WHILE most people enjoyed Christmas with family and friends, staff at Haslemere and Guildford hospitals were spreading some festive cheer among patients.

December 25 is just a normal day for many doctors, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, housekeeping and catering staff, but they go the extra mile to make it special for patients.

At Haslemere Community Hospital NHS staff are rostered to work – but they go beyond the call of duty, as do staff at the town’s private Holy Cross Hospital which provides special care.

And at Guildford’s Royal Surrey Hospital, many volunteer to work while most people are tucking into turkey and all the trimmings.

The Christmas period, and especially the few days after Christmas, are extremely busy in A&E.

Carlo Arrigo, a consultant in Guildford emergency department, volunteered to work on Christmas Day for the 11th year in his career.

“I don’t mind working Christmas Day,” said the father-of-three, who is originally from Italy. “My commitment to emergency medicine is so high that I am happy to come in.

“I actually feel lucky to be able to help people on this special day and recognise that it is important that the public know that we are here for them 24 hours a day 365 days a year.”

Dr Arrigo’s children, aged seven, 13 and 16, supported his decision to work and told him: “Dad, you have to help people.”

Emergency nurse practitioner Jenny Glass, delayed celebrations with her family until Boxing Day.

She told The Herald: “We are a close-knit unit in A&E and I spent the day with my work family.

“It is quite a jolly atmosphere in the department and we all make the best of it.”

Consultant Dr Elizabeth Cheshire, clinical director of the department, said: “The A&E department provides a vital service to the local community at all times of the year. It is something the people of Guildford and the surrounding areas can be proud of and depend on in their time of need.”

Alf Turner, deputy chief executive at the general hospital, said: “I would like to thank all the selfless staff across the hospital who will be away from their families and working on Christmas Day. Their commitment and hard work is always greatly appreciated.”

Rose Parry, chairman of Haslemere Hospital League of Friends, said staffing levels have to be kept constant.

Haslemere Hospital cares mainly for elderly patients. “The ward staff are on rota, plus there are the duty doctors and they go in to wish the patients a happy Christmas as well.

“I know you have to do it when you work in a hospital, but they strive to make it extra special for patients.

“The housekeeping and catering staff keep the wards clean and bright and everyone puts that extra bit in to make sure that patients have a lovely time.”

She added that in the lead up to Christmas, children from local schools go in to sing carols on the ward.

Rose said: “The hospital is well-visited and everyone tries to give the patients a good day and a ‘proper Christmas’ with all the trimmings. The league would like to thank everyone for their efforts.”

Sarah Wardle, head of community care and rehabilitation services for Virgin Care, which runs five community hospitals in Surrey, said: “Every year we are thankful to our dedicated colleagues for the work they have done throughout the year but especially so during the festive period as they work tirelessly around the clock to make a difference to the people we care for.”

• ELDERLY patients at Haslemere Hospital were treated to gifts by generous members of the public.

The League of Friends also donated £300 worth of presents for patients and a new Amazon Kindle for every ward. In addition, there were new ward clocks with the date and time which help some patients with memory problems.

A spokesman for Virgin Care said: “Surrey residents have kindly helped spread the spirit of Christmas this year by donating hundreds of gifts to Age UK Surrey, who partnered with Virgin Care to deliver the gifts to people following an appeal by the charity.”

Farnham Hospital League of Friends bought more than 80 Christmas presents for all inpatients all wrapped by committee members.