Last week Margaret attended the North Lanarkshire Carers Together Annual Conference.  The organisation is voluntary and works very closely with NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Social Services as well as other voluntary organisations like Enable Scotland , Mental Health and the Princess Royal Trust. 

The theme of the conference was “ Lets Keep Ourselves Safe” with a sub topic of  what would happen, when you as a carer, had an emergency.  For example if you as the carer took ill and had to be hospitalized then what would happen to the person you cared for?  What is your Emergency Plan?

Reflecting on the conference, Margaret said: “There were some interesting and informative presentations from Enable Scotland, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance Service. The whole point of the conference was to raise awareness that whether you are a carer or not, an Emergency plan should be in every ones’ home!”

Margaret with Elizabeth Seaton, chairperson.

On Monday, last week, Margaret attended the opening of Kylepark Assessment and Treatment Centre at Kirklands Hospital in Bothwell.  The facility was officially opened by Ken Corsar, Chairman of NHS Lanarkshire.

Margaret attended the opening ceremony, followed by a short tour of this brand new purpose built 12 bedded in-patient facility.  The Centre was designed to provide short term assessment and treatment for people with learning disabilities who require specialist services which cannot be provided for within the community.

Commenting on the facility Margaret said: “I was most impressed by this state of the art facility which includes a gymnasium, a multi sensory room and a specially designed kitchen to help the users use cooking facilities when they are back living in their own home. In addition, the courtyard garden is a facility that allows the patients to participate in therapeutic gardening- whether it be growing plants or vegetables.”

Margaret with the opening plaque