Santa brings Christmas cheer to patients and staff at Caithness General hospital
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A WICK man brought some festive cheer to Caithness General hospital on Christmas Day when he took on the role of Santa Claus and handed out presents to patients and staff.
Derek Bremner, who is 62 and from the town, got into the seasonal spirit as he wanted to thank the staff who helped him while he was being treated for kidney problems there.
He donned a Santa outfit and gave gifts to employees and distributed presents – provided by the hospital – to patients. Derek had what he described as "a turbulent year" and had operations in Raigmore in Inverness as well as treatment in Caithness General.
He went round the wards at the Wick hospital as well as the canteen and the accident and emergency department. After his Santa duties were complete he was given his Christmas lunch.
"I was diagnosed with renal trouble in March and have had a turbulent year. I just wanted to thank the staff for what they did for me. I am glad I did it. It went well and people were glad to see me. They were happy to shake my hand and get a photo taken. I used to do this type of thing in the past but this was the first time since before Covid," said Derek.
He has also dressed up for Fun Days in Wick and has been Santa and an elf at the Pulteneytown People's Project (PPP) and at Raigmore hospital.
Derek undertook the visit to Caithness General as a personal initiative. He helps out at PPP and is a warden on the John O' Groats Traill.
His efforts were appreciated by the patients and the staff. Verity MacKay, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Caithness General, said: "It's hard for everyone who is in hospital over the festive period. This visit from Santa was very much appreciated by our patients and staff. It brought some festive cheer to the hospital and brightened up everyone's day."
