Father Christmas makes virtual visit to children at Royal Preston Hospital

Children were able to speak to Father Christmas and receive gifts.

Christmas came early to the children at Royal Preston Hospital as Father Christmas embraced the power of technology.

Santa made a virtual visit live from the North Pole to the hospital to hear the wishes of those in the Children’s Ward, the Children’s Clinic and the Paediatric Emergency Department.

With the help of Cisco, its Webex platform and volunteers young patients and their families the opportunity to speak directly to Santa.

The Cisco team and staff at Royal Preston Hospital.

His elf helpers were on hand at the hospital to share gifts with the children in person.

Emily Jolly, nursery nurse in the paediatrics play area said: “Spreading Christmas cheer to patients and their families at a time when they may not otherwise be able to enjoy the season is really important.

“Being part of Cisco’s Connected Santa programme means that children who might not be able to go home over Christmas can still enjoy the magic it brings, by getting to speak with Santa at his busiest time of year.”

Santa's elf helpers at Royal Preston Hospital. — Santa’s elf helpers at Royal Preston Hospital.

The Cisco Connected Santa programme has been running for 16 years and brings festive cheer to hundreds of hospitalised children in the UK and Ireland every December.

Sarah Walker, Chief Executive of Cisco said: “For many children, visiting Santa, and telling him what they want for Christmas is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season. But for those in hospital, this tradition can often be missed.

“We’re delighted to be able to use the power of our technology and work with Royal Preston Hospital through our Connected Santa programme to help bring that Christmas joy and put smiles on the faces of the children, their family and friends.”

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