Santa uses cherry picker to visit Leeds Children's Hospital

Santa Claus swapped his sleigh for a cherry picker to visit patients at a children's hospital.

Children on the inpatient wards at Leeds Children's Hospital watched as Santa visited different windows across all four floors.

Santa's helpers worked with the hospital to arrange the covid-safe visit for the children, many of whom will be in hospital over Christmas.

Staff said the visit brought "lots of smiles to those brave little faces".

Laura Whelan, deputy head of nursing at the hospital, said: "Being in hospital at Christmas is hard for our young patients, but our team pulls out all the stops to make it as fun as possible.

"This year, we've had to think really creatively about how we can keep the Christmas magic alive and with the help of our charities and supporters, we have had some fantastic virtual activities for patients to get involved in.

"Having Santa visit from the outside really is the icing on the cake and will bring lots of smiles to these brave little faces.

"We can't thank BAM Construction enough for their help."

Last December, the children's hospital, which is one of the largest in the country and provides specialist care for children from across the north of England, saw 6,927 children and young people as outpatients, with nearly 2,000 having a day case procedure or inpatient stay.

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