| For those in the last stages of life, the journey to the palliative care home or preferred place of care is often the last physical journey they make.
Ms Sturgeon, cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, welcomed the new ambulance at Dundee’s Scottish Ambulance Service Station in West School Road, Downfield.
Ms Sturgeon praised the ambulance and said it is difficult to put a value on the service it provides to patients.
She added, “I’ve never had a personal experience with palliative care in my immediate family but everyone at some stage will have to come in contact with it.
“This ambulance is a tremendous facility that will enhance the quality of life for those in the final stages.
“Speaking to some of the palliative care workers today I heard examples of people who were able to get married, or go out and buy a school uniform for their child, because of this service. You really can’t put a price on that.”
The vehicle has been funded by Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of its Delivering Choice Tayside Project. The Scottish Ambulance Service is operating it in Tayside as a two-year pilot scheme.
The ambulance is fitted with specialist equipment and other features specifically designed to help palliative care patients feel relaxed and comfortable on their journey.
Ian Golding, Head of Patient Transport Service at the Scottish Ambulance Service, said, “The new vehicle lets us offer even more appropriate service for patients, specially tailored to their needs.”
Ms Sturgeon later went on Forthill Primary School, in Broughty Ferry, to encourage schoolchildren to watch the result of Scotland’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. |
