Published on: 20 October 2025
An appeal has been started extra early to help give those in hospital this festive time a very comfy Christmas.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has launched its annual #NightwearBeforeChristmas campaign to help those staying at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.
The Trust is collecting nighties and pairs of pyjamas so they can be handed out on December 24 to patients staying on wards over the holiday period. The appeal has been launched earlier than in past years in the hope even more packages can be collected in 2025.
Wards will also welcome items including slippers with backs on them, toiletries, novels, puzzles and colouring in books. Many of those who receive the gifts will be without family or friends close at hand.
The appeal is led by the Delirium and Dementia Outreach Team (DDOT). Its members spend time out on wards at both hospitals, helping older patients get moving, talking and involved in activities. This rehabilitation is aimed at getting them ready for discharge.
DDOT also runs the Alexandra Centre at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which welcomes in patients from wards so they can enjoy hobbies, music, games and celebrations.
Claire Boylan is an Elder Life Specialist Practitioner (ELSP) with the team.
She said:
“We’re always amazed by the generosity of families, businesses and other supporters who have helped us give patients a heartwarming gift at Christmas time.
“Our patients are so grateful and it’s also lovely for our teams out in the wards because it raises their spirits when they’re working hard and they see those they’re looking after feel special.
“This year we’ve started our campaign even earlier to give us an even better chance at collecting more gifts to pass on. We know there are already Christmas displays out in the shops, so we thought we better get collecting, especially as pyjamas are always a popular present.
“Anyone who donates can be sure they’ll be making someone’s Christmas a better one.”
People are asked to wrap up their nightwear and label it to say if it it is for a man or woman and its size.
To donate at Sunderland Royal Hospital, people are asked to take their gift to the Alexandra Centre on E Floor. A drop off point has been set up ready for packages in case a member of the team is not available.
The centre is open from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone with any questions can call DDOT on 0191 569 9766 or the switchboard on 0191 565 6256, extension 41572.
To donate at South Tyneside District Hospital, people are asked to take their item to the Discharge Lounge. This is based on Ward 20, which is in the Deans Ward, opposite the main hospital building.
The lounge is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday.
More information about the work of DDOT can be found through the Dementia Care page of the Trust’s website: Dementia Care
