annual door dressing competition to celebrate the hospital's 52nd Foundation Day.

The day celebrates the opening of Fairfield Hospital in September 1956, when it was located on The

Horsley Drive.

General manager Anthony Schembri said a lot had changed, including the relocation 20 years ago

to its current Prairiewood site.

``Since first opening in 1956 with 110 beds and 190 staff members, Fairfield Hospital has grown to

become a major metropolitan hospital,'' Mr Schembri said.

``In 2007/08, there were 2104 babies born, 4840 operations performed and 30,000 emergency

department presentations.''

The theme for this year's event was `Fit and Fabulous', encouraging staff to lead by example and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Manager of the Central Sterilising Supplies Department (CSSD) Colleen Quinn said despite being a rapidly growing hospital, Fairfield maintained great relationships between staff.

``It's not just on Foundation Day when the staff get to have a bit of fun, we have a very close staff here and no one feels like just a number like in the big hospitals,'' Ms Quinn said.

``It's great to have Anthony manning the barbecue too, with tomatoes stuffed with fetta and haloumi it's the best hospital food we've ever had!''

The annual Nora Moore Team Award for best embodying hospital spirit was presented to the emergency department for outstanding triage times over the past 12 months.