Kit will reduce trauma of giving blood
Kind mum helps buy AccuVein
The children’s ward at St John’s Hospital welcomed an innovative new piece of kit which will go a long way towards alleviating the pain and trauma faced by youngsters having blood taken.
Called the AccuVein, the machinery helps staff by making it easier to find the small veins in babies and children.
The kit was bought thanks to fundraising organised by Armadale musician Mary Gristwood.
Her son Dara was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition MPGN in July last year, and spent some time in St John’s before being transferred to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital where he receives on- going specialist treatment through the Renal Unit.
He needed to return to St John’s A&E last December and a traumatic late night experience in giving blood sparked the idea of fundraising for the AccuVein which Mary had seen in action at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital.
A professional musician, Mary decided to fundraise for one for St John’s by busking in Bathgate and Linlithgow and organising various events as well as setting up a JustGiving Page which helped Mary reach the £3300 target.
“Mary said: “Thanks to the generosity of the people of West Lothian and friends and family worldwide, the £ 3300 target was achieved recently and the AccuVein now in use at St John’s.
“Thank you to everyone involved whose kindness has helped make this possible.”
A Fundraising Ceilidh for the STV Children’s Appeal also organised by Mary to help Glasgow Childrens Hospital, will take place tongith (Thursday) in Linlithgow Burgh Halls. Details at www.ceilidhscotland.org.