Staff members from a range of nationalities have gathered in celebration for Lunar New Year at Westmead Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).
The event is the first of many cultural celebrations in the unit designed to promote staff well being.
Dr Kavita Varshney is part of the well being team and says multiculturalism is a defining aspect of Westmead Hospital’s ED.
“We’re very lucky here at Westmead that we have a very multicultural department,” Kavita said.
“We want to embrace that and highlight that and showcase that and enjoy each other’s company,” Kavita said.
Cindy Yuan, who has worked in nursing for 15 years, was a key volunteer for the event.
“Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in China,” Cindy said.
Cindy was born in China near the North-East city of Harbin close to the Russian border, and says Lunar New year gives her an opportunity to share her culture.
“It makes me feel closer to my culture,” Cindy said.
Taking the time to slow down and celebrate is very meaningful to the passionate staff who are used the fast pace of the emergency department and can prioritise work over personal time.
“I organised a lucky dip so that people can experience why we celebrate Lunar New Year in China and understand what Zodiacs are,” Cindy said.
The lunch brought together a wide variety of flavours and games, from noodles to dumplings, to a lucky dip game.
“We have people from Nepal, Korea, Afghanistan, India, there are people from everywhere around the world,” Cindy said.
All those people bring personal stories and cultural customs which have a positive impact not just on those who participate in the luncheon, but the whole department.
"The impact on patients is that staff are happy, they are enjoying being at work and in each other’s company that translates.”
“It makes every interaction a bit nicer and a bit kinder,” Kavita said.