By Dr. Imran Al-Karim Ladak and Dr. Daniele Wiseman
Interventional Radiology at Victoria Hospital (London, ON) is at the heart of medical imaging, touching every service in the hospital. The holidays are a challenging time to be unwell and away from family. The Western University IR family, under the creative direction of Alanna Bradley (IR technologist) and the tireless enthusiasm of Dr. Daniele Wiseman (Interventional Radiologist), transformed the entire IR department into a magical winter wonderland and candy-themed workshop. This came complete with a glittery igloo, northern lights, animated Santa, large glowing gingerbread men, a candy arch entrance, and a holiday train.
Still joyous from winning a holiday decorating contest the previous year, Bradley and Dr. Wiseman knew they had to really bring it again this year to get everyone into the spirit.
Everyone took part – including all the IR nurses, techs, aids, residents, fellows – all month long, with Bradley and Dr. Wiseman spending several nights and weekends installing batteries, climbing ladders, glue gunning, and perfecting the finishing touches. Everyone’s hard work paid off when they submitted a video and won a CAR RFS Wellness Award in December. Fabulous memories were made.
It was a tremendous joy to see young and old alike marvel in the magic of the holiday. Many services came and took videos and had team holiday photos taken professionally in our department.
A 4-month-old baby boy who has lived his whole life in the hospital was paraded through the glittering igloo. To see his face light up was the stuff of true Christmas miracles.
Nurse practitioners told us how their patients were “less scared” and “already felt better” when they entered our magical hall.
Senior patients lit up like Christmas trees looking at our train. After trying to befriend Santa and the goofy Clark Griswold cutout, they roared with laughter when they realized he was part of the decor.
Dr. Wiseman nominated Bradley for an award for her humanity and positive influence on the Western team.
“Alanna is an IR tech with great enthusiasm for bringing a positive environment and team-building initiatives with her creative decorating and healthy space initiatives that have benefitted our entire department, patients and colleagues immensely,” said Dr. Wiseman. “I am so proud to work alongside such an inspiring young woman.”
Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative!