SCOTLAND’S Chief Nursing Officer visited Ayrshire last week to meet with the area’s hard-working NHS staff.

Professor Alex McMahon met with the senior management team and staff on the University Hospital Crosshouse campus, as well as on the Ayrshire Central site.

He took the opportunity to thank staff for their efforts during the pandemic; and to hear about some key initiatives.

Jennifer Wilson, nurse director at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “We know how difficult the last few years have been on our staff.

“This visit was a great opportunity to address those challenges, and to present the innovative ways we plan to progress over the next few years and into the future.”

First up on the visit was the Ayrshire Central site, where health chiefs showcased the plans for the new National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service, Foxgrove.

Professor McMahon was able to take a virtual tour of the unit, which will open late this year or early in 2023.

He was also able to meet with the team leading on the staff wellbeing programme, and had a tour of the wellbeing hub, which will open soon.

Professor McMahon then went on to visit the Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Ward, where he heard about the support provided to people who require inpatient rehabilitation.

Next up, the visit moved on to the Ayrshire Maternity Unit at University Hospital Crosshouse, where he met with the team leading on homebirths in Ayrshire.

To date, the team have delivered 30 babies at home.

Finally, Professor McMahon visited the COVID-19 Treatment Centre to meet the Associate Nurse Director of Community and Primary Care and members of the multidisciplinary team.

Ms Wilson added: “This was a really positive visit, and was a real boost to our team.”

Professor McMahon said after his Ayrshire visit: “I’d like to thank all of the staff who took the time to tell me more about the work they carry out to support patients.

“Thank you to everyone involved for all their hard work and compassion.”