Nairn Hospital 'overwhelmed' with generosity of community
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Nairn Town & County Hospital has received over £4000 in donations from local communities.
At the beginning of May, local minister Steven Manders hosted a fundraising event for The League of Friends of Nairn Town & County Hospital, a voluntary organisation of over 30 years that provides facilities, equipment and services for the NHS through donations. Over £2000 was raised thanks to donations from local communities.
These donations have allowed Nairn Hospital to complete a second fully furnished community hospice room, which include TVs, catering facilities, and extra beds for family to stay overnight.
Over the years, the League has also provided a wide selection of items and equipment for the hospital, such as TVs for every bed, stroke chairs and exercise machines.
These items have improved the comfort and environment of patients, and also enabled the staff to continue with excellent care without added pressures.
Local GPs work closely with Highland Hospice consultants to deliver specialist palliative care within Nairn Town and County Hospital and the wider community.
Brother and sister Samantha and James Birkbeck have also contributed to these developments through fundraising for the Highland Health Board Endowment Fund.
Earlier this year, the siblings ran the Inverness half marathon and raised around £2500 after they lost their grandfather last December.
Samantha and James were so grateful for the care their grandpa received from doctors and nurses at Nairn Town & County Hospital, which allowed him to pass away peacefully close to his family.
Ros Philip, district manager for Nairn, said: “All of the staff are so overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved in fundraising and are very grateful to them for their donations.”
“End of life care is never easy, but with these donations we have been able to create a pleasant environment for patients and families which will hopefully make their experiences that little bit more special.
"These hospice rooms help keep local people local and avoid travelling to other facilities, which is one less thing to think about for family and friends wishing to visit.
“The money will continue to be put to good use to help create a positive experience and lasting impression to everyone who visits and works at Nairn Hospital.”
Sonia MacKay, chairwoman of The League of Friends of Nairn Town & County Hospital, said: “Over the years, the League’s aim has been to improve hospital facilities predominantly for patients but also staff and the wider community.
"We are able to do this because of the generosity of the patients, relatives and the community of Nairn, whose support we are always so grateful for.”
“From organising Christmas parties, to refurbishing the existing palliative care rooms and helping to facilitate the opening of a new one, going forward we will be looking into the possibility of providing an outside seating area for all to enjoy.”
