Today is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day and we want to celebrate the team at The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Glasgow, for going above and beyond for the patients in the unit during COVID-19.
Philipshill Ward is the National Spinal Injuries rehabilitation ward and patients can be in the ward for anything up to a year and beyond. This has been particularly difficult for patients recently with visiting restrictions and outings from the Unit being suspended but staff are doing everything in their efforts to fill the void.
Mary Hannah, Spinal Education Nurse, said: “All the staff in the Unit are going above and beyond of the patients and the patients are really grateful.
“Patients are being encouraged by staff to use Facetime or Skpe to keep in touch with their family and friends with the iPads we are providing.
“Staff are doing weekly shopping trips for patients sourcing all their favourite wee bits and bobs that are normally brought in by their family and friends and one staff member made personalised goodie bags for all the patients just to brighten up their day. These were created with particular care and attention to what the individual patient would like with one patients’ husband posting in a teddy bear their daughter had bought her for mother’s day and another patient getting an MP3 player pre-loaded with some of her favourite tunes.
“One patient celebrated his 90th birthday and the staff were able to allow his family to visit from outside the window of his room which had been decorated with we had balloons and happy birthday banners which made the day extra special for him and his family.
“These are just some of the things the staff have being doing for patients and the patients have looked forward to these treats. It is so rewarding to speak to the patients and hear them talk enthusiastically about everything.”
Mags McGuire, Nursing Director, NHSGGC added: “Today is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day and during what is an extremely challenging time I want to thank all the staff in The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit for all they are doing to support patients.”