Help transform Preston hospital children’s ward into a winter wonderland

Sharing their Christmas wish list to transform the Royal Preston’s children’s ward into a winter wonderland with Santa himself are, from the left, Play specialist Pamela O’Brien, ex-Executive Director Sue Musson, Divisional Nursing Director Joanne Connolly, Chief Executive Karen Partington and ward manager Tracy Denny

Staff on the children’s ward at Royal Preston Hospital are appealing for help to transform the department into a winter wonderland in time for Christmas.

The staff want to provide “distraction therapy” by trimming up the ward to make it as Christmassy as possible to help their young patients get better so they are asking members of the public to bag an extra bauble when out shopping this Christmas.

Matron Sally McCluskie said: “Distraction therapy can be a great aid to recovery, especially among children, and there’s no better way of taking their minds off being poorly than by getting them involved in all things Christmassy.

“We want them to feel excited. We want them to have fun and get that warm, fuzzy feeling that means it’s the festive season.”

Snow globes that give off a glow, as well as snowfall projectors, tree
ornaments and paint your own bauble and other Christmas craft sets are all
on the team’s Christmas list.

To help out Santa when he visits on Christmas Day, presents are also being sought, especially gifts such as boxed toiletry sets that are suitable for teenagers.

Roya Armstrong, who is the Fundraising Co-ordinator for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, said: “It would be fantastic if people could help us trim the ward like never before by buying an extra decoration when they are Christmas shopping.

“Every year, we receive some very generous gifts to pass on to our young patients but some of the children we look after are a bit too old for toys so this year, we would be especially grateful for items that teenagers would like to unwrap.

“Our aim is to make Christmas as best as it can be for our patients and their families as it’s tough having to spend Christmas in hospital.”

Donated gifts and decorations can be left at the Baby Beat shop. The shop is to the left of the main entrance to the Sharoe Green Maternity Unit at the
Royal Preston Hospital. Staffed by volunteers, it is open weekdays from 10am to 5pm.

What do you think of the initiative? Will you be taking part? Let us know in the comments.