Dudley’s Russells Hall Hospital got into the festive spirit this week with its lights switch-on and annual Christmas market.
The Christmas lights, which were switched on yesterday by chief nurse Martina Morris, the Dudley Group NHS Charity mascot Aati the friendly fox, and two-year-old patient Imayna-Jayne, will shine bright for all to see throughout December. The Christmas tree was donated by the Trust’s Private Finance Initiative partners, Mitie and Summit Healthcare.
Encouraging visitors and staff to support local this Christmas, the market stalls hosted around a dozen different businesses outside the main entrance for the day, including baked goods, handmade jewellery, sweets, candles and much more! Throughout the day, students from Sledmere Primary School, Thorns Primary School, and St Mark’s C of E Primary school got into the holiday mood by singing carols and Christmas hits from Silent Night to Mariah Carey.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re thrilled that our Christmas light-switch on and market was a joyful success, both for our charity and the local businesses and schools who took part.
“Celebrating Christmas and bringing bliss to our patients, visitors, and staff throughout the season is a priority for us, and this event was just the beginning of our merry acts which will continue throughout December.”
Chief nurse, Martina Morris, said:
“I was delighted to turn on our Trust’s Christmas lights along with Imayna-Jayne and Aati. We hope our tree will bring festive cheer to patients, visitors and staff as they enter Russells Hall Hospital.”
The Charity also hosted a brilliant tombola and Christmas goods sale, helping to reach a total figure of almost £1,000 over the day, with all proceeds going to the Dudley
Group NHS Charity. If you are a local small business that would be interested in getting involved in the Dudley Group’s Christmas market for 2025, please get in touch: dgft.communications@nhs.net
