Judging of the annual Christmas decoration competition took place at all Central Gippsland Health (CGH) sites in the lead up to the festive season.
The judging panel, made up of members of the executive team, were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity of staff, with an incredible 27 departments entering the competition.
Given the quality of decorations, the panel decided to issue a series of awards:
The Fast Starter Award – to the Candy Cane Unit (Critical Care Unit) for being one of the first departments out of the gate with decorations.
The Serenade Award went to the Surgical Ward for its rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, not to mention their excellent Wally’s Winter Wonderland decorations.
The Bribery Award was won by the Emergency Department and Patient Services for the provision of personalised bribe bags for the panel.
Next up – the Innovative Award went to the Pharmacy Department and Infection Control Team for their innovative approach; sporting a Christmas tree decorated with inhalers, medication bottles and other pharmacy related paraphernalia, while Infection Control created a Christmas tree from RAT kits, festively decked with baubles and tinsel.
The Winter in Summer Award – To the Allied Health Manager’s Office and the Medical Imaging Department for their Winter Displays.
Best Costume Award: The Wilson Lodge for their blow-up Santa Claus, and a walking, talking Christmas Tree.
Kim Costin and Kellie Gartung were NUM Santa Claus and NUM Elf.
Foodies pay attention – the Delicious Award has gone to the Medical Ward for an impressive spread for the judging panel, laying out chocolate covered strawberries, white chocolate rocky road, homemade truffles and cookies, gingerbread, fudge, caramello koalas and a Christmas cake.
The Ultimate Comfort Award went to the first floor of Community Services for providing a deluxe Santa Chair, surrounded by festive decorations and lights!
The Naughty or Nice Award was awarded to Dental with their naughty list (cavity, decay, plaque and ache) and nice list (smile, crown, molar, floss, x-ray and brush).
The Gingerbread Award was awarded to the Women’s & Children’s Unit and Emergency Department for transforming their departments into gingerbread houses.
Best Dressed NUM Award – To the Women’s & Children’s Unit NUMs (Nurse Unit Manager) – Kim Costin and Kellie Gartung – for NUM Santa Claus and NUM Elf.
The Demonstration of Skill Award – congratulations are in order for Meg Kidson in Consulting Suites with her beautifully handcrafted quilts; Jo Bennett and her crocheted Christmas decorations in Patient Services; and the decorations at Heyfield Hospital, handmade by Deidre Lions, Diversional Therapist.
The Knowledgeable Award has been won by the library with its many festive but educational resources.
The Laundry Award went to Corporate Services; Santa’s underwear was found to be hanging on a clothesline!
The Elegance Award went to the Day Procedure Unit, Oncology, Dialysis and Maffra Hospital.
The Tour Guide Award was awarded to the Community Rehabilitation Centre, highlighting the decorations in CRC reception and the Physiotherapy Parallel Bar Gym.
The Whoville Award, in true Grinch style, the Occupational Therapy/Speech Pathology office tried not to make the panel welcome, but their Whoville Christmas Display and green Grinchey cookies betrayed them.
Best Team Photo Award went to Food Services.
And finally, the Generosity Award was given to Stretton Park’ for its Christmas raffle and provision of a food hamper for Uniting Care, to give to community in need.
This annual event not only gives staff a chance to come together to celebrate Christmas, it certainly brightens up the surrounds for patients and visitors alike. The decorations are expected to be on display for a little while longer for all to enjoy.
Stretton Park hampers. Photos: Contributed
