“There was great excitement ahead of this year’s annual summer garden party,” according to Ursula McPhillips, Director of Nursing, St Johns Community Hospital, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. “We had a wedding theme and residents and patients were very involved in preparations, such as crafting decorations and confetti and arranging flowers. It was also a chance for many of them to reminisce about their own wedding days. We heard some funny wedding stories as part of all of that.

“Families brought in beautiful wedding pictures and we were delighted that residents and patients and family members took on ceremonial roles of celebrant, flower girl and father of the bride, whilst staff slipped into the roles of bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen in our Bonnie and Clyde themed event. We were thrilled that our wards, families, kitchen, HSE staff and our Community Employment Scheme colleagues, the local community and culture featured in what was a beautiful day in every sense.”

Ursula added that the event had “energised everyone in the hospital, creating a joyful, meaningful experience that strengthened resident and staff connections, enhanced community bonds and cultural appreciation, while promoting well-being and of course it was lots of fun too.”

The opportunity was also taken to celebrate diversity and appreciation of cultures on the day, with some staff members performing Indian dance in traditional costume.

Reflecting on the occasion, Nurse Activities Co-ordinator Mary Fox referred to the “incredible level of detail.  Residents and staff were well turned out for the day. Speeches were written and rewritten, flowers were delivered from staff members’ gardens and wedding arches were created. Our celebrant dressed as a priest and married the Bonnie and Clyde characters in hilarious fashion in front of the congregation made up of approximately 100 residents, family members and staff.”

Mary also thanked the “hospital kitchen team who provided fabulous food and of course, the wedding cake. Enniscorthy Men’s Shed sponsored a sweet cart for the event and local charity shops gave us glamorous hats and dickie bows. Music was provided by local musicians Sinéad Doyle and Richie Healy.”