Hospital set to mark Christmas with 8,000 sprouts

Hundreds of hospital staff will be working hard to bring a little Christmas cheer to patients who are not at home this year.

Around 2,000 workers will be at Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Christmas day including the kitchen staff who have 8,000 Brussel sprouts at the ready.

Chef Celia Chamberlain said whether people like them or not, "it wouldn't be Christmas dinner without Brussel Sprouts".

North Bristol NHS Trust chief nursing officer Steve Hams, who will over see the whole hospital on the big day, said he "really enjoys" working at the hospital over Christmas.

"I work every Christmas day and have done for a number of years, we're a 365 day a year service so it's pretty much normal here, " he said.

"One of the things I love about Christmas day is the atmosphere is truly special. We try our hardest to get as many patients as we can out before Christmas because home is where they want to be.

"But when they're in hospital on Christmas day we make it truly special," he added.

Ms Chamberlain said the team will start cooking early on Christmas day.

"We'll start at 6am so everyone gets to spend the afternoon with their families," she said.

"We'll be doing 2,000 Christmas meals, Christmas lunch and buffet dinner.

"We've all worked for the trust for a long time, you take it in turns and you make the best of it.

"You come in you have a laugh, It's like your other family really, we spend that much time together."

Senior sister nurse Michelle Down will also be working at the hospital on Christmas day.

"I think the staff do quite a good job of making it bright and cheerful for the patients," she said.

"Our staff have done some great artwork to help cheer the patients up."

"The atmosphere is always light and is very nice for the patients here. We try to make it as festive as possible."

Nurse Sharifa said she feels proud to be working at the hospital over the festive period.

"They should feel like they're home and they should feel happy here."

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