Barbers enhance stay for elderly patients at Rockhampton Mater Hospital with free haircuts

Dusting off his clippers, barber Evan Treacy left his usual nine-to-five job at his barbershop.

The 31-year-old actor is all set to provide free haircuts to elderly patients waiting impatiently in the waiting room.

Mr Treacy and his business partner Kara Morgan have only been coming to the Papaya Unit at Rockhampton Mater Hospital for two months, but their impact is clear.

“Gentlemen were asking, ‘When is the barber coming?'” said Louise Lommerse, who supervises patients in the Papaya Unit. “he asks,” he says.

Whether they’re getting a short cut on the sides or trimming their eyebrows, patients’ big grins fill the room and show their appreciation for the service.

One of these patients is Heather Orr, who has been staying at Mater Hospital since September.

“I have a lung problem and I can’t reach the top of my head,” he says.

“You can’t do much when you’re sitting in bed, so it’s nice to have someone come and do that.”

These few hours bring some normalcy to those who have lost some autonomy in recent months and years.

“(I’m) not used to being dependent on others for most things, even cutting my meat sometimes,” Ms. Orr says.

Patients at the Mater Hospital Papaya Unit are awaiting permanent placement in an aged care home.

“We have patients in and out within two weeks, and we have one patient who has been with us for five and a half months,” Ms. Lommerse says.

The importance of connection

Mr. Treacy and Ms. Morgan volunteer every six to eight weeks.

They say the service is more than just providing haircuts; it’s about making connections and making patients feel valued.

“I think it’s very important to show that this hasn’t been forgotten,” Ms. Morgan says.

“This is something different, things are moving so fast.”

Despite the revival of some retro haircuts, such as the mullet, in recent years, the duo said that there has not been any unusual demand yet.

“(We are asked for) clippers all over, short cuts, short back and sides,” Mr. Treacy says.

“(Clinic nurse) Louise wants one of the patients to get a mohawk.”

More calls for help

Ms. Lommerse says volunteers are always welcome.

“I just say, if you’re a member of the public who can provide services, reach out to your local nursing home, nursing home, aged care facility and see what you can do,” he says.

The same sentiment is expressed by Mr. Treacy.

“I think the world would be a better place if we all did more of this kind of thing,” he says.

“Even when I came here, I made friends, so it’s all about being in a community.”

Providing services “seems like such a small thing, but to them (patients) it’s a huge thing,” Ms Morgan says.