LUCEA, Hanover — Santa came a week late for staff, their children and patients at two hospitals in the western end of the country but they were no less grateful for the goodies provided by Princess Hotels and Resorts.

Santa and his three elves began spreading good cheer at Noel Holmes Hospital where gifts were handed out to more than 80 people, including 70 members of staff. Nurse Jhemeil Stephens and his three children were among them.

“We’re very grateful,” stated Stephens. “It’s the new year; it’s better late than never. We’re very, very thankful for Princess Hotels — being a new hotel — already showing gratitude towards its surrounding neighbours.”

Santa and his elves’ next stop was Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in the neighbouring parish of Westmoreland. More than 55 gifts were distributed to children in the paediatric ward and to staff members with children. Refreshments were provided at both hospitals.

Director of human resources (HR) at Princess Hotels and Resorts Joy Chung said the treat was delayed because of several activities taking place at the resort, including the official opening of two new properties in December.

“I know a lot of other companies and organisations would have come during Christmas but hey, who doesn’t like a gift at any time of the year, especially from Santa?” said Chung.

She spoke of how stressful the job can be for health-care workers, and urged them to use the opportunity to “just chill a little bit”.

According to the HR director, Princess Hotels and Resorts will continue to provide outreach to hospitals in Westmoreland and Hanover.

“Noel Holmes is the nearest hospital to us, and it is imperative and important that we have it as one of our main outreach programmes. Whatever assistance we are able to give, we definitely will in the years to come,” assured Chung.

An appreciative hospital administrator for Noel Holmes Shauntel Carter said the treat is important to staff who not only care for patients but also for their own children.

“I know the hospital can be overbearing sometimes. Staff are tired with the short staffing that we have islandwide but they took on the initiative just to care for their children as well,” stated Carter.

“They came here to give us sweets, juice, and cake, just to keep the Christmas spirit alive, even though it has passed. They just want to say, ‘Happy New Year’, and we look forward to continuous support,” she added.

The 60-bed hospital no longer has a paediatric ward but an area is being set up within the facility to host children for observation purposes. Now a small Type C hospital, there are plans to expand it into a 120-bed facility.

“The project and the plan have now been finalised. Hopefully by April we’ll be able to break ground, starting with our maintenance building,” said Carter.