It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, where Santa has dropped by to spread a little seasonal cheer to children and their families staying in hospital this festive season.
Young people in the Children’s Ward at University Hospital Crosshouse were delighted to see Santa at recent visits organised by Crosshouse Children’s Fund, the charity for Ayrshire’s babies and children in hospital. He also popped into the Ayrshire Maternity Unit to the Neonatal and Maternity Wards, making sure children don’t miss out on a Santa visit if they are an inpatient.
Crosshouse Children’s Fund also organised Christmas gifts for patients at Rainbow House at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Hospital Play Specialist Michelle Dodds said:
“It can be unsettling for children to be away from home for treatment and especially hard at this time of year. To help bring a bit of festive magic we have been delighted that Santa has been able to pop in to NHS Ayrshire & Arran during his busiest time to come and see local children staying in hospital this Christmas.
“For everyone on the wards involved it has been heart-warming to see how the young people reacted to the visits which have brought joy to our patients, their families and of course all the hard working and caring staff in the Paediatrics and Maternity departments here in Ayrshire.”
Rebekah McGinn Crosshouse Children’s Fund Fundraising Manager said:
“Thank you to the wonderful NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff and Do You Believe in Santa Claus Ayrshire for helping to make Christmas magical for Ayrshire’s children in hospital.
“These visits are so special as they create unforgettable memories for patients and families who cannot celebrate Christmas at home.”
Anyone looking to donate to Crosshouse Children’s Fund or find out more about their work can do so on their website: www.crosshousechildrensfund.org
ENDS
Background
Crosshouse Children’s Fund provided gifts and the visits were also supported by Do You Believe in Santa Claus Ayrshire.
Photographs
Picture 1: Santa pictured with Rebekah McGinn from the Crosshouse Children’s Fund and Michelle Dodds from NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Picture 2: Santa pictured with an infant at a recent visit to NHS Ayrshire & Arran