News from the Hospice

Music and Movement Project for people with Parkinson’s disease

We were recently granted ethical approval for a pilot music and movement project, open to anyone with Parkinson’s disease and their carers. Over the course of six classes, participants will discover how music and movement sessions can provide valuable social interactions as well as help strengthen movement coordination, promote confidence and prevent falls. We look forward to welcoming music practicioner, Monica Wilkinson, to the Hospice to deliver the sessions.

Student Award Dunfermline duo take on challenge in memory of grandfather

We're excited to announce Yunus Gokkir as the winner of the first St Columba’s Hospice Care Medal in Palliative Medicine for University of Edinburgh Year 5 Medical Undergraduates. The competition was based on an essay submission of 500 words on the topic ‘What does Palliative Medicine mean to me’. Yunus’ winning submission titled ‘The Cloakroom’ came out top and is available to view on our website. Yunus will receive his award at a special ceremony being held at the Hospice in October. Congratulations to Emma and Euan Kelso from Dunfermline who braved the Tough Mudder obstacle course in Skipton, Yorkshire, to raise funds for the Hospice in memory of their Papa, Charlie Kelso, raising over £1300 in the process! Euan, said: “The Hospice was fantastic in the care that they gave to my Papa and they were also really good with us. We thought it was about time we raised money for the Hospice because that’s the only way they can get by and provide the service that they do.”

Our Patient Transport Vehicle is here!

We’re delighted to be able to share our fantastic new Patient Transfer Vehicle! This bespoke van will give us the capacity to operate a pick-up and drop-off service for our patients and will greatly reduce our reliance upon the NHS ambulance service. The service will be launching shortly so look out for this eye-catching member of the Hospice fleet on the streets soon! A huge thanks is due to our superstar supporter, Graham Lebeter (pictured), who came to us with this idea, and whose passion and dedication have been instrumental in making it a reality.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – Exploring health and social care needs

Ahuge part of our current strategy, ‘Adapting to a Changing World’ focuses on ensuring our services reflect what our patients and families need. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with key health and social care providers to support a forum in which individuals living with DMD can get together and discuss their lived experiences. Although still in the early planning phases, the sessions will be led by the participants and it’s hoped that first-hand knowledge and insights held by service users could be harnessed to not only improve, but to help deliver services available to people across Scotland living with DMD.

Have you got your Christmas Cards yet?

ALL PROFITS SUPPORT OUR WORK!

This Christmas, we have an exciting collection of cards on offer including lots of new designs sure to appeal to all tastes. As always, we’ll have a selection of our popular Edinburgh themed cards, great for loved ones living locally or outside of the city. We also have a number of traditional designs from cute robins to snowmen! All cards are 100% recyclable and prices start at £4 for a pack of 10.