Perth patients enjoy global 'staycation'

Overseas travel has been impossible for most Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Hollywood Private Hospital is offering boarding passes for a 'staycation' with an international twist.

Patients at the Perth hospital are experiencing cultures from around the globe during travel-themed occupational therapy group sessions.

The walls of its Clifford Sadlier Ward – named after the World War One soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in France – are adorned with pictures representing various countries.

Patients have also been indulging in international cuisine as hospital staff 'transport' them around exotic locales.

"We pick a country and patients get a boarding pass," Occupational Therapy Assistant Sarah Straughan said.

"Then during our 'armchair travel', we listen to music from that country, enjoy traditional food and talk about important landmarks, flags and famous people.

"The staycations have been really popular and staff enjoy planning them."

So far the 'world tour' has taken patients to Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Japan, Africa and Hawaii.

Patient Bob Avery said the travel-theme group sessions were "really interesting", while Director of Clinical Services Karen Gullick said they were important for stimulating mental cognition and social interactions.

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Meanwhile, Hollywood Private Hospital workers are also getting an international flavour as part of the catering team's new fortnightly 'Taste of the World' initiative.

The inaugural event featured Head Chef Wasantha Mapa and Catering Assistant Sharmila Wijesundera preparing cuisine from their home country Sri Lanka.

The catering team has staff from 27 countries, and hospital CEOPeter Mott said the initiative was a great way to celebrate diversity, inclusion and participation.

"We are proud that the 2,000 staff at Hollywood come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds," Mr Mott said.

"Companies that embrace diversity benefit from the range of talents and broader skills among employees. Also, with the current travel restrictions, never has it been more important to celebrate different cultures."

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