Health staff in Nelson Marlborough have been busy decorating Wairau and Nelson hospitals and health facilities ahead of Christmas.
The annual tradition sees colleagues take part in a friendly competition to see who can create the best festive display.
This year, in Wairau, children from eight local primary schools were invited to create ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ themed decorations for the paediatric ward, which brought a sense of community to the displays.
Rebecca Sotomayor-Sugden, Charge Nurse Manager at Paediatric and Neonatal Unit Wairau Nelson Marlborough, Te Whatu Ora said: “The staff really look forward to the Christmas decorating completion as it brings the ward staff and community together.
“The children love seeing the decorations and it really lifts the spirit of the staff and patients entering the ward.
“Thanks to everyone who organised and took part in the competition, including Nurse Mary Bezant who reached out to local schools in the area.”
Last Monday, judges awarded the winners with a trophy and afternoon tea. For Wairau, the ‘Nana-Bakers’ from the Woman and Child Hub were awarded first place for imaginative and creative gingerbread themed decorations made from recycled materials.
Joint second place went to Wairau Emergency Department for a live Father Christmas and festive Snoopy decorations, and the Day Stay Unit for brightening every room, toilet, changing space and locker room.
The Paediatric department was highly commended for proposing this year’s Twelve Days of Christmas theme and contacting local primary schools, and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for music and a Snoopy themed room with incredible large creations including a kennel, plane and decorative doorframe.
For Nelson, Ward 10 came first for a garland of over 300 hand-decorated Christmas trees with walking milestones for patients to help them regain confidence as they prepare to return home.
Second place went to Nelson Hospital Dental Service for homemade recycled Christmas boxes, and the Support Works Needs Assessment team in Richmond was awarded third place for their live Santa and recycled fireplace decorations.
Nelson Paediatric Ward, Nelson Radiology, Health and Safety Wellbeing Team, Nelson Haemodialysis Unit and Emergency Management were all highlight commended for spreading Christmas cheer with impressive creations across their departments.
Patients, their whānau and staff will all be able to enjoy the welcoming decorations until the New Year.
