Chiara’s Story: Helping patients feel less alone this Christmas

Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the magic of Christmas is beginning to appear in every corner. Christmas lights line the streets, kitchens fill with the warmth of home-cooked meals and children excitedly share their greatest wishes with Santa. But for people spending Christmas in hospital, the festive season looks very different. Instead of cosy gatherings and festive cheer, the comfort of home is replaced with hospital and feelings of isolation often settle in place of joy.

Staff work tirelessly to bring the magic of Christmas to life for their patients. I’m Chiara, Activities Coordinator on the Braids Ward at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

We care for people aged 18-65 with a wide range of mental health conditions, including bi-polar, schizophrenia, autism, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. People spend on average six months on the ward, but some people can be here for several years.

Most patients won’t be going home this Christmas. But from the start of December, something truly special begins to happen on the ward. With every strand of tinsel and handmade paper chain, patients and staff work together to transform the ward into a festive haven that feels more like home and less like hospital.

We decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments and twinkly lights and our candy cane lane brings smiles and wonder to everyone who walks through. We sing Christmas Carols, bake biscuits and cinnamon buns, and patients make their own Christmas cards to give to their families.

Throughout the year, some patients prefer the quiet solitude of their room, but at Christmas something truly magical happens. The festivities bring everyone together and they join in with putting up the decorations and taking part in activities. The spirit of Christmas really does bring hope and a sense of belonging.

It’s not just decoration it’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, the spirit of Christmas can shine brightly. You can make this Christmas feel truly magical for those who need it most.

Last year, one patient who is in his fifties experienced his first ever Christmas. He has spent most of his life being homeless. After being admitted to hospital with a brain injury, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent a year and a half with us on the ward. He was mute but was able to communicate by writing on paper. He had told us how much he likes football, so we bought him a football for Christmas. He was so happy and told us it was the first gift he had ever received.

Normally he would choose to eat alone, but on Christmas Day he enjoyed the buffet whilst smiling and laughing with the other patients. He had never experienced a Christmas in his life and we could see him light up. It was really special for him, and for the staff to see.

On Christmas morning, a staff member dresses up as Santa and quietly leaves a wrapped gift for patients at the breakfast table. For someone spending Christmas in hospital, an unexpected gift can mean everything. We choose personalised gifts for each patient, as well as getting everyone a cup for using on the ward and a fragrance set. One woman wanted to try knitting, so we got her knitting needles and yarn. Another woman loved walking but she was always cold, so we got her matching gloves, hat and scarf. It shows them that someone cared enough to make Christmas feel magical.

Please be a Secret Santa and ensure that everyone in hospital this year wakes up to a special gift.

Christmas Day was filled with games like charades and quizzes and we put on a buffet. Patients were so uplifted talking about their gifts, games and food for several days after. Staff who work on Christmas Day eat with patients and join in for the games; it’s full of laughter and a nice family-feel day.

For patients in hospital, Christmas could have felt like any other day – quiet, lonely, and without celebration. But thanks to the generosity of people like you, it was filled with festive warmth and laughter.

You too can help patients throughout NHS Lothian feel remembered. Please be a Secret Santa and donate today to help patients feel less isolated this Christmas.

By becoming a Secret Santa, you can turn what would have been an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Please give the gift of joy and remind patients that they are not alone.

Best wishes

Chiara Clark
Activities Coordinator, Braids Ward at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

P.S. We’re sorry we can’t accept donated items due to Infection Control, but a donation will make Christmas special for someone in hospital.