"A calm, encouraging, supportive, safe and person-centred environment"

I had a short period as  an inpatient at Roxburghe which was profound in helping me recover physically and mentally from two years of complicated health issues.  So I was glad to be given a space in the day centre having recently completed my 12 week block- it has been a godsend.

I am a young adult so I was slightly apprehensive about going into a group with mainly people who were older adults but this did not disadvantage me at all. Carol, Roxanne and especially Lee are such caring welcoming and knowledgeable nursing staff who checked in on my well-being and that of group members and kept things ticking on.  They are solution focused and thinking how to help if anyone had been unwell or in pain, making quick links to other staff.

As Covid eased it was also good to see other staff drop into sessions like OH and Physio who provided some stretching and advice.  Each session started with a talk from a guest speaker on a range of topics e.g. pastoral care, writer, Nutritionist, pharmacist, physio etc and although I was familiar with many of these services each time I learnt something new or considered something different. 

This was followed by a relaxation session- Kerry is amazing- such a calm and considerate person thinking about the whole person and offering advice and tips to encourage relaxation out with sessions. Kerry led a half hour guided relaxation  which always helped me relax and sometimes let out a wee snore.

Actually I am  hoping she does a podcast soon 😆 Kerry also gave me foot massages as an inpatient  this additional layer of holistic care definitely aided my recovery. 

Then we have Donna and Niel the in-house artists. They made the group for me! I am not in anyway arty and actually scoffed at the idea on week one but with their support and encouragement I got into splatter painting and was delighted to leave with many pieces of art for myself and family and friends. Nothing was ever too much for Donna and Neil and  they are so passionate about everyone having a creative flare and helping you find yours. Also just there general chit chat and listening to their knowledge of general arty things really left me upbeat as well as covered in paint.

All in all the Roxburgh experience at day centre has been hugely positive for me in my mental, emotional and physical health although I have a terminal condition they have boosted my confidence in my new normal and found skills I didn’t even know I had. These relationships and being in the building and asking questions that might feel uncomfortable to other health staff in other settings has reassured me that if my health is to change or need assistance they are there and I can be confident in the care to expect as both an in and out patient 

It’s a pity that more people don’t know about the day centre particular those in a younger age bracket as I’m sure it could be filled multiple times over and each person would feel the benefits.

Thanks to all involved in making the day centre what it is.. a calm, encouraging, supportive, safe and person centred environment for all