Spotlight Session 1

The Dietetic Review - Leading collaborative change to improve access and outcomes.

This session explores how NHS Forth Valley Dietetics redesigned services through a collaborative, staff-led approach to improve access, reduce waiting times and deliver person-centred, value-based care. Using data, patient feedback and quality improvement methods, teams shifted focus towards early intervention, prevention and self-management, supported by digital solutions.

The session will highlight practical examples, including innovations in Adult Weight Management that significantly reduced waiting times, increased patient choice and improved outcomes. It will demonstrate how inclusive engagement and data-driven redesign can create more sustainable, efficient services while enhancing both patient and staff experience, and share key learning to support wider adoption.

Speakers

Aaron Fraser

Aaron Fraser

AHP Coordinator, NHS Forth Valley


Aaron Fraser is a Registered Dietitian and AHP Coordinator with NHS Forth Valley.
Fiona Struthers

Fiona Struthers

AHP Coordinator, NHS Forth Valley


Fiona Struthers is a Registered Dietitian and AHP Coordinator with NHS Forth Valley.

Turning Waiting into Action: Innovative approach to managing Podiatry services

This session will showcase how Aberdeen City HSCP Podiatry Service redesigned its model of care to address rising demand, long waiting times, and workforce challenges. Delegates will learn about a three-pronged approach including waiting list validation, improved patient communication, and the introduction of Community Appointment Days (CADs).

The session will explore how CADs support prevention, early intervention, and person-centred care through “What Matters to You” conversations, education, and signposting. Evidence of impact will be shared, including significant reductions in waiting lists, improved patient flow, and positive patient feedback.

Attendees will gain insight into how this innovative approach supports service transformation, workforce development, and co-production with patients, with practical learning that can be applied in other settings.

Speakers

Kirsty Symons

Kirsty Symons

Principal Podiatrist, Aberdeen City HSCP


Kirsty Symons is a Principal Podiatrist and Practice Educator with Aberdeen City Podiatry Service, bringing over 16 years of experience in clinical practice and leadership.
Gwendolyn Lawson

Gwendolyn Lawson

Principal Podiatrist, Aberdeen City HSCP


Wendy Lawson is an accomplished Principal Podiatrist with extensive experience in clinical practice and service leadership.

Improving Access to Contraception: Lessons from a LARC Drop-In Pilot

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of contraception, yet uptake has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, while abortion rates continue to rise. In response to patient feedback, NHS Grampian piloted a weekly evening drop-in LARC clinic to improve access and better meet patient needs. Demand exceeded capacity every week, with all appointments filled and 81 procedures completed. The service successfully reached people from more deprived communities, achieved high patient and staff satisfaction, and demonstrated a clear need for more flexible, person-centred access to contraception services.

Speakers

Helena Young

Helena Young

Specialty Trainee Community Sexual and Reproductive Health (ST6), NHS Grampian


Doctor Young is a senior trainee in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health working in NHS Grampian.