Charles officially opens renovated oxygen therapy center in Wick

Charles officially opens renovated oxygen therapy center in Wick

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The Prince of Wales was told about the benefits of oxygen therapy for long-term Covid and a range of other health concerns during a visit to Caithness on Friday.

Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotlandofficially opened the refurbished Healing Hub at the Braehead in Wick with invitees and members of the public watching in glorious sunshine.

Blunt scissors caused a brief delay in cutting the ribbon, but the royal visitor duly completed the task to spontaneous applause.

The Prince of Wales visiting the Healing Hub Oxygen Therapy Center in Wick to hear about the benefits of oxygen therapy, especially for long-term Covid patients (Andrew Milligan/PA) / PA wire

Charles spent over half an hour chatting with volunteers, users and others associated with the center run by MS Therapy Center Wick.

The baroque room in the Healing Hub can help people with a variety of health conditions, from multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis to sports injuries.

Jan Farrington, 75, group treasurer and secretary, said: “He was a charming gentleman and knowledgeable – he wanted to know more about it and was willing to listen to users.

Charles met the locals while visiting the Healing Hub Oxygen Therapy Center in Wick (Andrew Milligan/PA) / PA wire

“He was so interested in it, and he also said he was trying to set up a clinic in Norfolk and was able to contact us for information. He said it’s so interesting and so useful if you’re willing to give it time.”

Charles opened the original facility in 2005 when the building still belonged to the Highland Council.

It has since been acquired by the group through an asset transfer, with support from Caithness Voluntary Group, and has undergone a major refurbishment.

The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, is shown the center baroque room (Andrew Milligan/PA) / PA wire

Ms Farrington said: “I was diagnosed with MS in 1982. I use the room once a week. Without it I don’t think I would still be walking.

People must realize that they can help themselves, that is the most important point. Give it a chance.”

Sharon Florence, van Watten, uses the Healing Hub after suffering from Covid for a long time.

After meeting the Duke of Rothesay, the 46-year-old said: “I just explained to him why I was using it and how much it helped me and that I was back at work. He certainly seemed very interested in what I had to say.”

Center user Stephen Lay, who has ME and fibromyalgia, also spoke with Charles.

Thurso’s 60-year-old retired official said: “It has given me more perspective. I feel like I am more alive now than before the treatment.”

The Healing Hub currently has 50 users and three volunteer room operators.

For over 40 years, local transport company D Steven & Son has been transporting used oxygen bottles from the room to Aberdeen and bringing full bottles up for free.

David Steven, director of D Steven & Son, attended the event with driver Alex Martin.

After speaking to the Prince, Mr. Steven explained, “He said it’s very good of us what we’re doing. He was really impressed with the whole setup here.”

Charles visits the Pilot’s House during his visit to Caithness (Andrew Milligan/PA) / PA wire

Accompanied by Willie Watt, Deputy Lieutenant of Caithness, the Prince had previously viewed and met the nearby Pilot House Peter Sutherlandwho renovated the 114-year-old building.

The Prince met volunteers from Caithness Foodbank at their base in the city’s former Carnegie Library, along with representatives from 17 other community groups.

Mr Watt later said: “We are so lucky and privileged in Caithness to have so many royal visits, especially through Prince Charlesand he clearly has a huge affection for the place.

“It was nice to say ‘welcome back’ to him today.”