Festive cheer spreads across Nottingham Hospitals this Christmas | Latest news

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) was filled with festive spirit throughout the Christmas period, as a series of special visits brought smiles, laughter and moments of joy to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.

From live radio broadcasts to sporting heroes and pantomime magic, the visits highlighted the incredible community support surrounding NUH and the difference it makes to patients spending Christmas in hospital.

Nottingham Forest first team sprinkles star-studded magic for the patients, families and staff

Nottingham Forest Football Club, as ever, generously gave their time and gifts and brought tears of joy to some of the children with their star-studded first team players, including Morgan Gibbs White, Chris Wood and the “Gaffer”, Sean Dyche. They visited many of the children’s wards with Santa-style sacks full of goodies and spent time talking to children, parents and staff making everyone feel very special.

BBC Radio Nottingham broadcasts live from Nottingham Children’s Hospital

NUH welcomed BBC Radio Nottingham to Queen’s Medical Centre, broadcasting the breakfast show live from Nottingham Children’s Hospital.

Listeners were given a unique glimpse behind the scenes at one of the biggest and busiest hospitals in the country, hearing from the unsung heroes who keep services running and make a difference every day. Members of the public were also invited to send messages and voice notes to say hello to loved ones or to thank staff, helping spread Christmas cheer far beyond the hospital walls.

Notts County FC bring smiles to patients and staff

Festive cheer continued as Notts County Football Club surprised patients and staff with presents, chocolates and plenty of smiles. Showing that Christmas magic isn’t just for children, the players spent time on one of our adult wards, chatting with patients, reminiscing about Notts County days gone by and even enjoying a light-hearted penalty shootout on the computer.

It was a special visit that lifted spirits and created moments to remember during the Christmas period.

Pantomime magic from Theatre Royal Nottingham

A touch of fairy-tale magic arrived at the hospital with a visit from members of the Theatre Royal Nottingham Cinderella pantomime cast. Elly Jay (Cinderella), Neil Hurst (Buttons) and Christina Bianco (Fairy Godmother) brought sparkle, laughter and kindness to young patients, including Darcy and Zephyr, whose smiles lit up the room.

The cast also donated a wonderful collection of toys, making a huge difference to children spending Christmas in hospital. Their generosity and warmth truly made the day feel magical.

Sporting heroes spread Christmas cheer

Young patients were also treated to a “pawsome” visit from the Nottingham Panthers, who stopped by the children’s wards with presents, joy and plenty of festive cheer. Organised through Nottingham Hospitals Charity, as one of the Panthers’ Charities of the Month, the team spent time chatting and laughing with children and families, creating memorable Christmas moments.

The festive visits continued with the Nottingham Rugby team, who arrived with gifts generously donated by supporters and the club. Organised by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, the chocolates and toys brought smiles and a little extra Christmas magic to patients who needed it most.

NUH would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave their time, generosity and festive spirit to support patients and staff this Christmas. These visits are a powerful reminder of the kindness within our local community and the difference it can make to those spending the festive period in hospital.