This week, our interim Chief Executive Gordon James and Board Chair Lesley Bowie visited the Kyle Unit to see and hear about the team’s innovative approach to cancer care in Ayrshire.
The walkround was hosted by Senior Charge Nurse Judith McKee and Deputy Charge Nurse Susan Reid. During the visit, staff shared insights into the networked model of care used to deliver Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) to patients across Ayrshire. This model is designed to bring treatment closer to home, ensuring patients receive high-quality care with ongoing input from our NHS Ayrshire & Arran clinicians and visiting specialists from the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Additionally, the Kyle Unit provides a range of therapies, including blood and platelet transfusions, supported by expert pharmacy services and a dedicated specialties team. This holistic approach ensures that patients benefit from comprehensive, coordinated care throughout their treatment journey.
The visit also highlighted the newly redeveloped garden, supported by Hewlett Packard, which provides a peaceful space for patients, families, and staff. Feedback from those who use the garden has been overwhelmingly positive and continues to inform ongoing service improvements.
Here is a message from Gordon, reflecting on his first visit.
“Since joining NHS Ayrshire & Arran, I’ve been delighted to begin meeting staff and leadership teams across the organisation. As part of my commitment to listening, learning, and connecting, I will be undertaking regular walkrounds to visit teams across the organisation.
These visits are an opportunity to hear directly from staff, understand their experiences, and see first-hand the incredible work happening across our services.
I’d like to thank the clinical teams for their warm welcome and for showcasing the positive impact of the work they do every day. This visit showed me the dedication and compassion that defines the Kyle Unit. The commitment to delivering patient-centred care, supported by innovation and collaboration, is truly inspiring.
It has been great to see the dedication and compassion that define our services, and I look forward to meeting more teams in the weeks ahead.”
