The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) escorted Santa to the RCH this morning for the 80th consecutive year. 

The tradition began in 1928 in the hospital in Pelham Street Carlton when a fireman’s child was sick in the hospital on Christmas Day.  His colleagues decided to take Santa to visit the children.  This was the beginning of the ‘once-a-year club’ with doctors and fire-fighters as members.  Over the years the visit has become a family affair with the fire-fighters joined by their families, dressed as clowns, and MFB musicians joining in. 

Hospital staff also bring their families in each year to join in festivities with the patients and their families.  Surgeon Professor John Hutson hasn’t missed a Christmas day at RCH in 30 years, and always brought his own children when they were young. 

To mark the special 80th year, staff and families shared in a cake that was decorated by one of the fire-fighters.

Enquiries: Julie Webber 9345 5522 and page

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