Great Ormond Street Hospital: Children thrilled with nurses’ festive gifts
A nurse caring for sick children at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital described the moment they woke up to presents on Christmas Day as ‘the best feeling in the world’
Hannah Sharman, a senior staff nurse caring for children with heart conditions on 24-bed Bear ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), described how she and her colleagues lay out gifts for the children overnight ready to be unwrapped in the morning.
Ms Sharman, who worked four overnight shifts ending on Christmas Day morning, said it was a difficult time for youngsters to be in hospital, but that her team did all they could to make it as festive as possible.
An estimated 250 children spent Christmas Day in GOSH.
‘Pleasure to be part of their special day’
Ms Sharman said: 'I will always give up any of my time to be with the children who are unfortunate enough to go home and spend Christmas with their families.
‘Just being able to put out the presents for them and watch them wake up in the morning with a smile on their face – it’s the best feeling in the world.
'It's always a pleasure to be part of their special day.’
To mark the day, staff donned silly hats and reindeer antlers and played games with the children, who received a special visit from Father Christmas in the days leading up to Christmas.
Children who were well enough had Christmas dinner in the Lagoon canteen, while others had a tray brought to their beds.
Express gratitude to nursing staff
Families, patients and staff were also invited to attend a Christmas Eve carol concert and midnight mass in the hospital chapel.
Three-year-old Esme has aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aorta, and is on a GOSH waiting list for a transplant.
Her mother Linda said: ‘At Christmas we want everyone to be happy and healthy as they can be, and be together.
‘We couldn’t express our gratitude to the nurses and staff at GOSH enough for the care they have given Esme and continue to give to her and our family.
‘There is no way we could thank them enough.’
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