Latest news with #NHSGGC
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Concerns corridor care is becoming 'normal' at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital
A series of heavily redacted emails reveal staff concerns over the situation. At least two people are 'expected' to be treated by medics in the corridors of the emergency department at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) every day, NHS chiefs have admitted. But often that figure can rise to as many as six, documents have revealed. The numbers were obtained by West Scotland Labour MSP Paul O'Kane amid growing fears corridor care is being 'normalised' in the Paisley hospital. A series of heavily redacted emails – released as part of a Freedom of Information request (FOI) – reveal staff concerns over the situation and that an approach to tackle the problem was 'perceived as the normalisation' of vulnerable people being treated on trollies. One email titled emergency care in the Clyde region states: 'For RAH, outwith winter, we will hopefully be less than six, but on most days we will have two patients in the corridor. It should at least be part of escalation and surge planning.' A second details how concerns about 'safe staffing levels' would be made clear in a report to senior management while revealing suggested actions are 'not accepted by medical or nursing staff'. Reflecting on the emails, shared among staff in January, Mr O'Kane said: 'These emails couldn't make it any clearer that corridor care is happening at the RAH and that it's a problem that's only going to get worse unless some form of drastic action is taken. 'Worryingly, the emails also suggest that actions that were being considered wouldn't get rid of corridor care but could normalise it. It is horrible to think of anyone sitting in a corridor receiving care because there's simply nowhere else for them to be treated.' The MSP added: 'It's unacceptable that patients at the RAH are receiving corridor care and that RAH staff have to put up with being overstretched and under resourced – they work so hard but they're let down again and again. 'I will be writing to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and to the health secretary [Neil Gray] to ask what is being done to prevent corridor care from occurring and seeking reassurance that no plans that entail patients being treated in corridors are being implemented at the RAH.' Concerns over corridor care were first raised just weeks ago when Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlighted the problem following an inspection of the emergency department. The subsequent report said 'corridor care' was 'normalised' in the RAH but warned it must 'not be tolerated'. A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: 'As was the case throughout the country this winter, all our services were under considerable pressure. It would be inaccurate to state that NHSGGC is seeking to normalise treating patients within corridors. 'These issues have been examined in the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report following a review of our emergency departments. NHSGGC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our patients, and to continually improving the services we provide. 'Earlier this year, we launched The GGC Way Forward – Transforming Together, a bold new programme of transformation, driving whole-system reform. 'The system-wide initiative, which marks an evolution in the way health care is delivered within NHSGGC, will focus on delivering a raft of service improvements to support and ease pressures faced across acute sites.'
Glasgow Times
14-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urge nurseries to join scheme
The health board launched the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Scheme in June 2024. The initiative, backed by the Scottish Government and local health boards, aims to create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mums, visitors, and staff at childcare centres. Read more: Mack rebuild 'at risk' from 02 ABC plan says Glasgow School of Art Coatbridge couple lose court case to overturn winter fuel payment cut 'Drugs worth nearly £1m' recovered from property Since its inception, 27 early years centres across Greater Glasgow and Clyde have fully signed up for the scheme, with 74 others working towards full accreditation. The initiative ensures centres have breastfeeding and return-to-work policies for staff, and includes breastfeeding as part of the children's curriculum discussions. As part of Breastfeeding Week, the NHSGGC Health Improvement team raised awareness of the scheme at Glasgow's Silverburn shopping centre. Jacalyn McIlwham, a health improvement practitioner in the NHSGGC, said: "Centres appoint a breastfeeding champion who we liaise with to help set things up and then as this rolls out. "We support this champion in helping staff to partake in the online training and normalise breastfeeding in their setting. 'Overall, the online training teaches staff how to promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment, support breastfeeding families and colleagues, and understand the benefits of breastfeeding so teams have a well-rounded understanding of how best to support women.' Anne McNair, team leader and breastfeeding champion at Pollok Children's Centre, one of the leading nurseries in the scheme, said: "Becoming a breastfeeding friendly nursery has been a positive experience. "We want families to feel supported and comfortable." Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC, said: "Juggling life with a young family is challenging, and having accessible, supportive locations can make a huge difference to how long a mum chooses to breastfeed. "It also reassures parents planning for another child that support will be there when they need it." For more information or to sign up, contact for South Glasgow, for North West Glasgow, and for North East Glasgow.
Glasgow Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
NHS staff honoured at British Dietetic Association Awards
The ceremony was held during Dietitians Week, recognising the outstanding commitment and contributions to the profession both locally and across Scotland. For the third consecutive year, the West of Scotland Branch was named BDA Branch of the Year, underlining its consistent excellence and far-reaching support for members across all levels of dietetic practice—from academic to clinical. READ MORE: UK government makes major driveway law change set to affect millions of homes (Image: Supplied) The branch was praised for its strong collaboration with the Scotland Board, as well as its delivery of awards, webinars, and student engagement initiatives. Two NHSGGC individuals also received prestigious accolades. Michelle Wardrop, Community Manager of Dietetics, was awarded the Edith Elliot Honour, becoming the first recipient in the UK to receive this distinguished recognition. Reflecting on the achievement, Michelle said: "There are a range of words that describe how I feel, including overjoyed, humbled, delighted, elated and thrilled - the list goes on. "I love being a dietitian, and it is a joy to have received this award for doing a job I love." Michelle shared that her journey into dietetics stemmed from a long-standing passion for healthcare and nutrition: "I had a real desire to work in the health care environment. "I chose to become a dietitian as I was fascinated by how nutrition impacts people's health and wellbeing, across all ages. "I loved the fact that there are so many different specialities that a dietitian can work in, and I have been fortunate to work in many different roles." She also highlighted the sources of her inspiration, citing both culinary icons and fellow professionals: "Probably like many dietitians, my love of food means I enjoy cookery programmes. "I particularly enjoy watching chefs such as Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr., and Raymond Blanc. "I have also worked with many different dietitians during my career. So many of them have influenced and shaped the dietitian I am today." (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Over £25K raised to bring Greg Monks home after Portugal tragedy Meanwhile, Abigail Dean, Advanced Practice Dietitian in Haemato-Oncology, received the Mary Turner Award for Trade Union Representative of the Year. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence, empathy, and commitment in their advocacy for colleagues. She said: "I am thrilled to have received this award. "It's an honour to receive this in recognition of my work over the last year. "I want to thank all my colleagues and hope I can continue to represent them in the best possible way in my role as Trade Union Representative." The BDA commended Abigail as 'a shining example of what a local union rep should be—approachable, knowledgeable, and able to listen,' describing her as 'a worthy recipient of the Mary Turner Award this year.' Celebrating the West of Scotland Branch's third straight win, Clare McKenzie, Chair of the Branch, said: "We are delighted that we won Branch of the Year. This is now our sixth overall win and the second since I've been in this role. "I'd like to thank all my West of Scotland Branch colleagues, particularly Nikola Mazur, Events Officer, and Amy Cowan, Treasurer. "They both joined the committee last summer and deserve considerable credit for our continued success." She also encouraged wider participation from members across Scotland, noting current opportunities to get involved with the committee. READ MORE: Thousands of pensioners to get DWP letters worth thousands (Image: Supplied) Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHSGGC, offered his congratulations, stating: 'Congratulations to Michelle, Abigail, and the West of Scotland branch for their success. "Having so many award winners demonstrates the skill, dedication, and contribution within the West of Scotland, and this is being recognised at the national level." These awards reflect not only the achievements of individuals but also the strength of NHSGGC's wider dietetic community, whose work continues to elevate the profession across Scotland and beyond.
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS chiefs gave £250k bonus to firm behind infection scandal QEUH hospital
Brookfield Multiplex, which is now being sued by NHS Greater Glasgow, was awarded the huge sum for making the hospital environmentally friendly. Health chiefs gave a £250,000 eco-bonus to a firm it is now suing over its defective superhospital. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) paid Brookfield Multiplex for achieving certain environmental credentials at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), despite the site being riddled with problems. A public inquiry is looking at issues with the construction of the £842million facility where dozens of patients developed rare infections and some people died. Evidence heard by the inquiry showed a £250,000 payment was included in the contract if the developers hit energy consumption targets, known as 'Breeam'. The QEUH was given a Breeam rating of 'excellent' when it was finished, meeting the UK-wide government aim at the time. Louise Slorance's government advisor husband Andrew died while awaiting a bone marrow transplant in 2020. She said: 'Families have suffered harm and death as a result of substandard systems at the QEUH. 'The realisation the lives of our loved ones were worth just £250,000 is yet another gut punch.' To meet their targets contractors used a temperature control system called chilled beams. Specialist healthcare architect Emma White described it as 'a more innovative and sustainable way of cooling rooms which required less energy…'. The inquiry previously heard these chilled beams developed a problem with leaking and water ended up dripping into wards. NHSGGC is suing Brookfield Multiplex for the flaws at the site with £18.2million added to their compensation claim for problems with the chilled beam system. Documents submitted by White showed contractors also agreed having an air circulation rate required by healthcare watchdogs was 'energy intensive and not necessary'. Dozens of patients were infected with water-related and airborne bugs at the QEUH. Some died including Milly Main, 10, and Gail Armstrong, 73, whose deaths are being probed by the police. NHSGGC is a suspect in the corporate homicide probe into their deaths and the deaths of two other patients. Louise said: 'Despite some witnesses stating green standards were not prioritised over patient safety, our experience tells a different story. "Sealed windows, low air turnovers and temperature control units using water were chosen for their environmental credentials yet they negatively impacted on the safety of our family members. Some never saw outside the hospital again and for others, the harm continues to this day.' Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: 'The deaths at the QEUH are the worst scandal in the history of devolution and it is outrageous that the contractors behind the building were rewarded for their failure. These payments make it clear the management of this project was utterly dysfunctional from day one and building safety was not made a priority. 'There can be no more secrecy and cover-up from the SNP – bereaved families and the Scottish public deserve to know the truth.' NHSGGC said matters relating to QEUH's construction are 'part of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry and we continue to support them in their ongoing investigations'. 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'.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Glasgow Queen Elizabeth hospital had most Covid deaths probed by Crown Office
Prosecutors are probing the deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as part of a wider investigation from the pandemic. A Glasgow flagship hospital had the highest number of Covid deaths probed by the Crown Office, it has been revealed. Prosecutors are probing the deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as part of a wider investigation from the pandemic. As well as hospital settings, care homes are also being looked into. NHS Glasgow Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been warned that it has questions to answer about why such a significant number of Covid deaths are being probed at its hospitals. A total of 133 cases are still being looked at - a 43% of the entire total. Louise Slorance, whose husband Andrew died at the QEUH in 2020 after contracting Covid during cancer treatment, is still seeking answers from the health board about his death. She blames them for him catching the disease despite being in isolation. She wrote on X: "COPFS Covid deaths investigation team (CDIT) statistics on COVID deaths in hospitals offer some important insights, namely on our largest health board, NHS GGC & the effectiveness of @scotgov flagship super hospital, the QEUH. 43% of the death investigations being carried out by CDIT are in NHS GGC hospitals. "30% of these deaths occurred at the QEUH. The QEUH has just 22% of GGC's bed capacity. The disproportionate nature of QEUH COVID deaths is only exacerbated when you consider this is a single bedded hospital. As the Project Director for the #QEUH told the @ScotHospInquiry last week single rooms are the optimum for stopping the transfer of infection. "Single bedrooms alone should have led to lower nosocomial COVID infection. Add in state of the art facilities (that's what we were told, not what was provided) & COVID mitigations, the expectation must be a lower rate than other older hospitals & the lowest across Scotland. "Yet here we are with Scotland's flagship QEUH hospital with the highest number of COVID deaths reported to COPFS and, CDIT investigations second only to another GGC ran hospital the GRI. Explanations must be provided for this anomaly." NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "We would like to offer our condolences to the loved ones of any patient who has died. As well as looking after a core population of more than 1.3 million, hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offer a range of highly specialised regional and national services for people throughout Scotland. "This means that a high proportion of the sickest patients in the country are treated at our hospitals, and we would like to thank our highly skilled and dedicated staff who do all they can to care for these patients in challenging circumstances. "Latest Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio figures from Public Health Scotland show that, despite looking after this high concentration of the most vulnerable patients, NHSGGC has the lowest crude mortality rate of any health board in Scotland outside NHS Shetland. "Any suggestion that COVID deaths at our hospitals could be attributed to any issues with the standard of care, without taking into account this high concentration of these most vulnerable patients, would be inaccurate and misleading, as well as being insulting and upsetting for our hard-working staff."
