The cancer unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria is set to receive a £50,000 donation in memory of legendary Scotland and Rangers manager Walter Smith. The money, from the Emmie Smillie Foundation, was nominated by Walter's wife, Ethel, as a thank you to the hard-working staff and for the care Walter received during his time there.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde described the donation as one of the biggest received in the history of the hospital. It will be used to improve facilities and enhance the experience of patients undergoing treatment at the unit.
Presentation and thanks
Ethel presented the cheque to Charge Nurse June Raines and Gerry O'Hare, a former Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Vale unit who cared for Walter during his treatment and got to know Ethel and the family.
Speaking after the presentation, Ethel said: "When I was asked where I would like the money to go, I had no hesitation in nominating the unit here at the Vale. Walter received treatment here, so it felt fitting as a thank you for the care we received from the unit and the hospital in general."
She added: "I'm so glad the money will be used here. We have personal experience of what the hospital does for the local community, and this donation is part of recognising that."
Details of the donation
Gerry O'Hare, who now works part-time at the Beatson in Glasgow, said: "Having worked at the Vale and knowing personally how much the unit meant to Walter and his family, it is wonderful to see such a significant donation coming back to support its patients. I know just how important this service is to the local community, and I'm delighted the Foundation's generosity will help it continue to make a difference."
Exact details of how the money will be spent are still to be decided, but it has been earmarked to go towards enhancing the facilities available at the unit and improving the experience of patients undergoing treatment there. The haematology-oncology unit provides day care for patients, allowing people to receive treatment at the Vale and return home without an overnight stay.
The unit has 12 treatment chairs and a phlebotomy unit, and provides chemotherapy, blood transfusions and support to manage symptoms associated with cancer and blood-borne diseases. It treats people with a range of malignant and non-malignant conditions, including patients with breast and lung cancer.
Community impact
Most patients come from the Vale of Leven area, although the unit also cares for people from elsewhere in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and other parts of the west of Scotland.
June Raines said: "We are extremely grateful to the Emmie Smillie Foundation for this donation. Our unit is very much part of the community, and being able to provide treatment here means many patients can receive their care close to home."
She added: "This £50,000 will allow us to enhance the facilities we provide and, most importantly, help make the experience of patients coming here for treatment that little bit easier."
The Emmie Smillie Foundation raises money to support cancer services across Scotland through a range of fundraising events and was established by businessman Andy Smillie following the death of his daughter from cancer. Four years ago, the foundation also made a similar £50,000 donation to the Vale.
Rebecca Reid, Interim Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Clyde Sector, said: "We are grateful to the Emmie Smillie Foundation for this generous donation and to Ethel for nominating the Vale of Leven. Our teams work hard every day to provide high-quality, compassionate care for patients and their families, and this funding will help the unit continue to improve the experience of people receiving treatment at the Vale. I would like to thank everyone involved for their support of the hospital and the patients we care for."
