In a unique collaboration with seven high-profile charities, outpatient clinics at King’s Mill Hospital have organised festive, fun-packed awareness and fundraising events to engage patients and visitors in learning more about the invaluable help and support charities can give, in addition to the dedicated healthcare they are receiving.

Events, taking place over a four day period from 21-24 December, will see mass participation of staff from nine clinics in the King’s Treatment Centre. Specialising in rheumatology, orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, dermatology, urology, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat, maxillofacial, and haematology, the clinics will be supporting Arthritis Research UK, the National Osteoporosis Society, the British Lung Foundation, the British Skin Foundation, Prostate Cancer UK, Guide Dogs UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as the Trust’s own Dementia Care Appeal.

VIPs, including Santa Claus, Miss Mansfield, Sammy the Stag, Queen Elsa and pantomime stars, are assisting staff with the events and will be on hand serving drinks and manning cake and tombola stalls to the sound of All Saints 6th form school choir. Trainee puppy guide dogs will also make special appearances, along with their handlers who will be demonstrating how guide dogs can support people who are blind or partially sighted.

Mandy Toplis, Outpatient Department Leader at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our staff are committed to ensuring patients get access to the correct help and support which is right for them, whether this be within the hospital setting or from an external organisation such as a charity.

“These events will be a great way for us to raise awareness of vital support that is out there for anyone who needs a bit of additional help, whatever the circumstances.”