Becky Pettigrew, a Colorectal Cancer Assistant Practitioner at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, began making the bags two years ago during a difficult period in her life.
She said: “Making the drain bags was like therapy to me.”
Self-funding the project, Becky has spent countless hours creating the material bags, which help patients carry post-surgery drains more comfortably and securely.
She said: “I stopped counting at 400.”
Designed to make life easier while patients recover – often following cancer treatment – the bags improve independence, ease of movement and dignity.
One patient, Beverley, who was treated for kidney cancer and later developed a rare thyroid tumour, said the bags have made daily tasks much simpler.
Beverley said: “The bag is especially handy when going to the toilet because it has a strap, otherwise you’d have to hold the drain or put it on the sink which is less hygienic.
“It’s also useful when you’re washing because you can put it on your shoulder without having to worry about stretching the tube too far.”
The bags also add a touch of comfort in a clinical environment.
Beverley said: “My bag has whales on it and I’m a Pisces. I love the nature and calming designs.”
Not content with making the bags alone, Becky — who has worked at the Trust for 14 years beginning in the laundry department — partnered with Doncaster Hack and Makerspace to help meet growing demand from wards and departments.
Becky said: “Over the last year more wards and departments that use the bags have contacted me for a supply.
On 28 January, a group of 13 volunteers created 116 drain bags and around 100 more part-completed bags.
Becky said: “I’m very pleased with the outcome. The numbers we made would have taken me a couple of months.”
A post on the Facebook page for Doncaster Hack and Makerspace said: “This is community making at its best: people sharing skills, giving their time and creating something that will genuinely help others.”
The simple design is now being used in introductory sewing workshops at the Makerspace and is made using upcycled materials, including unwanted bedding and disused hospital curtains.
Despite moving past the challenging period that first inspired the idea, Becky continues to sew because of the impact it has on patients.
She said: “I get the little warm fuzzy feeling when I see a patient wearing one of my, and now our, bags.”
When patients finish treatment, many reuse the bags at home as peg bags or pass them on to children.
Becky hopes to secure funding to continue growing the initiative through the community partnership.
She said: “I’d like to be able to offer a bag to each patient who has a drain or similar medical appliance.
“In the past I’ve seen drains held up using bandages or safety pins which are adequate solutions but not as dignified as a bag.”