A group of Port Macquarie friends who have a passion for photography have presented a very personal gift to the Paediatric Unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
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Ark Photography members shot beautiful images at Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo and Taronga Zoo in Sydney and then had the photographs reproduced in a book with the specific purpose of bringing a sense of wonder to children in hospital.
Glennis Slack-Smith presented the unique gift to the paediatric unit this week.
“We are a group of friends who, once a fortnight, go somewhere interesting and photograph it,” Ms Slack-Smith said.
“We had a trip to Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo and were so happy with the pictures we wanted to make a book especially for kids in hospital.
“We are all friends; retirees who enjoy the art of photography.
“And as a former nurse, I was very aware of the difference photographs can make to someone who is in hospital.
“When my mum was in hospital in Sydney, I’d often take in photographs and place them on the window sill. They brought a lot of pleasure to my mother, and staff would stop and talk to her about the pictures. It was a wonderful conversation starter.”
The acting nurse unit manager for paediatrics, Nicole Leith, thanked the photographers for their gift.
“This is a beautiful book, full of images of animals that children connect with,” Ms Leith said.
“I know this book will be loved by all who open it, and have no doubt it will prove to be a welcome distraction for youngsters during medical procedures.”