A local Scout group went time travelling at University Hospital Hairmyres, recently.

Andrew Craig, 6^th East Kilbride Beaver Scout Leader, and Medical Illustration team leader, visited the Memory Lane project at the hospital.

Andrew said: “Memory Lane is project which helps older patients, particularly those with cognitive impairment, cope better while in hospital.

“Our children visited so they could enjoy chatting with the patients, listen to their stories while doing crafts, colouring in and singing songs together.

“The number of people in Scotland living with dementia is increasing so we’re working to build awareness and support those living locally as part of the national Scouting campaign ‘A Million Hands’. Our young people get the benefit of doing something selfless, helping older people and knowing they have provided comfort and entertainment.”

Carol McKechnie, activities co-ordinator at Hairmyres Hospital, is one of the staff who created Memory Lane and the living room design. She has spent hours of her own time scouring charity shops to source different items which will evoke memories and open lines of communication with the patients who take part and use the service she provides.

Carol said: “Many of the men and women who use Memory Lane have cognitive impairment. I also felt there was a need for somewhere that offered support to patients who had nutritional problems that could be anything from prompting to assisting and allowing time to take meals without the pressures of the wards.

“The Beaver Scouts intend to return to make memory boxes with some patients in the near future. Children see these older patients as people, we need to help them look beyond the illness or condition of the patient and see the person for who they are and the life they have lived, which is something we are passionate about reinforcing.