Latest news with #UniversityHospitalHairmyres
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
East Kilbride man gives back to community by volunteering
Joe Murdoch started volunteering at University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride, in August 2024, after the death of his wife left him feeling "lonely, depressed, and tearful". The retired regional sales manager now spends two mornings a week as a ward helper, topping up water jugs and assisting patients with their menu cards. Above all, he provides conversation, companionship, and light-hearted moments to those who may not receive many visitors. Read more: 'I thought I was going to die': Rock star's battle with cancer and brain lesion Joe said: "If I can make one person smile, I know I'm doing the right thing. "Chatting to patients gives me purpose, and it's wonderful when they shout 'Joe, come and see us!' as I walk down the corridor." "My GP suggested volunteering to ease the loneliness after my wife died, and I haven't looked back. "Since volunteering with NHS Lanarkshire, I feel better within myself – it gives me something meaningful to do with all the time I have, and I'm always made to feel welcome. "There was one lady who looked sad when I arrived; we started talking about an ice cream shop in Girvan we both loved, and by the time I left she had a huge smile on her face." Joe's efforts have reached more than the patients he helps, with the ward staff expressing gratitude for his dedication. Senior charge nurses event invited him to join them for Christmas dinner, to ensure he wouldn't spend the day alone – an act of kindness that "brought a tear" to his eye. Erin Macqueen, NHS Lanarkshire's voluntary services manager, said: "Joe's story shows the mutual benefit of volunteering. "Patients enjoy a friendly face and good conversation, while volunteers gain confidence, new skills, and a sense of community. "His warmth lifts the mood on the wards and gives our clinical staff a little more time to focus on care. "Joe is a shining example of what can be achieved when people share their life experiences and kindness. "During Volunteers' Week, we want to celebrate Joe and all of our volunteers – hospitals simply wouldn't be the same without them. "We're immensely proud of Joe and every volunteer who gives their time so generously." Despite suffering a minor stroke earlier this year, Joe can't keep away from volunteering. After a short recovery, he returned to the wards, where he says he was welcomed back with open arms. Read more: Young boy launching UK's 'most inclusive relay' in Glasgow Joe's experience has proved that volunteering not only helps others but can also bring about a personal transformation. He added: "The week felt very long when you don't see many people. "Coming to Hairmyres gives me a real sense of belonging – I feel like part of the team." Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with NHS Lanarkshire should email hrvolunteering@ or phone 07966 296367.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Friendly chats with Joe bring warmth and laughter to Hairmyres hospital patients
Since August 2024, 82‑year‑old Joe Murdoch has been brightening patients' days as a ward helper, providing conversation, companionship and the occasional joke to people who may not receive many visitors. A retired regional sales manager who felt 'lonely, depressed and tearful' after the death of his wife has discovered a new lease of life by volunteering at University Hospital Hairmyres. Since August 2024, 82‑year‑old Joe Murdoch has been brightening patients' days as a ward helper, providing conversation, companionship and the occasional joke to people who may not receive many visitors. Spending two mornings a week on the wards, Joe tops up water jugs, helps patients complete their menu cards and, above all, offers a friendly ear to anyone who needs one. Joe said: 'If I can make one person smile, I know I'm doing the right thing. Chatting to patients gives me purpose, and it's wonderful when they shout 'Joe, come and see us!' as I walk down the corridor. 'My GP suggested volunteering to ease the loneliness after my wife died, and I haven't looked back. 'Since volunteering with NHS Lanarkshire I feel better within myself – it gives me something meaningful to do with all the time I have, and I'm always made to feel welcome. 'There was one lady who looked sad when I arrived; we started talking about an ice‑cream shop in Girvan we both loved, and by the time I left she had a huge smile on her face. 'Coming to Hairmyres gives me a real sense of belonging – I feel like part of the team.' Joe decided to volunteer after advice from his GP. 'The week felt very long when you don't see many people. Volunteering has given me a sense of belonging,' he added. His warmth is felt well beyond the bedside. Senior Charge Nurses on the wards invited Joe to join them for Christmas dinner so that he would not spend the day alone—an act of kindness that 'brought a tear' to his eye. Even a minor stroke earlier this year did not keep him away for long. After a short recovery he was welcomed back by staff and says returning to the wards has made him 'so much happier'. Erin Macqueen, Voluntary Services Manager for NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'Joe's story shows the mutual benefit of volunteering. Patients enjoy a friendly face and good conversation, while volunteers gain confidence, new skills and a sense of community. His warmth lifts the mood on the wards and gives our clinical staff a little more time to focus on care. 'Joe is a shining example of what can be achieved when people share their life experience and kindness. During Volunteers' Week we want to celebrate Joe and all of our volunteers—hospitals simply wouldn't be the same without them. We're immensely proud of Joe and every volunteer who gives their time so generously.' If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with NHS Lanarkshire, email hrvolunteering@ or phone 07966 296367 for an informal chat.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Machete thug, 17, hacked at teenager's neck with 3ft blade in horror attack in Scots town
BLADE NIGHMARE Machete thug, 17, hacked at teenager's neck with 3ft blade in horror attack in Scots town A BLADE thug left a teenager with blood 'spewing' from a wound after hitting him with a 3ft machete. The yob, 17, was part of a group that clashed with the 16-year-old victim in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. Advertisement Horrified witnesses watched as the boy was hit on the back of the neck with the weapon. The impact caused blood to pour from the wound before the attacker and two accomplices fled the scene in June last year A passer-by took the injured boy to University Hospital Hairmyres where doctors discovered a 4cm wound just 3mm away from his spinal column. Medics said only quick treatment had stopped the injury being potentially fatal. Advertisement An image was later sent on social media to the injured boy showing the thug holding the blade and he was later arrested. The accused appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of life as well as possession of the machete. Depute fiscal Neil Thomson said: "One of the boys with the accused made some remark that the complainer had been cheeky or disrespectful to his aunt and this particular youth then punched the complainer to the face and a melee broke out. "During this melee the accused is seen to pull out a large knife, which appears to be in the region of 3ft in length maybe even longer, from his trousers and swing it around trying to hit the complainer. Advertisement "An eyewitness then sees the accused strike the complainer on the back of the neck with this large knife. "Blood then spews from the back of the complainer's neck and the accused seems to be shocked by the sight of how much blood is spurting from his neck. "It is this graphic flow of blood that causes the incident to stop and the accused runs away while the complainer is taken to hospital by a passer-by." The prosecutor added: "Had it not been for medical intervention the injuries sustained could have proved potentially fatal, medical intervention stopped things from being more serious than they are." Advertisement Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on the teenager, who is currently being held in a secure unit, until next month for reports. He added: "This is an extremely serious matter to which you have pled guilty to. 1 A yob admitted at Hamilton Sheriff Court to hacking teen's neck with 3ft blade Credit: Les Gallagher "I'm told that only due to prompt medical attention this was not more serious." Advertisement Earlier this week, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs warned of the potential 'tragic consequences' of youngsters carrying blades. He said: "The clear message is do not carry weapons, do not carry knives."
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Torched car 'connected' to Edinburgh gang war 'machete' attack at Daniel clan garage
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Officers are investigating a burnt out car which they believe is linked to a 'machete' attack on the Daniel crime group amid the ongoing Edinburgh gang war. The Audi was discovered on Boswell Drive on Monday May 19 just two hours after two males were taken to hospital following the gang linked 'machete' incident. Police revealed on Tuesday May 20 that they believe the vehicle to be linked to the violent East Kilbride knife attack, according to the Daily Record. Officers are hunting for a gang of masked assailants who they claim attacked a 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old man at Robert Daniel's business, leaving them both needing treatment. One victim was taken to the nearby University Hospital Hairmyres while the other was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The accident repair shop, which is on Wilson Place, East Kilbride, and is owned by Robert Daniel Snr, was searched by cops as the probe got underway yesterday afternoon. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox The Audi A5 was later found torched in the nearby town of Blantyre, in the town's Boswell Drive area, and pictures of the wrecked vehicle show the extent of the damage. Detective Superintendent Martin McGhee said: "We believe this was a targeted incident. From our enquiries so far, we believe the car that was set on fire was also used in the earlier serious assault. "I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents to contact us as soon as possible. In addition, anyone who has CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage is asked to get in touch as this may be able to assist our enquiries." McGhee added: "We understand these incidents will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we will bring those involved to justice." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. It comes after Edinburgh Live reported that the Daniel crime clan are at the top of Dubai-based gangster Ross McGill's hit list as the hood wages a bloody war in Scotland. McGill, known as "Mr Big", has been orchestrating a series of violent attacks across the country since March after it was believed Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson ripped him off in a £500k cocaine deal. The feud spread from the capital to Glasgow when the Daniel mob became targets over their close association with Richardson. McGill, an ex-Rangers ultra and Union Bears boss, has offered £100k bounties for the scalps of his top targets.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Burnt out Audi at centre of Daniel attack at garage in pictures as cops hunt men
Police are probing a burnt out car that they believed is linked to a machete attack at a garage owned by the Daniel crime gang. The Audi was found torched in the Boswell Drive area Blantyre last night, hours after two men were rushed to hospital following an attack which is linked to the ongoing gang feud across the east and west of Scotland. Pictures show blue paint has been stripped from the front of the vehicle, which police officers said today is linked to the brutal East Kilbride knife attack. A gang of masked assailants attacked a 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old man at Robert Daniel's business, leading to them both being taken for treatment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! One victim was taken to the nearby University Hospital Hairmyres while the other was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The accident repair shop, which is in Wilson Place, East Kilbride, and is owned by Robert Daniel Snr, was searched by cops as the probe got underway yesterday afternoon. The Audi A5 was later found torched in the nearby town of Blantyre, in the town's Boswell Drive area, and pictures of the wrecked vehicle show the extent of the damage. Detective Superintendent Martin McGhee said: "We believe this was a targeted incident. From our enquiries so far, we believe the car that was set on fire was also used in the earlier serious assault. "I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents to contact us as soon as possible. In addition, anyone who has CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage is asked to get in touch as this may be able to assist our enquiries." General In Your Area Widget McGhee added: "We understand these incidents will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we will bring those involved to justice." It comes after we reported that the Daniel crime clan are at the top of Dubai-based gangster Ross McGill's hit list as the hood wages a bloody war in Scotland. McGill, known as " Mr Big", has been orchestrating a series of violent attacks across the country since March after it was believed Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson ripped him off in a £500k cocaine deal. The feud spread from the capital to Glasgow when the Daniel mob became targets over their close association with Richardson. McGill, an ex-Rangers ultra and Union Bears boss, has offered £100k bounties for the scalps of his top targets. Daily Record Criminal Newsletter Embeddable Solus
