Christmas gifts advice

Northampton General Hospital is appealing to local people and businesses who are planning to donate Christmas gifts to remember its older patients.Alison McCulloch from the hospital's fundraising team said: “The generosity and support from Northampton people and businesses each Christmas is phenomenal. Last Christmas Day we had over 300 elderly patients with us so we’re making a particular request this year for anyone who is planning to donate a gift to remember our older patients. For some of them, a gift donated by a well-wisher will be the only present they receive. Christmas can be a lonely time for older people so let’s make a special effort this Christmas to let them know we’re thinking of them.”We are always delighted to receive gifts for our patients, but sometimes we can't accept what you send us due to concerns about infection or allergies. To help you, we've compiled a list of suggested gifts as well some information about what we can't use.

For children, bear in mind the age range from babies to older teenagers:

• mobiles and musical mobiles
• kaleidoscopes
• toys to stimulate the senses
• board games 
• computer games (Playstation, Nintendo Wii, Xbox)
• arts and crafts 
• modelling kits
• jigsaws 

For older patients:

• Lip balms, hand lotions, foot lotions or other moisturising lotions or hand wipes (either fragrance free or gently fragranced)
• Soaps, body wash or deodorant
• Hand mirrors
• Slipper socks or bed socks – with non-slip soles
• Scarves, hats, wraps, cardigans and jumpers
• Chocolates, biscuits, sweets, cereal bars
• Cordials, original, herbal or flavoured tea-bags, hot chocolate or coffee
• Pens, pencils, notepads, notelets, cards, books and puzzle books
• Memory boxes

 Tips:

• To reduce the risk of infection, we can only accept new gifts in their original packaging.
• All purchased food products must be in a sealed package and still in date.
• We ask that gifts are donated unwrapped so can check they are safe and appropriate before passing them on. If the gifts are food products, we need to check the labelling for allergy information. We’re happy to accept gifts in open gift bags.

 Gifts can be dropped off at any reception desk and addressed to the NGH Charitable Fund, who would be happy to answer any enquiries on 01604 545857.