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YOUR VIEWS: Inverness Raigmore Hospital staff and mental health tea and talk





One recent patient had nothing but praise for staff at Raigmore Hospital.
One recent patient had nothing but praise for staff at Raigmore Hospital.

Praise for hospital staff - but booking system could be better

What a privilege it was to be treated at Raigmore Hospital this week. I was admitted on Sunday as an emergency and discharged on Wednesday morning.

From start to finish the staff were outstanding, not only with regards to my care but with the care of all those around me, even the most cantankerous of patients. The food too, which I had heard was vile, was perfectly edible and adequate.

Thank you to all who cared for me. I am so grateful.

My one concern with NHS Highland is the antiquated appointment booking system where a letter is sent to you which you must answer within seven days or be struck off the list.

Considering the letter often does not arrive until day five this can cause extreme anxiety, especially if a person is working or old and infirm.

Further, if you happen to be away from home, then you return to having been removed from the list for a much needed appointment or procedure.

Perhaps the introduction of a back up email or even text alerting the person would be beneficial.

However, once again to the staff at Raigmore Hospital - be proud of yourselves. You do a fantastic job!!

Marie Annand

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A chat over a cuppa can provide a boost to mental health.
A chat over a cuppa can provide a boost to mental health.

Take the time to talk for better mental health

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 every year and is an opportunity for us all to come together and talk about mental health.

This year the theme for World Mental Health Day is: “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

Many of us spend so much of our time at work, but how we manage and support our own mental health and wellbeing, and that of our colleagues, can vary greatly.

The Mental Health Foundation has published “How to support mental health at work” which offers top tips and guidance for both employees and employers and is free to download from our website.

We are also encouraging people to host a Tea & Talk in their workplace and have a conversation about mental health.

It’s not always easy to start these conversations, but talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and down, feel connected with others and less alone.

Tea & Talk helps raise awareness of mental health, as well as vital funds to help us continue to support people in our communities who are at most risk of developing poor mental health.

Remember, this is a day to remind people, and yourself, that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through.

For helpful tips and talking points visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/wmhd

Julie Cameron

Associate director at Mental Health Foundation in Scotland

Glasgow

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