Politician of year Jeane pays visit to Hospice team

Scotland’s health chief has paid a Ministerial visit to the Ayrshire Hospice.

Jeane Freeman, this week named the country’s poltician of the year, was in town to meet with staff, patients, family members and voluntary workers.

The Cabinet Secretary, who represents the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency, toured the facility visiting the hospice in- patient unit, gardens, the Wee House and Solas day services lounge.

Mandy Yule, Hospice Chief Executive, said: “It was a great opportunity for patients and families to meet with Ms Freeman and I was extremely proud to share the exceptional work of the teams across our organisation.

“She was particularly interested to hear from our patients and family members about their experience of hospice care as well as the development of our community services which currently provide support to over 300 people a week in their own homes across Ayrshire.

“Ms Freeman also commended our 189 employed staff and over 500 voluntary staff for the exceptional support and care available to our patients and their families 365 days a year.”

During 2017- 18 the Hospice had 1,398 patient referrals from across Ayrshire.

The majority of the care provided by the hospice is within the community with over 3,600 visits being made during 2017- 18 by the hospice team of community specialist palliative care nurses.

Ms Freeman said: “It was a privilege to meet with such positive, kind and committed staff who work hard to serve the people in the hospice.

“I’m grateful to witness how the hospice supports those staying for respite, their family members and the care that they support across Ayrshire.” It

It cost more than £ 7.7 million to run all hospice services during 2017- 18, including clinical, fundraising and support services – equating to over £ 21,200 per day

More than £ 4.5 million was raised through voluntary donations alone.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran provide partnership funding of more than £ 2.8million.