The service will ensure children with serious conditions get the best care possible.
A new palliative care service for children has been launched thanks to support from a health charity.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) partnered with Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children to launch the service – the first of its kind in Scotland.
The new team, funded by Chas supporters and employed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) consists of a consultant, specialist nurses and an administrator.
Other medics at the hospital will provide advice and assistance where needed to ensure children get the best care possible.
Maria McGill, Chas chief executive, 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 attend the hospital every year, a significant number of whom have life-limiting conditions.
Kevin Hill, director of women and children’s Services for 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.”
