Ho ho No! Poorly thought-out Christmas sign causes offence
Posted 16 December 2022 - 14:30
A sign saying ‘Cheer up’ on a hospital ward has been criticised for being insensitive to patients and families who may be struggling during the festive season
A festive sign in a hospital ward has drawn criticism from nurses on social media who have branded it ‘tone-deaf’ and insensitive.
Christmas message branded tasteless in a hospital setting
Nurse Christie Roberts shared a photo of the sign that read: ‘Cheer up, it’s Christmas’ on a door in the ward, questioning whether it was ‘tasteless’ to share this message in a hospital setting.
‘Imagine being unwell enough that you need to be in hospital or going to visit an unwell relative and seeing that,’ she tweeted.
The tweet received dozens of replies, with many agreeing that it was ‘not well thought out’.
A trainee nurse associate said: ‘Considering Christmas is often one of the hardest times for so many people (and one of the busiest times for NHS services), this was not well thought out at all. Added pressure to those already suffering.’
Yeah, personally I don’t think that’s cool, and could be offensive or upsetting to someone (I just mean the ‘cheer up’ bit).
— ST/N Keith (@kib505) December 6, 2022
Regardless whether “cheer up” is aimed at staff or patients, please remember both are human beings, with lives going on outside of the hospital. None of us know what someone else might be going through. Possibly “We’re here for you”, might be a bit better if they want a phrase.
— Kayleigh Rowland (@kmrowland86) December 6, 2022
A bit of sense on a sign's message goes a long way
A nurse manager added: ‘It’s a very poor phrase to have on the door. Someone definitely should have thought that one through. Christmas is difficult for many people for many different reasons and a bit of sense goes a long way.’
Others said telling patients to ‘cheer up’ at any time was ‘poorly considered’ and that taking the phrase out might have made it less offensive, especially to those who might have mental health conditions or learning difficulties.
‘A simple “Merry Christmas” would suffice. Having worked in mental and learning disability wards over the festive period, this would have been seen as incredibly insensitive. Decorations are fine, but this sentiment is not it,’ said a learning disability nurse.
Take away the Cheer Up bit, and it’s alright. Christmas is HARD. Not only are they in hospital, but the cost of living, often grief &loss are felt more around this time, there is so much pressure to be happy and everything perfect, the last place you need telling you that is here
— Lizzy H (@hopefullizzy) December 7, 2022
I think plenty of us have said the good thing in our heart and had it received poorly. I think you’re correct that this could be poorly received - but I don’t assume the intent was malicious or unkind.
— JulieThinx (@JulieThinx) December 7, 2022
Others pointed out that it was most likely meant well and that Christmas decorations on wards were generally acceptable.
There is no official guidance around decorating wards or dressing up, but the Nursing and Midwifery Council says nurses should follow individual policies set out by employers.
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