Appeal to help elderly patients

Hospital chiefs are looking for help to bring some Christmas cheer to elderly patients.

The #NightwearBeforeChristmas appeal is back for anotheryearatSouthTyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The idea is that older patients at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital who do not have anyone to spoil them at the most special time of year, wake up on Christmas morning to a new nightdress or pyjamas.

Last year, kind-hearted healthcare staff, local businesses and members of the local community donated more than 1,000 items. Many members of the Trust’s staff choose to donate an item of nightwear instead of sending Christmas cards to their colleagues.

June Lawson, the Trust’s Matron for Rehabilitation and Elderly Medicine, said: “We’ve had an amazing response in previous years and we know thatthedonationsmakeahuge difference to our patients who are delighted with the gifts which, for many of them, are really unexpected.

“One patient just felt so completelyoverwhelmedwith emotion that she was brought totears.Everyoneinvolvedsays it makes Christmas morning so special.”

To support the appeal and make someone’s Christmas special, here’s what you need to do: *Wrap up your nightwear *Label it ‘male’ or ‘female’ and indicate the size

*DropitoffattheAlexandra Centre,SunderlandRoyalHospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, between 8am and 6pm; or at theDischargeLounge,Ingham Wing, South Tyneside District Hospital, Harton Lane, South Shields, between 9am-8pm.