Trainee Advance Clinical Practitioner at Care Plus Group.

Working in the community urgent care team over Christmas is always a unique experience. Although it’s a special time of year for many, our service remains essential because patients still need timely, acute assessment and diagnosis to prevent deterioration and keep them safe in their own homes.

Illness doesn’t pause for the festive season, and my role helps ensure that people receive the right care at the right time avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions when it’s safe and appropriate to treat them at home. Working closely with my multidisciplinary colleagues means we can respond quickly, make informed clinical decisions, and support patients holistically during what can be a vulnerable time.

While I do miss being with my family over the festive period, they understand how important this work is. There is something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’re helping patients stay well, comfortable, and safe in familiar surroundings, especially over Christmas.

My favourite part of working during the festive season is the sense of gratitude and connection. Patients are often particularly appreciative, and even small moments like a friendly chat or seeing a home decorated for Christmas bring a warmth to the day and remind me why I love this role.

The best way the public can support us is by being kind and patient, using NHS services appropriately, and checking in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives. Taking simple steps to stay well helps ease winter pressures and means we can focus on those who urgently need our care. Working together with the community makes all the difference.

The public can make a real difference over the festive season by looking out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives simple actions like checking in, offering help with shopping or prescriptions, or providing company can greatly reduce loneliness and prevent small issues becoming crises.

People can also support others by signposting them to local services in Grimsby such as Age UK North East Lincolnshire for social support, Connect NEL for 24/7 community signposting, or warm spaces across the area including Age UK Grimsby, Cornerstone Community, and West Marsh Community Centre, which offer safe places to keep warm and connect with others.

Volunteering through Take Part NEL, donating to charities like Help Feed Grimsby or CARE, and supporting unpaid carers by linking them with services such as the Carers’ Support Centre can also have a huge impact.

These small acts of kindness help strengthen our community, reduce isolation, and ensure vulnerable people receive the support they need ultimately helping reduce avoidable deterioration or hospital admissions and allowing healthcare teams like ours to focus on those with the greatest needs over Christmas.

Today, our Holiday Heroes working over Christmas are the catering team at The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

Pictured from left at the hospital’s Café Bar Plus are Yvonne Brown, Kath Brown, Julie Wright, James Knapton, Wendy Fletcher and Suzanne Greathead – who all love creating a good atmosphere for patients unable to celebrate Christmas at home. 

James said: “We try to our best make a difference to patients by generating a festive, homely atmosphere.”

Kath added: “We care about our patients and staff and believe it’s important to work over Christmas.”

Wendy explained she plans to celebrate Christmas a few days later, with family members, on her days off.

Catering Manager Sue Hodgson said: “We are very proud of our long-service catering team who play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. From light snacks to hearty meals, we aim to provide comfort and care through good food, especially during the festive season when many patients can’t be at home. We are incredibly privileged to have such wonderful staff ensuring good nutrition and hydration for everyone coming into hospital over the festive period.