Cunninghame South’s MSP has praised Marie Curie nurses for the vital work they do in the constituency.

Last Friday, Ruth Maguire MSP heard about the care available for people in West Scotland living with a terminal illness and their families, praising the support provided by the terminal illness charity, Marie Curie.

At a meeting with Marie Curie staff at her constituency office in Irvine, Ruth discussed the work of Marie Curie across her constituency of Cunninghame South – where local Marie Curie Nurses work night and day providing hands-on care and vital emotional support enabling families to be cared for and to die at home, where that is their choice and appropriate for them.

Ruth also heard about the charity’s volunteer Helper service, which provides emotional support, companionship, and information about local services relevant to people, carers and families, and the Information and Support Services that are available for everyone affected by a terminal illness.

In 2015/16 in NHS Ayrshire, 86 people were supported in 354 nursing visits. The charity provided care and support for more than 8,000 people living with a terminal illness through its hospices in Glasgow and Edinburgh and the Nursing Service across Scotland.

Ruth also expressed her support for the charity’s fundraising group in Irvine, which is hard at work making sure that Marie Curie are able to continue caring for people in their local area.

Ruth Maguire MSP said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Marie Curie today and hear about the fantastic work they are doing across the constituency. I am very grateful for the vital care and support they provide for patients with all terminal illnesses.”

Elma Mitchell, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire said: “We were delighted to share examples with Ruth of the difference that local fundraising helps provide to her constituents. Volunteering or joining a fundraising group is a really great way to raise funds locally for Marie Curie while also meeting new people and having lots of fun.

“We are also delighted that Ruth is planning to show her support by holding a Blooming Great Tea Party. If you are interested in volunteering for us in Cunninghame South, please contact me on 07798 638151 or at Elma.Mitchell@mariecurie.org.uk. ”