Up to 3,000 NHS staff will be working on Christmas Day across one of England’s busiest hospital trusts, ensuring essential healthcare services continue throughout the festive period.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust said doctors, nurses and support teams will be on duty across its hospitals and community services, as demand for urgent and emergency care remains high over Christmas.
Hospitals fully staffed on Christmas Day
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust confirmed staff will be working at Frimley Park Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital and Heatherwood Hospital, as well as at several satellite and outpatient sites.
The trust expects hundreds of patients to receive care on Christmas Day, supported by a wide range of staff including clinicians, porters, cleaners, catering teams, IT staff, security officers, receptionists and volunteers.
Senior leaders said the scale of staffing reflects the NHS’s commitment to patient safety, even during major holidays.
Praise for NHS dedication
James Clarke, chief strategy officer at the trust, said Christmas Day highlights the professionalism and teamwork of NHS staff.
He said the dedication shown by those working over the festive period allows others to remain safe and receive care when they need it most.
He also paid tribute to staff across the wider community who give up time with their families to support essential services.
Festive care continues for patients
Catering teams are preparing around 1,000 full Christmas lunches for staff working on the day, as well as up to 1,500 festive meals for patients across the hospitals.
The trust also expects to welcome up to 20 babies across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with maternity services operating as normal.
In addition to emergency departments, urgent care centres and inpatient wards, community healthcare teams will continue supporting patients in their own homes.
Seasonal pressures on the NHS
The Christmas period traditionally places extra strain on NHS services, with winter illnesses, injuries and delayed discharges adding to pressure on hospitals.
Health leaders have warned that flu cases and respiratory infections remain high this winter, making staffing and planning over the festive period especially important.
Frimley Health said its teams are fully prepared to manage demand while maintaining safe levels of care.
Advice to the public
The trust urged members of the public to use NHS services responsibly if they need medical help over Christmas.
Patients are advised to use NHS 111 online as a first step for non-emergency issues and to attend emergency departments or call 999 only in life-threatening situations.
The guidance is aimed at ensuring emergency services remain available for those who need them most during the holiday period.
