The Aneurin Bevan Scrubbers

THE ANEURIN BEVAN SCRUBBERS

The Aneurin Bevan Scrubbers, and smaller independent voluntary groups, were set up in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020.  The groups provided scrubs, scrub bags, headbands and hats to NHS services, social services and other providers who required additional cloth uniform items both within the Aneurin Bevan Health Board area and further afield.  In fact, some items even went as far north as Barrow-in-Furness and to Plymouth in the South.

The demand was recognised as daily, clean scrubs which were not available via health boards, who had tried to purchase them, but supplies ran out.  The scrubs allowed staff to ensure compliance with “infection prevention and control” requirements, i.e. clean clothes daily.  Bags to transport clothes from work also need to be washable – Local Health Boards had no supply at all of these.

Scrubs, bags, hats and headbands were extremely valuable – and hugely appreciated by all staff – everyone from Consultants to Domestic assistants within hospitals, as well as those within care homes and GP surgeries.

Totals produced:

• Scrubs over 1000
• Laundry bags over 5000
• Hats 740
• Ear protectors approx. 8500
• Headbands approx. 2300

Everything was supplied, produced, and created by over 800 volunteers throughout the Aneurin Bevan Trust area.

We would like to thank everyone who sewed, donated fabric, offered financial assistance and coordinated on this incredible project.  On a local level, thanks also to the Baptist Church, Glascoed for allowing the hall to be set up as a workshop.