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Small gifts, big smiles for patients at St Helier
December 23, 2011 3:53 PM
Patients at St Helier Hospital- from newborns in the maternity unit to elderly people being treated in the specialty wards - were handed Christmas gifts from two local MPs and the hospital's dedicated charity this morning (23 December 2011).
The St Helier and Sutton League of Friends purchased 350 small gifts for patients and distributed them with the help of Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam and Minister of State for Care Services, and MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake.
Director of Nursing Pippa Hart was also on hand to help out with presenting the gifts to patients. She said: "I would like to thank Tom and Paul for coming to St Helier, and the League of Friends for buying and wrapping such a large amount of gifts. It wasn't a small task, but it has had a huge impact on our patients.
"We know that our patients would rather be home at this time of year, but sadly, that's not always possible. We hope that a present from the League of Friends, along with the chance to chat to their local MPs today, has brightened our patients' stay in hospital and brought them a little more Christmas cheer."
Paul Burstow MP said: "It was a privilege to join volunteers from the League of Friends and be a part of their annual Christmas ward round.
"It is obvious to me just how important the volunteers ofSt Helierand Sutton hospitals truly are, and to see first hand how they lift the spirits of those around them was very touching.
"I would like to wish all of the patients, visitors and staff at the hospitals all the very best for the festive season and2012."
Tom Brake MP said: "It was an absolute pleasure to help the League of Friends and to meet such a large number of patients, visitors and staff.
"Although I am sure it's not easy to be in hospital over the Christmas period, it's good to see the patients are being well looked after."
Chair of the Friends Val Brundle: "Giving out Christmas gifts to patients is something that we do every year, and I must admit, it's usually the most heart-warming event of our calendar.
"We only ever hand out small gifts, but the smiles we get back are incredible. We aim to lift the patients' spirit and I think we have definitely managed that. I would like to thank Tom and Paul for joining us, and would also like to thank the matrons, nurses and the support staff on the wards who have helped us to hand out the presents."
For more information about the work of the Trust, including how you can get involved with the League of Friends, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/supportus. You can also keep up with all of our latest news by following us on Twitter, at twitter.com/epsom_sthelier or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/epsomsthelier.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Press Release (23 December 2011)
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