Great Ormond Street Hospital Prepares for Christmas Day Care

A senior nurse, who will be caring for children at Great Ormond Street Hospital on Christmas Day, stated that while the wards can be “quite a sad environment at times,” they strive to make it “quite light and quite nice.” Katherine French shared these comments during a BBC London visit to the hospital, where individuals working throughout Christmas and those receiving their care were met. Lis, 12, has been undergoing treatment for kidney failure at GOSH for a significant portion of her life. Having previously spent Christmas on the ward, she mentioned that the hospital organizes numerous activities during the festive period, including providing presents to patients and their siblings, thanks to received donations. Rebecca, Lis’s mother, commented, “The nurses are so good with the kids. It’s just another level of care up here.” Carol Warner indicated that the hospital’s provided care inspired her to volunteer. She explained, “I had a grandson who was at Great Ormond Street who sadly passed away. He didn’t make it to a Christmas here but I was so impressed with the staff and how they were all so kind.” Fellow volunteer Marcia Watson has dedicated her free time to the hospital for 13 years and is familiar with working Christmas shifts on its wards. She stated, “I trained here a long time ago and I spent time here as a student nurse.” She added, “It’s very special working here.” The hospital also aims to make its wards feel like a home away from home through its Christmas dinner. David Hill, the hospital’s head of catering, remarked: “We’re looking at 800 meals on Christmas Day, including 140 kilos of turkey, 120 kilos of potatoes, and 100 litres of gravy.” He concluded, “It’s busy but it’s worth it.”