Up to 1000 families a year with precious premature babies will soon experience a more calming and connected environment in hospital, thanks to hundreds of hours spent wrapping gifts this Christmas.
Cairns Hospital Special Care Nursery Nurse Unit Manager Donna Martin said local artists would be commissioned to create bespoke murals within the nursery, transforming the clinical space into one that fosters warmth, comfort, and connection. These murals will feature local flora and fauna, promoting a sense of connection to country and creating lasting, positive memories for families during one of life’s most delicate and hopeful moments.
“This initiative will mean so much to families. By bringing warmth and comfort into the nursery, we aim to enhance the consumer experience and provide a calming atmosphere during what can be a stressful chapter in their lives. The murals will not only create a soothing environment but also celebrate our unique region, helping families feel connected and supported,” Ms Martin said.
The Special Care Nursery provides care for premature babies from 29 weeks’ gestation and 1000 grams, as well as unwell newborns. Each year, the unit admits up to 1000 babies, with families coming from Cairns and Hinterland, the Cape and Torres region, and surrounding areas.
“This project reflects our commitment to improving the experience for families and staff, ensuring that every baby and parent feels cared for in an environment that radiates hope and healing.”
Each year, Christmas Wrap at Cairns Central and Earlville Shopping Town is coordinated by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, with funds raised supporting local health projects.
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said many volunteers sign up for multiple shifts across the two centres – enjoying the interaction and knowing their labour was producing real results in terms of health outcomes.
“We have corporate teams sign up, some people and families come back year-after-year to volunteer – it’s a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit,” Ms Duncombe said.
“Last year our incredible wrappers raised more than $51,000 which went towards our $4.3 million Donate for DaNi campaign and that’s just recently been concluded,” she said.
Sign up for a shift at: https://tinyurl.com/yfjcxdcw
Photo: Sam Franz with baby Andrew who spent seven weeks at Cairns Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.
