Santa surprises children and parents at Liverpool NHS walk-in centre

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Father Christmas and some of his elves made a special appearance at a Liverpool NHS walk-in centre on Thursday.

They surprised parents and children at the Smithdown Children's NHS Walk-in Centre on Smithdown Road.

Claire McDonough, a member of staff from centre said: “We were really delighted that Santa took some time out of his busy Christmas schedule to drop in to say hello and deliver some Christmas presents for sick children who were visiting our walk-in centre this week.

"Needless to say, his presence has been a big hit with everyone – young and old alike!”

Smithdown Children’s NHS Walk-in Centre is the only walk-in centre in the UK which is specifically designed for the care of children 0 - 15 year olds.

It provides consultations, advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses such as minor infections and rashes, stomach upsets, superficial cuts and bruises, sprains and minor breaks, coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms.

The centre is one of five walk-in centres based across Merseyside, and each run by Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust.

Liz Kinsella, Service Manager for the Trust’s Childrens Division in South Liverpool added: “We do also want to remind people, that excluding Christmas Day, we’re still open throughout the Christmas holidays whilst most GP surgeries are closed - so we’d encourage parents across Liverpool to make us their first point of call for treating any minor accidents or illnesses during this time.”

The Children’s Walk-in Centre is based on Smithdown Road (near Asda Supermarket), and is open at the following times:

Monday to Friday 8am-8pm (excluding Christmas Day)

Saturdays, Sundays and all other Bank Holidays (from 10am-4pm)

X-Ray facilities are also available Monday to Friday 9am-6pm.

A special thanks also extends to Fezzy’s fancy dress shop in Picton for supporting this event by providing the costumes free of charge to the walk-in centre’s staff.