While many of us are with family and friends, exchanging gifts, pulling crackers and enjoying Christmas dinner, hospital staff in Leeds will be looking after patients with dedication and compassion – as they do all year round.
Colleagues from services all across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will be keeping patients safe and comfortable, and bringing plenty of Christmas cheer to the festive season.
Babies will be born, children will be visited by Santa, meals will be cooked, patients will continue to come through the Emergency Departments with a huge range of needs – and hard-working NHS colleagues will keep each other going throughout.
The Trust is shining a spotlight on people working during the Christmas period with a social media campaign “12 Faces of Christmas”, starting on December 13.
Here are just some of those who will be continuing to care for patients in Leeds hospitals throughout the most wonderful time of the year.
Emily is a midwife in our Lotus Team, which supports families to give birth either at home or in the Lotus Midwifery Unit at Leeds General Infirmary. She will be working on Christmas Day this year, helping to deliver any Christmas babies that arrive.
She says: “It’s a nice atmosphere, everyone makes an extra effort to be festive and there are plenty of treats and Christmas hats. There’s always a good buffet or Christmas lunch to look forward to.
“I think most people would prefer not to have a baby on Christmas Day but they come when they want to. Some tears there might just be one or two, but other years we’ve had lots. Families appreciate the extra effort – we have presents and little keepsakes for the Christmas babies.
“I’ve got two little girls at home, aged one and four, so we’ll make Christmas Eve special with lots of baking and fun, then they’ll be off to family with their dad for Christmas dinner, and we’ve got plans to spend Boxing Day with family.”
Jay is a staff nurse on the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Leeds General Infirmary. This year, he will be working long day shifts on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, helping bring comfort and compassion to patients and their families during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
He says: “I enjoy my job, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and dedicated team. We care for many people at the end of their lives, and a big part of what we do is supporting their relatives—making sure they feel accompanied, cared for, and never alone during such a tender and emotional season. Our team truly shines when it comes to family support and compassionate care.
“Last Christmas Day, we gave patients and their families small, thoughtful gifts, and we decorated the ward to bring a warm and festive atmosphere. Even though it can be an incredibly difficult time for families, we try to create moments of love, comfort, and togetherness—little reminders of the spirit of Christmas.
“My family is in the Philippines, so before my shift I’ll video call them and share a bit of Christmas cheer across the miles. And after work, I’ll be going out for a celebratory dinner with friends so we can enjoy our own festive moment together.”
You can follow the Trust on Instagram and Facebook to follow all the stories over Christmas.