Meet volunteer Joan: Crafting care and comfort for our smallest patients

9 Dec 2025

Pictured: Joan Morton crocheting baby hats.

Among the quiet contributors who make this possible is volunteer Joan Morton, a remarkable woman whose handmade crocheted baby hats have become a meaningful source of warmth and comfort for the hospital’s smallest patients.

Crochet has been woven into Joan’s life for more than seventy years. Taught by her grandmother as a child growing up in rural Queensland, the craft has accompanied her through school, adulthood, motherhood and now into her retirement.

“I began crocheting baby clothes for my own children in the 1970s and have made many clothes for friends’ babies over the years,” Joan recalled.

“When my children grew up, I started to make baby hats for Bunbury Regional Hospital when I lived in the region.

“It makes me happy to know that a new little family has something warm and comforting in those first days together.”

When Joan moved into aged care in Perth in September 2023 to be closer to her children and grandchildren, her daughter Dr Katinka Morton reached out online to see which hospitals might appreciate her mother’s work. A post in a local community Facebook page connected them with St John of God Subiaco Hospital midwife Lauren X, who warmly welcomed the offer.

Since then, Joan has continued her craft with unwavering dedication, regularly sending through batches of 100 to 120 hats at a time.

A retired high school teacher who worked across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Joan described herself as “community minded” and said contributing in any way she can has always mattered deeply.

Living in aged care hasn’t slowed her. Her days are filled with exercise groups, walks and social activities, and in the quiet pockets between, her crochet hook is never far from her hand.

“Each hat takes around four hours to complete, depending on the complexity of it,” Joan said.

“I enjoy designing different hats with different patterns and colours - every hat is unique!”

To date, she has created well over five hundred hats.

Daughter Katinka said the work has enormous meaning for her mother

“I’m so proud of mum - her craft doesn’t only bring comfort to new families, it also gives her a sense of purpose and joy every day.”

At its heart, Joan’s volunteering is an offering of connection - a quiet act of kindness that aligns beautifully with the values of the hospital.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Tina Chinery, said volunteers like Joan are essential to the way the hospital delivers care.

“We are very fortunate to have more than 80 volunteers who form a vital part of our caregiving community,” Tina said.

“They bring rich life experience, compassion and a shared commitment to supporting our patients and families. Volunteers like Joan provide those small but deeply meaningful touches that truly enhance the care we offer.”

A message from Joan

When asked what she would share with others considering giving back, Joan’s answer is simple and heartfelt:

“Helping others is a wonderful thing. I hope people find the same joy that I do in sharing an old-fashioned craft in service of the community.”

Joan’s warmth, generosity and dedication continue to wrap our tiniest patients in comfort - one handmade hat at a time.

Feeling inspired? Whether you have time, a talent, or simply the desire to make a difference, we’d love to welcome you to our volunteer community.

To find out more, head to Volunteering or email [email protected] to get involved.