Sending gifts for family member in covid ward - can anyone help?

[mustbebetter]

Hi there, I wanted to send a family member some gifts or fun things to help him feel better. He's in a covid ward and terrified. Am I allowed to post anything or get anything delivered to the ward? Is there anything that people could recommend might help him feel better? All I can think of are cards or letters, photos etc but I think something a bit more fun like choccies (although he's diabetic but in that vein) that would help him feel better I would like to send to him. Suggestions welcome and please let me know what is and isn't allowed and the logistics of delivery to the ward by post or courier and if they deliver to hospitals?? (Family don't drive unfortunately so can't drop off on my behalf!).

Check the hospital website. Some are not permitting any items other than pyjamas, phones, chargers etc. Our hospital will not allow food to be taken in.

Please don't do this. The rooms and spaces will need to be thoroughly cleaned and they don't have time to start cleaning gifts too. In fact if gifts arrive it takes people away from actually doing the job in hand because you have to sort them out.

Oh ok thanks, I wasn't aware of this. What about a handwritten letter or card or something? Would that be allowed? Given he's really poorly I think it would give him a boost just to receive something little.

He should have access to online time for video calls - you may be able to provide private resource to do that but I would contact the ward. If he has private access you can text chat, play games etc and message generally not just facetime. But honestly he wouldn't be able to do an awful lot.

I have to say Moth in Law was in in October and when she passed away verything was still packed in her bag they hadn't touched it - even letters and cards from rellies

Tissues, send your relative tissues! I work on a covid ward and we allow family to bring items but they are left at main entrance and volunteers distribute them to the ward, anyone on airvo or high flo oxygen likes tissues and we always run out, maybe some nice snacks if they haven't lost their taste and are well enough to eat, a photo of loved ones as people can be in a long time and it is hard, hope your relative isn't in hospital too long X

You you make them a video to show them when they call?

Mother in law has been in hospital fighting covid for a few weeks now. She asked us not to send letters or cards because she can't see to read them and the nurses are too busy to read them to her (not sure if the last bit is totally true or if she doesn't want to be a bother)

Good news everyone, he is out of hospital! Hoping he stays well enough now he's out to recover completely. There wasn't really time to send in gifts in the end. Thought I would update with the positive news!