Quilts made with love

back from left, Bruce Jackson, Melissa Baker, Penny Woodward and Ratha Khot and front from left, Jill Murphy and Bev Thorn from the Beaconsfield quilt makers with Mary Waterfall (centre). 194050_02.

By Jessica Anstice

For a number of years the Beaconsfield Quilters have been creating and generously donating handmade quilts for palliative care patients at Casey Hospital.

Each quilt is different and helps create a more comfortable and less clinical environment for patients and their families.

“The generous donation of quilts from the Beaconsfield Quilters gives a very personal, homely touch to the room,” Casey Hospital deputy head of general medicine and palliative care Bruce Jackson said.

“Most patients and their families are overwhelmed by the love and care that has gone into the making of something so beautiful and precious.”

Patients at Casey Hospital palliative care unit have been given over 300 quilts over recent years – they are offered to families to keep once our patients no longer need them.

“Our patients and families are incredibly grateful to the Beaconsfield Quilters for their most magnificent gifts, which undoubtedly provide much comfort to all,” he said.

Palliative care is a specialized medical care for people with serious illness.

Monash Health’s service is focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of serious illness, whatever the underlying diagnosis.

The hospital’s service focuses on pain, physical symptoms and nonphysical influences.

The word ‘palliative’ comes from the Latin ‘pallium’ meaning to ‘cloak or cover’ which in a sense is what the program does.

“Nearly everyone has been touched by, or knows someone who has been touched by cancer, or other serious illness,” Mr Jackson said.

“We strive to make the palliative care unit a little more comfortable, perhaps not as clinical, for patients and their families.”