The Pulse May / June 2009 - NHS Lanarkshire

NEWS FOR NHS LANARKSHIRE STAFF • MAY/JUNE 2009InsideTHE STEPS WE ALL MUST TAKETO ENSURE BEST PRACTICEFour-pageHAND HYGIENESPECIAL!Signof thetimesVISITORS to Wishaw General willbe faced with a hand hygienemessage they cannot miss.A six-foot high cardboard cut-outof two nurses advising them to“Stop! Clean your hands” will be ondisplay to emphasise theimportance of hand hygiene.Nurses Morag Weir, from wardsix, and Guy Miller, from emergencysurgery, lent their modellingservices for the campaign. It will betested at Wishaw General beforebeing introduced at other hospitalsand premises.Further cut-outs are plannedfeaturing doctors and health stafffrom other professions.ZEROTOLERANCENHS Lanarkshire is launching acomprehensive package of newmeasures to tackle healthcareassociated infection (HAI).Alison Graham, NHSLanarkshire’s medical director,said: “Our aim is to minimise therisk to patients, staff and visitorsof acquiring an HAI.“We have already made greatimprovements in our approachto tackling HAIs acrossNHS Lanarkshire.“These new measures raise thebar even higher and make sure weleave no stone unturned in the fightagainst HAIs.“Every member of staff has apersonal responsibility for ensuringthey meet the highest standards ofVital programme launched to tackle infectionhand hygiene. It is an essential andintegral part of delivering highqualitypatient care.”The new measures include:q New Zero Tolerance policyq Updated hand hygiene policyq New uniform policyq New hand hygiene products.The Zero Tolerance policy setsout staff’s personal responsibilityfor hand hygiene. The new policy“Hand Hygiene – Zero ToleranceApproach to Non-Compliance”has now been approved byNHS Lanarkshire.Dr Graham said: “The policy isnot just for nurses and doctors. Itis for all staff employed byNHS Lanarkshire who work in orvisit a heathcare setting.We all need to make sure that weTURN TO PAGE 2,ALSO INSIDEYOUR REGULAR STAFF NEWSPAPER THE PULSE WITH NEWS, FEATURES AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

thePulse2 HAND HYGIENE SPECIALMAY/JUNE 2009HAND HYGIENE SPECIAL thePulse 3From page 1New ZeroTolerancepackagelaunchedto combatinfectionare cleaning our handsproperly and at the righttimes.”The policy aims to stampout any examples of poorhand hygiene practices bysetting out clearly definedroles and responsibilities andensuring the right support isin place to facilitate goodhand hygiene.NHS Lanarkshire’s policywas developed in response tothe Scottish GovernmentHealth Directorate’s independentreview of the circumstanceswhich led to theoutbreak of Clostridiumdifficile at the Vale ofLeven Hospital in GreaterGlasgow and Clyde HealthBoard in 2008, resulting in18 associated deaths.Following this, an actionplan was developed statingthat all NHS Boards mustadopt a zero-toleranceapproach to non-compliancewith hand hygiene.Paul Wilson, executivedirector of allied health professions,nursing and midwifery,said: “We cannot overstatethe importance of goodhand hygiene.Hands are the mostcommon way in which microorganisms, particularlybacteria, are transported.This can led to infectionespecial to those who aremost susceptible.“Many HAIs are preventableand cleaning our handsroutinely and thoroughly is thesingle most important thingwe can do to prevent infection.“It is estimated that nine percent of hospitalised patientsacquire an infection resultingin 5000 deaths per year acrossthe UK. By practising goodhand hygiene we really cansave lives.”Staff wanting support withcomplying with hand hygienestandards can contact theirlocal hand hygiene co-ordinator,local infection controlteam or Salus OccupationalHealth and Safety.For more information abouthand hygiene visit the ScottishNational Hand Hygiene Campaignwebsite www.washyourhandsofthem.comNHS Scotland has launched itshardest hitting and mostcomprehensive hand washingawareness campaign ever run inScottish hospitals.For the first time, the campaigntargets all employees – not justclinical staff – recognising the importanceof engaging staff such asporters and cleaners in the bid to stopthe spread of bugs.Another new development will seeposters promoting hand washingfeaturing in shops and businesses nearhospitals to ensure staff get themessage about the importance ofregular hand washing before, duringand after their shifts.Materials will be strategically placedin hospitals to target people from themoment they arrive and throughoutthe day.The numerous locations to be usedwill include above beds, in staffchanging rooms, in surgical areas, intoilets and public areas.Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeonsaid: “Getting the message acrossabout the importance of regular handwashing is crucial.“It’s one of the simplest – yet mosteffective – ways of tackling infectionsin hospital, which is a top priority forthis government.Our hard-hittingcampaign targetsevery employee“This campaign is, intentionally,both wide ranging and hard hitting.“While previous campaigns havefocused on doctors and nurses, thistime we’re targeting other staff as well– such as porters who workthroughout hospitals.“The very nature of their work –transporting patients from one area toanother – means they must bescrupulous with their hand washing toensure they’re not also unintentionallytransporting bugs.“I know that hospital infectionsconcern patients and their relativesthroughout Scotland which is whywe’re determined to tackle them – thiscampaign is just part of a much widerpackage of measures.“But there’s simply no excuse forfailing to follow proper hand hygieneprocedures. That’s why I recentlyraised the bar for NHS Boards andexpect them to take a zero toleranceapproach towards any staff whofail to comply with correct handhygiene protocols.”The new campaign updatesScotland’s Hand Hygiene Campaign“Germs – Wash Your Hands of Them”,first launched in January 2007.The messages and creative conceptshave been tested with a range ofhealthcare professionals in variousNHS boards.The final campaign materials, whichwere previewed with the StrategicFacilities Group at their meetingin March, are based on thefeedback received.Correct hygienepractice is key tomeeting standardsUPDATED guidance on good hand ities of individuals within thehygiene practice has been issued organisation for maintaining handfor NHS Lanarkshire staff. hygiene standards.It is contained in the revised Hand The policy includes detailedHygiene Policy, which forms guidance on when to perform handSection H of the NHS Lanarkshire hygiene and the levels of handInfection Manual.hygiene required depending onJan Clarkson, nurse consultant – the level of risk. It also includeshealthcare associated infection, the World Health Organisation’ssaid: “Much infection is preventable “Your five moments of handthrough good infection control hygiene” (see right).practice and a key element of this Staff should generally be askingis correct hand hygiene.themselves three questions to“The new Hand Hygiene Policy make sure they are applying thecaptures the latest best practice and policy correctly:■ CLINICAL staff must ensure they are “Bare NHS Lanarkshire staff must comply.states that staff should not wear their uniform advice to provide staff with guidanceq What have I just done?Below The Elbow” to comply with NHS Paul Wilson, executive director of allied outwith the workplace other than when on and knowledge they need to washq What am I about to do?Lanarkshire’s new Standards of Dress and health professions, nursing and midwifery, said: escort duties or undertaking a community role. their hands properly and at the rightq Which level of hand hygieneClinical/Non-Clinical Uniform Policy.“One of the key aims of the policy is to ensure Staff should change in the workplace before times in order to help preventis appropriate?That means short sleeves at all times and no clinical and non-clinical staff have good hand and after clinical duties, but if not they must infection.jewellery other than one plain band ring may and wrist hygiene for clinical and other patient ensure that their uniform is completely covered“Compliance with the policy is If you have any concerns orbe worn. For infection control purposes, wrist activity and for food handling.by an outdoor coat when travelling to and from mandatory. It is essential that all questions regarding the policy youwatches must not be worn. Neckties should also “We want the public to have absolute confidencein the services that we provide.”every day.”manager who will consult the localthe workplace.staff read it and put it into practice should discuss these with your linebe avoided while involved in clinical work.The uniform policy outlines reasonable and The policy, agreed in partnership with staffsiderepresentatives at the HR Forum, also Ratified HR Policiesconjunction with NHS Lanarkshire’s Team for advice.The full policy can be found on FirstPort underThe policy should be read in Infection Control/Health Protectionacceptable standards of dress with which all“Hand Hygiene – Zero Tolerance tonon-compliance” policy which A copy of the Hand Hygiene Policysets out the roles and responsibil-is available on FirstPortPOSTER POWERVITAL STEPS TOKEEP IN MINDFOLLOW the five key momentsand help prevent hospitalassociated infection.“Your five moments for handhygiene” is guidance developed bythe World Health Organisation. Itsets out the fundamental timesduring care delivery and dailyroutines that staff should performhand hygiene.Following the guidance is oneof the requirements of NHSLanarkshire’s hand hygiene policy.MOMENT ONEWash your hands immediatelybefore touching a patient whenyou may have had contact withharmful germs since you lastwashed your hands. For example:q After leaving a piece ofdeskwork or handling notes,bedding, equipment or furnitureq After arriving at work, forexample, having had contact withyour car or public transportq Washing your hand in front ofthe patient improves publicconfidence. If the patient is behinda screen and can’t see, then letthem know you are washingyour hands.MOMENT TWOWash your hands before an aseptictask such as:q Putting in a urinary catheter,peripheral vascular line orcentral lineq Taking bloodq Managing intravenouslines/infusionsq Giving injections.MOMENT THREEWash your hands after the risk ofexposure to body fluid. Forexample, after:q Taking bloodq Cleaning up urine or bloodspillagesq Emptying bedpans, commodesor urine bagsq Touching cathetersq Performing chest suctionq Aspiration of any otherbody fluids.MOMENT FOURWash your hands after touching apatient. For example, when:q Helping a patient out of bedq Taking a patient’s bloodpressure, pulse or temperatureq Examining a patientq Examining an intravenous siteor a dressing.You should wash your handsafter touching a patient andbefore touching any item inthe immediate patient orhealthcare area.MOMENT FIVEWash your hands after touchingthe furniture or equipment in theimmediate patient area – even ifthere’s no direct patient contact.For example, when:q Tidying around a patient’s bedq Giving out medicinesq Fixing a patient’s pillowq After making a patient’s bedq Completing notes/records keptin the patient surroundingsq Handling equipment includingpumps and monitors, bedding,curtains trolleys/locks. This isparticularly important forhealthcare porters, but can easilybe overlooked bymedics too.However, you do not need towash your hands after everyfolder when collecting in foldersof patient notes.Stephentakes upchallengeSENIOR pharmacist SteveMcCormick has recently joinedNHS Lanarkshire to help minimiserisk to patients from healthcareassociated infections (HAIs).He is NHS Lanarkshire’s firstanti-microbial pharmacist – a newrole aimed at promoting clinicalexcellence and a cost-effectiveapproach to prescribingantimicrobials such as antibiotics.Steve said: “Prudent prescribingis a really important factor in bothreducing HAIs such as Clostridiumdifficile and in restricting theopportunity for bacteria to developantimicrobial resistance.“It offers clinical benefits to ourpatients now and to our patients inthe future.”Steve’s role is Lanarkshire-wide,covering the three acute hospitalsand primary care, but he will bebased at Monklands.He will be engaging staff from allareas and disciplines involved inantimicrobial prescribing and askingfor their support in implementinglocal and national initiatives toimprove antimicrobial usage.He said: “Good antimicrobialstewardship is everyone’sresponsibility. Part of my role is toempower all staff to play their part.It’s important that staff have theknowledge and confidence tochallenge inappropriateantimicrobial prescribing wherethey encounter it.”Steve joins NHS Lanarkshireafter 10 years working with Guysand St Thomas NHS HospitalTrust as a specialist HIVprescribing pharmacist.Stephen can be contacted bycalling 01236 712072, 01236748748 or 07771 922728

NEWS FOR NHS LANARKSHIRE STAFF • MAY/JUNE 2009Page 5 Page 20FAST WORK FROMEMERGENCY TEAMLIFE’S A MARATHONFOR OUR ELAINEBESTFORALLSUPPORTED: Caroland Anthony Dobbie,from Lanark, withnewborn daughterApril in WishawGeneral’s maternityunit, support the newbreastfeeding campaignA nationalcampaign isurging men aswell as womento help boostbreastfeedingby creating a‘supportiveculture’THE FAMILYMEN and other family membersare being urged to help boostbreastfeeding.As part of Breastfeeding AwarenessWeek in May, NHS Health Scotlandis targeting its marketing campaignat ‘significant others’.The aim is to make everyonerealise they have an important roleto play in encouraging breastfeedingand is a deliberate shift awayfrom targeting the campaign solelyat women.The overarching aim is to movetowards a more supportive culture ofbreastfeeding in Scotland.Paul Wilson, executive director forallied health professions, nursing andmidwifery, said: “Lanarkshire has oneof the lowest breastfeeding rates inScotland. Overall, society is notsupportive of breastfeeding.“This is reflected in importantrelationships that can influence awoman’s decision whether tobreastfeed, including partners,grandparents, other family membersand friends.“Breastfeeding is an individualdecision for each woman. What isclear is that each woman should havesupport available to make aninformed infant feeding choiceand, where they decide to breastfeed,they have the necessary supportto sustain it.”Wendy Drysdale, infant feedingdevelopment midwife at WishawGeneral, said: “Support and encouragementto breastfeed from all familymembers is absolutely crucial.“Family members and friends canhelp give a new baby the beststart in life by supporting the mumto breastfeed.“There is good evidence thatbreastfeeding in infancy hasa protective effect against manychildhood illnesses. Breastfed infantsare likely to have a reduced risk ofinfection, particularly those affectingthe ear, respiratory tract and gastrointestinaltract.“Other probable benefits includeimproved cognitive and psychologicaldevelopments, and areduced risk of developing diabetesin childhood.”Mothers can also benefitfrom breastfeeding.Wendy continued: “There isevidence that women who breastfedhave lower risks of developing breastand ovarian cancer and a reducedrisk of osteoporosis in later life.”NHS Lanarkshire is committed toprotecting, promoting andsupporting breastfeeding forfamilies living in Lanarkshire.TURN TO PAGE 5,ALSO INSIDENEWS FROM ACROSS THE DIVISIONS • RETIREMENTS • YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS • TRAINING UPDATE

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 GENERAL NEWS3BEATING CANCERAlan was ‘devastated’when he heard he hadbowel cancer. Nearlythree years on, he’sraising awareness soothers can escape thediseaseEAST Kilbride man AlanMacLean shared his experienceof bowel cancer to help promotebowel cancer awareness.Alan’s story began in June 2006when the Stewartfield man noticedstrains of blood in his faeces.He was stunned to be told hehad bowel cancer.The 63-year-old said:“It’s difficult to put into words howI felt. I was just devastated.“I honestly thought it was theend for me.”Within weeks of his news, hehad received treatment to removethe tumour and began a course ofchemotherapy.However, his return to healthwas hampered by a series ofsetbacks which included thediscovery of a second smallertumour and cancer in his liver.Thankfully, the signs look to bein Alan’s favour at last.He said: “So far everything’sbeen fine, but I’m taking nothingfor granted – you just can’t do thatwith cancer.“I only wish I’d been moreaware of this earlier and othersI’ve spoken to with bowel cancersay the same thing.”It is for this reason Alan nowspends a large part of his timehelping those diagnosed with thecondition come to terms with it.He also wants to help preventothers from developing cancer.“If I can stop even one personexperiencing this, I’ll be a happyman,” he said.“I also want to help reassurepeople and make them believe thatthey can beat it.”From this August, a Scotlandwidescreening programme willNHS Lanarkshire staff used Aprilto promote the bowel cancerawareness campaign.Bowel cancer is the third mostcommon cancer in the UK, is thesecond biggest cause of cancerdeaths and afflicts about 350people in Lanarkshire every year.However, if the disease iscaught early enough, nine out of10 people survive with treatment.To raise the public profile ofbegin in Lanarkshire wheneveryone between the ages of 50and 74 will be invited to participatein screening.More than 90 per cent of thosediagnosed with bowel cancer arewithin this age group.Alan continued: “I thinkscreening’s a fantastic idea and I’dstrongly urge everyone to do it.“People might think it’sA CAMPAIGN TO SAVE LIVESthe condition, NHS Lanarkshire’scolorectal nurses held events atthe three acute hospitals on27 April to inform the public onthe signs to look out for.Staff also appeared on localradio to discuss the conditionwhile members of the Lanarkshirepublic shared their bowel cancerexperiences in local newspapers.Two other events were also heldin April in preparation for theawkward or cumbersome, butcompared with what someonecould face if they ignore it, it’s adrop in the ocean.”Sheena Kilpatrick, NHSLanarkshire’s head of cancerservices, said: “Alan has showngreat courage and determinationin fighting his illness and we’rereally grateful to him for sharinghis story to help raise awareness.national bowel screeningprogramme which is set to roll outin Lanarkshire from this August.A stakeholder event and acommunications focus group wereheld with members of the public togauge their general understandingof bowel cancer and to establishthe most effective communicationmethods to maximise uptake inthe bowel cancer screeningprogramme.“We reiterate Alan’s message thatif bowel cancer is detected earlyenough through screening there isa 90 per cent chance of treating itsuccessfully.”To find out more, visitwww.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/For more information on the screeninginitiative starting in August, visitwww.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.ukNew resource...New woundformularyMANAGING wounds is about toget a whole lot simpler thanks to anew NHS Lanarkshire WoundManagement Formulary.This formulary will beavailable as a web-baseddocument and also as A3 postersand A5 diary cards.It will provide information onrecommended dressings for use bystaff across NHS Lanarkshire.This ensures the best possiblecare is provided and that it is costeffective.The launch of the formulary isplanned for the week commencing1 June and, for the first time, thisformulary will be available onlinethrough FirstPort.Katrina McGown, a tissueviability nurse, based atCleland, said: “This formulary willensure the highest standards ofwound care are delivered acrossall care settings in Lanarkshire.“It helps ensure products areappropriate for use and optimisedto benefit both the patient and thehealthcare professional.”Tissue viability nurses, alongwith a multi-professional groupof practitioners, developed theformulary and gatheredinformation from a broad rangeof sources, including local andnational initiatives.The formulary will be a dynamicdocument to reflect innovationsin practice and new products,and will be reviewed on aregular basis.Postersand diarycards willbe availableacross allacute,primary caresites and carehomes.Moredetails on howto access the new formulary onFirstPort will be provided throughthe weekly staff briefing before itis launched.For further details, contactthe Tissue Viability Serviceon 01698 863215A SHOWCASE FOR CO-ORDINATED CAREEXPERTS in respiratory and lung careattended NHS Lanarkshire’s secondRespiratory Managed Clinical Network(MCN) stakeholders’ forum in March.NHS Lanarkshire coronary heartdisease and respiratory networkmanager Maureen Carroll said: “Theevent was an excellent opportunityto showcase the work alreadyundertaken by the Respiratory MCN.“It also provided a forum to sharethe opportunities and challenges ofservice improvement, and look aheadwith a clear vision to the future.”The event was attended by leadingrespiratory professionals from alldisciplines within the primary andsecondary care sector, patientrepresentatives, the voluntary sectorand professional organisations.One of the MCN’s roles is to ensurethat clinical care is delivered in asmooth and supportive manner,helping patients to move from onepart of the service to another withminimum disruption or delay.The MCN aims to achieve this bybringing together different healthprofessionals and organisations,helping them work without restrictionsin a more co-ordinated manner.It also provides an opportunity forpatients, carers and the public to beinvolved in the design of servicesand in making them more responsiveto local circumstances.The presentations given at theevent showcased the four strandsof the chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) whole system service:outreach spirometry; selfmanagementand pulmonaryrehabilitation; telecare; supportedselfcare and respiratory homesupport service.The patient pathways through eachof these strands, and how healthcareprofessionals across secondary andprimary care have worked together tomake this service possible, were alsodemonstrated.ATTENDING EXPERTS: (from left) Gregor Smith, GP and medical director, primarycare; Maureen Carroll, coronary heart disease and respiratory MCN manager;Richard Dietrich, head of British Lung Foundation for Scotland and Northern Ireland;Dr Azhar Ali, lead GP Hamilton locality and respiratory MCN; Andrea Harrison,coronary heart disease and respiratory MCN co-ordinator; Dr Soong Tan, consultantrespiratory physician and respiratory MCN lead clinician

4thePulse GENERAL NEWS MAY/JUNE 2009Breathe easy- Joyce isat handJOYCE Cairney is leading theway in caring for patients withbreathing problems after takingup a new nursing post.The mum of two, from Chapelhall,is the first person in the westof Scotland to be appointedas a tracheostomy clinicalnurse specialist.Joyce, 41, provides a single pointof contact for Lanarkshire patientswho have difficulties breathing andrequire a tracheostomy – whichinvolves inserting a tube into thewindpipe (trachea) – so they canbreathe freely.But there is a great dealmore to the NHS Lanarkshirespecialist’s duties.Joyce, who has two sons aged13 and nine and has been marriedfor 21 years, said: “This is amuch-needed service for patientsin Lanarkshire.“I can establish links with patientsand their carers prior to surgery,follow them throughout theirjourney and after discharge.“This helps to ensure continuity ofcare and provides a focal point forinformation for NHS Lanarkshirestaff, patients and their carers.“Patients also have input from themulti-disciplinary team to ensurethat psychological, nutritional andcommunication needs are met.“They also have my direct phonenumber to discuss any problemswhich may arise.”Although Joyce is based atMonklands Hospital, she coversthe other acute hospitals –Wishaw General and Hairmyres –and community care.This means she can provide a linkbetween all the various services,from, for example, GPs, hospitals,to district nurses and carers inthe home.Joyce went on: “I also help updatenursing skills in this area, providingadvice, training and support both inhospital and in community.“I can bring along thelaryngectomy simulator ‘Larry’ todemonstrate to staff, patients andcarers how to change the tubes andcare for them.”Joyce qualified from LanarkshireCollege of Nursing in 1994, and thenworked for six months in generalmedicine before moving toMonklands’ ear, nose and throat,oral and maxillofacial (ENT/OMFS)unit in 1995.In 2004, Joyce joined the ENTemergency care team – providingout-of-hours emergency careto people in Lanarkshirewith ENT problems – before takingup her new post.Another vital part of Joyce’s rolewill be updating guidelinesand protocols to ensure staffare following the best practicestatement for patients with atracheostomy tube.She said: “I want to ensurepatients receive the best possibleevidence-based practice whereverthey are in Lanarkshire.“These guidelines will helpensure continuity, confidence andcompetence of everyone involved.”Graeme McGibbon, senior nursefor Lanarkshire in ENT/OMFS, said:”This is an essential post that willprovide a much-needed service forpatients in Lanarkshire.”For more information ontracheostomy or to refer a patientto Joyce, contact her on 01236 713019 oremail joyce.cairney@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukBREATHE IN: JoyceCairney with training aidLarry as she helps improvecare to patients withbreathing difficultiesDANGER LEVEL:It’s recommendedthat you have at leasttwo days a week freeof alcoholProgramme tocurb drinkingAN alcohol screening programmeis being launched byNHS Lanarkshire to reduceconsumption and the effects ofbinge drinking.A high number of patients whoattend A&E departments do sobecause of alcohol misuse.In an attempt to tackle thisproblem before people needhospital treatment, the ScottishGovernment has incorporated analcohol screening targetinto the HEAT performanceframework.This targetrequires NHSLanarkshire todeliver 16,057brief interven-A 250ml glass of 12 per centvolume wine is three units.One pint of 4 per cent volumestandard lager is2.3 unitstions byMarch 2011.Accident andemergencyfrontline staff willreceive training in theuse of the fast alcohol screeningtest (FAST), a screening toolused to identify early hazardousalcohol use.It is based in recommendedlimits and detects potentiallyharmful levels of use.Pauline Izat, substance misusenurse specialist, based atMonklands, said: “Evidencesuggests patients accept beingquestioned about alcohol use.“And it has been shown thatspecific brief interventiontechniques have a beneficial effectin reducing consumption andbinge drinking in at-risk drinkersat 12 months.“It is hoped that this approach,using FAST, will influence and challengealcohol use andimprove long-termDid youknow?health outcomes.”The substancemisuse nurses ateach of the threesites will deliverthe brief interventionsin thecoming months.Patients will beselected by reasonof presentation andoffered feedback on theirFAST score and signposted orreferred to the substance misusenurse team where appropriate.Brief interventions are alreadybeing carried out in the primarycare setting where trainers JanieSelkirk and Don Wilson completedthe training of staff in March.RECOMMENDED LIMITS OF ALCOHOL USEq Adult Male: No more than21 units a week and a maximumof three to four units daily. Atleast two alcohol-free days aweek recommended.q Adult Female: No more than14 units a week and a maximumof two to three units daily. Atleast two alcohol-free days aweek recommended.

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 GENERAL NEWS5THE ERC TEAM: Neil Mitchell, left,Gillian Evans, Barry Nelson, EllisonRankin, Sandy Mitchell, LisaConnolly, Allison Henderson andChristine McDonaldTOP TEAMIN SPEEDYRESPONSETHE Emergency Response Lanarkshire’s medical division and transport of their patients with oneCentre (ERC), launched in chair of the ERC Steering Group, phone call.November 2008, has been praised has overseen the development Gillian Evans is the lead clinicalAby GPs for helping to improvepatient care.Having been developed in collaborationbetween acute and primarycare, the Scottish Ambulance Serviceand NHS 24, the ERC will run as apilot over two-and-a-half years inthree phases.ERC deals with emergencyGP calls between the hours of 8amto 6pm, Monday to Friday, and islocated at Hairmyres Hospital.The ultimate aim is to directpatients to the most appropriatepoint of assessment and care inthe first instance and avoid unnecessarydelays and reassessmentswhen possible.Dr Mehrdad Malekian, associatemedical director for NHSand subsequent operation of thenew centre.He said: “ERC has already fulfilledits objectives for phase one and themajority of feedback received fromlocal GPs has been very positive andencouraging.“This is only the start and subsequentphases will concentrate ondeveloping alternatives to admission,as well as using more specificpathways for some common conditionsin order to fulfil the primaryobjective of ERC.”ERC is staffed by clinical advisors,who are from a nursing background,and paramedics.Transport for appropriate patientsis also arranged by ERC and allowsGPs to arrange assessment andadvisor who supervises three otherclinical advisors as well as oneadministrative officer and fourparamedics.The first phase of the pilot aimedto handle all GP calls within anacceptable timeframe and arrangetransport when required.All calls are logged and GPs areasked a number of agreed questionsbefore advice can be given on thebest option for patients.The centre deals with an averageof 90 calls per day with themaximum number at 107 to date.The calls are on average answeredwithin 14 seconds and it normallytakes around two minutes in total tohandle individual GP calls andobtain relevant information.% CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1new Breastfeeding SupportService has been implemented inWishaw General to work with themidwives and support staff.This provides new mums andbabies with extra supportand assistance when learningto breastfeed.Wendy added: “Most womenwho stop breastfeeding in theearly days or weeks do so becauseof a lack of support.“Mothers and babies now born inLanarkshire will benefit from thisadditional encouragement, supportand help with practical skills whilelearning to breastfeed.“This will ensure more womenleave hospital getting off to a goodstart with breastfeeding their baby.”NATURE’S WAY: Marianne McKnightand husband Gary, from Cumbernauld,with four-month-old DanielBreastfeeding is bestEach year, breastfeeding iscelebrated in NationalBreastfeeding Awareness Week.Breastfeeding awareness eventswill take place in the three acutehospitals and throughout each ofthe localities in Lanarkshire.Further updates on breastfeedingactivities and initiatives in NHSLanarkshire will be available infuture issues of The Pulse and inthe weekly electronic staff briefing.For more information aboutbreastfeeding and support inLanarkshire, visit www.lanarkshirebreastfeeding.org.uk or contact thenew national Breastfeeding helplineon 0300 100 0212

6thePulse GENERAL NEWS MAY/JUNE 2009In brief…e BOTH North and SouthLanarkshire Councils havewithdrawn the West of ScotlandStandby Service which providesout-of-hours social work serviceThese services have nowreverted to both councils.The services deal withemergency situations such aschild protection, adult care andprotection, vulnerable olderpeople and urgent mentalhealth issues.For more information on theNorth Lanarkshire Councilservice, including operatingtimes, call 0800 121 4114, and forSouth Lanarkshire Council, call0800 678 3282.Leading fromthe frontSTAFF at Wishaw General’s ward15 were praised for their achievementsin two initiatives whichwill improve patient care.NHS Lanarkshire chairmanKen Corsar and Paul Wilson,executive director of nurses,midwives and allied healthprofessions, paid a special visit tothe department in January.They were there to show theirsupport for the team’s hard work andachievements during two pilotprogrammes, Leading Better Careand the Senior Charge Nurse RoleReview, which took place over17 weeks.During the visit, ward 15 seniorcharge nurse Kenny Harrisondescribed how the two initiatives hadled to improvements.He said: “Leading Better Care andthe Senior Charge Nurse Role Reviewprovided a framework for wardimprovements and for creating aculture where staff are empowered toinfluence change.■ MEDICAL IllustrationServices (MIS) have anew large-format posterprinter allowing them tooutput at photographicquality.The replacementmachine, purchased withassistance from medicaleducation, means they cancontinue to producematerials for teachingand promotional events aswell as scientific postersin house – quicker and“One of the first steps was toensure there were robust stock levelsand an environment where the rightthing is in the right place at the righttime.”Kenny went on: “The programmeinvested time for staff to challengethe way they work and ask why thingswere carried out in a certain way.“As continuous qualityimprovement developed, it wassustained and demonstrated throughmeasuring compliance with ClinicalQuality Indicators and specificthemes identified by ward staff.”The visitors were shown datademonstrating streamlined processescheaper than onthe high street.Andrew Craig, MIS teamleader, said: “The qualitynow available willprovide the level ofclinical detail that is oftenrequired for teaching anddisplay materials.“With improvednetworking capabilities,members of MIS can sendwork direct to the printerfrom all three acute sites,speeding up the process.”OUTPUT: medicalillustration’s LauraFleming andCaroline Faulds usethe new printerwhere an increased direct care timecorrelated to more time spent caringfor patients at the bedside.This in turn had led to positiveimprovements in patient feedbackand considerable improvements instaff morale.Staff nurse Margaret Elliot said:“Before the pilot, staff would just talkto each other. Now we actually listen.“Releasing Time to Care has putownership of the ward in the handsof the team.”Practice Development providedsupport to improve practice andenhance care with Kenny and histeam in ward 15.KNOWHOW: Paul Wilsonand Ken Corsar, back row,learn how processes onWard 15 were streamlinedfrom practice scholarsKaren Morrow and JulieMain along with chargenurse Kenny HarrisonJulie Main, practice scholar, said:“Facilitation has been very rewardingin identifying improvements to thepatient’s journey and the wardclimate.“Furthermore, the national evaluationsuggests the programme fits wellwith other initiatives, includingtackling healthcare associatedinfection, the Scottish Patient SafetyProgramme, 18-week referral to treatprogramme, Better Together andWorkforce and Workload Planning.“Both Ken and Paul were enthusiasticand encouraged about the workachieved and work in progress withinthe ward.”e A STONEHOUSE Hospitalreunited event has beenorganised for 4 September atHamilton Rugby Club.The cost, expected to be £5a head, includes a buffet andbackground music, with 120places available.If you work, or have worked,in Stonehouse Hospital, and areinterested in attending, contactRuth Stannage on 01698 335755or 07788157621 or email:stannage@blueyonder.co.uk orRuth.Stannage@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uke THE Scottish Spina BifidaAssociation is the latestemployer in Lanarkshire to beawarded the Jobcentre Plusdisability symbol.It was awarded in recognitionof the Cumbernauld-basedorganisation’s commitment topeople with disabilities.This has been demonstratedthrough the retention, trainingand career development of allof its employees with healthconditions.e STAFF from acrossLanarkshire took part in atable-top exercise in Februaryto test our emergency bloodmanagement arrangements.Held in partnership with theScottish Blood TransfusionService, the event looked at howhospitals in Lanarkshire wouldcope if blood supplies ran out.e A PLAN outlining thedevelopment of primary andcommunity services in NHSLanarkshire in the next 10 yearshas been launched.New Horizons – A Plan forModernising Primary HealthCare Services in Lanarkshirehas been prepared over thepast two years and includescontributions from cliniciansand managers from across awide range of services.It sets out the case for change,identifies four cornerstonesof care, and describes theoutcomes we wish to see,along with the mechanismsfor delivery.An electronic copy of the NewHorizons document is availableon the Practice EducationFacilitators section of FirstPort.For a hard copy, emaillorraine.forrest@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or call 01698 377815.

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 GENERAL NEWS7Oral team’s secondbrush with fameTHE oral health team at NHSLanarkshire has produced asequel to their acclaimededucational DVD – Harry atthe Zoo.Harry’s Holiday is anotheranimated film which emphasisesthe importance of oral hygiene andbrushing your teeth correctly.The story, funded by NorthLanarkshire Council, was written bythe oral health team and their ownchildren provided the voices, whilepupils from Lanarkshire schoolsdrew the artwork for the DVD.And the fantastic resource willnow be used to educate children inschools and nurseries Lanarkshirewideabout brushing their teethdaily, visiting the dentist twice ayear and healthy eating.Elaine Sharp, senior oral healtheducator, said: “The first DVD wassuch a success we decided a sequelwould be the perfect way toemphasise to children howimportant oral health is.“I’d like to thank everyoneinvolved, especially all thechildren who helped producethe artwork and voices, and KayeThorburn and Susan Rae fromthe dental surgery at BlantyreHealth Centre.”Lanarkshire pupils were giventhe chance to win prizes of £100and over for their school byentering artwork for the differentchapters of the Harry’s HolidayDVD story.The winners were presentedwith their prizes by Albert Yeung,consultant in Dental Public Healthof NHS Lanarkshire.PUTTINGTHE INEXPENSESeSCREENING NOW: theoral health team thatproduced the DVDHarry’s HolidayGot a story?If you have a story idea for your staffnewspaper, don’t hesitate to share it with us.Your help is essential in making The Pulse a success.Contact Martin Stirling on 01698 245069 or martin.stirling@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukWell done, Donna!CONGRATULATIONS to DonnaMartin who recently completedher Scottish VocationalQualification level three inHealth/Social Care.Donna is a support workerwithin NHS Lanarkshire’smental health and addictionservices at Coathill House.She is the first within the teamto achieve this certificate.Maureen Woods, team leader ofthe harm reduction team, said:“On behalf of the team I’d liketo congratulate Donna for herhard work.”A NEW system for the recordingand administration of expenses isto be introduced.The new e-expenses system willreplace the current paper methodand is set to come on board fromJuly, gradually rolling out across alldepartments.It is the intention to have around50 per cent of all staff who claimexpenses on the new system byMarch 2010, with the rest one-expenses by March 2011.E-expenses is a nationalprogramme which is based on acentrally maintained systemoperated by NHS Scotland SharedSupport Services.NHS Lanarkshire payrollstaff will still administerexpense claims as at present.The system has already beensuccessfully piloted at two NHSboards and is an easy-to-use webexpenses system which enables staffto compile and submit their ownexpenses claims for authorisationand payment using the intranet.It will also improve the end-to-endprocess for receiving paymentof expenses.Other benefits of the new systemwill include:q An end to paper-based processwhich will free up time for bothclaimants and administratorsq A more robust and verifiableaudit processq Improved and more accessiblereportingq Reduction in the duplicationof effortqImproved data quality and reducederror rates.Staff who authorise expenses willbe required to take part in a shorttraining session to familiarisethemselves with the new system.All staff who claim expenses willalso be given a ‘claimant guide’ tohelp them.Hugh Sweeney, NHS Lanarkshireemployee director, said: “This newsystem will benefit both the usersand the organisation in general.“Once claimants have their username and password to get access tothe system, they will find it easierand less time consuming to maketheir expenses claims.”

8thePulse GENERAL NEWS MAY/JUNE 2009In brief…Physio adviceon the phonePHYSIOTHERAPY advice forthose with musculo-skeletalproblems is now just a phonecall away.A pilot programme is beingrun by NHS Lanarkshirephysiotherapy services inClydesdale and Motherwelllocalities. The Direct Access toPhysiotherapy scheme providesdirect access to musculo-skeletalphysiotherapy services.Carole Cruickshank, projectlead for Direct Access toPhysiotherapy, said: “This is atrial self-referral phone servicewhich allows patients to getadvice quickly about sprains andstrains, problems with posture,sports injuries and any muscleand joint problems fromspecialist physiotherapists.“Calls will be answered by adedicated team, who will providea telephone consultationregarding the presentingcondition. The caller will then beadvised on the best way tomanage their problem.”Senga Cree, head andprofessional lead of NHSLanarkshire physiotherapyservices, said: “Individualisedadvice and education will beprovided in a supportiveenvironment to enable callers tomanage their condition safely.“Information from this trialwill allow us to developfuture services to meetpublic needs.“Telephone linesare open Mondayto Saturday 9am-1pm for a trialperiod fromMay to July.”To contact Direct Accessto Physiotherapy,call 01236 713901MiDIS roll-outbegins in MayROLL-OUT of a new patientinformation system willcommence in May.The Multi-DisciplinaryInformation System (MiDIS)will allow users from multipleservices to record patientinformation and to share coreand selected data.Until MiDIS is rolled out, youshould continue to use PiMS foryour electronic record keeping.Workshops will be held withservice delivery managers andpublic health and district nursinggroups which will provide moreinsight into what MiDIS can dofor clinical users.The first phase of the roll-outwill be to the Cambuslang/Rutherglen and NorthernCorridor localities.For more information, contactAngus Bruce, project manager,on 07795 617956 or angus.bruce@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukAwards pour in for NHS Lanarkshire people and facilitiesQUALITY CARETALENTED TEAM: FionaKettles, front right, with someof the Lockhart nursing staffLOCKHART Hospital becamethe latest NHS Lanarkshirefacility to win an internationallyrecognised award.The Lanark community hospitalproved it delivers the highestquality of patient care by successfullycompleting the HealthcareAccreditation Programme (HAP).And at a ceremony in March,Alan Lawrie, director of SouthLanarkshire community healthpartnership, unveiled a plaquecommemorating the hospital’sachievement.He said: “This award istestament to the professionalism ofall the staff and to the leadershipof the management teamat Lockhart.“A huge amount of hard workwent into the accreditation processand the team clearly performedvery well during the three-dayassessment.“This programme has been agreat way for moving the hospitalforward and ensuring it providesthe highest quality of patient care.“I would like to congratulateeveryone involved in this success.”Lockhart Hospital follows inthe footsteps of the othercommunity hospitals in Clydesdale– Kello and Ladyhome – whichboth successfully completed theHAP process.Sister Fiona Kettles at LockhartHospital, who is from Carluke,praised the efforts of the team.She said: “The teamwork hasbeen brilliant and we managedto achieve this award in onlysix months.“There has been a major refurbishmentgoing on during thisperiod but the staff coped with thiswhile improving services and deliveringfirst-class patient care.“Their enthusiasm for theprogramme was amazing andI could not fault their efforts. Weare so proud of what the hospitalhas achieved.”HAP accreditation is awarded byCaspe Healthcare KnowledgeSystems (CHKS), which undertakesprogrammes of qualityassurance and improvement forhealthcare providers in the UK andinternationally.External examiners spent threedays assessing all areas of thehospital, including patient servicesand experience; overall cleanliness;nursing, medical and alliedhealth professionals’ skills andknowledge; support services; food;Lab innovatorsAWARD WINNERS: Members of the two Monklands Hospital-based teams, fromleft, Hannah Robertson, Elaine Kennedy and Jacqueline McGuire at the ceremonyPLAQUE UNVEILED: From left, Dr Bill Criggie,Alan Lawrie, Dr Jamie Hill (sitting), Ken Corsar,NHS Lanarkshire Chairman, and Sister Fiona Kettlesas well as health and safety.The examiners spoke with teammembers about the various areasthey were responsible for andwere impressed by their enthusiasm,teamwork and the evidencethey were presented with.TWO NHS Lanarkshire laboratoryteams scooped awards at anational ceremony.In a prestigious event at theRoyal Society of Edinburgh, the twoMonklands Hospital-based teamsreceived healthcare science awardsfor innovation in Improved HealthServices.NHS Lanarkshire biomedicalscientists Hannah Robertson andRosemary Yates, along withcolleague Dr Alistair Leanord, wererewarded for introducing a new testfor detecting gonorrhoaea.Meanwhile, clinical chemistry duoElaine Kennedy, a biomedicalscientist, and Jacqueline McGuire,consultant clinical scientist, gainedtheir award for the implementation ofa new blood glucose testing system.Irene Winning, senior biomedicalscientist in the microbiologydepartment at Monklands, said:“This was a great achievement forNHS Lanarkshire.“The microbiology team gainedtheir award for the introduction of aJulie Hyde, chairman of theCHKS Accreditation Awards Panel,said: “Many congratulations to allmembers of staff at the hospital onachieving this award as it reflectsthe continuing commitment toquality improvement.”new N.gonorrhoaea polymerasechain reaction (PCR) test.“This test resulted in a four-foldincrease in male samples tested forand an overall 194 per cent increasein detection of N.gonorrhoaeaduring the first year ofimplementation.“In addition, the test utilises lessinvasivesamples which improvespatient uptake of the test.”The team from clinical chemistrygained their award for theimplementation of a new methodfor delivery of blood glucose testingwithin the secondary care settingin Lanarkshire.Irene continued: “All staff involvedwere given one-to-one training andthe new system includes moreeffective quality assurance.“This system improves patientcare by providing rapid access toimmediate analysis which supportscompliance with treatment; aidscounselling in relation totherapeutic management; andassists in planning of treatment.”

MAY/JUNE 2009 GENERAL NEWS thePulse 9Three ‘C’s forbetter healthAccess to emergency contraception,condoms and chlamydia tests is nowmuch easier for people in LanarkshireSTAYING sexually healthy inLanarkshire will be a lot easierthanks to three free ‘C’ servicesat local pharmacies.Emergency contraception (or ‘themorning after pill’), condoms andchlamydia tests are the three Cs nowavailable free of charge at chemists.These new community pharmacyservices will complement NHSLanarkshire’s sexual and reproductivehealth clinics.Dr Anne McLellan, lead clinicianfor sexual and reproductive healthin NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We aredelighted with the improved accessfor clients with the introduction ofthe ‘three free C scheme’.“Clients with more complex needscan be signposted by pharmacistsinto the Lanarkshire sexualhealth service.“The medical staff, within NHSLanarkshire sexual health service,have been training the pharmacistsand look forward to having a goodrelationship with them.”All pharmacies can now provide afree chlamydia testing kit – whichalso detects gonorrhoea.In addition, free condoms areavailable through the C-Card Schemefrom 52 GP practices and healthcentres, as well as 37 Lanarkshirecommunity pharmacists.Most pharmacies will also be ableto provide free emergency contraception– which previously costmore than £20 – and advice.Dr McLellan added: “It is wellrecognised that effectiveness ofemergency hormonal contraceptionis higher if taken within the first24 hours.“This is why easier access throughthe community pharmacists schemeis so valuable.”The provision of free chlamydiatesting kits will have a major impactin improving sexual healthin Lanarkshire.One in 10 people under the age of25 has chlamydia, but the infectioncan be easily treated with antibiotics.George Lindsay, chief pharmacist,NHS Lanarkshire primary care,said: “We are delighted to establishthese services in NHS Lanarkshireas part of the developments in thenational community pharmacycontract.“Patients are already benefitingfrom increased choice and access toscreening and treatments fromthe extensive communitypharmacy networkwithin NHSLanarkshirewhich operatesin convenientlocations andfor longerhours thanmost otherproviders.”For a freechlamydia andgonorrhoeapostal testing kit,just ask the pharmacist,follow the instructions at home, andpost off the kit – the postage isalready paid.To find your nearest C-Cardcentre, look out for the C-Cardleaflet available widely aroundLanarkshire or call the GeneralEnquiry line on 08453 130 130.Details of the three C scheme andinformation on sexual health,clinics and services are available onlineat www.lanarkshiresexualhealth.orgDid youknow?One in 10 people underthe age of 25 has chlamydiain this country, but it can bedetected with a simpletest that can be doneat homeEARLY DETECTION: Cleland pharmacist AlanMcCallum with one of the chlamydia test kitsAS part of Healthy Working Lives,Salus Occupational Health andSafety will be offering lifestylechecks to all NHS Lanarkshire staff.The face-to-face check will involvea consultation for about 20 minutesand includes height, weight, BodyMass Index (BMI), blood pressureand cholesterol checks.HEALTH CHECKS FOR HEALTHY WORKING LIVESAfter the check you will be given areport and, depending on theresults, onward referral can beorganised for you.These include your GP, staffphysiotherapy service or employeecounselling service for anyadditional support or follow up.Appointments can be madedirectly with the local occupationalhealth departments on the acutesites and are co-ordinated by theHealthy Working Lives co-ordinatorsfor both the community healthpartnership areas. These dates willbe available on FirstPort and will beadvertised throughout each localityor acute site.In brief…eTHE Diversity Championsproject is looking to recruit andtrain a new band of champions in2009. There are currently 150 withinNHS Lanarkshire.A range of training dates and placesare available until the end of the year.To access information and anapplication form, please visit NHSLanarkshire’s diversity webpage athttp://nhs-lanarkshire.diversityonline.co.uk/default.aspx or contactHina Sheikh on 01698 206386 orhina.sheikh@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

10thePulseSPECIAL FEATUREMAY/JUNE 2009SPECIAL FEATURE thePulse 11■ IT HAS been a year since NHS Lanarkshire adoptedthe Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) – theScottish Government-led initiative to improvestandards of care in NHS hospitals across Scotland.Over the past 12 months this has resulted in, amongother things, initiatives to reduce the number ofHealthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), preventadverse drug infections and cut the number of surgicalcomplications.All staff will be expected to familiarise themselveswith the aims of SPSP and as part of this process, everyward, department and office will be schooled in SPSP.One ward which has gone through this process isward 17 – or the Respiratory Ward – at MonklandsHospital. It was one of the first in NHS Lanarkshire toadopt SPSP when it began in April 2008 and earlyindications reveal it has had a dramatic effect onimproving standards within the ward.Ward 17 staff took time to explain to The Pulse whatSPSP has meant for them and their environment.ILLUSTRATING: Cartoonist Graham Ogilvie captured the Strengthening Quality event in a series of images.To view them visit SPSP section on FirstPortWords of wisdom for patient safety■ DR ALISON Graham told the conference (see below)how this quote by Mahatma Gandhi, pictured, summedup SPSP...“A customer is the most important visitor toour premises.“He is not dependent on us –we are dependent on him.“He is not an interruptionof our work – he is thepurpose of it.“He is not an outsiderto our business – he ispart of it.“We are not doing hima favour by serving him –he is doing us a favour bygiving us the opportunityto do so.”Positive impact in bidto remove infectionONE of the most graphic improvements to occurin ward 17 under SPSP has been around thePeripheral Vascular Catheter (PVC) procedure.PVC-related infections are the third leadingcause of device-related bacteria in the NHS.Infections can be caused by a number of factorsalthough the most common are contaminatedhubs/connections, contaminated hands, or PVCsthat are left in the patient beyond 72 hours.This was one of the items tackled under SPSP.The positive impacts it has had are:q Apart from a dip in June 2008, ward 17’scompliancy rate for hand hygiene before all PVCprocedures has been 100 per centq Regular checking of dressings means staff havemanaged to achieve a 100 per cent target, apartfrom one occasion, since the introduction of SPSPq Similarly, an aim to ensure that PVCs do notremain inserted in a patient beyond 72 hours hashad a 100 per cent success rate.Senior charge nurse Maria Lamb said: “Graphsgo up in the ward regularly and we are all disappointedwhen we fall below an expected standard.“However, as well as keeping us all focused onmaintaining high standards, they also help usidentify where a problem might be.“For example, in the week we took a dip in thePVC dressing, we were able to identify whichindividual was responsible and show themthe correct procedure which took us back to100 per cent.”Fiona Malcolm, deputycharge nurse...FIONA, from Motherwell, has worked in thehealth service for 25 years.She said patients and visitors have alsoembraced SPSP, due, in part, to initiatives such as‘meet and greet’ sessions in wards during visitingtimes which advise visitors to the ward to washtheir hands. This has encouraged more verbalinteraction by staff with patients and visitors.Fiona said: “Most people realise the importanceof good hand hygiene as it’s something that’sdrummed into them from school.“So it’s not been difficult reminding them ofthe importance of it and most realise the positiveimpact it can have.“As such, invoking SPSP has not only beenbeneficial for staff, it’s also helped us raisepatients’ overall awareness of preventionmeasures.”MariaLamb,ward 17 seniorcharge nurse...MARIA has beenresponsible formaking sure thegoals of SPSP areimplemented inher ward.Even though shehas more than30 years’ NHSexperience under herbelt, Maria admitsSPSP has even sharpened her own skills.The mother of four said: “Patient safety is alwayssomething that’s drummed into you from the momentyou start your nursing training.“But it doesn’t do you any harm to be remindedsometimes.“When I first became aware of the SPSP initiativeI was impressed by the figures which showed theimprovements that can be made.“We’ve adopted some changes of our own such asdaily ‘safety briefs’ which are more detailed versionsof the ‘team talks’ we used to have.”LorraineHouston,staff nurse...LORRAINE onlystarted work withNHS Lanarkshire inFebruary 2009.She said: “Much ofmy nurse training isstill fresh in mymind, but I still thinkan initiative like thisis a good idea.“For example, wehave regular discussions onwho is at risk or who needs moved within theward to make sure they’re taken care of to bestmeet their needs.“Naturally, no one consciously neglects someone,but with a more standardised procedure which weall adhere to, it makes it less likely to occur.”PATIENTS: Our mostimportant visitorsAROUND 200 NHS Lanarkshire staffattended a special event aimed atimproving quality in the health service.Aptly titled ‘Strengthening Quality’, theevent was jointly aimed at launching thenew Clinical Governance and RiskManagement Strategy and informing staffabout the progress of the Scottish PatientSafety Programme (SPSP) initiative,which is currently being undertaken inNHS Lanarkshire.The importance of the event wasreflected by the fact almost every arm ofNHS Lanarkshire was represented, withchief executive Tim Davison and chairmanKen Corsar also in attendance.Held in the Bellshill Hilton Hotel on24 March, its aim was to further improveservices in NHS Lanarkshire.As part of this, SPSP has a goalof reducing patient mortality by 15 per centand cutting the number of those who haveadverse reactions while in care by30 per cent.However, Jason Leitch, the NationalClinical Lead for Patient Safety at theScottish Government, told delegates theyshould think more about improvementsrather than simply targets.He said: “This is not only about safety,it’s also about quality and saving lives.“If we all make the right changes thiswill happen.“So we should be striving not justsimply to make progress, but also to be thevery best at what we do.”SPSP has been broken down into fivework streams – Critical Care, Ward,Medicines, Theatres and Leadership.Dr Rory McKenzie, team leader of theCritical Care stream, explained some of themeasures which have already beenintroduced to drive improvements withinthat sector.He also showed how the measuresalready implemented have yielded positiveresults, though he stressed much work stillneeded to be done.Similar presentations were made inrelation to the other four work streamsrevealing comparable early improvementoutcomes.Reflecting on the success of theevent, Diane Campbell, NHSLanarkshire’s patient safetymanager, said: “The numbersof those who attended, aswell as the breadth ofservices they represented,proved that everyone istaking SPSP very seriously.“What also emerged wasthat those areas which havealready begun to embraceSPSP have noticed improvementseven at an early stage.“Similarly, messages, such as handhygiene, are also getting through topatients – which is also very encouraging.”For more on SPSP, visit the dedicatedsection on FirstPort or go towww.patientsafetyalliance.scot.nhs.uk/programmeDid youknow?Prior to the introduction ofthe Scottish Patient SafetyProgramme, one in 10patients suffered anadverse effect whilein hospitalSAFETY FIRST: Some of theindividuals charged withmaking the SPSP a successin LanarkshireJune McLaughlin, staff nurse...JUNE, from Holytown, highlighted how evenseemingly small changes can have apositive impact.She said: “Because of SPSP, we now weardifferent coloured aprons – which come in pink,yellow, green and red – depending on what areaof the ward we’re in.“It’s a simple step, but it helps to make youmore aware of things such as HAIs.“Patients even pick up on it and will point outto you if they notice you’re wearing a differentcoloured apron in a part of the ward you’re notsupposed to.”

12thePulse LOCAL/DISTRICT/PARTNERSHIP MAY/JUNE 2009■ THE pregnancy clinic of a WishawGeneral Hospital consultanthas been featured in a prominentmedical journal.Obstetrician Dr Surindra Maharaj’sspecialist antenatal clinic, for womenwith high-risk pregnancies, wasincluded in the latest edition ofBMA Scotland.Speaking of his work, Dr Maharajsaid: “Teamwork has been essentialto the success of these clinics.“I’m very proud that these servicesmake such a difference to mypatients, and that’s what keepsme going.”The article was part of a series offeatures focusing on the work ofspecialist consultants.Dr Maharaj’s ‘MOT’ (MedicalObstetric and Thrombophilia) Clinicdeals mainly in the area of obstetricthrombophilia; however, othermedical issues relating to pregnancyare also dealt with.The clinic’s main purpose is totackle venous thromboembolicdisease which is the leading singlecause for direct maternal death inthe UK.In order to better address thisissue, Dr Maharaj, along with a teamof specialist midwives, consultanthaematologist and support staff,focus on managing pregnant womenwith a past or current venousthrombosis.The team also treats otherhematological and related medicalproblems in pregnancy such assystemic lupus erythematosus, andincludes preconception counselling.He also runs a Recurrent EarlyPregnancy Loss clinic which oftenfeeds into the MOT Clinic.This combined approach providesa comprehensive service whichmeans many of these patients goon to have a successful pregnancyand birth.CHEERS FOR TEAMWORK:Dr Surindra Maharaj with histeam at the antenatal clinic inWishaw which was featured ina prominent medical journalPARTNERSALL IN ITTOGETHERFirst Steps tohealthy babiesAN initiative to help new mums inthe most deprived areas of SouthLanarkshire has been launched.The First Steps programme hasbeen established by NHSLanarkshire and SouthLanarkshire CommunityRegeneration Partnership.Its aim is to ensure the bestpossible start for first-timemothers and their babies.Shirley Mitchell, healthimprovement co-ordinator andmanager of the programme, said:“First Steps is home-based andwill support vulnerable first-timemums in the 15 per cent mostdeprived data zones.“It will focus on both the childand the parents to help establisha nurturing, healthy, happy andstimulating home environment.“The programme will covervarious health topics, includingparenting, healthy eating, physicalactivity, breastfeeding, oral health,mental health, alcohol andsmoking.”Evidence has found that earlyintervention programmes, whichinvest in the health of pregnantmothers, babies and youngchildren, will reduce healthinequalities and help break thelink between disadvantages inearly life and adult diseases.The First Steps Programme isfunded via the Fairer ScotlandFund from the ScottishGovernment.Its development involved wideconsultation with a range ofprofessionals and local people. Itis managed by Shirley Mitchelland programme assistant JulieLindsay.For more information emailShirley@Changingplacesbh.co.ukor call 01698 714952RUTHERGLEN, Cambuslang andthe Northern Corridor becamepart of new integrated local healthservice arrangements in April.The new management arrangementswill ensure the mosteffective set up is in place to planand develop high-quality healthservices in the future.Health staff in both areas transferredfrom the employment ofNHS Greater Glasgow and Clydeto NHS Lanarkshire.However, patients will continueto see their same GP and bereferred to the same hospitals.Rutherglen and Cambuslanglocality already lies within SouthLanarkshire Community HealthPartnership (CHP), which ismanaged by NHS Lanarkshire.The Northern Corridor – whichincludes Stepps, Chryston,Muirhead, Moodiesburn, Gartcoshand Auchinloch in the North East– is already part of North localitywithin the North Lanarkshire CHP.Director of South LanarkshireCHP Alan Lawrie said: “We areWISHAW residents are feeling thebenefit of NHS Lanarkshire’sFreshstart lifestyle programme.The scheme covers weightmanagement, healthy eating,fitness, mental health, stoppingsmoking and general wellbeing.Run by the Wishaw locality, theweekly free health advice sessionshave proved a great success.Margaret Murray, who attendsthe group, said: “The group wasdelighted to welcome the staffof Rutherglen/Cambuslangand the Northern Corridor toNHS Lanarkshire.“These new arrangements willallow both areas to be fully integratedwith the rest of their CHP,bringing a wide range of benefits.”Director of North LanarkshireCHP Colin Sloey said: “Thesechanges will allow us to operatemore effectively to improve thehealth of the people ofRutherglen/Cambuslang andNorthern Corridor in a plannedand consistent fashion.“In particular, they will ensurewe have a CHP-wide approach toplanning and developing localhealth services and facilities,managing child protection,staff training and furtherstrengthening links with the localauthorities and other partners.”The two health boards agreed inearly 2008 that NHS Lanarkshirewould manage local healthservices on NHS Greater Glasgowand Clyde’s behalf as fully integratedparts of the two CHPs.In reaching the decision, theproposals were discussed with thelocal Public Partnership Forums,staff, GPs and other stakeholdersand all views expressed weretaken on board.The changes were takenforward in partnership with thestaff side organisations representingthese staff at both areaand locality level.Following the changeover,NHS Greater Glasgow and Clydewill still retain overall responsibilityfor the Rutherglenand Cambuslang locality andthe Northern Corridor. Bothareas will remain within theNHS Greater Glasgow andClyde boundary.Operational responsibility forlocal budgets, staff and contractswith other health professionals,such as GPs, transfer toNHS Lanarkshire.For staff there is no change totheir pay and conditions, place ofemployment or nature of job.There’s just no better place to startso welcoming and the friends Imade really supported me.”For further information, callWendy on 01698 863235 orLoretta on 01698 863257

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 LOCAL/DISTRICT/PARTNERSHIP13In brief…We’re open!BELLSHILL’S new £4.5 millionCommunity Health Clinic wasofficially opened in March byMichael McMahon MSP.The clinic, on Greenmoss Place,near Main Street, provides a widerange of health services in a stateof-the-artmodern facility andreplaces the existing Bellshill HealthClinic on Main Street.Mr McMahon, who received aguided tour and unveiled an officialplaque, praised the new clinic.The MSP for Hamilton North andBellshill, said: “This is a wonderfulfacility which was badly needed inthis area.“The former health centre wasmuch valued by the local community,but it was clearly past its sell-by date.“This sends out a positive messagethat NHS Lanarkshire is prioritisingthe provision of first-class care in theprimary care setting.”Mr McMahon continued: “In thepast, the NHS was considered asafety net to care for people whenthey were ill.“Now, it’s just as important topromote healthy living to reduce thelikelihood of people becoming ill inthe first place and centres like thiswill have a major part to play in localcommunities in Scotland.”Bellshill Community Health Clinicaccommodates public healthnursing, long-term conditionsnursing, podiatry, speech andlanguage therapy, community dentalservices and a range of mentalhealth services.NHS Lanarkshire’s chairman KenCorsar said: “Through consultationswith local communities, one ofthe major issues people highlightedwas the need for improved facilitiesand accessibility to primary care andto mental health services.“The NHS Lanarkshire Boardlistened to this message andapproved a £108 million buildingprogramme to provide eight newNHS properties in Lanarkshire.“I am delighted to be present atthe official opening of the first ofthese eight facilities.“This new Bellshill CommunityHealth Clinic will help NHSLanarkshire provide the peopleof Bellshill with the higheststandard of care.”Patients have been enjoying thenew facilities at Bellshill CommunityClinic since it opened its doors on15 December.NHS Lanarkshire’s Bellshilllocality manager Tom Bryce said:“The new clinic will help to improvethe health outcomes for the peopleof Bellshill.”These little ones have a lot to smile about!NINE nurseries in Cambuslang andRutherglen are all smiles after beingpresented with an NHS award forgood oral health.The Smile Too scheme encouragespre-five centres in the area topromote healthy eating as well asthe importance of looking after yourteeth and gums.In March, the latest nurseries toachieve the Smile Too certificatewere rewarded for their efforts at anaward ceremony at RutherglenPrimary Care Centre.Lara Calder, health improvementteam leader for NHS Lanarkshire’sCambuslang and Rutherglen locality,said: “The main purpose of SmileToo is help pre-five centres inWORK ISGOINGWELL ATCARLUKEThe eight new NHS premises to bebuilt in Lanarkshire are:q Airdrie Community Health Centreq Bellshill Community HealthClinicq Mental Health Complex Needs,Caird House, Hamiltonq Carluke Community HealthCentreCambuslang and Rutherglen to focuson the promotion of healthy eatingand oral health.“The nurseries and their staff haveplayed a significant role inimproving their children’s teeth andare helping to establish healthyeating patterns at an early age.“Congratulations to all thenurseries and to the children forachieving all the required elementsof Smile Too and progressing toSmile Nursery Status.”The Smile Too programmecomprises six elements: stafftraining, toothbrushing, healthysnack policies, health-promotingactivities, community engagementand a dental information station.CONSTRUCTION of the £14 millionCarluke Community Health Centre isprogressing extremely well.Building work started in Octoberand already the steel and concreteframes of the new health centreare in place.Robert Cairney, NHS Lanarkshirehead of capital planning and premisesdevelopment, said: “Since October, atremendous amount of ‘behind-thescenes’work such as earth-moving,levelling and building undergroundfoundations has taken place.THE NEW FACILITIESq Primary Care and Dental Centre,Main Street, Coatbridgeq Mental Health Complex Needs,Coathill Hospital, Coatbridgeq Learning Disabilities Assessmentand Treatment Centre, KirklandsHospitalq Monklands Hospital MentalHealth Inpatient Unit.SAY CHEESE: NHSnursery award winners“All of which is essential work, ofcourse, but it is really exciting to nowbe able to see the actual buildingsemerge out of the ground and startto take shape.“We are delighted with the progressof the project and that the buildingprogramme has started so well.”The new community health centre,which is due to be complete in summer2010, will provide a wide range ofgeneral practitioner-led services suchas diabetes, electrocardiogram (ECG)and chronic disease managementUNVEILED: Tom Bryce (left),Michael McMahon MSP and KenCorsar open the BellshillCommunity Health Clinicclinics, as well as clinics coveringcoronary heart disease, asthma,stroke and blood pressure.Other services will includepodiatry, speech and languagetherapy, child immunisation andsurveillance, physiotherapy,dietetics, community mental health(psychology, psychiatry), olderpeoples outreach service, localityalcohol and drug services, smokingcessation, homeopathy, communitydental service, health visitingand parentcraft.eBELLSHILL looks set to reapthe benefits of a healthyeating training initiative.Eleven ladies from Bellshilland surrounding areas wererecently awarded ElementaryFood Hygiene Certificatesfollowing two half-days of‘Cooking for Health’ training.The course, which was fundedby NHS Lanarkshire andorganised by Bellshill localitystaff, focused on the importanceof healthy eating and providedthe women with the skills andconfidence to cook a variety ofhealthy meals on a budget.Successful participants nowunderstand what healthy eatingis, and can create healthy mealsand share their new skills withothers in their community.The newly trainedwomen will nowpass on their newskills andknowledge byworking withother groups andfamilies toencourage healthiereating with demonstrationsand taster sessions.Further training for ‘Cooking forHealth’ trainers will be offered topeople working and living inBellshill throughout the year.eTHE new £4.6 millionDouglas Street CommunityHealth Clinic opened its doorsin April.Modern, high-quality facilitiesfor a range of primary services,including those previously basedat the nearby Beckford Lodge,are provided at the clinic.Geoff Sage, Hamilton localitygeneral manager, said: “Thecreation of this community healthclinic is excellent news for thepeople of Hamilton andsurrounding areas.“For patients and staff, itwill offer a greatly improvedenvironment that will allowservices to modernise andwork in new ways that are notpossible in the previous,outdated accommodation.”The new community healthclinic occupies the site of theformer social security office,at 19 Douglas Street, and provides2322 square metres ofaccommodation over three floors.Some building work is beingundertaken to maximise theavailable space to provideimproved accommodation forother local health services.Geoff continued: “Workis currently under way toidentify which additionalservices could be located atthe new health clinic.“We would like to apologisefor any inconvenience causedwhile the extra building work isbeing undertaken.”Services provided at the newclinic include dental, familyplanning, well woman services,physiotherapy, podiatry,psychiatry, psychology, speechand language therapy, paediatricoccupational therapy, addictionsservices, treatment rooms andoutreach consultant clinics.

14thePulse LOCAL/DISTRICT/PARTNERSHIP MAY/JUNE 200935 BABIESGET AFAIR GOAT FOODWEANINGNHS Lanarkshire staff fromAirdrie locality recently held ababies’ first food-weaning fair.The event, in Airdrie ArtsCentre, was visited by 35 babiesand their parents.Various stalls providedinformation and advice to parents.Also on offer was a free oralhealth pack from Childsmilecontaining a baby cup, toothbrushand toothpaste.There was also an opportunityto purchase an excellent weaningstarter pack which contains ablender, potato masher, feed andmash bowl, storage cubes, a recipeand some fresh ingredients to getthem started.STARTING ON SOLIDS: (fromleft) Rob Ferguson, 15 weeks;Mia McNeilly, 12 weeks; ChloeHughes, 18 weeks; and AimeeCollin, 18 weeksMAKING THEATRESLEAN MACHINESON Friday 20 March, about 100 peopleattended a special event for an update onthe progress of Lean in theatres.The Lean programme was introduced inNHS Lanarkshire in July 2008 to help reduceor eliminate wasteful processes to make workprocedures more efficient.Its overall aim is to identify and implementways to improve the patient journey, efficiencyand safety across the whole system, andultimately provide a better environment forboth patients and staff.The event, held in Airdrie Football Club’sExcelsior Stadium, brought together thethree Kaizen (the technique used tostreamline the process) teams fromWishaw General, Hairmyres andMonklands Hospitals to share their Leanexperiences so far.Change and innovation manager ColinBlair said: “There was a terrific turnout andalmost all of the feedback we had was that itwas a worthwhile exercise.“It underlined the point which we’re alwaystrying to drive home to people, that even thesmallest of changes can make a differenceto the way in which we deliver services inNHS Lanarkshire.“Changes can save time, money andresources, but they also help usimprove the quality of service we provide forour patients.”Groups and individuals swappedinformation on practices, learning points, therange of service improvements whichthey tried/tested and implemented, and theyalso made time to discuss continuousimprovement and explore how early successescan be sustained and spread across thepatient pathway.A whole range of services involvingtheatres were looked at, including pharmacy,prosthetics, pre-admission andsame-day admission.However, other general aspects were alsodiscussed such as looking at better problemsolving, improving the patient flow, improvingworking environments and spreading theLean message.Finally, the event challenged participants tothink about how Lean can be sustained andcemented within NHS Lanarkshire over thelong term, such as looking at the transferof staff skills to embed the Lean cultureand asking staff to think differently about howthey work.Sandra’s tremendous effortSANDRA Boyd handed over an incredible£1400 to the Dalziel Centre in memory of herhusband, Frank.The Motherwell woman, along with sonsFrank, 28, and Kenny, 26, decided to thank theNHS Lanarkshire staff and volunteers at thecentre for the care she received when Frank wasdiagnosed with terminal cancer.And with the help of friends and family, theymanaged to raise the tremendous total with asponsored walk round Strathclyde Park.Sandra said: “Frank died on 7 September2007, aged 49, and to mark what would havebeen his 50th in February 2008, we raised £1100for Lanarkshire Cancer Care volunteergroup last year.“This year, I wanted to thank everyoneat the Dalziel Centre as it has helpedme through so much and it’s great wemanaged to raise £1400.“It’s always so welcomingwhen you come in the door andthe staff are so kind.“Sometimes just talking tosomeone about what you’re going throughreally clears your mind.”The Dalziel Centre is a day hospice, based atStrathclyde Hospital in Motherwell, for patients,£1400raised!carers and families in Lanarkshire who areaffected by a cancer diagnosis.Janice Slater, staff nurse at the Dalziel Centre,said: “We are very grateful to Sandra forraising this tremendous sum and on behalfof everyone at Dalziel I would like tothank her, and her family, for this donation.”Patients can be referred to the DalzielCentre by GPs, district nurses, Macmillannurses, hospital staff, social workers and theSt Andrew’s Hospice.Anyone from Motherwell or Wishaw can alsodrop in any day from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively,you can call the helpline on 01698 245076.Guild gives with breadand cheese lunchTHE Dalziel Centre received anotherboost when it was handed £100 froma local church group.A bread and cheese lunchwas held by the Women’sGuild from the NorthParish Church inMotherwell to raisemoney for the centre.Carol Murphy, teamleader of the Dalziel Centre, said:“I’d like to say a big thank you to theWomen’s Guild for this money and forthinking about the Dalziel Unit in itsfundraising efforts.”£100raised!

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 TOP HEALTH ISSUES15600 cleanersjoin the waron infectionsA SERIES of new initiativeshas been launched by theScottish Government tocontinue the fight againsthealthcare associatedinfection (HAI).In April, Cabinet Secretaryfor Health and Wellbeing NicolaSturgeon announced that 600new cleaners will be recruitedby health boards to deal withdangerous infections, such asMRSA and Clostridium difficile.The previous month, MsSturgeon established a CareEnvironment Inspectorate.This will see at least twoinspections every three years atevery acute hospital.Commenting on the newcleaners, who will be permanentNHS employees and will notwork for private cleaning firms,Ms Sturgeon said: “Nothing ismore important to mepersonally than driving downthe rates of infection in ourhospitals.“Hospital infections causepain distress and suffering forpatients and their families andthey undermine confidence inour NHS.”The Government will provideCOMMITTED: Secretary forHealth and Wellbeing NicolaSturgeon announced the latestinitiative in April£5 million to health boards forthese new cleaners.Ms Sturgeon added: “Thisinvestment is good for the NHSand good for patients. It willimprove even further the standardsof hygiene and cleanlinessin our hospitals.”The new Care Environmentinspectors will carry out checkson hospitals, but patients andtheir visitors will also be able toreport directly to the inspectorateif they have any concernsabout cleanliness standards ofstaff or wards.Ms Sturgeon continued:“Nobody should doubt thisGovernment’s commitmentto tackling healthcareassociated infections.“But it’s crucial that we – and,more importantly, the public –are assured that this work isdelivering the high standardseveryone expects.“The Care EnvironmentInspectorate’s stringent independentinspection regime willdo just that.“The opportunity for thepublic to contact the newinspectorate reflects mycommitment to ensuring thatthe inspections have publicconfidence and support.”The Care EnvironmentInspectorate, based within NHSQuality Improvement Scotland,has an annual budget in excessof £1 million.Every acute hospital willreceive at least one planned andone random visit within thethree-year inspection cycle, withextra visits as required.THE INITIATIVES: WHAT YOU THINKTHE Pulse asked WishawHospital staff for their viewson recent governmentinitiatives and the battleagainst HAIs...SharonMorrisonis seniorchargenurse onward 10,which is anacuteassessmentand rehabilitation ward forolder adults.She said: “All theseinitiatives are very welcome.The Cleanliness Championsprogramme, for example,which emphasises how easilyinfections can be spread andhow easily they can beprevented, has made a bigdifference.“We now welcome everyvisitor to the ward and thishelps ensure they follow thehand hygiene guidelines.“Funding for extra cleanershas to be a good thing. Thedomestics in our ward areexcellent but any additionalhelp is very welcome.”DorothyNugent ischargenurse inthe adultcriticalcare ward.Shesaid: “It’sclear the message abouttackling infection is gettingacross and infection rates aregoing down.Share your viewsWhat do you think of the efforts to tackle HAIs?The Pulse wants to hear your thoughts about thistopic or any other current health issues in themedia. We would also like to hear about any praise you havereceived from patients for the care you have provided.Email martin.stirling@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk“There are posterseverywhere highlighting theimportance of hand hygiene totackle infections.“There’s no excuse now forpatients, visitors or staff notknowing when they should bewashing their hands and howimportant this is.”SharronTaylor isa midwifein thematernityunit andpreviouslyworkedin theneonatalunit for six years.She said: “The inspectorateand extra cleaners announcedby the government will help toreinforce how importanthospital cleanliness is.“It’s sometimes hard to limitthe number of visitors to abed, especially in thematernity unit, but thisincreases the risk of infections.“Sometimes people forgetthat they themselves could bespreading infections.”Media WatchThe Pulse takes a look atNHS Lanarkshire in the headlines…Health staff roll camerato produce quality filmNew clinicopens in£108mupgradeeEvening TimesSNP MSP Alex Neil congratulatedNHS Lanarkshire staff, throughthe pages of the Airdrie and CoatbridgeAdvertiser, for meeting nationalwaiting time targets three monthsahead of schedule.eBellshill’s Community Health Clinicwas officially opened by MichaelMcMahon MSP. The £4.5million centre isthe first of eight new NHS propertieswhich will be built in Lanarkshire as partof a £108m building programme.This opening was celebrated on theBBC website, the Evening Times andthe local press.eWishaw Press reader Mrs J Longthanked staff at Wishaw Generalfor her treatment for stomach cancer. Shewrote: “I have nothing but praise andrespect for the staff of the emergencycare unit, ward eight and the medical dayunit. The staff in all three areas have asuperb attitude and go way beyond thenormal expected level of care to comfort,help and assist patients.”eThe Evening Times reportedLockhart Hospital had received theinternationally recognised award fromthe healthcare accreditation programmefor providing the highest quality ofpatient care.ePatients are benefiting from a newprotected meals policy introducedSHARE YOUR STORIESEast Kilbride NewsIsabel servesup food forthoughtHamilton Advertiserin NHS Lanarkshire’s hospitals. TheEvening Times, Hamilton Advertiser andEast Kilbride News reported detailsof the new policy and quoted NHSLanarkshire’s nutrition championIsabel Lindsay.eThe Airdrie and CoatbridgeAdvertiser celebrated the NHSLanarkshire and Jobcentre Pluspartnership initiative the ConditionManagement Programme.This scheme has helped more than3000 people with long-term medicalconditions return to work.eThe East Kilbride News and theEvening Times were among thenewspapers impressed with NHSLanarkshire’s talented nursing staff whoproduced a training DVD. “Who Cares?Caring with Dignity” was produced bycolleagues from the health board’s olderpeople’s directorate and will be used byother health boards and to train studentsand carers across Scotland.eThe Carluke and Lanark Gazettehighlighted the opening of astate-of-the-art surgery for Forth.A new name was chosen from thevillage’s mining past to honour theminers who worked at the local pit. Thecentre, which had undergone a £100,000NHS Lanarkshire refurbishmentprogramme, will be known as theKingshill Medical Practice.q Has a patient or visitor gone out of their way to praise you?q Is there a new service in your department you are proud of?Contact the communications department on 01698 245069/245077 and help usreflect the good news stories that happen within NHS Lanarkshire every day.

16thePulse APPOINTMENTS/RETIREMENTS MAY/JUNE 2009FOCUS ONPATIENTSCOLIN Lauder is focusing onimproving patient services afterbecoming NHS Lanarkshire’snew head of modernisation(acute services).The Glasgow man took over fromPam Milliken, who is now head ofclinical governance and riskmanagement, in April.Colin believes close working relationshipsbetween clinical staff andmanagement is the key to success.He said: “I’m focused onhelping NHS Lanarkshire improvepatient care.“Some of the core challenges inthis role will include the futuredevelopment of the MonklandsHospital site and ongoing improvementsin older peoples’ services.“The key to success will beworking closely with the clinicianand management teams acrossvarious disciplines in acuteservices to take forward qualityimprovements.As the new head ofmodernisation for acuteservices, Colin Lauder isputting patient care atthe top of his priority list.And good relationshipsare the key to success…“It is vital to focus ourselves toharness the ideas, enthusiasm andambition of the clinical teamswithin NHS Lanarkshire and makesure they are supported.”Colin joined the NHS in 1987and has worked for both NHSLothian and NHS Greater Glasgowand Clyde across a wide range ofdisciplines.His most recent post wasworking with the ScottishGovernment Access Support teamwhere he was the programmedirector leading on diagnosticservices.Colin said: “Working for theScottish Government provided mewith a very valuable insight into theworkings of the NHS acrossScotland and indeed the UK.“I would hope that this experiencewill prove beneficial to NHSLanarkshire.”Ian Ross, NHS Lanarkshiredirector of strategic implementationplanning and performance,was pleased to welcome Colin tothe health board.He said: “Colin has a proventrack record in delivering serviceand workforce modernisation in anacute context.“His input will be key todelivering service modernisationacross the acute services inLanarkshire.”INSIGHT: Colin Lauder saysworking with the ScottishGovernment improved hisunderstanding of the NHSRESPECTED:Dr Allen Blincowwas presented withgifts from both theGP Sub-Committee,pictured, and hisBellshill colleaguesFAREWELL TO A GPs’ CHAMPIONA HIGHLY respected Bellshill GP andnon-executive director of theLanarkshire NHS Board has retiredafter 35 years’ service.Doctor Allen Blincow, who had beena GP at Mossend Surgery in Bellshillfrom 1974, retired in April.Married to Eleanor for 35 years,with two children, a grandchild andanother on the way, the populardoctor will be missed by hiscolleagues, friends and patients atNHS Lanarkshire. Bellshill colleaguesDr Philip Sheridan, Dr ChristineJefferies and Dr Joanna Gibbonshighlighted his achievements andwished him well in his retirement.Speaking on behalf of the Bellshillteam, Philip said: “Allen has alwaysbeen a very hardworking individualwhose input was vital and will besorely missed.“He spearheaded computerisationof the surgery and always championedthe GPs’ interests in dealing with thehealth board.“Allen always offered invaluableadvice and support, medical andpersonal to colleagues and patients.”Allen qualified at GlasgowUniversity in 1972 and began workingin Bellshill two years later.For 32 years he was a member andchair of the Lanarkshire Local MedicalCommittee and the GP Sub-Committeeof the Area Medical AdvisoryCommittee and the inaugural chair ofthe Area Clinical Forum.Allen was also a member of manyother committees in NHS Lanarkshire.Got a story?If you have a story idea for your staffnewspaper, don’t hesitate to share it with us.Your help is essential in making The Pulse a success.Contact Martin Stirling on 01698 245069 or martin.stirling@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk‘Always immaculateand a true gent’STAFF at the Kennilworth MedicalCentre said farewell to one of theirGPs recently.Dr Alexander Johnstone retiredfrom the practice in March,bringing to a close 35 years ofFAREWELL: Thestaff at KennilworthMedical Centrewish Dr AlexanderJohnstone a happyretirementhealth care work in Cumbernauld.Dr Johnstone’s medical careerbegan after he left Lenzie Academyin 1965 to study medicine atGlasgow University.After graduating in 1971 with aM.B CH.B, he took up his first postas a surgical resident at Glasgow’sVictoria Infirmary.Following spells in MearnskirkHospital and Stirling Royal, wherehe worked in Gynaecology andObstetrics until February 1973, hemoved to Cumbernauld servingbriefly as a locum GP before joiningDr A Smith & Partners that April.The following August, hemarried his wife Carol, a surgicalward sister who he met whilecompleting his final year as amedical student at Stirling Royal.The pair now plan to spendmore time travelling, althoughDr Johnstone also intends to playmore golf and spruce up hisFrench language skills.Lindsay Walker, an IT assistantat the Kenilworth Medical Centre,paid tribute to Dr Johnstone.She said: “I have worked withDr Johnstone for the past 13 yearsand he has always been a joy towork with, always immaculate anda true gent.“He will be sorely missed by all ofus as well as the patients. They don’tmake doctors like him any more.“We wish him a long, healthyand happy retirement.”

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 RETIREMENTS17Three decades of serviceRAVIND Busgeeth is hoping tobrush up on his golf afterbringing 38 years of service withthe NHS to an end.In March, Ravind, who was basedin Cleland Hospital, retired from hispost as service delivery managerfor long-term conditions for theWishaw locality.The Cumbernauld man, who ismarried to Heather, is looking forwardto spending more time on DullaturGolf Course, and preparing for hisonly daughter’s wedding in October.Friend and colleague RichardBurgon, general manager forWishaw locality, paid tribute toRavind’s successes with the healthboard and wished him well forthe future.He said: “Ravind was part of theteam which set up Wishaw localitywhen the North community healthpartnership was established inApril 2006.“His skills and experience werevery helpful in forging relationshipswithin the locality and with partnerBest wishes to allFLORA Lyttle passed on her goodwishes to her former colleaguesafter taking early retirement.The Coatbridge woman hadworked for the NHS inLanarkshire for 28 years untilleaving at the end of 2008.Flora said: “I would like topass on my good wishes to allthose that I worked with.“I’d like to thank all friendsand colleagues for their goodwishes, cards and gifts on myretirement and I wish everyonewell in the future.”IT’S GOLF TOTHE FORE…agencies and I have little doubt thathis input will continue to be felt afterhis retiral.“After 38 years’ service, he deservesa quieter, less stressful life, althoughhe’s still young and I’m sure hasmany successful years ahead of him.“I am sure I speak on behalf of allhis colleagues in wishing Ravind along, happy and productive retiral.”Ravind, who originates fromMauritius, started as a student nursein Royal Edinburgh Hospital.He worked in mental healthnursing posts in Lothian, Fife, ForthValley and Lanarkshire moving forpromotion on each occasion.Flora worked at BellshillMaternity Hospital from October1968 until 1978 when she tooka break to have her family.She returned to Bellshill inOctober 1990 and worked therein the general office until itclosed in 2001, when she transferredto Wishaw General.Flora worked on themanagement floor beforemoving to Monklands Hospitalin 2002 as supervisor inpatient services and then asoffice manager.Ravind’s first management postwas as clinical nurse manager atHartwoodhill and from there hemoved to the post of clinical developmentmanager at Hamilton andEast Kilbride mental health services,based initially at Hairmyres Hospitaland then at Atholl House.In April 2006 he was appointed tohis most recent post.As well as golf, Ravind’s hobbiesinclude motorcycling – being theproud owner of a Harley Davisonand member of the GlasgowMotorcycle Club – going to thegym and cleaning his gleamingMercedes Benz.FAREWELLJONATHAN’S OFFTO RESEARCHRETIREMENTTHE proscribing team based inStrathclyde Hospital said farewell toJonathan Gaukroger when he retiredon 31 March.Jonathan (pictured below) initiallyjoined NHS Lanarkshire in 1996 as astatistician with the primary careproscribing team.However, the work was extended andthe Strathblane man remained with theproscribing team until 2002 when hetook up the post of research anddevelopment manager.Proscribing adviser Alastair Thorburnsaid: “I think I speak on behalf of us allwhen I say we wish Jonathan a long andhappy retirement.”Now Dawn will have more time for water polo!DAWN Ramsay bid farewell to hercolleagues following her retirementafter 30 years with the NHS.An occupational therapisttechnician, Dawn was based at thecommunity mental health team(CMHT) at Roberts Street, WishawResource Centre.She had joined the NHS as anursing assistant at HartwoodHospital in 1979 and worked in careof the elderly and rehabilitation.Dawn moved to communitynursing with the crisis team andthen to CMHT in Cumbernauld.She then returned to Hartwoodto become an occupational therapytechnical instructor, before movingto her final post at Robert Street.Sandie Grieve, medical secretary,said: “She’ll be greatly missed by allher colleagues and we wish her allthe best for her retirement.”Dawn is now looking forward tospending time travelling, gardeningand playing water polo.A great send off from all at the Dalziel Day HospiceDOREEN Tatton bid colleaguesfarewell when she retired after33 years’ service with the NHS.The Carluke woman received agreat send off from friends andwork colleagues at the Dalziel DayHospice, where she has worked forthe last six years.Before coming to Dalziel, Doreenworked in midwifery at WishawGeneral Hospital.Carol Murphy, team leader at theDalziel Centre, said: “We shall allmiss Doreen and on behalf ofeveryone here I would like to wishher a long and happy retirement.”Jane’s got a new full-time job – as a babysitter!JANE Bhugowandeen has retiredfrom ward 25 at Monklands GeneralHospital after 32 years.She had trained as a mentalhealth nurse in the late 1960s inLeverndale Hospital and joined NHSLanarkshire in 1977 as a staff nurse.Irene McCormick, ward managerand Jane’s line manager for the past17 years, said: “Jane has been anintegral part of the team in ward 25.She will be sorely missed as atremendous colleague and friend.“All the staff at ward 25 wishJane and her family a long andhappy retirement.”Jane’s retirement celebration tookplace at the Four Ways in Airdriewith colleagues, friends and family.Jane and her husband, Ramish,who live in Cumbernauld, havethree children – Elaine, Jenniferand Claire – and now have becomefull-time babysitters to their twograndchildren Robbie and Bradley.This leaves little time for herselfbut she still finds time to tend toher garden and enjoys walking.

18thePulse COMPETITIONS/PUZZLES/BENEFITS MAY/JUNE 2009THE COMPUTERSCHEME IS BACKHOME COMPUTERS:Take advantage of NHSLanarkshire’s latesthome computer schemeNHS Lanarkshire has once again launchedthe popular Home Computing initiative.The scheme is open to all eligible employeesduring the month of May and is a tax-efficientway of providing staff members and theirfamilies with a high-specificationFujitsu Computer for use intheir home.Payment for the computer ismade over 36 months out ofgross pay, saving on tax andnational insurance.After all adjustments (tax andnational insurance savings and benefit-in-kind tax)have been made, savings of more than 40 per cent– when compared with High Street personal finance– can be achieved.Benefits of the scheme include:q Choosing from the latest, top-specification PCsand notebooksq Adding great accessories to complete your homecomputing solution for communication, music,movies, games and learningq Convenient affordable payments from your salaryThe lucky four are…FOUR lucky readers got theirhands on a selection of top-sellingbooks.The Pulse, in conjunction withtop publishers Headline, had 12books, including ‘The Hunt forAtlantis’, and Jonny Wilkinson’s‘Tackling Life’, to give away.The question posed was: “WhatBBC programme is the characterAdam Carter from?”Many readers answeredPulse Sudoku240%savings!correctly that the programmewas Spooks.Congratulations to the winners:Grace Wilson, an assistantmanagement accountant,Strathclyde Hospital; EvelynMcMillan, E-care support officer,Cleland Hospital; Liz Telfer,administration officer,Hartwoodhill Hospital; and JanKidd, who works in generalsurgery at Wishaw General.Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain oneof each digit. So must every column, and every 3x3 square.Get the solution on FirstPort.9 7 1 81 8 6 45 7 4 38 4 3 23 4 9 89 1 6 76 1 5 43q Taking advantage of the buying power ofyour employerq Significant savings off retail pricesq No credit checks or depositsq Prices from as little as £15.08 per month.Each package includes:q Free training DVD – Microsoft Vistaq A full three years’ ‘Courier Collect andReturn’ warrantyq Three years’ internet security with free update,antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, safe surfing onthe web, identity theft protection and firewallq Pre-loaded genuine Microsoft Windows VistaHome Premium operating systemq Free delivery to your home address at yourconvenience.At the end of your hire term period of 36 months,you can either keep the computer or return it fordisposal.Interested staff will receive a brochureinformation pack with details about the scheme.To order, call the Home Computing Helpdesk on 0870 6066711 or order online at www.lets-connect.com/nhslanA FANTASTIC tribute to the legendary Frankie Valliand the Four Seasons is set to take the Pavilion Theatreby storm.And The Pulse has four pairs of tickets, worth£30 a pair, to give away for what will be a night of sensationalsound on Saturday 4 July.Let’s Hang On is a live band who perform anoutstanding tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and theFour Seasons; Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy Devitoand Nick Massi.The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons isrecognised worldwide for its legendary falsetto leadvocals and tight barbershop harmonies.Let’s Hang On faithfully reproduces the music of theblue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks whobecame a sensation.The 60s band wrote all their own songs, invented theirown sound and sold 175 million records worldwide, allbefore they were 30.This show also has newsreel film footage of FrankieValli and The Four Seasons and is recognised as the besttribute in Europe by the fan club. And they recentlyperformed at the aftershow party for the opening of‘Jersey Boys’ in London’s West End.Get fit for less… and WINAS part of the Healthy Working Livesinitiative, LivingWell Health Club isoffering NHS Lanarkshire employeesdiscounted membership.To celebrate this money-savingoffer, The Pulse has a greatprize to give away.All NHS Lanarkshirestaff qualify for discountedmembership at the healthclub, based in theHilton StrathclydeHotel, Bellshill.As part ofthe package,staff benefitfrom nojoining fee,heavily discountedmonthly membershipand the first month free.WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?You can also get information at one of these roadshows:Monday 11 MayWednesday 13 Mayq Coathill Hospital Bistro q Strathclyde Hospital(Coatbridge): 9.30am-11.30am Bistro (Motherwell):q Monklands Hospital dining9.30am-11.30amarea (Airdrie): 12.30-2.30pm q Wishaw General HospitalTuesday 12 Maydining area (Wishaw):q NHS Lanarkshire Board HQ, 12.30-2.30pmHamilton: 9.30am-11.30am Thursday 14 Mayq Udston Hospital, Blantyre: q Hairmyres Hospital dining area12.30-2.30pm(East Kilbride): Noon-2pmWIN a night with singing sensations!When you join LivingWell, as wellas access to a fully equipped gym,swimming pool, two steam rooms,two spas and two saunas, youalso get:q More than 50 free exercise classesa weekq A free personalised programmeq Complimentary towel andtoiletriesq Free parkingq 10 per cent discount on all hairand beauty treatments in ‘The Spa’q 35 per cent discount on food andbeverage at Hilton Strathclydeq Up to 50 per cent discount on allHilton weekend Mini breaks.Contact Tracey Allison at LivingWellon 01698 39 55 66 or emaillwsales.strathclyde@livingwell.comto discuss your options.The Let’s Hang On tribute to Frankie Valli and TheFour Seasons is at the Glasgow Pavilion on Saturday4 July, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15/£13.50.To book, or for more information about shows at ThePavilion, call 0141 332 1846 or visit the theatre’swebsite: www.paviliontheatre.co.ukOr, for a chance to win a pair of tickets for this superbshow, simply answer the following question…How many recordshad Frankie Valli andThe Four Seasons sold beforethey reached the age of 30?Send your answers to Martin Stirling at CommunicationsDepartment, Strathclyde Hospital, Airbles Road,Motherwell ML1 3BW by Friday 12 June. Or emailmartin.stirling@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk with “PavilionCompetition” in the subject field. Remember to include yourjob title, place of work and a contact telephone number.In addition, The Pulse has amonth’s free membership, worth£59, and a back, neck and shouldermassage, worth £24, to give away.For a chance to win, just answerthe following question…Which hotelis theLivingWell HealthClub based in?Send your answers to MartinStirling at CommunicationsDepartment, Strathclyde Hospital,Airbles Road, Motherwell ML1 3BWby Friday 12 June

thePulseMAY/JUNE 2009 TRAINING19They all got a first!COURSE PIONEERS:The graduatesproudly display theirSVQ certificatesClever bydegreesADMINISTRATION staff atNHS Lanarkshire are top of theclass after becoming the first tocomplete a new course.A Scottish VocationalQualification course in BusinessManagement was organised by thehealth board’s organisational developmentdepartment andMotherwell College.This one-year course providedNHS Lanarkshire administrationstaff with the opportunity to gaina nationally recognised certificatewithin their workplace.And at a ceremony in March atWishaw General, the health boardcolleagues were rewarded fortheir studies.Kenny Small, NHS Lanarkshire’sdirector of organisational development,presented the graduateswith their certificates.He said: “In my role, nothinggives me more pleasure thanhanding out awards in recognitionof the success and achievements ofNHS Lanarkshire staff.“The award ceremony celebratesthe commitment and the effort ofthe graduates of this course.“Having achieved this success, itwill open up further opportunitiesin learning. I would encourageeveryone who undertook thiscourse to actively use their newskills and knowledge.“They are the first to havecompleted this course within NHSLanarkshire and hopefully theirpositive experiences will encouragetheir colleagues to follow suit.”Hugh Logan, principal ofMotherwell College, said: “I wouldlike to congratulate everyone whocompleted this course.“This award ceremony is asign of commitment of both theindividuals to their studies and toNHS Lanarkshire in developingtheir staff and I wish them all wellfor the future.“Motherwell College is veryproud of its links with NHSLanarkshire and hopes to continueto further the benefits of lifelonglearning in our community.”For more information on thiscourse, contact Agnes Robb,training manager, commissionedprogrammes, on 01698 377790 oragnes.robb@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukMEET the team of Monklands cancernurses who proved their worth bygraduating with degrees.Pictured are (back row) AngelaTonner, from Blantyre, associateclinical nurse specialist (CNS) inHaematology/Oncology, whograduated with a BSc in ProfessionalDevelopment in Clinical Nursing fromGlasgow Caledonian University; andJane Robertson, from Larkhall,associate CNS in Haematology,who graduated from the West ofScotland (WOS) University with aBSc in Nursing.In the front row are LindsayFingland, from Coatbridge, a staffnurse in the Haematology ward, whoalso graduated from Caledonian witha BSc in Professional Development;and Susan Nayles, from Motherwell, astaff nurse in the Haematology wardwho graduated from WOS with a BScin Nursing.Lorna Maxwell, who wasunavailable for the photograph, isfrom Wishaw, and is associate CNS forcancer/chemotherapy.She achieved a BSc in Nursing(Palliative Care) from WOS.Training PlannerORGANISATIONALDEVELOPMENTq OD Induction TrainingCorporate Induction continuesto be delivered each weekaround the four main trainingsites. Contact: Lorna Galloway01698 366765.JUNEq Learning at Work Day23 June, 10am-3pm, WishawGeneral. Open to all, pleasecome along and see thelearning opportunitiesavailable. Contact: Agnes Robb01698 377790.q Pre Retirement Course24 June, 9.30am-4.30pm, LawHouse. Contact: Agnes RobbFor further information on anyof the above courses, pleasesee our FirstPort website –click on the Learning andDevelopment tab at the top ofthe home page.MEDICAL EDUCATIONJUNEq Medic At The Roadside8 June, 8.15am-5.15pm,Law House. Senior doctorscan book on this viaMEDED.q Consultant Induction &Professional Development15, 16 & 17 June, 8.45am-5pm,MacDonald CrutherlandHouse, East Kilbride. Thetraining co-ordinator will be inliaison with consultants whohave been appointed withinthe last two years, contactingthem directly.q FY2 Generic TeachingProgramme: Training Tutorial 43 June, 8.45am-5pm, JamesWatt Centre, ScottishEnterprise Technology Park(SETP), East Kilbride. Trainingco-ordinator will be in liaisonwith rota co-ordinators/trainees directly.q ALS Course23-24 June, 8am-6pm, JamesWatt Centre, SETP, EastKilbride. Training co-ordinatorwill be in liaison directly withdoctors on current waiting list.If you wish to be added toALS waiting list or if you haveany queries on any of theabove training sessions,contact Tracey Murtagh01698 366521.HEALTH PROMOTIONJUNEq Smoking Cessation23 June 2009, 9.30am-4.30pm,Training Room 1, Law House.Contact: Ann Moss 01698245268, ann.moss@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukJULYq Smoking Cessation30 July 2009, 9.30am-4.30pm,Training Room 1, Law House.Contact: Ann Moss 01698245268, ann.moss@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukHEALTH & SAFETYJUNEq IOSH Training (Fourconsecutive days)4, 11, 18 and 25 June, 9.30am-4.30pm, Seminar Room 2,Main Hospital, Monklands.JULYq Control Book6 July, 9.30am-4.30pm,Training Room 1, Law HouseContact: Sandra Sweeney01236 707721,Library staff can alsocome to departmentalmeetings and departmentaltraining sessions todeliver an introduction tothe library service. Pleasecontact your local librarianfor details.There is updatede-library training for nurses,midwives and AHPs.The CINAHL (CumulativeIndex of Nursing and Alliedsandra.sweeney@lanarkshire.scot.nhsukMOVING & HANDLINGTo access Health & SafetyTraining or Moving &Handling Training dates andnomination forms visit:FirstPort/Links/SalusOccupational Health &Safety/DownloadsMANUAL HANDLINGThe moving and handlingadvisors provide an advisoryLIBRARIESHealth) database has movedfrom OVID to EBSCOsuppliers on the e-library.Each library is able tooffer all staff affected bythis change a one-hourrefresher course on usingthis database. Pleasecontact your local librarianfor booking.Library staff are happyto give group andone-to-one guidance onand training service to allemployees of NHSLanarkshire, for patient andnon-patient handlers.Training courses are fromthree hours to two days induration, content dependingon the needs of the staffgroup. Contact: SandraSweeney 01236 707721.q PaMoVA (Preventionand Management ofViolence and Aggression)Whether you work in asurgery, ward or out andliterature searching, use ofthe e-library and usingreference works.Contacts: Amanda Minns(Hairmyres) 01355 585488/7,Julian Hodgson (WishawGeneral) 01698 366316,Paul Herbert (Monklands)01236 712005, Carol Hallesy(Law House) 01698377600/01, Grant Donaghy(NHS Lanarkshire HQ)01698 281313.about in the community,it is essential for all staffworking in the health serviceto take care of their ownpersonal safety and be awareof the safety of others.In order to reduce therisk of being a victim ofunwanted aggression orviolent behaviour, NHSLanarkshire providesmanagement of aggressiontraining for all staff.Contact: PaMoVA advisorson 01501 824547.

20thePulse ACHIEVEMENTS MAY/JUNE 2009For one of the top ‘ultra’ runners in the country, it helps to be a top physiotherapist as wellMARATHONSAREN’T LONGENOUGHFOR ELAINE!ULTRA PHYSIO: Longdistance runner ElaineCalder puts her physioknowledge to good use(Pic provided by EastKilbride News)MARATHON running is a gruellingchallenge for most, but for NHSLanarkshire’s Elaine Calder, it is a walkin the park.The physiotherapist is one of thecountry’s top “ultra” runners, having wonScottish and UK titles in races of up to100 kilometres, or 62 miles, in length.Elaine admits her professional role helpsher race preparations.However, the Strathaven woman, who isa physiotherapist in the supporteddischarge team, based in HairmyresHospital, also hopes her running providesa good example to her patients.Elaine, 46, said: “Being a physiotherapistmeans I understand how to avoid injuries,both through training and preparationbefore the race.“I’d also like to think I’m puttinginto practice some of the advice I give topatients and demonstrating the importanceof healthy living and exercise.”The support of Elaine’s family and workcolleagues are vital to her success.She said: “These events are over longdistances, but you’re still trying to finish asquickly as possible so there’s no time fora break or slowing to a walk.“It takes a lot of training and I run about80 miles every week.“My husband, Alan, used to be a runneruntil an injury forced him to quit, mytwo daughters run and my son playsfootball and runs in his own time, so theyall understand what’s involved andsupport me.“Thankfully my colleagues are also verysupportive, although they all say I must beoff my head!”Elaine has been with NHS Lanarkshire for25 years, and for the last six has been basedat Hairmyres, where she works across bothacute and primary care as a physiotherapistin supported discharge.Clearly this expertise comes in handy forher running career.Despite only joining an athletic club in2000, Elaine has had amazing success.She said: “I’ve been running marathonson my own since I was 21, but I only ranmy first ultra event in 2004.“I didn’t even know they existeduntil recently and through my 20sI never dreamed I’d be representingmy country.”Elaine’s personal best time in the 100kis an astonishing nine hours and sevenminutes and she has racked up animpressive collection of silverware.She was crowned Scottish champion in2005 and 2006 in the 50k.In March 2007, she was first female inthe Welsh Ultra Distance Championship –a 40-mile track race.That same year she won the Scottishand UK veteran female over-35s, andwas second quickest Scottish femaleoverall, in the Self Transcendence 100k,in Edinburgh, with an amazing timeof 9:28:53.In 2008, Elaine, who is a member of theStrathaven Striders Athletic Club finished insecond place in the Scottish 100kChampionship.And in March this year Elaine helpedScotland’s women’s team finish second inthe Celtic 100k in Galway, Ireland.Club is thewheel dealA CYCLING club for NHS Lanarkshirecolleagues is in pole position afterreceiving new tops from HealthyWorking Lives.Now the team – formed last year –is looking for cyclists of all ages andabilities to join its ranks.In addition, the club is planning toraise money for charity, starting witha 100-mile event in June for ActionMedical Research – a charitydedicated to improving the health ofbabies and children.Wilma Phillips, who works inpodiatry at Abronhill Health Centrein Cumbernauld, said: “We formedthe club last year and have takenpart in a few events ranging from 20to 80 miles long.“Recently, we received fundingfor new cycling tops through theHealthy Working Lives programmefor promoting physical activity inthe workplace.“Now we’re hoping to raise moneyfor charities, starting with the ActionMedical Research Trossachs Ton eventin June.”Wilma hopes other NHSSPOKESMEN ANDWOMEN: (back row, fromleft) Stephen Kerr, KarenKerr, Graeme Walsh andSharon Walthew. (Front,from left) Anne Nicol andWilma PhillipsLanarkshire colleagues will beencouraged to give cycling a go.She said: “The members of theclub have varying abilities, fromexperienced and competitivecyclists to those who are new tothe sport.“We train every Wednesday in atraffic-free circuit near the oldRavenscraig site and would loveanyone interested, whatever theirability, to come along. It’s a great wayto keep fit and it’s good fun.”The specialised cycling shirts areavailable for NHS Lanarkshire staffto buy for around £45.For more information on the club,contact Wilma on wilma.ritchie@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.ukJIM SWIMS WITH THE FISHESA BRAVE Larkhall communitypsychiatric nurse recently enteredshark-infested waters to raisefunds for a good cause.Hamilton man Jim Jones provedhe has a big heart and nerves ofsteel in a charity shark dive at DeepSea World in North Queensferry.Jim said: “I was a bit nervousabout it, but I am not one to turndown a challenge and I wantedto do something out of theordinary to raise as much moneyas possible.“The adrenaline rush wasunbelievable.”Jim swam with sand tigersharks, octopuses and giantstarfish in aid of Mary’s Meals,a Scottish International ReliefCharity which sets up schoolfeeding projects in communitieswhere poverty and hungerprevent children from gainingan education.You can still donate money toJim’s fund by contacting him on07989 964325.Jim added: “I would like to tryto gain as much sponsorship asFIN-AL ACT? Jimhopes the stuntwill raise moneyfor Mary’s Mealspossible for a great cause. Just£5 could feed a child for a yearat an education centre.“I paid all the necessaryexpenses for this venture so thatall money raised will go to thecharity. Luckily there were nosharks called Mary!”

4thePulseHAND HYGIENE SPECIAL MAY/JUNE 2009Monklands staff have it tapedA STRIP of tape is providing an ingenioussolution to improving infectioncontrol across NHS Lanarkshire.Hospital staff have introducedVernacare Indicator tape which they signand date after cleaning equipment. It isthen sealed around the equipment asevidence of decontamination.Infection control nurse Anne Leitchsaid: “The Vernacare Indicator works inthe same way as the tape you seewrapped around toilets at hotels to showthat they have been cleaned, but withthis system the requirement for staff toadd their signature and the time and dateof the clean adds personal accountabilityand assures visible best practice.”The tape was trialed in MonklandsHospital’s High Dependency Unit and isnow being rolled out across NHSLanarkshire for use after everycommode use and decontamination.Following the roll-out, its use could beextended to other key equipment, suchas drip stands, pumps, lockers, walkingaids and hoists.Anne added: “The response from staffis very positive. It provides a doublecheck to our cleaning procedures, whichinvolve both a signing of the dailycleaning schedule and the signing of thetape to identify that satisfactory hygienestandards have been achieved on individualpieces of equipment. The tape isone part of a our multifaceted approachto infection prevention.”TALE OF THE TAPE: wardmanager Janet Prentice,left, clinical support workerMargaret Temple and staffnurses Gillian Wright andClaire Martin demonstratethe Vernacare IndicatorFIGHTING FIT: members of thespecialist knowledge team who willsupport staff in the fight against HAIsTOP TEAMIS THERETO HELPOUR STAFFA WIDE range of specialistknowledge is available to supportstaff in the fight against healthcareassociated infections (HAIs) fromNHS Lanarkshire’s HAI service.The service is managed byinfection control managerHeather Gourlay.Senior clinical expertise andleadership is provided by JanClarkson, nurse consultanthealthcare associated infection,and infection control doctorTom Gillespie, who is a consultantmicrobiologist.The team is supported by AnneArmstrong, divisional nursedirector – primary and communitycare, who has lead operationalresponsibility for HAI.Medical director Alison Grahamhas executive responsibility forHAI. The HAI Service includes thefollowing teams:q Infection control nursesq Tissue viabilityq TBq Surveillance.Within the infection controlnursing team there are thefollowing lead nurses:q Carol Whitefield – WishawGeneralq Pia Kirkpatrick – Hairmyresq Richard Fox – Monklandsq June McAlpine – communityhealth partnerships.Governance and performancemanagement is undertaken by theLanarkshire Infection ControlCommittee (LICC). It reports viathe Area Control of CommunicableDisease Committee to theHealth and Clinical Steering Groupand Health and ClinicalGovernance Committee.The LICC has a number of issuespecific sub groups and divisionalinfection control sub groups.A NEW system of hand hygieneproducts is being rolled out in NHSLanarkshire hospitals andhealthcare premises.The new system supplied byEcolab will help promote aconsistent approach to handhygiene in all healthcare areas.NHS Lanarkshire will use a numberof different products.Seraman sensitive foaming handwash is a gentle foaming cleansingwash used with water. It is ideal forfrequent handwashing and for dry,sensitive skin.Sprigel alcohol hand gel is aquick, effective and easy way todecontaminate physically cleanhands. It contains added emollientsto help protect the skin. Spirigel isused without water and is suitablefor MRSA eradication.Silonda sensitive skin care lotionis a high-quality moisturising lotionwhich keeps hands and skin wellhydrated and protected. It is a nongreasy,water-based lotion enrichedwith natural beeswax.Ecolab’s hand hygiene productshave passed independent toxicologyand dermatological tests.They do not contain anyfragrances, dyes or other allergens.It is possible that when movingto any new hand hygiene products,some staff may experienceincreased skin dryness. It isimportant to rinse and dry handsthoroughly and moisturise little andoften to prevent irritation.All the products have backingboards with clear hand hygienemessages to aid application techniquesand compliance. There areKeepinggermsat bayalso hand washing technique cardswhich provide useful tips onhow to keep your hands andskin healthy.The products are now availablethroughout Wishaw GeneralHospital. They will be installed inMonklands Hospital during Maywith installation at HairmyresHospital planned for June/July.The products are expected to beintroduced to care of the elderlywards and then primary carepremises shortly afterwards.Events will be held in the staffcanteens at Monklands andHairmyres hospitals to raiseawareness of the new products.In addition, a ward packcontaining product informationand signage will be delivered toall areas in advance of theinstallation dates.If you have any questions about thenew products, contact your on siteinfection control nurses. You canalso contact Jan Clarkson, nurseconsultant – HAI, on 01698 863269.Visit www.hand-hygiene.co.uk formore information on Ecolab’s handhygiene systemHEATHER Gourlay, above,has swapped the ScottishPrison Service for the NHS tomanage HAI Services.She has joined NHSLanarkshire as the newhealthcare associatedinfection manager.Heather started her careerin Lanarkshire where shetrained as a nurse, holding anumber of roles in the NHSbefore joining the PrisonService.She was health protectionadministrator for Scotland’sprisons before joining NHSLanarkshire in March this year.She said: “Healthcareassociated infection is a toppriority for all health boards.“I’m delighted to find a real‘can do’ attitude in Lanarkshireto tackling this issue and lookforward to building on theexcellent progress that hasalready been made.”