As a Speech and Language Therapist in Acute Medicine at the Western General Hospital (WGH), I am always looking for new ways to stimulate and encourage patients to engage and participate in the therapeutic process (writes Ros Todd). This can be easier said than done sometimes, but I think if I could bottle what my wee dog Pippin does on his weekly Therapet visit to the Stroke Unit on Ward 50, I’d be a very successful Therapist indeed! Continue reading Pets are good for us!
Around 500 sick youngsters have been diverted to a hospital 20 miles away since the controversial closure of a children’s ward, health bosses have admitted. Continue reading 500 sick kids diverted since children’s ward closure
Recommendations to house a new Inclusive Homelessness Service on the site of the former Panmure St Ann’s school in the Cowgate have been approved by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). Continue reading Homelessness Service hub earmarked for former school site
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
The number of smoking cessation attempts in NHS Lothian has reached a record low – and Tory health spokesman Miles Briigs MSP says that’s because complacency has set in. Continue reading Smoking cessation attempts in NHS Lothian drop over last five years
On Wednesday 15th August 2018 NHS Lothian will be celebrating Cycle to Work Day – and we want you to join in! Continue reading NHS Lothian supports Cycle to Work Day – 15 August
“Jeane Freeman should acknowledge the link between our GP crisis and the increased pressure on A&E services.” – Miles Briggs MSP
Following the recent announcement that A&E waiting targets have not been met for a year, there has been growing pressure on SNP Ministers to take action. Continue reading NHS Lothian has longest A&E waiting times
Only £333,000 out of £51.6 million being used to reduce chronic pain waiting times in Scotland
Research by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed that only £333,000 out of £51.6 million of funding set aside to reduce waiting times has been used for chronic pain – less than 1%. Continue reading Less than 1% of NHS waiting time funding spent on chronic pain
Police in Edinburgh have teamed up with NHS Lothian to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at preventing vulnerable people going missing from hospitals. Continue reading Partners launch initiative to stop people going missing from hospitals
Miles Briggs MSP has written to the new Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman, to seek assurances that she is committed to reinstating the 24/7 model for the Children’s Ward at St. John’s Hospital. Continue reading St John’s Children’s Ward: update ‘by end of summer’
