The scheme, aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation among patients, has been organised by Laura James, an adult nursing student within the College of Human and Health Sciences, and President of the Swansea University Nursing Society.

Hundreds of cards have been donated from students from both the Swansea and Carmarthen sites, and from today, students will deliver the cards to the wards at Singleton and Morriston Hospitals.

Swansea University nursing students with Phylippa Dyer, Ward Manager, at Singleton Hospital. 

Laura (pictured fourth from left) explained her idea behind the scheme: “Not all of our patients on the wards have family or significant others who can come to visit them at this time of year, and so Christmas can be a lonely time for some.  Even for those who have visitors, the hospital ward can still feel very austere when visiting time is over.  There is something special about receiving a Christmas card, it is something you can keep as a physical reminder that you are not alone; that even at such a busy time of year someone has thought about you and taken the time to show they care. 

“As student nurses we are proud to be a part of a multidisciplinary team of caring, dedicated and compassionate people and wanted to contribute in our own way to something that may bring a smile to the faces of many and hopefully for those who need it, reassurance that they are thought of this Christmas”.

Professor Rory Farrelly, Director of Nursing and Patient Experience with ABMU Health Board and Honorary Professor of Nursing at Swansea University, welcomed the scheme: “We were very pleased indeed to be approached by Laura, on behalf of the pre-registration nursing students, who wanted to reach out to our patients and send them festive greetings in the form of delivering Christmas cards across the hospital sites. This gesture brightened a very grey and wet December day for our patients. I hope we make this a tradition in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board”.