East Lothian develops heart-warming initiative (Buddy Bunnies) to support families especially young children during palliative care.
In the realm of palliative care, emotional support is as crucial as medical treatment. Recognising this, East Lothian’s Palliative Care team, with the support of funding from NHS Lothian Charity, have introduced a heartwarming new scheme called “Bunny Buddies” to give comfort and make open communication easier for patients and their families, especially young children.
Senior Community Palliative Care Nurse Specialist, Lise Brown, is at the forefront of this initiative. As well as providing clinical care, the palliative care team also provide psychological, spiritual, and social support. One of the new ways they are doing this is by giving a pair of soft toy bunnies to patients and their families.
These bunnies serve a dual purpose. The larger one stays with the patient, while the smaller one is given to a child or grandchild in the family. This simple act opens up conversations about loss and grief, helping children understand these complex emotions. Moreover, it creates a tangible connection between the patient and the child, providing comfort during illness, bereavement, and beyond.
One of the families that have benefited from this initiative is that of Bobby, a patient under Lise Brown’s care. Bobby’s family, especially his 8-year-old grandson Kian, was comforted by the bunnies during Bobby’s illness and after his death. The bunnies, named ‘Kian’ and ‘Pops’, were there for every step, from Bobby’s hospital bed to his funeral. They continue to be a part of the family’s life, symbolising Bobby’s enduring presence.
The Bunny Buddies initiative is just one of the many ways NHS Lothian Charity is supporting NHS Lothian to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. By funding similar initiatives, such as bereavement boxes in the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and ‘Making Memories Matters’ boxes at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, the Charity continues to work in partnership with staff to help provide much-needed additional support during challenging times.
For more information about NHS Lothian Charity and the impact of the projects it supports, visit their website at www.nhslothiancharity.org