Mater Private Hospital Mackay has come up with a “tote-ally” awesome way to recycle hundreds of kilograms of surgical equipment packaging into reusable tote bags for hospital patients.
The colourful eco-friendly bags are designed and sewn by hospital volunteers and made from polypropylene fabric, which is wrapped around surgical trays, to keep instruments sterile.
Each week more than 800 clean sheets, which used to become landfill, are now repurposed into fashionable and fun tote bags for patients to store personal belongings during their hospital stay.
“These totes are a great way to reduce surgical packaging and repurpose a versatile plastic material into a bag which can be reused for many years,” said Hazel Douglas, Assistant Director of Clinical Services at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
Inspired by St Charles Health System's successful program in America, Ms Douglas introduced the concept to Mater Private Hospital Mackay and volunteers help sew the totes.
“Patients are delighted to receive these eco-friendly bags and are impressed by their durability, and our volunteers enjoy making something sustainable and useful,” said Ms Douglas.
“I was really happy to be able to repurpose what would have been disposed of. It’s such a great, useful item,” said volunteer Linda Veurman.
Linda Veurman is one of a dozen volunteers who spend several hours each week making the tote bags and the team is looking to recruit more people with sewing skills.
“The bags take 1-2 hours to make and we’ve made around 200 so far, but we have materials to produce hundreds more,” said Mission Integration Manager Louise Mullaney.
This week, during National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), Mater Private Hospital Mackay is recognising more than 60 volunteers for their tireless dedication in enhancing patient care.
The hospital has volunteer positions available including general ward duties, fundraising, patient concierge and administrative duties.
If you are interested in joining Mater’s volunteer community, please visit Mater’s website and register your interest or contact Louise Mullaney on 07 4965 5828.
Mater Private Hospital Mackay is turning surgical packaging into reusable tote bags for patients, thanks to hospital volunteers repurposing the material to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Photos supplied
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