Staff and patients at Katherine Hospital were treated to the music delights of the Casuarina Street School choir today.
In a tradition dating back to the early 2000s, students from the local primary school toured the hospital singing Christmas carols and spreading cheer.
After their caroling the children chose which hospital ward they thought best displayed the holiday spirit.
For a second year in a row, the children’s ward took home first place.
“It was a very close race, the children were very impressed with every area we visited,” deputy principal Pamela Dixon said.
“It is really great fun for the kids and it is a perfect ending to the year for our choir.”
Special mentions went to the Jack Rooney ward where two patients dressed up as Santa and Mrs Claus, and the hospital store room which went all out.
Teacher Laura Kimber said the hospital staff pay for the decorations with their own money.
“Everyone loves it so much and everyone has such a happy feeling inside,” Ms Kimber said.
Allied health manager Allan Kingsley said
“We have been doing this for a very long time,” Mr Kingsley said.
“It is fun for the staff and fun for the patients, and I think it is a great example of community engagement.
“It boosts the Christmas cheer and the moral of patients and I think the students get something out of it too,” he said.
“We love having them here.”
- This story first appeared on The Katherine Times.