We provide funding so NHS staff can attend advanced training events and conferences, above and beyond what would be considered “core” for their role or job. This helps staff in their professional development and knowledge-sharing, all of which will benefit the babies, children and young people they care for. These are all extras above and beyond NHS core provision and are key examples of Archie making a tangible and practical difference to young people and those that care for them.
The NHS provides medical equipment for clinical and or patient use. The state funds only what is classed as “core” equipment. Too often, life-enhancing medical equipment, that will really make the difference for young patients or the staff who care for them, is regarded as non-core and therefore not available on the NHS. Sadly, very few of us have the means to pay for these “extras” directly but thankfully The Archie Foundation very often can, and does and the difference this makes to young lives is priceless!
Over the years we have funded some key roles, many of which successfully made the case for NHS funding.
In RACH we funded the Paediatric Pain Nurse for the first decade of this role. Not surprisingly the role at the time was known as the “Archie” Pain Nurse. NHS Grampian took over funding in 2021.
In Aberdeen Neonatal Unit, we funded the trial of psychological and counselling support for families, funding a Clinical Psychologist and two counsellors. The importance of psychological support for neonatal families was recognised by the Scottish Government with Clinical Psychologists now state-funded at all Scottish neonatal units.
Funding these trials has created an incredible legacy of support for local children and families which would not exist were it not for generous donations from Archie supporters. We are incredibly grateful for the difference their support has enabled Archie to make.