Community / Bairns in hospital receive Christmas gifts courtesy of salmon firm
BAIRNS in Shetland are receiving special gifts from a local salmon firm to help make their stay in hospital more comfortable this Christmas.
More than 140 toys, games and books have been donated to the Gilbert Bain Hospital by Cooke Scotland just in time for the festive celebration.
The team in NHS Shetland’s child health department will distribute the gifts to youngsters staying in over Christmas and throughout the new year.
Children waiting in A&E, and those in the community with long-term health conditions who need regular care, will also benefit from the donation.
NHS Shetland children’s nurse Jan Howard and community children’s nurse Jenn Henderson teamed up with Cooke Scotland staff for a fourth year to select the gifts from Harry’s Toy Shop in Lerwick.
Howard said: “Some of these children have to go through painful and stressful treatments. We wanted to do something to help but didn’t have the budget.
“The support from Cooke Scotland is already lifting spirits around the department and the hospital staff, the children and their parents, are all really grateful.”
Maci Williamson, four, was one of the children to benefit from the donation.
Howard added: “Maci was delighted to receive the toys, and it made a big difference in helping her settle onto the ward.”
Cooke Scotland environmental officer Stephanie Sinclair helped select the gifts, and she said it was “vitally important” to the company to support the Shetland community.
“This NHS toy donation has a special place in all our hearts,” she said.
“We hope the gifts bring the children comfort and a little joy whilst they receive medical care, especially in the lead up to Christmas.”
Bags full of games, dolls, creative craft kits, books and much more were donated by Cooke, and Harry’s Toy Shop also gave a 10 per cent discount to the cause.
Cooke farms and processes salmon off the mainland of Shetland, Yell and Unst.
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