Christmas at Bristol Children’s Hospital

Because of coronavirus, Christmas at Bristol Children’s Hospital will be different this year.

To limit the spread of infection, entertainers and external visitors who would usually visit the children’s hospital during the festive season, will instead, create some Christmas cheer… virtually!

Christmas celebrations at Bristol Children’s Hospital will be different this year but no less fun!

Determined to give patients the best Christmas possible, staff have organised a wide range of virtual activities, entertainment and messages which can be accessed by patients, families, and staff both inside the hospital at home. It means family members who can’t visit the hospital can still take part in some of the same activities and share the same experiences.

You can view this Christmas virtual entertainment on the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust YouTube.

The wonderful Play Department at Bristol Children’s Hospital will still be on hand, to deliver lots of fun, festive activities in the hospital as well as sharing these videos with patients.

Arts Unleashed

Before coronavirus, artists, musicians, and entertainers could be found visiting sick children across the hospital as a part of our dedicated arts programme, Arts Unleashed.

We’re thrilled some of them could contribute to the hospital’s virtual Christmas by creating festive films for the patients they miss visiting.

Our Arts Unleashed artists have thought of imaginative ways to entertain patients this Christmas

Charlotte, one of our regular artists, has made Christmassy craft kits for children and young people that can be enjoyed at the bedside alongside a virtual ‘how-to’ guide.

Musicians Live Music Now and Bute Clarinet Duo have treated patients to some cracking performances, while Cassandra, a storyteller, has created several special films for children of all ages. Each story will have a wintery theme.

We’re proud to have helped staff adapt to the challenges posed by coronavirus, and hope patients, families, and staff have a wonderful Christmas wherever they are and whomever they are with.