Latest news with #HealthcareImprovementScotland
STV News
23-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Hospital At Home: Virtual ward service 'life-changing' for elderly patients
Elderly patients say the NHS's Hospital at Home programme has changed their lives by allowing them to receive safe medical care in the comfort of their own homes. A new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland has found that the expansion of its 'virtual ward' service across Scotland has saved over £50m and kept around 15,500 people from staying in hospital for treatment over the past year. The programme is designed to treat patients at home, often with remote monitoring using technology, without the need to be separated from family and friends. It also helps to reduce the risks associated with hospital admissions, such as increased risk of catching infections and a decrease in mobility and independence. Among those who have benefited is Norman Cumming, 77, from Chapelhall, who was born with brionchiectasis. Over the years, he developed asthma and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 1990 – a progressive, incurable lung condition. Symptoms include shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, and fatigue. Supplied/NHS Scot The pensioner takes daily medication and uses an inhaler, but occasionally needs to visit his GP clinic for nebuliser treatment, where medication is delivered as a fine mist to help ease his breathing. His wife Tina, 64, told STV News: 'This past year has been the worst it's been. It takes a lot out of him – he gets tired easily, his breathing is affected easily. This last spell, with the hot weather, he has really struggled with that. 'He sometimes has to sleep all day to rebuild his energy.' The couple were first told about Hospital at Home while visiting their GP clinic in December 2024. 'I thought it was a brilliant idea,' Norman said. 'In hospital, you've got to wait for attention. At home, I know there's someone there for me if I need help. 'It's a safe environment, and I'm not worrying about picking up other infections.' Tina added: 'Norman was absolutely delighted – obviously any infection he gets causes more damage to his lungs. 'It eases the pressure on us by being at home – Norman gets really agitated in hospital and likes the comfort of his own bed. He also loves drawing and painting, which he can't do in hospital.' The couple have used the Hospital at Home Service four times since January. Each time, care was provided for between one and two weeks. On the first visit they were provided with monitoring equipment, including a blood pressure cuff and thermometer, linked to a mobile phone that sent readings to the care team four times a day. Norman was also able to receive nebuliser treatment and oxygen support without leaving the house. The couple are encouraged to call for help whenever they need it, with a nurse sent to their home if required. Tina said: 'At first I was a bit wary because I'm not very techy, but it was so straightforward. They reassured us we could call any time, and they really meant it. 'For me, it's just easier being here with him. When he's in hospital I'd be up and down every day, juggling work and everything else. Now I can support him if needed. 'Without this service, he'd be in hospital longer, he'd be more anxious, and it would take him longer to recover.' Norman said: 'It has made a big difference to our life. The staff are so helpful and cheery – they always comes in with a smile on their face. They are fantastic.' Bill Denholm, 85, from Stenhousemuir was recently treated by NHS Forth Valley's Hospital at Home team. His wife Marion, 82, said: 'There are no words to adequately describe the care and attention Bill received. 'We've had doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a dietitian and a speech and language therapist all visit our home to provide the care and treatment he required so he didn't have to go into hospital. 'This meant he was able to stay in familiar surroundings with his family and still receive the same type of care he would have in hospital. I also felt very supported as I could contact the Hospital at Home team direct if I had any worries or concerns. 'I can't praise the Hospital at Home service enough. It makes so much more sense to treat people in their own homes if you can rather than occupy a bed in a busy hospital. It's definitely a win-win for everyone involved.' The report estimated £39m has also been saved due to reduced healthcare usage in the six months following hospital at home discharge. More than 1,600 patients were treated on average each month, up from 1,400 on the previous year, with around 15,470 people prevented from spending time in hospital. More than 650 extra hospital beds and almost 500 care home admissions would have been required over the year if hospital at home services did not exist. Belinda Robertson, associate director of Improvement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: 'It seems that Hospital at Home is very much here to stay. We are finding that more NHS boards are not just increasing the numbers receiving acute hospital care at home, but that their services are maturing, becoming more efficient and being set up in such a way as to ensure they are sustainable. 'Making sure that Hospital at Home services are sustainable in terms of resources and capacity has been one of our main focuses over the past year, and we're delighted to see Scotland's NHS boards achieving this. 'For patients, the benefits of being able to be treated in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes is clear to see and this is set to continue.' The Hospital at Home service mostly provides care for frail, older people in their own homes who may be suffering from acute illnesses and health conditions such as respiratory and cardiac issues, infections, or require treatment after a fall. First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service. Health secretary Neil Gray said: 'This report shows we are delivering personal, efficient and reliable care to patients across the country. Our expansion of Hospital at Home means more people will benefit from first-class NHS care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 'By increasing capacity to 2,000 beds by December 2026, we're on track to create the largest 'hospital' in Scotland – bringing care closer to where people live and need it most. 'I am delighted to see the positive impact Hospital at Home is having across Scotland, particularly for elderly patients who can now receive high-quality care without the need to travel to hospital. I am grateful to all of the partners who are delivering this service and look forward to its further expansion in the months ahead.' 'First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m, which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
'Hospital at home' service saved NHS Scotland £55 million last year
Health Secretary Neil Gray said he was 'delighted to see the positive impact' the service has had 'particularly for elderly patients'. Scotland's Hospital at Home service prevented almost 15,500 patients from having to spend time in traditional hospitals and is estimated to have saved the NHS more than £55 million last year. His comments came as a report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland showed that in 2024-25 Hospital at Home prevented 15,470 patients from being admitted to traditional hospitals – with this helping reduce pressure on such services. The research found an estimated 672 extra hospital beds and 477 care home admissions would have been needed over the course of the year if Hospital at Home did not exist. The service provides patients with short, time-limited, acute episodes of care – with people treated as though they had been admitted to hospital while remaining in their own home. As such, patients can receive help such as intravenous (IV) fluids and oxygen as part of the service, with care delivered by teams of health professionals. According to the report, Hospital at Home saved the NHS more than 129,000 overnight bed days in 2024-25. Read More However, it added that as treatment periods for Hospital at Home were shorter than the average length of a hospital stay, 'actual bed days saved is estimated to be in the region of 220,000'. The report set out how an estimated £16.7 million in healthcare costs were avoided in 2024-25, because Hospital at Home admissions cost less than traditional hospital admissions. Meanwhile, an estimated £39.4 million in healthcare costs were avoided due to reduced healthcare usage from patients in the six months following treatment from Hospital at Home. The service currently has the seventh largest acute bed capacity of any hospital in Scotland, providing 525 beds. But the Scottish Government has set out plans to expand it to 2,000 beds by December 2026 – with First Minister John Swinney having pledged £85 million for this. Belinda Robertson, associate director of improvement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: 'It seems that Hospital at Home is very much here to stay. 'We are finding that more NHS boards are not just increasing the numbers receiving acute hospital care at home, but that their services are maturing, becoming more efficient and being set up in such a way as to ensure they are sustainable.' She added: 'Making sure that Hospital at Home services are sustainable in terms of resources and capacity has been one of our main focuses over the past year and we're delighted to see Scotland's NHS boards achieving this. 'For patients, the benefits of being able to be treated in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes is clear to see and this is set to continue.' Marion Denholm, from Stenhousemuir, praised the care her husband, Bill, 85, received from NHS Forth Valley's Hospital at Home team. Mrs Denholm, 82, said: 'There are no words to adequately describe the care and attention Bill received. 'We've had doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a dietitian and a speech and language therapist all visit our home to provide the care and treatment he required so he didn't have to go into hospital. 'This meant he was able to stay in familiar surroundings with his family and still receive the same type of care he would have in hospital. 'I can't praise the Hospital at Home service enough. It makes so much more sense to treat people in their own homes if you can, rather than occupy a bed in a busy hospital.' Mr Gray said the report showed the service is 'delivering personal, efficient and reliable care to patients across the country'. He added: 'Our expansion of Hospital at Home means more people will benefit from first-class NHS care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 'By increasing capacity to 2,000 beds by December 2026, we're on track to create the largest hospital in Scotland —bringing care closer to where people live and need it most. 'I am delighted to see the positive impact Hospital at Home is having across Scotland, particularly for elderly patients who can now receive high-quality care without the need to travel to hospital. 'I am grateful to all of the partners who are delivering this service and look forward to its further expansion in the months ahead.'
Glasgow Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Motherwell nurses praised for person-centred care
The team was announced as the runner-up in the national Jane Davies Award for person-centred care, organised by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. This recognition was based on their compassionate care for a local family during an especially challenging period. (Image: Supplied) The award was established in honour of Jane Davies, a pioneer in Scottish healthcare engagement, who dedicated her career to promoting the significance of kindness, respect, and listening in the delivery of care. Marie Harvey nominated the team for the award, commending their ability to prioritise the patient and family while caring for her father, Peter. Read more: 'Enough is enough': Residents fed-up with works causing traffic gridlock Ms Harvey praised the clinical skills, emotional support, humour, and dignity shown by the team, from team leader Monica Sheen's initial visit, to the ongoing support offered by nurses Gillian Moore and Charlotte Macnamara. Ms Moore, a community nurse at University [[Health]] & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: "As a team this award means a lot to us, and we're honoured we were nominated by Peter's family. "We didn't feel like we were working when we were with Peter, and we quickly established a great relationship with his family. "Peter called me 'gaffer', and we were all made to feel like part of the family. "Showing compassion and caring for him the way he told us was important to him was something we were all committed to. "We got to really know Peter and talked about what mattered to him; we both support the football team but didn't always agree on our favourite players." Evelyn Ryan, service manager at University [[Health]] & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: "Being named runner-up in this award is testament to the compassion and professionalism of Motherwell's district nursing team. "The team's ability to connect, support, and empower families during such vulnerable times reflects the very best of what nursing, and healthcare more broadly, is about. 'They placed a lot of importance on ensuring Peter's family were involved in his care. This approach meant Peter was able to remain at home, surrounded by his family, and retain control over his care in his final days.' Clare Morrison, director of engagement and change at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: "I would like to congratulate the Motherwell District Nursing team on their success in the Jane Davies Award. "They have done an incredible job, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that Peter and his family were given the most compassionate care through a very difficult time. "They epitomise everything that the Jane Davies Award is about."
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Motherwell's district nursing team announced as runner-up in national award for person-centred care
The team was nominated for the award by Marie Harvey, who highlighted the team's outstanding ability to place the patient and family at the heart of care while treating her dad, Peter. Motherwell's district nursing team has been announced as the runner-up in the national Jane Davies Award for person-centred care. Presented by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the award recognises the team's exceptional commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care, as demonstrated through their support of a local family during a profoundly difficult time. The award honours the legacy of Jane Davies, formerly of NHS Lanarkshire, and a pioneer in Scottish healthcare engagement, who championed the importance of listening to people, valuing their voices, and delivering care rooted in kindness and respect. The team was nominated for the award by Marie Harvey, who highlighted the team's outstanding ability to place the patient and family at the heart of care while treating her dad, Peter. Marie said that from the first visit by team leader Monica Sheen to the daily support provided by nurses Gillian Moore and Charlotte Macnamara, the team offered not only clinical expertise but also emotional strength, humour, and dignity while treating Peter. Gillian Moore, community nurse, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: 'As a team this award means a lot to us, and we're honoured we were nominated by Peter's family. 'We didn't feel like we were working when we were with Peter, and we quickly established a great relationship with his family. Peter called me 'gaffer', and we were all made to feel like part of the family. 'Showing compassion and caring for him the way he told us was important to him was something we were all committed to. We got to really know Peter and talked about what mattered to him; we both support the football team but didn't always agree on our favourite players!' Evelyn Ryan, service manager, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, continued: 'Being named runner-up in this award is testament to the compassion and professionalism of Motherwell's district nursing team. 'The team's ability to connect, support, and empower families during such vulnerable times reflects the very best of what nursing, and healthcare more broadly, is about. 'They placed a lot of importance on ensuring Peter's family were involved in his care. This approach meant Peter was able to remain at home, surrounded by his family, and retain control over his care in his final days.' Clare Morrison, Healthcare Improvement Scotland's Director of Engagement and Change, added: 'I would like to congratulate the Motherwell District Nursing team on their success in the Jane Davies Award. 'They have done an incredible job, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that Peter and his family were given the most compassionate care through a very difficult time. They epitomise everything that the Jane Davies Award is about.'
Daily Record
28-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scotland's Botox Bandits facing ban over country's "wild west" treatments
New legislation will introduce regulatory framework and quack operators from dangerous procedures Medics have welcomed moves by the Scottish Government to kill off our nation's 'wild west' reputation for unregulated cosmetic surgery. Law changes announced this week will ban many specified treatments from being carried out by 'Botox bandits' and ensure doctors supervise other less invasive procedures. A regulatory framework will be administered by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, aimed at ensuring backstreet surgeries are shut down, to stop the botched procedures that have been life changing for many people who have opted for cut-price services. Dr Ben Taylor-Davies, who runs the Stockbridge Clinic in Edinburgh and also works as an A&E doctor, welcomed the move. But he warned the new legislation may still be too slack, in allowing unqualified people to carry out the less dangerous procedures. He said: 'Whilst I firmly believe injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers should only ever be carried out by a registered medical professional, the Scottish Government's proposals are a big step in the right direction for patient safety in Scotland. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'These proposals highlight they're taking the safety of patients and the Scottish public seriously – this should always be the most important thing. 'For too long the public has been at unacceptable levels of risk. People have come to significant harm due to the lack of regulation.' He added: 'Now we need to make sure this is implemented across Scotland and that the necessary legal powers exist to protect the public from unnecessary harm. 'Hopefully this is just the start of a wider theme of tighter regulation that will ultimately protect public safety.' The SNP government's belated crackdown comes after Scotland was branded the 'worst country in Europe' for dangerous, unregulated Botox ops. Ministers said aesthetic procedures will be regulated according to risk. The most invasive and dangerous, including breast and buttock augmentation, will have to be performed by a qualified healthcare professional in a setting regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Less invasive injectable material – like Botox and other dermal fillers – will be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional in a regulated setting. The least invasive, such as c osmetic laser treatment, will require both a premises licence and an individual practitioner licence issued by the local council. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: 'These proposals reflect our determination to protect the public and ensure high standards across this growing industry.' The changes bring Scotland into line with protections already in place in England. The UK Government made it an offence for an unregulated person to administer Botox and cosmetic fillers to under-18s in England in 2021. The 'back-street Botox' boom has already been blamed for putting pressure on A&E departments at Scottish hospitals.
