For the occasion the hospital was decorated with balloons and pictures of some of the many events the service has held over the last year. Everyone attending was presented with a party bag which included a special trolley token based on a design by a former service user.
There were a variety of garden games on offer including hook-a-duck, hoola hoops and hopscotch. In the morning Magic Duncan the magician made his way around the service delighting and confounding everyone with his magic tricks.
Before lunchtime there were speeches and a cutting of the anniversary cake by hospital manager Kim Mullen. The spectacular three-tiered cake was made specially for the event by Lillie’s Cake Shed.
After lunch the sun came out in time for everyone to enjoy a fantastic musical performance by guest singer Matty Haynes. For additional treats and refreshment there was candyfloss, pick and mix and mocktails.
Finally there was the most popular event of all – throwing a wet sponge at staff. Joining Dr Logan Naidu, Responsible Clinician, in volunteering for the stocks were Simon and Steve from the maintenance team and Morgan, a support worker.
It was a fantastic day with Abigail Hague, Ward Manager, saying, “I am so incredibly proud to work as part of such an amazing team for supporting with the organisation of this event and for the on-going compassion and dedication they have put into the retool of the service over the last year. Here’s to many more years of providing excellent care and support to our service users, their families and our customers!”
Responsible Clinician Logan Naidu said, “On our first birthday, it has been a time to just reflect on our amazing journey at Acer Upper from a rehabilitation service to an acute ward. I just want to thank our fantastic team – housekeeping, catering, maintenance, support workers, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapist, therapy co-ordinators, administrators and doctors.
“Also very importantly our management team, Kim, Carolyn and Abi. Each person has played a part in making Team Acer and Upper House being a huge success. Well done to everyone and what an amazing birthday celebration too!”
Click on the images below to open a gallery to view more photos from the event.
