Latest news with #NHSGreaterGlasgowandClyde
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Drop-in adult vaccination clinics launched across Glasgow
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has introduced the 'first-ever' sessions to give people the opportunity to speak directly with immunisation nurses about their eligibility and any medical concerns they may have. The clinics are designed to offer a safe, supportive environment where adults can ask questions and get personalised advice. Read more: Lanarkshire health professional awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours List Urgent warning to concertgoers ahead Chris Brown's gig A consultant for public health medicine at NHSGGC said: "We've always encouraged people to ask questions at their appointments, and we're proud to now offer a dedicated space for those conversations. "These sessions are about creating a safe, supportive environment where people can get the information they need to feel confident about their vaccinations." The adult vaccination programme covers immunisations for Covid-19, flu, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and RSV. Eligible individuals will continue to receive appointment invitations by letter, email, or text for one of 18 community clinics across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The new drop-in sessions will run throughout July and August at several locations, including The Piazza in Paisley, Whiteinch Community Centre in Glasgow, and the Stobhill Adult Vaccination Clinic. These sessions will run alongside shingles and pneumococcal drop-in clinics, meaning eligible adults may also receive their vaccine during their visit. No appointment is necessary. The shingles vaccine is available to adults aged 71 to 79 as of September 1, 2023, those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system or starting immunosuppressive therapy, and anyone aged 18 and over who has had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy in the past two years. The vaccine is given in two doses. The pneumococcal vaccine is available to all adults aged 65 and over, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems or who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Pneumococcal disease can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia. Eligible adults will be contacted directly with appointment details, but can also attend the following drop-in sessions. Full information on NHSGGC's adult vaccination programme is available at Upcoming drop-in clinics include July 18, July 25, and August 15 at The Piazza in Paisley, and August 12 and August 19 at Whiteinch Community Centre in Glasgow. Additional sessions will take place on August 25 at both Stobhill Adult Vaccination Clinic and GESH Community Centre in Glasgow.
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Hero Scots cancer nurse awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours
She said: "This news was completely unexpected, however it is a wonderful surprise and I feel truly honoured." A cancer nurse who became a pioneer of her profession has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List. Dr Cathy Hutchison, a Consultant Nurse at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. She received the recognition after becoming the first Consultant Nurse for cancer in Scotland, and went on to become the country's first Doctor of Nursing. Cathy was named on the Honours List, which recognises people who have made achievements in public life and or committed themselves to serving and helping the UK, for her services to cancer nursing. Last night on June 13, Cathy told how she was 'shocked and overwhelmed' by the award, but stressed that it should recognise the dedication shown by the Beatson team to patients and services across the west of Scotland. She said: "This news was completely unexpected, however it is a wonderful surprise and I feel truly honoured. "I am mindful that I play a part in a much bigger team that delivers cancer care to people across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the west of Scotland. We all strive to do our best every day for our patients and services. "This MBE is recognition of the hard work and dedication carried out by our whole multidisciplinary team." Cathy trained as a Registered Nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1984 and 1987 and has specialised in cancer care since 1988 in a variety of settings including the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Peter McCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne and at the Beatson in Glasgow. She previously worked in research roles involved in all aspects of cancer clinical trials, with a focus on safety and side effects of treatments. She was appointed as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Cancer Consultant Nurse in 2001, which is a leadership position for cancer nursing at a local, regional and national level. Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'I am so pleased that Cathy's incredible dedication to cancer nursing has been recognised in this way. "She has been a true pioneer of her profession, becoming Scotland's first Consultant Nurse for cancer and Doctor of Nursing, and has worked across research, care and treatment for almost four decades. 'I'd like to congratulate and thank Cathy for the amazing support she has shown, and continues to show, to patients with cancer, their families, and her colleagues throughout her impressive career.' A Scots urban search and rescue specialist and an on call firefighter have also been named in the King's Birthday Honours. Watch Commander John Aitchison and Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston will each receive a King's Fire Service Medal. Watch Commander Aitchison has dedicated much of his time to international humanitarian work. Following the catastrophic 2015 earthquake in Nepal, he committed himself to supporting Nepalese fire and rescue services, enhancing firefighting capabilities through training local responders. John, originally from Corpach near Fort William, has personally trained hundreds of firefighters, delivered essential firefighting equipment. Working in partnership with the Fire Aid and International Development on the Nepal project, he was instrumental in founding Everest Fire and Rescue, the official emergency service of the Everest region of Nepal. 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. While, Gerry Ralston has served the community of Salen, on the Isle of Mull, since 1988. From the moment he picked up his helmet for the first time, Gerry has embraced everything connected with firefighter life. The 60-year-old is hugely passionate about community engagement and spearheads several key educational efforts across the Isle of Mull. He is also integral in the recruitment and development of on call firefighters across the area. Gerry, who now serves as a Volunteer Leader, balances responding to emergencies via a pager with work in the SFRS Community Action Team, family life and running a hotel business. Commenting on his recent royal recognition, a delighted Gerry said: "I'm quite taken aback by the news, I'm delighted. 'Helping my community is why I started as a firefighter, and it's why I keep going. There are eight of us on my Watch, and we've all been together for a long time. "There are times responding to shouts can be challenging, but I know how important this kind of work is for rural communities.'
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Motherwell teacher returns to school along with neurosurgeon who saved her life
Julie McCarthy visited Cathedral Primary in Motherwell with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde neurosurgeon Roddy O'Kane as part of a special assembly. A primary school teacher of nearly 25 years has thanked her neurosurgeon, and over 600 pupils at her North Lanarkshire school for saving her life. This week, Julie McCarthy visited the school in Motherwell with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde neurosurgeon Roddy O'Kane as part of a special assembly to do this in person. Julie, 51, suffered a seizure while driving in February 2023, shortly after dropping her son at work. Her car crashed onto a roundabout, and she awoke surrounded by paramedics. She was rushed to Wishaw University Hospital, where scans revealed a brain tumour. Julie was then referred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where she met Mr O'Kane. 'Meeting Roddy was surreal,' Julie recalled. 'Even though I was receiving devastating news, I felt an odd sense of clarity, like life was giving me a wake-up call. Roddy was incredible. "I immediately felt safe in his care. After he explained everything, we even shared a laugh. I started to feel lucky. I was lucky that the tumour had been found and that I had a chance to fight it.' Julie's surgery was initially scheduled for June 2024, with regular scans in the meantime. But one scan showed changes in the tumour. 'Roddy reassured me it wasn't time to panic, but he wanted to operate sooner rather than later.' Julie had to step away from her beloved Primary 6 class. The school community was informed of her condition, and teachers shared that her surgery would be performed by Mr O'Kane, who has a unique pre-surgery ritual. He plays AC/DC's Thunderstruck and rocks out before entering the operating theatre. On the morning of Julie's surgery, at 9.30am, more than 600 pupils gathered in the school assembly hall. With air guitars in hand, they blasted Thunderstruck and shouted 'THUNDER!' in unison - sending a wave of positive energy to their much-loved teacher. Julie and Mr O'Kane returned to Cathedral Primary for a special assembly to thank the pupils and staff and, of course, to rock out once more. 'When I saw the video after surgery, I was overwhelmed,' Julie said. 'Their energy, their joy. It lifted me. I truly felt their love. "Just the day before my accident, I had made them a huge poster with the Memorare prayer. They thought it was impossible to learn, but they said it every day. I believe their prayers and positivity helped carry me through.' Thanks to the skill of Mr O'Kane and his team, over 95% of Julie's tumour was successfully removed. 'Roddy told me that when they operated, they discovered it was a Glioblastoma Stage 4. 'I'm so grateful for the exceptional care I received before, during, and after surgery. 'Roddy and the entire team were phenomenal' she said. Before Julie underwent her treatment post-surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she visited the school to get the 'ultimate power boost!'. She said: '600 cuddles filled with joy and happiness. Going to see the kids was going to my happy place.' Although Julie has now retired from teaching, her bond with the school remains unbreakable. She will continue to volunteer and work with the children. 'This school has been my life,' she said. 'I trained here, my three children went here, and I've watched so many pupils grow and thrive. I'm deeply thankful to the staff, the children, and my medical team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and The Beatson. You're all truly remarkable.' Cathedral Primary's headteacher, Graeme Young added: 'The children light up when Julie is around. We're so grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped her. Julie has been a cornerstone of this school, especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. She's helped bring that history to life for our pupils.' Mr O'Kane also shared his appreciation. He added: 'When Julie showed me the video of the kids rocking out, I was nearly in tears. "The support from the school has been incredible. Thank you to everyone for your positivity. And, who knows, maybe we've inspired a few future neurosurgeons!'
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Dementia cafes at Glasgow Royal Infirmary help families
At Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), the Dementia Cafe has become a valued part of care for older patients, offering a welcoming space for conversation, creativity, and companionship. The scheme, part of a wider programme under NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has been celebrated as part of Dementia Awareness Week (June 2 to 8). Read more: Free dementia support clinics retuning to Glasgow this month The GRI recently celebrated Dementia Awareness Week (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Rebecca Badhesha, senior charge nurse for Ward 30, said: "The hospital setting can often feel isolating. "Through the Dementia Cafe, we aimed to combat loneliness and help our patients retain their skills and abilities through engaging activities." Born from the Dementia Champions Programme, the cafe first took shape in 2016 when staff at GRI saw an opportunity to improve the hospital experience for patients with dementia. Monthly sessions began in a boardroom setting, welcoming patients from the medical and older people's wards, along with relatives, carers, volunteers, and staff. The aim was to create a more social, supportive environment for everyone affected by the condition. Over time, the cafe has evolved to include themed sessions designed to spark conversation and engagement. Reminiscence days, for example, have helped people recall past holidays including special visits from an ice cream van to spark childhood memories. Meanwhile, partnerships with pet therapy charities have brought therapy dogs into the hospital, and gentle exercise sessions led by a ballet teacher have encouraged movement in a relaxed setting. Reminiscence Days have helped patients evoke memories of past holidays by the seaside (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) There have also been silent discos, based on the Playlist for Life model, which used personalised music to help patients connect through song. As well as arts and crafts sessions, paired with tea and cake, giving patients a chance to express themselves creatively. One particular memory that Rebecca recalls from the cafe involved a gentleman who had not communicated for some time. She said: "During a session, he sang to his daughter after a song triggered a nostalgic memory. 'That's the beauty of these sessions, they provide a sense of normality and connection that can be so hard to find in a hospital setting.' Sessions like the Dementia Cafe were unfortunately paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, but since Rebecca took up her role in 2023, smaller gatherings have resumed on the wards. Read more: Do you have a loved one affected by dementia? These free services could help A larger Christmas event was also held, involving patients from several older people's services wards. Rebecca said: "We're committed to re-establishing these joyful afternoons. "There's so much healing power in community and connection, and we're excited to bring patients and families together." Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, praised the initiative. He said: "The Dementia Cafe is a fantastic initiative. "It's a great way to bring people together within hospitals and foster friendship and connection. "I'd like to thank all those involved in organising the cafés and those who attend." The cafe also serves as a tribute to Alan Cook, a colleague who passed away in April 2024 and played a key role in launching the project.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
£1 million project to test AI's effectiveness in Scottish NHS
A £1 million project is underway to test the safety and effectiveness of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Funded by Innovate UK, the scheme brings together hospitals, Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, and technology companies to create a validation framework for AI tools in the Scottish NHS. The project involves collaboration between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, and AI evaluation company Aival. Read more: 'I would not be here today': Glasgow nurse's quick thinking saves colleagues life Dr Rishi Ramaesh, consultant radiologist and innovation fellow at NHS Lothian, said: "Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to improve patient care, but healthcare leaders need confidence that these systems are safe and effective. "This project will help healthcare leaders to evaluate AI, and make sure that new technologies deliver real benefits for patients." Aival's independent evaluation platform will be used to assess AI systems for diagnosing head trauma and lung cancer, aiming to improve care for patients and support NHS staff. The platform allows hospitals to verify AI performance using anonymised patient data and provides ongoing monitoring once the software is deployed. The project will also test the Aival platform's ability to monitor long-term AI performance, addressing concerns about 'drift'—the decline in software accuracy over time due to changes in patient populations, disease trends, or equipment updates. Dr Mark Hall, consultant radiologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Post-deployment surveillance monitoring is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of patient care, especially in radiology, where early detection of disease progression can make all the difference. "Despite its importance, there are currently no standardised guidelines. "AI-powered monitoring software bridges this gap by providing a structured approach." One of the challenges addressed by the project is the lengthy testing process for AI. Currently, it can take more than nine months to evaluate a single product, and there are more than 200 AI options available for some hospital departments. This has limited the rollout of AI solutions in clinical settings. The project will compare six commercial AI products used in stroke and lung cancer triage, including tools developed by InferVision, Annalise-AI, and Luciana D'Adderio, Edinburgh University academic and AI evaluation and assurance expert, said: "AI technology is achieving widespread deployment across healthcare settings, yet its assurance has not received the rigorous attention it demands. "There is an urgent need for innovative tools and technologies for AI assurance, which themselves must undergo thorough evaluation and validation. "This critical challenge forms the cornerstone of our groundbreaking project." Kanwal Bhati, CEO of Aival (Image: Emelie Holgersson) Read more: New general manager expected to be 'big hit' at Glasgow care home Kanwal Bhatia, chief executive officer and founder of Aival, said: "It's vital that we monitor and check AI that's being used in decisions on patients' health, to ensure the best outcomes for patients. "Any healthcare workers using AI need to be sure that the product is doing what it says it does – not just now, but five years in the future. "Putting in place effective validation systems will encourage trust and adoption of AI, and will deliver cost savings and growth in the NHS and in private healthcare. "We work hand in hand with NHS leaders, clinical and technical teams to provide the expertise and software to ensure that their AI systems are doing what they're supposed to do."
