Leuchie voice - leuchie guests
01 Aug 2008
A very enjoyable, comfortable, relaxed and restful holiday best describes the eleven day break I recently spent in the MS Society’s Scottish Respite Centre for the first time. Leuchie House, near the picturesque East Lothian seaside town of North Berwick, is a charming 18th century former stately home of the Hamilton-Dalrymple family set in pleasant grounds with breathtaking views. The interior rivals the outside; the ceilings of the public rooms are spectacular. But the most memorable and deserving feature of Leuchie has to be the friendly and affable staff.
Mairi O’Keefe is justifiably proud of her 70-odd strong team of workers ranging from nursing and care staff, physio, activities co-ordinator, drivers, front office staff through to facilities workers, cooks and ladies in the dining-room. All are pleasant, cheerful and never too busy to share a kind word.
The care and concern shown by both day and night nurses and care workers is superlative and was a huge relief to me, following less favourable treatment I experienced in a similar establishment. I was worried when I arrived but very quickly realised that my fears were groundless.
The house is spotless and very well-maintained. My bedroom was huge and although it had two beds (adjustamatic and very comfortable) I had the room to myself.
On the first evening we met with the activities co-ordinator who invited us to suggest trips we might like to take. We went out to a variety of venues on either of two minibuses. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the theatre, having some retail therapy at the Gyle Shopping Centre, a fascinating visit to Dynamic Earth and a lovely day in North Berwick at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Since I live very rurally with limited opportunity to do such I really had a ball. Then at night we enjoyed in-house entertainment like films, quizzes and a very funny karaoke evening.
I now live in Aberdeenshire but grew up in Central Scotland where my family still stay. Luckily for me Leuchie House welcomed my sisters and friends and offered lunch.
The food was delicious and I felt no need to join the outing for a bar lunch. Indeed I happen to be vegetarian and felt very well catered for.
The final evening of the break it is traditional to have a special meal. Being February 14th, we had a gourmet Valentine’s menu with wine (although on other nights we could order from the bar if we fancied). The ladies took time to decorate the dining room – it looked splendid. We also had a raffle and were entertained by a great musical duo.
Another highlight for me was the excellent physiotherapy service available every day, and I was able to borrow a Genie wheelchair for the duration of my visit. Complementary therapies were also available at a very reasonable cost, such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology as well as visits by a beautician and hairdresser. A counsellor is also on site at no cost.
In all I had a great stay, enjoyed meeting, sharing with and blethering to the ten other guests. It was, I’m told, a small group as the house can hold twenty plus five carers. Most were women but one male made us all jealous when he received a rather fancy valentine card from his wife – well it was Valentine’s Day and we can live in hope. I didn’t know anyone on arrival but I now have lots of new friends. The house gets busy and unsurprisingly books up quickly so I’d better get my diary out as I’ll be back!
Page next due for review on 1 Feb 11
© 2010 Multiple Sclerosis Society
