You’ve seen the stories on the news: companies and individuals everywhere are using what they already have in a national effort to support key workers during the pandemic. Some make-up companies and distilleries have started to produce hand sanitizer, people with 3d printers are making visors and ear savers, and retired
dressmakers have swapped making gowns for scrubs and masks. These are just some examples of the British people’s ingenuity and fighting-spirit during this challenging time.
If you want to be part of the national effort, there are many things you can do help! Many hospitals, care homes and other essential facilities across the UK are calling for personal protective equipment (PPE) and the best thing is, you can make it at home! PPE is relatively easy to make if you know your way around a sewing machine, and it doesn’t have to be boring either. You can use your creative flare to make masks and hats in exciting colours and patterns, and ear savers with pretty designs. Read on to find out more.
Scrubs
Before you decide to make any PPE you may want to contact your local health services to find out what they are in need of and whether they can provide you with details. For example, the
Russells Hall NHS hospital in Dudley is calling for scrubs. Here you can view the specifications of the type of scrubs they need including material, colour and weight. They also provide various patterns for the scrubs which you can either download for free or buy.
For the Love of Scrubs
‘For the Love of Scrubs’ is a project set up by Ashleigh Linsdell, an accident and emergency nurse stationed at Pilgrim hospital in Lincolnshire. Linsdell set up the group when she realised there was a national shortage for PPE across hospitals and health services in the UK.
Here you can view a list of hospitals which are currently accepting scrubs donations through the ‘For the Love of Scrubs’ project. On the facebook page you will also find a list of downloadable patterns for scrubs, headbands and caps.
Scrub Bags
NHS workers are now being instructed to change out of their scrubs or uniform before leaving their place of work. Some front line workers also wear more than one set of scrubs in a work day, meaning they need to change during their shift. Scrub bags are particularly helpful for frontline workers as they will hold dirty uniform until workers get home, where they can throw the entire bag straight into the washing machine and place it on a hot wash cycle.
Scrub bags are simple and easy to make. There are no exact sizing requirements, although an 18 to 20 inch square is the most ideal. The bags can be made from old duvet covers, pillow cases and t-shirts. The design should be a simple square bag with a drawstring top. Remember, the bags will be washed very frequently at hot temperatures, so only
100% cotton fabric or
polycotton blends which can be washed at high temps should be used.
Unlike scrubs, with scrub bags you can be a little bit more adventurous with your chosen fabric design. Remember these bags will be going to those who are working tirelessly to help those in need, so cheerful colours and funky patterns are welcome. Some people have even chosen to sew messages into the inside of their scrub bags and scrubs, giving thanks to NHS staff and offering positive words of encouragement.
Masks
The Centre of disease control and transmission (C.D.C) have encouraged Americans to wear masks whenever they leave their homes. Many other countries have now made it mandatory for people to wear masks when out in public. While cloth face masks have not been proven to protect the individuals wearing them from the novel coronavirus, the C.D.C has stated that they can help
slow the spread of the virus and help prevent those with covid-19 from spreading it to others.
Masked Heroes is an organisation set up to help provide masks to people and organisations that need them. Here you can find all the information you need on making and donating masks through the organisation. To make the masks you’ll need
100% cotton fabric. This can be from old t-shirts or duvet covers that have been thoroughly washed (30 mins at 60 degrees) or brand new and thoroughly washed. For full instructions on making the masks visit the maskedheroes.uk website.
