SANTA has returned to wards at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) for the first time in two years.
St Nick took time out of his busy schedule with a special festive visit to hand out gifts and meet patients, their families and staff with the surprise appearance at the RHC on Wednesday, December 21.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this was Santa's first visit to the wards since 2019 and he was delighted to be back.
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He said: "I always make time for the children here at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children and I was so pleased to be able to meet so many wonderful families.
"One thing I can say is everyone I have visited is on my good list.
"In the last couple of years my elves and I have been creative and visited the children virtually to bring some festive cheer, but it’s great to be back seeing everyone in person.
"The staff here at the RHC work so hard for the children and I would like to thank them and everyone at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for making this possible."
Delighted families greeted Santa with a rendition of Jingle Bells and told him about their plans for Christmas Day.
Children across the wards were also given a special gift, with some even meeting him for the first time.
Laura White, from Lenzie, was delighted baby Jason, who is just weeks old, was able to meet Santa after missing out on getting to with his siblings.
She said: "We’re so pleased Jason was able to see Santa in the hospital, it was a really lovely surprise and you can see how much it means to all of the children.
"It made my day. Nobody wants to be in hospital, especially at this time of year, but the staff have done everything they can to make things special.
"I think the staff really enjoyed it too, they do so much and work so hard so it was nice for them too."
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Jamie Redfern, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Santa for coming to visit us, and to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for arranging it with his elves, we know how busy he is at this time of year.
"Our dedicated staff at the Royal Hospital for Children work tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care to our patients and support to their families and at this time of year work closely with the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to bring festive magic to the wards."
The Santa visit is just one of a festive calendar of events at the RHC which are supported by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "It feels very special to return to the wards with Santa this Christmas after two years of virtual visits.
"Our play programme helps children in hospital experience the magic of Christmas, and we are incredibly grateful to the donors, fundraisers and volunteers whose support makes it possible."
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