TWO textile teachers from Bromsgrove are part of the national efforts to supply nurses with extra hospital scrubs during the coronavirus outbreak - with their work described as ‘touching’ by a frontline nurse.
Julie Pask, 59, and Liz Dane, 46, have spent their extra time at home sewing nurses’ scrubs following a viral social media post requesting the uniform.
Due to the highly infectious nature of the Covid-19 illness, nurses are changing their uniform up to seven times a shift, creating a high demand for more scrubs.
‘For The Love Of Scrubs’ is a national project set up by Ashleigh Linsdell, 29, an A&E nurse from Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, who first recognised the shortage of nurses’ scrubs during the outbreak.
Read more: Bromsgrove 'worst-hit' part of Worcestershire during early weeks of coronavirus pandemic
Liz, a textile teacher from Bishop Challoner Catholic College and owner of newly-started business BizzyLizzySewz, has made nine sets of scrubs since the project was set up at the end of March.
“The first lots of scrubs are going to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital to the COVID wards," said Liz, pictured below.
"Considering it was Worcestershire Royal where I had my hernia operation in October, I thought that was a great way to help them out after they looked after me.”
Julie, a retired textile teacher from Catshill Middle School, first got involved with the national request at the beginning of April.
“Making scrubs took over the whole house; from assembling the pattern, cutting out, sewing up, there was blue fabric everywhere!” she laughed.
Julie’s first set of scrubs were delivered to a friend’s daughter who is a frontline nurse working on the COVID Ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and she has since completed three more sets of scrubs.
“When I received the photo of my first set of scrubs being worn by one of our frontline nurses I felt very proud but also quite emotional, seeing the reality of our efforts," added Julie.
Read more: Bromsgrove School making face shields for NHS during coronavirus crisis
Megan Sampson, 26, a nurse from Worcestershire Royal Hospital, spoke of the gratitude expressed by those receiving the handmade scrubs.
“Everyone at the hospital who has received an item has been so grateful and overwhelmed by the support," said Megan, pictured above.
"Having items such as the uniform bags and scrubs means that the worry of bringing contaminated clothing into our homes is one massive weight off our shoulders, especially for those workers with families.
"Also just knowing members of the public involved in projects like this are pulling together to support us is really touching, and it reminds us that we are all in this together and that key workers are appreciated by all.”
If you would like to get involved in the project search ‘For The Love Of Scrubs – Worcestershire’ online for more information or to make a donation.
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