CSS spreads Christmas cheer

AS Christmas draws near, the Cancer Support Services spread some Christmas cheer on Ward C12 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital recently.

Public Relations Officer of the Cancer Support Services (CSS), Antoine Williams, told media that this was an annual event for the CSS, as the ward was officially adopted by the organisation a little over two years ago.

“This Ward is the ward that has been adopted by the Cancer Support Services. So in addition to the refurbishment of the wards, in addition to the supply of items for the patients and the nurses, this is our way of saying ‘Merry Christmas’ and spreading some Christmas cheer,” he said.

“I would think that anyone would want to be part of this feel-good moment and one would understand that in the moment of sickness and despair, Christmas brings a lot of pleasant memories, mind you also unpleasant memories, but we’re not focusing on that. So this is just our way of lifting their spirits, even if it is just for one hour; this really is a lifting of spirits.”

Administrative Assistant of the CSS, David Howard, belted out a powerful solo, much to the thrill and excitement of the patients and Reverend Paul Leacock, official counsellor at the CSS, led the charge as a choir sang Christmas
carols.

Following the serenade, Jan Linton, Executive Director of the CSS, with the help of many volunteers, gave out gifts to nurses and patients, and the patients and nurses were then treated to a delightful Christmas lunch.

Williams told media that much of what the CSS aimed to do was make sure the patients were comfortable.

“A lot of what we do is make sure there is comfort in terms of welfare and bed linens and that sense of support through counselling. One must understand that this is a journey that is unique to an individual, and counselling is one of the key areas in which we place our emphasis because there is a great need for counselling. So once we identify the specific need for it, then we provide the counselling accordingly,” he said.