Staff have been #unmasked on our Hospital Facebook recently to share what they do and who they are under their face masks. Lauren, from the Cancer Centre for Children, shared her story this week.

“My name is Lauren, you might know me from the Oncology Treatment Centre. I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist and have worked here for 30 years, helping to give kids their chemotherapy and to administer other treatment.

At the moment, I’ve got to wear these funny masks which hide my nose and mouth because I don’t want to give other people germs or catch germs from other people. Sometimes the patients I care for will need to wear one of these masks too to help keep them and those around them safe. I like to tell them that by wearing it they can look just like me!

I love to help alleviate the anxieties some kids have by talking to them about things that they love! My favourite topic is pets, and I’ll never pass up an opportunity to talk about my cavoodle, Charlie. I also try to smile as much as I can, regardless of if I’m wearing a mask or not.

I know I may look a little different but underneath the mask, it’s still just me.”

Take a look at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Facebook page to see more #unmasked staff.