Patients and their families at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital are adding notes of appreciation to a Christmas tree in the reception, thanking the staff for their work over the festive period.
The initiative is just one part of the ‘Celebrate a Liverpool Life’ appeal that the hospital’s R charity is promoting. with donations funding specialist equipment for the new hospital, as well as maximising the comfort and well-being of patients.
Since the tree was put up on 12th November, the hospital has already seen many tributes to lost loved ones, messages of thanks to the staff, and Christmas wishes to those patients that will be in the Royal on Christmas day.
Alan French, from the Royal’s R Charity, told JMU Journalism: “I think it can be an important outlet for people, especially for those who have loved ones that have been treated at the hospital, either successfully, or somebody who has sadly passed away.
“Often people have an emotional link to the hospital and Christmas is such an emotive time, so it is a nice way for them to be able to give back in a really personal way.”
One message thanked staff for the work staff put in over the Christmas period. It read: “Wishing you all many blessings this festive season. Simply where would we be without you, especially in our hour of need? Remembering my precious mum and dad and all the wonderful care you gave to them. God bless you all.”
Donations made to the hospital’s charity through its latest appeal will be used to fund specialist new equipment in the new Royal Hospital, and will also be used to ensure patient comfort and the quality of care reaches it’s greatest potential.
The Royal Liverpool is also hosting a Christmas concert at the Anglican Cathedral on 9th December, which aims to bring together the local community.
As well as making donations in the hospital directly, people are being encouraged to donate via the hospital’s Just Giving page, and by texting ROYL77 £10 to 70070 to make a contribution of £10.
French added: “The Royal is such an important part of local life and so many people have been treated here from local areas and many people have connections with the hospital, so it is our way of bringing these people together and helping raise funds to make the new Royal hospital the best it can be.”