By Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive Officer As the year gets underway, I’ve been reflecting on what an extraordinary year 2025 was for the Ayrshire Hospice - and feeling genuinely excited about what lies ahead...
Continued from previous page... Inspectors consistently observed person-centred care, meaningful involvement of patients and families, and effective collaboration with partners - all underpinned by staff who are deeply committed to making a difference. Healthcare Improvement Scotland visited the hospice in October to begin their review and, across the three areas assessed, a ‘Good’ rating was achieved, with no clinical requirements identified.
The feedback received from patients and their relatives was truly uplifting. Hearing them speak so warmly about the care, compassion and support provided reflects the heart of who we are as a team and the values we live by every day. This recognition is a thank you to staff and volunteers across the hospice for their hard work, compassion and continued dedication to our patients and their families. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on this success and continuing to deliver the care we are so privileged to provide.
Last year marked a major milestone as we returned to our home at Racecourse Road following the completion of our capital build project. Coming back together under one roof was a powerful moment for our organisation, our patients and families, and everyone who supports our work. It was a year that reminded us just how far we have come - and what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. But at the Ayrshire Hospice, we never stand still. As this edition of The Article shows, we have continued to build on that momentum, evolving and developing our services, strengthening our operations and ensuring our support continues to meet the needs of people across Ayrshire when they need us most. In this issue, you’ll read about some of the exciting events planned for the year ahead - from a vibrant 5K Colour Dash to celebrating Scotland being at the World Cup - alongside a look back at some of the fantastic events that rounded off 2025. You’ll also discover hidden gems uncovered by our retail e-commerce teams, updates from our dedicated fundraisers, inspiring professional development across our clinical teams, and, most importantly, the powerful stories of patients and families we have had the privilege to support. Thank you, as always, to our staff, volunteers, supporters and partners. Your commitment, kindness and belief in what we do makes everything possible. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and feel as proud of the Ayrshire Hospice as I do. With my sincere thanks,
Learning from Excellence By Alana Struthers, Head of Governance
The Ayrshire Hospice has recently launched a new staff recognition module, Learning from Excellence, inspired by a national movement that focuses on what works well in healthcare.
This organisation-wide platform allows us to capture and share these moments, creating a culture where excellence is defined not just by skill, but by how we make people feel. By celebrating the human side of care, we are shining a light on the compassion that underpins everything we do - and to remind ourselves, and our community, that excellence is often found in the smallest gestures.
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Rather than spotlighting outcomes or achievements alone, this initiative celebrates the everyday moments that make a real difference to people - often quietly, and often profoundly. At its core, Learning from Excellence is about peer-to-peer
appreciation. It gives our staff a way to recognise each other for the kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness they show - whether that’s offering a cup of tea at just the right time, a reassuring word, or simply being present when it matters most.
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March 2026 | EDITION 41
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