As NHS services struggle to cope with winter pressures, Kingston Hospital has launched an innovative service to help patients keep “warm and cheerful” on the wards.

The hospital has begun handing out warm blankets to patients as they make their way to operations, and initiative the hospital says it launched after noticing people felt “cold and exposed” as they walked to corridors in surgical gowns.

A blanket warmer was paid for by charity Friends of Kingston Hospital.

Catherine Shyjka, matron at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As theatres are traditionally a very sterile, clinical environment, we like to try and give patients a warm, friendly welcome.

“We’ve had so many grateful smiles, and lovely comments; a warm blanket helps people to relax.”