Hundreds of presents will be delivered to patients across both our hospitals this Christmas, bringing some festive cheer to those spending it in hospital.

All our adult patients will receive a gift bag with a puzzle book, grown-up colouring book, colouring pencils and a selection box. New mums welcoming their little ones over Christmas will get hand cream as well as a polar bear soft toy for their baby.

Youngsters on our children’s ward will get their own presents of age-appropriate toys which have been donated to our charity in the run up to Christmas, and kept in quarantine to ensure they are safe to distribute.

Anita O’Donnell, deputy matron for specialist medicine, said: “It’s never nice to be in hospital over Christmas, and we understand it’s even more difficult for our patients this year.

“We can really see the difference giving presents makes to our patients each year. They help them to feel a bit more festive and remind them that we’re thinking of them.”

Pictured above are Kathleen O’Reilly, lead nurse for respiratory, and Anita picking up presents for their patients.