“I imagined myself in that position—being told your life would end, and being in a room with someone you’d never met.”
When Mary joined Mater as a Pastoral Carer more than nine years ago, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
“My role is unique in that I am here to be present for a patient, to listen, to respond. While I think it’s truly a reflection of our Mission in action, at first it was difficult to know where I fit within such a busy environment.”
It didn’t take long for Mary to find her place.
She landed on Wards 8A and 8B, Mater Hospital Brisbane, and has been there ever since.
“I remember one of my earlier cases quite well. I was paged to the ward because a young woman had received a difficult diagnosis. I went to her room, and shortly after introducing myself, her sister phoned, and she said ‘I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer and I’m standing here with a stranger,’ and that’s when the enormity of that situation hit home.
“I imagined myself in that position—being told your life would end, and being in a room with someone you’d never met. How does that not strike a chord?
“I remember her quite well. She wasn’t much for words, but I remember her often blowing me away with some of her thoughts and insights … I visited on a regular basis and became a familiar ally, and she asked me to attend her funeral when she passed away.”
“Yeah, that stuff, that stays with you.
“I think the thing with this role is, there is always another person and they each have their own unique story. On the one hand, it helps keep you busy so that you don’t focus too much on the heartbreak. There are many people that are alone or in need, and that is why the Pastoral Care Service is here, we can be there in those moments.”
Mary’s role allows her to help patients in a variety of ways—from sharing a cup of tea to helping patients navigate their way through the emotions of a day filled with tests, treatments and those ‘sick of being sick’ days—all of which are grounded in Mater’s Mission and Values to provide compassionate care to those who need it most.
Sometimes this compassion may seem to come in the form of small and practical actions, but can make a big difference.
“I hadn’t realised something as simple as a pair of shoes or a belt could help restore someone’s dignity and respect. I provided a belt for an 80 year old man to wear home on the plane as he had lost weight and his pants did not fit. He was from rural Queensland, so was far from home and family. By being able to provide something so simple, we eased a worry which for him was big deal, and allowed him to focus on being happy because he was going home!”
Noticing a continual need for clothing for patients, Mary established ‘Catherine’s Room’—named for Sisters of Mercy Founder Catherine McAuley—to provide fresh and clean clothing for Mater patients. Clothing is often required during admission, on discharge or for those going into care. Clothing is either donated by generous Mater staff, or purchased through donated funds from Mater Foundation.
“Most patients are genuinely taken by surprise when we’re able to provide them with clothing and new underwear. They’re humbled and grateful, and to have made a positive difference to someone lifts the spirit of everyone involved—the patient, me and the whole team.”
It’s the spirit of camaraderie which stands out for Mary, and one which was evident in 2011 when she partnered with Mater staff to fulfil a dying patient’s last wish.
“We had a young patient who was suffering from both spina bifida and cancer and I worked with one of our social workers, Anita, to care for her during her treatment and subsequent death.
“She’d been with us for a while, and it was quite a complex case.
“She had one wish—to be married before she passed away—so Anita and I and the staff of Ward 8B worked hard to carry out the ceremony within our Mater Chapel.
“We were lucky enough to secure $500 of funding from Mater Foundation, so we gave them a wedding, complete with flowers and balloons!
“We also spent a great deal of time with them and their families and discussed funeral options and care arrangements for her partner after she passed away, and we were able to be there and comfort him during his time of grief.
“That one was a true team effort. To be able to help someone experience that moment of joy during immense sadness was nothing short of beautiful.
“For me, the resilience shown by both of them was inspirational, as was their courage and their happiness. It was real. Life at its best. Those moments of ‘real’ just can’t be ignored. They’re what stay with me.”
As is often typical of those who go above and beyond, Mary is the definition of a ‘quiet achiever’ and refuses to acknowledge her efforts as exceptional.
“I’m really just doing my job. I am just a part of a team. The nursing staff are some of the best I’ve seen, and care for some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our community, and everyone in between.”