Last week, Rural Northwest Health (RNH) celebrated Christmas in July across its Warracknabeal and Hopetoun campuses. Throughout the week, residents, staff, Board Directors and the Executive Team came together to mark the halfway point of the year in style.
The festivities began at Warracknabeal on Tuesday, when staff came together for their Christmas lunch, kicking off a week of festive lunches, decorations and, for some, a surprise visit from Santa.
RNH’s Interim CEO, Lois O’Callaghan, said Christmas in July was a chance to bring RNH’s people together and celebrate the work of every team across the organisation.
“Our Christmas in July celebrations were an important opportunity for staff across our organisation to pause, come together and celebrate what we’ve achieved as one team,” said Ms O’Callaghan.
“While we work across three campuses, weeks like this are a great reminder that we’re one RNH and that every person, in every role, plays a part in the care we provide to our communities.”
On Wednesday, the celebrations continued at Yarriambiack Lodge, with residents enjoying a festive lunch with members of RNH’s Board.
Yarriambiack Lodge’s Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leader, Bronwyn McIntyre, said the celebrations were an important opportunity to bring joy to residents outside of their usual activities.
“Finding ways to bring joy to our residents is what this job is all about. Every special occasion we can give, them no matter how big or small, is a chance to make their day a little brighter,” said Ms McIntyre.
The festivities concluded on Thursday at Hopetoun, with a lunch for residents and staff, capped off with a surprise visit from Santa and his Christmas tree.
Hopetoun Nurse Unit Manager, Alison Fischer, said it was wonderful to see the campus come together and celebrate.
“There was such a joyful atmosphere across the campus as residents and staff came together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company,” said Ms Fischer.
“Seeing residents’ faces light up when Santa walked in was a real highlight.”
Ms O’Callaghan said RNH’s Environmental Services and Lifestyle teams are a key part of what makes events like these possible across the health service’s three campuses – decorating venues, coordinating catering and creating a festive atmosphere for staff and residents alike.
“I want to thank Carolyn Connors, the Environmental Services and Leisure and Lifestyle teams across RNH for making these celebrations possible. Their passion for RNH is what makes these days so wonderful for our entire team.”
