It’s that time of the year again. The holiday season is here. This is the most celebrated
time of the year in Kenya and globally. There’s so much to adore about this month. Family, love, gifts, the beautiful decorations, shopping and of course quality time spent with family and friends raising glasses and watching fireworks explode in the sky.
Ever thought what Christmas is like at Kenyatta NationalHospital (KNH)-Pediatric
Oncology Ward? We understand that no family expects to be spending their Christmas at one of our wards. Unfortunately, this can be inevitable when illness or injury occurs at that
time of the year. For children with cancer, they end up spending long periods of time
within the confines of the hospital as they receive treatment. However, staff at the Pediatric Oncology Ward at KNH try to make the season magical and colorful for the children who are eager and cannot wait to be well and back home. Christmas festive period is a time for people to come together to celebrate and spread love and happiness and KNH is no exception.
KNH has been privileged to have regular visits from willing and philanthropic donors who despite coming with heart-warming donations, have also gone out of their way to introduce various entertainment activities like dressing up as Santa Claus and Christmas Elves so as to put a smile on patients’ faces. Therefore, the Christmas festive period at KNH is a time to uplift the spirits of patients especially those in the Pediatric Oncology wards. This plays a critical role in not only putting a smile on patients’ faces but leaving a lasting mark of care in
their lives. Also, KNH participates in the tradition of putting up string lights or candles and Christmas cards and trees across different Pediatric Oncology wards to give these rooms a festive feeling that one can easily relate to if they were at home. Therefore, the hospital during this period does not only strive to provide quality health care services but also socio-psychological boost to the patients which goes a long way in uplifting patients’ health care and well-being. Decorating the walls of the Hospital with special items that are Christmas themed like balloons and ribbons give a more familiar festive environment. Sharing homemade holiday treats, meals, wrapping presents, playing holiday movies, plays like magic shows, dancing competitions and musical activities to cheer-up patients.
Most importantly, do not give up! keep going.
Godrey C. Wadu, a medical officer based at Ward 1E has been part of the Pediatric Oncology Ward since 2020 and over the years he has seen how important the festive season has always been to the patients. Therefore, the festive period in KNH is an integral moment for patients.
Even if you are going through tough times, take a deep breath and enjoy the blessings
surrounding us. I hope we celebrate every day like a holiday and that 2023 brings good
health, inspiration and intentional acts of kindness as we serve our patients. Whichever
way you choose to enjoy the festive season, stay safe and do not overdo it.
Merry Christmas and cheers to a Blessed and successful 2023!