Special gifts for paediatric patients

Wesley College students undertaking the International Baccalaureate Diploma are in the process of completing 50 hours of voluntary service. The Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies, which enhances their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. The emphasis at Wesley has been to encourage students to develop their own programs so that the experience is a personal and meaningful one that facilitates the student's interests and initiative.

Service activities are one of the more rewarding aspects of the CAS program and Wesley students undertake a wide range of service activities, both locally, nationally and internationally.

Most recently, a group of Year 11 St Kilda Road students have chosen to support Cabrini Hospital by donating 100 “trauma” dolls to the Emergency Department and Children’s Centre.

The dolls will be used as a communication tool with young patients and to provide them with comfort in an unfamiliar environment. Made of calico, the dolls are plain so that the children can personalise them.

“The nurses will also be able to use the dolls in a number of ways. For example, they can put bandages on the dolls to show the children what to expect and involve them in their care,” said Jane Lynch, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to interact with some of Cabrini’s young patients, who were thrilled to receive the dolls.