The Rotary Club of Grangemouth have long supported the work of Strathcarron Hospice with innovative projects and renovations and their latest project could be the most innovative yet. Following extensive research from Dr Joy Rafferty whose desire to bring the technology to the Hospice inspired the project, the club have funded Virtual Reality equipment including headset and 360 degree camera.

Virtual Reality (VR) related equipment has been used extensively in hospice and palliative care for a number of years with it’s mix of reducing anxiety and pain helping at many other points of care. VR distraction therapy effectively immerses a patient (be it on safari, deep sea diving or even visiting their own garden) which tricks the brain into being present in another reality. This overwhelms the brain with information which leads to a reduction in anxiety and pain. The camera will allow us to create individualised content for patients who might want to see their home or garden or favourite place and who are unable to physically go and see it.

The Club have donated a total of £10,000 to fund this project along with two “Computers on Wheels” to be used at the In Patient Unit at the palliative care facility in Denny.

Strathcarron Hospice provides specialist end of life care to people across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld & Kilsyth. Based in Denny, the Hospice now cares for more than 80% of patients outside of the main Hospice building, caring for people in their own homes who are living with, and dying from a terminal illness.

Allison Meikle, Club President said:

“As a Club, we are delighted that the monies raised have been able to have such a positive effect for the patients at Strathcarron Hospice. We were quite emotional when informed about the difference and delight the VR and computer on wheels have made so far”

Claire Kennedy, Corporate Fundraiser for Strathcarron Hospice said:

“The support we receive from the Rotary Club of Grangemouth is invaluable to allowing us to fund projects and renovations we might not otherwise have been able to invest in. This project has already allowed patients and families to create some really special memories at the very end of life. One lady wanted to see a Scottish island very special to her and thanks to the Rotary funding this project, we were able to make this possible for the lady to achieve this goal of seeing this most special place in her heart again before she died.”