpatient.

Following the death of the late NormanMacleod from Cross, Ness - who hadbeen a patient in the Stroke Unit for sixmonths – the family requested that acollection be made at the funeral service,in aid of the Stroke Unit. The Unit hassince gratefully received a portable DVDplayer, a Nintendo wii video gameconsole and a painting of a local spot -Stoth Beach, Eoropie, Ness, a favouriteplace of Norman’s.

Calum Iain Macleod, Norman’s son,explained: “We were so delighted withthe high level of care that my fatherreceived when he was a patient in theStroke Unit, that we wanted to givesomething back. We are very grateful toeverybody who contributed to thecollection and trust that the equipment

will be of help to stroke victims inthe future.”

Erisort Ward Manager JoanFrieslick stated: “Doctors in theU.S. have discovered the Nintendowii helps to rewire the brain after ithas been damaged by stroke. Ithelps stroke victims to regainmovement in their arms and legs.”

Pictured standing (L-R): AnnaMacleod, Physio Assistant; SonjaSmit, Occupational Therapist; MrsEffie Macleod; Calum Iain Macleod;Muriel MacDonald, Auxiliary; andJohanna MacKay, Staff Nurse.Sitting (L-R): Enrolled Nurse MoragMacDonald; Stroke Assistant IainMacDonald; and Stroke LiaisonNurse Cathy Masson.

Welcome donation

to local Stroke Unit

The Nintendo wii has now been built in to a newvideoconferencing screen, and is already proving extremelysuccessful in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, particularlyfor their hand-eye coordination, arm movements, reactionand timing.

Unlike most computer games, the Nintendo wii involvesacting out all the physical movements involved in normalsports, such as tennis, bowling, golf or boxing. The playerstrikes the ball or throws a punch by swinging their armsand pressing a button on a hand-held controller.

Pictured is one of the stroke unit patients using the bowlinggame to strengthen her right-hand side, which was affectedafter a stroke.

There I was sitting watching anotherepisode from my bargain completeseries of the Darling Buds of May,when a loud thump on the kitchenwindow drew me from the magnetismof David Jason.

A huge ‘orrible crow had frightenedall my wee birds and a beautiful Siskinhad crashed into the window.

I could see the eyes of the crowbearing down on me from thetelegraph pole; I could sense theneighbour’s cat just waiting for theright moment. So I bravely venturedout in to my garden, no shoes upon

my feet, with my ‘Betty Boob’flannelette PJs on, picked up theSiskin and sat on the step keeping itwarm and safe from watchingpredators. It took 20 minutes for mybrave little soldier to recover and helet me take a couple of photos of himbefore he flew off into the sun-set.

(Note to self, must buy huge tub ofHand Cream!)

Slainte!

Debbie BozkurtInterim Senior Management

Accountant

A bird in the

hand...

Page 17 June 2008

British Heart Foundation (BHF)Scotland loves walking – and, thisJune, wants to get everyone in theWestern Isles taking steps to helpbeat heart disease.

The nation’s heart charity and NHSWestern Isles are particularly keen toencourage people to take part insponsored walks taking placethroughout the Western Isles duringthe 60th birthday of the NHS.

TTTTTaking steaking steaking steaking steaking steps to beaps to beaps to beaps to beaps to beat Heart Heart Heart Heart Heart Disease on 60t Disease on 60t Disease on 60t Disease on 60t Disease on 60ththththth AnniAnniAnniAnniAnnivvvvvererererersarsarsarsarsary ofy ofy ofy ofy of NHS NHS NHS NHS NHS

Betty Beaton, local fundraiser for BHFon the Western Isles, along with NHSstaff, is organising walks on June 14th

2008 in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barraall beginning at 10am.

Walks will last approximately two tothree hours and routes have beenmapped out. All sponsor money willbe paid directly into a bank accountwhich has been opened specificallyfor this event. For further

information, contact DouglasJamieson, Western Isles Hospital, on01851 704704 (Ext 2478).

The sponsored walks are just one ofmany activities being held locally toraise money for the British HeartFoundation Scotland – which fundsa local Heart Failure Nursing Service.A Tombola raffle recently took placein the Co-op in Stornoway – and atotal of £1,245 was raised for the BHF.

Walk the

WESTERN ISLES WAY

GIVE TIME TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP BEAT HEART DISEASE

A series of sponsored walks has been organised forA series of sponsored walks has been organised forA series of sponsored walks has been organised forA series of sponsored walks has been organised forA series of sponsored walks has been organised for...............

SaSaSaSaSaturturturturturdadadadaday 14th June 2008y 14th June 2008y 14th June 2008y 14th June 2008y 14th June 2008

aaaaat 10.00amt 10.00amt 10.00amt 10.00amt 10.00am

thrthrthrthrthroughout the Woughout the Woughout the Woughout the Woughout the Western Islesestern Islesestern Islesestern Islesestern IslesFunds raised will be donated to the British Heart Foundation.

ALL WELALL WELALL WELALL WELALL WELCOMECOMECOMECOMECOME

LEWISLEWISLEWISLEWISLEWIS Lews Castle GroundsLews Castle GroundsLews Castle GroundsLews Castle GroundsLews Castle Grounds Start: Start: Start: Start: Start: Porters Lodge (approx. 4 miles)Porters Lodge (approx. 4 miles)Porters Lodge (approx. 4 miles)Porters Lodge (approx. 4 miles)Porters Lodge (approx. 4 miles)

HARRISHARRISHARRISHARRISHARRIS Northton/TNorthton/TNorthton/TNorthton/TNorthton/Toeheadoeheadoeheadoeheadoehead Start: Start: Start: Start: Start: MacGilvray Centre (approx. 4 miles)MacGilvray Centre (approx. 4 miles)MacGilvray Centre (approx. 4 miles)MacGilvray Centre (approx. 4 miles)MacGilvray Centre (approx. 4 miles)

UISTSUISTSUISTSUISTSUISTS HowmoreHowmoreHowmoreHowmoreHowmore Start: Start: Start: Start: Start: Howmore Church (approx. 6 miles)Howmore Church (approx. 6 miles)Howmore Church (approx. 6 miles)Howmore Church (approx. 6 miles)Howmore Church (approx. 6 miles)

BARRABARRABARRABARRABARRA Ben Scurrival & Ben EoligarryBen Scurrival & Ben EoligarryBen Scurrival & Ben EoligarryBen Scurrival & Ben EoligarryBen Scurrival & Ben Eoligarry Start: Start: Start: Start: Start: Eoligarry Jetty (approx. 5 miles)Eoligarry Jetty (approx. 5 miles)Eoligarry Jetty (approx. 5 miles)Eoligarry Jetty (approx. 5 miles)Eoligarry Jetty (approx. 5 miles)

MakMakMakMakMake it a fun dae it a fun dae it a fun dae it a fun dae it a fun day out with all yy out with all yy out with all yy out with all yy out with all your four four four four family and friendsamily and friendsamily and friendsamily and friendsamily and friends

- and remember to wear suitable footwear!- and remember to wear suitable footwear!- and remember to wear suitable footwear!- and remember to wear suitable footwear!- and remember to wear suitable footwear!

If you are saving or borrowing Western Isles CreditUnion will be able to help. Call us on 01851 701865 for

more information.

The group formerly known as the Lewis Breast Cancer SupportGroup has marked an important milestone by changing its nameto the Lewis and Harris Breast Cancer Support Group.

The change of name was launched at Tarbert on 12th April andundertaken in recognition of the Group’s increasing involvementwith Harris over recent years.

This has included group members providing assistance to theBreast Care Nurse with running the Looking Forward course(for ladies who have completed treatment for breast cancer) inTarbert, and the Group taking its ‘roadshow’ (a Powerpointpresentation of its work) there. In addition, the Group isfortunate in that various Harris groups generously fundraise forthem. The launch took the form of a lunch in the Harris Hotelattended by group members and supporters, fundraisers andfriends from Harris.

New name for Breast

Cancer Support Group

April saw the Lewis and Harris Breast Cancer Support Groupcelebrating its 10th anniversary.

The Group has come a long way since its early days of meetingin a variety of local venues - the acquisition of its premises inCromwell Street and the appointment of an administrator havehelped to raise its profile.

The anniversary was marked by a concert in Barvas Hall, whereentertainment was provided by Anne Martin of WhitewaveMusic in Skye, Mr Lu, a Nicolson Institute exchange teacherfrom China, and children from Barvas and Airidhantuim schoolswho performed songs, dances and drama. A buffet and rafflecontributed to the evening’s enjoyment, and all in all, the eventwas a resounding success.

Having taken a breather from social events, the Group iscurrently focussing on providing a drop-in service aimed atanyone affected by breast cancer, in particular those who mayneed support during the current Breast Screening programme.

The Drop-in Centre at 89 Cromwell Street is manned on a rotabasis by volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to12 noon and from 2 pm to 4 pm, and on Fridays from 10 am to12 noon. All volunteers have been affected by breast cancerthemselves, and are available to lend a supportive ear in a friendlyand informal environment. For further information, contactMary on 700345, or drop in to the centre.

LBCSG celebrates

10 years

Lewis and HarrisBreast Cancer Support Group

Is Nobody Listening?· Do you feel your views are not taken

seriously?· Are you unhappy about a service you are

receiving?· Would you like to be more fully involved in planning for

your future?· Do you need someone to help you stand up for your

rights?· Are you a family carer who needs support with issues

that have arisen?· Do you want support when decisions have to be made

which are uncomfortable?

We can help you with the following:Home care; Learning disabilities; Physical disabilities;Mental health issues; Respite care; Residential care;

Hospital care; Education; Case reviews / Conferences; Anyother meetings you may be involved in.

Advocacy Western Isles provides a service for Adults, Peoplewith Learning Disabilities and Children and Young People

Advocacy Western Isles is a free, independent andconfidential service.

Advocacy Western Isles27 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU

Tel/ Fax: 01851 701755e-mail:advocacy.westernisles@virgin.net

Scottish CharityNo:SCO34774

We Are Here To Help!

As part of Red Cross Appeal week (4th to 10th May), thelocal branch of the British Red Cross held a fundraisingCeilidh at Stornoway Golf Club on Saturday 3rd May.

Music for the evening was provided by local bandPortrona, the Great Bernera Highland Dancers did afantastic Dance display, and a sumptuous buffet wasprepared by Red Cross volunteers. £160.50 was raisedon the night, with an additional £348.30 being raisedthrough the Red Cross Appeal week raffle.

Angela MacDonald, Services Manager for the WesternIsles commented: “Everyone had a very enjoyableevening, and vital funds were raised for the work of theRed Cross. Sincere thanks to all who contributedtowards the evening.”

For further information on the work of the Red Crosslocally, or to volunteer, please contact AngelaMacDonald, Services Manager, on 01851 702897 or e-mail amacdonald@redcross.org.uk. Further informationis also available at www.redcross.org.uk

Red Cross Ceilidh

A number of people attended a special Multiple Sclerosis(MS) focus day in April to mark the local MS AwarenessWeek.

April 18th marked the beginning of local Multiple Sclerosis(MS) awareness week. MS, a condition of the centralnervous system, is the most common disablingneurological condition affecting young adults. It isespecially common in northern areas of Scotland includingthe Western Isles.

Alison MacIver, NHS Western Isles MS Specialist Co-ordinator explained: “The local health bus launched MSAwareness Week by having a special MS focus day onFriday April 18th at the South Beach Car Park.

“The day involved the health bus - which usuallypromotes general health information and advice - havinga special MS focus with advice and specific informationrelevant to all aspects of this particular condition. Anumber of people attended to find out more about thecondition.”

MS Awareness Week

The local branch of the MS Society meets at 7.30pm on thesecond Tuesday of every month at the Grianan Centre, inStornoway. The group is open to those whose lives havebeen affected by the condition. Offering a supportiveenvironment, relevant issues and topics are discussedoften with guest speakers in attendance.

NHS Western Isles will benefit from£34,000 this year to introduce newfamily-focused treatment programmesfor overweight and obese childrenaged between five and 15.

Cabinet Secretary for Health andWellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:“This funding will directly benefitoverweight children in the WesternIsles and is an extremely importantaddition to the actions we are alreadytaking to tackle health inequalities.”

NHS Western Isles Nutrition andDietetic Manager Karen Francestated: “This funding is fantastic newsand it is encouraging that theGovernment is taking the issue ofchildhood obesity so seriously.

Tackling

Childhood

Obesity

“The health risks associated withobesity are well known, and the sadthing about childhood obesity is thatchildren are likely to develop healthproblems such as Type 2 Diabetes,Coronary Heart Disease, mobilityproblems and so on, at a younger agethan would otherwise be expected.

“The good news is that with somelong term lifestyle changes, manyhealth risks can be significantlyreduced. Here in the Western Isles,staff in the Dietetic Department haveall recently undertaken training on anew evidence-based, family-focussedchildhood obesity treatmentprogramme and have already startedto implement it.”

As part of his routine programme of visits to NHS Boards,Director-General Health and Chief Executive of NHSScotland Dr Kevin Woods visited NHS Western Islesrecently.

Dr Woods and colleagues from the Scottish Governmentmet with several members of the Board to discuss the breakeven out-turn in 2007-08, and the Board’s forward plan for2008-09. Also discussed was the development of the Board’sClinical Strategy and how this is progressing.

Visit by Director-General Healthand Chief Executive of NHS

Scotland

Dr Woods visited Western Isles Hospital on his last tripto the Western Isles, so for this visit, he went to NorthHarris Medical Practice, to give him a sense of thelogistics of serving communities across the islands.

Page 20 June 2008

A Strategy which sets out the overalldirection for Children and YoungPeople’s Mental Health Services in theWestern Isles over the next 10 years waslaunched on Thursday 24th April.

The Child and Adolescent MentalHealth Strategy sets out and identifieskey priorities and targets that need tobe met during the next decade. TheStrategy is concerned with the mentalhealth and wellbeing of all children andyoung people in the Western Isles upto the age of 18. It also recognises theongoing needs of young people withsignificant mental health issues who, onreaching 18, may continue to havesignificant mental health issues.

Launch of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Strategy

Director of Public Health Dr SheilaScott stated: “Mental wellbeingaffects behaviour, the ability to learnand achieve, physical health andwellbeing and impacts on the abilityto enjoy childhood and teenage yearsto the full.

Good mental health is, therefore, anessential part of our vision for thechildren and young people of theWestern Isles.”

Special thanks are paid to the pupilsof Lionel School for providing theartwork included in the Strategy.

The West of Scotland Regional Heartand Lung Centre is now fullyoperational at the Golden JubileeNational Hospital in Clydebank.

Serving six NHS Board areas(including NHS Western Isles) andaround 2.2 million people, the purpose-built centre will be one of the largestof its kind in the UK.

At the integrated heart and lungcentre, patients will have access to awide range of specialist services. Thecentre will provide all adult heart andlung surgery previously carried out

The West of Scotland Regional

Heart and Lung Centre

at Glasgow Royal and Westerninfirmaries – including all bypasses,heart valve surgery and othercomplex procedures.

It will take on all interventionalcardiology services previouslycarried out in Glasgow, such asangioplasty, angiography,electrophysiology and complexpacemakers. Furthermore, it willcarry out lung surgery currentlyperformed in Lanarkshire’sHairmyres Hospital.

The modern facility boasts over 100

single-bed rooms for inpatients, eachwith their own en-suite facilities, 37critical care beds, seven theatres andfour cardiac catheterisation (cath) labs– special x-ray rooms for diagnosis andtreatment of blood vessel blockagesaround the heart.

Earlier this year NHS Western Islesengaged Jessie Bruce of Genius todeliver a training programme to intro-duce and expand awareness of PatientFocus and Public Involvement.

Over the four days (19th – 22nd Feb-ruary) there were seven half day ses-sions aimed at audiences ranging frommembers of the public through staffto clinicians to members of the HealthBoard. We tried to offer flexibility witha geographic spread using Benbeculaas well as Stornoway; alternative times

PFPI Trainingwere available to allow for workand other commitments.

Altogether the sessions attracted

61 participants – a few were re-freshing their knowledge but forthe vast majority this was an in-troduction to the concepts.

Each session was tailored to its targetaudience; the training relied heavily ongroup participation and was generallyvery well received.

Team exercises and non verbal communi-cation tended to break down some tradi-tional barriers to allow a useful exchangeof ideas, encouraging mutual learningrather than received wisdom.

Almost everyone completed a feedbackform, most were very enthusiastic. Forthe future, the aim is to incorporate anintroduction to PFPI awareness into thestaff induction course.

Page 21 June 2008

NHS Western Isles has welcomed thepublication of the report of theScottish Parliament Audit Committee’sinvestigation into the Health Board,which was published on 6th May.

The Audit Committee decided tohold an investigation inNovember 2007 following theAuditor General for Scotland’sSection 22 Report on the financial auditof NHS Western Isles for the financialyear 2006-07.

NHS Western Isles Chair John AngusMacKay said: “We appreciate the

NHS WNHS WNHS WNHS WNHS Westestestestestern Isles wern Isles wern Isles wern Isles wern Isles welcomes publication of Scoelcomes publication of Scoelcomes publication of Scoelcomes publication of Scoelcomes publication of Scottishttishttishttishttish

PPPPParliament Aarliament Aarliament Aarliament Aarliament Audit Committudit Committudit Committudit Committudit Committee reporee reporee reporee reporee reporttttt

concern that the Audit Committeehas shown for Western IslesHealth Board.

“We also greatly appreciate thesupport we are receiving from the

Scottish Government HealthDepartment and other HealthBoards in NHS Scotland. We shalltake careful note of the report andput in place any actions which arenecessary.

“It is also important for the NHS in theWestern Isles, as indeed the AuditCommittee recognises, that we move onfrom a difficult past and build on thesignificant progress that has been madein the past year.

“We should not lose sight of the factthat there is much to be proud of inthe NHS in the Western Isles,

notably the quality of patient care whichis delivered by dedicated and caringstaff, day in day out.”

Every patient accessing local healthcareservices has a right to receive a highquality service, and an assurance thatevery effort is being made to ensure thathealth service provision is enhanced,through a process of continuousimprovement.

For that reason NHS Western Isles hasgiven its full commitment to the ScottishPatient Safety Programme and thenational drive to improve reliability in allacute hospitals.

Patient Safety involves a new way oflooking at things - it is less reactive andmore proactive.

Gordon Jamieson, Nurse Director/ChiefOperating Officer and Executive Leadfor Patient Safety, explained that under

Patient Safety –

a ‘Core Priority’

the Scottish Patient SafetyProgramme, frontline staff areengaged in examining existingsystems and refining them toimprove their reliability, and bydoing so, the risk of unintentionalharm to patients.

NHS Western Isles hasimplemented Executive WalkRounds under the leadership ofJohn Turner Acting Chief Executive

“The purpose of this is clear,” saidMr Turner. “We want to hear fromstaff what they see as the patientsafety issues and then endeavour toseek resolutions with them.”

Pictured: The group’s first walkround in Medical 1, Western IslesHospital.

Pictured are a number of NHSWestern Isles staff memberswho have completed theCleanliness ChampionsProgramme (including Chair-man John Angus MacKay), tohelp combat Healthcare Asso-ciated Infection (HAI).

Cleanliness

Champions

Programme

Page 22 June 2008

NHS Western Isles has made a substantial commitmenttowards Bethesda’s £1.7million building costs.

A contribution of £125,000 has been given from the Board’sCapital budget, towards an extension of the care home.

The extension is required to meet the needs of newgovernment regulations, and is due to be completed in July.

Bethesda Commitment

Patient safety and comfort will befurther improved throughout NHSWestern Isles, with the delivery of asignificant amount of new, directpatient care equipment.

More than £250,000 has been spentfrom the 2007-08 capital budget toimprove the care provided to patientstreated locally.

Twenty-four electric profiling bedshave been delivered (including four forUist and Barra Hospital and two for StBrendan’s), which will increase patientcomfort. Eight new Hi/Lo beds willmeanwhile allow us to lower the bed tofloor level to prevent vulnerablepatients from falling out of bed on tothe floor.

Also delivered was Advanced VitalSign monitoring equipment, 20 Nimbus

New Direct

Patient Care

Equipment

pressure relieving mattresses, stateof the art anaesthetic equipment, andan image intensifier for theatre; aswell as an extensive amount ofpodiatry equipment to improve theability to provide safe and effectivefoot care.

Uist and Barra Hospital will benefitfrom a new ultrasound scanner toimprove imagery and thereforediagnosis.

Nurse Director/Chief OperatingOfficer Gordon Jamiesoncommented: “We are committed tocontinually driving up the standardof care, improving the patientexperience, and ensuring that staffhave at their disposal modern,dependable equipment. Thisequipment moves us significantlyforward in all these areas.”

A multi-agency PandemicInfluenza Exercise was hostedby NHS Western Isles on 26th

March in the Cabarfeidh Hotelin Stornoway.

The event was a one day‘control post’ exercise testingthe response of localorganisations to a ‘riding tide’scenario and focused ondecision-making andcommunications throughoutthe area.

Around 55 people fromdifferent organisations -including NHS Western Isles,

Exercise‘Island

Fortress’

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, NorthernConstabulary, Scottish Government, RedCross, Highlands and Islands AirportsLtd, Community Care Forum, ScottishWater, Scotia Gas Networks, ScottishAmbulance Service, and the RAF -attended the event.

Director of Public Health Dr. Sheila Scottstated: “I would like to thank all of thosewho took part in this event. This was aninteresting and challenging day”.

Pictured (L-R): Tom Laverty, NHSWestern Isles Emergency PlanningOfficer; John Angus MacKay, NHSWestern Isles Chair; Julie Yates, NurseConsultant, Public Health; Dr SheilaScott, NHS Western Isles Director ofPublic Health; Karen Fraser, ScottishGovernment Pandemic Influenza Co-ordination Team; and Baxter Tocher,Deputy National Emergencies PlanningOfficer, NHS Scotland.

Page 23 June 2008

Three Health Boards – including NHSWestern Isles – were selected to takepart in the MRSA screeningprogramme as “Pathfinder” healthboards from April this year.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHSGrampian and NHS Western Isles areall taking part in the screeningprogramme, and will be responsiblefor running a year-long programme ofscreening all patients admitted to

NHS Western Isles

to pilot MRSA

Screening

Programme

hospital for MRSA, backed by£7million of new investment in2008/09.

If successful, the pilot programmewill lead to screening programmesbeing introduced in every healthboard from 2009/10.

NHS Western Isles Nurse Director/ChiefOperating Officer Gordon Jamiesoncommented: “NHS Western Isles isdelighted to have been chosen toparticipate as a ‘Pathfinder’ HealthBoard in the pilot MRSA ScreeningProgramme. Tackling HealthcareAssociated Infections and InfectionControl remains a priority for the NHSsystem here in the Western Isles.

“This is a valuable opportunity to assistin testing the screening model for all ourhospital patients, to learn lessons fromthat, and to help shape the final strategyfor NHS Scotland to drive down the ratesof Healthcare Associated Infection.”

NHS Western Isles’ new state of the art CTscanner was delivered in March – and is set tomake a significant contribution to patient care.

The Board has purchased a state of the art 64-slice CT scanner from Toshiba Medical Systems.

The new multi-slice CT scanner will enable improved methods ofdiagnosis, often replacing invasive procedures with a non invasivetechnique.

This reduces the need for a substantial number of patient transfersto the mainland for investigation.

The new 64-slice scanner will:• Provide local diagnosis without the need for mainland transfer

of some patients suffering from potentially life threateningconditions.

• Achieve waiting times targets for cancer diagnosis, both byensuring efficient patient throughput and introduction of newtechniques including CT Colonography.

• Meet SIGN Guidelines for Stroke investigation andmanagement.

• Meet the Better Health Better Care Action Plan in terms ofproviding services to patients locally.

• Maximise recruitment and retention of radiology andradiography staff which has historically been particularlychallenging in the Western Isles.

CT Scanner

requests in a three month period. Overand above their demanding workload,the following has been achieved byProfessional/Trades Staff and Adminsupport staff, :

• Modification of ventilation systemat Western Isles Hospital and Uistand Barra Hospital kitchens

• Installation of 4 chiller units at Uistand Barra Hospital

• Installation of a new Autovaletsystem (hotel services involved)

• Installation of 2 industrial steamheated tumble dryers (hotel servicesinvolved)

• Installation of replacement centraldishwasher (hotel servicesinvolved)

Mission Impossible -

Task achieved!

The Works Department hasachieved ‘mission impossible’ bymeeting a list of equipment

• Installation of air conditioningunits in WIH and HBO computerserver room

• Installation of air conditioningunits in Health Centre treatmentroom

• Purchase of new compressors forlaundry and sterile services dept

• Purchase and replacement porousload sterilisers for sterile servicesdept

• Over seeing CT Scanner project,Podiatry and A&E projects

• Testing of all new beds, syringedrivers and defibs

• Outline Initiation support forProperty strategy ( Works PA)

Page 24 June 2008

Physiotherapists working in theWestern Isles are participating in theNational Physiotherapy Low BackPain Audit.

This ground breaking project willcontribute to the strategic directionof NHS Quality ImprovementScotland (QIS) and the widerhealthcare agenda, involvingPhysiotherapy services from everyhealth board region in Scotland. It willestablish and improve a consistentapproach to the Physiotherapy

ImprovingImprovingImprovingImprovingImprovingBack care inBack care inBack care inBack care inBack care in

ScotlandScotlandScotlandScotlandScotland

Nico Groenendijk explained: “Theenthusiastic Physiotherapy staff of theWestern Isles are happy to be part ofthis exciting project! Low back pain is amajor health and socio-economicproblem throughout the UK andglobally. The largest professional groupin the NHS who treat low back pain arePhysiotherapists.

Participating in this audit will enablePhysiotherapy services to examine theircurrent approach and introduceimprovements locally.

Patients can be assured they will receivethe same standard of Physiotherapycare, irrespective of their geographicallocation within Scotland.”

This project started in April 2008 and willrun for one year.

management of low back pain inline with the latest ClinicalGuidelines.

National Physiotherapy Low BackPain Audit regional representative

NHS Western Isles is in the processof developing a new website that willensure that we are reflecting theneeds of patients, the values ofmanagement and the importance ofthe organisation within thecommunity. The website will besupported by a content managementsystem.

The aim is to create a site that willsucceed technically, visually andmost importantly engage the user atthe homepage, so that they enter therest of the site and ‘discover’ moreabout NHS Western Isles.

Communications Manager MaggieFraser stated: “With invaluable

New Website

development

support from National ServicesScotland and NHS Western Isles’Webmaster Mark Stainton, thefirst version of the new website isnearing the completion stage,when we hope to have a basic sitethat we can add to and develop.

“A website is an important tool inreflecting the image of anorganisation, and through thenew site, we aim to promote NHSWestern Isles as a modern, caring,successful Board - focused onproviding excellent patient care -which offers up to date, accurateinformation for anyone thatchooses to access it.”

The Clisham Project has been successfulin a bid to join the Scottish Governmentsponsored leadership programme, LeadingChange.

The programme aims to drive redesign/im-provement work around achieving changeand improvement in mental health ser-vices.

The Clisham Project is focussed on theredesign, improvement and developmentof Older Adult Mental Health Services.Pictured are members of the ClishamProject Group.

Improving Older Adult Mental Health Services