Taking time for us
A prescription for learning…
MADE with care
Heather Hardie, Clinical Manager
This year, we welcomed our first undergraduate pharmacy students on a two-week specialist experiential learning placement, spending time in our In-Patient Unit and with our Community Team.
which was both motivating and inspiring to witness first-hand. “The placement strengthened my confidence, expanded my clinical knowledge and reinforced the impact pharmacists can have within a hospice setting. It has encouraged me to continue developing my clinical skills and has shaped the kind of pharmacist I aspire to become in the future. “I am extremely grateful for the experience, the support from the team and the valuable skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my time at Ayrshire Hospice.” You can read more about our Board at ayrshirehospice. org
We would like to thank a talented superstar volunteer – who wishes to remain anonymous – for recently donating a selection of handmade bags for patients in our In-Patient Unit to use to carry their syringe drivers. We love the designs and fabrics used to create these little bags. Don’t they look great?
Experiential learning placements allow students to apply their knowledge from university while developing further knowledge and skills in a real-life setting. The students benefitted from learning about palliative care from our wider multidisciplinary team and experienced first-hand the role they may play in caring for palliative patients in their future careers as qualified pharmacists. Lindiwe Kamahoro “As a fifth-year pharmacy student, I recently spent two weeks in a palliative care hospice – and it’s an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. What surprised me most was how warm and welcoming it felt. From the staff to the families, there was such a genuine sense of care and kindness in every corner.
– and that’s something I’ll carry with me as I grow into my role as a pharmacist. “Thank you again for the opportunity – I’m really grateful for the experience and all the support I received during my placement.” Megan “My placement at Ayrshire Hospice was an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience that has had a significant impact on how I view my future role as a pharmacist. It gave me the opportunity to experience a hands-on clinical pharmacy role and gain exposure to areas of practice that students do not usually get the chance to be involved in.
In April, we were delighted to welcome Holistic Practitioner (Level 7) students from Ayrshire College for a special staff wellbeing event. Thanks to the support of the students, it was lovely to be able to offer a range of therapies and massages to our staff, who were more than happy to take part. It gave our clinical staff the opportunity to experience the benefits of these therapies first-hand. As we offer similar therapies ourselves, they now have a better understanding and appreciation of how they can support our patients and their families, both in our In-Patient Unit and in the community. Staff were offered a range of soothing therapeutic treatments aimed at reducing everyday stresses and promoting wellbeing. The event also gave the students the chance to learn more about the work carried out by teams across the Hospice. The students who delivered the therapies were fantastic and great ambassadors for the college. Feedback from our staff was that they were warm, friendly and very professional. I hope the event also gave the students valuable experience spending time with our staff, learning more about what we do and how we care for and support people across Ayrshire living with a life-shortening illness.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the placement was being part of such a close and supportive multidisciplinary team. Observing the pharmacist’s role within MDT meetings really highlighted the importance of pharmacists in patient care and decision-making. It was clear to see the trust and reliance the wider team placed on the pharmacist’s clinical knowledge and expertise,
“It quickly became clear that this is a place where people really matter. Every detail is thoughtful – whether it’s a favourite meal, a small
celebration, or simply taking the time to make someone feel comfortable. Nothing felt rushed or routine. “Being part of the team helped me see what patient care can truly look like at its best. It reminded me that behind every treatment is a person
Our next top models, pictured here, are Margo , IPU Volunteer, and Kirsty , Ayrshire Hospice Care Assistant.
September 2026 | EDITION 42
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