South Tyneside and Sunderland’s NHS Trust launches its yearly ‘Nightwear before Christmas’ campaign
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has once again launched its ‘Nightwear before Christmas’ campaign.
An annual appeal from the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to bring festive cheer to those spending Christmas in hospital has been launched for 2026.
It sees the NHS Trust collect gifts, which will then be handed out to patients on Christmas Eve.
Organisers hope that by launching this year’s appeal before the festive season really gets under way, there will be time to collect more donations than ever before.
How you can get involved
The NHS Trust is appealing for nighties and pyjamas for men and women in all sizes - with larger sizes always the most in demand.
Organisers have stated that the appeal usually receives more donations of women's nightwear than men's, so donations for men are particularly welcome for 2026.
Anyone wanting to make a donation is asked to wrap the items so they are ready to be handed out, with a clear label detailing the contents and size.
A drop-off point is available at the Alexandra Centre on E Floor at Sunderland Royal Hospital from 8am to 4pm, seven days a week.
In South Tyneside, items can be left with the Discharge Lounge at South Tyneside District Hospital.
The lounge is in the Deans Wing, opposite the Outpatients Department. It is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday.
The NHS Trust is also grateful for donations of the following as part of the Christmas campaign:
- Dressing gowns for adults.
- Slippers with backs on them, preferably full-shoe styles rather than slip-on slippers to help keep patients safe and comfortable.
- Toiletries for men and women, including shower gel, soap, shampoo, deodorant and shaving foam. Members of the public are kindly asked not to donate creams or body butters.
- Quiz books and adult colouring books.
- Pens and pencils for activities and games.
The yearly appeal is led by the NHS Trust’s Delirium and Dementia Outreach Team (DDOT), whose members support older patients at both hospitals.
Members of DDOT work on wards to help people stay active and ready for discharge, as well as running the Alexandra Centre at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
‘Make a real difference’
Claire Boylan, an Elder Life Specialist Practitioner with the team, has spoken about how much the donated gifts mean to patients who are spending time in hospital over the Christmas period.
She said: "Every year we're overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities.
“These gifts provide comfort and dignity for patients who may be spending Christmas in hospital and can make a real difference to their day.
"Something as simple as a new pair of pyjamas, a dressing gown or a quiz book can help someone feel cared for during what can be a difficult time.
"We hope that by launching the appeal earlier, even more people will be able to get involved and help us spread a little festive magic this Christmas."
Anyone with questions can call the DDOT team on 0191 569 9766 or the switchboard on 0191 565 6256, extension 41572.