Duke of Rothesay marks Caithness General's anniversary
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PRINCE Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, followed in the footsteps of his late grandmother when he visited Caithness General yesterday – almost 25 years after she officially opened the facility.
He was welcomed at the Wick hospital by the county’s lord-lieutenant, Anne Dunnett, who introduced him to NHS Highland locality general manager for Caithness Pauline Craw.
Mrs Craw accompanied HRH during a guided tour of the hospital starting at the CT scanner suite.
He had an opportunity to speak to radiography staff about the work they carry out in the unit.
He was then introduced to a team of domestic cleaning staff and volunteers for the WRVS who run the hospital shop.
Volunteer Alison Atkins, from Wick, who has been working in the store for 20 years, said he was charming man.
“He asked me if the shop gets a lot of business to which I replied we do quite well,” she told the Caithness Courier.
“He also asked if we get any male volunteers working at the shop. I replied that we had none at the moment but if he was interested he would be more than welcome to join us. He didn’t reply but gave a lovely smile.”
Mrs Craw later took him to the renal dialysis unit where he was shown a video link which enables kidney patients to have a consultation with their consultant in Inverness without the need for a lengthy journey.
He also took the opportunity to talk to some of the patients who were being treated. Claire Bolton (75), from Murkle, has been receiving treatment at the hospital for two-and-a-half years. She told the prince she rated Caithness General as one of the best hospitals in the country.
“We discussed how important I find the services which are provided here,” she said. “He also asked about my condition and was a genuinely nice man.”
Margaret Miller (71), from Wick, was also taken by the charm of Prince Charles. She has been on dialysis for three years and makes regular visits to the hospital.
“I found him to very pleasant and he was very interested to know about how the renal unit benefits me.”
His next stop was at the physiotherapy gym where he was able to watch part of a class which helps patients with cardio obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) to gain confidence and improve their quality of life.
The prince was also shown the occupational therapy kitchen before being taken through the Queen Elizabeth Rehabilitation Unit, which is named after his grandmother.
He met Margaret Jones (65), from Wick, who this year celebrates working 50 years for the NHS. Originally from north-east England, she began her career at the age of 16 working at Hexham General Hospital.
She met her husband, Ernest, who was a laboratory manager at the same unit and the couple moved to Wick in 1972.
She was also present in 1987 when the Queen Mother officially opened the hospital – a fact Prince Charles was keen to hear about.
“I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to her,” said Mrs Jones. “But I do remember catching a quick glance when she opened the hospital.
“I remember thinking how beautiful and elegant she was. When the prince heard how long I had been working here he asked if I remembered seeing his grandmother. I think it was an emotional experience for him. It was an emotional experience for me too.”
Mrs Craw then escorted him to the hospital dining room where he was able to meet more members of staff and sign the visitors’ book before his departure. She said it was a pleasure to be able to show the prince around the hospital.
“It seemed an appropriate way to mark the 25th anniversary of the hospital that was opened by his grandmother,” she said. “We are very pleased the royal link is being maintained.” CHP clinical lead and consultant surgeon Paul Fisher said Prince Charles is well known for his support of the area and it was a good opportunity for him to see the advances which the hospital has made in 25 years.
He said: “Over that time period there have been many important medical and technological developments within the hospital.
“It provides a service to the community of Caithness and Sutherland of which the staff and the public can be very proud.”
