Medina Memorial says Santa gets clean bill of health before big journey

Provided photo: Santa Claus is wheeled into Medina Memorial Hospital for his annual physical, before beginning is long journey Christmas Eve.

MEDINA – Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital have announced the successful yearly physical of Santa Claus on Thursday. The physical was completed by members of the Ambulatory Services team.

“Santa is ready to go,” said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of Surgical Services at Orleans Community Health. “Our team ran several routine tests and there is no reason for concern. We’re excited for him and his big day.”

For those who are wondering why Santa Claus selects Medina Memorial Hospital as the location of his yearly physical, there are several reasons, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Medina Memorial. Most importantly is the little-known reason that Santa Claus used to help in Medina’s Imaging/Radiology Department during his off season.

“While we don’t typically release the information on patients, Santa Claus signs a waver with us every year because of the importance of this visit,” Robinson said. “It is again our honor to announce he is ready for the big day. The flight should be a little easier than the one he faced in 2022.”

NORAD (click here) will begin tracking Santa and his sleigh just after midnight on Christmas Eve. It is estimated that he needs 36 hours to complete his journey.