Santa makes virtual visit to CHI at Crumlin & Temple Street with help of Webex by Cisco

This year may be different but our friends in @CiscoUKI @WeAreCisco worked with Santa to provide a truly magical virtual experience via @Webex for our patients in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin & Temple Street.

Children did not need to worry about Santa finding them while they are away from home this Christmas. This week, with the help of Webex by Cisco, the ultimate ‘silver surfer’, visited virtually to speak to children personally about what they want for Christmas, coupled with a few impromptu sing-alongs & jokes with Santa, the children and their parent/guardian.  

Children and teenagers attending CHI at Crumlin and Temple Street were able to have a live conversation via Webex by Cisco high-definition video system directly to Santa in the North Pole. The children and young people shared their Christmas wishes with him, while Mrs Claus and Santa’s elf helpers (our Play specialists) were on hand to give gifts in person to the children.

Around 170 children will spend this Christmas in CHI hospitals in Dublin. 

Emily, patient in CHI at Temple Street.

Paddy, patient in CHI at Temple Street.

Amy, patient in CHI at Temple Street.

CHI Play Specialists L-R: Rebecca, Fran and Emma were happy to assist Santa and Mrs. Claus with virtual calls with our patients in CHI at Crumlin.

Caoimhe aged 4, patient in CHI at Crumlin.

Sisters Sendos and Ousayma aged 8 and 12 years respectively, patients in CHI at Crumlin.

Shane Hegarty, Managing Director Ireland and Scotland Cisco, commented: ‘This is one of the most important things we do each year. We’re delighted to be working with children’s hospitals, CHI at Crumlin and Temple Street to connect a very busy Santa with some greatly deserving and inspiring young people. The bravery of the children we meet, and those who look after them is incredibly overwhelming and we’re honoured to be able to lend our technology to spread Christmas cheer to patients and their families at a time when they may not otherwise be able to enjoy the season.’

Tracey Wall, Acting Chief Director of Nursing at CHI, said events through the Christmas period make such a difference to the children and families being treated in the hospitals. “Although we try to get as many of our patients at home for Christmas day, this year approximately 170 of our patients will remain in hospital, and we welcome support from Cisco to bring the Christmas magic to our patients. This event organised by Cisco, and Santa of course, is an amazing experience for our patients, bringing joy and fun to the children and a major distraction from their treatment.  We thank the wonderful team at Cisco for their generosity, kindness and professionalism shown to all of us at CHI at Temple St and Crumlin to make Christmas extra special this year.”

Senior Play Specialist at CHI, Emma Fratangelo said; “With the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Cisco equipment and support help to bring Santa to our patients. It’s amazing how they can get the video call signal all the way to the North Pole! Without the help of Cisco, CHI patients would not have had the chance to visit with Santa. The patients and families loved having the chats and laughs with Santa and Mrs Claus. It brings so much joy to our patients, families, and staff. We are so grateful for their help in bringing the magic of Christmas to CHI.”