Patients at the Royal Hobart Hospital were treated to a special visit from Santa Claus this morning, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers who have been bringing festive cheer to the hospital for the past 20 years.
Joe McDonald, Chief Executive of Hospitals South, said an initial visit on Christmas Day in 2004 has become a much-loved annual tradition for the hospital.
“For the last two decades, Andy Baxter, his son Hamish Baxter who was three years old when they started and Tony Scott have visited the Royal Hobart Hospital to generously donate their time to bring Christmas cheer to children, parents and staff,” he said.
“For many young patients who are spending Christmas Day in hospital unwell or injured, a visit from Santa can brighten up their day and put a smile on their faces, as well as bringing joy to parents and loved ones.”
“The annual visit is also a special moment of fun for staff who are working on Christmas Day and continue to provide outstanding care to Tasmanians during the festive period.”
McDonald thanked the “incredible volunteers” for providing support to the hospital and their commitment to cheering up young patients and staff on Christmas Day.
Andy Baxter began the Miles for Smiles fundraising walk for the Clown Doctors in 2004 with Tony Scott, who also created the Giving Tree Walk.
