21 December 2016
Father Christmas makes flying visit to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Father Christmas makes flying visit to Bristol Royal Hospital
for Children, with the help of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity,
to ensure no child gets missed at Christmas.
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity took to the skies yesterday
(21 Dec) with a very important person on board. Whilst his sleigh
was in for final checks and loading of presents; Father Christmas
hopped aboard the EC135 helicopter to make arrangements with staff
at Bristol children's hospital.
On his descent to the hospital's helideck, which looks over
Bristol's city landscape, Father Christmas took a moment to wave to
patients down at the children's hospital; giving them a glimpse of
his red coat and white beard.
Father Christmas said: "The run up to Christmas is a very busy
time for me and my elves in the North Pole, so it is essential we
plan in advance to guarantee I visit every child on Christmas
Eve.
"Whilst my sleigh was in for final checks, I thought I'd take
the time to visit staff at Bristol children's hospital, to discuss
those children who will not be at home this Christmas. However, the
hospital has no chimney; with only one place to park my sleigh, on
the helideck. Thankfully, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, who
flies critically sick and injured patients to Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children, were able to give me an insight into parking
on the hospital's roof and the quickest route for me and my
reindeer to travel without being seen."
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity head of fundraising and
marketing, Emma Carter said: "When Father Christmas explained the
situation to us we were only too happy to help. Our pilots have
flown to the hospital hundreds of times, so they know the route and
helideck well. We are pleased that we were able to play our part in
making sure that the children in the Bristol children's hospital
receive a visit this Christmas. Special thanks must go to our
helicopter provider Babcock who gave us the time to do this flight
for free."
Jenni Fryer, paediatric major trauma nurse co-ordinator said:
"We are delighted Father Christmas has taken the time to ensure
every child at Bristol children's hospital can receive their
presents on Christmas Eve.
"The route taken to bring Father Christmas in for his practice
run is similar to that of a patient coming into our paediatric
major trauma centre by the Great Western Air Ambulance, who we work
closely with. We serve the whole of the South West of England for
children who have suffered major injury which is why it is
important Father Christmas knows where these children are when they
are not at home for Christmas.
"We are especially grateful to all the teams who are working to
support these children and their families over the festive
period."
Father Christmas thanked all those involved in this festive
operation saying: "I can now update my final route planner and
ensure that any patient who spends their Christmas in hospital
doesn't get missed. I'll also remember to use the alcohol gel as
mentioned in my induction to ensure I don't bring any unwanted
presents into the hospital."
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