By The locals fighting to secure PPE for front line workers
Organised by locals Sarah Cook and Tracey North, ‘Gowns for Heroes‘ is a group of locals in and around the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area who are fighting to secure adequate PPE for front line workers.
After an initial appeal, which stated that due to shortages of PPE staff at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, were seeking fabric and people to sew gowns and masks, the organisers have been overwhelmed by support from locals.
The team have spent the last several days collecting fabric and delivering it to those who have offered their sewing skills.
This follows numerous appeals and warnings from local NHS staff and practices, that they were being forced to work under potentially dangerous conditions because they do not have sufficient PPE.
Now, experts have warned that there could be just two days’ worth of PPE left in Lincolnshire. The UK government is urging NHS staff to use it only where there is a significant risk.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Professor Derek Ward, director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council, said that there is currently “maybe two days’ worth” of PPE left in the county if it is used in accordance with government guidance:
“We’ve got to try as a county to balance the fact that we’ve got maybe two days worth of PPE if we are using it as the guidelines would say, against wanting to use it maybe in situations where the risk is a bit lower.
“I completely understand that everybody wants to protect themselves and their loved ones and that’s a really really difficult challenge.”
He added that authorities are trying to get more stock into the county and reassured staff there is enough in the meantime.
Meanwhile, ‘Gowns for Heroes’ has had an overwhelming influx of support from locals offering to donate fabric, sewing machines and manpower.
Speaking to Gi Media, co-organiser Sarah Cook said:
“Everybody has been so generous and kind.
“We only issued one small appeal and thought we would get maybe a dozen people helping us. We now have more than I can count, and have locals emptying their linen closets, and local businesses donating fabric and manpower to support our emergency workers.
“We have had a great response already but are now needing extra people who can use a sewing machine to help us sew the gowns.
“I also think it’s important to state that although the initial appeal was to support our local hospital, it doesn’t mean that we are exclusive. The response has been incredible and we want people to know that any other local groups who are making PPE are free to contact us and access our resources.”
‘Gowns for Heroes’ are delivering their first batch of gowns to Diana Princess of Wales Hospital today.
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