Alberta Health Services’ Post

On December 10, the 30 patients of Unit 18 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital enjoyed a special holiday celebration with cake, hot chocolate, and a very special gift bag filled with socks, hand-knit items, and chocolates, supplied by the Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS). Karin Esser felt extra special when she got her hand-knit toque and scarf. As someone with knitting experience, the 80-year-old was all smiles admiring the stiches and type of wool used to make part of her special gift for the holidays. “Some of our patients spend an extended period here with us. They may be waiting for long-term care or have complex or socio-economic needs to take care of prior to finding an appropriate level of care to be discharged into,” says Natalie Allouche, unit manager. With only a few weeks’ experience in her new role as unit manager, Natalie made inquiries with charities in the Edmonton area. She found support from OFSS, an inner-city community partner whose mission is to offer services to improve the quality of life of seniors in need. “Many of our patients can’t be with their family during the holidays, so our staff become like their family,” Natalie explains. “I wanted to make sure our patients felt special and loved during this holiday season.” Continue reading this heartwarming story at https://lnkd.in/g_fs_g7a