STAFF at a Balloch children’s hospice have been praised for their incredible work.

Senior members of the team at Robin House, which is run by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), were recently visited by children and young people’s minister Natalie Don MSP.

Ms Don was visiting the facility, which provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with children living with life-shortening conditions, for the first time.

During her visit, Ms Don toured the hospice with senior staff and discussed how children with complex health needs can be better supported through transition to adult services, as well as a range of other pressures currently affecting families of children with life-shortening conditions.

She said: “I am grateful to CHAS for allowing me to learn more about the important work the charity does to support children, young people and their families.

“It is clear that the staff here work incredibly hard to ensure that everyone in their care feels supported at every step of the way on this hardest of journey.

“The Scottish Government recognises the unwavering care that CHAS provides and we are committed to continuing our support.”

Ms Don also took part in a special ‘Clowndoctors’ session which was run by the charity Heart & Minds.

Clowndoctors are trained to use their skills in the arts and clowning as a form of therapy and visit the hospice regularly using improvisation, music and rhythm, song, dance, magic, puppetry, games, and storytelling to engage with children.

Sue Hogg, director of nursing and family support, said: “We were delighted to welcome the minister to Robin House so she can witness first-hand the unwavering care our teams at CHAS provide to the children and families we support. 

“We offer medical, nursing, social work and emotional assistance to children with life-shortening conditions and their families right across Scotland but we could not do what we do without the support of the Scottish Government.  

“We very much looking forward to working constructively with the minister and her colleagues on a wide range of issues.

“In particular, we will continue to engage closely with the Scottish Government on the development of its National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for disabled young people, to improve the experiences of the young adults we support.”   

For further information about CHAS visit the charity’s website HERE.