Česky
The idea for this special event arose from the healthcare professionals’ desire to reconnect with the young patients they cared for during the most difficult first days of their lives. For physicians and nurses alike, the celebration provides unique feedback and an opportunity to see how the children are doing after their challenging start in life. It is precisely these encounters that serve as a great source of motivation for the entire Neonatology Department team and a reminder of the purpose of their daily work.
“When we see children whom we admitted to intensive care three years ago as fragile newborns now running around, laughing, and enjoying a carefree childhood, that is the greatest reward for us. Every such reunion reminds us why we do our work and gives us the energy to keep going,” says Dr. Milena Dokoupilová, chief physician of the Neonatology Department at Hospital Hořovice .
The nurses of the Neonatology Department organize the entire event every year, joined by the physicians. The nurses’ family members also traditionally help with preparing the program and providing support, thanks to whom the afternoon can be filled with games, contests, crafts, and shared experiences.
“I am truly glad that we continue to uphold this tradition. It’s wonderful to see that the relationships formed during difficult times in our department endure even years later. The Garden Party is proof that our care doesn’t end with discharge from the hospital, but remains part of the shared story of our young patients and their families,”adds Kamila Přádová, M.A., head nurse of the neonatology unit and the main organizer of the entire event.
A big thank you goes to the caretaker of Hořovice Castle, who every year makes it possible to hold the festival in the beautiful setting of the castle park. It is precisely this unique atmosphere that creates the ideal place for families, healthcare professionals, and children—who have had a difficult start in life—to come together.
Over the course of its eleven-year history, the Garden Festival has become a beloved tradition. Every child’s smile is a reminder that even the most difficult early days can lead to a happy childhood.
