PRI staff praised for spreading a little festive cheer

Jan 1 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STAFF at Perth Royal Infirmary have been praised for ensuring patients who spent the festive period in hospital had an enjoyable Christmas.

Doctors and nurses at the hospital laid-on several big-hearted gestures on December 25.

Presents, a traditional turkey dinner, and visits from family and friends allowed those unable to get home to put their various ailments to the back of their minds.

One East Perthshire grandmother – who was visited by her husband, daughter and two of her grandchildren on Christmas Day – thanked staff for spreading a little festive cheer.

The Ward 8 patient, who lives in Kirkmichael but did not wish to be named, said: “We all had a really nice morning.

“One of the nurses dressed up as Santa and came round giving everybody a present.

“It wasn’t something naff either, I got some really nice shower gel and bubble bath.

“I’ve been told the staff had a whip-round for us to get the money.

“And the meal was lovely. I expected the stereotypical ‘hospital food’, but the Christmas pudding was wonderful.

“It reminded me of the ones my mum used to make when I was a child.

“I just want someone to say thank-you to the staff for putting on such a nice day for us.”