NHS Lothian Children's Services

17/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined the celebrations for the opening of Scran Academy's new cafe at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. We were thrilled to welcome staff from across the site as well as NHS Lothian Chief Executive, Prof Caroline Hiscox.

The space is now open to all visitors, patients and staff with a menu that changes daily from Monday-Friday 8am-4pm ☕🍽️💛

17/07/2025

Join us for our next Let's Talk for Little Ones webinar 🌟

These webinars are aimed at parents, to give information and ideas about supporting your child’s language and communication 🌱😊

Sign up by scanning the QR code or following the link below 👇

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-for-little-ones-registration-130428710785

17/07/2025

16/07/2025

And here is the 2nd video created by the Paediatric Asthma Nurse Specialists and Medical Photography at the RYCHP, Edinburgh.

Using an MDI with an AeroChamber® Spacer with Mouthpiece (for children >5 years)

16/07/2025

Correct Use of a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) with a Spacer:

Why It Matters.

If your child has been prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), it is essential that you understand how to use it correctly. Proper inhaler technique ensures that the medication is delivered to the lungs, where it is needed.

Incorrect use of an inhaler can result in:

- Poor asthma control
- Increased risk of asthma attacks
- Reduced medication effectiveness

When an MDI is used without a spacer, only around 10% of the medication typically reaches the lungs. Using a spacer significantly improves drug delivery, helping more medication reach the airways and reducing the risk of side effects.

The Paediatric Asthma Nurse Specialists at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh and Medical Photography have created two helpful video guides demonstrating correct inhaler technique.

Here is the first one:

- Using an MDI with an AeroChamber® Plus Flow-Vu® and Mask (for children aged 1–5 years)

13/07/2025

The play team were delighted to add to their preparation toolkit with this amazing 3D printed toy kit which includes different types of lines, feeding pumps etc. Thanks to our friends at Abbie's Sparkle Foundation for funding this and to HPS Emily for organising.

11/07/2025

We're thrilled to be welcoming Scran Academy to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People this summer.

The new Scran Café will offer a bright and welcoming space for our patients, families and hard-working teams to take some time out while also providing work experience for hundreds of young people in Lothian.

Thank you to wee patient Elodie who helped cut the ribbon at our opening event yesterday 💛

11/07/2025

We were delighted to receive these amazing handknitted pocket dolls/buddies from Sylvia Gilhooley who made them especially for the children and young people here at the hospital.

When asked what made her decide to do this Sylvia said "my attention was first drawn to the concept of knitted buddies through Random Acts of Knitting and Crochet Kindness on Facebook where people around the world knit things and randomly leave them for people to find - dolls, teddies, worry worms, octopus, hearts, etc. I started by leaving free dolls and teddies with notes in places like Cameron Toll and on buses - some people replied on the page saying it made their day, or that their child had been for a hospital appointment and was delighted with the find. The latter made me think of handing them in for all kids in hospital, which indeed some others had done in US, Australia, throughout Europe and the UK. I developed my version of the 🧸 and took it from there, knitting some for a friend to add to the premature baby packs she prepares. It's so addictive, satisfying and very rewarding when you see the delight on someone's face when they find of receive one. I love it"

Thank you for thinking of us Sylvia and I'm sure these dolls will be snapped up quickly so we are delighted that you are going to knit these for us on a regular basis 💙

10/07/2025

Well done everyone 🩵

08/07/2025

Are you a Congenital Heart Disease patient who lives in Scotland and are at the appropriate age (15yrs) of beginning transitioning to adult services?

The Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS) and Scottish Paediatric Cardiac Service (SPCS) are hosting an education event for patients and their families living with congenital heart disease who are approaching the time of transitioning their healthcare to adult services. This is a nice opportunity to meet the adult team, interact with other patients/families and try some fun activities! If you are unable to attend in person, there is also a virtual online option!

Please register via the QR code on poster. For more information email the SACCS nursing team: saccsnurse@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk

30/06/2025

We can’t wait 🩵

✨ HUGE NEWS!! ✨

ON 15th JULY , we’ll be opening a brand-new SCRAN CAFÉ at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People . 💛

This is our SECOND CAFÉ and a huge step for Scran and we’re beyond proud of the incredible young people who will bring it to life.

This space will be POWERED BY YOUNG PEOPLE, creating real jobs and Scransitions work placements. 🙌

And it’s a space for everyone:
💛 A quiet spot for families to recharge
💛 A proper break for hospital staff
💛 A welcoming place built on community, support and purpose

We can't wait to open our doors and share this next chapter with you!

Come say hello, grab a cuppa, and be part of something special. ☕💬

And a massive thanks to for making this possible through the Ignite Fund and the support from and .

29/06/2025

Well done to Aidan, sonic and all the walkers from Aidans Magical Gifts especially on such a hot day 🌞

Your amazing efforts today will make such a difference to the families in Lochranza.

Thank you to staff and children from Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity Hub for making one of the banners on behalf of the Play team and also to Leigh and Christie from Lochranza for making the other banner 🩵





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