Friends of Anchor
Friends of ANCHOR was established to support North-east Scotland’s oncology and haematology patients, with the ambition to ensure the level of care is the best it can be.
Supporting the medical and nursing teams in the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Friends of ANCHOR, which stands for ‘Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy, provides funding for in and out patient Wellbeing Services, Medical Equipment and Research, going over and above what the NHS alone can provide. Founded in 1997, the charity is focussed on patient needs within the hospital environment, and our Wellbeing team are on hand to offer a time-out service and complementary treatments as required. The charity is committed to working in partnership with NHS Grampian, and fund initiatives such as the Ward Assistant Scheme, Nurse Development Programme and our Friends of ANCHOR Clinical Scholarship. With close working relationships with University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, the charity supports local research, helping to put Aberdeen on the map for medical innovation.
With a spectrum of fundraising events throughout the year, 100% of all donations go directly to the charity as all administrative costs are funded by Balmoral Group. All funds raised stay in the North-east of Scotland.
Support Services
Complementary therapies
Complimentary therapies are available by appointment to patients during their time in the ANCHOR Unit. To request any of the services, or to find out more please ask the Friends of ANCHOR ward assistant or a member of the nursing staff.
Hand massage and manicures are offered Monday to Thursday, offering pamper time for patients’ hands and nails with a vast array of colours and nail art available.
Massage service Monday to Friday, our therapists are available to offer relaxation and relief. The treatment will be completely bespoke to the patient and their needs.
Our podiatrist is available by appointment on Fridays to treat and alleviate day-to-day foot problems and complex nail or foot conditions to keep feet happy and healthy.
Professional wig-styling and consultations take place on Monday afternoons. This complimentary service is available by appointment with our dedicated hair and wig stylist who is on hand for wig referrals, consultations and restyling.
Timeout sessions are provided throughout the week by our dedicated timeout coordinator, helping to pass the hours away for inpatients while they are receiving treatment with board games, puzzles or crafts.
Wellbeing support
Friends of ANCHOR offer additional care, comfort and support to patients during their time at the ANCHOR Unit. Complimentary wellbeing provision is available to patients during their time as an in and out patient. To find out more please ask the Friends of ANCHOR ward assistant or a member of the nursing staff.
Post treatment care
Chemotherapy can often cause side effects including dry skin, nausea and hair loss. Friends of ANCHOR fund post treatment care items for patients undergoing treatment at the ANCHOR Unit to try and combat these side effects. We provide ginger chewing gum and sea bands to alleviate nausea; Udderly smooth cream and conditioner bottles to help relieve dry skin and thermometers to help patients monitor their temperature at home. We also purchase a range of comfortable and attractive headwear bandanas and scarves for those patients who do lose their hair.
Home comforts
We bring a touch of home comforts to those undergoing treatment at the ANCHOR Unit. From ice lollies to comfy recliner chairs; warming blankets to cooling Dyson fans; not to forget the coffee machine and lap trays for those staying through meal times. Take a break Friends of ANCHOR has a timeout base unit that boasts an extensive DVD library and music collection, which is on offer daily for the inpatients in the ANCHOR Unit. For day patients or for those inpatients spending days, weeks or even months in the ANCHOR Unit, we have ‘Take a Break’ items that come as a welcome distraction for those undergoing treatment. From portable DVD players and games consoles to activity and colouring books and also a selection of magazines are also available to help the days go that little bit quicker for patients whilst they undergo treatment.
