Story 1: Students from the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield came to CHFT last week for carol singing.
They visited CRH and also the wards of HRI, before gathering by our nativity scene in the foyer (see attachments for photos)
The students focussed particularly on wards where patients were involved in longer stays, have complex needs and where singing and music can help those with dementia so they visited wards 5, 8, 19,20 and 21.
Co-ordinating chaplain, George Spencer, said: "It was lovely to see patients making requests for their favourite carols and joining singing in their beds, as staff joined in too. The greatest problem was the time – they could have been here all day!"
The College of the Resurrection trains men and women for ordained ministry in the Church of England, and this is the third year students have included HRI in their Christmas carol singing. In addition, CHFT have two students from Mirfield on placement with George, who is a former student of the College.
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2: Westfield School
Thanks to the children of Westfield School for their kind donation to our children's ward at CRH. Their tutors wanted the youngsters to think of other children and stunned the ward with their donation of games consoles, chocolates and books.
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3: Memory tree for those "briefly known but dearly loved"
Our Christmas Tree in HRI foyer is always a very moving tradition at CHFT, as memories are displayed by families who have lost babies and little ones.
Families are invited to hang a star containing their message of remembrance on the tree. The stars are available free of charge from the enquiry desk in the main entrance at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Ward 8C at Calderdale Royal Hospital.
Staff Nurse Deborah Farmer said: "Sadly one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, therefore many families are affected and often their grief is quickly forgotten by others”.
“Dealing with the tragic loss of a baby is heart breaking for families and we hope this provides some comfort in their grief and help them to remember their baby by making the tree a focus this Christmas for those so briefly known but so dearly loved".