Her Majesty The Queen tours Dee View Court

Our Chief Executive Heidi Travis welcomed The Queen for a tour of the facility, where she met residents as well as staff and board members who have been working to expand the charity’s care in the north east of Scotland.

Sue Ryder is a national healthcare charity that provides hospice and neurological care for people facing life-changing conditions. The Aberdeen care centre helps people living with long-term neurological conditions including Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries.

Pamela Mackenzie, Sue Ryder Director of Neurological Services and Scotland, who led the tour, said she was honoured to welcome The Queen to Sue Ryder Dee View Court.

"We were absolutely delighted that Her Majesty The Queen was able to visit us to learn about the invaluable work and services that we provide here in Aberdeen and find out about our plans for the future," she said. "It has been a very special day for our team, who all work tremendously hard to give people affected by neurological conditions the care and support they need.

"Showing Her Majesty our facility was a hugely proud moment for us all, particularly sharing the incredible impact that Sue Ryder Dee View Court has on people who need our help the most."

Upon arrival, Her Majesty The Queen was met by Councillor Barney Crockett, Lord Provost and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Aberdeen, who introduced her to Angela Scott, the CEO of Aberdeen City Council; Neil Goulden, our Chair of Trustees; Sue Ryder CEO Heidi Travis; and Pamela Mackenzie, Sue Ryder Director of Neurological Services and Scotland, who escorted Her Majesty throughout a tour of the neurological care centre.

In the reception area of Sue Ryder Dee View Court, Her Majesty met Valerie Maxwell, our Dee View Court centre director.

After touring the rest of the facility, including a meeting with Dee View Court resident Margaret Pyle, The Queen’s visit was brought to a poignant close as she was invited to sign the care centre’s visitors’ book.

"Earlier this month, we released our Rewrite the Future report, which set out the progress that needs to be made in improving specialist care for people with neurological conditions in Scotland," said Valerie Maxwell. "As the only purpose-built specialist neurological centre in Scotland, there is a great need for our services, and it was a privilege to share what we do with The Queen.

"It was also wonderful for our residents to get this opportunity to meet her, and create a special memory they will all treasure," she concluded.