A 95-year-old Queensland great-grandma is helping to put smiles on Mater's tiniest patients thanks to her specially crafted teddies.
Valma Jacobsen started donating her colourful knitted teddies to Mater Pathology's Moggill collection centre and said she enjoyed "keeping her hands busy".
"Knowing I can bring some comfort to a small child when they are having a blood test it really special," Mrs Jacobsen, from Pullenvale, said.
"I used to make the odd project for my children and grandchildren but began knitting teddies for the Red Cross with a group of women at my retirement village in Yeronga."
Mater Pathology phlebotomist (collector) Shelley Liebenberg said for many children, the prospect of a blood test can be a daunting experience.
"The sight of needles, an unfamiliar, sterile environment, and fear of pain can easily lead to anxiety," Ms Liebenberg said.
"For many children, it's their first blood test, so you want them to have the best first experience as possible.
"It's critical to earn their trust and make them feel at ease from the moment a child enters the clinic.
"The biggest challenge is understanding where they're at, emotionally and developmentally, so you can connect with them and build rapport.
"Praising them for their bravery with a small token – just like Val's teddies – or a gesture can also help to positively reinforce the experience."
Receiving beautifully created teddies at the clinic is an initiative Ms Liebenberg is grateful for, in her personal mission to make blood tests "less scary" for children.
"I've always wanted to work with kids, so it's important that I am the best I can be," she said.
Mrs Jacobsen has three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and now lives with her son Peter.
Her friends who were part of a knitting group at the retirement village have since passed away, but Mrs Jacobsen said she is not ready to put down her knitting needles.
"Roughly, I have donated 80 to 90 bears for Mater so far this year and will continue to donate them for as long as I can," Mrs Jacobsen said.
"I've knitted three bears per week for the last 13 years. I knit for a few hours every night.
"It keeps my hands busy and stops me falling asleep at night watching television.
"I only knit at night, as I keep busy during the day reading books and doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles."
Each of Mrs Jacobsen's bears have a little love heart sewn onto them, just like the ones she previously donated to the Red Cross.
Mater Pathology operates more than 40 collection centres across South East Queensland, accepting all testing request forms from GPs and other medical professionals.
"We're prioritising our paediatric services to ensure every one of our clinics – from Albany Creek to the Gold Coast – can support families at any stage," said Deb Hornsby, Mater Pathology General Manager.
"Our goal is to ensure children understand that blood tests are a routine part of healthcare, and that they don't have to be afraid."
