Adventures That Make a Difference

NHS Lothian staff at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital understand that offering patients enriching and engaging experiences beyond the confines of the hospital can be transformative for mental health care.

We are delighted to support staff as they organise outings and activities that provide patients with a refreshing change of scenery and a renewed sense of hope, improving patient recovery and wellbeing whilst fostering a sense of normalcy and community.

NHS Lothian Staff, said;

The benefit to patients is absolutely remarkable and often gives long term patients who have lost interest and hope an idea into what life can be life for them with nothing more than a little support. It gives them the incentive to adhere to care plans so that they are able to participate in these days out, it can often lead to a huge turn around for them.

“They are able to interact in a social environment with patients and staff from other wards whilst participating in community-based activities they are unlikely to otherwise be able to access due to the cost. It also can give patients the opportunity to see staff in a completely different light as they enjoy the time out of the wards, and this helps to build therapeutic relationships as they get to see our human side.

“These trips also help to battle against the stigma attached to mental health as our patients can see that staff are happy to spend time outside the hospital with them helping to reassure them and give a little support when needed and also help to promote their independence.

“So far this year we have managed trips to Knockhill Racing Circuit to the Go Karting, Several trips to Dunbar and North Berwick and also Peebles. We have managed to do a trip to the Five Sisters Zoo, Edinburgh Castle and are planning a trip to Scotland’s Secret Bunker. In order to keep cost to a minimum we usually get packed lunches from the kitchens and utilise the various Mini Buses around the hospital and our lovely colleagues in learning disabilities have been happy to help us out with that.

“We keep an “Out & About” picture board on the ward and this is often a great source of amusement to our patients and a helpful reminder of what we are able to achieve when as a team we set our mind to it.

“It’s not always easy dealing with the purchasing and arranging side of these things but the visible difference it makes to our patients makes it all worth the effort.”

We extend our thanks to staff members who contribute their time, effort and enthusiasm to make these trips possible. Despite the challenges associated with arranging these outings, the visible difference they make in patients’ lives is huge. These experiences not only enrich their care but contribute to a more supportive and understanding healthcare environment.