Staff at Scotland’s national medium secure ward for adults with learning disabilities turned the arrival of an unexpected visitor and a period of sadness into an inspiring ‘mic-drop’ moment, capturing the essence of care and compassion for their patients and team.
Earlier this year a duck strayed from a nearby park to a garden area at Rowanbank Clinic in Glasgow and, even though the surroundings were less than ideal, it laid eggs and hatched a brood of ducklings.
The arrival was greeted with great excitement among patients – but that excitement turned to sadness when three of the ducklings were taken by magpies.
The patients were determined not to let tragedy strike again, so eight of them made the commitment to become guardians, providing food, water and protection for the growing brood.
Eventually the youngsters fledged and flew away to begin their lives – and staff soon realised that the story of the duck and her brood had striking parallels to the challenges faced by patients.
The saga was turned into a presentation for a Learning Disability Nurses’ development day, complete with a poster designed by staff member Fraser Marshall. The presentation was made by team members Corrie Hanna, Claire Kenna and student nurse Kirsty Henderson, and the result was so well received that the poster – and the accompanying speech – have been given pride of place in reception at Rowanbank.
“It was a real mic-drop moment,” said Fraser. “When people heard our presentation they didn’t want to follow us because they knew they couldn’t live up to this great story!”
Sarah Cosgrove, Lead Nurse at the medium secure unit at Rowanbank, said: “Our service cares for patients who face a range of challenges – but the presentation by staff showed that, with the right care, the right conditions, and the right support, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
“I would like to thank our team of patient-guardians for their care and commitment, and the team of staff who put together such a successful and inspirational presentation.
“However, I would also like to thank all our staff who do so much to support our patients and who strive every day to help them find a way forward, and ultimately to soar.”
Read the team’s successful presentation here:
“Hello … we work (and feel like we live) in Holly ward, Scotland’s national medium secure unit for adults with learning disabilities at Rowanbank Clinic. Which provides forensic mental health services.
“Forensics can conjure up a lot of negative thoughts – home not being one of them. But that is exactly what a lost duck found, in the middle of a secure forensic hospital.
“It wasn’t the kind of pond she had imagined for raising her family, but life often leads us down surprising paths. She built her nest, and soon tiny ducklings arrived, bringing joy, curiosity –and a touch of chaos.
“Sadly some of the little ones didn’t make it, and that loss was deeply felt by everyone who had watched over them. Yet, even in sadness, something beautiful happened: eight patients with learning disabilities, each with their own challenges and strengths, came together to care for the duck and her brood.
“They became guardians – feeding, watching and protecting the small family, sharing laughter and purpose in the process.
“The duck wasn’t lost, it wasn’t less – it was simply on a journey. With the right environment, patience, and a chance to grow, it discovered it was safe.
“In time, the ducklings grew strong, their wings stretching wider each day. And when the moment came, they lifted into the sky, leaving the ward quieter but filled with pride and hope.
“They were proof that care, patience, and kindness can turn even the most unlikely places into a sanctuary – and that no matter where you start, you can always find the strength to fly.
“Every person we support has that same potential. Our job isn’t to focus on what got them there. Our job is to give them the space, the tools and the kindness to discover their wings. Hope is what keeps us looking past today’s struggles toward tomorrow’s strengths.
“Moving from medium to low secure, or from low secure to the community, can feel like the duckling’s long walk across the frozen pond – scary, uncertain, sometimes a little wobbly. But those transitions are also the gateways to growth. With careful planning, consistency and trust, we make sure no one takes that journey alone.
“Yes, the duckling faced a lot of ‘you don’t belong’ moments. And sadly, so do many of the people we support – whether it’s stigma from society, or barriers in housing, work, and healthcare. Every time we challenge stigma with compassion, or chip away at a barriers with creativity, we’re making the pond a little safer for everyone.
“Now let’s bring that to us, here and now. Let’s be honest, there are days we feel like the lost duck too – out of place, flapping about, wondering if we’re making a difference. But look around. The fact we’re all here, learning, supporting, teaching – l proves that we’re not just ducks, we’re a flock. And together.
“We help people soar.
“So, as you head back to your wards, clinics, or community teams, remember every duckling has a past, present and future. Our role is to, positively impact each part of their journey, and cheer the loudest when they take flight.”
