Seb Coe with UCLH chairman Richard Murley
The sixth annual event - the biggest and best yet - attracted around 1,000 visitors.
University College Hospital is a designated ‘Olympic hospital’ for the London 2012 Games and will provide healthcare to visitors, spectators, dignitaries and others referred from polyclinics in the Olympic village.
Before switching on the Christmas tree lights, Seb, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), said: “I think this is probably a first for me – I’m not sure I have ever been invited to turn on Christmas tree lights! This hospital is playing a huge and important part in the delivery of our Games.
Chairman of the Organising Committee it is very, very reassuring to know that our competitors, the Olympic community and spectators that come to London are in safe hands.”
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Seb Coe with the UCLH infection control team
The double Olympic gold medallist added: “There are only 34 Thursdays to go until the Olympics – thank you for making those 34 Thursdays a lot easier. I shall rest a lot easier in my bed at night knowing we are in great medical hands. Have a lovely Christmas and wake up in the New Year to welcome in the Olympics.”
He presented chocolate gold medals to the winners of the best display stands – the Acute Medical Unit and the infection control team (dressed as bug-busting ninja warriors).
Seb Coe with staff from the Acute Medical Unit
Judges chairman Richard Murley, deputy chief executive Mike Foster and chief nurse Katherine Fenton said it had been a ‘tough decision’ because they had been impressed by all the 50 display stands.
Chairman Richard Murley said: “It’s very good to see so many staff, patients and members of the public here for what has been an absolutely fabulous occasion. People have put in so much effort to demonstrate the fantastic work we do for our patients at UCLH.”
Carols courtesy of ffortissimo
The wide range of visitors included governors, patients, UCL medical students, local school children and health professionals from other organisations. As well as browsing display stands, there was the opportunity to join tours of clinical areas. Live music, carols and mince pies and hot chocolate ensured a festive feel.