Anna Firth MP visited the Neptune Ward of Southend University Hospital on the 09th of December to deliver presents for those children currently in the expert care of paediatricians.
The children’s unit takes care of young patients from across the local area, staffed by the dedicated NHS doctors and nurses who try to bring as much festive cheer as possible over the Christmas period.
Anna dressed as Mrs. Claus and carried a ‘Santa’s sack’ full of presents, including toy diggers and dinosaur pencil cases, which were kindly donated by Rossi’s Ice Cream and Lady Amess.
The Southend West MP hoped to bring some festive cheer to these brave children and carry on the wonderful tradition established by her iconic predecessor, Sir David Amess MP.
Doctors and nurses from the hospital also met with the MP who thanked them for their tireless dedication to the profession.
Anna Firth MP also had an opportunity to witness the new Active Home Suite in action. This follows her long campaign for an improved discharge service which would build upon the success of the Ambulance Handover Unit which she opened last month.
With 12 chairs and 12 beds (soon to be 18), patients are being prepared to go home or to their next place of care in a comfortable environment whilst freeing up space elsewhere in the hospital for new patients.
The suite will remain in use throughout winter, supporting the hospital’s work to discharge patients more quickly, which already includes the Southend Enhanced Discharge Service and Bridging Service.
Anna said,
“Delivering presents to the Neptune Ward today was a real honour. The children on the ward are so incredibly brave and deserve as normal of a Christmas possible, so being able to bring them some festive cheer was a pleasure.”
“Our local NHS staff are true heroes, and I thank them for everything they do in Southend and beyond. They have helped so many of my constituents and are constantly moving from strength to strength as we can see with the Active Home Suite.”
Rebecca Goatley, Active Home Suite Manager said,
“The area is staffed by doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, under the direction of a senior nurse. We also have dedicated pharmacists visiting the suite, helping to speed up that discharge process and get patients their medication as quickly as possible.”
