NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 – Global technology services and solutions provider, Dimension Data, and Shriners Hospitals for Children will bring virtual visits with Santa Claus to young patients and their families across four Shriners Hospital locations on Dec. 11 and 12.

Instead of the traditional reindeer and sleigh, Santa and his workshop will be carried to each location via the same telehealth technology used to connect medical professionals with patients at off-site locations.

Large screens, high-definition video cameras and holiday-themed rooms allow each child to interact with Santa in real time, as if they were together in the North Pole. This heartwarming visit from a previous year’s event shows the technology melting away distance to provide a magical moment with Santa.

“Any young child should be able to visit Santa during the holidays, or receive help from a trained medical professional during a time of need,” said Mitchell Hershkowitz, GTM Executive, Digital Workplace at Dimension Data Americas. “Telehealth services can help bring the magic of the holidays and modern medicine to people who may not otherwise be able to experience either.”

Decorations will transform each hospital location into a winter wonderland, and each child will receive a special gift bag from Santa. Volunteers from Dimension Data and Shriners Hospital will help Santa create a memorable atmosphere and experience for everyone involved.

“Technology is changing the way we care for patients,” said Eugene D'Amore, VP of hospital operations and CIO at Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Our telehealth technology powered by our partnership with Dimension Data shows that distance no longer needs to be a barrier to quality care.”

The event will be held on Dec. 11 in Chicago and Spokane, and Dec. 12 in Greenville and Philadelphia:

• Chicago – Tues., Dec. 11, 2018 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST
• Spokane – Tues., Dec. 11, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST
• Philadelphia – Wed., Dec. 12, 2018 from 10:00 am to noon EST
• Greenville – Wed., Dec. 12, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST

About Dimension Data
Dimension Data uses the power of technology to help organisations achieve great things in the digital era. As a member of the NTT Group, we accelerate our clients’ ambitions through digital infrastructure, hybrid cloud, workspaces for tomorrow, and cybersecurity. With a turnover of USD 8 billion, offices in 47 countries, and 28,000 employees, we deliver wherever our clients are, at every stage of their technology journey. We’re proud to be the Official Technology Partner of Amaury Sport Organisation, which owns the Tour de France, and the title partner of the cycling team, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. Visit us at https://www.dimensiondata.com/

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

Learn more at: https://shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.