Consumer and community engagement

The LOLIPOP trial has engaged with breast cancer survivors, and other members of the community from the beginning. One of the ways in which we are engaging with the community is through the production of carry bags for our trial participants.

The carry bags were designed to safely and securely store the Bodyguard T-34 infusion pumps with ease whilst the allowing the patient to mobilise freely.   The vision for these pumps bags was to create a bag that is functional but with a personal touch without the clinical cold feel to it.

We currently have 4 groups and 3 individuals of hard-working volunteers which have already sewn and donated over 1,000 bags. Some of our crafters have gone on to give the bags a special touch by adorning them with crocheted hearts and flowers.

These bags can go on to be used to carry drains in the hospital if the patient goes on to have further surgery, and can be used once they are discharged and are getting around in society (to their appointments etc.) after surgery until the drain gets removed. Or they can also be used when out on a walk to carry their water bottles.