Sewing face masks and scrubs for NHS workers - anyone know the facts on this please?

[Pinknbluene]

I keep seeing posts on sewing forums regarding sewing masks and scrubs for NHS workers. I also have seen replies that because the masks won’t be sterile, they won’t be any use.

Does anyone know the facts about this please? I have looked online but cannot find anything.

@trinity0097 :

You, or rather your parents, have made my day. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I suspect your Mum is really after the life insurance but has disguised her cunning murder plan!

I hope they stay safe - they deserve to.

I don't think fabric face masks are a good idea but have been making scrub caps for our local hospital as they are typically fabric caps which are washed and reused they don't need to be sterile.

Hi,

we are looking for volunteer sewists who might be able to make some reusable masks for nhs workers based in community childrens services , for use when travelling between home visits for patients we are treating at home. I have a pattern that can be used - if there are any willing volunteers. thank you!

For NHS workers
NOPE
For Care workers visiting the vulnerable in their homes
GO FOR IT
These are the poor Zero Hours staff who have to wipe bottoms and feed and clean
in the same increasingly grubby uniform all day
spreading and risking infection day in day out

There are LOTS of groups making simple outer layers, masks and hood and laundry bags
so that they can change between visits and boil wash five sets at the end of each day

Regardless of COVID
it is shocking that PPE for home visit staff
had not been though of before

Scrubs for home visit carers = A GOOD THING

scrubhub.org.uk/

Our hospital has had donations of scrubs which are all being used. Day procedures at our location have been closed but I've heard staff at the big hospital up the road mention cloth theatre caps too. Cloth masks for NHS staff are no good as masks are single patient use. This seems to vary trust to trust. We are a covid site so all staff in scrubs but some places are still wearing uniforms .

Currently for all clinical work with patients in any health settings the masks that we as NHS staff need are not reusable and either have specific filters for protection or are water resistant ....so cotton or material masks do not meet the protection standard. BUT now we are being expected to wear face coverings when using public transport and when walking in public places and in health care offices- the material masks which can be made and are re-used are suitable for this. Hence request for any volunteer sewists who can make these for NHS childrens commnuity staff walking and travelling between home visits seeing children and young people at home.....so if anyone can make masks I am happy to supply the pattern. Community NHS staff are a bit forgotten about along with support workers going to homes to provide support to families. Appreciate if anyone can let me know any contacts if amyone knows of other contacts where we can help- it would be appreciated

@Scyps in my trust it's been agreed that we can use the standard surgical masks which are part of the PPE we wear for home visits, if we're travelling on public transport to home visits. Have you approached your infection control team to see if you can do the same?

This has come from both the staff and the infection control team. We have the correct PPE of surgical masks for the actual home visit which are disposed of after each visit. Staff wanted to try to reduce need for more throw away masks when travelling between visits and wanted to be more 'green' by using reusable masks which they are happy to wash. Was hoping someone might be able to help direct me to some volunteers.