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Team Update

Issue 58 May 2009 www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk

A message from Elaine Mead, Chief Operating Officer for NHS Highland.

We have much to be proud of in NHS Highland – the efforts of managers and staff have delivered real improvements for patients. For example, by reducing waiting times we are providing patients speedy access to services, by a wide range of actions on quality and safety we are improving the quality of care and the quality of the patient‟s experience. We want to continue the good work of improving care and services, but there are very real challenges we have to overcome.

One of the major factors we have to respond to is the changing nature of patients‟ needs, such as the rise in long term conditions (see p2). Another

major factor is the financial situation. We have to provide for the diverse needs of local people, tackle the causes of poor health, and deliver improvements set out in government policy within a fixed budget. Whilst this is not new, NHS Highland is facing an unprecedented challenge – we simply cannot continue all the things we are doing, and introduce new services, drugs and treatments. We have to find £8.2 million savings this year alone in order to meet service improvements we have committed to delivering to our patients.

It is not going to be easy, and there will be hard decisions in the months and years ahead, but the good news is that we know staff have the knowledge, ideas and commitment to their patients to turn the situation around. We have an ambitious programme of service improvement and change – Changing for the Better – and your manager will keep you informed about what this means for your team, department or service, and will ensure that you are involved in shaping the future.

Changing for the Better

Planning Ahead - Pandemic Flu Many staff may be aware of the increased activity on planning for our response in case of a flu pandemic. Internationally, the number of confirmed cases of flu continues to rise, so we need to have well planned arrangements ready to put into action if the need arises. This was discussed at the Highland

Partnership Forum meeting on 15th May 2009, and

it was recognised that as part of this planning, we need to develop a better understanding of the likely impacts on staff in order to plan how we would maintain essential services to patients.

It is important that we have an understanding of how the situation will affect the availability of staff across the area of NHS Highland, and across the range of services and functions. We need to consider the likelihood of having to move staff

around, and the possibility of needing some staff to work outwith their normal roles, if they have the relevant skills. The aim is to reach agreement on the broad principles of redeployment as required for this unique situation so that we can act quickly if the situation demands it. Over the next few weeks team leaders, managers and supervisors will be discussing with staff the potential implications of a pandemic on the availability of staff, and on working arrangements. This important information will feed into the contingency plans which have been developed across all operational services, and which continue to be revised and updated as the situation changes.

Staff are also encouraged to make personal or family contingency plans, for example in case of disruption to schools, public transport, or caring services to family members.

Inside… p2 Long Term Conditions

p3 Patient Safety

p6 DATIX

p7 Cancer Information

p12 National Smile Month

p13 Highland Young Carers

p15 Diamond Jubilee

Working with you to make Highland the healthy place to be

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Welcome to the May issue of Team Update, NHS Highland‟s staff newsletter.

Remember this is your newsletter so please share your news with us so we can let the rest of NHS Highland know. Your views and opinions are also welcomed.

To submit an article, information or photos for future issues of the Team Update, please email the

From the editor … Communications Team via the email address on the NHS Highland Website: nhs.highland@nhs.net or contact Christina.macdonald1@nhs.net

Deadline for copy: 15th June

The Editor, Communications NHS Highland Assynt House

Beechwood Park Inverness, IV2 3BW

NHS Highland Long Term Conditions Collaborative Anticipatory Care Anticipatory Care is one of the key work streams of the Long Term Conditions Collaborative. It has also been identified by the NHS Highland Service Improvement Group as one of their Top 10 Priority areas of focus over the next six months to help take forward the service improvement agenda.

Anticipatory care planning is a process of discussion and reflection about personal choice, values and preferences for future treatment in the context of an anticipated deterioration in the patient‟s condition. Within NHS Highland we are seeking simply to use the term anticipatory care to „identify and proactively plan care for people with long term conditions.‟ Initially this will focus on patients with complex needs who are at high risk of hospitalisation.

Patients at greatest risk of hospitalisation are identified through a risk prediction tool developed by Information Services Division (ISD) called SPARRA (Scottish Patients At Risk of Readmission and Admission). SPARRA assesses an individual‟s risk of emergency admission to hospital by calculating a number of risk factors including the number of previous emergency admissions over the past 3 years, bed days accumulated, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation scores, and principal diagnosis. The risk score is then presented as a % risk of admission/readmission.

There are currently some areas within NHS Highland where anticipatory care is actively taking place (e.g. Lodgehill Clinic, Nairn and North West Sutherland Practices). Other Primary Care Teams across Highland are practicing aspects of anticipatory care through their day to day activities however there is currently no standardised approach to delivering anticipatory care across the Highlands.

It is proposed to roll out a standardised approach to anticipatory care through an Enhanced Service where Practice teams and Extended Community Care Teams will be asked to identify the top 1% of their population at greatest risk of (re)admission and work together to deliver a multidisciplinary and multiagency approach to anticipatory care. In addition, Teams will be asked to complete anticipatory care plans for all care home residents within their catchment area.

The roll out will be in two phases. The first phase will be the completion of an Anticipatory Care Patient Alert (ACPA) form. The ACPA is based on similar principles to the existing Palliative Care Patient Alert Form and has been designed to provide the core information required to aid decision-making about the admission of patients to hospital should their condition deteriorate. Copies of these plans will be shared with the Highland Hub to ensure access to this information is available 24 hours a day by all healthcare professionals involved in the direct care of the patient. The plans will be reviewed regularly and updated as required.

It is proposed that the next phase of the roll out will be the development of a more extended anticipatory care plan to complement the Patient Alert Form for each of the high risk patients identified by the Primary Care Teams. A more extended anticipatory care plan will require the involvement and co-ordination of all professionals involved in the care of the patient and will take a more holistic approach to anticipatory care planning, for example falls assessment, completion of single shared assessment, a named individual to regularly review all aspects of the patient‟s health and social care needs. Details on the format of this extended anticipatory care plan are in the process of being agreed and further information will be available soon.

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Every Patient Every Time The Scottish Patient Safety Programme aims to transform patient safety in the acute care setting by working on the implementation of strategy, structure and

clinical interventions.

The programme has five basic objectives, these are:

Reduce healthcare associated infections

Reduce adverse surgical incidents

Reduce adverse drug events

Improve critical care outcomes and

Improve the organisation and leadership on safety.

NHS Highland started this programme in pilot areas at the beginning of 2008 with the whole organisation responding enthusiastically in undertaking patient safety improvements and becoming involved in the programme.

Lesley-Anne Smith, NHS Highland‟s Head of Clinical Governance and Risk Management, is responsible for the day to day coordination of the programme. She said: One of the key themes of the programme is that initiatives are carried forward by front line staff devising, testing and adapting systems in their own teams and rolling them out when they have proof that they work. Benefits will include improvement in patient safety, a reduction in the length of stay for patients and increased patient satisfaction.”

The SPSP Programme Team organised a „Patient Safety in NHS Highland‟ Conference, entitled “Every Patient, Every Time”, which was held in Nairn on 24th April 2009. The purpose of the day was for delegates to become aware of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme, the aims, methodology and processes and for them to leave with a vision of how this can be put into practice.

The conference was attended by over 160 staff, some of whom were already involved in the programme but for many this was the first time they had been exposed to the concepts. The day was a mixture of formal presentations by the

Scottish Faculty (Jason Leitch, National Clinical Lead, Jane Murkin, National Coordinator and Carol Haraden, Vice President of Institute of Healthcare Improvement), presentations of current work by pilot sites and workshops.

The feedback from delegates who attended was extremely positive and the Scottish Faculty were very impressed by the work which is being taken forward in NHS Highland.

Above: Group shot of NHS Highland staff who presented at the recent SPSP event in Nairn

Left and below: Participants from the Scottish Patient Safety Programme event held in Nairn

NHS Highland’s Marathon Man

Well done to Joe Taylor, Mental Health Nurse in Mid Highland Community Health Partnership, who

successfully completed the London Marathon on April 26th, raising £3,600 plus Gift Aid for

Alzheimer Scotland in Highland.

He had a wonderful day, memorable for continual

sunshine, huge crowds of spectators, the run across Tower Bridge and the finish on the Mall.

The novelty moment was overhauling Katie Price and Peter Andre at

21 miles!

Joe would like to

pass on his grateful thanks to everyone

who contributed so

generously (local NHS staff

contributed more than anyone!), and

for those who didn't, he has a

place next year

too!

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Integrated Care Pathways for Mental Health As part of the Scottish Government‟s commitment to improving mental health services (Delivering for Mental Health, 2006) NHS Quality Improvement Scotland were tasked with developing standards for Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) for those with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, dementia and schizophrenia.

ICPs have four main elements. The process standards outline the infrastructure required in a local service to support the development and implementation of ICPs. The generic care standards describe the interventions that must be offered to all people who access mental health services and the condition-specific care standards detail the additional elements of care that must be offered to those with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, borderline personality, dementia, schizophrenia and depression. The service improvement standards are concerned with how the ICPs are implemented and how variations from planned care are noted and acted upon.

What is an ICP? An ICP is a model of care delivery that outlines the key steps in a patient‟s journey of care, based on good practice guidelines and evidence where available. The focus is on achieving agreed outcomes for service users and their informal carers. An ICP enables the variations from planned care to be identified and can therefore help to identify where services require to be improved or redesigned, in order to more efficiently and

effectively meet patient need.

Benefit of using an ICP The introduction of ICPs is seen as a way of helping to improve mental health and mental health care and will help to clarify who does what, where and when, thus improving communication between the different professions, agencies, service users and carers. This in turn should lead to a reduction in duplication of activity, better co-ordination of services and care and to the establishment of clear timeframes for interventions.

What is happening locally? An ICP Project Team has been established in NHS Highland, supporting the development and implementation of ICPs. Caroline Parr is the full time project manager, Dr Fiona Land is part time clinical lead, and Sonia Mackay is project administrator.

There are four key strands to the work of the ICP project; process mapping to examine current patterns of service delivery in relation to the requirements of the ICP standards and to consider how any gaps in existing services should be addressed; the drafting of the generic and condition specific ICPs; engaging and working with stakeholders; establishing an information management and technology infrastructure to support the implementation of ICPs.

If you would like more information on Integrated Care Pathways for Mental Health please contact Sonia.mackay@nhs.net or caroline.parr@nhs.net

Employee Business Expenses - New System Payroll Services are set to introduce a new employee business expense processing system. This will be used in earnest for the first time to process all claims submitted for payment in June 2009.

In a previous edition of team update we briefly introduced the concept of this system, which facilitates employees completing expense claims on-line and submitting these electronically to their manager for authorisation, again electronically. This system is being rolled out across all NHS Boards in Scotland and its use is mandatory.

Initially, we will use the system internally within Payroll Services, but intend to roll this system usage out across NHS Highland.

This will enable a reduction in paper flow, enabling more efficient use of employee time completing these claims, and will also enable prompt processing of expense claims, cutting out any mailing issues (internal and external) and any delays as a result of an unavailable authoriser.

Other benefits will include reduced transcription errors, reduced administration within Payroll Services and reduced storage and paper costs.

The roll out will commence this summer, where managers responsible for authorising expense claims will be given a training session on the relevant processes and procedures to follow. Once each manager is trained, then employees for that function will then commence use of the system.

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It is not intended to give any training on system usage for claimants as the system is very simple and easy to use.

It is intended, however, to put two video training sessions on the intranet for both claimants and authorisers in due course.

Access to the system can only as yet be facilitated via the intranet and has been included in the shared authentication log in for both SWISS (Scottish Workflow Information Standard system)

and SSTS (Scottish Standard Time System).

This however does mean that any employees who currently have access to these two systems and are an expense claimant will see the option to use eExpenses on their screen at log in.

Can I therefore stress it is imperative that until such times as you are notified that you are set up to use eExpenses you should not attempt to access the system.

Brian Houston, Payroll Manager

KSF Update - e-KSF - 24/7 access for Personal Development Reviews

One of the benefits of having annual Personal Development Reviews (PDP&R) for all staff is that they feel valued, they have access to appropriate learning and development activities (through their Personal Development Plans (PDP)) and they are aware of the knowledge and skills they require in order to provide a quality service.

Many of you will be well aware (through Team Update and other sources) of the level of activity that has recently been undertaken by managers reviewers and staff to comply with HEAT target E3 (100% of staff to have a PDP).

For 2009/11 there is a new HEAT target E10 (80% of PDP‟s to be carried out using e-KSF). e-KSF is the on-line tool developed in partnership with the Department of Health to support the rollout of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) to large numbers of staff. It is also seen as an easy way for organisations to monitor usage levels of KSF and to complete national reporting requirements. One of the benefits of e-KSF is that it is hosted on the internet which allows staff and managers to access it 24 hours per day 7 days per week. This will allow much more flexible use of the system and give staff more choice as to when and where they access the system.

In order to engage with e-KSF effectively you require login and password details; if you are planning to attend an e-KSF training session you will be given these details prior to the course, if you intend to access e-KSF without the training you can get these details from the e-KSF Data Officer (Iain MacDiarmid, 01463 706721, email Iain.MacDiarmid@hpct.scot.nhs.uk . Once you have these you will have access to on-line training materials; a national and local library of approved KSF outlines, (useful for creating or customising outlines), and the facility to carry out PDP&R electronically. As NHS Highland embraces the use of e-KSF the KSF team will be encouraging and

assisting staff to create and submit new post outlines on-line. This will enable the team to close the KSF Mailbox and concentrate resources in more appropriate areas.

e-KSF allows the user to plan and prepare for a review, to record the outcomes of reviews, create update and evaluate PDP‟s, create update and evaluate objectives (if required) and to create a learning needs analysis. Evidence for reviews can be typed manually, cut and pasted from word documents or whole documents can be uploaded from your computer. The next edition of Team Update will provide more detailed information for users regarding Learning Needs Analysis, the use of e-KSF Managers Reports and AT-L (All Time-Learning) the web based learning management system being developed to facilitate learning and development activities within NHS Highland.

Many staff are successfully using e-KSF already, some are self taught and some have participated in the training that is available through eHealth; two courses are currently available, K1001 for Reviewees (course length is 2.5 hours) and K1009 for Reviewers/Managers (course length is 2.5 hours for Reviewers and 3 hours for Managers). A pre-requisite for both these courses is to attend a PDP&R awareness session delivered by the Learning and Development Team; these sessions are delivered independently from e-KSF courses so can be delivered to larger groups with more flexible access.

If you would like more information please contact:

PDP&R /e-KSF (NHS Highland) Paul Simmons (Learning & Development Facilitator), telephone 01463 706885 or email paul.simmons@hpct.scot.nhs.uk

PDP&R/e-KSF (Argyll & Bute) Nick Putnam

(Learning & Development Facilitator), telephone

01546 605716 or email nick.putnam@nhs.net

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DATIX is a market leading electronic integrated risk management information system for Incident Reporting, Claims, Complaints, Risk Registers and Safety Alerts.

Project Board As we reported earlier in the year in DATIX News, a Project Board was in the process of being set up to oversee the implementation of all aspects of the new Risk Management System. The Project Board met for the first time on 1

st May 2009.

The Board‟s terms of reference and role / remit were agreed and the membership has grown to include a representative from each of the operational units and a staff side representative:

Chair: Mirian Morrison, Clinical Governance Development Manager. Project Lead: Louise McInnes, Patient Focus Manager (Systems). Members: Sheila Dickson, Risk Facilitator; Bob Summers, Head of Health and Safety; Alec Maciver, eHealth Technical Manager; Donald Macleod, Assistant Nurse Manager, Surgical Directorate, Raigmore; Hilda Hope, Lead Nurse, SE CHP; Pam Garbe, Lead Nurse, Caithness General, North CHP; Tracy Ligema, Acting Locality Manager, Lochaber, Mid CHP; Fiona Campbell, Clinical Governance Manager, A&B CHP and Diane Fraser, Staff Side Rep.

The group have agreed to meet monthly over the next year to oversee the exciting developments that the new system brings. Progress will be reported to the Risk Management Steering Group, Health and Safety Committee and Clinical Governance Committees.

At first the Project Board will be focusing on the roll out of DATIXweb Incidents and are currently agreeing the layout of the on-line incident forms and producing supporting guidelines and procedures.

DATIXweb Incidents DATIXweb Incidents is an on-line reporting system which will eventually replace the IR1 / IR2 system. Anyone with access to the intranet can report an incident via an on-line form called a DIF1 (DATIX Incident Form 1). The form is easy to use and no login or password is required to report an incident. The person reporting the incident selects a manager in their area and this person is then notified that an incident has been logged. The selected manager will then need to

DATIX Risk Management System login to the system and complete the grading and follow-up of the incident. They will also be able to access pre-set reports in order to monitor trends and identify recurring themes.

New Craigs have been selected as the pilot site with implementation planned for June. Discussions with all the operational units have begun in order to develop the roll out plan.

Once the roll-out plan has been agreed each area will be provided with training which will comprise of step by step training guides, group training sessions and “show me” presentation clips. Supplementary hands-on training will also be available for anyone concerned about their IT skills.

Progress on the project will be provided in future issues of Team Update and can be found on our DATIX homepage available via the intranet, non-clinical applications.

We have recently added an overview document to this page – which outlines how to log an incident and how managers review this and complete the investigation page.

For further information please contact the project lead - Louise McInnes, Patient Focus Manager (Systems) on 01463 706910 or your link Clinical Governance Manager:

Raigmore – Mirian Morrison, Clinical Governance Development Manager - 01463 706808

Argyll & Bute CHP – Fiona Campbell, Clinical Governance Manager - 01436 655007

Mid and SE CHP - Lesley Anne Smith, Head of Clinical Governance and Risk Management - 01463 706912

North CHP – Rachel Hill, Clinical Effectiveness Manager – 01463 706823

Or email High-UHB.Datix@nhs.net

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New Services for Cancer Information NHS Highland have been working with NHS Education for Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support and Highland Council to build new services for cancer information. The services will include a Cancer Information and Support Service, as part of a Health and Wellbeing Zone, to open shortly at Fort William Library. Macmillan will fund 2 new posts, an Information Co-ordinator and Development Manager, to run the Cancer Information and Support Service. The service will be available on a drop-in basis, by telephone, and via the internet. Guided access to quality cancer-related information will be available in a range of formats – leaflets, booklets, books, DVDs, online internet access. Recognising that a diagnosis of cancer can impact on a person‟s whole life there will be access to a wide-range of information and support – for example, community information, employment issues, financial advice, support groups, healthy living, looking good, and complementary therapies. To find out more about the Fort William Service, please contact Chrissie Lane (Chrissie.Lane@hhb.scot.nhs.uk or 01463 704709). Also to help people who are affected by cancer reach the right service, we are looking to form a network of access and support points in the Highland region. This will mean that no matter where someone starts looking for cancer information or support (e.g. library, information service, pharmacy, Citizen's Advice Bureau, support group, etc), they will encounter knowledgeable people who can either help them or know who can help them and be able to put them in touch. To find out more about supporting this network, please contact Carolyn Smith (carolyn.smith@nes.scot.nhs.uk or 0141 352 2890). To help people get the most out of the cancer information services, NHS Education for Scotland can offer training in Information Literacy. Information literacy is the set of skills that allows you to form questions, find and evaluate sources of information, and to combine the information with what you already know to share and apply knowledge in practice. It is useful for members of

the public as well as all types of staff to learn these skills. Please contact Carolyn Smith (carolyn.smith@nes.scot.nhs.uk or 0141 352 2890) to find out more about organising or taking part in a course.

Supporting all of these services, and now available, is Cancer Information+ www.cancerinfoplus.scot.nhs.uk. This is a website for people affected by cancer which has been written with the needs in mind of members of the public who don't have specialist medical knowledge. Cancer Information+ contains information about cancer types and the local and national help and support available to people affected by cancer. Also covered are topics beyond medical information such as information on practical and emotional needs, information about work and financial issues and information for carers. The sources used are high quality, clear and easy to understand and cover the essential topics. The site has been designed to be easy to use for people without much experience of using the internet but it is also anticipated that health professionals, librarians and information workers will find it a valuable place to find information for people in their care. The Cancer Information+ website is available freely on the internet. Anyone can access the internet in their local public library. Or if they prefer to speak to someone about cancer, they can call Macmillan Cancer Support helpline for free on 0808 808 2020. For people who would like more specialist information, we also have an integrated sister site, Cancer e-Library (www.elib.scot.nhs.uk/cancer) which contains information written for health professionals and people who are used to medical language, and uses a variety of sources both free and subscription-based. For further details, or a demonstration or presentation of the websites, please contact Carolyn Smith (carolyn.smith@nes.scot.nhs.uk or 0141 352 2890)

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Review of Nursing in the Community Pilot Aids Recruitment A community staff nurse taking part in the Review of Nursing in the Community pilot in Caithness applied for the job because she wanted to take part in a project that could lead the way for improving community nursing across Scotland.

Avril Nicolson said she heard Thurso was to be a pilot sites and saw it as an exciting opportunity to be involved in the future development of the service in which she had made her career.

Avril, who is a Band 5 Community Staff Nurse, is a member of the Caithness West Team, based at Thurso Health Centre in Davidson‟s Lane.

The Review of Nursing in the Community (RoNC) sees nurses, who have traditionally worked as district nurses, school nurses, health visitors and family health nurses coming together to form a new community health nursing discipline.

Nurses in the four existing roles are undergoing training so they can acquire new skills that will enable them to provide care to patients of all ages, from newborn babies to older adults.

And Thurso is one of five sites across Highland, where pilot schemes are being conducted. The others are at Tain, Badenoch and Strathspey, Helensburgh, and Kintyre and Mid Argyll.

Avril, who is originally from Melvich in Sutherland, moved away from the area, but returned to the north Highlands in 2005.

After qualifying, she specialised in ophthalmology, but was also interested in community nursing.

She said: “When I returned to the area, there were no suitable NHS jobs available, so I worked in a local nursing home for a couple of years.

“I wanted to get back into the NHS and, when I heard that Thurso had been chosen as a RoNC pilot site, I saw it as an exciting opportunity.

“I joined the community bank and then successfully applied for a part-time job with Caithness West Team. At first, I was only doing 19 hours a week, but I‟m now working 35 hours a week and covering the Halkirk area.”

Avril explained that, while working with the community bank, she became aware of how people worked in the community and their different case loads.

She said: “The idea of being involved in RoNC, particularly in a remote and rural area, and helping to plan how the service is provided in the future really appealed to me. I realised it would have an impact on the rest of my career and felt it was important to take part in it.”

Avril is one of three nurses from the Caithness West Team going to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in September to do a BN (Hons) course in Community Health.

“Being part of the RoNC pilot has brought about important changes and it‟s given me a lot of personal development. I‟m sure I‟m getting more training and more opportunities because I‟m working in a RoNC pilot site,” she said.

Project Manager, Pat Tyrrell, said Avril‟s case illustrated the opportunities that were available for staff who have an enthusiasm for innovation and change to develop their roles and the service to meet the health needs of their local communities.

She said: “Implementation of the new model of Community Health Nursing is challenging in bringing about significant changes, both for individuals and for the ways in which services are delivered.

“It is also a tremendous opportunity for community nurses to be involved in developing the service of the future in a way which has not been afforded to them in the past.”

Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Student midwives were handing out free baby accessories at Mothercare in Inverness as part of Breastfeeding Awareness week. Laura Scotson, Lynn Forbes and Carrie Dawson are pictured with Sharon Fraser and her three month old daughter Summer. This year's breastfeeding awareness week focuses on significant others and asks partners, husbands, parents, siblings, and close friends (to name a few!) to think about how they would feel if they were breastfeeding and make sure that they offer similar support.

Above: Community Staff Nurse Avril Nicolson

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Do you deliver services in relation to Hepatitis C?

NHS Highland is in the process of developing its strategy in relation to identifying and treating those who are hepatitis C positive, as part of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan.

In order to help develop this strategy it is important to obtain information on current services, practices and training needs.

If you are involved in any aspect of delivering services in relation to Hepatitis C, we would be grateful if you would participate in this exercise.

The process for gathering this information is by questionnaire available via „Monkeysurvey‟. This can be accessed via the following link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GqBSR0cX5b2GK_2bLJXXaU4g_3d_3d. Alternatively, there is an easy link on NHS Highland‟s internet under Your Health, Action Against Hepatitis C.

The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and it will be available to complete until Monday 1

st June 2009.

Thank you for co-operation in this process, your assistance is very much appreciated.

Lorraine McKee, Health Protection Nurse Specialist. Mo Kerr, Liver Disease Clinical Nurse Specialist

Survey for Hepatitis C

Staff may have noticed various forms of advertising for the Hate Free Highland Campaign in and around Inverness, from MFR adverts to promotional stickers on NHS Highland vans. The reason for this is that following 18 months work multi agency partners (including the Police, Highland council and NHS Highland) have launched the „Hate Free Highland‟ website which aims to generate awareness and reduce hate crime in the Highlands.

Hate crime is defined as any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim, or any person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate towards them and an identifiable group of people.

It is well documented that prejudice can have adverse affects on a person‟s health. As a public authority dedicated to „Making Highland a Healthier

Place to be‟ it‟s hugely important that staff, patients and the members of the community we serve can live in a place free from prejudice.

This campaign gives people route to report any incident that has happened to them as a result of their age, gender, disability, religion of belief, race or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or social background. Each report received; helps partner agencies build a picture of Hate Incidents in Highland, allows them to respond to recurring incidents happening within certain sections of the community (e.g by visiting schools to provide awareness raising sessions) and can also lead to the perpetrators of crime being prosecuted.

The website contains more detailed information and ways in which to report such crimes and can be viewed at www.hatefreehighland.org.

The campaign will travel across the Highlands over the coming months to raise awareness and encourage victims to seek advice and support.

If you have any further questions or would like to find out more about the campaign please call the Community and Health Improvement Planning Team 01463 704926.

NHS Highland

employees Mairi,

Kimm, Helen and Dan tuck into

healthy snacks as part of a recently organised pot luck lunch at Assynt House in Inverness. The lunch is held periodically to bring employees together in an informal way as part of our healthy working lives initiative. It‟s recently been confirmed that Assynt House and John Dewar Building have been successful in jointly achieving the Bronze Award for Healthy Working Lives.

Partners Join Forces to Reduce Hate Crime in the Highlands

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Gaelic Development within NHS Highland The Gaelic language is a unique part of Scotland‟s national heritage. We have a responsibility to maintain its existence in a modern multilingual Scotland.

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, agreed by the Scottish Parliament, aims to promote the use of Gaelic in Scottish public life and to encourage the increased use of Gaelic in the home, community, place of learning and workplace. To achieve this, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has the authority to require organisations to prepare statutory Gaelic Language Plans. The Act states that a Gaelic Language Plan must set out the measures an authority will take in relation to the use of Gaelic in connection with the exercise of its functions. NHS Highland has now received a letter notifying us that we need to produce a Gaelic Language Plan.

This Plan needs to lay out our intentions for promotion and use of Gaelic within four core areas; Identity; Communications; Publications and Staffing. The guidance on the development of Gaelic Language Plans with further information on all four areas can be found on Bòrd na Gàidhlig‟s website, www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk

NHS Highland will meet its statutory responsibility in this regard, but in the context of a service provider of

LEASACHADH NA GÀIDHLIG AN TAOBH-STAIGH NHS NA GÀIDHEALTACHD

Tha Gàidhlig na pàirt sònraichte de chultar nàiseanta na h-Alba. Tha e riatanach gun cum sinn an cànan beò ann an Alba mar phàirt de dhùthaich tha iomadh-chànanach agus ùr-nòsach.

Tha Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005, chaidh aontachadh le Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, ag amas air ìomhaigh na Gàidhlig àrdachadh ann an raoin phoblach na h-Alba agus airson gun cleachdar i anns an dachaigh, anns a‟ choimhearsnachd, àitean ionnsachaidh agus anns an àite-obrach. Airson seo a‟ choileanadh tha cumhachd aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig iarraidh air buidhnean planaichean reachdail Gàidhlig a‟ dhealbh. Tha an t-Achd ag iarraidh gun tèid innse na ceuman a ghabhas an t-ùghdarras co-cheangailte ri Gàidhlig nuair thathar a lìbhrigeadh na seirbheisean aca. Tha NHS na Gàidhealtachd a-nis air litir fhaighinn ag innse gum feum sinn Plana Cànan Gàidhlig a dheasachadh.

Feumaidh am Plana seo sealltainn na tha nar beachd airson Gàidhlig a‟ bhrosnachadh agus a‟ chleachdadh ann an ceithir raoin; Dearbh-aithne, Conaltraidhean, Foillseachaidhean agus Luchd-

obrach. Tha tuilleadh fiosrachaidh air leasachadh nam Planaichean Cànain agus bharrachd fiosrachaidh air na ceithir raoin air làrach-lion Bòrd na Gàidhlig aig www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk

Coileanaidh NHS na Gàidhealtachd na dleastanasan reachdail, ach mar bhuidheann tha toirt seachad seirbheisean slàinte, an taobh-staigh an t-suidheachaidh anns am bheil sinn aig an àm, agus a‟ gabhail a-steach cùisean ionmhais.

Airson deisealachadh airson am Plana a‟ dhealbh, thathar air moladh dhuinn gun dèan sinn rannsachadh gus am faigh sinn a mach dè tha againn mar tha de stuth Gàidhlig ann an clò, àitean no raointean anns am bheil sinn a‟ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-àireamhan de luchd-obrach as urrainn Gàidhlig a bhruidhinn, a leughadh, a sgrìobhadh agus/no as urrainn an cànan a thuigsinn, agus na àitean anns a bheil iad ag obair.

Tha sinn ag iarraidh beachdan nan luchd-obrach air Gàidhlig agus mar as urrainn dhuinn air dleastanas a‟ choileanadh. Ma tha ùidh agaibh sa ghnothaich, lìonaibh a-staigh an ceisteachan goirid

health care and within the context of our current, including financial, circumstances.

To prepare for producing the Plan, it is recommended that we conduct an internal language capacity audit. This is aimed to find out our current use of Gaelic in publications and written communication; any internal processes that might currently be conducted through the medium of Gaelic and finally the numbers and location of any employees who speak, read, write and/or understand Gaelic.

We are keen to get the views of employees on Gaelic and ideas as to the best way to meet this new duty. If you are interested in contributing please complete the short questionnaire linked below or contact Caroline Tolan on 01463 704863, caroline.tolan@hhb.scot.nhs.uk (English speaking only) or Callum Macdonald on 01471 822137 callum.macdonald@nhs.net (Gaelic and English speaking)

You do not need to supply your details, but you will need to if you are interested in being further involved or would like to receive feedback. It will also help us identify where our Gaelic skills lie.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=zEb8R03Ih3HYPcyHhL3FkA_3d_3d

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The third cohort of the Postgraduate Certificate in Frontline Leadership and Management starts in September and applications for funded places are invited from interested staff. This is a master level postgraduate certificate delivered through a partnership of NHS Education for Scotland (NES) De Montfort University (DMU) and UHI Millennium Institute (UHI). NHS Highland has 5 places for 2009/ 2010

The programme aims to develop leadership and management skills, a key element of the NHS Scotland Leadership Development Framework, „Delivery through Leadership‟ and is structured to enable working professionals to apply their learning directly through a „blended-learning‟ format, consisting of short study days, self-directed learning and extensive use of online learning.

This programme has leadership at its heart but also places a strong emphasis on core management skills and career development for staff. Participants work individually and in groups to apply their personal and professional experience

Postgraduate Certificate in Frontline Leadership and Management

to the understanding and practice of a more transformational approach to leadership. Option modules then provide the opportunity to explore the leadership challenge in a specific context, and to undertake a project that deepens understanding in an area of personal need and interest.

This is a big commitment over 12-18 months with students required to devote a lot of time to study and to have well developed IT skills plus strong local support from line managers and a mentor. It is essential that you have support from your line manager and can link this development opportunity to your personal development plan.

For further information please contact: Michelle Williams, Learning & Development Facilitator, John Dewar Building. Tel: 01463 706857, email: michelle.williams@hpct.scot.nhs.uk

An information pack can be downloaded from the Intranet. Please note all applications must be submitted to Michelle Williams no later than 29

th

May 2009.

Steve Leslie (pictured right), NHS Highland Consultant Cardiologist, has been appointed as Honorary Professor at Stirling University in recognition of the research and development work that is going on within cardiology and the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Raigmore Hospital, which involves Steve, fellow Consultant Cardiologist Stephen Cross and Charlie Bloe, Clinical Ward Manager for CCU.

Steve said: “An increased level of clinical research has been going on in the cardiac department and this is in recognition of the hard work and dedication of all the clinical staff in developing additional cardiac services.

We have excellent facilities for research what with the Highland Heartbeat Centre and the Centre for

Honorary Professor for Stirling University

Health Sciences. We have recently appointed a researcher at Stirling Uni to look at remote and rural issues in cardiac rehabilitation who is working very closely with NHS and BHF funded cardiac rehab staff.”

Neil Angus, Associate Head of Department at the University of Stirling is pleased with the new appointment. He added: “'The appointment of Dr Stephen Leslie as Honorary Professor offers clears evidence of the growth in joint working between NHS Highland and the University of Stirling in the area of cardiovascular care . The University is delighted to be a partner in this important, ongoing and developing programme of research.”

aig an cheangail tha gu h-iosal no bruidhinnibh ri Caroline Tolan air 01463 704863, caroline.tolan@hhb.scot.nhs.uk (Beùrla a-mhàin) no Callum Dòmhnallach air 01471 822137 callum.macdonald@nhs.net (Gàidhlig agus/no Beùrla)

Chan fheum sibh bhur fiosrachadh pearsanta fhàgail ach a-mhàin ma tha sibh ag iarraidh

beagan taic a‟ thoirt dhuinn no ma tha sibh ag iarraidh fiosrachadh sam bith air ais. Bhiodh e cuideachd feumail mas urrainn dhuinn fhaighinn a mach far am bheil na sgilean cànain agad stèidhichte anns an àite-obrach.

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National Smile Month National Smile Month is running from the 17

th May

to 16th June. Throughout the month different

activities have been run across NHS Highland area.

In South East Highland

The oral health team ran a stall within the Eastgate Shopping Centre throughout the week of the 25

th May. Oral Health Educators

promoted key oral health messages to the general public.

The oral health team also promoted Childsmile throughout the week.

In Mid Highland

The oral health team targeted secondary school pupils highlighting awareness of protecting teeth from injury and trauma. The team also replenished the popular tooth trauma kits previously allocated to PE departments and Active schools coordinators.

In Easter Ross the Oral Health Educators visited primary schools promoting healthy snacks.

In addition, the team developed information boards for the community nurses to raise awareness of maintaining oral health.

A Dental Registration Awareness Campaign was launched in Lochaber to highlight the importance of being registered with a dentist. Any queries being directed via telephone number for the Dental Helpline 0845 6442271

Second MS Nurse for NHS Highland

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Highland will have extra support thanks to the recent appointment of a second MS Nurse for NHS Highland.

Lindsay Parks, who will be based at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, joins MS Nurse Anne Stewart in delivering a specialist nurse service for patients with MS throughout Highland.

Lindsay said: “Multiple Sclerosis is the commonest cause of neurological disability in young adults. It is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

“The disease follows an unpredictable course so

how people are affected can vary from person to person. More women are affected than men and the prevalence is high in the North of Scotland, at the moment the current estimate suggests 400-500 patients in the Highland area.”

Lindsay, who has a background in general medicine combined with rehabilitation, will be working with Anne Stewart who has been an MS Nurse in Highland for 7 years. Anne said: “Lindsay‟s appointment will enable the service we provide to grow and improve. We work with and support patients through every stage of their condition through evidence based practice and research and audit, as well as being there to support the family and other health professionals.”

or email DentalHL@hpct.scot.nhs.uk.

Update sessions on Childsmile and the new resource 'First Teeth, Healthy Teeth' for Health visitors/Public health nurses are rolling out across the localities.

In North Highland

The oral health team visited long stay wards within local hospitals.

The team also raised the profile of Childsmile within local toddler groups and schools.

To maintain your own oral health:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day ensuring that this includes brushing in the morning and before going to bed.

Spit out toothpaste but don‟t rinse out after.

Use a toothpaste with at least 1000 parts per million fluoride (1000ppmf). Check the packaging for this.

Limit the intake of sugary drinks and snacks.

If eating/ drinking anything with added sugar try and consume it at a mealtime.

Visit your dentist regularly.

For help and advice on dental registration and access to emergency dental services please call 0845 644 2271

For more information on Childsmile please call: David Babb 01463 706842 Kirstin Edmiston SE CHP 07824599514 Miranda Moodie Mid CHP 07818002388 Jennie Rawlins North CHP 07824599524

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Cycle to Work is back!

NHS Highland is delighted to announce the Cycle to Work Scheme has been re-introduced to all NHS Highland staff.

The scheme offers staff the opportunity to ride a tax-free bike to work. We have partnered with Cyclescheme Ltd, who will help us to run our Cycle to Work Scheme in accordance with the Government‟s guideline. Payments are spread out over the hire term of 12 months by a salary sacrifice reduction. Which in turn, you save on your income tax and national insurance contributions.

The scheme will run from 1 May until the 1 September 2009 to allow plenty of time for people to sign up.

The following link www.cyclescheme.co.uk/722047 will provide staff with personalised information for NHS Highland employees.

Paula Glen (right), Community Psychiatric Nurse Support Worker based in Helensburgh completed the 10k in Glasgow on 10

th May

wearing one the health promotion t-shirts which has a joint alcohol, suicide and mental health message on it

WRITING AND PRESENTING PAPERS FOR THE NHS BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES

A number of training sessions will be held on the writing of papers for the Board and its Committees, and in making presentations to the Board and Committees. These will be held in the Boardroom at Assynt House in Inverness on the following dates:

13 July 2009 2pm to 4pm

31 August 2009 2pm to 4pm

21 September 2009 2pm to 4pm

To reserve a place, please contact Chris Meecham on 01463 704857 or at chrismeecham@nhs.net

May 8th saw a gathering of public and voluntary sector with young people to

celebrate the work with young carers across Highland region. The aim of the day also included looking at the 8 objectives laid down in The Young Carers Strategy and gathering a commitment to meet these objectives. Presentations from the Carers Project, Young Carers Groups in Skye & Lochalsh and East Sutherland were very powerful and highlighted the significant issues for young carers – loss of childhood, bullying, isolation, as well as the satisfaction they may actually gain from the role though not in all situations. This is why we need to ensure they are supported and don‟t miss out on vital growing and development.

If you work with young people, meet up with them through your profession or social life, would you know if they were a carer? If you work with adults with care needs – are they a parent – is there a child or

young person at home taking on a caring role?”.Would you know what their needs are and how you could support them?

If you would like to know more about young carers and how we can all help and support them, please contact:- Frances Nixseaman ,Connecting Young Carers, Highland Community Care Forum, fnixseaman@hccf.org.uk, 01463 723563

Or check out The Young Carers Strategy on www.forhighlandsyoungcarers.co.uk

Highland Young Carers

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Meditation at Raigmore

In April the first in a series of workshops entitled “Caring for the Carers – an Introduction to Meditation for Healthcare Workers” was conducted at the Raigmore Hospital Chapel by Barbara and Mariano Godoy.

Barbara and Mariano are psychotherapists who come originally from Buenos Aires in Argentina where there is a tremendous tradition and history of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Barbara, who is both a BACP and UKCP registered psychotherapist, is based in London where she has her own private practice. She is also a lecturer and supervisor for the MA and Doctorate courses at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology at Regent‟s College. Mariano, Barbara‟s father, is based in Mexico but while visiting the UK was available to assist Barbara. Both Barbara and Mariano have vast experience teaching meditation techniques both in the UK and Internationally.

Stress is a frequent companion in the workplace, especially in the NHS hospital setting. Although healthcare workers are very effective at treating and being supportive to others, they are remarkably ineffective at recognising and dealing with ailments which affect themselves. Stress and its effects are detrimental to our emotional and physical wellbeing, interfere with our ability to function efficiently and are recognised as being a major cause of absenteeism from work.

The Caring for the Carers Meditation Workshops have been specifically designed to focus on the particular needs of healthcare workers and aim to teach meditation and relaxation techniques, enabling participants to cope with work-related stress and stressful situations more effectively.

The first workshop was well attended with 15 participants representing the Oncology, Theatre, Maternity, Renal and Ophthalmology Units. After initial introductions Barbara gave a fascinating and informative talk on the development, mechanisms and effects of work related stress, the theoretical background to meditation, the beneficial effects and how it can be practiced.

Mariano then conducted a practical group session demonstrating and teaching relaxation using Tai Chi techniques combining breathing exercises with movement. After lunch the workshop continued with innovative interactive group exercises

teaching self-awareness and techniques which highlighted trust in others.

Following this exercise, Barbara gave a guided demonstration of meditation techniques which were practiced by the group. This session was, without doubt, the highlight of a most informative and enjoyable day and consolidated the skills learned, demonstrating how we can all use meditation techniques to control our response to stress.

The feedback from the workshop participants was highly enthusiastic and positive. All who attended confirmed that they had learned very useful new personal skills to assist in managing stress in the workplace and all who attended expressed a wish to attend future courses on meditation to further develop these skills.

The next Caring for the Carers Meditation Workshop will be held in the Chapel, Raigmore Hospital on Saturday 20 June, 10am – 4pm.

For bookings and further information about the forthcoming and future meditation workshops contact Mrs McClurg‟s office, Raigmore Hospital ext 5365 or Dr Macrae‟s Secretary, Raigmore Hospital ext 5355, . The meditation workshops are recognised for and supported by Study Leave.

Information Governance Awareness Sessions Information Governance Awareness Sessions for 2009 - 2010 have commenced. Dates and locations will be published in Team Update, by local poster and on the Intranet (Information Governance home page). A Certificate of Attendance will be issued for insertion as evidence for your PDP portfolio. Any Staff who attended these Sessions during 2008 – 2009 will receive certificates retrospectively.

Above: (l-r) Mariano Godoy and Barbara Godoy

Page 15

Diamond Jubilee for Hospital Friends The Friends of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness took part in an Olympic style torch relay, ending with a handover ceremony at Raigmore this month (May), as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations for Attend – formerly known as the National Association of Hospital and Community Friends.

Before the handover at Raigmore the torch travelled throughout the Highlands and Islands in celebration of

the amount of volunteering and fundraising work that has gone on in hospital and community settings over the past 60 years.

Starting in Scalpay, where the most remote and smallest group are based, the torch travelled to

Tarbert; the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway; Caithness General Hospital in Wick; and the Lawson Memorial in Golspie.

It reached Inverness on 8th May where it was piped

from Falcon Square to Town House where the Deputy Provost accepted it into Inverness before handing over to Christina Cameron, Chair of the Friends of Raigmore.

Christina and the Deputy Provost then travelled to Raigmore Hospital where Hospital Manager, Susan Eddie, accepted the torch on behalf of the hospital, which has benefited greatly over the years from the amount of work put in by Christina and the rest of the group.

Bute Healthy Living Initiative For the second time in its three years of operation, the Green Tree Community Cafe, run in the Moat Centre by Bute Healthy Living Initiative, has achieved a Healthy Living Award, for their consistently healthy and tasty menu.

“When I took on this position, I knew it had to be healthy food on the menu, says Dino Zavaroni, who manages the Cafe, “so it‟s nice to get an independent adjudicator and not just us, to say – twice! - that it really is healthy.”

The Green Tree Cafe was one of the first in Scotland to receive a Healthy Living Award from the Glasgow based organization which is part of the Scottish Consumer Council of Consumer Focus Scotland.

The Awards are given to catering establishments throughout Scotland whose menus offer healthier options like lower fat and salt content, and - like the Green Tree Cafe where they serve homemade wholemeal bread - the choice of better fibre.

“To enter for the award,” Dino says, “only 55% of the menu has to consist of healthy food,” Dino says, “but on our menu healthy options make up nearly 80%.”

The Cafe has several functions. As well as serving a variety of healthy lunches and snacks four days a week along with the recently introduced Monday Special, the Cafe provides the meals for Bute Healthy Living‟s twice-weekly Lunch and Social Club for over-65s. It is also the setting for cookery courses like One Pot Meals and acts as an informal resource centre for healthy eating information.

As a result of the awards, Dino was invited to the “Cafe Life” day during the recent SCOTHOT exhibition in Glasgow‟s SECC to give a presentation on the Green Tree Cafe and how the award has helped the Cafe and the local area.

The healthy message is popular – almost 10,000 meals and snacks were served at the Green Tree Cafe last year – and the healthy menu can be sampled every weekday this year, Mondays 12.00 to 2.30 and Tuesday to Friday from 10 – 2:30, all year round.

The Healthy Living Initiative receives some funding from NHS Highland - mainly through the Health Improvement Fund - but NHS Highland are the lead partner in this Lottery funded project.

Above: Raigmore Hospital Manager Susan Eddie accepting the torch from Deputy Provost Alex Graham

Above: Susan Eddie, Alex Graham and Christina Cameron from the Friends of Raigmore with the celebratory Attend cake

Page 16

Letters to NHS Highland “I was correctly diagnosed as having a cancerous lump by Dr Finlay which was blocking my bowel. This has been removed by your surgical team. I owe a great debt to the surgical team and Bignold Ward who nursed me back to health, I owe my life to them. Many thanks.”

A Patient from Caithness “I would like to express my thanks to the staff at Dr Mackinnon Memorial Hospital in Broadford who were so dedicated to making my Grandad comfortable during the time he spent there. What a special group of people you are! Over the days I visited him I witnessed smiling, caring staff members who treated us all with sincere concern and genuine kindness and this meant so much to us all. On behalf of my family, thank you.”

A Patients Relative from Australia

“I was discharged in February after being under the care of Mr Kent. I would like to compliment all of the staff I encountered during my stay on their care and professionalism.

Each and every member of the hospital team went out of their way to make my treatment as painless and as pleasant as possible. Please pass on my gratitude to the orthopaedic team, the anaesthetic department and to the staff of Ward 3C.”

A Patient from Argyll “In early April I brought my wife into Caithness General Hospital suffering from a suspected heart attack. The Charge Nurse was the consummate professional. He was courteous, attentive and very reassuring. The Consultant was also most attentive. All the staff we had contact with - receptionists, nurses, cleaners and tea ladies were all most helpful. As you can imagine it was a stressful time for both of us, but all your staff helped to make the situation as comfortable as possible.”

A Patients Relative from Herts “Following a long illness our Gran sadly passed away in the Cambusavie Unit in Golspie. Throughout her stay in hospital, both at Cambusavie Unit and the

Lawson Memorial, the staff were fantastic with her and us. They kept us up to speed on her condition, were always happy to answer our questions and went out of their way to do all they could for her and us as her condition deteriorated. Our thanks to all.”

Patients Relative from Ross shire

“I was admitted as an emergency to Ward 4A at Raigmore Hospital and I would like to say how much I appreciated all the wonderful treatment I received. My special thanks to Mr Docherty and his Registrars and House Officers. Staff Nurse G Murray and the Red team of nurses. Audrey in the triage room. Staff in Haematology and the Senior Scientific Laboratory Officer in Blood Transfusion who went to endless trouble to provide compatible blood. I am sorry I cannot remember the names of everyone with whom I came in contact - ports, radiographer and staff in the colorectal department. Everyone was meticulous to explain who s/he was and the courtesy I received was most impressive. My heartfelt thanks to them all.”

A Patient from Inverness

Well Done Labs!Well Done Labs!Well Done Labs!

Highland achieved the HEAT targetachieved the HEAT targetachieved the HEAT target of 97% CHI Compliance on Lab requests for 6 consecutive months, surpassing targetsurpassing targetsurpassing target at 98% for the last 2 months of monitoring. CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulations and many thanksmany thanksmany thanks are in order for all your hard work in achieving this. CHI Monitoring for Labs reduces to a 6 monthly basis as long as this standard is maintained, so keep up the good work Labs! The eHealth Team

Page 17

What’s on….May and June

What: Leading Better Care Who: Open to all staff. Why: Briefing sessions on Leading Better Care - what it is, what you need to know and what is your role. Where and when: Dates throughout May and beginning of June in various areas across NHS Highland Need more? Contact Leah Morrison, Tel: 01463 704919 or email: leah.morrison@hpct.scot.nhs.uk

What: Care Programme Approach Awareness Training Who: Open to all who support clients with sever and enduring mental health problems. Why: The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is about the care people with severe mental illnesses receive. These sessions are intended for staff and people who provide support to clients (16 years and over) with severe and enduring mental health problems, including dementia, plus people with learning disability, all of whom also have complex health and social needs. These clients may already be living in the community or are being discharged into the community and may receive support from the private and public sector. Where and when: Dates throughout June in various areas throughout NHS Highland - Wick, Inverness, Fort William and Skye. Need more? Places can be booked through the Care Programme Approach Office on 01463 253610 or ext 3610. Alternatively you can complete the booking slip on the intranet (Organisation - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities)

What: I CAN Who: Open to all staff. Why: A team of Education and Health staff, working together to support pre-school children with specific speech and language difficulties in their pre-school settings would like to share and promote what they do. Where and when: Drop in sessions on Thursday 28 May, Obsdale Primary School, Obsdale Park, Alness. Need more? Contact the team on 01349 882814

Page 18

eLibrary www.elib.scot.nhs.uk

Have you registered yet?

HDLs

You can find all recent HDLs in the SEHD Weekly bulletin at http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/publications/bulletin/bulletin2009list.htm

Smokefree NHS Highland Useful Helplines and Websites for Information and support on

Smoking Cessation

Highland Smoking Cessation Service—lo-call 0845 757 3077

Smokeline 0800 84 84 84

Quit—0800 00 22 00

Enquiries and advice - smokefree@hhb.scot.nhs.uk

Givingupsmoking.org.uk

Quitnet.com

Occupational Health are now offering smoking cessation support to the staff of Raigmore Hospital. This can include one to one support for smoking cessation as well as advice in regard to products such as nicotine replacement therapy . Appointments can be made within Monday to Friday 9-5pm. Please phone 01463 706147 (ext 6147 for internal) for an appointment.

Smoking Cessation Support Service for New Craigs and RNI staff at New Craigs hospital call 07920247930 to make an appointment.

Retiral - Jill Smith, Mid Highland Community Health Partnership Jill Smith, pictured right (middle of the back row) latterly Health Visitor in mid west Ross retired in April. Her Gairloch and Aultbea colleagues threw a wonderful function at the Poolewe Hotel that was attended by nursing and medical colleagues past and present. Jill began her Highland career with a short spell attached to Dingwall in 1987, and subsequently as a triple duty nurse in Applecross and Lochcarron before moving to Gairloch. Jill would like to take the opportunity to thank her colleagues for everything; and Rona McCall, midwife for her extraordinary leadership and support given freely on top of a very busy workload.

Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards

Launched earlier this month (May) the Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards aim to recognise and promote the successful partnership between members of the Defence Medical Services and the civilian bodies, whether public or private, connected to the health of the UK Armed Forces.

The awards include a number of catego-ries such as Innovation and Service De-velopment, Deployed Healthcare, Care of Veterans and Team of the Year, and are open to military and civilian healthcare professionals.

Individuals or teams can self nominate, or be nominated by others. The judging pan-els will comprise members of the MOD, the UK Health Departments, other Civilian and independent members.

Application forms and further information on the website - www.militarycivilianhealthawards.org