Melissa, the ward sister trying to give children a normal Christmas

'When a child is ill at Christmas, you really do appreciate the importance of the little things in your own life'

As the ward sister on Koala Ward, Melissa Strickland leads a nursing team with the job of looking after children with craniofacial and neurological conditions ranging from forms of epilepsy to brain tumours.

Her team not only provides medical care but also works to support families who may be struggling to come to terms with the reality of their child's condition.

This Christmas they hope to make life on the ward as normal for the children as they possibly can.

"Any time your child is unwell, it makes you reassess your priorities," she says.

"But when a child is ill at Christmas, you really do count your blessings and appreciate the importance of the little things in your own life. I think we all feel very privileged here to be able to help young patients and their families enjoy the very best Christmas they can."

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