PLAY our Christmas Super Draw!
Robbie ‘kickstarts’ career with the Ayrshire Hospice
The Ayrshire Hospice celebrates research collaboration with ICPS
By Suzanne Kerr, Facilities Supervisor
Robbie Cree joined the Maintenance Team at the Hospice as a Trainee Maintenance Assistant in January 2022 as part of the government’s Kickstart Scheme. The initiative aims to provide funding to organisations to create job placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Robbie joined the Ayrshire Hospice on a six-month contract, working 25 hours per week during a particularly busy period. His arrival coincided with the organisation’s efforts to relocate from Racecourse Road, Ayr to East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock, in support of the redevelopment of its facilities. With little experience in maintenance tasks upon joining the team, Robbie quickly displayed his aptitude for the role, completing all his mandatory training, as well as a Ladder Safety Awareness course, and was able to assist with all maintenance team tasks. Robbie was taught how to use various tools and gardening equipment and fully involved in the decant process from Racecourse Road where he became a much-needed and valued member of the team. The Ayrshire Hospice was delighted to see Robbie recently when he visited to return some uniform and learned that he had taken up a full-time janitor position at Prestwick Academy. Suzanne said: “It was lovely to hear that he has secured permanent employment and that we at the Hospice played a part in his career path.”
By Dr. Cat Killin, Lead Consultant
The Ayrshire Hospice is thrilled to celebrate a recent research collaboration with the West of Scotland Interventional Cancer Pain Service (ICPS) team. This collaboration aims to improve the care and quality of life for patients with refractory cancer pain, a term used for severe pain resistant to common treatments. The research focuses on Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems, which is perhaps considered to be underutilised as a treatment option. Preliminary findings suggest that for advanced cancer patients, intrathecal analgesia, which delivers medication around the spinal cord, leads to more time in the community and reduced morphine use at end of life. The Hospice recognises the need for further research, and this collaboration with the ICPS team positions the organisation at the forefront of this important endeavour. Together, there is a commitment to advancing patient care, upholding our mission to provide specialist palliative care and services to people and families affected by life-limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran.
The Ayrshire Hospice Christmas Super Draw is back with a bang and the chance for you to unwrap a nice Christmas present of £5000! As well as the top prize, there is also a second prize of £500 , a third prize of £100 as well as 70 prizes of £10 . A book contains 12 tickets with each one costing £1 – that’s £12 per book and 12 wonderful chances to win. Tickets are on sale now by calling 01292 288488 or you can enter online at www.ayrshirehospice.org. Players must be 18+ The closing date for returning paper tickets is 8th December and online entries close at midnight on the 14th. The draw will take place on 15th December…just in time for Christmas!
You can also scan the QR Code for even quicker entry…
Make a Will success By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
The Ayrshire Hospice was delighted with participation in this year’s Make a Will Fortnight which saw many take up the opportunity to create or update their wills while donating to the organisation. Thanks to the continued support of solicitors across Ayrshire who take part in Make a Will Fortnight, this campaign engages new supporters who can secure their estate and support the Ayrshire Hospice.
All funds raised from this appeal will help contribute toward the provision of exceptional palliative and end- of-life care to patients and their families across Ayrshire and Arran. Make a Will Fortnight wouldn’t be possible without local solicitors kindly giving their time and expertise and supporters deciding to make or update their wills in exchange for a donation to the Hospice. Thank you!
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership as we continue to make a meaningful difference.
December 2023 | EDITION 35
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