NHS Lothian RFU staff and patients take four million steps for Ukraine

NHS Lothian staff and patients at the Robert Fergusson Unit (RFU) have walked four million steps in under a month to raise money for Ukraine.

Four million steps is how many it would take to walk the distance between the RFU and Kyiv. A step challenge, rather than a distance challenge, ensured patients with limited mobility could also take part.

The RFU, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is a national NHS neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injury and associated behavioural disturbance.

Helen O’Leary, Occupational Therapist at the RFU, said: “Our staff and patients really wanted to do their bit to help the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

“Though some of our patients have a reduced ability to interact with the world, they are still aware of what goes on globally and are incredibly generous and kind.

“It’s so wonderful to see patients who wouldn’t otherwise be so active get up and walk around, and for such a good cause.”

The RFU team raised £2,358 in donations and £446 in Gift Aid, which will go to the British Red Cross to help provide aid to the people of Ukraine.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in improved long-term activity among both patients and staff. This is key to relieving stress and managing neurological conditions and some patients are continuing to count their steps even after they have reached their goal.

Neigh bother! Therapy Ponies visit Royal Edinburgh Hospital

It’s well known that interaction with friendly animals has a positive impact on patients in mental health. It’s been known to uplift their spirits, reduce stress and even encourage communication.

Following a very successful one off visit last summer from the Therapy Ponies to Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH), it was clear that it would be worth becoming a more regular event.

With the support of the Occupational Therapy Department, Edinburgh and Lothian’s Health Foundation, Therapy Ponies Scotland, Nursing team, Infection Control, Fire Officers, and Security we were able to make this happen!

During their visits the Therapy Ponies have been great at both calming and stimulating patients.

Patients, staff and carers have been able to share and engage in the moment together, which was especially beneficial for those who have limited verbal communication and find structured activity difficult. The ponies had a number of patients up and walking (as well as talking) promoting a real sense of community and fun.

Patients were delighted to have the ponies – one remarked “it has been the best day of my life” (and has repeated this since), another said they “could cry with happiness”.

The therapy ponies Wilson and Herbie and their handlers, Elaine and John, ensured everyone had enough time to get the most from the visit – we couldn’t rate them more highly!

NHS Lothian

Pics: Therapies Ponies Scotland

 

Natural health service: Cyrenians and SNH celebrate 3 years of green learning

 

Cyrenians is a Scottish charity stopping homelessness and supporting people. Cyrenians community gardens, situated at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Midlothian Community Hospital, provide opportunities for people to get outside and grow food, bringing people together and reducing social isolation. Continue reading Natural health service: Cyrenians and SNH celebrate 3 years of green learning

Royal Ed campus redevelopment rolls on

The project to redevelop the Royal Edinburgh Hospital campus has taken another major step forward with the keys of the £48 million first phase being exchanged in time for Christmas.
Preparations are now underway to start a rolling programme of service relocations to the new facilities and will see staff moving into their new surroundings throughout the first half of 2017.

Continue reading Royal Ed campus redevelopment rolls on