By Kristy McDonald
THERE was cheer this week at the Sunshine Hospital’s kidney dialysis unit that received a quilt of happiness.
Panels of the quilt were decorated by patients in the unit around the theme, ‘What Makes You Happy?’
Community-based rehabilitation centre official, Leisa Cassidy, was called on to find members to complete the project.
Cassidy, who is the community integration and leisure co-ordinator, ended up using her own skills to assemble the many squares that now make up the quilt.
“This project was presented by Virginia Ocampo, at the recent Renal Society of Australia conference in Sydney,” nursing unit manager Fiona Mardling said.
“It has been a rewarding and enriching project for all those involved.”
The use of art therapy in the management of chronic kidney disease and dialysis is already well recognised.
Studies have shown its usefulness in encouraging patients to communicate and develop an identity within their dialysis community, separate from their medical needs.
Common ‘happiness’ themes were family, hobbies and cultural ties, with Joe Ivanic of Deer Park creating a chess board.
The completed quilt is now hanging in the patient waiting area at Sunshine dialysis unit.
