Scrubbing Up

Along with the bags, which are being used to put staff scrubs in for washing, there was also an appeal for the scrubs themselves.

Along with the call for sheets and pillow cases that could be washed at 60 degrees came a request for those who could sew to join the West Dorset Scrubbers, who are co-ordinating the making of scrubs and scrub bags.

And the offers of help came flooding in.

Just one of the many benefices that has become a a mini ’scrub hub’ over the past few weeks is the Benefice of St Aldhelm, in Purbeck.

Church members and the wider community have been donating polycotton sheets which are being cut up and made into scrubs to support frontline NHS and care staff. The offcuts of material have then been used to create drawstring bags.

Staff can place their soiled scrubs in the bags and wash them without having to risk handling garments that may be contaminated by the Covid-19 virus.

Gail Mercer, a member of the cottage industry scrub team said:

"It’s very rewarding for us to be able to use our sewing and dress making skills to support NHS and care workers at this crucial time."

Elizabeth Earl, another member of the team, expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm of the local community for this project, observing that "Scrub making material is being offered in industrial quantities."

Although pale blue is the standard colour for scrubs, some exotically patterned versions will be finding their way into hospitals and care homes across Dorset.

Meanwhile Wiltshire Council has issued this request:

From the NHSE/I Covid19 team: we have been requested that any volunteers that offer to make PPE for the CoVid-19 response (such as visors etc), be asked to register at the following site.