AWARD WINNERS
Staff at University Hospitalwishaw have picked up the Best Hospital Care Initiative category at Scotland’s Dementia Awards.
The hospital bagged the top award thanks to its innovativetheatre Buddy project.
Theatre Buddy affords patients the opportunity to have a relative, carer or friend accompanying them to theatre, to be present in the anaesthetic room until they go to sleep and to be the first person they see in the recovery room.
Patients are less stressed in theatre and returning to the ward. Rehabilitation can start earlier; length of hospital stay is reduced as is the need for supportive medication.
The hospital’s chief nurse Gillian Mcauley said:“we are thrilled to be named as winners in Scotland’s Dementia Awards for Best Hospital Care Initiative.
“We knowtheatre Buddy has made such a difference to the lives of patients and carers and we hope other boards adopt this approach.”
Scotland’s Dementia Awards, a partnership between Alzheimer’s Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council, sets out to celebrate the inspirational achievements of those making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
Rigorously judged by a panel of leading social care, third sector and health professionals alongside people with dementia and carers, the awards, now in their seventh year, showcase creative approaches and collaboration, innovation and best practice in all aspects of dementia information, advice and care.
Alzheimer Scotland’s chief executive Henry Simmons said:“this year’s winners have set a new precedent and we are delighted to see everyone congratulated for their efforts to support people living with dementia and their families.
“We would like to thank everyone who played their part in this year’s awards and who continue to make the programme a resounding success.
“It is a fitting tribute that we are celebrating the wonderful contribution that individuals and teams have made across the dementia care sector in Scotland to markworld Alzheimer’s Day.” Lunch club continues in the church hall on Mondays, from noon until 1.30pm. A two-course meal is served comprising of main and dessert, with coffee, tea or juice, for only £4. There is also a take away service available if required. Everyone will be made welcome. Sewing bee continues in the small church hall on Mondays, at 7pm. All types of arts and crafts are undertaken and expert help is available, if required. Everyone welcome. Line dancing class is held in the main church hall on Wednesdays, starting at 12.30pm for beginners’ and refreshers, followed by the main class at 1.15pm until 2.45pm. All ages and abilities will be made welcome. Women’s group held their first meeting of the new session with guest speaker the Rev Lorna Macdougall. Lorna gave an interesting talk about her life and the road which led to her taking up the ministry. Her talk was found to be extremely interesting and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Tonight’s meeting will take the form of a supper evening. Overtown and Waterloo community council meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the community centre at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and listen to a variety of speakers. The group can also be followed on Facebook. Armistice To mark the centenary of Armistice Day, the social and fundraising committee are holding a ‘Night of Reminiscence and Remembrance’. A concert will be held in Overtown church on November 10, with refreshments available, to which all are invited. There will also be services held at both of the village’s war memorials to mark the commemoration.
Bonkle extra