Hospital cleaner brings magic of Christmas to wards

Cleaner Jolanta Davies is bringing the spirit of Christmas to patients in a Southampton hospital.

Determined that no-one should miss out, Jolanta decks herself out in tinsel and festive earrings to spread joy around Fanshawe Ward at the city’s Royal South Hants Hospital.

The self-styled Mother Christmas also writes seasonal messages on patient noticeboards with her red and green marker pens, decorating them with snowmen, smiley faces and holly.

“I wish all the patients a happy Christmas and they say it makes a difference,” said Jolanta, who has worked as a hospital cleaner for the past 44 years.

“Of course they would rather be at home but, if I can help lift their spirits a little bit while they are here, then that is lovely.”

Jolanta worked at Moorgreen Hospital, West End, for 27 years before moving the Royal South Hants, where she now works two afternoons a week.

“I love my work,” she said. “It is a smaller hospital and feels very homely; we are like family here.

“Although every day you do the same thing, every day is different because of the patients.”

Keen photographer Jolanta, who lives at St Denys, Southampton, has two dogs and six cats and often chats to the patients about their pets.

Supervisor Fay Stavrogiannopoulou, FM Assistant Manager Audit and Compliance, said: “Jolanta is an excellent team member with the sweetest personality.

“She really cares about the patients and loves to cheer them up with her drawings and greetings.”