Sparkling jewels and gold coins overflowed from a large treasure chest in Aladdin’s cave, in what was once the clinic hallway, on Party Day today. Wide-eyed children and their families soaked up the magical atmosphere of the transformed clinic which featured soft gold lighting, brightly coloured tinsel walls, and Arabian nights styled doors.

The recent Disney movie release was foremost in many children’s minds on seeing a large Aladdin and Genie on the walls.

When three-year-old Arya visited the clinic she loved the cave-like walls, running her hands over them, and pronouncing them “great” with a smile.

Nine-year-old Ruby had higher priorities than decorations when she arrived in the clinic, though, dashing behind the desk to give Donna, the OTC Ward Clerk, a big hug and grin.

While the clinic was exotically Aladdin, just down the corridor, Camperdown Ward had a bright toybox feel. It had Toy Story decorations, with large Buzz and Woody characters greeting visitors, and monkeys from the popular game climbing the wall. Lots of large coloured lights travelled down the ceiling of the main corridor and staff, dressed as characters from the movie, amused patients with their elaborate costumes.

A great day got even better when patients and their siblings in Camperdown and the Oncology Clinic had a special visit from Santa, who handed out gifts from a huge toy sack, and delighted children who hugged the soft character bears and dinosaurs.

They were also visited by Dr Hippy Hoppy, the Clown Doctor, and Captain Starlight who prescribed laughter and fun and brightened everyone’s day with their gags.

The entertainment continued as famous characters visited patients including Captain America, Black Widow, Anna from Disney’s Frozen, Snow White, Cinderella, and a Star Wars TI Fighter who all stopped by children’s bedsides and gave high-fives in the clinic.

They were joined by talented and inspirational athlete, Louise Sauvage, an Australian Paralympic wheelchair racer who won a swag of medals at four Paralympic games, three world championships, and four Boston Marathons.

Thank you to our special visitors, who generously added excitement and magic to Party Day, and were a welcome distraction for patients and their families.

Arya, awaiting treatment with her mother in the Oncology Clinic in the morning, quietly absorbed her surroundings, and the busy influx of people, with a big smile. Even though she wasn’t well she was having fun, which is what Party Day is all about.