LAKEPORT, Calif. – Patients staying at Sutter Lakeside Hospital over the holidays received a surprise visit from Santa on Christmas Day.  

The jolly old elf gave each patient a Sutter Lakeside blanket as a gift as he spread holiday cheer throughout the hospital halls.  

John Gorbenko, director of Emergency Services, along with infection control coordinator Kathleen Dinges and hospital Chief Administrative Officer Siri Nelson, accompanied Santa on his rounds.  

“This is a holiday tradition for us,” Nelson said. “Santa is a nice addition this year.”

“The patients just light up when they see Santa,” Kathleen Dinges said. “No matter how old they are, seeing Santa is still a treat.”