Festive pictures bring Christmas cheer to children’s ward
Young patients at Southend Hospital have had their stay in Neptune Ward brightened up with festive pictures created by local school children.
Students at Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School, Shoeburyness, helped create the Christmas pictures that have been laminated and turned into seasonal bunting to create a more welcoming ward entrance.
Staff have been unable to decorate the ward as they normally would because of COVID restrictions, but Susan Cornwell, a paediatric practice educator on Neptune Ward, came up with the idea of asking her son’s school to create some pictures to brighten up the area.
Claire Scott, ward manager, said it was wonderful the children of Richmond Avenue Primary School had been thinking of others this Christmas.
She said: “It’s really helped bring a bit of magic and joy to the ward at a time when we’ve not been able to have traditional Christmas decorations. Their colourful drawings have also brought lots of smiles from our patients and their families. It’s made a real positive difference.”
Amanda Gray, Key Stage 2 Manager at the school, said she was happy when Susan approached her about getting the pictures made. She said: “Obviously, our students here at Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School were very keen to support Neptune Ward and drew lots of festive pictures.
“We think they look amazing up in the ward and hope they help to make Christmas at the hospital a little more enjoyable for the children.”