Jackie Baillie MSP recently met representatives from Marie Curie to hear about the care they offer locally to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.

In the West of Scotland, around 13,050 people each year need palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life. Last year, 1,034 patients and families were supported by the Marie Curie nursing team across NHS boards covering the local area and across the West of Scotland.

Thanking the Marie Curie Nurses who deliver hands-on care at homes across Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh and Lomond, Jackie Baillie also congratulated her constituents for their generous donations to the charity and encouraged continued support.

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “The work that Marie Curie carries out in our local area makes a hugely important contribution and improves the quality of patients lives. Their hands-on, personal care has made thousands of patients and families across Scotland feel supported and valued, during what is often a very difficult time.
“Local residents have made a fantastic effort to raise funds for Marie Curie over the years and the donations have helped with funding research as well as supplying high tech equipment for the hospices and employing more vital staff.”

Marie Curie Nurses helped over 95 percent[1] of people last year across West Scotland NHS boards to die in their place of choice, which is often at home. The charity supports people with all terminal conditions including cancer, heart disease, dementia, MND and others.

Richard Meade, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for Marie Curie Scotland said: “Thank you to Jackie for highlighting the vital care and support terminally ill people need.

“We want everyone to have physical and emotional care to help them live as well as they can with terminal illness. At the end of life, that should also mean people have as much choice as possible and with Marie Curie support the difference might be that they can stay at home and spend precious time with loved ones.”

Anyone can receive free support through the Marie Curie Information and Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/help.

If you are interested in getting involved in local fundraising with Marie Curie, please contact Sara Murray sara.murray@mariecurie.org.uk, or to find out more about Marie Curie’s local Helper service please contact Katie Wardlaw katie.wardlaw@mariecurie.org.uk