The origin of Wagga’s “Purple Princess” almost sounds like a comic book fantasy: Seven years ago, mild-mannered hospital nurse Wendy Swann accidentally dyed her hair purple before a shift.
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But instead of a disaster, the chemical accident created a brand-new hero, a character that would help sick kids and their families fight the hospital blues.
“Emergency departments can be frightening places,” Ms Swann said.
“If a child sees someone dressed up as a purple fairy it takes their minds off the pain.”
Despite her playful appearance, Ms Swann is actually a highly-trained health professional. She has a master’s degree in nursing, training in critical care and midwifery and has also worked for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“I enjoy being at the cutting edge of medicine, but it can be an intense environment,” she said. “So if my purple dress-ups can give people a smile, that’s great.”
Wagga Rural Referral Hospital’s nursing manager Rebecca Bush said everyone loved working with the Purple Princess.
“Wendy brings so much joy and happiness to everyone,” Ms Bush said.
“The emergency department can often be a place of high pressure and stress and having Wendy around helps to ease the distress for many patients and families in times of need.
“All of the team at the hospital love working with her.”
Stephen Mudd
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
