Friends of Jubilee deliver seasonal gifts to patients in Huntly hospital
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PATIENTS in Rothieden over the Christmas period enjoyed a special festive treat thanks to Friends of Jubilee Hospital.
The group, which works tirelessly all year round to support the hospital, delivered a beautifully decorated cake and parcels for all of the patients in the run up to Christmas.
Because of Covid restrictions, the presentation had to be made outside.
The cake was baked by local cake maker Evelyn Muir who reduced her usual charge in recognition of the excellent work done by the hospital.
She had also made a similar donation to the Meadows Care Home where the mum of one of her friends is a resident.
Junior charge nurse, Jacqueline Coull expressed the thanks of the whole nursing team for the Friends support of the unit.
She said: “We really appreciate everything Friends do and are lucky to have such a group.The patients will enjoy the cake and the parcels will help make them smile on Christmas Day.”
Friends chairwoman, Fiona Murray expressed the thanks of the whole community to the hospital and health centre team and said: “I don’t know how you have all managed to continue through the pandemic and be so cheery. The community really is indebted to you all.”
Despite Covid restrictions Friends has managed to support the hospital in several ways in the past year.
The major project was the refurbishment of the Garden Room, palliative care facility, which was established 11 years ago.
The interior has been painted in soft, soothing colours; new furniture including a new sofa bed for family, were installed and framed photos of views around Huntly, taken by local photographers who donated their work, were hung on the walls.
An Easter Friends Hunt campaign was a resounding success especially with the children and in the Summer a “Spot the Odd One Out” competition raised the profile of the group.
Among projects undertaken have been the purchase of a gazebo and table and chairs for the Rothieden Garden; two vascular Doppler machines; fall sensor mats; a urinalysis machine; two manual wheelchairs and one powered armchair; bed levers; chair raisers and a Documan scanner.
Mrs Murray added: “Over £12,000 was spent on hospital requests alone. We are pleased to have been able to maintain support for the hospital during a very difficult time and thank our wonderful local NHS staff who have worked so hard.
"We look forward to another year of supporting Jubilee Hospital and hopefully a return to some normality.”
