Keeping patients connected with board games

Every so often we at NHS Lothian Charity are humbled by the amazing efforts of patients, friends and supporters, who […]

We are privileged to support wedding boxes for patients who are receiving end of life care, providing a cherished moment […]

Hospitals can be stressful environments for patients and their families and art can provide a focus, a distraction, and a […]

Thanks to funding received from NHS Lothian Charity, the Adult Mental Health Services team at Dalkeith Number 11 was able […]

Thanks to funding received through our Small Grants Programme, the Emergency Department at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were able […]

Thanks to funding provided by NHS Lothian Charity, Lothian Sexual and Reproductive Health Service (LSRHS) has been able to develop […]

My name is Michelle Robertson, and I am a charge nurse at East Lothian Community Hospital. We care for patients […]

My name is Tricia Breslin, and I work at the St John’s Mental Health Mother and Baby Unit in Livingston. […]

Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) is one of our cancer funds based at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre of the Western […]

Our Tonic Arts team launched a series of documentary style short films featuring NHS Lothian staff telling their stories of what life […]

When Sam Stirling, Senior Physiotherapist at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, started the Clothes Bank in her spare time back […]

Thanks to support from NHS Lothian Charity, a new Health Walk has been established around the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. […]

Thanks to generous donations received through our NHS Lothian COVID-19 Appeal and grants from NHS Charities Together, we have been […]

Kirsty Jack, a Senior Charge Nurse at Midlothian Community Hospital, tells us why creating a calm and comforting staff wellbeing […]

Since the emergence of COVID-19, patients with cancer have experienced significant changes to cancer care and treatment. Many uncertainties exist […]

During these unprecedented times, more and more people are using mobile phones to stay in touch with family and friends. […]

Thanks to donations received through our NHS Lothian COVID-19 Appeal, and grants received from NHS Charities Together, the Robert Fergusson […]

With the obvious medical challenges of COVID-19, come other emotional challenges which can leave patients feeling very vulnerable. Things like […]

NHS Lothian Charity is proud to be supporting Medics Against Violence and NHS Lothian on the innovative ‘Youth Navigator’ project, […]

Thanks to our fantastic donors and grants received from NHS Charities Together, we have been able to fund this amazing […]

When we talk about the pressures that NHS workers are facing, we immediately think of those on the frontline, in […]

Your donations have allowed us to be there for all staff during the pandemic, not just those on the frontline […]

Your donations have allowed us to be there for all staff who have supported us during the pandemic, including the […]

Steve Appolinari was determined to help the Edinburgh Centre for Neuro-Oncology at the Western General Hospital following his daughter Rachel’s […]

All The Therapeutic Benefits Of Nature (In The City!) During the pandemic there have been many discussions about the positive […]

Thanks to generous donations to our NHS Lothian COVID-19 Appeal, we were able to fund catering and warm drinks for […]

Thanks to gifts left in wills and generous donations made to hospital wards and departments, we are able to fund […]

Our NHS Lothian colleagues provided extraordinary care for patients, as they worked tirelessly around the clock providing vital care and […]

After you have taken care of your family, remembering any of NHS Lothian’s hospitals in your will ensures that we […]

The Mental Health Mother and Baby unit is a regional service that provides provides specialist care for mothers and their […]

Alan Fairbairn decided to take on Rust 2 Sahara challenge in April this year to raise money for our Edinburgh […]

Does a structured physiotherapy exercise programme using a Motomed cycle machine improve physical parameters and ability to meet early mobilisation […]

Thanks to support received from NHS Lothian Charity, Mill Lane Surgery has been able to create a small garden of […]

Thanks to funding through NHS Lothian Charity’s Small Grants programme, the Gastrointestinal (GI) Unit team have been able to produce […]

The Penumbra and NHS Lothian Team at the ARBD Unit located in Colinton at Penumbra Milestone recently used Small Grants […]

Thanks to funding from NHS Lothian Charity, the team in the Outpatients Department at the Western General Hospital was able […]

Thanks to funding received through our Small Grants Programme, the Heart Manual department has improved patient experience and increased accessibility […]

Thanks to funding received from NHS Lothian Charity, the Department of Medical Physics has been able to buy a piece […]

Thanks to funding from NHS Lothian Charity, patients with renal cancer can now better understand their diagnosis and make more […]

The team in Blackford Ward at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital used funding through NHS Lothian Charity to provide wellbeing packs […]

Thanks to generous donations from our supporters and grants from NHS Charities Together, we have been working with Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ […]

Thanks to you, our amazing supporters, we were able to fund £2million worth of art and design enhancements to the […]

Biomarkers are molecules found in the blood that show signs of certain diseases or conditions. They can also be used […]

Thanks to donations to our NHS Lothian COVID-19 Appeal and grants from NHS Charities Together, we have helped to enhance […]

L-ORD – Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration Late-Onset Retinal Macular Degeneration (L-ORD) is an inherited retinal disease for which there is no […]

Pamela Graham was a wife, mother of two daughters, and a qualified Sonographer, who dedicated her career to the NHS […]

My name is Jenny Pewsey, and I am a former patient of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. While I was studying […]

My name is Kirsty Jackson, I’m a Senior Charge Midwife that manages the Labour wards at St John’s Hospital in […]

My name is Leza Buchanan, I’m a Senior Charge Nurse who has spent 20 Christmases working in the Paediatric Critical […]

We are Lorraine, an NHS Lothian Ward Clerk, and Therese, a Charge Nurse, work in the Vascular Surgery ward at […]

My name is Vhari Carr, I’m a Senior Charge Midwife that manages the Special Care Babies Unit at St John’s […]

My name is Gillian MacLean, I’m a Senior Charge Nurse that works in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal […]

My name is Rachael, I’m a Clinical Support Worker at the Research Department at the Royal Hospital for Children and […]

My name is Ros, and I am an ex-patient of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I was 31 weeks pregnant […]

Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) is one of our cancer funds based at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre of the Western […]

Amy Young struggled for years with a combination of bulimia, anorexia and over-exercise. As Amy continues with her recovery, she […]

Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) is one of our cancer funds based at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre of the Western […]

I’m Wendy Cameron, a Team Lead Physiotherapist at NHS Lothian. I’ve worked for the NHS for 32 years and have […]

The Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) team at the Western General Hospital can now speed up access to results for […]

After receiving exceptional care during his cancer treatment, Andrew Baillie decided to give back, and raise money for NHS Lothian […]

Funding from NHS Lothian Charity has supported a Meaningful Activities Centre within the Royal Infirmary for patients with delirium and […]

For children who are staying in hospital, gaming can be an effective way to keep them entertained and connected to […]

Thanks to funding from NHS Lothian Charity through their Climate Challenge Grants programme, NHS Lothian is rolling out the use […]

In the summer, staff at Calareidh and Sunndach, hosted their annual garden party to help families of children and young […]

Thanks to your support the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People has received sensory equipment to improve the experience […]

The Critical Care Unit at the Royal of Infirmary Edinburgh deals with sudden and traumatic deaths which can present unique […]

In 2021, the Lewis family found themselves waiting anxiously for news of their Papa Jim, who was being treated in […]

In ward 4 of Liberton Hospital in Edinburgh, a dedicated team of healthcare professionals work tirelessly to care for elderly […]

In the Edenview ward of Midlothian Community Hospital, Flora Pike, a Senior Charge Nurse, and her dedicated team, care for […]

Michele Counter, an NHS Lothian Ward Clerk, works in the Medical Assessment Unit at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. […]

I took a fall back in September and broke my ankle in 3 places, I was admitted to the Royal […]

We are Julie and Debbie, nurses who work in the rehabilitation wards at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. We’ve worked every […]

Everyone has a story to tell and our colleagues at NHS Lothian are helping their patients tell theirs. Thanks to […]

NHS Lothian staff are supporting patients wellbeing through innovative approaches to care that go beyond traditional medicine. At Ellens Glen […]

NHS Lothian Charity has helped to increase quality and efficiency of cancer care, as part of NHS Lothian’s ongoing programme […]

NHS Lothian Charity has supported physiotherapists at the Astley Ainsley Hospital with the acquisition of an Electric Arjo Walker, a […]

We are delighted to have supported NHS Lothian staff within the Edinburgh Cancer Centre to establish a sanctuary for families navigating a terminal illness diagnosis.

We are delighted to have supported teams across the whole of NHS Lothian to create calm and comforting wellbeing spaces where they can rest, relax and recharge.

We have continued our programme of art and therapeutic design to improve patient experience at East Lothian Community Hospital. The latest project has created bright, stimulating Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) rooms to support children on their communication journey.

The East Lothian Palliative Care Team have introduced ‘Bunny Buddies’ to provide a source of comfort and help families dealing with loss and grief start difficult conversations.

Katherine, Olivia and Tracy are three amazing people who took part in the Kiltwalk to raise money for NHS Lothian […]

The NHS Big Tea event isn’t just about brewing tea; it’s about brewing community support for a cause close to […]

We are delighted to have supported the teams at Sunndach and Calareidh to purchase new, specially adapted minibuses to allow young patients with complex medical needs to participate in social activities and excursions.

We are delighted to support staff as they organise outings and activities that make a difference for patients receiving care for mental health.

Respiratory disease is very common, but the treatment often increases carbon emissions, exacerbating respiratory conditions. Thanks to funding from our Climate Challenge Grants, NHS Lothian staff are reducing waste, and carbon emissions.

We were delighted to support the creation of a dedicated office space registrar doctors in the Oncology department at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh to help improve team dynamics, collaboration, morale and overall wellbeing.

We spoke to Morag*, from Edinburgh, who recently completed her cancer treatment at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre. Morag has chosen […]

Thanks to the generous support of The Blythe Family Trust, we are delighted to be funding several key projects designed to significantly enhance the experience of patients and their families, with a particular focus on those in our inpatient wards who require more specialist and long-term care.

Christmas is approaching, a time for family and friends, but many patients across Edinburgh and the Lothians are too unwell […]

Sometimes, the best way to tackle a challenge is with friends. Karen Pirrie, her husband, Gordon, and friends, Claire and […]

Discover how Richard honoured his late wife, Jean’s, memory by generously supporting NHS Lothian Charity with a gift in his Will.

We are delighted to have supported the teams at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre with their ongoing programme of works and their holistic approach to patient care.

Young people aged 13 to 18 who are undergoing treatment for cancer enjoyed a special trip to connect with others and try new experiences.

Our commitment to enhancing wellbeing support for our NHS Lothian colleagues recognises that happy and healthy staff leads to better patient care.

We are delighted to celebrate a successful year with our Charity of the Year partner, FreeAgent.

Jenny, a valued supporter, wanted to honour her late husband’s memory with a gift in her Will to support the work of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

For patients and families facing a palliative diagnosis, creating and preserving memories can be a powerful source of comfort and connection at a difficult time.

Inspired by the incredible care that her late father received from the teams at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Alice wants to run in honour of her dad and say thank you to the remarkable people who cared for him.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

The commitment of our fundraisers, coupled with the generosity of families and friends, means we are able to support innovative projects across NHS Lothian that improve patient outcomes and experience.

When Shaurya Abhi signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, it wasn’t just about crossing the finish line – it was about honouring his brother, Dhruv.

Inspired by the compassionate care Ross and Fiona’s family received, they embarked on a remarkable journey of fundraising and giving back

What if life-saving cancer treatment could be precisely tailored to you, dramatically reducing side effects and improving your quality of life?

Every year, thousands of people take on the Kiltwalk to support causes close to their hearts. Among them this year, are three remarkable NHS Lothian members of staff.

Francesco is a great example of what it means to turn personal adversity into purposeful action — inspiring others, raising money to support others, and showing that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, hope and purpose can carry us forward.

The Walk 100 Miles in June challenge felt like the perfect next step in celebrating how far Andrea had come in her recovery journey and giving back to the NHS team who had helped her avoid major surgery.

In May 2025, Bethany Hitchen laced up her running shoes for her very first marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival – not just to challenge herself physically, but to honour the memory of her beloved Nanni, Diana, and to give back to the NHS teams who cared for her.

A team of nurses and clinical support workers from the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH) scaled Scotland’s iconic Kelpies to raise money for the Purple Butterfly project, a heart-warming initiative designed to bring comfort and dignity to families during end-of-life care.

Thanks to the support of our kind donors, neurosurgeons across NHS Lothian have access to innovative software to perform safer and more effective surgeries.

For Neil and Grant the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2025 marked another milestone in their ongoing commitment to supporting our treasured NHS – and another year of running with purpose.

A pioneering charity-funded research pilot offers hope for gentler tests and earlier detection of bowel cancer.

When Moray Law, his son, Alasdair, and friend John Mortimer, signed up to take part in the Big Stroll at the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, their goal was simple: to give back to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s Transplant Unit – the team that had changed their lives.

Simple classic board games such Chess, Draughts, Dominoes, Scrabble, Ludo and Snakes and Ladders are having a big impact on patients in the later stages of dementia.

Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the magic of Christmas is beginning to appear in every corner.

For young people living with cancer, life can feel isolating – friendships disrupted, routines turned upside down, and even a sense of who they are beyond their diagnosis becoming harder to hold onto