Christmas is the time of year when traditionally families gather to eat, drink, share presents and be merry.
But if a loved one is in hospital, it can dampen the festive cheer.
Queensland Health’s Hospital in the Home (HITH) program sees nurses deliver in-home care 365 days a year to people who might otherwise have to spend the time in hospital.
Gold Coast Hospital’s HITH clinical nurse Nicola Whitehead will be working this Christmas Day and said the service meant a lot to the patients.
“They recover better when they’re at home and they’ve got their own surroundings, their own food, access to food and drink when they want, they can sleep when they want,” she said.
“Especially at a time like Christmas, it is quite daunting when you’re away from family, so to be in that environment is much better for them.”
The service frees up hospital beds and while also offering respite for people who may be spending the time alone.
She said it meant at least some of the elderly with no nearby family were assured of one visitor on Christmas Day.
Ms Whitehead herself spent six weeks over Christmas in hospital after a car crash when she was 12 years old.
“It’s not the same as being at home and being with your loved ones,” she said.
“Albeit, I have to leave my loved ones to look after other loved ones on Christmas Day, but that’s a small price to pay.”
This will be the first Christmas Ms Whitehead has worked in Australia, but she has worked several in her homeland of the United Kingdom.
She said back home in the UK, the patients were always pleased to see her.
“[I’m] usually greeted with a little drop of sherry or a mince pie,” she said.
“So, you have to be careful if you’re driving; I can’t have too much sherry!”
ABC Gold Coast
By Damien Larkins