Press release – December 22 2017

2017/057

Wye Valley NHS Trust is urging local people to make sure they find the time to spend with their relatives and friends who are in hospital over the festive period to make sure they get the Christmas they deserve.

Many patients, particularly those in the community hospitals at Hillside, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Bromyard, are elderly and frail, and hospital managers are particularly keen that they are not forgotten this Christmas.

“Our staff will be working 24/7 caring for patients right through the Christmas period,” said Anna Llewellin, the Trust’s lead nurse for community hospitals.

“They always go the extra mile and pull out all the stops to make Christmas special on the wards, but for many of our patients, nothing beats the sound of a familiar voice or a face that is recognised on Christmas Day.

“This is particular true for the many older patients we are caring for, especially those who have dementia,” added Anna.

“We often have relatives and friends come onto our wards and, in the true spirit of Christmas, they’ve even rolled up their sleeves and in their own way helped our doctors and nurses as they care for their relatives.

“It really makes Christmas that bit more special for our patients and I’d encourage any relatives and friends out there to make a determined effort to pop in and visit someone they know who is spending Christmas in hospital”.

The Trust has open visiting hours at the four community hospitals which means visitors will be welcome onto the wards at any time over the festive period.

“Not only does it give our patients a real boost, in the past relatives and friends have found it extremely rewarding as there is a great atmosphere on the wards.

“Importantly, it means our patients don’t miss out and often have one of the most special Christmases which they remember for a long time afterwards,” added Anna.

Ends

Note to editors:

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider health services across Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve. We are the leading provider of health care in Herefordshire.

By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.

With an estimated annual turnover of around £180 million, we employ around 2,700 plus staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928 or Amanda Millichip 01432 355444 x5105