Newsroom

Unlike the Hallmark movies that come out at this time of year, not everyone feels like their dreams come true at Christmas time. But we are here to give hope and let people know support is available.

Gai and Kristy from Social Work Services at RBWH completed a Quality Improvement Activity exploring social isolation and loneliness in older patients and found frailty is a risk factor for loneliness, with many people not willing to admit it affects them. 😔🥺

"Our recent audit revealed that a large number of older patients were admitted after an unwitnessed fall, showcasing the flow on effects of loneliness for this cohort" shares Gai.

"We understand that loneliness is a common experience that can be prevalent at this time of year.

"It`s important to connect and maintain social contact with friends and reach out to loved ones and neighbours over the holiday period.

"There tends to be a social stigma attached to loneliness, so it`s important to normalise the experience."

Check the comments for some resources for those who may be experiencing loneliness at this time of year 👇 ...

The Facility Services team and REDDY Fun and Fitness at Redcliffe are the stars on top of the Christmas tree this year, as their coordination of the Redcliffe Hospitals donation drive has reached more than 50 local families this festive season. 🎄🌟

Facility Services Coordinators Stacey and Mel have been extra good this year, gathering donations from the very generous Redcliffe staff and filling stockings for the families.

"We will be continuing to support the Redcliffe St Vincent De Paul Christmas appeal to help our community," shares Stacey.

"St Vincent De Paul has provided a list of families who require support and we are providing these families with food hampers and age-appropriate gifts."

👏 A very worthy Shoutout Saturday to the Facility team and our whole Redcliffe Hospital team for their generosity this December. ...

Having a procedure at this time of year might be overwhelming for your child, but that added layer of missing out on Christmas at home is something Lucy is here to help with. 😬

Child Life Therapist Lucy will be at Caboolture over the festive period, talking with children, their parents and siblings around having procedures, providing preparation, comfort and distraction if it`s required as part of her role.

"It can be quite overwhelming for children walking into a clinical environment, and Christmas time adds that extra layer of anxiety," says Lucy.

"My job is to provide play opportunities as well as to help make families` hospital experience a more understood process and reduce the stress of the unknown."

🤗👐 If you happen to find yourself at Caboolture Hospital for your child this festive season, remember that friendly faces like Lucy`s are always here to lend a hand. ...

While working at the front desk of the Intensive Care Unit at RBWH, Glenn has seen the broad range of human emotions and knows the challenges that an ICU stay brings to loved ones. 💝

Since starting nearly two years ago, Glenn has greeted 80-100 visitors each day and shares some tips for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation at Christmas time.

"Families tend to come in big groups on days one, two and three when their loved one is in Intensive Care," shares Glenn.

"I like to reassure them that their family member is in the best place they can possibly be, with the best doctors and nurses who need time, space and room to attend to the patient`s high needs."

"As concierge, my role is to maintain the balance between visiting loved ones and caring for themselves, because their role will continue on after the patient leaves. They’re in it for the long haul so need to be taking care of themselves outside of hospital too." ⚖️💖

👏 Thank you for all that you do for the clinical teams and loves ones of the ICU patients, Glenn. ...