Strokes of genius
By Grace Keely
Artwork provides morale boost for healthcare workers
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‘morale boost’ for HSE staff was how CEO Paul Reid and National HR Director Anne Marie Hoey described the artwork produced by fifth class pupils from Powerstown Educate Together NS who were invited to participate in a mini art competition featuring the theme of ‘Dream Holidays for Healthcare Workers’. Originally conceived by staff at the HSE Occupational Health Department in Dr Steevens’, Dublin, Dr Grant Jeffrey explained, “We were keen to have art to display in the department here in Dr Steevens’ - for healthcare workers to see, observe and enjoy. We decided on a mini art competition involving a local school
1 The winner was Grace Keely. “I painted and drew this piece to try to cheer up everyone as it has been very hard to stay positive. I want to show everyone that this will not last forever. I hope this makes a difference to encourage and brighten people’s moods in the best way possible. I am thrilled to have been able to take part in this competition. I am so happy to feel that I can cheer someone up,” she said. Runner-up Nifemi Stephen Ojo said, “I chose a nice sunset mini beach for them to relax and enjoy their summer after all their
And finally, fellow joint third prize winner Joshua Estrada said, “My art is based off of a small house by the river in the African Savannah. I believe it would be a nice holiday home because of the hot, tropical climate and the many unique animals you can find. It would be a nice place to relax and enjoy your time.” Class teacher James Hawe added, “They strived to produce paintings that would bring cheer to the corridors of the Dr Steevens’ building. The whole class were delighted with their work.”
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3 By Nifemi Stephen Ojo
that would be creative for the children and would provide us with artwork for our healthcare workers to enjoy.” “The care and thought you all put into each painting certainly brought us joy and brightened the day. We thoroughly enjoyed reviewing your work and know that the winning entries, which will go on display in the clinics where we assess healthcare workers who are injured or sick, will provide a huge morale boost for many of them,” said the judges in a letter to the class.
By Joshua Estrada
hard work! I was trying to aim for a nice and warm sunny place that anyone could imagine living in.” Joint third place winner Lucas Sumichrast said, “I drew and painted what I did because I thought of a modern day villa or mansion and lots of people want one of those so I thought that it would be good if I made one of those. I was thinking of when I went to Howth one or two days before. I hope it is a place that people would like to rest and enjoy.”
By Lucas Sumichrast
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18 | HEALTH MATTERS AUTUMN 2021
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