And it has been supported by the charity Making a Difference Locally, which raises money for local communities and is run by Nisa Retail.
The Pyjama Fund was established several years ago by the late Jim Anderson and Ellon Rotary to provide additional home comforts for patients in hospital.
Jim was a Past President of Ellon Rotary, a past District 1010 Membership Development Team Leader, as well as a Paul Harris Fellow.
“Jim had a zest for life that saw him climb mountains all over the world,” said Secretary, Charlie Allan.
Ellon Rotary’s Pyjama Fund has been providing substantial support to Aberdeen’s Royal Infirmary during the pandemic.
“His gear included jazzy colourful trousers that he wore whether he was climbing or not. Jim spent considerable time in hospital and recognised how important it was for patients to feel as comfortable as possible during their stay.”
Now, with hospitals under increasing pressure over the past 12 months, Ellon Rotary and the Pyjama Fund have stepped up their efforts to support Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by providing care packs to clinical areas.
These includes bags of toiletries for men and women who have not had time to put an overnight bag together before being whisked into hospital.
The Pyjama Fund was established several years ago by the late Jim Anderson and Ellon Rotary to provide additional home comforts for patients in hospital.”
They have also supplied phone chargers to help patients stay in touch with loved ones during their stay.
Kindle Fire tablets have been provided to the neuroscience department, again providing virtual communication with loved ones, but also giving access to apps providing mindfulness tools which are often essential for patent recovery.
Radios have also been supplied for the Burns and Plastics Unit, providing valuable distraction therapy.
Jim Anderson’s daughter Lara, who runs R&I Neish in Peterhead, has been able to source all the items.
Along with her friend, Jane Taylor who is a Senior Charge Nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, they have been at the forefront of understanding patients’ needs.
Jane said: “All the wards that received donations were delighted and could see how they would immediately enhance patient care and their experience.”
