The Power of Every Step: From Fundraising to Frontline Impact

At NHS Lothian Charity, we are continually inspired by the dedication of our fundraisers who take on incredible challenges like the Kiltwalk to help others. Your commitment, coupled with the generosity of your families and friends, means we are able to support innovative projects across NHS Lothian that improve patient outcomes and experience. This includes a recent project at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, raising awareness of the importance of prehabilitation.

Preparing for a Stronger Recovery

Prehabilitation is about helping patients prepare themselves and their bodies for surgery. By adopting healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and managing stress before treatment or surgery, patients can put themselves in the best position to improve their recovery journey.

Recognising the potential of prehabilitation to transform patient care – with evidence suggesting reduced complications, shorter hospital stays, decreased readmission rates, and improved long-term wellbeing – the colorectal surgery team at the Western General Hospital applied to the Charity for funding to support the delivery of a comprehensive prehabilitation programme.

Empowering Patients with Knowledge and Support

In order to deliver the benefits of this programme, funding was used to develop accessible and informative resources for patients, so that they have the information they need at their fingertips to start their prehabilitation journey. Clear and concise posters, complete with QR codes, were created to provide easy access to advice and support on nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing.
A certified exercise physiologist was also recruited to support patients through tailored exercise programmes, regular check-ins, and nutritional advice.

Pre and post programme analysis was also built in to assess the effectiveness of the programme and identify areas for improvement.

Small Steps, Significant Impact:

By investing in this preventative approach, the team aims to:

Reduce Post-operative Complications: Helping patients navigate surgery with greater resilience.
Minimise Hospital Stays and Readmissions: Supporting a smoother and faster recovery at home.
Improve Long-Term Quality of Life: Empowering patients to adopt healthier habits with lasting benefits for themselves and potentially their families and communities.

Danielle Collins, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Clinical Director Colorectal Surgery at the Western General Hospital, said:

By investing in preventative care, we can help reduce complications, minimise hospital stays or return visits, and ultimately, improve the quality of life not only of patients but also their families. We’re incredibly grateful to all supporters who help make this happen. Thank you for being such an important part of that journey.”

Tumong Edwards, Community and Events Fundraiser at NHS Lothian Charity, adds:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every fundraiser, every donor, and every supporter who makes this incredible work possible. Your generosity is the driving force behind innovative projects like this, directly contributing to enhanced patient care, improved clinical outcomes, and a more positive experience for individuals facing challenging health journeys. We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

Want to make a difference? Make each step count.

Sign up for the Kiltwalk today