South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has launched its annual #NightwearBeforeChristmas campaign.
The campaign supports patients who will be staying at South Tyneside District Hospital or Sunderland Royal Hospital over the festive period.
The Trust is collecting gifts which will be handed out to patients on Christmas Eve. By launching the appeal before the festive season really gets underway, organisers hope to collect even more donations than ever before. The gifts will help brighten Christmas for those spending the season away from family and friends or who may not have someone to celebrate with.
New nighties and pyjamas for men and women are being collected. All sizes are welcome, but larger sizes are always most in demand. The appeal usually receives more donations of women’s nightwear than men’s, so donations for men are particularly welcome to help ensure all patients benefit.
Donors are asked to wrap items ready to be handed out and clearly label them with the contents and size.
A drop-off point is available at the Alexandra Centre on E Floor at Sunderland Royal Hospital from 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. At South Tyneside District Hospital, items can be left with the Discharge Lounge. This is in the Deans Wing, opposite the Outpatients Department. It is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday.
This year, the Trust is also particularly grateful for donations of:
- Dressing gowns for adults.
- Slippers with backs on them, preferably full-shoe styles rather than slip-on slippers. These help keep patients safe and comfortable.
- Toiletries for men and women, including shower gel, soap, shampoo, deodorant and shaving foam. People are kindly asked not to donate creams or body butters.
- Quiz books and adult colouring books.
- Pens and pencils for activities and games.
The appeal is led by the Trust’s Delirium and Dementia Outreach Team (DDOT), whose members support older patients at both hospitals. The team works on wards to help people stay active and ready for discharge. The team also runs the Alexandra Centre, where patients can enjoy hobbies, music, games and seasonal celebrations.
Claire Boylan, an Elder Life Specialist Practitioner with the team, said: “Every year we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities. These gifts provide comfort and dignity for patients who may be spending Christmas in hospital and can make a real difference to their day.
“Something as simple as a new pair of pyjamas, a dressing gown or a quiz book can help someone feel cared for during what can be a difficult time. We hope that by launching the appeal earlier, even more people will be able to get involved and help us spread a little festive magic this Christmas.”
DDOT members Claire Boylan, Donna Wilson, Success Chukwuma, Katelyn Mould, Jennifer Jordan and Rachael Knowles are pictured with gifted nightwear.
