As Christmas approaches and in light of visiting restrictions we appreciate people may wish to gift loved ones gifts that they can open on Christmas Day. At both our hospitals, relatives or friends of patients have the opportunity to make a Christmas drop-off, of items for loved ones. We ask that families try to ensure that they make a single drop off. Items could include clothing, toiletries, letters, cards or photographs.
Please ensure that your gift does not contain home-made or hot food, as we are limited by environmental health restrictions as to what we are able to accept. As our hospitals are big, busy places, we are unable to take responsibility for gifts of valuables or money, so we advise not sending these items as a gift to our hospitals. Please also do not drop off alcohol, illicit medications or drugs.
When you’re ready to drop off your gift, ensure that you seal your gift in disposable bag, no larger than a supermarket carrier bag. The bag should be labelled with the patient’s name, date of birth and ward. The drop-off points at our hospitals are the main reception desks at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, or PALs office at Bedford Hospital. Unfortunately, we will not be able to tell you the bag has been received and cannot accept liability for this service. Unlabelled bags and property that do not reach the patient will be taken to lost property.
Belongings must be brought in by a single person who does not have any COVID-19 like symptoms.