Christmas, the biggest family celebration of the year, is hardly the best time to have to go into or be told that you have to remain in hospital.

Bermuda's King Edward VII Hospital, St. Brendan's and the Hospice obviously make every effort to get as many people home as possible in time for the holidays but those who have to remain may be assured that some very devoted people are working very hard to ensure that their stay will be as happy as possible.

With Christmas trees and decorations transforming the usually clinical atmosphere into one that at least approaches jollity, seemingly everyone connected with the hospital -- employees and volunteers -- is involved in preparations for the annual holiday.

"In fact, we have events going on during the whole of December right up to the New Year,'' says Kendaree Burgess-Fairn who has just celebrated her first year as the hospitals' communications specialist. "We have carolling, presentations of gifts, visits by Santa Claus and everyone in the hospital receives a gift.

"We have to remember,'' she points out, "that it is also Christmas for the staff and a great many of them have to work over the holiday. I think this is one of the reasons why the staff enter so fully into the spirit of things.

They take part in the carol singing and the annual ward decorating contest is always a very big event.

"Last year, Gosling Ward won with their wonderful display of Christmas Underwater, with big murals, fish and mermaids hanging everywhere! When you walk into a scene like that, I think it really does lift the spirits and those who have to stay in hospital really seem to appreciate all the trouble that is taken to make them feel as happy as possible.'' Mrs. Burgess-Fairn says that emphasis on a relaxed and happy atmosphere in all three institutions is part of the new thinking in hospital care: "Emotional needs are as important as physical needs and, today, hospitals look more at the whole person in treating them.

"Whether you are in to have a baby or in with a serious illness the emphasis over the past couple of years has changed to `patient satisfaction'.'' She reveals that a recent survey on this very subject, carried out by a Canadian team testing 11,000 people and comparing hospitals all over Canada, judged Bermuda's King Edward VII Hospital as above-average overall, the Maternity Ward being judged highest of all the hospitals surveyed.

"That survey wasn't based on any particular time of year or occasion, but I do know that they give new mothers a very special time there at Christmas!'' One of the reasons why Christmas is so enjoyed at the hospital, says Mrs.

Burgess-Fairn, is because nursing, by its very nature, is a caring profession.

"Anyone who does a job like that usually possesses this quality and it really seems to shine at Christmas. I think patients are often surprised and, of course, very pleased by the level of attention and entertainment that's laid on for them. I do believe that for doctors, nurses and orderlies, the idea of giving and sharing makes Christmas just as special for them as it does for the patients.'' Noting that a special effort is made in the catering department, special Christmas lunches and dinners are served to both patients and staff.

And at St. Brendan's some patients are encouraged to go out in groups for celebrations at local restaurants.

"We have already had lots of parties in the Extended Care Unit and at St.

Brendan's,'' says Mrs. Burgess-Fairn "and on Friday, the Governor and Lady Waddington visit both facilities.

"Patients really seem to enjoy their visit -- it makes them feel special! And Santa Claus makes his visit on Christmas Day.

"I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of our many, many volunteers who work so hard to make things better for those in hospital.'' The public is reminded that visiting hours are extended on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.