Appeal to give gifts to Fifers in hospital on Christmas Day
Fifers have been urged to donate to a campaign which aims to ensure people in hospital on Christmas Day still get a gift.
The ‘Give the Gift of a Smile Christmas’ appeal has been launched by Fife Health Charity.
It aims to raise funds to provide a Christmas present for every inpatient across NHS Fife.
Hundreds of Fifers will spend December 235 in hospital, and for some, particularly those without family or friends nearby, it can be a difficult and lonely experience.
The appeal has has been running for a number of years and enables patients to receive a gift to help make their stay a little bit easier.
Where staff know patients well, they often make the gifts particularly personal, taking into account their individual interests to select something that they will enjoy. Staff have also been known to speak with family and friends to find out more about what individual patients might enjoy before selecting and wrapping their presents.
Shirley Ward, senior charge nurse at ward one of Glenrothes Hospital, said: “No-one chooses to be in hospital over the Christmas period and so it can be an upsetting experience for some.
“By making sure we have a gift for every patient, carefully wrapped and ready for opening on Christmas Day, we can bring some well needed joy at an often difficult time.
“All of this is possible thanks to the support of Fife Health Charity, which makes such a difference to the experience of patients in hospital and their families at Christmas.”
Mark McGeachie, director of Fife Health Charity, added: We want to make sure that every inpatient knows they have been thought about and has a present waiting for them when they wake up on Christmas morning.
“It may seem like a small gesture, but we know from speaking to patients and staff just how much it can mean, particularly to someone who may otherwise receive nothing.
“By supporting our campaign, people across Fife can help us make Christmas morning that little bit brighter for patients spending it in hospital.”
People can support the campaign by donating online, sharing the appeal with friends and family, or encouraging their workplace or community group to get involved.
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/charity/faht