Latest news with #RAH
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Teenager praises ‘amazing' Paisley hospital experience after volunteer role
Sophie Henderson has been helping out at the town's Royal Alexandra Hospital. A teenager who provides companionship and support to patients at a Paisley hospital has told how the role has helped prepare her to study medicine at university. Sophie Henderson spends around two hours per week after school as a volunteer at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) assisting patients in a medical respiratory ward. The 17-year-old said the experience and commitment has given her a valuable insight into working in a clinical environment – and built her confidence as she works towards becoming a doctor. The Johnstone High School pupil, who is currently finishing sixth year, has been accepted to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen after the summer. She has been volunteering at the RAH for over a year and initially supported the staff 'relaxation and recuperation hub' when she joined during the Easter holidays in 2024. She went on to become a ward support volunteer. Sophie told of her 'amazing experience' working with patients, staff and visitors, and the rewarding feeling she gets from providing companionship to those who may otherwise feel isolated. She said: 'I come in every Thursday at around dinnertime and the nature of the respiratory ward means that often you see the same patients multiple times. 'They will quite often remember me from the last time they were in hospital and it's really nice to know I've made an impact on them. 'When I come in, I will usually go around each of the rooms in the ward to see if anybody needs anything, and then will sit and have a chat just to keep them company. 'It has been an amazing experience to build these relationships with patients and staff and to spend time in a hospital setting – it has really built up my confidence. 'It has also given me perspective and some knowledge and experience of the different roles of people working in hospitals. It really helped me prepare for my future career in medicine and confirmed this is something I want to pursue.' Sophie shared her story as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) celebrates Volunteers' Week. Many sites are actively seeking to recruit volunteers. More information about volunteering and current opportunities can be found on the health board's website. Sophie received training and was paired with a 'buddy' when she first started doing shifts, and later went on to become a mentor to other new volunteers. She also recently won a summit award for her outstanding contribution to volunteering. Harry Balch, volunteer manager for NHSGGC's Clyde sector, said: 'Sophie is a valued member of the volunteer team. She is friendly, professional, organised and compassionate and possesses excellent interpersonal skills. 'Within the department, Sophie is incredibly hard working and very respectful in her approach and the patients benefit hugely from the time she spends with them. 'Volunteers' Week gives us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers and celebrate their generous contribution. 'Volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing a whole range of experience and skills to the service and that's what makes volunteering so beneficial. 'Not only do the volunteers provide invaluable support to patients, it can be a hugely rewarding – and sometimes surprising – experience for those who volunteer.'
The Herald Scotland
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
McColl's announces withdrawal of hospital link service
The travel company says the tender for the service has ended as NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) intends to run its own transport. The internal link transport on the route is to begin on Sunday, June 29. However, the new bus service run by the NHS will only be open to NHS staff and patients. Billy Hunter, deputy director of Facilities and Corporate for NHSGGC, said: 'NHSGGC will continue to provide a transport link between the VoLH and the RAH, and we will move to a free, in-house transport service from June 29, 2025. 'This direct service between the two hospitals will ensure a link remains for patients and staff. 'We would like to thank SPT for their support for the operation of the 340 bus service.' Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley. (Image: Newsquest) Jackie Baillie MSP has branded the move 'appalling' (Image: PR) Dumbarton MSP, Jackie Baillie, has voiced concerns over the bus service change, branding the move "appalling". The politician says journeys to and from both hospitals can be "long and expensive" and is calling for the 340 service to continue. Baillie said: 'NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde gave a commitment when acute services were transferred from the of Leven Hospital to the RAH in Paisley that they would provide a transport link. 'Communities in Helensburgh, the Vale of Leven and Dumbarton have no natural transport links to Paisley and journeys are long, expensive and complicated. This was more than pointed out to the health board at the time. 'Both I and the communities in my constituency were given a guarantee that this difficulty would be resolved by the provision of a bus service and it is appalling that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde should now break that promise and hope that their pledge will have been forgotten. Read more: We have power to nationalise Scotland's bus services 'It is absolutely essential that the 340 service continues to operate and that patients and visitors can freely access the RAH by public transport. 'That is what the board promised this community, and that is what the board must deliver.' An NHS GGC spokesperson had apologised for the impact on travellers who can no longer use the 340 service. They said: "We can confirm that the 340 Vale of Leven – RAH bus service, currently funded through a partnership with SPT, will end after service on June 28, 2025. A free, in-house transport service for patients, staff, and products will begin operation the following day ( June 29, 2025). "This direct service between the two hospitals will ensure a link remains for patients with a scheduled appointment at either hospital and for NHS staff. "We apologise to anyone who may be impacted by this update." A spokesperson for McColl's said: 'McColl's is disappointed by NHS Greater Glasgow's decision to discontinue Service 340 without wider consultation. We remain committed to supporting accessible transport links for patients and staff and stand ready to discuss future arrangements. 'We have been proud to serve staff, patients and visitors on this route for many years and understand the importance of reliable links between the two hospitals. "Thank you for travelling with McColl's. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact our Customer Services team on 01389 754 321 or
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Volunteers dig in for green vision at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital
The efforts from those that gathered were aimed at transforming a section of the hospital into a green space to fulfil the dream of the site's founding father. More than 60 volunteers gathered at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley to help transform green space and fulfil the dream of the site's founding father. The project was inspired by one of the ambitions of the hospital's designers, the late Ian Plenderleath. The volunteers – made up of staff past and present, families and friends – planted 300 native trees. Among the participants was Tommy MacDonald, the son of RAH staff member Chris MacDonald, who celebrated his seventh birthday by planting his own tree. The majority of the saplings, supplied by the NHS Forest initiative, were planted along the 'glass corridor' that links many clinical and staff areas while others were planted on grassed areas around the hospital grounds. As they mature, the trees will be visible from throughout the hospital – in particular, the planting along the glass corridor which is overlooked by a number of wards. In the original designs for the hospital, architect Mr Plenderleath had imagined this key route throughout the hospital as a 'green walkway' and, in coming years, this vision will become reality. The planting project was the brainchild of Dr Lucy Thomas, consultant in emergency medicine (Clyde sector) at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC). She said: 'I saw an advert for NHS Forest – and even though it was mainly for NHS England, I thought I'd apply. 'At first, we were turned down, but in December, I received an email saying we'd been accepted and would be receiving 300 trees – and all we would need to do is plant them.' In all, Lucy and the team received 11 different native species, along with stakes, ties, wildlife screens and matting to ensure the saplings would get the best start in life. 'There was quite a buzz on the day,' Lucy added. 'People brought teas and coffees, cakes and snacks so there was a great atmosphere and it really brought staff from all departments, and from all levels, together. 'People of all ages came along to help – and some of the young volunteers will be able to keep an eye on the progress of 'their' trees as they mature.' As part of its initiative, NHS Forest provides a page for the RAH planting project on its website so staff will be able to keep the community updated on the progress of the trees. Fiona Roche, greenspace officer at NHSGGC, said: 'The health and wellbeing benefits of greenspace are well known so it is great to see this project take place as part of our wider commitment to the whole community, as well as our patients, visitors and staff. 'I would like to thank Lucy for her work in organising this project, all the volunteers for giving up their time and NHS Forest for making it possible. 'The trees will likely outlive all of us so it is wonderful that an architect's original vision has finally become reality, and that it will be such a positive legacy for future generations.'
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Georgetown food drive sends meals around the world
Food packaged at a Georgetown community event will travel around the world. The event packed over 80,000 meals that will be sent to an educational facility in South Sudan. Last year, they sent about 71,000 meals to Zambia. The Saturday, March 8, event at Sussex Central High School, was attended by around 360 volunteers. This is the event's third year, and the food donations are shipped abroad by Rise Against Hunger's Philadelphia chapter. It's an international organization that packages over 57 million meals in 2023. This annual day of giving back, "Feeding the 5,000 Multiplied," is done with the support of numerous local churches and organizations. It's 40 cents per meal and about $32,000 to put it all together. Money comes from local churches and nonprofits, and meals land in schools and in rural areas. Rise Against Hunger's overall goal is to send over 2.7 million meals this year. The Sussex County event is a "big contributor," according to RAH area manager Stone McDavid. According to data from the World Health Organization, 1 in 11 people experience hunger worldwide. "This is one small way that our Sussex County community can have an impact on that particular dynamic," said Mike Hall, co-facilitator of the event with Judy Hall. Being able to feed people is not the only benefit for Hall. Watching hundreds of people from different backgrounds working for the same cause gives him hope. Mike and Judy Hall are a part of the Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro as a member of its mission and impact team. For six years, they packed around 20,000 meals within the church. In 2022, they figured it was time to open it up to the larger community. "Some of us come from the faith community. Some come from the business community; some from the civic community and clubs and organizations," Mike Hall said. "We're all here together around one purpose." Mike Hall said raising money is always difficult, and finding local balance between feeding global hunger and feeding people in Delaware is challenging. Half of the money raised through their church's mission goes to assisting the Food Bank of Delaware, he said. "People will say, 'Well, so, so what are you doing to meet people's needs locally?'" Hall said. "So that's where, at least at our church, we try to balance those things as much as we possibly can." The process is similar to an assembly line. They use foods and vitamins including dehydrated vegetables, rice and other nonperishables that are packed before they are weighed, sealed, labeled and boxed and sent to Philadelphia, where 280,000 meals will be enough to fill a shipping container. The container is then loaded onto a ship and delivered by sea. "This is an event where people will stand for most of three hours, but at the ceiling and the weighing stations, people can be seated and at those particular events, and then we need a few strong, strong bodies that can lift 50-pound bags of rice and soy," Hall said. Judy Hall said volunteers put in so much effort at these food packaging, they are worn out by the end of the day. 'We change each other's lives': How volunteering at Food Bank impacts Delaware woman "They get tapped out," she said. "So you find yourself asking the same people, but in the back of your mind, you're thinking, 'Gosh, they gave so much last year. I need to find someone else.'" The volunteers are the last people to touch the food before it is opened at their end destination. "Everyone at this event, their hands are the last hands to touch these meals before they get to these remote areas and these school feeding programs all over the world," McDavid said. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Georgetown food drive packs over 80,000 meals
CBC
28-01-2025
- Health
- CBC
Surgeons continue to advocate consolidating Edmonton's two trauma centres
Edmonton has two trauma centres for adult care — a unique distinction for a Canadian city of its size. But trauma surgeons have advocated for years to consolidate to a single site, which they argue would improve patient outcomes, reduce transfers of critically injured patients, more efficiently use resources and save money. The image in the popular imagination of a hospital as a facility with 24-hour urgent care for a menu of multiple serious problems — from brain injuries to organ failure to complex bone fractures — doesn't apply to every hospital or emergency department, even in major cities. That description is closer to what's known as a lead trauma centre: a designation for a hospital that has the facilities and specialized staff available at all times to treat the most serious and complex cases. Edmonton's two trauma centres for adult care are Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and University of Alberta Hospital (UAH). The only other cities in Canada with two adult trauma centres are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, which have significantly larger populations. More comparable cities like Calgary, Ottawa, Quebec City and Winnipeg each have a single trauma centre. (Pediatric hospitals are typically designated the lead trauma centre for pediatric trauma, as is the case in Edmonton with Stollery Children's Hospital.) "It's a very natural thing to think that more is better," said Dr. Matt Strickland, a trauma surgeon and head of the trauma program at RAH. "But I think we would see improved patient outcomes were we to move to a single trauma centre and actually be able to develop and foster the expertise that I, as an Edmontonian, would certainly want if I were injured." Consolidation a longstanding issue The designation of UAH and RAH as trauma centres dates back to the early 1990s, when the concept, imported from the U.S., gained popularity in Canada. Years later, studies began finding that trauma centres with higher patient volumes also saw statistically better patient outcomes. One of the reasons is that medical teams that see more trauma cases are better able to develop and maintain a high level of expertise. They're also more likely to see statistically rare types of cases, which provide added experience. "The more we dilute it between two centres, the more our experience as individuals and as as teams kind of gets watered down," said Dr. Michael Kim, a trauma surgeon at UAH. A 2019 performance review of Alberta Health Services conducted by Ernst & Young recommended that consolidation of Edmonton's two trauma centres to one site. The report noted that in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, Edmonton treated 991 major trauma cases across two sites, while Calgary saw 851 cases at its trauma centre at Foothills Medical Centre. Trauma surgeons in Edmonton have likewise advocated consolidation, including laying out their arguments in documents sent to AHS Edmonton Zone leaders and obtained by CBC News. In January 2024, seven senior medical personnel at RAH — including the heads of trauma, surgery, critical care and other sections — signed a letter advocating for that facility to be the city's sole trauma centre. Another letter, sent in August 2024, was signed by all 12 trauma surgeons in Edmonton, including the section heads for both RAH and UAH. "We, the trauma surgeons working as physicians and medical leaders within the Edmonton Zone's two trauma programs, are writing to express our unified and unequivocal recommendation to consolidate the two existing programs into a single, one-site model," the letter said. A 13-page report detailing the need for consolidation was also submitted in January 2024. It cited numerous studies that "overwhelmingly" demonstrate the link between higher trauma case volumes and better patient outcomes. The report's authors included the heads of trauma at RAH and UAH, and Dr. Damian Paton-Gay, who was then chief of trauma for the Edmonton Zone health region. "The conversations about consolidating at one site have been going on ever since I started training here over 20 years ago," said Paton-Gay. "Big organizations like this have a tremendous amount of inertia. You know, big moves are hard to make." He said the report came about in part due to a request from leadership for a document outlining the case for consolidation. Single centre would reduce costs, patient transfers Another argument for consolidation is the cost of maintaining and staffing two trauma sites, which requires not only having a trauma surgeon and an operating room ready at all times, but also specialized nurses, anesthetists and other personnel. Multiple trauma surgeons who spoke to CBC News described trauma patients needing to be transferred between the two hospitals because some surgical specialities are located at one and not the other. "Visualize this: you've got someone with a brain injury who's got a bad pelvis fracture after a motorcycle crash," said Dr. Ram Anantha, a trauma surgeon at UAH who signed one of the letters to AHS. "It's crazy to think you'd have a pelvis surgery done at the Alex, and then the neurosurgeons cannot come to the Alex to operate on their brain... now you have to get transported by ambulance across the river to the university hospital. You may have hours to live for you to get the surgery done." Such transfers were "not an uncommon thing," he added. CBC News reached out to AHS regarding trauma centre consolidation. An AHS spokesperson declined to comment. A spokesperson for Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said she was unavailable for an interview. Her office instead provided a written statement. "Alberta's government is aware that some groups have advocated for the consolidation of Edmonton's two designated trauma centres, however it is concerned about the potential disruption to services that could result from such a change," the statement said. Strickland said trauma, which cuts across many disciplines, can be reflective of an overall acute care system. "There's nothing more complex than trauma," he said. "You can injure every part of your body. And so you may need a surgeon from every single ilk. You might need interventional radiology. You need advanced emergency department. You need a good blood bank. You really need a hospital top to bottom and you need it running really quickly for you. So to me, organizing trauma well is exactly what AHS should pride themselves on the most." Consolidation would be disruptive While accreditation for trauma centres was previously provided by the Trauma Association of Canada (TAC) and later by Accreditation Canada, for several years there has been no national standardized verification process. Previously, a lead trauma centre would have had a designation of Level I or II under the TAC system, which would have required adherence to specific standards in order to maintain consistency across provinces. TAC president Dr. Jag Rao said there is a shift underway toward adopting the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) standard. So far, only Toronto's trauma centres have been accredited, though other Ontario facilities have expressed interest. AHS lists a total of 10 trauma centres in Alberta. The adult and pediatric facilities in Edmonton and Calgary were designated as Level I or II trauma centres under the TAC standard based on their ability to provide an advanced level of care. The other five are regional centres with a more limited capacity to handle complex trauma cases. Consolidation would be a disruptive process, likely involving the shifting of other specialties as well. The trauma surgeons who spoke to CBC News agreed that, if consolidation were to happen, either UAH or RAH could serve as a sole trauma centre, with each candidate having its own pros and cons. "So really what it fundamentally comes down to is, where do we as a zone want to organize that?" said Strickland "These are big, 40-year decisions." Kim pointed out that concentrating specialties at one facility is already common practice. "If you need something like vascular surgery, you would go to the Grey Nuns Hospital. If you had high risk obstetrics, you'd go to the Royal Alexandra Hospital. If you had severe heart issues, you'd come to requiring surgery, you'd come to the Mazankowski Heart Institute," he said.
