All Quiet on Scotter Ward

Some of the most talkative staff on Scotter Ward at Gainsborough's John Coupland Hospital, have taken part in a sponsored silence to raise money for the ward's palliative care fund.

Health Care Support Workers Dot Andrews, Isobel Bird and Sam Oldridge, along with staf fnurse Lynn Short, all from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), used their day off to take part in the challenge.

During the eight-hour fundraiser, which raised £1000, the ladies passed the time by hosting picnics in the ward day room and entertaining the patients, who took great pride in ensuring not a word was spoken. Armed with buckets, they also headed into Morton Village, near Gainsborough, to meet with the police and members of the public, in an attempt to add to their sponsorship total.

After the sponsored silence was completed, Lynn Short said: "I was surprised at how enjoyable it was to not talk for eight hours! The atmosphere on the ward was brilliant. The patients did a countdown at the end and gave us a big cheer.

"Through taking part, we now have a better understanding of how stroke patients feel and the frustrations they must experience when their ability to communicate is effected. We were very lucky in that we could write things down, however, many stroke patients are unable to do this."

Sam Oldridge added: "The team spirit and support we received was fantastic and we're over the moon that we raised so much money."

The ward are now over a third of the way to reaching their £60,000 goal. Their next fundraising event is an already sold-out race night on September 30, which is being held at The Blues Club in Gainsborough.

If you would like to make a donation to the ward's palliative care fund please contact Marie Walker, Ward Business Support Officer, or Sister Donna Phillips on Scotter Ward on 01427 816542