A GROUP has been set up in Scotland asking people to make scrubs for NHS workers on the frontline of coronavirus who face a shortage of the necessary workwear.

The NHS Scotland – For The Love of Scrubs group was set up by an A&E nurse who realised scrubs were running low for doctors and nurses.

The group is being headed up in Ayrshire by Clare Boyle for East Ayrshire and Karen Vaughan for South Ayrshire.

Over 200 machinists and a fabric supplier have already been sourced and the group’s GoFundMe page to raise money for materials surpassed £5,000 in just one day.

Clare, of Kilmarnock, said: “The main thing about the materials is that they need to be of a specific standard, since they are scrubs. They can’t be any old cotton.

“The big focus just now is trying to get in touch with as many wholesale fabric suppliers and to raise funds to pay for these materials. The materials will then be sent out to seamstresses.”

Hospitals accepting scrubs donations include Crosshouse and Ayr Hospital but organisers are keen to roll out the project to GP surgeries and care homes. Garments are collected then go to commercial laundries to make sure they are safe for NHS use.

Clare said: “The response has been massive. We now have more machinists than we can possibly use but we know there are nurses in GP surgeries and care homes who wear scrubs so we encourage them to get in touch.

“We’re also looking to get scrub caps made so that could be one for less competent sewers.”

Miranda McDade, English teacher at Auchenharvie Academy, was one of the first seamstresses to offer her services.

Miranda said: “I have industrial sewing experience but it’s more of a hobby now. My two sisters are nurses so this is a way of doing my bit while staying in the house. I’m happy to support the hospitals.”

Last week we told how an Ayr laundrette pledged to help NHS staff by offering to wash dirty scrubs for free.

Dot Cottons said they would be able to wash between 50 and 60 pairs of scrubs at a time.

You can find out more on the for the love of scrubs campaign by visiting www.fortheloveofscrubs.scot

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