The radiology department at University Hospital Monklands has been busy in the run-up to Christmas, and not just in terms of imaging:  in addition to their annual raffle to raise funds for local charities, the big-hearted team decided to forego the usual departmental ‘Secret Santa’ to donate toys to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, which seeks to make sure no child has to do without a visit from Santa.

The idea was proposed and organised by Pamela Aikman, a radiographer at Monklands.  Her colleagues thought it was a great idea and enthusiastically took up the cause.

As well as the X-ray department, other staff groups got wind of the idea and gifts were also donated by domestic and kitchen staff, as well as senior management and ward staff, filling box after box after box with everything from books to footballs to games for the younger ones to make-up, toiletries and clothes for the teenagers.

Pamela said: “The response has been incredible, no-one likes to think about children going without at Christmas, so toys and other gifts have come flooding in. I’m just happy that we’ve been able to help.”

The department has been delighted with the success of the appeal and would like to thank everyone who supported the cause and donated gifts.