It was certainly the case of “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” for staff at Children’s Health Queensland, dressing up as their favourite Disney characters for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious event, to bring smiles to sick children and their families.
A record number of teams – 65 in total – took part across the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) and community sites, all vying for the prestigious Golden Bedpan Award for the best Dress Up Day effort.
Dress Up Day is a long-held tradition at the QCH, held every year since the hospital opened in 2014 – and at the former Royal Children’s Hospital for more than a decade before that.
Across the day Mary Poppins made her way to the hospital rooftop, Princess Elsa and Ana were spotted at the free breakfast barbeque on Raymond Terrace, doctor-puses were even on ward rounds.
Dress Up Day is a highly-anticipated event each year that gives staff, patients and families a chance to laugh and have some fun.
For the 2023 theme, 100 Years of Disney, the grand prize was awarded to 5D for transforming the burns ward into ‘Five-der-land,’ allowing patients to feel a part of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ story.
The staff imagined everything from ‘Eat Me’ cookies to the iconic ‘Drink Me’ bottle that Alice consumes down the rabbit hole.
The inpatient team in 10A were also highly commended for their efforts in bringing the Disney Pixar film ‘Up’ to life.
The Golden Thumbs Up Award was a new addition to this year’s Dress Up Day recognising the best effort by a community site.
The Children’s Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) at Jacaranda Place recycled expired face masks for dog faces as 101 Dalmatians. The inaugural community site winners also sourced dog bowls and accessories to be donated after the event to RSPCA.