![OperationHero](https://nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/OperationHero.jpg)
What is an NHS Charity?
NHS Charities provide extra care and support for NHS patients and staff, enabling health services to do more. We do not replace core funding, we enhance what is already available, providing additional support that prevents ill health and improves services for patients and staff.
We are the legal way the NHS receives, holds and spends charitable funds, and are dedicated to solely supporting the NHS. We exist for the benefit of current and future NHS patients and staff.
As the official charity of NHS Lothian, we are the only charity dedicated to supporting all of NHS Lothian’s work, all its staff and all the patients and families it cares for. We work in strategic partnership with our NHS Lothian colleagues and other partners to support ways to make the hospital environment a more welcoming place to be, make a patient’s stay more comfortable, fund additional equipment or technology that can help speed up recovery but is not part of core delivery, support the emotional and physical wellbeing of staff, and fund research that could have the potential to transform the way that care is delivered.
We are here to strengthen NHS Lothian’s ability to excel for the communities it serves. The support we provide, combined with our expertise and experience, helps create opportunities that enable NHS Lothian to foster innovation, explore ideas and transform healthcare. Together, we make healthcare better.
Find out more about some of the amazing projects we’ve supported
![Creation and enhancement of the oncology registrar doctor's office at the Western General Hospital](https://nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/OncologyOffice-1-740x470.jpg)
Supporting a Dedicated Office Space for Oncology Registrar Doctors
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.
![Respiratory Care](https://nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Respiratory-Care-740x470.jpg)
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Respiratory Care
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.
![A woman feeding leaves to two giraffes at the zoo](https://nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/REH-Zoo-Patient-Visit-740x470.jpg)
Adventures That Make a Difference
We are delighted to support staff as they organise outings and activities that make a difference for patients receiving care for mental health.
![Teams from NHS Lothian Charity and Sunndach and Calareidh standing beside the new adapted minibuses](https://nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SunndachCalareidh-Minibuses-4-740x470.jpg)
Transforming the lives of children by opening up a world of adventures
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.