HOSPITAL patients receiving care in their own homes today (Christmas Day) can expect to find a little extra cheer.

Alongside their expert care, the Hospital@Home team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust team is delivering special gift packages to around 50 patients at their homes on Christmas Day, right across mid and south Essex.

Each of the presents includes essentials like toiletries, fun puzzles to pass the time, and a selection of snacks to enjoy.

The aim is to support patients' physical well-being but also to bring a moment of festive joy during, what for many, can often be a challenging time. And it's been made possible thanks to funding from Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.

Hayley Cross, Operational Lead Nurse, from the Hospital@Home team, said: "For many of our patients, Christmas can be lonely or overshadowed by health concerns. By bringing these gifts, we hope to brighten their day and let them know they're cared for, both medically and personally. It's about bringing a little joy as well as care - and hopefully a few smiles."

The dedicated team, which this year will have made over 38,000 home visits, are also seeing outpatient antimicrobial therapies patients on Christmas Day, for their complex dressing changes or who need medicines via a drip.

The Hospital@Home service provides high-quality medical care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Running for the last eight years, it helps to reduce the need for hospital admissions and allows patients to recover in familiar surroundings.