While Christmas and New Year are holidays for the majority of working professionals, unfortunately, the same privilege is not always given to doctors due to the nature of their work.
Hospitals must be fully functional 365 days a year, as healthcare support is crucial. Accidents, illnesses, and emergencies don’t take a single day off, so how can doctors? During Christmas the wards are as full as always; patients are unwell or in recovery, with doctors and nurses working long hours. However, Christmas in hospitals tend to be special in their own way, the doctors gather together to do small celebrations and the wards are lit with twinkling lights, festive vibes, hope, and tinsel.
Don’t let your passion for your work as a doctor make you feel as if you are missing out on all the joyful parts of Christmas and New Year.
Here are some ways to make the best of this jolly good season.
1. Invite your loved ones to work
Hospitals often allow doctors to bring in their loved ones to visit their workplaces. You can bring your partner, friends, or children to the hospital and get a chance to work and spend quality time with your family. Spreading happiness is all that Christmas is about, and what better way to do so than bringing together the two things that mean the most to you (your work and your family).
2. Children’s Christmas
Do you believe in Christmas miracles? Hospitals have a different vibe during Christmas; the air is much lighter and filled with joy. Spending time with the children in the paediatric ward and giving them a special Christmas can bring you as much pleasure as it would bring them.
3. Spread Joy this Christmas
You can look after the elderly or those who don’t have their families by their side and try to speak with them and give them a reason to smile. You can also assist the patients with calling their families on facetime.
4. Enjoy the perks
Food, food and more food! Hospitals are filled with loads of festive food during the Christmas holidays so enjoy all the treats!
5. Lend a helping hand to your co-workers
There’s no getting around the fact that hospitals need doctors during Christmas, so those who step up to do so are likely to earn the gratitude of their co-workers, especially the senior members of the team. Moreover, while doing so, you will be able to strengthen your relationships with your peers.
Spending Christmas at work may not be what you had planned, however, follow our tips and you can make it magical for yourself and your patients. Wear a Santa hat, eat lots of food, and spread cheer throughout the ward. The true magic of Christmas is the magic you bring to work with you.
We at Remedium admire, support, and encourage the efforts of our doctors and other front-line workers in the NHS, who work tirelessly every year during the holiday season and continue to save countless lives. We thank you and applaud your sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.