A number of events for both patients and visitors have been unveiled to mark the festive season at Noble’s Hospital.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: “Many picture the ideal Christmas as one spent at home with loved ones, but a considerable number of people in our community will find themselves in hospital this festive season. Our staff and volunteers at Noble’s Hospital have done a tremendous job in developing a range of events to bring some extra cheer to the wards, corridors and public spaces, for which they should be commended.”
The hospital’s front of house team – responsible for services such as switchboard, managing volunteers and running the welcoming service – has taken the lead with the Christmas arrangements, developing a programme in conjunction with local artists that focuses on music in a bid to showcase home-grown talent.
There will be six musical performances in the main foyer of the hospital in December, with all the musicians kindly volunteering their time. In addition, the hospital’s beloved nativity scene makes its annual appearance, this year enhanced by a new stable to house the tableau.
The hospital’s carol service is being heldon Friday 9 December at 4.00 pm in the hospital chapel, with children from St Thomas’ Church of England School taking part. The chapel also plays host to the Bethlehem Peace Light from Saturday 17 to Tuesday 27 December. The light – intended to promote peace, harmony and unity – is a continuously-burning flame, originating from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The highlight of the festive programme for many remains the Christmas Eve carols on the wards. Staff, volunteers, Father Christmas, and his elves will work their way from ward to ward, singing carols and handing out gifts to patients kindly donated by the League of Friends of Noble’s Hospital. Anyone wishing to join in should meet in the hospital’s main foyer at 5.30 pm on Saturday 24 December.
Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the musical performances:
Friday 16 December | St German Handbell Ringers - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Monday 19 December | David Holland – pianist and singer - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Tuesday 20 December | Tallis Consort – a capella singers - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Wednesday 21 December | Isle of Man Government Staff Choir - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Thursday 22 December | Hartes Ease - renaissance music - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Friday 23 December | 4tissimo - string quartet - Thie Bee Coffee Shop in main foyer |
Anyone who would like to be involved in planning, providing or taking part in future events can contact Dawn Stanton, Front of House Manager, by emailing dawn.stanton@gov.im.
The staff and volunteers at Noble’s Hospital would like to thank everybody involved in making this Christmas special for those who have to spend time in hospital over the festive period.
Photo - The Noble’s Hospital nativity tableau with the new stable.
