More than 100 volunteers are producing much needed medical scrubs for Wales’ healthcare heroes in the NHS with material provided by Welsh Government, First Minister Mark Drakeford has revealed.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Thousands of scrubs are being manufactured by kind-hearted individuals spread among production hubs throughout communities in south and west Wales.
All are donating their time and energy to aid the national effort against coronavirus (COVID-19) by using fabric secured by Welsh Government from UK suppliers on behalf of Alexandra, a UK-based company that supplies the NHS with scrubs.
Welsh Government helped coordinate the production process among the volunteers, and has also provided them with threads, care and size labels, and packaging for distribution.
To further support the effort, Welsh Government will arrange for the finished garments to be delivered directly to hospitals.
Nia Clements, a textiles teacher keen to put her expertise to use, has acted as lead liaison between Welsh Government and the volunteer hubs.
Ms Clements, who is head of design and technology at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, in Fairwater, Cardiff, said:
I have been a textile teacher in Wales for 33 years and thought my organising skills and sewing skills should be put to use while school is closed.
I appealed for volunteers on social media after contacting the Welsh Government, and after being inundated with offers of help 11 hubs were set up to sew tunics for the scrubs.
I have been overwhelmed by people’s kind generosity to pull together and help the NHS in Wales.
It has been a big task for us all, with invaluable guidance and support from Alexandra workwear and the Welsh Government.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
The response to the national fight against this deadly virus has been truly inspiring.
Since our call to Welsh companies for help in making PPE, we have become self-sufficient in manufacturing scrubs in Wales for the first time.
The fact so many volunteers are playing their part in that says a huge amount about people here in Wales and the gratitude that is felt for our healthcare heroes providing high-quality care on the front line.
I am immensely proud of all these volunteers and am reassured by the fact their community spirit will endure long after we have defeated coronavirus.