Patients in hospital this Christmas are set to benefit from a charity appeal launched by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Norwich Evening News, which aims to give a gift to every inpatient in hospital on Christmas Day.

Eastern Daily Press: Send a Smile for Santa launch at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Picture: ANTONY KELLYSend a Smile for Santa launch at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Send a Smile with Santa campaign is encouraging local people and businesses to donate gifts, with the aim of collecting more than 1,000 presents for patients. A number of businesses have already pledged their support by acting as collection points for gifts around the county.

While many people will be lucky enough to celebrate at home with their families this year, some will be spending their Christmas Day in hospital.

Emma McKay, director of nursing, said: 'We do all we can to help as many children and adults as possible spend Christmas at home, but sometimes patients are too poorly and have to remain in hospital during the Christmas period. Our staff work hard to make Christmas a happy time for patients and families, but to make it extra special we would be so grateful to the public if they were to help our campaign by donating gifts. We're determined that our patients do not miss out on the magic of Christmas simply because they are in hospital.'

The public can drop off presents at main NNUH reception desks and at the Archant building on Rouen Road in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Send a Smile for Santa launch at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Paula Mellor, Bea Smith and Emma McKay. Picture: ANTONY KELLYSend a Smile for Santa launch at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Paula Mellor, Bea Smith and Emma McKay. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Gifts can also be donated at various Natwest branches across the county as well as their mobile facility Branch Nelson. In Norwich, the Castle Mall and Norwich Railway Station will also have collection points for donations.

Louise Cook, NNUH fundraising manager, added: 'This will be the second year we've run our patient present appeal in collaboration with the Norwich Evening News. In past years, we've had such a heart-warming response from the people of Norfolk we were determined to set ourselves the challenge again this year. Donated gifts do not need to be large and can be items as simple as toiletries or a puzzle book.'

All presents should remain unwrapped so the hospital can ensure that presents are individually tailored and wrapped for each patient, as well as protecting against potential infection. In addition to gifts, the hospital would also welcome donations of wrapping paper and gift bags.

Homemade gifts, electrical items, sharp objects or any used goods cannot be accepted.

For more information on the appeal, or to offer a drop off location, please contact Louise Cook on 01603 287107 or email Louise.Cook@nnuh.nhs.uk. Please ensure all presents are dropped off by December 9 to allow time for the hospital to wrap presents in preparation for Christmas Day.

Suggested gifts for adult patients include:

• Lip balms, hand lotions, foot lotions or other moisturising lotions or hand wipes (either fragrance free or gently fragranced)

• Perfumes, cologne (men), bubble bath,

• Slipper socks/ bed socks or normal socks

• Deodorants (male/female)

• Handkerchiefs

• Chocolates, biscuits, sweets, cereal bars,

• Cordials, herbal, original or flavoured tea-bags

• Pens/ pencils, notepads, note lets, colouring books, cards

• Scented and non-scented wipes

• Hats and scarves

• Wash bags; toothpaste/toothbrushes; hair brushes

• Calendars, diaries

• New books and magazines

• Puzzle books – word search, Sudoku

Babies and nfants

• Infant rattles/ teething toys

• Musical and light-up toys

• Infant stimulation toys

Children and teenagers

• Any Lego sets

• Top Trumps

• Colouring books suitable for teenagers

• Lamaze toys

• Nail varnish

• Make up

• Music CD

• DVDs (new) suitable for children

• Any Norwich City football merchandise

• Light up toys

• Wallet/purses

• Colouring books, pens, paints, pencils

• Books from Little Readers to Annuals

• Children's toiletries

• Gift cards (New Look, Primark, WHSmith, iTunes, Amazon etc.)

• DVD movies

• Playing and UNO cards

• Magazines

• Craft/art kits (beading, model airplanes/cars,)

• Diaries/journals

• Remote control cars and trucks

Items which cannot be accepted

To prevent infection, the hospital can only accept new items in their original packaging and unwrapped. All purchased food products must be in a sealed package and still in date for December 25, 2017.

Edible homemade gifts (cakes, sweets etc), electrical items, used books, candles, old DVDs or VHS tapes; sharp objects and denominational or religious material cannot be accepted.