Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children and CHAS launch partnership
Innovative Supportive and Palliative Care Team is a first for Scotland. CHAS and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow marked the official launch of one of the first hospital-based Supportive and Palliative Care Teams in Scotland.
Driven by a desire that every child who needs palliative care receives the very best service, this new team, funded by the generosity of CHAS supporters and employed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde through a joint partnership, is now fully in place.
The team consists of a Consultant in paediatric palliative medicine, two Clinical Nurse Specialists and an Administrator, who work closely with other professionals within the hospital including a CHAS Diana Children's Nurse and a Consultant Oncologist with a Specialist Interest in Paediatric Palliative Medicine.
Maria McGill, Chief Executive at CHAS, said: "We're thrilled to be able to officially unveil the full Supportive and Palliative Care Team after working hard to recruit the very best in this field. We now have a robust team of experts who are providing a seamless experience for those who are facing the most difficult times.
"Our vision was always to create a joined-up approach between our organisations; with knowledge and skills being shared across medical and nursing teams, creating a truly integrated service. This ground-breaking partnership is already providing vital resources and invaluable expertise to children and families and will continue to be an integral part of our service development."
The Royal Hospital for Children is Scotland's largest children's hospital and a national provider for specialised care including cardiology and cardiac surgery, renal and bone marrow transplantation. Over 168,000 children are welcomed to the hospital every year, a significant number with life-limiting conditions. Children's palliative care begins at the diagnosis of a life limiting condition and should continue throughout the journey of treatment.
Staff at the Royal Hospital for Children already provide support to patients and to their parents who are having to deal with the news their child has a life limiting illness. Working with CHAS will offer additional support to these families. Kevin Hill, Director of Women and Children's Services, NHSGGC, said: "It is tragic when any young person is diagnosed with a life limiting condition and it's essential that we're providing exactly the right type of care to that child, and to their families. Having a dedicated Supportive and Palliative Care Team will play a key role in supplementing existing services in place and give additional support to staff across the Royal Hospital for Children to provide high quality palliative and end of life care to babies, children and young people.
"The new team will also bolster specialist expertise available and act as an additional support system for families in the hardest moments of their life. Together with CHAS, we are committed to ensuring excellent care and delivering a truly integrated service at the RHC which enhances the quality of care provided by our clinical teams." The full recruitment and implementation of the new team signals phase one of this partnership, one CHAS and the Royal Hospital for Children are committed to grow over time.
In the picture above we have, from left to right: Caroline Porter, Diana Children’s Nurse; Sue Hogg, Director of Children and Families; Iain McAndrew, Director of Development and Communications; Pat Carragher, Medical Director to CHAS; Rami Okasha, Chief Executive Designate; Maria McGill, Chief Executive; Dr Diana McIntosh, Consultant Oncologist with a Specialist Interest in Paediatric Palliative Medicine; Jonathan Downie, Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine; Michelle Deans, Clinical Nurse Specialists of the Supportive and Palliative Care Team; Diane King, Clinical Nurse Specialist, NHSGGC; Anne Clarkin, Paediatric Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist; Elena Falanga, Project Support Manager.