Whenever there’s a challenge, the staff on Brundall Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital are among the first to get involved, and Christmas is no exception.
During the festive season, the teams on the Older People’s Medicine Ward make sure visitors are greeted with decorations, and Christmas tights, socks and earrings have also been known to make an appearance.
The N&N Hospitals Charity Send a Smile with Santa Appeal to give every patient a gift on Christmas Day is an opportunity for a staff member to become Santa’s helper, delivering presents to each bed on December 25th.
The appeal is welcomed by Joanne Ward, deputy sister on Brundall, who said: “We are so grateful for every present that is donated to a patient and we choose what would be suitable for each one and wrap them up to be delivered on Christmas morning.
“Often, when you have a relative in hospital, particularly if someone has come in suddenly, Christmas takes a back seat and presents are the last thing on your mind – all you want is for your loved one to be well.
“Some of our patients don’t have any family, or have family and friends who live far away, so it is so lovely to have these gifts donated to our patients.”
Brundall Ward Sister Tracey Shaw added: “It is really the one time in the year when people dress up, and try and make the day special for all our patients, while being mindful of those who may not be feeling festive.
“We have carols and festive music, while the day-to-day hard work of our nurses and doctors continues.”
The hospital charity stressed that gifts for a patient need not be expensive – toiletries, a puzzle book, chocolates or socks are ideal and anyone who would like to donate a gift but is unable to get out, there is an Amazon Wish List with small items to be purchased and delivered directly to the hospital, and a JustGiving page where a donation can be made which will be used to purchase a gift for a patient.
Click here to choose an item from the Send a Smile with Santa list on Amazon or to make a donation which will be used to purchase a gift, click here.
All presents should remain unwrapped so staff can ensure that presents are individually tailored for each patient, as well as protecting against potential infection. The hospital would also welcome donations of gift bags and wrapping paper.
Unfortunately homemade gifts, electrical items, sharp objects or any used goods cannot be accepted.
Please ensure all presents are dropped off by 8 December 2019 to allow time for the hospital to wrap presents in preparation for Christmas Day. The collection points are at
- EDP Offices in Norwich
- Main West In-Patient Reception Level 1 at the NNUH Hospital
- Cromer Hospital
- Tesco Harfold Bridge
- Norwich Railway Station Greater Anglia Customer Services
- Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf Club and Spa
- Old Hall Farm, Woodton
For more information, contact fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk
Pic caption: The team at Tesco Harford Bridge has prepared a trolley for customers to drop off a gift for a patient.
