A symbolic yet quirky gift was the icing on the cake of Ward 2Q’s recent first birthday ‘shell-ebrations’.
The gift- two hermit crabs- reflected the long-stay nature of the ward that has been home to many patients over the past 12 months.
Nurse Unit Manager Cassie Wells explained the little crustaceans perfectly captured the essence of Ward 2Q.
“Unlike ordinary pets, hermit crabs have a potential lifespan of up to 30 years which we think perfectly reflects our commitment to long-term patient care,” she said.
In a ‘claw-some’ move, the 2Q team has named the crabs Jim and Julia, after a long-stay husband and wife duo who spent many months on the ward.
Cassie said the team had already grown very fond of their new marine team members.
“Jim and Julia have fit into the team perfectly, proving to be anything but shellfish or crabby,” she joked.