The Evening Times ran an article about figures in a new report showing that women from Lanarkshire experience higher-than-average rates of stillbirth and neonatal deaths than other parts of Scotland. The region recorded the second-highest rate in Scotland with 6.42 deaths per 1,000 births. However it is worth noting that the figure of 7,096 Lanarkshire resident […]
Beaver and Cub Scouts spread festive cheer at Hairmyres
A group of Beaver and Cub Scouts from 6th East Kilbride (along with leaders, young leaders and some of the children’s parents) took time out to spread some Christmas cheer to the patients in wards 15 and 16 at University Hospital Hairmyres.
Wearing elf hats along with their uniforms, they went from room to room helping Santa to deliver the cards they’d made, singing Christmas songs and, most importantly, spending time chatting with the patients in these care of the elderly wards.
The leaders wanted to emphasise to the Beavers and Cubs the deeper values of Christmas and use the festive season as an opportunity to demonstrate how we can all do our bit to support people in our community.
As an employee of NHS Lanarkshire, Beaver and Cub Scout leader Andrew Craig understands that Christmas can be a difficult time for hospital inpatients, particularly those that are elderly.
“While some patients are fit enough to be discharged to enjoy Christmas at home, unfortunately many aren’t,” he said. “And for those patients that don’t have friends or family to come and visit them, it can be an extremely lonely time. As much of the excitement surrounding the festive season is geared toward the young, this can leave care of the elderly patients especially, feeling left out.”
“Visits from young children have been shown to have a very positive impact on patients’ care and recovery,” said Andrew.
“The Beavers and Cubs not only gained a real sense of pride for doing something entirely selfless for others, but had a wonderful time on their visit. As a result of learning that doing something beneficial can also be fun, the children are already looking forward to our other on-going community-driven activities.”
The staff of wards 15 and 16 welcomed the children and helped to introduce them to the patients. At the end of their visit each child was awarded a badge and a wristband as well as a selection box (generously donated by the staff).
6th East Kilbride Beaver and Cub Scouts are presently taking part in a national Scouting campaign called A Million Hands, encouraging everyone to increase their awareness and actively support others in their community.
Comments are closed.