Behind the scenes at children’s hospices

Viewers promised an emotional journey during BBC Alba documentary

An emotional and poignant behind the scenes documentary showing some of Scotland’s children’s hospices is to be broadcast next week.

There are more than 15,000 babies, children and young people living with life-shortening conditions in Scotland.

The hospices provide respite and palliative care to babies, children and young people. The BBC Alba programme follows five families who depend on the incredible support offered by nurses and staff at both houses.

Tèarmann / Home from Home was given unprecedented access over four months to Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch by the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

The programme charts the story of five-year-old Eilidh Duncan and her family. The glitter loving girl from Alloa has a condition called Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction with intestinal failure, which means her digestive system doesn’t work properly and she is fed via a line.

Eilidh’s brother, Cailean, also has problems with his digestive system and the documentary outlines how the family deals with their children’s roundthe-clock medical needs – and how Robin House provides much-needed respite for the whole family.

Mum Rhona said: “My whole life revolves around Eilidh and Cailean and making sure Eilidh’s medical needs are met. When I go to Robin House, instead of being nurse and mummy, I can just be mummy.”

Viewers will watch the neonatal team making memories with baby John Cummings, from Gorebridge near Edinburgh. John has a condition called ARC syndrome and his family know he won’t survive much longer. Sadly, since filming John has passed away.

Also featured are twins Kein and Kelsey Speed, 16, from Arbroath, who are on a break away from home – and who are well-known to staff at Rachel House for both their fun and sarcasm.

And the programme also visits Rachel House with the Broadley family from Falkirk whose son Lewis used the hospice for 11 years until his death a year ago.

Producer / director Lindsay Goodall said: ”I was a bit scared of visiting the hospices for the first time, but they’re truly special places which I miss spending time in.”

Tèarmann / Home from Home will be transmitted on Tuesday October 4, from 9pm to 10pm. It will be repeated on Sunday October 9 at 9pm.

Iwasabit scared of visiting the hospices for the first time, but they’re truly special places which I miss spending time in. LINDSAY GOODALL PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR

The programme follows the life of five-year-old Eilidh Duncan, left, and her family. Right: John Cummings. Below: The Broadley family.