Healthy talk

Measures to promote positive behaviour and workforce practices across all of NHS Lanarkshire – including at Monklands Hospital – have been discussed at the first meeting of a new advisory body.

Chaired by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, the Ministerial Short-Life Working Group (MSLWG) brings together NHS boards from across Scotland, staff and trades unions, royal colleges and professional and regulatory bodies.

The group was created in response to a report into allegations of bullying and harassment in NHS Highland.

It will look at what more can be done to support improved behaviour among leaders and managers at all levels of the health service.

Ms Freeman said:“I believe passionately in the NHS Scotland values of care and compassion, dignity and respect, openness, honesty, responsibility, quality and teamwork .” bakery in the country at the Scottish independent retail awards at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow last month.

The Coatbank Street bakery and coffee shop, owned by Graeme Neil and in April.

That was reward enough for the pair and their staff; but after progressing and impressing judges before the final, the Mad Batter was crowned as Scotland’s best independent bakery – leaving Graeme and David in disbelief.

G ra e m e told the Advertiser: “To win overall is absolutely amazing.

“We can’t believe this has happened so soon after opening in November 2017.

“You just don’t think about these things when you start a new business.

“The judges looked at online reviews, our everyone in the shop as it’s definitely a team effort.”

Graeme runs the front of house and business aspect of the bakery while David works with colleague Caroline Kay to create unique products in the kitchen.

While customer service and online presence was an aspect of the Mad Batter’s success in the awards, they reckon their creations also set them apart from the competition.

David continued: “We want to bake cakes that you don’t get elsewhere in the area.

“The beauty of the Mad and the Bueno and Nutella toppings are popular on them.

“We named a product ‘Sheena’ after my mum who is no longer with us.

“Sh e l ov e d w h i t e chocolate Toblerone and condensed milk, so we make pancakes and waffles with two types of toppings based on that.

“It’s not hard to keep coming up with new things as I feel like I’ve been thinking about this for my whole life.

“Caroline is so good to work with and she’s a huge part of why the business is doing well.”