Santa's seasonal surprise visit brings smiles to hospital
PATIENTS and staff at Rotherham Hospital received a magical surprise as Santa and his team of elves visited the wards to deliver gifts and festive joy.
The heart-warming gesture was made possible thanks to the generosity of the people of Rotherham and local businesses, including Dunelm and Tesco, who donated hundreds of presents.
Donations have been pouring in since November, and the team at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity worked tirelessly to arrange collection of hundreds of gifts.
Each gift was sorted and prepared for distribution by members of the patient experience team and some of the trust’s volunteers.
A spokesperson for Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “Santa’s visit brought smiles to patients of all ages, ensuring that those in hospital still feel the warmth and spirit of the season.
“The donated gifts will be handed out to patients in hospital on Christmas Day, as well as to those patients receiving home visits as part of their care.
“Cindy Storer, deputy chief nurse, said: “We are so grateful to our community and local businesses for their kindness.
“We know people would prefer not to be in hospital at any time of year, particularly Christmas.
“These gifts mean so much to our patients and will help to make Christmas in hospital a little brighter.”
Santa and his elves also found time in their busy schedule to attend the trust’s carol concert in the hospital’s main entrance.
The event brought together staff, patients and visitors to celebrate the festive season.