John Acres,Devonand
Julia Gregory,South West
Torbay and South Devon NHS CharityA Devon hospital is planning to ensure every patient and staff member there on Christmas Day will receive a gift.
The Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity is appealing for money so it can buy presents for everyone at Torbay Hospital and five local community hospitals, including Brixham and Dawlish.
Chief nurse Nicola McMinn has estimated that about 350 patients could be in Torbay Hospital on 25 December, with more in the community hospitals.
“For people spending Christmas in hospital that tiny gift can actually turn what was starting off as a difficult day into one that feels a little bit warmer and more connected with Christmas,” Ms McMinn said.
She said they wanted to ensure everyone would be given a present as it would be hard for patients and the 1,000 staff on duty to be away from their families.
Ms McMinn said: “We know that for patients being at hospital over Christmas it’s not where they want to be.”
She said staff, from doctors, nurses and the adult social care team, to those in catering, cleaning and IT, are needed to keep the NHS working on Christmas Day and small gifts are a way of showing they are appreciated.
Ms McMinn also encouraged people to keep on top of their hand hygiene to prevent the spread of seasonal bugs.
She also urged them to away from the vulnerable, including the elderly and young children, if they have a winter bug to help prevent it spreading and to avoid a hospital visit.
