Man dressed as Santa next to a Christmas treeIn December 2023, Beadnell Mother and Baby Unit hosted their annual Christmas Party for patients, ex-patients from the past 12 months and their families.

The party was made possible thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of an ex-patient who had raised £3500 for the ward in 2022, to help support other mums and families who use the service. Staff on the ward used the funds to pay for gifts, decorations and other small items for the event. “She will be over the moon to know that her fundraising money had gone towards making a difficult time in hospital more magical,” said Emma Charlton, Specialist Nurse.

Patients with Santa at Christmas partyThe event had a good turn out with lots of mums, dads, babies and siblings in attendance. There was a buffet available and staff organised games such as pass the parcel and musical statues.

There was a special visit from Santa who gave every baby and child a present, “everyone left the grotto with a huge smile on their face! The children absolutely loved it, and it was lovely to see the magic that Christmas brings.”