Caring in the community
By Susie Chamberlain, Lead Practitioner Community Nursing
consultants in palliative care, covering the length and breadth of Ayrshire and Arran. They support patients diagnosed with a life- limiting illness, and their families. Today, with more patients wishing to remain in their own environment, the community team is expanding to meet this need and have welcomed two new community palliative care nurses who will support the Specialist Palliative Care Nursing team, which is also expanding with two new starts. This brings the total number of specialist nurses in the community team to ten, with five working in the South and East Ayrshire and five within North and East. Each is assigned to a geographical area based upon GP surgeries, allowing them to build professional relationships with GP, district nursing and social work teams.
The Respite and Response team, comprised of ten highly skilled care assistants, also forms part of our community team. Their role also centres around patient and family support, providing both respite and personal care in response to changes in a patient’s condition, thereby avoiding hospital admission. A significant part of their role is also in facilitating compassionate discharge from hospital. Without their input, patients may have to wait until a package of care is in place, resulting in precious time spent in hospital when their preference is to be at home. ....................... And as the Hospice works on returning to Racecourse Road, the Community team is excited to watch how the will team grow and develop during 2024 to meet the needs of the Ayrshire community.
The Ayrshire Lads visit IPU
Patients and staff in the In-Patient Unit were treated to a visit from the Ayrshire Lads, who took time out from their performances at The Gaiety Theatre in February.
The McDonald Brothers and Jai McDowall popped in to spend some time chatting with everyone. Ayrshire Hospice Chief Executive Tracy Flynn welcomed the lads and gave them a tour of the In-Patient Unit, currently located in East Ayrshire Community Hospital. The boys shared a laugh and joke with patients and their families, as well as signing some autographs.
Throughout 2023, the Ayrshire Hospice
Community team assisted over 1300 patients in their own homes, managing complex symptoms and providing much-needed support and reassurance. The Ayrshire Hospice’s Community team is comprised of specialist nurses, care assistants and
The Ayrshire Hospice Living Well team run twice weekly Tai Chi classes to support patients’ physical and mental wellness. These classes are designed for people known to the Ayrshire Hospice. Team members Fiona Brodlie and Christine McLean will welcome you to the online class on Fridays at 11 am, while Claire looks forward to seeing you in person at the Kyle Ward, Ailsa Hospital, on Tuesdays at 10 am. Discover the ancient art of Tai Chi, a vibrant journey towards holistic well-being. Immerse yourself in slow, flowing movements and embrace the power of deep, controlled breathing. With each session, Tai Chi brings harmony to your mind and body, enhancing balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages, our virtual and in-person Tai Chi classes are your gateway to a gentle yet effective path to physical and mental wellness. Join us for the rejuvenating experience, followed by a cuppa and friendly chat. Living Well delivers Tai Chi
IT ALL ADDS UP
By Emily Janes, Fundraiser
Donations from loose change raised an impressive £14,752.60 for the Hospice last year! These contributions help support the delivery of exceptional palliative and end- of-life care throughout the Ayrshire and Arran community While times have changed in the world with ‘contactless’ payments, the annual collection can round-up has proven that cash is still around. The Fundraising team recently visited some of our long-running collection can venues to say thank you. A huge shout out to Andrew Peden, Dee Dees Cutz and Keystore (Mount Oliphant) who raised some of the biggest totals from collection cans for last year. Every penny counts, so thank you to everyone who pops their spare change into our collection cans around Ayrshire and Arran. If your business or organisation would like to help add to the total for 2024 and take one of the collection cans, please contact the Fundraising team on 01292 288 488 or email community@ ayrshirehospice.org
Ready to embark on this uplifting Tai Chi adventure? Then, please get in touch with any staff member of the Hospice team or email livingwell@ayrshirehospice.org
April 2024 | EDITION 36
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