No abstract

The factors influencing inorganic nitrogen inputs in wet deposition in two upland catchments in northeast Scotland are discussed. Seasonal trends in nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in water draining from the catchments, and in monthly nitrate-nitrogen outputs, are reported and explained. The inputs in rain exceeded the output in the rivers in the two catchments by 3.9-9.4 kg ha-la-'. Retention by vegetation probably plays a crucial role in nitrogen cycling in the uplands.

The approximate time-scales for serious lowering of the base status of acidic upland soils in northeast Scotland have been based on assessments of geochemical weathering rates in two upland catchments. Periods of 1100 and 12000 years are obtained for soils evolved primarily from granite and quara-biotite-norite respectively. Factors regulating the rate of removal ofbase cations in drainage water are discussed, to elucidate those which significantly influence long-term rates of soil acidification. The relationship between base cation leaching and river water acidity is briefly considered. H E biological and chemical processes involved in soilI 0 N D J F M A M J J A S -1 9 7 9 1980 I;ig. 2. Typical pM hysteresis for wn stnrms at Peatfold. Individual points are one hour apart. .4rrnws indicate whether thc storm hydrograph is rising (arrows inclined to the right) or falling (inclined to the left).

BackgroundUK policy and guidance frequently refers to respite care as a key factor in supporting carers. (NICE, 2004; Department of Health, 2005) However, little is known about respite care in palliative and end of life care and the role of hospices in providing respite care. (Wolkowski & Carr, 2017; Vandepitte et al., 2016; Wolkowski et al., 2010). Dove House Hospice (DHH) in Hull provides respite care. Our observation is that the needs of both the patient and carer are frequently complex and patients are often highly dependent, with a high level of nursing and sometimes medical needs.AimsTo increase our understanding of the characteristics of respite care patients and carers with a view to articulating the need for hospice respite care, its benefits and potential benefits.MethodsA retrospective audit of records of respite care patients (2015–2016) was carried out. A simple data collection tool, organised on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet was used to extract and analyse data. Data collected included demographic and patient characteristics, diagnosis and condition background, referral/admission details, living arrangements and outcome of admission.ResultsThe majority of the 90 patients admitted for respite care were male (58%). Complex neurological disorders were the leading background diagnosis (28%) among the 16 diagnosis groups identified. Most referrals were from the community services or from patients and their families. Although most patients, 80%, were discharged home after respite, about 12% died during the course of the respite. As this was a retrospective audit, we could not examine quality of care or impact of the intervention on patients or carers because the information was not available.ConclusionThe audit has enhanced our understanding of respite care patients and their carers. Results from this audit will provide a platform for further enquiry helping to guide and improve service provision.

No abstract