Probus helps NHS Staff

In these trying times, many of us will have wondered what we could do to make a difference. Sometimes even simple things can make a significant practical difference to others.

Teresa Hayhoe, one of this magazine’s proofreaders, from Wagg Lane, saw an idea on social media. The idea resonated and Teresa wondered if she could adopt it to help NHS staff in Cornwall. The idea was to make laundry bags out of old bedsheets for NHS staff to put their dirty uniforms in, so they could bring them straight home and into a hot wash thereby reducing the contamination risk for their families.

Teresa spread the word, helped by another magazine proofreader, Marilyn Joyce. This simple, practical and straightforward idea was quickly taken up by sewing enthusiasts across Probus, Grampound and Tregony. A basic design was shared, materials were donated, and off they went to start making the laundry bags.

As a result, during April, 90 bags were made and distributed to Derriford and Treliske hospitals, Probus Surgery, Roseland Parc Nursing Home, Cornwall Council’s ‘Stay at Home Group’ in Newquay and several other locations too. Sarah Budden, a Clinical Matron at Treliske distributed them to colleagues, some of whom are pictured.

The sewing team included Teresa Hayhoe, Ann Patterson, Libby Restall, Sue Bennie, Helen Dodswell, Barbara Pearson, Pauline Trethewey and others too. Teresa says there is still material left over if anyone else working for the NHS staff or carers needs a laundry bag. Well done to all those concerned.