Hospital thanks gift provider (5)

I believe the answer is:

santa

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'gift provider' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'hospital thanks' is the wordplay.
'hospital' becomes 'san' (I've seen this in other clues).
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'san'+'ta'='SANTA'

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(Other definitions for santa that I've seen before include "Midwinter gift bringer" , "distributer of goodies" , "Christmas visitor" , "Present bringer" , "A children's favourite may" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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