LONDON 17 December 2009 — Children at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the Nottingham Children's Hospital based at the Queen's Medical Centre can stop worrying about Santa being too busy to visit them in hospital this Christmas. With the help of video communications technology from Cisco, he has 'dropped in' to speak to them directly about their Christmas wish lists.
Using Cisco® Unified Communications technology, the hospital's young patients and their families spoke directly to Santa at the North Pole via a video link installed in the hospital. The children shared their Christmas wishes with him, while Mrs Claus and Santa's elf helpers, in the form of Cisco staff, were on hand to give gifts in person to the children.
"Children in hospital can sometimes miss out on the excitement of some traditional Christmas activities," said Claire Hardy, play specialist at the Nottingham Children's Hospital. "The Santa Connection helps make Christmas special for them, bringing that piece of Christmas sparkle direct to the ward, whilst providing a relaxing moment for family and friends."
Cisco's Santa Connection enables children who are unable to leave hospital during the festive period to share in some of the Christmas spirit. Now in its third year in the U.K., the programme has also benefited children in the U.S., Canada and Germany over the last six years.
"Christmas is a busy period for Santa, but by using video communications, he's able to meet with some younger patients. We hope the Santa Connection brings a smile to everyone's face this year. The children's bravery, and the determination of those looking after them at this time, continue to inspire us," said David Meads, executive sponsor, Corporate Social Responsibility and Civic Council at Cisco.
Cisco employees have contributed presents online and in person totalling well over £2500, so that everyone can have a Christmas wish come true.
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Tags: Cisco, Santa Claus, Santa, Christmas, Hospitals, Charity, Children, Unified Communications, Santa Connection, Video Conferencing, Nottingham, Bristol,
Video: Video Conferencing at Children's Hospitals brings holiday cheer and Santa Claus closer to healing children nationwide through Cisco IP Communications: http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/videos/santa_uses_voip.html
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