Health

A MAN who survived a freak DIY accident when he sliced his neck open with an angle grinder has praised the doctors who saved his life.

Peter Shackleton, of Newcroft Close, Hillingdon, was horrifically injured while working in his conservatory.

The angle grinder broke and the blade ricocheted at high speed, hitting Mr Shackleton in the face and neck. The impact broke his jaw and cut deeply into his neck.

FIVE caring nurses are holding a party this week before they set off for a mammoth trek across the Sahara.

The Macmillan nurses at Hillingdon Hospital, who care for terminally ill patients, have been fundraising for their expedition for over a year.

Their trek is to raise money for a new Information Centre based at the Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, which can be used by the community.

Claire Colman, Claire Young, Liz Bunker, Fiona Hamer and Lorraine Barton are the braves nurses who will be walking for six days for a total of 100km across the burning desert.

DESPITE over 630 assaults on staff at Hillingdon Hospital over the last three years, security officers are expected to work alone.

It has been exposed that 'on a significant number of occasions only one security officer is on duty throughout the hospital for a 12 hour shift' according to a Health and Safety Executive report.

A NEW doctors surgery been given a long awaited green light- improving conditions for medical staff and patients alike.

Permission for the new surgery at Parkway, Hillingdon, was granted by councillors last Tuesday, four years since the plans were first put forward.

HILLINGDON'S first annual awards ceremony for its GP's took place last week to reward their contribution to the community.

The awards, voted for by staff and patients, were presided over by Mike Whitlam CBE, acting chair of NHS Hillingdon, and presented by MP John McDonnell.

A LOVING mother and father are trying to raise money to pay for treatment for their three-year old son who has Cerebral Palsy.

Gill and Dan Phillips, of Micawber Avenue, Hillingdon, both 32, are trying to raise awareness about their son Kai, and find other parents in the same situation as themselves.

FIVE nurses are daring to tackle a gruelling trek across the Sahara desert to raise money for charity.

Fiona Hamer, Lorraine Barton, and Liz Bunker who work at Hillingdon Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, will be joined by Claire Young and Claire Coleman who work at Hillingdon PCT.

CALM and relaxation are the aims of a new garden opened at Hillingdon Hospital.

Volunteers created the restful garden for the Tudor Centre for Sexual Health at the Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, hospital.

The garden, which was officially opened on Tuesday, November 11 was part funded by the Coca-Cola Youth Foundation and a former patient.

Barry Watson, project officer for Groundwork, said: "Our volunteers really loved the challenge of creating this garden and made a lovely job of it. We're very grateful for Coca Cola's generosity which is helping the Healing Gardens to keep going at a time when we need every penny."

Gardens at Colham Green Road and the Riverside Centre have already been created to help people with disabilities and long term illnesses.

Consultant physician at the Tudor Centre, Dr Benedict Holden, added: "Everyone is very excited about the new garden and we are all very grateful for the extra support."

A CHARITY tennis match is to be held to raise funds for Hillingdon Hospital.

Players from the Hillingdon Hospital Paediatric Diabetes Charity will compete against former Wimbledon Centre Court contestant, Lee Childs.

Audience members will also have an opportunity to play the star and professional team coach, Phil Fawler.

All proceeds from the Stoke Park, Bucks, event will go to the Hillingdon Hospital Paediatric Diabetes Charity, which helps provide activities and essential equipment for diabetic children.

Tickets cost £25 and include a drinks reception from 11am on November 30.
Contact 01753 717173 or email spa@stokeparkclub.com

GREEN-FINGERED charity volunteers from across the borough have unveiled new gardens at Hillingdon Hospital.

Healing Gardens volunteers recently completed the restful looking gardens at The Tudor Centre for Sexual Health at Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road.

The charity is run by Groundwork Thames Valley as a way of engaging the community in landscape architecture and has been running for over 20 years.

The low maintenance gardens were designed with relaxation and wildlife in mind.

Seating beneath a pergola provides a peaceful spot where hardworking staff can take a break, and where birdboxes sit and feeders care for the birds.

The garden development was partly funded by the Coca-Cola Youth Foundation, which encourages young people to volunteer their time by gardening in their community.

A bequest from a former patient matched the grant and staff from Coca-Cola offices in Uxbridge rolled up their sleeves to help the Healing Gardens team on other gardens in the borough.

Barry Watson, Healing Gardens project officer, said: "Our volunteers really loved the challenge of creating this garden, and made a lovely job of it.

"We're really grateful for Coca-Cola's generosity, which is helping Healing Gardens to keep going, at a time when we need every penny."