Tiny Turtles Integrate Culture And Resilience Into Hospital Care

Tiny crochet turtles are making a big difference for patients at Mackay Base Hospital, offering comfort, connection and a reminder of quiet strength during challenging moments.

Carefully crafted by a local artist, the turtles are being gifted to patients by paramedics and staff at the hospital as a symbol of connection to land, water and community.

While small in size, the meaning runs deep. The turtle represents resilience and endurance carrying its home on its back as a metaphor for self-reliance and the ability to find peace within, regardless of external circumstances.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Kerry Maley said the initiative was born from a vision to meaningfully integrate culture into regional healthcare.

The crochet turtles provided emotional support, enhanced patient comfort and helped build rapport between patients and healthcare teams, she said.

“This is a way to integrate cultural elements to help enhance patient care and support the wellbeing of patients in the Mackay community,” Mrs Maley said.

“The turtle is a powerful message and reminder about patience, resilience and persistence over time.”

Often associated with longevity and endurance due to their long lifespans and slow, steady movements, turtles also served as a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be rushed.

“As the saying goes, a turtle only makes progress when it sticks its neck out so it also provides gentle encouragement for patients facing uncertainty or recovery,” Mrs Maley said.

Gifting the crochet turtles to patients coming to hospital also helped strengthen relationships between Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Mackay Hospital and Health Service (Mackay HHS) clinicians and the community, fostering trust and engagement with local health services.

By addressing emotional and spiritual needs alongside physical care, the crochet turtle initiative reflected a holistic approach to healthcare, Mrs Maley said.

“The turtles are a small gesture grounded in culture and care, which can have a lasting impact on the patient journey.”

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Mackay HHS Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Kerry Maley, Mackay HHS Interim Chief Executive Sean Birgan, Baeden Choppy, Mackay HHS cultural practice co-ordinator Phil Kemp, Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) chief superintendent James Cunington, and front, patient Lola Choppy with QAS paramedic Matt Maley. Photos supplied

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