The Royal Free Charity will be giving a pair of bootees to every baby born over the Christmas and New Year period at Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital.

"Every year we give a gift to Christmas and New Year babies as a small celebration present", said Chris Burghes, the charity's chief executive.

"It's a special time to give birth and this is one of the 'little differences' we like to provide."

During the run up to Christmas the charity has also organised Christmas music in the main entrance and on wards and provided a Christmas meal in the hospital restaurants for every member of staff.  Carol singers included the North Camden Chorus, the Primrose Hill Community Choir and the Royal Free Music Society.  Other music was provided by a jazz quartet and a string quartet and schoolchildren from St Christopher’s School, Hampstead.

"We are very grateful to all these groups who give their time to make the hospital feel a little more festive and bring Christmas cheer to the patients and their visitors. More than £1,500 was also raised for various hospital departments too." added Chris.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: mary.mcconnell2@nhs.net or call 020 7472 6665

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.