Many of the staff across the Southern Trust area will continue to work as normal over the festive holidays.
While many duties remain unchanged on Christmas Day, there is a heightened awareness about making the day special for all who need medical intervention.
Pamela Frazer, Matthew Burrows and Dympna O’Connor, Emergency Department (ED) Admin at Daisy Hill Hospital make up just three of the hospital’s Christmas Day team.
The said: “We will be working in Daisy Hill ED from 8am -10pm on Christmas Day. Our colleague Fiona Hillen will then work night shift in ED from 10pm-8am.
“Our main duties which are similar to every day in ED, will include recording patients onto our admission systems, printing off labels for clinicians, processing disposals and ensuring any follow ups are processed. Then there is answering any phone queries from patient relatives and wards.
“It can be an upsetting time for patients to visit the department and It is our role to reassure them and of course if they are little patients to ask them what Santa
brought!”
Sara Kovacs, Domestic Assistant, Ward 1 Loane House at South Tyrone Hospital will also be working Christmas Day – but takes it all in her stride.
She said: Last year I was off. I have been working here five years now, but I usually do work Christmas Day.
“Loane House, Ward 1 is one of our rehabilitation units with the Trust.
“Working on Christmas Day is like working on a Sunday, it’s quieter but I have my usual duties.
“As a domestic assistant I am ensuring the ward and the different rooms are clean, safe and welcoming for patients, visitors and staff.
“I am working Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year so I’m looking forward to being off on December 27.”
Most read today
Operator’s Licence Notice
