Christmas cheer comes to STARS

RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske and STARS Acting Executive Director Geoff Grima in front of the new Christmas tree at STARS

For Geoff Grima, Acting Executive Director of STARS, the beautifully decorated tree is a welcome addition to the hospital.

“Previously the tree at STARS was organised by individual staff members so this year it is wonderful to have our own designated, decorated tree, generously supplied by the Foundation,” Geoff said.“For STARS patients and their families, visitors and staff, the Christmas tree brings a little bit of Christmas cheer to the hospital and will be very appreciated.”

RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske said it was a joy to help spread the magic of Christmas across Herston campus.

“Our hope is the tree brightens the day of patients and their loved ones, at a time of year that is about generosity of spirit and celebrating connection,” said Ms Garske.

The Christmas tree installation is also a reminder of the RWBH Foundation’s ‘Gift of Time’ Christmas appeal. The annual appeal raises funds for our world-leading researchers, doctors and medical teams to advance patient care and develop breakthrough treatments.

“This year, the RBWH Foundation is inviting the community to join us in providing the Gift of Time for researchers to develop better treatments, clinicians to invest in medical innovation, and for patients to spend quality time with their loved ones.”

In December patients will also notice other areas beginning to look a lot like Christmas, when the annual staff Christmas decorating competition gets underway. The competition is fiercely contested with some teams spending many hours of their own time to decorate their area.

This year’s theme is ‘tropical’ as decided by last year’s winner, Day Surgery, which should make for some very original and colourful displays.