Your tree is up, your cupboards are bulging with extra treats and you’re probably looking forward to having a few well-earned days off over the festive period.
If you’re suffering from a long term health condition, are undergoing rehabilitation or have a mishap at home, your day might also include a visit to or from the trust’s local community nursing and therapy services.
Come rain or shine, and often ice and snow at this time of year, these teams continue to provide care 365 days a year, seven days a week. Christmas is no exception.
These services in South Holland are provided by Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, which also runs some services at Johnson Community Hospital and the countywide out of hours service.
“This year we will have staff working the Christmas and New Year period in community nursing teams across South Holland from our bases in Holbeach, Long Sutton and Spalding,” explained community team leader Janine Gargett.
“My working day will start at about 9am on Christmas Day, but I will have probably been up for several hours before then opening presents with my little girl.
“Once I get to the office, I will check to make sure we haven’t had any emergencies added to our list and then go out.
“We see lots of different kinds of patients, but they could include those who need injections or palliative care.
“Some will be surrounded by family and friends, but for others, we might be the only person they see that day.
“We will often take a Christmas card with us or help them to pull their cracker.”
Janine says she will celebrate Christmas in the evening with her family.
She added: “When I took on my nursing career, I knew it wasn’t going to be a Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm job.
“We are kind and caring people who put others before ourselves, but we do try to all do our fair share around the holidays so everyone gets a little time off.”
Members of the Independent Living Team will also be continuing their visits in the community.
Sue Hayward-Ault and the team support patients to remain independent at home and keep them out of hospital.
Sue will be enjoying her Christmas dinner early before joining the late shift around South Holland.
She said: “We see patients who need a rapid response but where hospital is not the best place for them to be.
“They might have called the community nursing team or out of hours service, or even be visiting from outside the area for the holidays and find themselves in need of care.
“We also have beds for our patients in a local care home, where we can help their health recovery but they can also receive support with daily tasks such as washing and dressing.
“We’ll be adding something festive to our uniforms on Christmas Day and we try to spend a little extra time with patients, particularly if they are on their own.
“Small things like making a cup of tea can make a big difference to people.”
Phillips brings a bit of Christmas joy to a patient.
At Spalding’s Johnson Community Hospital, both Welland ward and the Minor Injuries Unit will be open as normal.
Welland ward staff nurse Claire Phillips says the team try and make Christmas as special as possible for patients unable to be at home.
“We try to help patients recover so they are well enough to return home wherever possible, even if it’s just for a short time,” Claire explained.
“For those who do stay with us, we welcome their relatives and friends to join us for the Christmas dinner in the dining room.
“The ward is decorated and we have a Christmas tree. In the past we have had carol singing from local schoolchildren in the run-up to Christmas, and patients here on Christmas Day have received a small gift from the hospital’s League of Friends.
“We try to do anything we can to make the ward a friendly and special place to be.”
The hospital’s nurse-led Minor Injuries Unit will be at hand as normal from 8am to 6pm to help those who have fallen victim to a festive mishap.
Laura Dilley, nurse practitioner at the Minor Injuries Unit, will be among the team working on Christmas Day to treat less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes, broken bones, bites and stings.
She said: “In the past we’ve seen patients suffering from minor injuries such as cuts and burns in the kitchen, and sometimes children who hurt themselves on their new bikes and scooters.
“Depending on the weather, we might also see people who have slipped and fallen.
“The out of hours team will be with us throughout the holiday period and the atmosphere is more relaxed at Christmas.
“We often celebrate by bringing in a few treats to share on our breaks.
“We hope everyone has a safe Christmas, and won’t be offended when we say we hope we don’t see you!”
