Sewists from across the county are joining forces to help make scrubs for our local NHS and healthcare workers! Groups have been established and they are still looking for volunteers to get involved to assist in producing these vital items for hospitals and other organisations across Cambridgeshire.

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust based in Cambridge have said: “To increase our provision of scrubs, we are asking the community to make scrubs and drop them off at the South entrance of the hospital.” They are encouraging anyone who is handy with a sewing machine to help out and have said there is no restriction on the colour or design of the material.

The pattern requirements can be found in the Scrub Hub document here.

Scrubs for Cambridgeshire, organised by local fashion and jewellery designer Gioconda Gomez (Gorgeous Little Things), is just one of the amazing community groups working together to help make a difference and support the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis.

Gio set out with the intention of creating and donating just 10 sets of scrubs but soon realised that the demand was very high and so reached out to students of her sewing club for help.

A Facebook group and fundraiser were also launched to help the group meet the requirements of Hinchingbrooke Hospital who were in need of over 100 scrub uniforms. Having raised over £2,000 in just 12 days, Scrubs for Cambridgeshire are now working to provide scrubs to other local hospitals and GP surgeries, including Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth – with the help of over 200 volunteers and supporters.

Over on Instagram this week we have been following the #ScrubsForCambridgeshire project as well as Gio – who usually specialises in bridal and evening gowns – and other local creatives who have switched up their services in response to the pandemic.

Clare Szabo of River Elliot Bridal says: “So what does a dressmaker do when most of her work has been postponed? She makes scrubs. I’ve started on a mass production of scrubs to donate to the NHS.”

Clare also shared that she was able to make a special set of scrubs for her sister who works for the NHS – and that the donations received so far, which go towards buying fabric, are really helping the amazing workers on the frontline.

Frances Guinee of Frankie and the Sewing Machine who has been put in charge of making scrub hats says: “The demand is just crazy!” She has kindly shared the information you will need if you would like help out making scrub hats! You can find the printable pattern here and a video tutorial here.

Fran informs us that the fabric must be 100% cotton or polycotton, washable up to 60°C and not see through. She suggests you can use new or used bed sheets in good condition – and the fabric can be any colour or pattern. Please ensure you pre-wash any fabric at 60°C before you sew with it.

Cambridgeshire Scrub Hub is another group who are looking for volunteers and they are currently raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign. They say: “There is a now national shortage of scrubs and we are hoping that by setting up our own small local hub in Cambridgeshire, we can help at least some of the doctors who live and work close to us.”

The Cambridge Fabric Company, who are working alongside Make Cambridge Fashion School, say: “We have been blown away by all the amazing work our customers are doing to help the NHS. Masks, scrubs and wash bags are desperately needed and you guys are amazing. We are donating whatever we can – miles of elastic and cotton to help the cause.”

Katie, owner of the Cambridge-based fabric store, posted on social media earlier today saying that the response had been great but that more help is needed to meet the demands.

Kath, who is coordinating Make Cambridge’s effort, has received a request from the Stroke department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for a large quanity of scrubs and is asking for your help. You can find out more information by contacting her via email to: info@makecambridge.co.uk

Do you any experience with dressmaking or are you a seamstress that could offer your time over the coming weeks to help? Please consider reaching out to one of these groups to help with their efforts in supporting our incredible healthcare workers.

If you are a member of a group making scrubs that we have not mentioned – or if you are a local business who have risen to the challenge of manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) or other products – then do get in touch as we would love to share your story.

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