Christmas Memories
Nurses Heather Spinetto and Jocelyn Peach recall special Christmas memories and shared camaraderie on the ward, with staff working hard to create Christmas magic for their patients, including families and children. Throughout history celebrating Christmas has always been important for nurses and their patients, from nurses in capes and candles singing Christmas carols in years gone by, through to the wonderful decorations made by nurses today.
Christmas Memories - By Jocelyn Peach and Heather Spinetto.
Dr Pamela Wood introduces her 2022 book about New Zealand nurses with a memory of Christmas Eve 1911 when a nurse in the Otago goldfields near Naseby went to borrow some vases for donated colour-themed flowers she wanted to display in her small hospital. As she asked for vases she talked with Mr James Crawford, who had met Florence Nightingale as a veteran of the 1853-56 Crimean War. He frequently regaled the nurse with his respectful memories of Miss Nightingale. Mr Crawford handed the nurse three posies he and his wife had planned to bring to the hospital the next day. The nurse used these nosegays instead of her planned flowers. Dr Wood writes how the patients enjoyed the scent of sweet william flowers, geranium, and moss rosebuds, reminding them of family and past loves. The nurse reflected on Miss Nightingale’s expectation of ‘doing a number of small things well’. Celebrating Christmas has always been important for nurses and their patients, with nurses in capes and candles singing Christmas carols in years gone by.
Heather Spinetto recalls time spent planning for Christmas on the cardiac paediatric ward at Green Lane Hospital to make Christmas special for the small children and their families who were in hospital for months, away from home, and separated from siblings.
Many had little memory of the excitement of glistening decorations and lights on Christmas trees, gifts, special lunch, and happy games. Every year the nurses and other volunteers would plan a theme and surprise the ward with decorations, going the extra mile on the day to make very special memories for all.
Jocelyn Peach remembers recent celebrations of Christmas at Waitematā District Health Board. The Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley enthusiastically encouraged each ward and team across the five inpatient hospitals and community teams to plan their own theme. He visited each area and would acknowledge the efforts of staff to make the environment fun and colourful for patients, families, and team members.
The inventiveness of staff added energy and excitement to each area of the hospital, at the end of a busy year. This was appreciated by patients and their families.
"On behalf of my mum I would like to say thank you to North shore hospital ward 10 staff for making Christmas Day so special for mum and also putting on a lovely lunch - and can’t forget about the Christmas carols the staff put on! Thank you." - Patient feedback to Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland.