It all started when I saw one of my friend’s post on Facebook. It said:

Does anyone have a sewing machine and would be able to make up some scrubs? My school is making 106 sets… Message me

Having a professional sewing machine, that was the least I could do to help. So, I was in!

Here the sewing work began…

All fabrics were already cut to size (from L to XL)

The collar is definitely the tricky bit! But how satisfying when done ;-).

Fabric notes

Making scrubs in the correct type and weight of fabric is important. The requirements are:
· 100% cotton or up to 50/50 polyester/cotton only
· Material weight 115 gsm
· Plain, dark colours preferred (patterned material is harder to inspect for staining/damage)
· If you can’t get plain dark fabric, lighter colours or even patterns will be accepted
· Must be washable at a minimum of 60 degrees centigrade

The results

Left: my small contribution of 10 scrubs which included tops and bottoms

The Outcome

Throughout lock down the following was managed:

. 1,736 visors were made and distributed to local care homes, medical centres, East Surrey Hospital Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, dental surgeries.

. 370 headbands were made and distributed to ambulance crews, osteopaths, Marie Curie UK, dental surgeries and care homes.

. 106 scrubs have been made and distributed to Sevenoaks COVID Hub and Croydon University Hospital Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

Other contributors included Oxted Kitchens, Dan Roberts and Hurst Green Social Club Committee Members, Hops & Bubbles Bar Hire, St Silvans Area Charity, The Charles Lewis Foundation, Nick Keeling (Covid-19 Face Shields for Kent & Medway NHS), Oxted Rotary, Oxted School staff (plus their children).

Without the donations of materials and the manpower of staff, including teachers who were still preparing lessons, this task would not have been possible had they not played their part.

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Useful links

. How to make scrubs. Click here

. Info from NHS on Coronavirus

www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus