Whilst it’ll be celebrated a little differently this year, the team at Westmead Children’s Hospital are going above and beyond to ensure the magic of Christmas is still felt.
Due to COVID-19 Santa won’t be able to make in-person visits to the children this year, however little ones have still been able to chat with the man in the red suit, via letters and live video streams.
From top to bottom the wards are decorated in everything festive, guaranteed to get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
Nurse Unit Manager Natalie Hooke said they try to make the experience as fun and joyous as possible for the children.
“Of all times of the year, we know Christmas is the time families just want to be together and at home and the sadness and challenges of having a child in hospital this year is magnified for these kids and families as a result of COVID,” she said.
“Seeing the children’s little faces when they walk into a ward all covered in sparkling Christmas lights, painted reindeer flying overhead, adorned Christmas trees, with gifts for every child, Santa making COVID-safe contact online – every little bit of effort has a huge impact on our patients.”
There’s a lot happening at the hospital from their ‘party day’ Christmas celebrations and chats with Santa, to a virtual, annual Pantomime from the closed Starlight Room, which was broadcast to bedside. Each child receives a gift from the hospital, including a brand new scholastic book from their children’s library.
On Christmas Day, children will be able to watch a pre-recorded video of Santa coming to them from the North Pole.
Each child will individually receive a bag with a few gifts inside, including a personalised gift tag from Santa himself.
The nurse staff will distribute these on Christmas morning.
“It’s a beautiful time of year to be part of the spirit and magic,” Ms Hooke said.
“So this year, everyone has found old and new ways to make this holiday period as special as possible.”
Ms Hooke thanked the individuals and corporate organisations who donated toys, including Hasbro, Spinmaster, Big W and Disney.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.