Long serving Macarthur community palliative care volunteer Mary Carey has turned her passion for needlework into practical support for hundreds of patients across South Western Sydney.
Mrs Carey creates elegant and beautifully embroidered padded bags for patients to carry their syringe driver pumps which are used to administer medication.
South Western Sydney Local Health District palliative care volunteer coordinator Arlene Roache said international volunteers day this month was an opportunity to thank Mary and all the palliative care volunteers across the region.
“Mary is amazing – she has created hundreds of the bags over the years since she became a volunteer in 2001,’’ Ms Roache said.
“The bags have a sling and can be worn comfortably by the patient. They don’t look medical and give patients the confidence to be mobile and independent.
“Thank you to Mary for her beautiful work over the years. Her bags are not only practical – they are fashion statements!’’
Mrs Carey said she loved to see patients using the bags.
“I try to make them look stylish and elegant. They are also padded to help protect the syringe driver,’’ she said.
“I am happy to do what I can to help – I love to see patients using them. I feel my efforts are appreciated.’’
Mrs Carey has continued her needlework during the Covid-19 pandemic, producing many stylish creations.
Her efforts were rewarded in September when she was named Macarthur senior volunteer of the year.
