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.
However, Mater Pathology phlebotomist (collector) Shelley Liebenberg is determined to change this perspective for her youngest patients.
"For many children, it's their first blood test, so you want them to have the best first experience as possible," says Ms Liebenberg.
"It's critical to earn their trust and make them feel at ease from the moment a child enters the clinic," she says.
"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 or gesture can also help to positively reinforce the experience," she says.
Fortunately, thanks to the incredible generosity a local 95-year-old Valma Jacobsen, paediatric patients at Mater Pathology's Moggill clinic are also gifted a hand-crafted teddy bear.
The grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of four children has donated nearly 100 knitted teddies to the clinic since early 2024.
"I love knowing I've helped put a smile on a little one's face," says Mrs Jacobsen.
The initiative is one that Shelley Liebenberg is especially grateful for, in her personal mission to help children, by make blood tests less scary.
"I've always wanted to work with kids, so it's important that I am the best I can be," she says.
According to Mater Pathology General Manager Deb Hornsby, Shelley is one of 40 paediatric trained phlebotomists working throughout the community at Mater Pathology's collection centres.
"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," says Ms Hornsby.
"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."
"By fostering a compassionate environment, we are not only making the experience more comfortable for young patients and their families, but also helping to build lasting trust in healthcare."
To find your closest paediatric-friendly clinic, call Mater Pathology on 3163 8500, or visit pathology/mater.org.au.
