SCRUBS FOR EPSOM & ST. HELIER
Nicola Easton
When lockdown first started, several friends asked if I would be returning to work as I had spent part of my working career as a nurse. Having not practised for many years this was not an option. However, I did feel for the nursing staff and the pressure they were under.
I was busy with other commitments and felt that I was not contributing. As those commitments eased, I saw on Facebook people with sewing machines were asking for pillow cases to make scrubs bags. I’ve been sewing pretty much all my life, my Mum, who passed away when I was a teenager, taught me and I still use her sewing machine.
In May I joined the scrubs Facebook group, read up all the advice and ordered some fabric to make scrubs. Donated duvet covers soon arrived at my front door and sewing began. Being part of the scrubs group kept me busy over the next months, making scrubs and gowns, which meant having our meals sharing the dinning room table with the sewing paraphernalia. Sewing scrubs gave me a real sense of purpose that now I was contributing to the national effort.
It was wonderful to see all the Facebook posts and how busy, industrious and creative everyone was. Being part of a virtual community, where advice and encouragement were freely offered was also a great incentive. It’s been fabulous to see all the amazing work people have done and to have played a very small part gives me a sense of pride.