Christmas spirit is abundant at Dunstan Hospital with 15 trees decorated by hospital departments vying for the top spot in the Christmas tree contest.

Members of the public can vote for their top tree either in person by ballot, or on Facebook by liking and commenting on their preferred photograph.

Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) chief executive Kathryn de Luc said it was great to see the team coming together to join in the festive competition after a challenging year.

“2022 has not been an easy year working in health. Everyone at COHSL has worked incredibly hard as part of our Covid-19 response to provide care for people in our community. 

Chief executive Kathryn de Luc

“I want to thank all our team for going above and beyond. The sacrifices they have made to ensure our services continue despite high staff sickness levels and increased workload have been exceptional. 

“We are very proud of what we have achieved this year.”

The winners will be announced next Wednesday December 14 at the staff Christmas meal.

The themes and style of the trees is wide ranging. One by Southern Community Laboratories includes locally foraged sustainable items.

The doctors’ ‘Doctor Caffeinated’ tree features coffee paraphernalia, District Nursing has ‘Snoopy’s Christmas’ with a Snoopy on top and one in a kennel.

The Radiology team have created ‘The Grinch who stole Christmas’ and the Reception team’s ‘Paperwork Christmas’ tree is adorned with paperclip tinsel and rosettes from paper.