Christmas celebrations 2020

December 2020

District brings joy to patients and their families during COVID-19

Sydney Local Health District is sharing a little Christmas cheer with hundreds of patients and their families in COVID-safe celebrations.

“It’s been an extraordinary year. Christmas will be celebrated a little differently in 2020. But, we still want to bring joy to our patients and their families,” Dr Teresa Anderson, the District’s Chief Executive, said.

Staff at RPA, Balmain, Canterbury, Concord and Sydney Dental hospitals have all participated in the traditional annual Christmas decorating competition.

This year, a vinyl Christmas tree and decorations have been supplied to wards and departments in facilities across the District.

A virtual advent calendar of Christmas carols has also been created, with staff joining in the singing effort in the countdown to 25 December.

“There’s a carol sung by staff from around the District posted each day. I know many people have been enjoying the festive jingles,” Dr Anderson said.

The District’s gardeners have planted petunias to brighten up entrances at the District’s hospitals and lighting displays are twinkling in the night skies.

Clinical staff are wearing Christmas-themed scrubs and on Christmas Day every inpatient in each hospital is set to receive a special meal and card.

For patients in Special Health Accommodation, the District has provided a tree, a hamper and Christmas activities for children – including a gingerbread house to build.

“Staff at the Special Health Accommodation have put a lot of thought into how to help patients in quarantine celebrate Christmas. It’s an excellent example of how we provide patient and family centred care,” Dr Anderson said.

Staff have received a Christmas gift too – a card and gingerbread folk as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

“Our staff have a can-do attitude – making sure we provide the very best care for our patients, their families and the community – despite the challenges that continue to confront us,” Dr Anderson said