Bucks WI members chip in to help sew 100s of 'scrubs washbags' for NHS staff

The word went out around Buckinghamshire to 119 Women's Institutes (WIs) and as if by magic, members got to work as fabric from unwanted sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and even from precious fabric stashes was transformed into over 3000 of the 75cm x 50cm drawstring bags for the NHS.

The bags are for staff to remove their “scrubs”, as the uniforms are known, before they leave the hospital at the end of a shift, place the clothing in the bag, and then place the bag with contents into a 60° wash at home thereby preventing cross contamination/infection from the Covid-19 virus.

At least 70 of Buckinghamshire's WIs participated, including those from Winslow, Gawcott, Beaconsfield, Speen, Chesham Bois, Thornborough Thornton & Beachampton, Sherington Belles, Aylesbury Town, WaterMead & Weedon, and Wendover Evening WI, amongst very many others.

The Thornborough T&B WI President commented “I was overwhelmed with the generosity of local folk, inundated with sheets and pillowcases. It’s been humbling and heartening to see how folk rallied round this task”.

She wanted to thank the donors as well as the sewing team asshe dropped the bags off at the collection point, telling us that one sprightly 94 year old local did her bit and also made “I love NHS” bunting to hang on the tree at the end of her drive.

Another member is being treated for breast cancer and was delighted to be able to “give something back” for the treatment that she is receiving.

A statement from the WI said:

"Helping the Trust has addressed an urgent need in our community, but also provided purpose for our members at a difficult, isolating time – something humans definitely

need.

"We are so proud of all of our “sewists” for production of such vast numbers of laundry bags in response to this plea, and at such speed. By 24th April they will be with the hospital staff who need them."