Christmas in the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Hospital
Stabroek News
December 28, 2003
The children, the sisters and nurses of the Paediatric Ward in front of their display wall. (Aubrey Crawford photo)
While most children expect to enjoy the festive season at home with their families, those who are very sick have to spend it in the alien environment of a hosptial.
This year, forty-five children spent their Christmas in the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital - twenty- two surgical patients, and twenty-three medical patients. Most of them will be discharged in the not-too-distant future, but three little patients will be in the hospital for some time.
With the help of volunteers, the sisters and nurses of the two sections have made the waiting area more child-friendly and appealing. The children themselves, with the assistance and guidance of volunteers, made the decorations.
Since the season began, many organisations have been visiting the ward and giving gifts, snacks and clothing to the children. In addition, organizations like the Friends of the Georgetown Hospital, the Salvation Army and Courts have hosted parties for the young patients.
Sister Arjoon, who is the Supervisor of the Paediatric Ward told Sunday Stabroek that the meals prepared for the children on Christmas Day were special.
She said that there were nurses in the ward around the clock, and "they do their best to make the children... belong and [feel] happy." Among other things, this section of the hospital has an extended visiting period from two to six in the afternoon, while every Friday and Saturday there is a children's cartoon show in the open area of the ward.
The sister said that volunteers normally visited the children two days a week to read to them and teach the very young ones. The nurses too, she said, hold Sunday school in the ward, and read to the children. There is a little library for them which has been donated by Friends of the Georgetown Hospital.
Courts Guyana Limited has adopted the ward, and has donated a television, a VCR, a microwave and a kettle.