CoWL celebrates two years of supporting carers and disabled people at St John’s Hospital

We’re proud to mark two successful years of delivering dedicated support to carers, disabled people and families within St John’s Hospital and West Lothian GP practices. Since the service began, CoWL has received almost 900 referrals, demonstrating just how vital support is within the hospital and practice environments.

Ruth Hutchison is CoWL’s Development Worker based at St John’s Hospital

Based on-site at St John’s, CoWL’s Development Worker, Ruth Hutchison, provides direct, compassionate support and advice to carers and disabled people at some of the most challenging points in their care journey. Ruth’s role includes:

• Helping carers and disabled people understand their rights and the support available to them

• Assisting with discharge planning to ensure carers and disabled people feel prepared for returning home

• Guiding with applying for an Adult Carer Support Plan and with Self Directed Support

• Offering practical guidance, such as benefits information, community services, emergency planning and carer breaks

• Linking them directly with the wider support offered by CoWL

Through this proactive support, CoWL aims to reduce stress and increase confidence.

Reflecting on the project’s achievements to date, Ruth shared:

“It’s been a joy to work at St John’s alongside professionals who really care. Every day I meet carers and disabled people who are doing an incredible job, often under huge pressure. I’m glad CoWL can be here to support carers and patients through challenging times.”

The partnership between CoWL and NHS Lothian has strengthened over the past two years, creating a more carer-aware hospital environment and ensuring unpaid carers receive recognition and support at the earliest point possible.

Patients consistently tell us that CoWL’s presence in hospital and health centres helps them to feel valued, included, and less alone during challenging moments. 

“For the first time, I felt recognised as part of my son’s care team.” 

As the project enters its third year, we remain committed to building on this momentum, expanding its reach, and continuing to champion carers and disabled people’s well-being across West Lothian.

For more information about CoWL’s hospital-based service or to make a referral:
📧 loth.carerswestlothian@nhs.scot
📞 01506 448000
🌐 www.cowl.org.uk