Some of Bairnsdale Regional Health Service’s (BRHS) littlest patients will receive a special dose of comfort and care this week, thanks to a generous donation from the Lakes Entrance Community Sewing Group.
Group members Jo, Annette and Jeanette recently visited BRHS to deliver a handmade collection of trauma teddies, quilts, theatre gowns and fidget toys for children who are patients or visitors to the health service.
The items are all handmade with love and help provide a little extra reassurance during what can be an anxious time for young patients and their families.
The collaboration came about when BRHS lead day ward nurse Dale Philip recognised the difference comfort items could make for paediatric patients. The wider theatre team came on board to purchase some of the material required, with Lorraine at Spotlight providing a discount to support the project.
The Lakes Entrance Community Sewing Group has around 30 members and meets every Tuesday at the Lakes Entrance Coast Guard, where members come together for a cuppa, cake and biscuits, and a morning of social sewing. The group regularly undertakes philanthropic projects for the local community, including ongoing donations for theatre and oncology patients at BRHS. This latest donation took around five to six weeks to complete, with members contributing their time, skills and materials to create items designed to bring comfort, distraction, and warmth to children needing procedures.
BRHS theatre acting nurse unit manager Jen Coverdale said the items would be particularly valuable for paediatric patients attending the Day Ward.
“Many of our young patients come to the hospital feeling anxious about their procedure,” she said.
“Having a special teddy, quilt, or fidget toy to hold offers comfort and helps create a more positive hospital experience. We are incredibly grateful to the Lakes Entrance Community Sewing Group for their generosity.”
BRHS chief executive officer Peter Abraham also thanked the theatre team and the sewing group for their kindness and generosity.
“It’s wonderful to see our health service and community come together to support some of our littlest patients and their families,” he said.
The group welcomes new members and is also grateful for donations of fabric to help continue its community projects. Members are already planning their next project, making children’s scrub caps.
