CHRISTMAS is a magical time for any child, but for youngsters who have spent the year in and out of the Great Western Hospital, the festive season was made extra special thanks to those who have cared for them.

A party was held for approximately 60 young patients on the Children’s Outpatients Ward on Friday, complete with a magic show, disco, party games and a visit from Santa Claus.

It was the second year that staff have thrown a Christmas party, but it was the first time it had been held on the ward itself.

Health play specialist Theresa Wyatt, who has spent several months organising the event, said: “The party last year was held down in the academy and it went down really well so I wanted to do it again, but better.

“I think it’s nice for the children – most of the time they come here for not very nice things so it is good to invite them in for something postive and they seem to have a really nice time.”

Claire Parks, senior health play specialist, said: “We invited our long term patients in for the party – the children that come in over the years that we know well, as well as those on the Children’s Ward and I know they have been really looking forward to it.

“It’s nice for them to see their nurses again, in a happy environment because most of the time when they come in they are having something done that is painful or scary, but this is lots of fun.

“I definitely think it will become a regular thing – it is nice for the children to make new friends, and for the parents to meet other parents with children who may have similar illnesses to their own; it’s great to see them swapping advice and phone numbers at the end of the day.”

One of the youngsters enjoying the party was six-year-old Olivia Kember of North Swindon. Olivia suffers with juvenile arthritis.

Her mum, Carole Shave, said: “The care Olivia has received at the hospital has been brilliant, the nurses have been amazing.

“We came to the party last year and it was really good, Olivia has been looking forward to it this year, it is nice for all the children.”

Michelle Maddison of Groundwell, took her daughter Phoebe, eight, and three-year-old son Harry to the party.

Phoebe was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago and visits the GWH every three months for check ups.

Michelle said: “Phoebe was really looking forward to the party, it’s always nice to go to a party.

“She’s had the insulin pump for two weeks now and she is getting on really well with it, she copes very well and she doesn’t mind coming up to the hospital, she’s really close to her nurses.”

Over Christmas, a number of businesses visit the children’s ward with presents for the patients and, on the big day itself, Santa Claus will be visiting the ward in the morning to deliver the presents to the children.