Children's hospitals spread Christmas happiness with patients

The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay and Hong Kong Children's Hospital held various Christmas events on Monday to celebrate with children and let them enjoy the happiness of the festive season.

Healthcare workers at the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital dressed up as Santa Claus and cartoon characters, riding in animal-themed vehicles for a parade accompanied by Christmas dogs to visit the hospitalized children.

A 13-year-old boy had recently undergone limb-lengthening surgery and stated that his Christmas wish was to get out of the orthopedic frame and leave the hospital to meet up with his friends.

Another 16-year-old patient who was suffering from status epilepticus had chronic convulsions and cognitive difficulties. The three-year-long pandemic also prevented his mother, who lived on the mainland, from visiting him.

This year, the mother and son could finally celebrate their first post-pandemic Christmas together, with the mother wishing that there would be medicine to help improve her son's condition.

The hospital also held a party in the garden and arranged magic, drum and bicycle stunts performance. There were also group games and Christmas carol singing. 

Healthcare workers distributed gifts and arranged a festive Christmas meal for the children, bringing them a joyful Christmas day.

As for the Hong Kong Children's Hospital, it arranged an array of Christmas programs for its patients to feel the healing power of music and loving care from others. 

A Christmas party was held in the hospital lobby. Children enjoyed watching dance performances, magic tricks, and playing games.

A group of healthcare staff also brightened up the wards with Christmas carols and surprise gifts to bring joy to children and their families on Christmas day.