SPARE A THOUGHT this Xmas...

[elfkincatcher]

...For the elderly in hospital this Xmas. A lot is made of children who are in hospital but there are an awful lot of elderly and lonely patients who get no visitors and it can be a very depressing time for them. My local hospital, Queen Alexandra in Portsmouth is collecting suitable presents to give out on the wards on Xmas day ... things like toiletries, slippers, shampoo sets, sweets etc.

Perhaps ask if your local hospital is doing something similar... they may have a Facebook page.... it’s makes the oldies very happy to be part of the Xmas celebration ... at a time when they alone, poorly and stuck in hospital!

[023mjc]

elfkin - that's my local hospital too, so we must be nearly neighbours.  Should we take items to the main reception area or is there a particular collection point.

[elfkincatcher]

This is their Facebook page:
**Please share – Christmas present appeal for our older patients**

Christmas is just around the corner and we know that for some of our older patients staying in hospital over the festive period they may not have any close family or friends visiting them, and may not receive any presents on Christmas day.

Last year our present appeal for our older patients was a huge success thanks to everyone’s kind generosity. This year we are hoping for the same response! You can personally help in our appeal by donating a small gift, ensuring everyone on our older people wards will have a special day this Christmas.

To make things a little easier this year we have put some recommended present ideas on an Amazon wish list. Simply search ‘Medicine for Older People, Rehabilitation and Stroke Wish List (PHT)’ or using email address Kerry.budd@porthosp.nhs.uk on the amazon website. Link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ *Please note that you do not have to buy through Amazon!*

Some suggestions for wrapped gifts include:
• Toiletries (gift packs)
• Tissues
• Bed Socks (various sizes)
• Hairbrushes
• Small word search, puzzle books, notebooks, colouring books, large print books
• Colouring pencils
• Finger-less gloves (men and women)
• Bed jacket (men and women)
• Dressing gown
• Blankets
• Teddy Bear/ cuddly toy
• Sweets
• ‘Sippy’ cups
• Mirrors
• Shaving sets
• Shampoo sets
• Hair clips, hair bobbles, Kirby grips
• Nail file (emery board)
• Slippers (men and women)

Wrapped gifts can also be dropped in to main reception for collection or direct to Kerry Budd, Operational Manager, here at QA. Please label if the gift is for a male or female patient, tell us the contents inside, and please NO alcohol.

We also love receiving handmade Christmas cards, pictures etc for our patients so would welcome these to display in our department.

#PHTPresentDrop

[elfkincatcher]

I’m in Southsea...just by St Simons Church!

I have a friend in QA at the moment ... she’s an MS sufferer and has had a heart attack and stroke (she had breast cancer only a few years ago...plus she’s got arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome... talk about bad luck!)... she’s just had another stroke and is on a ward with many elderly patients... which is so depressing ... so few get visitors! I bake cakes for them to share around when either I or my husband go up there! At least they get a few endorphins to give them a boost!

The latest cake is lemon drizzle 🍰 ... and I might knock up a chocolate fudge cake too...or melting moments almond shortbread (divine!)!!! I love baking 👩🏼‍🍳but thankfully l can only eat a very tiny bit since my gastric bypass... just as well!!!😉

[023mjc]

I'm in Havant.

My hubby was the linen room manager at QA for many years, till he retired about 4 years ago.  He goes down at christmas with quality street and cards for all his ex workmates, so I'll  make sure he has a few donations to drop off.

I make a fair lemon drizzle myself, but with the gannets in my house it  doesn't last long.  

Please give your friend my best wishes - hope she gets better soon.

[elfkincatcher]

That’s lovely! I’m just wrapping up some smellies... 2 for the ladies and one for the boys...had some Kenneth Turner shower gel and hand creams and Woods Windsor soap set plus some Amerigo Uomo aftershave balm. shall get some sweets from Home Bargains in Waterlooville tomorrow... soft centres I think... in case of false teeth!!!😉 Shame you can’t include alcohol... that could get them in the Party mood...wonder if liquor chocs are permitted!?!

[javikha_4]

As I said on the FH&G Thread, thanks for the timely reminder.

Easy to forget both old and young and those with no one,who might be in hospital or elsewhere at this time

[j_uk643]

I would like to second that in relation to those who are elderly, ill, alone, etc and in hospital. I will try to ensure something gets to them via post.