St George’s Hospital staff in Tooting make appeal for donations to give lonely patients a better Christmas

A hospital’s staff are asking residents in their catchment area of 3.5 million people to help make the festive season special for patients who are likely to find it hard being alone on the wards.

St George’s Hospital in Tooting has launched its “Claus for the Cause” to also thank its amazing staff for caring and working when the rest of us are at home with our families.

They want to ensure every patient who spends Christmas in hospital receives a small gift – for some people this might be the only gift they receive.

To help, you can:

• Put on your Santa hat and join in Team George’s Santa Hat Day on Wednesday December 16

• Join a virtual fundraising auction, and win some ‘money can’t buy’ prizes until December 15

• Buy a Gift for George’s by visiting our virtual shop and make Christmas special for those in hospital

• Buy St George’s Hospital Charity Greetings Card to spread Christmas cheer to your loved ones this year

Dalby ward senior sister Jane Wescott said “We are so grateful to everyone who supports St George’s Hospital Charity and urge you all to donate this Christmas.

“It is the small things that will make a big difference during the second wave of the pandemic – like being able to put up Christmas decorations on our wards, giving presents to patients who have no visitors and presenting small gifts to staff to thank them for working so hard.

“By fundraising or donating to the hospital charity, we will be able to bring some smiles during these difficult times.”

Fundraising manager Molly Simpson said “We are so excited about the launch of Claus for the Cause and look forward to raising lots of funds to support St George’s and Queen Mary’s Hospitals at the end of this difficult year.

“We are so grateful to the local community for all their support and hope to see them all getting involved this Christmas.”

Every year, over 5,000 babies are born at St Georges, the A&E team sees over 150,000 people, and 4,000 new cancer patients are treated.

Funds raised will help provide activities, play materials, equipment and multi-sensory experiences at Christmas and all year round – these help play specialists alleviate fears and anxieties of patients.

St George’s lead play specialist Justine Makin said: “Christmas is going to be very different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Being in hospital is difficult at any time. Not only are children and young people away from their homes but also away from their family and friends, which is particularly difficult over Christmas.

“This year has been a horrible time. Christmas will be even harder for our patients, parents/carer’s than usual. Donations and fundraising for Christmas will make an enormous difference to our patients and will really help.

“It will help us to provide a Christmas Present for all of our patients on our wards and departments and will help us to make our patients stay more magical and vibrant with decorations and a Christmas tree!”

Acute and specialist matron Linda Smith said: “When COVID hit St Georges it was initially completely overwhelming but in true St George’s tradition we all pulled together to try and manage what was an ever evolving situation.

“Our nurses and Doctors, porters and Mitie staff showed immense resilience and flexibility under immense pressure. We were just starting to get back when COVID has hit us and another lockdown.

“I think this Christmas will be exceptionally hard for our patients and staff so it would be lovely if we were able to ensure all those in hospital over Christmas and New Year whether they be patients or staff get a little treat.”

Claus for the Cause: https://www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk/claus-for-the-cause/claus-for-the-cause

Gifts for George’s Link: www.clausforthecause.bigcartel.com

Bid for George’s Link: www.givergy.uk/bidforgeorge

Greetings Cards Link: www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk/greeting-cards

Or call 020 8725 4522  or email: giving@stgeorges.nsh.uk