Operation ‘deck the halls’ is just the medicine as children’s ward transformed for Christmas

IT was just what the doctor ordered to boost festive spirits.

Christmas decoration experts have completed operation ‘deck the halls’ at the children’s unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH) to bring some seasonal cheer to its young patients.

Eight kind-hearted staff from Hanley’s Centre in Cork installed some €10,000 worth of lights, trees, bells and decorations in the Puffin, Ladybird, and Seahorse wards.

They also kitted out the ward’s special millennium garden with trees, reindeer and Santas.

And some of the children were delighted when they were allowed to throw ‘snow’ around the corridors.

Marie Watson, the clinical nurse manager in CUH’s paediatric department, said the unit has been transformed.

“It really does mean a lot to everybody here,” she said.

“Happy children are healthy children. And this makes life easier for them, with all the distractions like Santa Claus figures and snowmen dotted around. It all helps to make hospital a little less daunting.”

Tyrone Wilmot, age seven, from Clashbredane, Kilmichael, who was admitted to the unit on Tuesday night with breathing problems, helped decorate.

His mother, Tammy, said operation ‘deck the halls’ really cheered him up.

Alex Walsh, aged two, from Cobh, has been in hospital since Monday to have his tonsils and adenoids removed.

His mother, Laura, said he was feeling down until the decorating started.

“His eyes lit up. What Hanley’s are doing is fantastic to see. They have really brightened the place up which makes it a little bit easier for the children here to get into the Christmas spirit,” she said.

Hannah Keohane, 10, from Bantry, who was admitted to the ward on Monday with suspected appendicitis, was being visited by her mother, Marie, and Daniel, age five.

Marie said although Hannah is looking forward to going home, having Christmas come to the ward made being there a little easier.

This is the second year that Hanley’s have decorated the children’s ward and Keith Hanley said he and his staff are delighted to help.

“Nobody wants to be in hospital around Christmas but the decorations and lights makes their stay a little bit easier I hope, and more cheerful,” he said.

Ms Watson said the medical staff will do their best to ensure that as many children as possible can be at home for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

But she said she has a special arrangement with Santa Claus for those who have to stay in hospital.

“I have a direct line to Santa Claus and I let him know where all the children are,” she said.

“And there is a secret entrance in to the hospital that only Santa and I know about, so all the boys and girls will get their presents.”