Local knitwear experts spring into action to support NHS
For over 236 years, knitwear company John Smedley has been creating ‘The World’s Finest Knitwear’ at their home in Lea Mills, Derbyshire and they are now using their skills to produce scrubs for NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ian Maclean, Managing Director at John Smedley, said: “Despite not being cut-and-sew garment specialists, I am pleased to be able to turn our company’s skills into the useful production of hospital approved scrubs for the NHS and care homes.
“COVID-19 presents us all with huge challenges, and we are keen to play our part in meeting them, even in a small way. The health of our staff also remains paramount and we will ensure they are offered protection at all times. We cannot thank them enough for their positive attitude in taking part in this project. I will be joining them each day to pick and pack the orders for the NHS as well.”
To date, John Smedley has kindly donated over 100 sets of scrubs to UHDB and continues to manufacture while stocks last.
Gill Ogden, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “The response from local industry, manufacturers and others who have kindly made scrubs for UHDB has been amazing. Each one has liaised closely with us to ensure the scrubs provided meet the required specification regards the quality of the material and sizing. Our staff are so appreciative of the support from our local communities.”
The Facilities Management Team at the Trust commented “John Smedley kindly supplied us with a generous donation of scrub sets. We have seen an increased demand for scrubs since the COVID-19 pandemic and so support from the community has been amazing. Thank you for your support it is greatly appreciated.”
Picture caption (left to ruight) Emma Cooper, Mary Davies and Gemma Timbrell on Ward 205 at Royal Derby Hospital