B.U.G.S.
(Burns Unit Group Support)
B.U.G.S. (Burns Unit Group Support) is a small registered charity founded in May 2000 by staff trained in burn care, and an ex-patient. It is based at Salisbury District Hospital Burns Unit and serves a large regional area. Although most patients come from within the region, sometimes people are admitted from other parts of the country.
B.U.G.S. supports patients and ex-patients who have been burned. The small team of volunteers who organise and staff B.U.G.S. are dedicated to providing enhanced care. The team supports patients in hospital by visiting and befriending them. After discharge the support continues through a drop in point where friendship, encouragement and practical information for ex-patients and their families are offered. It is also possible to link individuals in to professional help and advice. The group can recommend national, as well as local organisations if appropriate. When possible the group also organises outings and fun activities for its members. B.U.G.S. membership is free and open to all ex-patients and their families.
Burn patients can suffer years of pain and suffering, operations and many mental and physical difficulties. Families too can suffer long term difficulties. Post hospital support for survivors of burns is very sparse in the UK and this is fully acknowledged by the medical profession. In this region the support offered by B.U.G.S. is the only befriending support of its kind available to people who have been burned.
As well as befriending support for patients and their families, the Objectives of this registered charity include:-
- Compiling and distributing a discharge package, including a Booklet produced by the BUGS team, which contains helpful information about coping with, and caring for their burn at home, as well as other relevant items.
- An informative video which has been specially made by the B.U.G.S. team to enhance information provided on the care of the healing process.
- A Newsletter twice a year sent to members and donors.
- Fund Raising to provide:
Ø 2 grants per annum for children to attend the National Burned Children?s Camp held in Cambridgeshire every August.
Ø 2 grants for adults towards attending relevant training courses.
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The support of relevant Research that will benefit B.U.G.S. members..
Help for this worthwhile charity is always gratefully received. Those who have benefited do tell us.
For further information please contact: Sister Janet Tromans, or Staff Nurse Sue Smith on 01722 336262 ext 2552
