Award for Tick and Lyme disease research

NHS Western Isles is pleased to announce that Drs Caroline Millins and Roman Biek, and their students from the University of Glasgow, have been presented with a Knowledge and Public Engagement award for ‘Developing an evidence base for effective Lyme Disease management’.

The award recognises the research work undertaken in the Western Isles by the team, in collaboration with NHS Western Isles, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Uist Deer Management group.

The research team is grateful to residents in the Western Isles who attended information sessions, completed surveys, and co-operated with University of Glasgow MSc students Donald and Walter as they undertook survey work across the island chain.

There will be further opportunities to meet with those involved in Lyme disease research and find out about survey results this summer with information stalls at the North Uist Tractor Rally, June 1^st; South Harris Agricultural Show, July 31^st, and at the Carloway Show, August 7^th.

NHS Western Isles continues to raise awareness of ticks and Lyme disease. This year the NHSWI Health Protection Team have prepared information packs for businesses – and any business that would like to raise awareness with their workers is invited to contact the team to receive a pack.

The pack includes a poster, leaflet, and tick removal tool, and NHSWI Health Protection Team thank Comhairle nan Eilean Siar councillors Paul Steele, Iain MacNeil, Calum MacMillan, and Donald Manford for their support of this project.

The Tick Information Packs can be accessed by contacting the Team on email at wihealthprotection@nhs.net or at:

Health Protection Team – 37 South Beach Street, Stornoway, 01851 708033
Health Protection Team – 42 Winfield Way, Balivanich, Benbecula, 01870 603366.