The famous red shirts and green work aprons were a welcome sight for the unit as 12 staff members set about a massive spring clean to revamp the children’s play area.

The courtyard is a favourite area for paediatric patients and their siblings acting nursing unit manager Nicole Leith said.

“This is a really special area because our patients can go outside to play in a safe space that is part of the Paediatric Unit,” Ms Leith said.

“It’s a bright, cheery space where families can get away from beeping monitors and simply enjoy each other’s company.

“As with most outdoor play areas, over time the weather has an impact on the look of the space and the same was true for our beloved courtyard.” 

She said the work would not be possible without help from the local Bunnings crew.

“Bunnings Warehouse Port Macquarie kindly offered to help, and as the team got to work it didn’t take long for the transformation to get underway,” she said.

“We can’t thank the team enough. They worked all day in hot conditions to give our courtyard a fresh new look, and the end result is a space loved by our patients that looks almost as good as the day the new Paediatric Unit opened.”

Bunnings Warehouse Port Macquarie complex manager Jacob Andriessen, who was among the volunteer workforce, was also pleased with the final result.

“The team members were happy to help out at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, working to revamp the Paediatric Courtyard into a special space for patients,” Mr Andriessen said.