Community groups across Perthshire are helping protect frontline health workers with hundreds of handmade laundry bags.
The drawstring sacks help reduce the risk of cross contamination and infection when health staff take home their uniforms to wash.
More than 300 bags have been donated to NHS Tayside by groups in Pitlochry, Dunkeld and Crieff. Staff from Dunelm stores have also contributed.
Rachael Wood, who began the project with fellow Church of Scotland members in Pitlochry, said: “Everyone in the NHS is working so hard just now to protect and help everyone, and our group feel that they need someone to help protect them and their loved ones as well.”
She said: “Pitlochry Church of Scotland knew that lots of our ladies like to sew and are very talented, but are isolated at home with time on their hands.
“We put out a call for help through our church Facebook group and volunteers started coming forward immediately.”
It began with a small group of women from the church, but quickly spread to groups across Perthshire. “They are providing their own fabric, ribbon, cord and their time and talents as a thank you to the NHS for working so hard for all of us,” said Rachael, who runs the Christmas Emporium store in Pitlochry.
“After work, NHS staff can put their uniform straight into the bag, and then the washing machine, to avoid possibly contaminating anything at home.”
Pitlochry’s Rev Mary Haddow said: “A nurse from NHS Tayside who lives in Pitlochry took 120 bags down to Perth Royal Infirmary and came back with a request for 200 more.”
She added: “Some people have sewing machines but no material and so those who don’t sew, or no longer sew, are donating material which is being left on the doorsteps of those who request it.
“One of the local shops which designs and makes clothes, as well as curtains, has also donated material.”
Meanwhile, members of the Dunkeld community, led by Anne Colley, have produced and delivered more than 100 bags to Perth Royal Infirmary.
A Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership spokesman said the group was very grateful. “The bags also means staff don’t have to use plastic carrier bags, which helps the environment,” he said.
